Impact of Anti-Inflammatory Painkillers on Kidney Function Tests
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications and creatinine? Hello: The health check showed a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 54, which is below the standard low threshold of 60. The creatinine level is 1.5. After adjusting for age 42, the GFR of 54 is considered too low. The ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Hello: If you are currently using painkillers, it is recommended to stop the medication before retesting kidney function, urine protein levels, and undergoing a renal ultrasound to rule out chronic or acute kidney failure. Wishing you health and safety.[Read More] Impact of Anti-Inflammatory Painkillers on Kidney Function Tests
Understanding Abnormal Glomerular Filtration Rate: Causes and Recovery
Issues with Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Values Hello Doctor: I am currently 30 years old. Yesterday, my blood test results showed an abnormal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 81 ml/min and a creatinine level of 1.15 mg/dL, but my urine protein test results were normal. I ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Hello: The standard values for creatinine vary among different hospitals, typically ranging from 0.7 to 1.2. Since you have no urinary protein, further examination is recommended to determine the possibility of recovery. Regarding the medications you are taking, it is advisable t...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Glomerular Filtration Rate: Causes and Recovery
Understanding Elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen Levels: Causes and Implications
Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels? Hello, doctor. I recently had a health check-up and found that my blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level is elevated at 24.9 mg/dL (normal range is 10-20 mg/dL), while my creatinine level is within the normal range. I am currently waiting for t...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Based on your situation, the most likely cause of elevated BUN with normal creatinine is diarrhea and dehydration. It is recommended to wait for the diarrhea to improve and ensure adequate hydration before retesting. Other possible conditions include heart failure, effects...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen Levels: Causes and Implications
Understanding Right Kidney Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Kidney problems Hello, Doctor Wu. I would like to ask, around noon today, I experienced pain in my right kidney. It hurts when I squat down and when I get back up. My job involves standing and squatting to pick things up. In mid-February of this year, the clinic conducted blood a...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Hello: There are many issues related to lower back pain that can be referenced in the attached document or addressed at a hospital. Wishing you safety from bothersome back pain. In the United States, back pain is the second most common reason for seeking medical attention in inte...[Read More] Understanding Right Kidney Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Understanding Abnormal Creatinine Levels: What You Need to Know
Creatinine level Hello Doctor, I recently received a notification regarding abnormal results from my health check-up. My creatinine level in kidney function tests is 0.59, while both blood urea nitrogen and uric acid levels are normal. What should I be aware of? Thank you for t...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Dear Sender, Many factors can interfere with changes in creatinine levels, such as kidney function and muscle mass. Generally speaking, elevated creatinine levels are more concerning, while low levels are typically indicative of reduced muscle mass. It is advisable for individu...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Creatinine Levels: What You Need to Know
Is It Safe to Skip Blood Tests for Stage 3 Kidney Disease?
Testing issues Dear Doctor Wu: A family member has stage 3 kidney disease and has been monitored for the past year with a serum creatinine level of 1.4, while other values are slightly elevated but stable. During the recent follow-up visit, the doctor mentioned that next time onl...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
In principle, patients with stage 3 chronic kidney disease should be monitored every three months. For stages 4 and 5, especially stage 5, it may be considered to monitor once a month. Regarding the monitoring items, the chronic kidney disease improvement plan includes specific p...[Read More] Is It Safe to Skip Blood Tests for Stage 3 Kidney Disease?
Do You Need Regular Kidney Function Tests? Common Concerns Explained
Questions related to kidney examinations? Is it necessary to have regular kidney function tests? I do not have diabetes or hypertension, but I have congenital heart disease and have previously had urinary tract infections and pneumonia. I took a lot of traditional Chinese medicin...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Dear Sir/Madam, Renal function monitoring is typically recommended for: 1. Patients with a history of chronic kidney disease (such as chronic nephritis, interstitial nephritis, or hydronephrosis); 2. Individuals with systemic chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, gout...[Read More] Do You Need Regular Kidney Function Tests? Common Concerns Explained
Should You Consider a Kidney Biopsy for Unexplained Proteinuria?
