Chronic Lower Back Pain Without Diagnosis: What Are Your Options?
If you have been experiencing lower back pain for more than three months without a clear diagnosis, what should you do? Hello, Doctor Wu! I am here to inquire about a family member who is a 47-year-old male, working as a night shift operator for 25 years (his job does not require...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
It is recommended to see a large hospital's Immunology and Rheumatology department or Orthopedics. Wishing you well.[Read More] Chronic Lower Back Pain Without Diagnosis: What Are Your Options?
Understanding Kidney Function Decline in Healthy Aging Adults
Kidney problems Hello, doctor. I have come to inquire about some related issues that my friends and family have been experiencing. The patient is a 55-year-old female who maintains a healthy diet (primarily whole foods, with minimal intake of refined, high-sugar, and high-fat foo...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
eGFR 60-70, with no proteinuria, kidney function decline may be attributed to age factors. A low-phosphorus diet currently benefits those in stage 3 (GFR < 60) and it remains inconclusive whether implementing it earlier has advantages.[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function Decline in Healthy Aging Adults
Managing Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Drops During Dialysis: A Patient's Guide
When blood pressure drops during dialysis and heart rate also decreases, how should it be managed? Hello, Doctor Wu: I have been a dialysis patient for over a year and have hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. I also have coronary artery disease and mild arrhythmia. Last y...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
For heart-related issues, please consult a cardiologist. In cases of hypotension during dialysis, the on-site nephrologist should provide immediate feedback. Each situation is different, so please respond according to the circumstances at that time. Common management strategies i...[Read More] Managing Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Drops During Dialysis: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Urinary Albumin Levels: What Does a 30 Mean for Your Health?
Urinary albumin Hello Doctor: This morning I went to the medical laboratory for a simple health check, and I just received the report showing a highlighted value of "urine albumin at 30," with a normal range of 10. This has made me very anxious, and I would like to ask ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
It is recommended to go to the hospital for another test to determine the need for dialysis based on blood toxins, such as creatinine. Simply looking at urine cannot guarantee health and safety.[Read More] Understanding Urinary Albumin Levels: What Does a 30 Mean for Your Health?
Understanding Urinalysis Results: What Your Doctor Didn't Explain
Urinalysis Hello Doctor: I recently went to the clinic for a health check-up, and the test results are as follows: 1. Albumin (urine protein) (semi-quantitative) 10 mg/dl 2. Creatinine (urine creatinine) (semi-quantitative) 10 mg/dl (reference range 10-300 mg/dl) 3. Protein (urin...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
UACR = 10/10 = 1 The report result is still normal.[Read More] Understanding Urinalysis Results: What Your Doctor Didn't Explain
Dietary Concerns for Patients with Hereditary Polycystic Kidney Disease
Genetic polycystic kidney disease raises concerns regarding dietary supplements such as protein powder? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my situation. I have a family history of polycystic kidney disease, and my recent health check results are as follows: Blood Urea Ni...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
A low-protein diet is defined as 0.6-0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. Currently, it has shown benefits only for patients with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) below 60; the effects for those with a GFR above 60 are unclear. Unless there are special requirements...[Read More] Dietary Concerns for Patients with Hereditary Polycystic Kidney Disease
Understanding Your Urine Test Results: Total Protein and Creatinine Levels
Total protein (U) & creatinine (U) Doctor, my test report shows that protein is negative, creatinine is 0.56, total protein (U) is 9.7, and creatinine (U) is 95.36. What do these results mean? Are they within the normal range? Is there anything I need to pay attention to? Tha...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Total protein (U) 9.7 and creatinine (U) 95.36 refer to the levels of total protein and creatinine in your urine. The normal reference range for total protein (U) is less than 14, and your result of 9.7 is within the normal range. There is no established normal range for creatini...[Read More] Understanding Your Urine Test Results: Total Protein and Creatinine Levels
Understanding Occult Blood in Urine: Implications for Kidney Health
Occult blood? Hello, Doctor Wu. I would like to ask if there is a relationship between occult blood and the kidneys. My occult blood level increased from 4+ to 5+. Will this affect my kidneys? What does an occult blood level of 4+ indicate? My urine protein and other indices are ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Hematuria and occult blood are different. It is important to first confirm the presence of red blood cells in the urine. If red blood cells are present, renal issues such as renal cysts, kidney lesions, stones, or tumors may need to be ruled out. If there is only occult blood wit...[Read More] Understanding Occult Blood in Urine: Implications for Kidney Health
Managing Edema: Concerns About Diuretics and Rising Uric Acid Levels
Discontinuation of diuretics can lead to edema? Hello, Doctor. About a month ago, I visited a clinic due to lower limb edema, and the doctor prescribed Rasitol 40 mg, one tablet daily. After taking it, the diuretic effect was quite good, and the edema improved. However, once I st...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
There are many causes of edema. Please visit the relevant specialty clinic to identify the underlying cause. Self-medicating with diuretics will not address the root issue. There are various types of diuretics; for example, thiazide diuretics can lead to elevated uric acid levels...[Read More] Managing Edema: Concerns About Diuretics and Rising Uric Acid Levels
Can You Get Blood Tests at Different Hospitals for Chronic Conditions?
