How to Lower Creatinine and Improve GFR: Expert Insights
Kidney function issues? Dr. Wang, how can I lower my creatinine level of 1.1 and improve my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 82.5? Thank you.
Dr. Wang Weijie reply Internal Medicine
Mr. Chen: Hello, in general, individuals without proteinuria have a normal serum creatinine level of 0.4-1.2 mg/dL, and a glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >80 ml/min is considered normal. Tips for protecting kidney function: ● Four "no's" and one "none&quo...[Read More] How to Lower Creatinine and Improve GFR: Expert Insights
Understanding Kidney Cysts: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Renal cysts I have a 1.3 cm cyst on my right kidney as shown by an ultrasound. The doctor said it is due to my constitution and advised me to return for a consultation when I experience kidney pain. However, I have been experiencing brief sharp pains under my right rib cage for t...
Dr. Wang Weijie reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Huihui: Hello, the kidneys are located on either side of the spine in the lower back. Generally, the symptoms of renal cysts depend on their size (>4 cm) and location. If you have any concerns, I recommend that you follow up with an outpatient examination. Wishing you...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Cysts: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Kidney Health and Orthopedic Challenges After Severe Injury
Kidneys and Orthopedics After a severe car accident, my friend suffered a comminuted fracture in the lower leg, with the bone unable to be fully reconstructed, and there was damage to both blood vessels and nerves. Due to severe injuries in almost all limbs, a lot of medications ...
Dr. Wang Weijie reply Internal Medicine
Dear Pin, Thank you for your message. The patient is currently hospitalized, and it is recommended to discuss the condition with the attending physician at the hospital. If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out again. Wishing you safety and health, Dr....[Read More] Kidney Health and Orthopedic Challenges After Severe Injury
Understanding Urethritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Kidney Concerns
Urethritis and lower back pain? Hello Doctor: Since last week, I have been experiencing painful urination and frequent urination, so I saw a doctor last Wednesday. The doctor prescribed me two medications: BAKTER (CHEMIX) and PYRIDIUM (UROPYRIN) to take twice a day for five days,...
Dr. Wang Weijie reply Internal Medicine
Dear Lele, Symptoms of kidney inflammation include pain, anemia, muscle weakness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. The use of medications like BAKTER may have side effects that vary from person to person, potentially causing crystallization and resulting in lower...[Read More] Understanding Urethritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Kidney Concerns
Understanding Your Health: Morning Urine Bubbles and Other Symptoms
Health Consultation In the morning, my urine is foamy, and it is usually yellow and cloudy. I frequently feel the urge to urinate, have lower back pain, and feel fatigued.
Dr. Wang Weijie reply Internal Medicine
Dear Aron, In the early stages of kidney disease, there are often no obvious symptoms. However, if you experience the following symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly, especially for individuals with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, heart disease, or diabetes. R...[Read More] Understanding Your Health: Morning Urine Bubbles and Other Symptoms
Key Considerations for Kidney Ultrasound: Urgency and Hydronephrosis Risks
Renal ultrasound When undergoing a renal ultrasound examination, are there any special precautions to take? If I experience a sudden urge to urinate during the procedure, will it show hydronephrosis? How severe can the progression of hydronephrosis be? Can it worsen significantly...
Dr. Wang Weijie reply Internal Medicine
Dear Jenny: During the kidney ultrasound examination, it is necessary to follow the physician's instructions regarding breathing techniques. If possible, it is recommended to have a full bladder prior to the examination to obtain clearer images. The correct assessment for th...[Read More] Key Considerations for Kidney Ultrasound: Urgency and Hydronephrosis Risks
Understanding Mild Hydronephrosis: Should You Be Concerned?
Hydronephrosis issue I am 32 years old and have been experiencing lower back pain due to prolonged sitting. Concerned that it might be a kidney issue, I visited a urologist. However, the doctor indicated that the location and symptoms of my pain are more consistent with a musculo...
