Understanding Foamy Urine: When to Worry About Kidney Health
I would like to ask the doctor about the issue of foamy urine? Hello, doctor. Recently, I noticed that there are always bubbles in my urine. I searched for some information online, but I'm not sure if it's accurate. Some articles suggest that the first urine in the morn...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Whether or not there is foamy urine, please go to the hospital for testing to ensure accuracy. Creatinine (cre): 1.01; it is necessary to calculate the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) which should be eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73m²; and it must remain so when compare...[Read More] Understanding Foamy Urine: When to Worry About Kidney Health
Understanding Your Health Check: Urine Protein and Kidney Concerns
Health Examination Report I recently received my health check-up report, which shows urine protein +/- occult blood 1+, blood urea nitrogen 7.4, and a few bacteria. My menstrual period ended about ten days ago before the check-up. Should I schedule an appointment with a nephrolog...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Hello: The bacteria may not have completely disappeared, which could result in incomplete recovery from the infection, causing persistent proteinuria. Hematuria may also be present for the same reason. It is recommended to follow up with urine tests. Confirm the resolution of the...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check: Urine Protein and Kidney Concerns
Understanding Elevated Cortisol Levels: Symptoms, Causes, and Next Steps
Hypercortisolism Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing chest tightness and discomfort for the past few months, and it has been over two months now with daily discomfort. Occasionally, I also feel nauseous, and my energy and spirits are not very good. After undergoing several car...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Cortisol levels typically range from 4.3 to 22.5 µg/dL; it is recommended to follow up with an endocrinologist since the adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Cortisol Levels: Symptoms, Causes, and Next Steps
Consequences of Delayed Dialysis in Acute Kidney Failure Patients
If acute renal failure is not treated with dialysis in a timely manner, it can lead to several serious complications, including: 1. Accumulation of waste products in the blood, leading to uremia. 2. Electrolyte imbalances, such as hyperkalemia, which can cause cardiac arrhythm P...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Acute kidney failure, which is often more fatal or severe, primarily occurs in intensive care units. Among the common causes of acute kidney failure, sepsis is one of the most frequently reported. Studies indicate that even in cases of acute kidney failure not caused by infection...[Read More] Consequences of Delayed Dialysis in Acute Kidney Failure Patients
Understanding Proteinuria: Key Insights for Kidney Health Management
Urinary protein issue? Hello, doctor. I was born with one kidney, and recently I noticed bubbles in my urine, so I went to a nearby clinic for blood and urine tests. A few days later, when I reviewed the results, the doctor informed me that I had mild proteinuria (+30 mg/dL), whi...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Hello: 1. It is recommended to conduct tests outside of the menstrual period. 2. Microalbuminuria and urinary protein levels are both higher than normal; if this is confirmed again after three months, it is classified as stage one chronic kidney disease. "Chronic" indic...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Key Insights for Kidney Health Management
Understanding CEA Levels in Dialysis Patients: What You Need to Know
Dialysis - CEA A family member has been on dialysis for about 7 years and developed pleural effusion and loss of appetite due to low albumin levels. After hospitalization, the pleural effusion has improved. Currently, the hospital nutritionist recommends high-protein powder along...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
In patients with renal failure, many indicators will be higher than those of the general population. For example, in elderly individuals, smoking itself can lead to elevated levels of Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA). CEA is a monitoring tool rather than a diagnostic tool. Typicall...[Read More] Understanding CEA Levels in Dialysis Patients: What You Need to Know
Understanding Proteinuria: When to Stop Medication After Normal Results
Urinary protein has turned negative, doctor: You can stop the medication now? Hello, Doctor Wu: Over three months ago, during a routine check-up, I was found to have trace proteinuria with results of "PCR 189, uACR 54.8, creatinine 1.1, and urea nitrogen 7." The docto...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
A single urine test for protein is convenient and sufficiently accurate, but it is often best to use the first morning urine. If you want to accurately determine whether protein in the urine has completely disappeared, you may consider a 24-hour urine protein test. If the result ...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: When to Stop Medication After Normal Results
Understanding CEA Levels in Dialysis Patients: What You Need to Know
Dialysis - CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) A family member has been on dialysis for about 7 years. Due to low albumin levels, they developed pleural effusion and loss of appetite. After hospitalization, the pleural effusion has improved. Currently, the hospital nutritionist recomm...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
There are many interfering factors for CEA, including older age and smoking. Additionally, CEA levels in dialysis patients may also be higher than normal. CEA is used as a marker for "monitoring" colorectal cancer, not for "diagnosis." The upper limit of CEA f...[Read More] Understanding CEA Levels in Dialysis Patients: What You Need to Know
Rising BUN and Creatinine Levels: Should You Worry About Kidney Health?
