Frequent Urination, Kidney Health, Liver Issues, and Acne in Teens

Q: Frequent Urination, Kidney Health, Liver Issues, and Acne in Teens

Reply： Hello, 1. Diabetes generally presents with three main symptoms： excessive thirst, frequent urination, and increased appetite. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to visit an internal medicine clinic for evaluation. 2. If your ki

Frequent urination, kidneys, liver, acne?

Hello, Doctor: I am a 17-year-old student about to enter my senior year, and I have been troubled by these issues for a long time.
I will get checked during the summer break!
1.
Frequent urination and kidney issues: I feel very thirsty even after drinking a lot of water, and I have to go to the bathroom frequently with a large volume of urine.
This can't be normal.
I remember learning about "diabetes insipidus" in biology, which is somewhat similar, and I dread hearing about "diabetes." If no one in my family has this condition, is it still possible for me to develop it? At what age is it considered congenital? I have a female classmate who suddenly said she was diagnosed with diabetes in junior high; does that count as congenital or acquired? She has to inject insulin herself.
Also, I have a habit of holding in my urine, which I’ve had since junior high; this can’t be good for my kidneys, right? My bladder often feels full, and sometimes I experience abdominal pain.
Can the bladder develop cancer? What could be the cause? Additionally, I have protein in my urine! I also feel dizzy when I squat and then stand up.
I remember that uremia can cause anemia; is this related? Or is it just a lack of sleep?
2.
Staying up late: Isn’t staying up late bad for the liver? What time is considered staying up late? I usually go to bed by midnight and wake up around 5:30 to 6:00 AM for school.
What is the best time to sleep and wake up? Even though I have to prepare for exams, staying up too late has been causing fatigue for a long time.
I feel extremely tired even after a short sleep.
I read an article that said holding in urine is not only bad for the kidneys but can also affect the liver.
I feel extremely tired at night, and when I sleep, I can’t get up in the morning to go to the bathroom.
3.
Acne issues: I have a lot of acne, and it seems to cover my entire face.
I have seen a dermatologist, but they only prescribed antibiotics.
I suspect my liver might not be functioning well, and eating more could potentially worsen the situation.
Some people have suggested that I see an endocrinologist; do you think that’s advisable? Could hormonal imbalance be a factor? I believe there must be some connection! I won’t make random guesses and will leave it to the professionals to assess! What should I get checked? Should I just go to the doctor and explain my symptoms directly? Thank you for your response, Doctor!

Xiao Bai, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/06/28

Dr. Huang Dayao reply Internal Medicine

Reply: Hello,
1.
Diabetes generally presents with three main symptoms: excessive thirst, frequent urination, and increased appetite.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to visit an internal medicine clinic for evaluation.

2.
If your kidneys are functioning normally, when you drink more water, the kidneys will excrete the excess fluid.
Conversely, if you are slightly dehydrated, the kidneys will appropriately reduce urine output to maintain fluid balance in the body.
However, if you have diabetes insipidus, you will urinate excessively even if you do not drink water.
In this case, you should consult a nephrologist for further assessment.

3.
Holding in urine can lead to urinary tract infections, similar to how stagnant water in a drainage ditch can promote bacterial growth.
Therefore, it is important to use the restroom when you feel the urge to urinate.

4.
If you notice foamy urine, this may indicate proteinuria, suggesting a potential issue with your kidneys.
It is crucial to seek treatment from a nephrologist.

5.
Experiencing dizziness when standing up from a squatting position may be related to anemia.
Please visit an internal medicine clinic for evaluation.

Sincerely, Dr.
Huang Da-Yao, Internal Medicine

Reply Date: 2005/06/28

More Info

Hello! It sounds like you have a lot on your mind regarding your health, and it's great that you're seeking information. Let's break down your concerns about frequent urination, kidney health, liver issues, and acne.

1. Frequent Urination and Kidney Health
Frequent urination can be concerning, especially if you're experiencing increased thirst and urination volume. While conditions like diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus can lead to these symptoms, it's important to note that not everyone who experiences these symptoms has diabetes. Family history does play a role in the risk of developing diabetes, but it is possible to develop it without a family history, especially if there are other risk factors involved, such as obesity or sedentary lifestyle.

Regarding your question about congenital diabetes, it typically refers to conditions present at birth, but type 1 diabetes can develop in childhood or adolescence. Your classmate's situation could be classified as type 1 diabetes, which often presents in younger individuals.

