How Long Do Gout Medications Take to Lower Uric Acid Levels?
What is the duration of the uric acid-lowering medication for gout? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing pain in the top of my foot, so I visited a nearby orthopedic clinic. The orthopedic doctor suggested it might be gout, and he ordered a blood test to check my ...
Dr. Chen Jianyu reply Internal Medicine
1. Gout is a clinical diagnosis and is not determined solely by laboratory blood tests; therefore, it does not have an absolute relationship with uric acid levels. 2. The text does not specify which medications were taken, so it is not possible to assess their efficacy.[Read More] How Long Do Gout Medications Take to Lower Uric Acid Levels?
Understanding High Postprandial Insulin Levels: Risks and Recommendations
Postprandial insulin levels are elevated? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my blood test results. On May 1st, after a meal, my glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level was 5.3, which is within the normal range. However, on May 7th, due to a gynecological issue related to a de...
Dr. Chen Jianyu reply Internal Medicine
You can make an appointment to inquire at the outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding High Postprandial Insulin Levels: Risks and Recommendations
Understanding Your Health Check Report: Kidney and Liver Concerns Explained
Medical Examination Report Today I received my health check report, which indicates that I have vasculitis. My blood test shows a white blood cell count of 10.4, with the rest being normal. My liver and gallbladder function tests show GGT at 104 and triglycerides at 205, with the...
Dr. Chen Jianyu reply Internal Medicine
Please make an appointment for an outpatient consultation.[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: Kidney and Liver Concerns Explained
Understanding Blood Sugar Concerns: Anxiety or Medical Issue?
Blood sugar issues? Three weeks ago, due to the flu, I experienced dry mouth. At that time, I noticed that diabetes also has symptoms of dry mouth, which made me very stressed and anxious for those few days. The doctor at the clinic measured my blood sugar four hours after a meal...
Dr. Chen Jianyu reply Internal Medicine
You can make an appointment to inquire at the outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Concerns: Anxiety or Medical Issue?
Understanding Rib and Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Rib and abdominal pain? Coughing causes pain at the lower rib margin, and there is also pain above and below the navel. Gastrointestinal motility has been rapid recently, and there is tenderness upon palpation, which resolves when pressure is released. Certain positions exacerbat...
Dr. Chen Jianyu reply Internal Medicine
Please go to the hospital's gastroenterology department for a detailed examination. If the pain is severe, please visit the emergency department.[Read More] Understanding Rib and Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding the Link Between Fasting and Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels
The relationship between fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood glucose two hours after a meal? Hello doctor, due to a family history of diabetes, I previously had my blood glucose level tested and it was 78. However, I read in other articles that the blood glucose level tw...
Dr. Chen Jianyu reply Internal Medicine
A blood glucose level of 78 is unclear whether it is fasting or postprandial. Please follow up at the outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Fasting and Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels
Understanding Frequent Urination and Gas: Kidney Health Concerns
Incontinence with gas leakage? Dear Dr. Chen: I currently have only one kidney, and I often experience bloating, which leads to frequent urination and urinary incontinence. I have to use overnight sanitary pads before bed to sleep peacefully. Sometimes, I also experience proteinu...
Dr. Chen Jianyu reply Internal Medicine
Please visit the nephrology outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Frequent Urination and Gas: Kidney Health Concerns
Understanding Blood in Urine: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Hematuria, with pain occurring towards the end of urination? Hello, doctor. At the beginning of September, I had sexual intercourse and started experiencing dark-colored urine with a strong odor. After that, I had hematuria, increased urinary frequency, and pain at the end of uri...
Dr. Chen Jianyu reply Internal Medicine
Please visit the urology outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Urine: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Diagnosis and Concerns
Diagnosis of Mediterranean Anemia Hello Doctor, during my annual health check, I always have a lot of abnormal results in my complete blood count. This year's data is as follows: RBC 567 (high), HB 11.6 (low), MCV 66.1 (low), MCH 20.5 (low), MCHC 30.9 (low), with the rest be...
Dr. Chen Jianyu reply Internal Medicine
Please follow up with the hematology outpatient clinic. Thanks.[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Diagnosis and Concerns
Understanding Kidney Inflammation: Is Pain Normal During Treatment?
Kidney inflammation (pyelonephritis) Hello Dr. Chen, I was diagnosed with pyelonephritis on August 1st. It has been six days, and I am still taking antibiotics, but I still experience slight pain in my left lower back at times. Is this a normal occurrence?
Dr. Chen Jianyu reply Internal Medicine
Yes, if there is no improvement, please return to the outpatient clinic for follow-up treatment.[Read More] Understanding Kidney Inflammation: Is Pain Normal During Treatment?
Managing Kidney Stones and Early Kidney Swelling: Dietary Guidelines
Kidney stones and early-stage hydronephrosis? Hello, the hospital informed me that I have kidney stones and early-stage hydronephrosis, and my blood pressure is slightly elevated. What should my daily diet be like? I've seen conflicting information online about whether to li...
