Understanding Proteinuria: Symptoms, Kidney Health, and Tea Consumption
Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. Wu, I have a few questions I would like to ask you: Q1. Regarding proteinuria, I have observed that my urine often has "trace" amounts of fine bubbles, and even after waiting five minutes, the bubbles do not completely dissipate, leaving ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
According to your questions: Q1: Healthy adults can indeed have proteinuria, but the total daily amount should not exceed 150 mg. The presence of bubbles observed with the naked eye should be confirmed through testing to determine whether it is normal or exceeds the threshold. ...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Symptoms, Kidney Health, and Tea Consumption
Can Women with IgA Nephropathy Safely Get Pregnant?
Can a person with IgA nephropathy become pregnant and give birth? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy and minimal change disease after undergoing a kidney biopsy in the past. My condition is currently stable, with no proteinuria or hematuria, and my kidney functio...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Based on the information provided in the literature, if blood pressure is normal and the glomerular filtration rate is greater than 70 ml/min, the impact of pregnancy on the kidneys can be minimized. However, it is essential to discuss your specific situation with your attending ...[Read More] Can Women with IgA Nephropathy Safely Get Pregnant?
Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: When to See a Nephrologist
Creatinine levels exceed the standard? Hello Doctor: In my blood test report, my creatinine level is 1.21 and my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 71.7. Should I urgently see a nephrologist? What advice would you give me? My triglycerides are 160, total cholesterol is 210, high...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
For chronic kidney disease, a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) greater than 60, combined with proteinuria, hematuria, or renal parenchymal damage (such as stones, edema, or cysts), is required for a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease. Based on the report you provided, while your...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: When to See a Nephrologist
Understanding Kidney Function Tests: Interpreting Your Results
Kidney function tests Hello Dr. Wu, I had a general health check-up at a clinic in early May, and the report is as follows: - Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): 14.0 (normal range: 7-25) - Creatinine: 0.63 (normal range: 0.6-1.2) - Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): 115 (greater than 6...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
According to your inquiry, both reports indicate normal kidney function (as the glomerular filtration rate is greater than 60, and all urine tests are normal), which does not qualify as chronic kidney disease. For chronic kidney disease to be diagnosed, the glomerular filtration ...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function Tests: Interpreting Your Results
Understanding Muscle Indentation Above the Tibia: Kidney Health Insights
Depression upon palpation of the muscles above the tibia in the lower leg? Hello Dr. Wu, I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask you a question. Recently, I suddenly noticed that when I press on the muscles around my tibia in both calves, they indent and do not bou...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
According to your inquiry, the report you provided shows that urine protein levels are at 568 mg/g, which exceeds the normal value (<150 mg/g). This may require a discussion with a nephrologist regarding treatment options and adherence to a low-protein diet. Regarding the inde...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Indentation Above the Tibia: Kidney Health Insights
Is Folic Acid Safe for Patients with Kidney Disease? A Doctor's Insight
Concerns about folic acid intake in kidney disease? Hello Doctor, I am a physician with renal tubular dysfunction, and my attending physician mentioned that I have a condition called Fanconi syndrome. Recently, I experienced headaches and discomfort in my legs, so I consulted a n...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Based on your inquiry, if your folate level is only 2.5, it is indeed insufficient. Therefore, supplementing with 5 mg of folic acid once a day is just adequate and will not harm the kidneys or increase their burden. Thank you for your question. The Nephrology Department at Chang...[Read More] Is Folic Acid Safe for Patients with Kidney Disease? A Doctor's Insight
Understanding Hematuria: Causes, Tests, and Kidney Health Concerns
Kidney problems Hello Doctor, Last September, during a urine test, I had a trace of hematuria (1+) with red blood cells (3-5), while all other indices were normal. An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) was performed, and the doctor said everything was normal and that it could be due t...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Based on your inquiry: 1. If you have not undergone a renal ultrasound, you may consider this examination. 2. Given your current condition, if the renal ultrasound results are normal, you can continue with regular monitoring. 3. If subsequent urine tests still show hematuria, it ...[Read More] Understanding Hematuria: Causes, Tests, and Kidney Health Concerns
Assessing Kidney Function and Medication Safety for Hair Transplant
Consultation on kidney function tests and medication after hair transplantation? Hello Dr. Wu, I am 31 years old. In 2022, my serum creatinine was 1.1 mg/dL with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 82.9; in 2021, my serum creatinine was 1.11 mg/dL with a GFR of 78.3; in 2020, m...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Based on your inquiry, first: if your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is greater than 60 and there is no proteinuria or hematuria, your kidney function should be considered normal. Second: after hair transplantation, it is recommended to take minoxidil. Since this medication is ...[Read More] Assessing Kidney Function and Medication Safety for Hair Transplant
Understanding Abnormal Urine Protein Test Results: What You Need to Know
Abnormal urine protein test? Hello doctor, I previously had a urine test at a clinic that showed a positive result for protein (+). Therefore, I went to the nephrology department at the hospital for a follow-up examination, and the report is as follows: Urine Creatinine 127.87, P...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
According to your inquiry, a Protein/Creatinine Ratio of 0.086 corresponds to 86 mg/g, which is less than 150 mg/g and falls within the normal range. Thank you for your question. The Nephrology Department at Changhua Hospital cares about your health.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Urine Protein Test Results: What You Need to Know