Holding in urine frequently can lead to bladder issues and may increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) or bladder dysfunction. Chronic bladder distension can indeed lead to complications, including bladder cancer, although this is rare in young individuals. If you are experiencing abdominal pain, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional.

The presence of protein in your urine (proteinuria) can indicate kidney issues, and it’s crucial to follow up with your doctor for further evaluation. Conditions like glomerulonephritis or diabetic nephropathy can cause proteinuria, and they require medical attention.

2. Liver Health and Sleep Patterns
You mentioned concerns about your liver health and the effects of staying up late. Sleep is vital for overall health, including liver function. The liver performs many critical functions, including detoxification and metabolism, and insufficient sleep can impair these processes. Ideally, teenagers should aim for 8-10 hours of sleep per night. If you're going to bed at midnight and waking up at 5:30-6:00 AM, you may not be getting enough restorative sleep, which can lead to fatigue and other health issues.

If you are experiencing dizziness when standing up, it could be related to dehydration, low blood pressure, or even anemia, which can be associated with kidney issues. It’s essential to stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support your overall health.

3. Acne and Hormonal Health
Acne is a common issue during adolescence due to hormonal changes. While antibiotics can help manage acne, they may not address underlying hormonal imbalances. If you suspect that your acne is related to hormonal issues, consulting an endocrinologist could be beneficial. They can evaluate your hormone levels and determine if there are any imbalances contributing to your skin issues.

Recommendations
1. Consult a Healthcare Professional: Given your symptoms, it’s crucial to see a healthcare provider who can perform a thorough evaluation, including blood tests and urine tests, to assess your kidney function, liver health, and hormonal levels.

2. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Focus on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate hydration. Avoid holding in urine for extended periods, and try to establish a regular sleep schedule that allows for sufficient rest.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, such as increased thirst, urination, fatigue, or changes in your skin. This information will be helpful for your healthcare provider.

4. Avoid Self-Diagnosis: While it’s good to be informed, avoid jumping to conclusions about your health. Let your healthcare provider guide you through the diagnostic process.

In summary, your symptoms warrant further investigation, and it’s essential to address them with a healthcare professional. They can provide the appropriate tests and treatments to help you manage your health effectively. Good luck, and take care!

Similar Q&A

Understanding Your Teen's Health: Urine Changes and Skin Yellowing Concerns

My son is 17 years old and is currently working part-time as an electrical and plumbing apprentice. Recently, he asked me to take him for a check-up due to the following concerns: 1. His urine has a stronger odor (ammonia-like), but it is still clear and yellow. 2. Over the past ...

Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Rui, Hello. The four data points in your letter did not include the normal reference ranges, but they are within the normal range compared to general laboratory standards. Given the concerns about dehydration and the suspicion of jaundice, you may want to visit a family...

Frequent Urination and Thirst in Teens: Could It Be Diabetes?

A 16-year-old girl has a family history of diabetes, with her grandmother and aunt having severe diabetes. Recently, she has been experiencing frequent urination and excessive thirst, with the urgency becoming more severe today, needing to use the restroom every few minutes. Afte...

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology
Please cherish our online medical resources. When asking the same question, please specify only one physician or nutritionist. It still sounds important to quickly see a urologist for a urine examination. Symptoms of diabetes include increased appetite, increased thirst, frequent...

Frequent Urination in Teen Athletes: Causes and Solutions

A 16-year-old high school freshman in a physical education class has been experiencing frequent urges to urinate, often feeling the need to go every 10 to 20 minutes since the summer break. They report urinating a lot, and sometimes just a few minutes after urinating, they feel t...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Anonymous: Hello, I suggest that if it's convenient for you, please keep a record of your urination and fluid intake, such as: 10/28 10:00 drank 350 cc of sports drink, 10:10 urinated 183 cc, 10:58 urinated 100 cc. It’s best to record for more than three days to facilitate d...

Seeking Psychiatric Advice: Sleep Issues, Anxiety, and Medication Concerns

Hello Dr. Duan, I have difficulty calming my mind at night and keep thinking about events that happened during the day (such as not achieving satisfactory results in experiments at school, having little interaction with classmates due to my limited communication, often strugglin...

Dr. Duan Yongzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello: Regarding issues such as frequent urination, acne, drug allergies, and problems related to the liver and kidneys, these do not fall within the scope of psychiatry, and I am unable to provide relevant answers here. Psychiatric medications, when taken as directed by a physic...