Understanding Persistent Foamy Urine: Is It a Sign of Proteinuria?
The first urine in the morning shows a slight foam that has not dissipated for a long time? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have started to pay attention to the issue of foamy urine, so I have been carefully observing the characteristics of each urination daily. Since I am currently wa...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. Wang: The presence of bubbles in your urine may indicate proteinuria, but it could also be caused by other substances. Clinically, only proteinuria is known to affect health, so when we encounter bubbly urine, we typically conduct a test for urine protein. Urine protein...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Foamy Urine: Is It a Sign of Proteinuria?
Managing Elevated Uric Acid Levels: When to Start Medication?
Uric acid issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my uric acid level of 7.6 mg/dL, which is slightly above the standard range of 4.0-7.5. Do I need to start medication for control, or should I wait to recheck it in three months? Occasionally, I experience sudden pain in ...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Your uric acid level is slightly elevated at 7.6 mg/dL (normal range is 4.0-7.5 mg/dL; different laboratories may have slightly varying normal ranges, and at my workplace, the normal range is 3.7-7.3 mg/dL). It is only slightly above normal, and you can manage it with diet...[Read More] Managing Elevated Uric Acid Levels: When to Start Medication?
Understanding Kidney Disease Diet: Balancing Potassium, Sodium, and Phosphorus
Diet for Kidney Disease Hello Dr. Huang: My kidney function has shown signs of decline, with a creatinine level of 171 umol/L. My family has looked up information online and mentioned that patients with kidney disease should follow a low-potassium, low-sodium, and low-phosphorus ...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello, this friend (based on your information: Ms. Yeh / 79 years old / male, I'm not sure whether to address you as Ms. Yeh or Mr. Yeh): Your kidneys have shown signs of decline, with a creatinine level of 171 umol/L, which converts to approximately 1.93 mg/dL. The estimate...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Disease Diet: Balancing Potassium, Sodium, and Phosphorus
Understanding Proteinuria, Hematuria, and GFR: When to Seek Medical Help
Proteinuria, hematuria, glomerular filtration rate? Hello Dr. Huang, I would like to ask about my last health check-up in January. The report indicated several areas in red: urine occult blood 1+, urine protein 30 mg/dL, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 83. Is this serious? W...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan reply Internal Medicine
1. It does not appear to be very serious; the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 83, with a normal range of approximately 90 (measured in ml/min/1.73m²). A higher value is better; urine occult blood is 1+, and urine protein is 30 mg/dl, both of which are mildly abnormal. 2. Re...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria, Hematuria, and GFR: When to Seek Medical Help
Managing Sleep Deprivation: Tips for High School Students
Frequent late nights and insufficient sleep? Doctor, I am a high school student and often stay up late due to my studies. I would like to ask if it would be better to change my sleep schedule to go to bed at 11 PM and wake up at 4:30 AM, since I usually sleep after midnight and w...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan reply Internal Medicine
1. It is recommended to have 6-8 hours of sleep each night and about half an hour during the day. If circumstances prevent this, then that is the best one can do. 2. Fresh, minimally processed foods (vegetables, fruits, meats, etc.) are better for the internal organs, and maint...[Read More] Managing Sleep Deprivation: Tips for High School Students
Understanding Weight Loss and Side Effects of Forxiga and Olmetec
Rapid weight loss Hello doctor, on March 30th, my physician prescribed me Forxiga 10mg for weight loss. On April 5th, I returned for a check-up due to discomfort near my heart, and an ECG showed normal results, but my blood pressure was 155/101. The doctor asked if I wanted to tr...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan reply Internal Medicine
1. Do you know what Forxiga 10mg is (what it does)? Are there any precautions to take when using this medication? It is a new type of antidiabetic medication (approved by the FDA in the United States), which lowers blood sugar levels and can also lead to weight loss. Some physici...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss and Side Effects of Forxiga and Olmetec
Can Barley Grass Tablets Help Lower High Uric Acid Levels?
Hyperuricemia Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if taking Chang Gung Biotechnology's barley grass tablets can help lower high uric acid levels. Thank you.
