Do You Need Annual Kidney Check-Ups After Past Urinary Issues?

Kidney problems

Is it necessary for a physician who had a history of urethritis over a decade ago and has taken a large amount of traditional Chinese medicine, but has had normal health values twice in recent years, to undergo regular annual check-ups? The physician has a congenital heart condition and has been attending regular follow-ups, but has not had any urine tests recently.

Jiao lü zhong, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/02

Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine

Hello, based on the information you provided, not all traditional Chinese medicines cause renal dysfunction.
Although you have taken a large amount of herbal medicine, it does not necessarily mean that your kidney function is impaired.
However, early renal dysfunction may not present with obvious symptoms in a clinical setting.
If you have relevant medical history, it is still advisable to undergo regular health check-ups.
Given your congenital heart condition (diagnosed as?), you may want to discuss with your attending physician whether blood or urine tests are necessary to check for any renal dysfunction or the presence of proteinuria.
The need for treatment and the frequency of follow-up will depend on the renal function indices or the presence of proteinuria.

Reply Date: 2016/08/02

More Info

When considering whether you need annual kidney check-ups after experiencing past urinary issues, it is essential to evaluate several factors, including your medical history, current health status, and any underlying conditions. Given your history of urinary tract infections (UTIs) over a decade ago and the use of traditional Chinese medicine, it is prudent to remain vigilant about your kidney health.

Firstly, while not all herbal medications adversely affect kidney function, some can have nephrotoxic effects, particularly when taken in large quantities or over extended periods. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor kidney function, especially if you have a history of significant medication use. Regular check-ups can help detect any potential kidney issues early, as early-stage kidney dysfunction often presents without noticeable symptoms.

Your mention of having normal health values in the past two assessments is encouraging. However, kidney function can change over time, particularly with age or the development of new health conditions. Given your congenital heart condition, which may influence overall health and potentially affect kidney function, it is advisable to have regular evaluations. The kidneys and heart are closely linked; for instance, conditions like hypertension and heart disease can lead to kidney damage over time.

Annual check-ups typically include blood tests to measure serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), which are indicators of kidney function. Additionally, a urinalysis can help detect proteinuria (the presence of excess protein in urine), which is a sign of kidney damage. The urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) is another valuable test that provides insight into kidney health. If protein levels are elevated, further investigation may be warranted.

In your case, considering your medical history and the absence of recent urine tests, it would be wise to discuss with your healthcare provider the necessity of annual kidney function tests. They may recommend a comprehensive evaluation, including blood tests and urinalysis, to ensure that your kidneys are functioning optimally. This is especially important given that early detection of kidney issues can lead to timely interventions, potentially preventing more severe complications down the line.

In summary, while you may have had normal health values in the past, the combination of your previous urinary issues, the use of traditional medicine, and your congenital heart condition suggests that regular kidney check-ups are advisable. These assessments can provide peace of mind and ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly. It is always best to consult with your healthcare provider to tailor a monitoring plan that suits your individual health needs.

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