If BUN and creatinine levels are continuously rising (but still within the normal range), does this indicate a problem with the kidneys? Hello Doctor: I had a blood test in November 2017, which showed a BUN of 6 and a creatinine level of 9. In August 2018, I had another blood tes...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
1. BUN and creatinine (CRE) have standard values established by each laboratory. As long as the values are within the normal range (e.g., CRE: 0.7-1.3), the results indicate that they fall within the normal limits. Fluctuations in these values can be significantly influenced by d...[Read More] Rising BUN and Creatinine Levels: Should You Worry About Kidney Health?
Impact of Soy Milk on Calcium Oxalate Kidney Stones: What You Need to Know
How does soy milk affect calcium oxalate kidney stones? I have some questions for the doctor. I have a history of kidney stones, and recently I researched dietary considerations for kidney stones online. I found some articles stating that soy milk, unlike other soybean products, ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Hello: The article mentions, "This is another good reason to keep dietary oxalate low – 50 to 100 mg if possible." This means that for patients prone to kidney stones, it is advisable to maintain dietary oxalate intake below 100 mg. A cup of soy milk contains approximat...[Read More] Impact of Soy Milk on Calcium Oxalate Kidney Stones: What You Need to Know
Understanding Swollen Feet: Causes Beyond Normal Test Results
Swollen feet? Why is it that despite normal results from blood tests, urine tests, and ultrasound, my lower limbs are still swollen? I have hypertension and am taking medication; could this be affecting me?
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Hello: I'm not sure about the contents of your blood, urine, and ultrasound tests. There are many causes for leg swelling: medication, salt retention, hormonal imbalance, inflammation, vascular embolism, poor blood flow, lymphedema, etc., which can all lead to edema. If your...[Read More] Understanding Swollen Feet: Causes Beyond Normal Test Results
Understanding Proteinuria: What Your Health Check Results Mean
Health check-up: Proteinuria I have vasculitis and mild arrhythmia, and I am taking immunosuppressive medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, and anti-arrhythmic medication. I recently had a check-up, but I couldn't understand the report as the doctor was in a hurry and told me...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
If there are concerns about liver function, please consult a gastroenterologist. Urine protein is 1+, and it is recommended to visit a nephrologist for further testing. Wishing you good health and safety.[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: What Your Health Check Results Mean
Understanding Kidney Health: Tests, Concerns, and Dietary Advice
Examination, health, and other related issues concerning having one less kidney? Doctor Wu: Hello, over the past ten years, I have undergone abdominal ultrasounds three times due to gastrointestinal issues, and three different physicians have been unable to locate my right kidney...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
1. The diagnostic rate of ultrasound has already reached a high level, and computed tomography (CT) can enhance diagnostic accuracy. However, it is recommended that if the results of a non-contrast scan indicate a single kidney, it should be classified as a Class A diagnosis. The...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Health: Tests, Concerns, and Dietary Advice
Understanding Bubbles in Urine: Causes and Concerns Explained
Bubbles in urine? Hello doctor, since mid-February, I have noticed that my urine has been consistently producing small clusters of dense bubbles. I visited the urology department at Taoyuan Hospital, where I underwent an X-ray and urinalysis. The doctor said everything was fine, ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
The presence of bubbles in urine does not necessarily indicate proteinuria. Conditions such as fever, excessive exercise, consumption of high amounts of animal protein, hormonal influences, or other diseases causing abnormal protein production can also be contributing factors. Pr...[Read More] Understanding Bubbles in Urine: Causes and Concerns Explained
Long-Term Use of Sinzac and Mocalm: Risks to Kidney and Liver Health?