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan reply Internal Medicine
Non-medical consultation. Hello: "Chang Gung Biotechnology - Barley Grass Tablets" should be classified as a "dietary supplement," which is different from "medications." Before a medication is marketed by a pharmaceutical company, it must undergo mul...[Read More] Can Barley Grass Tablets Help Lower High Uric Acid Levels?
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: When to See a Doctor
Abdominal pain Hello, doctor. I sometimes feel a dull pain in the lower left abdomen, specifically in the pelvic area. It's not very painful, but it's quite uncomfortable. Which specialty should I consult? Is this serious?
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Ah Wei: 1. You may consider consulting a "Gastroenterology" specialist to rule out any intestinal issues; 2. Alternatively, if the pain radiates down to the left inguinal region (to the scrotum), you may consider "Urology" to rule out urinary tract ston...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: When to See a Doctor
Understanding the Connection Between Kidney Calcification, Tubular Acidosis, and Hypokalemia
The relationship between renal calcification, renal tubular acidosis, and hypokalemia? Two to three years ago, I underwent an ultrasound at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Keelung, which diagnosed me with numerous kidney stones (calcifications) in both kidneys. I have a history o...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello Yao: Nephrocalcinosis, renal tubular acidosis, and hypokalemia are three distinct conditions. Nephrocalcinosis, which is different from renal stones, is usually caused by hypercalcemia. It involves calcium deposits in the renal parenchyma, whereas renal stones are concentra...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Kidney Calcification, Tubular Acidosis, and Hypokalemia
Understanding Moon Facies: Possible Causes and Diagnostic Approaches
What diseases can cause an unusually round and swollen face (similar to a full moon face)? I am a 22-year-old male, and recently while organizing old photos, I noticed that my face appears disproportionately swollen compared to my BMI. I am 175 cm tall and weigh 80 kg. I collecte...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. Kobayashi: 1. Regarding kidney diseases, blood tests and urinalysis can be used for screening, and sometimes additional imaging studies such as ultrasound may be performed to assist in diagnosis and treatment. If, as you mentioned, you only have kidney stones (and ele...[Read More] Understanding Moon Facies: Possible Causes and Diagnostic Approaches
Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Kidney Health Concerns Explained
This morning, I went for a fasting blood draw, and after receiving the report, I found that my creatinine level is slightly elevated? Hello Doctor, I submitted a question on October 12 (you replied on October 14). This morning, I went to the lab on an empty stomach to have blood ...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Creatinine: 1.24, GFR 81.64, which is not far from the normal value of 90. This could be due to fluctuations in test results or may indicate a mild issue. It is recommended to have regular blood tests for monitoring (every six months or annually). Additionally, regarding y...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Kidney Health Concerns Explained
Understanding Proteinuria in Teenagers: Causes and Concerns
Dear Doctor, why do I easily have proteinuria? Hello, I am a 17-year-old male. I have been experiencing proteinuria (+~++) for about a year. During this time, I have visited three major hospitals for diagnosis. I have undergone blood tests to assess kidney function and a 24-hour ...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello, I am a nephrologist who relies on "tests (blood and urine tests, X-rays)" and "machines (dialysis machines)" to make a living... This is purely a joke (any resemblance is coincidental), but it does highlight the concerns of nephrologists and patients wi...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria in Teenagers: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Foamy Urine After Meals: Is It a Kidney Concern?
Foamy urine is more noticeable after meals? Hello, I previously had a record of urine protein ++ during a health check. This year, I visited a nephrologist who examined my urine and stated that there was no protein present, and my blood protein levels were also not lower than nor...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan reply Internal Medicine
There are many substances that can cause an increase in bubbles in urine, commonly referred to as foamy urine, among which protein is more closely related to body health. Therefore, physicians only need to determine if you have proteinuria for diagnosis. Normal individuals may oc...[Read More] Understanding Foamy Urine After Meals: Is It a Kidney Concern?
Managing Proteinuria: Dietary and Exercise Tips for Better Health
Proteinuria issues? This year during my health check-up, my proteinuria results were abnormal. What dietary and exercise adjustments should I make in my daily life?