Dr. Wang Weijie reply Internal Medicine
Dear Jenny: Hello, if other kidney function tests (blood and urine tests) are normal, it is recommended to follow up with a kidney ultrasound every six months to a year. If there is persistent severe hydronephrosis, further examinations such as pyelography and computed tomography...[Read More] Understanding Mild Hydronephrosis: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding Lung Cancer Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help
Lung cancer issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my current symptoms. I have been smoking for about 20 years. A few years ago, I noticed that I was coughing more frequently, and it has continued to the present, becoming quite severe. When I walk up to the fourth floor,...
Dr. Wang Weijie reply Internal Medicine
Mr. Chen: Hello, the early signs of lung cancer can sometimes manifest as a cough. I recommend that readers seek medical attention at a pulmonology clinic for a chest X-ray examination, which is currently covered by health insurance. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. ...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cancer Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help
Can Kidney Disease Patients Safely Conceive and Have Children?
Can a patient with kidney disease become pregnant? Can kidney patients become pregnant? My daughter underwent dialysis for three years and has had a kidney transplant for fourteen years now. Her creatinine levels fluctuate, currently maintaining around 3 to 4 mg/dL. Is it possibl...
Dr. Wang Weijie reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Wang, Hello. Women who have successfully undergone kidney transplantation can often regain normal reproductive function, provided that their kidney function is stable, there is no rejection of the transplanted kidney, no proteinuria, no hypertension, and that immunosupp...[Read More] Can Kidney Disease Patients Safely Conceive and Have Children?
Impact of Dialysis Timing on Post-Surgery Outcomes in Brain Injury Patients
Dialysis patients A friend underwent brain surgery due to a fall that caused intracranial hemorrhage. The surgery was performed on the same day as dialysis, and later that evening, there was a need for an emergency surgery due to recurrent intracranial bleeding. Is there a connec...
Dr. Wang Weijie reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ah Hua, Hello, the normal surgical procedure involves dialysis the day before the surgery and again the day after the surgery. In case of an emergency, consultation with both the surgical and nephrology specialists is necessary. According to the latest international guideli...[Read More] Impact of Dialysis Timing on Post-Surgery Outcomes in Brain Injury Patients
Choosing Between Glucosamine Hydrochloride and Sulfate for Kidney Health
The renal function of the coccyx? For individuals with impaired kidney function and osteoarthritis, it is more suitable to take glucosamine sulfate rather than glucosamine hydrochloride.
Dr. Wang Weijie reply Internal Medicine
Mr. Chen: Hello, currently there is no literature indicating that taking glucose hydrochloride or glucose sulfate is superior. Patients with impaired kidney function should avoid excessive intake. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Wang Wei-Jie, Director of Nephrology, ...[Read More] Choosing Between Glucosamine Hydrochloride and Sulfate for Kidney Health
Understanding Kidney Health: Tests, Symptoms, and Vitamin Concerns
Kidney problems Hello: 1. What tests should be performed to diagnose all types of kidney diseases? 2. My urine has foam and it takes a long time to dissipate. My parents say they also have foamy urine. Does foamy urine indicate the presence of proteinuria? 3. Is it true that ex...
Dr. Wang Weijie reply Internal Medicine
The symptoms of primary kidney disease can be detected through urine screening. Urinalysis can reveal signs of kidney damage by checking for proteinuria, hematuria, red blood cells, white blood cells, and ketones. If you have concerns, you can visit relevant hospitals, clinics, o...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Health: Tests, Symptoms, and Vitamin Concerns
Long-Term Medication: Risks, Kidney Health, and Dietary Tips
The medication I am taking? Hello: Thank you for your clarification. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. What is the reason that long-term medication use may lead to dialysis? 2. I am currently taking PROZAC and ZOPICLONE, both of which are medications that need to ...
Dr. Wang Weijie reply Internal Medicine
1. Long-term medication use may lead to dialysis; what are the reasons for this? The mechanisms by which drugs can impair kidney function include several factors. First, medications can alter the pressure of glomerular perfusion, such as certain antihypertensive drugs or non-ster...[Read More] Long-Term Medication: Risks, Kidney Health, and Dietary Tips
Long-Term Medication Use: Risks and Kidney Health Protection Tips
The effects of long-term medication use on the body? Hello: I have heard that long-term medication use may lead to dialysis. May I ask: 1. Is it true that long-term medication use can potentially lead to dialysis? 2. Besides dialysis, what other issues can long-term medication us...