Long-term use of Sinzac 20mg (one tablet in the morning) and Mocalm S.C. tablet (one tablet in the morning) may pose risks to kidney or liver health. It is important to monitor liver and kidney function regularly while on these medications. Please consult your healthcare provider...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
These two types of medications are primarily metabolized by the liver. When combined with other liver-metabolized drugs or in cases of liver dysfunction, dosage adjustments are necessary. The impact on renal function is mostly due to interstitial nephritis, while electrolyte imba...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Sinzac and Mocalm: Risks to Kidney and Liver Health?
Understanding Proteinuria: Kidney Health Concerns and Symptoms
Kidney proteinuria Hello, doctor. I have some questions I would like to ask you. Question 1: This week, I observed that my urine has a lot of bubbles and appears cloudy after each bathroom visit. I also experience pain in both sides of my lower back. Could this indicate protein...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
1. The presence of bubbles in urine does not necessarily indicate the presence of urinary albumin; actual conditions should be confirmed through testing. 2. To assess kidney function, it is essential to conduct relevant kidney function tests (creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, he...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Kidney Health Concerns and Symptoms
Understanding Rhabdomyolysis: Symptoms, Risks, and Hydration Tips
Rhabdomyolysis Hello Doctor, I would like to ask, after exercising the day before yesterday, I feel like I might be experiencing rhabdomyolysis. My urine is slightly darker than usual, and my muscles have not recovered yet (besides these two symptoms, I have no other symptoms suc...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Drinking plenty of water after exercise helps in the elimination of metabolic waste, including muscle enzymes, so it is recommended to stay hydrated for muscle recovery. It is important to wait until lactate and other waste products are completely removed. In case of any exercise...[Read More] Understanding Rhabdomyolysis: Symptoms, Risks, and Hydration Tips
Can Taking Baktar Tab 400 MG Cause Long-Term Effects in Favism Patients?
Consumption of Baktar Tab 400 mg in individuals with G6PD deficiency can lead to hemolysis. The potential for long-term sequelae depends on the severity of the hemolytic episode. In most cases, if the hemolysis is mild and managed appropriately, there may be no lasting effects. H...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Individuals with favism (G6PD deficiency) may experience hemolysis and a decrease in hemoglobin levels when exposed to oxidizing agents. The increase in bilirubin levels is indicative of hemolytic anemia, which can last approximately 8 to 14 days, depending on the oxidativ...[Read More] Can Taking Baktar Tab 400 MG Cause Long-Term Effects in Favism Patients?
Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Causes and Concerns
Elevated creatinine levels? Hello, doctor. This year, during my health check-up, my kidney function test showed a creatinine level of 1.5 and a uric acid level of 4.31. Last year, my creatinine level was 1.4 and my uric acid level was 5.3. My BMI has been 22 for both years. I hav...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Hello, regarding your elevated creatinine levels, it is recommended that you see a nephrologist for further examination and follow-up. Since your uric acid levels are normal, the cause of the renal dysfunction may require additional urine tests and blood tests to determine whethe...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Kidney Issues: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families
Kidney problems Hello Doctor, My family member (female, 29 years old) has long-term chronic health issues. She has been diagnosed with refractory epilepsy for 23 years and is currently taking the following medications: Depakote 700mg, Vimpat 100mg, Keppra 1000mg, and Lamictal 30...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Currently, your family member's creatinine levels have returned to normal range. The recent decline in kidney function is likely due to acute kidney injury, but regular monitoring is still necessary. Dietary restrictions are not required at this time. The exact causes...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families