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan reply Internal Medicine
In daily life, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, and do not stay up late. In terms of diet, limit salt intake, avoid excessive protein consumption, and refrain from binge eating (if there are conditions such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia, or chronic kidney disease,...[Read More] Managing Proteinuria: Dietary and Exercise Tips for Better Health
Can Patients with Chronic Nephritis Drink Fruit Vinegar for Health?
Can individuals with chronic nephritis consume fruit vinegar? Hello Doctor: Can patients with chronic nephritis drink fruit vinegar for health maintenance? What should they pay attention to? Thank you.
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan reply Internal Medicine
Chronic nephritis (does it refer to chronic kidney disease?) should be assessed based on kidney function. If kidney function is slightly impaired (glomerular filtration rate above 45), consuming fruit vinegar is permissible (though its effectiveness for health maintenance is unce...[Read More] Can Patients with Chronic Nephritis Drink Fruit Vinegar for Health?
Can Chronic Nephritis Patients Drink Fruit Vinegar for Health?
Chronic nephritis Dear Doctor: Can patients with chronic nephritis consume fruit vinegar for health benefits? What should be taken into consideration? Thank you.
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan reply Internal Medicine
Chronic nephritis (is it referring to chronic kidney disease?) should be assessed based on kidney function. If kidney function is slightly impaired (glomerular filtration rate above 45), consuming fruit vinegar is permissible (though its health benefits are uncertain). However, i...[Read More] Can Chronic Nephritis Patients Drink Fruit Vinegar for Health?
Understanding Diabetes and Kidney Disease: Key Questions Answered
Diabetes and Kidney Disease Dr. Huang, I would like to ask: My mother is 82 years old and her blood test results show (1) a fasting blood glucose level of 160. Does this indicate typical diabetes? Should she start medication? (2) An eGFR value of 47 indicates chronic kidney disea...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan reply Internal Medicine
1. Fasting blood glucose is 160 mg/dL. It may be necessary to measure fasting blood glucose 1-2 more times; if it consistently exceeds 116 mg/dL, diabetes (likely type 2 diabetes) should be considered. It is recommended to consult an endocrinologist for follow-up and to discuss w...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes and Kidney Disease: Key Questions Answered
Managing Osteoporosis in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Treatment of Osteoporosis in Kidney Disease Dear Dr. Huang, In March, I inquired about joint pain, and further examinations revealed severe osteoporosis with a T-score of approximately -3.5. My kidney function tests show creatinine at 1 and BUN at 11, which are within normal lim...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan reply Internal Medicine
1. Regarding renal function: When the creatinine (Cr) level is 1, the estimated clearance rate indicates that the renal function score should be greater than 60. Changes in urine output are not reliable indicators of renal function changes due to numerous confounding factors; the...[Read More] Managing Osteoporosis in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Emergency Measures for Dialysis Patients Facing Acute Pulmonary Edema
Patient with kidney failure dies during emergency dialysis? Hello Dr. Huang: A friend of mine missed their scheduled dialysis on Monday due to work commitments. After finishing work the next day, they felt unwell and went to the hospital for emergency dialysis. Upon arrival, whil...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan reply Internal Medicine
1. For patients experiencing dyspnea (most dialysis patients typically present with acute pulmonary edema), if they are nearing respiratory failure, intubation may be considered, along with the use of a ventilator to assist with breathing (this is a theoretical scenario). However...[Read More] Emergency Measures for Dialysis Patients Facing Acute Pulmonary Edema
Why Do You Experience Bloating and Pain After Eating?
Why does my stomach sometimes feel... after eating? Why do I sometimes feel a buildup of gas in my stomach after eating? When I take a deep breath, it feels like pressure on my abdomen, causing sharp pain. During this time, I often burp and feel quite uncomfortable... This lasts ...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan reply Internal Medicine
Possible clinical conditions include constipation, peptic ulcer disease, and electrolyte imbalances (commonly seen in hypokalemia), among others. You may seek assistance from a gastroenterologist.[Read More] Why Do You Experience Bloating and Pain After Eating?