Dr. Chen Jianyu reply Internal Medicine
1. Please return to the nephrology outpatient clinic for follow-up on kidney stones, hydronephrosis, and hypertension issues. 2. As for potassium levels, blood tests should be conducted first to determine whether to restrict potassium intake or recommend a high-potassium diet. ...[Read More] Managing Kidney Stones and Early Kidney Swelling: Dietary Guidelines
Can Membranous Nephropathy Be Cured or Just Managed with Medications?
Glomerulonephritis Can membranous nephropathy be cured, or is continuous medication necessary for management? I have been on medication for nearly two years. Currently, I am taking Cyclosporine 200 mg and Mycophenolate Mofetil 360 mg. My most recent lab results show an albumin/cr...
Dr. Chen Jianyu reply Internal Medicine
Membranous nephropathy can be managed effectively with regular medication adherence and follow-up. I hope you receive excellent care at your nephrologist's office.[Read More] Can Membranous Nephropathy Be Cured or Just Managed with Medications?
Is Right Side Back Pain Related to Stomach Issues? A Doctor's Insight
Is the pain on the right side of the waist related to stomach pain? Hello Doctor: I experience stomach pain almost every month, primarily in the middle of my abdomen and on the right side of my lower back, with the pain alternating between these areas. The pain usually starts aro...
Dr. Chen Jianyu reply Internal Medicine
You should see a doctor; it's advisable to consult a gastroenterologist first. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Is Right Side Back Pain Related to Stomach Issues? A Doctor's Insight
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Left lower abdominal pain/bloating/nausea? Hello Dr. Chen: I am a transportation industry worker and would like to ask you about the left lower abdominal pain I started experiencing last Sunday afternoon. I visited the gastroenterology department at National Taiwan University Hos...
Dr. Chen Jianyu reply Internal Medicine
You should see a doctor; it's advisable to consult a gastroenterologist first. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Is a Protruding Left Rib Normal? Understanding Rib Anatomy
Protrusion of the left lower rib? Hello Dr. Chen, I recently noticed that the end of my left rib is more protruding than my right rib, and it makes me a bit uneasy. Is this normal?
Dr. Chen Jianyu reply Internal Medicine
Based on your description, I am unable to determine your issue. A visual examination, palpation, and medical history inquiry are necessary. Please visit the hospital for a thorough evaluation.[Read More] Is a Protruding Left Rib Normal? Understanding Rib Anatomy
Managing Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease: Treatment and Dietary Concerns
Kidney disease issues? Dr. Chen: Hello, I have a question. My father is 82 years old and has been diagnosed with stage 3 chronic kidney disease (moderate). The doctor hasn't prescribed much medication for him, only some uric acid-lowering drugs. Is this treatment appropriate...
Dr. Chen Jianyu reply Internal Medicine
1. The key focus in managing stage 3 chronic kidney disease is to monitor renal function and effectively control the patient's hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. 2. There are no medical research reports confirming that herbal decoctions can treat kidney ...[Read More] Managing Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease: Treatment and Dietary Concerns
Comparing Kidney Risks: Oral Diabetes Medications vs. Insulin Injections
Drug side effects Hello, Dr. Chen. Which is more harmful to the kidneys, taking oral hypoglycemic agents or administering insulin?
Dr. Chen Jianyu reply Internal Medicine
Both of these diabetes medications do not harm the kidneys. Although some oral hypoglycemic agents require dosage adjustments for patients with impaired renal function, the reason for kidney damage is likely due to poor blood sugar control rather than the method of glucose-loweri...[Read More] Comparing Kidney Risks: Oral Diabetes Medications vs. Insulin Injections
Understanding Symptoms: Seeking Medical Advice for Unexplained Health Issues
Inquire about the etiology? Hello Dr. Chen, I have a friend who is experiencing some health issues. She has never received proper treatment throughout her life and, due to a lack of time and financial resources, she is seeking help online in hopes of finding some assistance! Her ...
Dr. Chen Jianyu reply Internal Medicine
Your friend has many symptoms and requires a detailed health examination. I cannot determine the potential disease based solely on a brief two-line description; a personal examination of the patient is necessary for diagnosis. Your friend can visit an otolaryngologist, pulmonolog...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Seeking Medical Advice for Unexplained Health Issues
Choosing Between Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis for Complex Cases
Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis? Based on the medical history provided, including left nephrectomy in 1988, abdominal surgery for peritonitis in 1992, and two cardiac catheterizations in 1997, this patient may be more suitable for peritoneal dialysis (PD) rather than hemodial...
Dr. Chen Jianyu reply Internal Medicine
Due to the incomplete understanding of the patient's overall issues, such as the patient's age, whether they have diabetes or other systemic diseases, and their adherence to medical treatment, performing peritoneal dialysis may be less appropriate considering the patien...[Read More] Choosing Between Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis for Complex Cases
Does Drinking Water Before Kidney Ultrasound Affect Results?
Renal ultrasound If a person drinks a lot of water before undergoing a renal ultrasound and feels the urge to urinate during the procedure, could this result in the appearance of hydronephrosis on the ultrasound?
Dr. Chen Jianyu reply Internal Medicine
Hydronephrosis is mostly caused by obstruction in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones, ureteral stones, tumors, or benign prostatic hyperplasia.[Read More] Does Drinking Water Before Kidney Ultrasound Affect Results?