Dr. Wang Weijie reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Drug metabolism occurs through the liver and kidneys, which eliminate waste from the body. Why is long-term medication necessary? What types of medications are involved? The degree of impact varies. The misuse of antibiotics, pain relievers, and unverified traditional Chin...[Read More] Long-Term Medication Use: Risks and Kidney Health Protection Tips
Understanding Upper Back Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Upper back pain Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been feeling a slight sensation in the area behind my lower back, just below the breasts, on both sides. It’s not exactly pain, but more like a pressure sensation, almost like a mild ache. I'm not sure what might be causing this...
Dr. Wang Weijie reply Internal Medicine
Hello: The location of your pain is near the area behind the lower part of the breast, where you feel a sensation that is not quite pain, but rather like pressure from a finger, and it feels slightly uncomfortable. The kidneys are located on either side of the spine in the lower ...[Read More] Understanding Upper Back Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Watery Stool: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Issues
Recently, my bowel movements have been watery? In recent days, I've noticed that my bowel movements have been somewhat watery after using the restroom, similar to what is referred to in Taiwanese as "làu-sài." Today, I read in the newspaper that this might indicate...
Dr. Wang Weijie reply Internal Medicine
In response to your question, it seems to be more related to gastroenterology. First, please assess the characteristics and color of your stool. How many times are you having bowel movements in a day? Is there any watery consistency? Are there any accompanying clinical symptoms s...[Read More] Understanding Watery Stool: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Issues
Understanding Morning Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Lower back pain? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing severe lower back pain every morning when I wake up. At times, the pain is so intense that it makes it difficult to breathe, and I often wake up due to the pain. However, the discomfort usually subsides on its own after abou...
Dr. Wang Weijie reply Internal Medicine
Your symptoms resolve on their own after about half an hour? This seems more like pain caused by neuromuscular issues. You might consider consulting a neurosurgeon or orthopedic specialist for a spinal X-ray to determine if there is any nerve compression. Typically, pain caused b...[Read More] Understanding Morning Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Kidney Atrophy: Causes, Risks, and Diagnosis Explained
Renal atrophy I experienced lower back pain six months ago, and upon examining my kidneys, it was found that my left kidney measures 9 cm while my right kidney measures 12.2 cm. Both blood and urine tests were normal. The doctor was uncertain whether the left kidney atrophy was c...
Dr. Wang Weijie reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the normal size of a kidney is approximately 10-12 centimeters, and its shape resembles that of a fava bean. Your left kidney is indeed smaller in size. Distinguishing whether this is due to congenital atrophy or acquired atrophy is quite challenging. It may be caused by c...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Atrophy: Causes, Risks, and Diagnosis Explained
Is Your Right-Sided Back Pain a Sign of Kidney Issues?
Is the lower back pain on the right side related to kidney issues? Hello, doctor. I've been experiencing pain in my lower right back for over a week. Could this pain be related to kidney issues? The pain is a dull ache and hasn't changed in location, which makes me a bi...
Dr. Wang Weijie reply Internal Medicine
Dear Winnie, Generally speaking, common causes of back pain associated with kidney disease include kidney inflammation (infection), kidney stones, and this pain often accompanies symptoms such as frequent urination, a burning sensation, and pain during urination. In severe cases...[Read More] Is Your Right-Sided Back Pain a Sign of Kidney Issues?
Managing Chronic Kidney Issues and Associated Symptoms: A Guide
Physical weakness Hello doctor, since last week I've been experiencing a dull pain on the right side of my lower back. Due to my history of kidney disease, I've been particularly attentive to my urination, and there haven't been any abnormalities. However, in the p...
Dr. Wang Weijie reply Internal Medicine
Dear Xueqing, Hello. The symptoms of acute pyelonephritis include fever, flank pain, frequent urination, and a burning sensation during urination, and these symptoms may vary from person to person. An ultrasound has revealed the presence of kidney stones; what is the size of the...[Read More] Managing Chronic Kidney Issues and Associated Symptoms: A Guide