Different hospitals perform blood tests for the same specialty? Hello, Doctor Wu! I am a patient with a chronic prescription. I would like to ask: If I had blood drawn for the same specialty at Hospital A in Department A a month ago, can I not get a blood draw order from Departme...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
To prevent waste, the National Health Insurance system has established a cloud-based medication and medical history inquiry system for examination and testing items. Unless there are special needs or reasons, duplicate items will be subject to deletion based on medical conditions...[Read More] Can You Get Blood Tests at Different Hospitals for Chronic Conditions?
Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate and Hematuria Changes in Kidney Health
The glomerulus and occult blood? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 64.6, with the standard being greater than 60. Two years ago, it was 84. Does this indicate a decline in kidney function? Additionally, the urine occult blood test has ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Occult blood testing is different from hematuria; it may be caused by recent infections, kidney stones, medications, or excessive exercise. The filtration rate can vary with fluid intake, renal function deterioration, and increased body weight. It is advisable to assess the prese...[Read More] Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate and Hematuria Changes in Kidney Health
Understanding Proteinuria: When to Worry About Kidney Health
Response: Second diagnosis of kidney issues (proteinuria)? Hello, Doctor. I previously asked about the issue of suspected proteinuria, and your response was that vaccination and infections can trigger the production of antibodies to protect against foreign viral invasion. Antibod...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Yes, wishing you health and safety.[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: When to Worry About Kidney Health
Concerns About Kidney Health After Second Diagnosis: Understanding Proteinuria
Second diagnosis of kidney issues (proteinuria)? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed for the second time about two weeks ago (one year after my first diagnosis). Although I tested negative by the fifth day, I noticed that I have been experiencing foamy urine since then. I found some a...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) increased from 108 to 112, both within the normal range, showing no signs of sudden impairment. Vaccination and infections can trigger the production of antibodies to protect against foreign viral invasions. Antibodies are a type of protein, and i...[Read More] Concerns About Kidney Health After Second Diagnosis: Understanding Proteinuria
Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Proteinuria and Cysts
Kidney problems Hello, Doctor! Last year, I visited the hospital due to a urinary tract infection. After reviewing my urinalysis report, the urologist indicated that my proteinuria was elevated and recommended follow-up with a nephrologist. Since then, I have had five urinalysis ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Question 1: With normal urine and blood reports but abnormal ultrasound indicating bilateral parenchymal kidney disease, does this indicate Stage 1 CKD or has kidney function already been gradually impaired? (The physician only mentioned to return in six months for urine testing ...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Proteinuria and Cysts
Understanding HIV Test Results: What to Expect and When to Be Notified
HIV testing issues? On June 5th, I had blood tests done at the provincial hospital, and the health record showed the following urine general examination and syphilis test items: - Treponema pallidum antibody test - Bacterial culture identification test (including general bacteri...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
For HIV-related inquiries, please contact the Infectious Diseases Department. If this is regarding health check-up items, please call the Health Management Center or the Laboratory Department.[Read More] Understanding HIV Test Results: What to Expect and When to Be Notified
Exercise Guidelines for Patients with Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease
Exercise for Kidney Disease Hello, Doctor Wu. I have stage 2 chronic kidney disease (with a glomerular filtration rate fluctuating between 70 and 80) and a urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) below 600. Can I engage in jogging as a form of exercise? I plan to run about 2 kil...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
There are no specific exercise recommendations for kidney disease; it is advisable to consult a rehabilitation physician. In general, aerobic exercise is preferable to anaerobic exercise. Wishing you health and safety.[Read More] Exercise Guidelines for Patients with Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease
Understanding Kidney Function Tests: When to Consult a Nephrologist
Please inquire about renal function data? Hello, Doctor Wu. I recently had a health check at a laboratory, and several kidney function-related parameters were reported within the normal range. However, my urine albumin showed an abnormal result. Here are the details: B.U.N. (Bloo...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
ACR = 0.015 does not require nephrology follow-up; annual health check-ups as originally scheduled are sufficient.[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function Tests: When to Consult a Nephrologist
Understanding Proteinuria: Key Questions About Kidney Health and Lifestyle
Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. Wu, I had a health check-up in September 2015, during which my fasting blood glucose level was 95 mg/dL; my estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 105 mL/min; my albumin level was 3.5 g/dL; and my albumin-to-globulin ratio was 1.6. All of t...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Q1. News reports online indicate that some doctors state: "Chronic kidney failure typically takes 20 to 30 years from the initial damage to the kidneys until dialysis is needed." Dr. Wu, is this statement accurate? Given that different stages of chronic kidney disease (...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Key Questions About Kidney Health and Lifestyle
Left Rib Pain on Release: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Pain upon rebound when pressing on the left rib cage? Hello doctor, for the past few months, I have been experiencing discomfort near the 10th rib on the left side of my body. There is no pain when I press on it, but I feel a sharp pain when I release the pressure. I also often e...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Regarding rib issues, please visit the orthopedic outpatient clinic. Wishing you health and safety.[Read More] Left Rib Pain on Release: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Low Urinary Creatinine Levels: What It Means for Kidney Health
Questions about creatinine test values? Hello Doctor Wu: I recently received my test results. The microalbumin level is 1.7, the serum creatinine level is 0.71 [0.72-1.18], and the urinary creatinine level is 44.2 [60-250]. I would like to ask if the urinary creatinine level bein...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
The serum creatinine level is 0.71, while the standard range is 0.72-1.18, indicating it is not significantly low. Conditions such as insufficient muscle mass or inadequate protein intake may contribute to this situation. For urinary creatinine, a 24-hour collection is necessary ...[Read More] Understanding Low Urinary Creatinine Levels: What It Means for Kidney Health