Should a kidney biopsy be performed? Hello, doctor. I am the patient who previously inquired about "unexplained proteinuria" (I have had persistent protein in my urine for 3-4 years and am currently managing it with Aprovel and Persantin). In the past year of follow-up ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
The following are common reasons for performing a kidney biopsy: At onset: 1. Clinical pure proteinuria > 3 grams/day, along with suspicion of other possible lesions within the kidneys. 2. Nephrotic syndrome in non-pediatric patients (urinary protein > 3 grams/day). Inter...[Read More] Should You Consider a Kidney Biopsy for Unexplained Proteinuria?
Should You Consider a Kidney Biopsy for Unexplained Proteinuria?
Should a kidney biopsy be performed? Hello, doctor. I am the patient who previously inquired about "unexplained proteinuria" (I have had persistent protein in my urine for 3-4 years and am currently managing it with Aprovel and Persantin). Over the past year, during fol...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
The following are common reasons for performing a kidney biopsy: At onset: 1. Clinical pure proteinuria > 3 grams/day, along with suspicion of other possible lesions within the kidneys. 2. Nephrotic syndrome occurring outside of childhood (proteinuria > 3 grams/day). Inte...[Read More] Should You Consider a Kidney Biopsy for Unexplained Proteinuria?
Understanding Unexplained Proteinuria: Treatment Options and Management
Unexplained proteinuria? Hello, doctor. I do not have any high-risk factors for kidney disease (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, family history...), but I was diagnosed with proteinuria four years ago. Over the past few years, my protein levels have fluctuated between "+3 and n...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Dear Sir/Madam, You have reported proteinuria at 3+ for over four years. I am unsure if your physician has discussed the possibility of a kidney biopsy with you to confirm the diagnosis. If it is chronic glomerulonephritis, there are various treatment options available, such as ...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Proteinuria: Treatment Options and Management
Managing Diet for Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease: What You Need to Know
Diet for Chronic Kidney Disease Dear Doctor: For a patient with stage 3 chronic kidney disease and an eGFR of 55, how strict should dietary control be? Will occasional indulgences harm the kidneys? For instance, if I occasionally go out with friends for hot pot or barbecue, or if...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Hello: According to the guidelines from the National Kidney Foundation, a low-protein diet should be limited to 0.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, with at least two-thirds being high biological value protein. However, achieving this can be challenging, and some rec...[Read More] Managing Diet for Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease: What You Need to Know
Is Right Lower Back Pain Linked to Kidney Issues?
Is the frequent soreness in the lower right back and right flank related to the kidneys? Hello Doctor: In the past two months, I have frequently felt soreness in my right lower back and right flank, especially after standing for about half an hour, when the discomfort becomes mor...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Based on your symptoms, it seems that issues related to the muscles and joints in the lower back are the most likely cause. However, to rule out other problems, I recommend that you visit a hospital for further evaluation. Attached is an article for your reference. Wishing you go...[Read More] Is Right Lower Back Pain Linked to Kidney Issues?
Unexplained Eyelid Swelling and Ear Pain: Possible Causes and Specialist Guidance
Unexplained ear pain and eyelid swelling? Hello Doctor, I have recently noticed that my left eyelid has been swollen and slightly painful upon waking for the past two days (the right eye is normal). Additionally, I have been experiencing intermittent pain near the base of my left...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Dear Sender, You have issues with eyelid swelling and intermittent pain at the base of your skull near the ear; these may not be significantly related to the mild pain in your lower left abdomen. For the former, you should consult an otolaryngologist to rule out conditions such ...[Read More] Unexplained Eyelid Swelling and Ear Pain: Possible Causes and Specialist Guidance
Is Excessive Masturbation Causing My Back Pain and Urine Issues?
Is excessive masturbation a concern? Hello doctor, after masturbating last night, I felt a brief pain in my back muscles when stretching. I was worried all night and now I feel a bit fatigued. Could this be a kidney issue, or is it related to excessive masturbation (once a day)? ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Typically, pain in the kidney area is not located too high. If you are referring to pain that is at the level of the thoracic spine, it may not be related to kidney function issues. To determine if there is an infection, a urine test is recommended, as bubbles in the urine...[Read More] Is Excessive Masturbation Causing My Back Pain and Urine Issues?
Managing Chronic Kidney Disease: Tips for Diet and Medication
Chronic Kidney Failure Hello Doctor, my grandmother has issues with hypertension, diabetes, and anemia. Additionally, she was diagnosed this year with proteinuria and chronic kidney failure, but she has not yet started dialysis. Her reports show creatinine levels from June to Sep...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Kalimate is an exchange resin that binds potassium ions for excretion from the body. The excretion of potassium ions (K+) decreases during renal function deterioration and end-stage renal disease, leading to hyperkalemia. Elevated potassium levels can cause arrhythmias and...[Read More] Managing Chronic Kidney Disease: Tips for Diet and Medication
Understanding Proteinuria: Key Questions and Considerations
Proteinuria - Supplementary Questions Therefore, when urine protein is greater than 0.15 g/d, several issues need to be considered: 1. Is the urine protein primarily albumin? 2. Was the urine sample collected during a time when the daily urine volume was close to 1-1.5 liters? Ot...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Albumin is just one component of proteinuria. In other words, if the urine protein level is 0.15 g/L, then the absolute amount of albumin in the urine is less than 0.15 g/d (at most, all protein could be albumin). Testing for microalbuminuria is more ideal, especially for ...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Key Questions and Considerations
What to Do About Low Uric Acid Levels of 0.6 mg/dL?
If your uric acid level is low at 0.6, what should you do? Hello, doctor. During my employee's health check-up, it was found that my uric acid level is too low, only 0.6 mg/dL, and it has been fluctuating between 0.X and 1.X for the past three to four years. The normal range...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Common causes of low uric acid can be congenital or acquired. Congenital causes include enzyme deficiencies involved in uric acid production, among others. Acquired causes may include medications (such as losartan, allopurinol, febuxostat, and other uric acid-lowering drug...[Read More] What to Do About Low Uric Acid Levels of 0.6 mg/dL?
Morning Fatigue and Swelling: Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects
I can't get out of bed in the morning..? Hello, Doctor Wu. I would like to ask about my mother, who has been taking chemotherapy medication, specifically Capecitabine, for the past two months. She has gradually started experiencing some physical discomfort, including difficu...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Regarding the weakness caused by chemotherapy drugs, it is recommended that you consult with your original hematology-oncology physician or seek assistance from traditional Chinese medicine for support. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Morning Fatigue and Swelling: Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects
Understanding Proteinuria: What Does a 0.15g/l Urine Test Result Mean?
Proteinuria test Hello, staff of Taiwan e-Hospital. I am resending this content due to the need for additional test values from October 2, 2016. I hope this will not be deleted for being a repeated inquiry. Thank you for your hard work. Dear Dr. Wu, during a health check last y...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Dear Sir/Madam, Proteinuria is one of the indicators of renal function deterioration leading to kidney disease. However, the actual measurement of proteinuria requires a 24-hour urine collection, which can be inconvenient. Therefore, an estimation method has been developed, usin...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: What Does a 0.15g/l Urine Test Result Mean?
How to Treat Swollen Toes After a Car Accident Injury?
If you have injured your toe in a car accident and it is swollen, here are the steps you should take: 1. **Rest**: Avoid putting weight on the injured foot to prevent further injury. 2. **Ice**: Apply ice to the swollen area for 15-20 minutes every hour to reduce swelling and pa...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Hello, your issue is due to "a foot injury from a car accident, which has not yet subsided," and it is not an internal medicine problem. I recommend that you return to the hospital and consult with an orthopedic specialist. Wishing you safety and good health. Sincerely,...[Read More] How to Treat Swollen Toes After a Car Accident Injury?