Post-Kidney Biopsy Care: Recovery Tips and Common Concerns
Regarding kidney biopsy? Hello, doctor! I recently underwent a kidney biopsy and would like to ask a few questions... 1. I found online that after a kidney biopsy, one should avoid lifting heavy objects for at least two weeks. However, my attending physician is willing to allow...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
According to your inquiry: 1. After a kidney biopsy, there is no strict requirement for a specific number of days of rest; it depends on individual circumstances. If you feel physically capable of returning to your usual work after a week, it should be fine. 2. If there is no ede...[Read More] Post-Kidney Biopsy Care: Recovery Tips and Common Concerns
Understanding Kidney Issues: Rising Urine Protein Despite Improved Creatinine Levels
Kidney problems On 03/19/2011, creatinine was 1.18, urine protein was 5, urine creatinine was 53.12, and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (uPCR) was 94.12. On 10/09/2010, creatinine was 1.26, urine protein was 17, urine creatinine was 108.7, and uPCR was 156.11. On 11/03/200...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
According to your inquiry, although the serum creatinine levels show little variation (ranging between 60-70), the urinary protein levels are gradually increasing. In addition to pharmacological management of hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, the prevention and treatmen...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Rising Urine Protein Despite Improved Creatinine Levels
Monitoring Acute Kidney Injury: When to Seek Specialist Care
Observation period for acute kidney injury? Hello Dr. Wu, My mother has been hospitalized for two months due to a bacterial infection. Initially, her kidney function was not very good, but prior to this hospitalization, her kidney function was normal. After more than a month, h...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Based on your inquiry, you only mentioned a bacterial infection that required hospitalization for two months, without mentioning whether you have any underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. If you do have these conditions, they should be managed fir...[Read More] Monitoring Acute Kidney Injury: When to Seek Specialist Care
Managing Proteinuria in Diabetic Kidney Disease: When to Start Low-Protein Diet?
Proteinuria and Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) Hello, doctor. I have been diagnosed with diabetes for about ten years and have consistently had microalbuminuria. My eGFR has been around 105 ± 10 for several years. I had a UACR > 300 tested before surgery at National Taiwan Univ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
According to your inquiry regarding the classification of UACR: UACR < 30 mg/g is considered normal range; UACR 30-300 mg/g is classified as microalbuminuria; and UACR > 300 mg/g is classified as macroalbuminuria. Since you only mentioned "UACR results < 300," ...[Read More] Managing Proteinuria in Diabetic Kidney Disease: When to Start Low-Protein Diet?
Is Drinking Licorice Juice Daily Harmful to My Mother's Health?
Is it harmful for my mom to drink licorice root juice as if it were water? Hello Dr. Wu, my mother was born in 1938 and underwent thyroid surgery thirty years ago. She received chemotherapy and radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal cancer over twenty years ago, which resulted in i...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Based on your inquiry, excessive consumption of licorice juice may lead to hypokalemia. Additionally, considering the issue of edema, it is recommended to consult a nephrologist to clarify your condition. Thank you for your question; the Nephrology Department at Changhua Hospital...[Read More] Is Drinking Licorice Juice Daily Harmful to My Mother's Health?
Understanding Creatinine Levels: Concerns About Kidney Health
Confusion Regarding Blood Test Report for Serum Creatinine Hello Doctor, I am 37 years old, weigh 75 kg, and am 167 cm tall. I have symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus, for which I have been taking proton pump inhibitors (such as Pantoprazole)...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
1. According to your inquiry, first, it is important to understand the definition of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It can be classified as stage 1 or stage 2 when the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is greater than 60 mL/min/1.73 m² and there are abnormalities in urine or imagin...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels: Concerns About Kidney Health
Understanding Sudden Decline in Kidney Function: Causes and Concerns
Acute decline in renal function? At the end of the year, my health check revealed a blood urea nitrogen level of 13, creatinine level of 1.7, urine protein negative, specific gravity of 1.030, and blood pressure of 126/71. Over the past years, my health check results have remaine...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
According to your inquiry: 1. If the health check has confirmed low vitamin D levels, please proceed with vitamin D supplementation. 2. If you experienced diarrhea about a month prior to the health check, it is indeed possible that dehydration may have caused changes in kidney fu...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Decline in Kidney Function: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Sudden Decline in Kidney Function: Causes and Solutions
What could cause a sudden decline in kidney function? In mid-December last year, my health check revealed a blood urea nitrogen level of 13, creatinine level of 1.7, uric acid level of 6.9, pH of 6, urine protein negative, specific gravity of 1.030, and blood pressure of 126/71. ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
1. The presence or absence of proteinuria is determined by testing, and your urine protein result is negative (-). If you are still concerned, you can ask your physician to check the urine protein to creatinine ratio next time. 2. In mid-December, your creatinine level was 1.7, ...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Decline in Kidney Function: Causes and Solutions
Impact of Contrast Agents on Chronic Kidney Disease: What You Need to Know
Contrast agent issues in kidney disease? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing issues with my eyes recently, and the ophthalmologist recommended administering a contrast agent to visualize the retinal blood vessels. However, I read online that contrast agents can harm the kidney...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Based on your inquiry, a creatinine level of 6 indicates stage 5 chronic kidney disease. Even if only half the dose of contrast agent is administered, it may still affect kidney function. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your physician. Thank you for your qu...[Read More] Impact of Contrast Agents on Chronic Kidney Disease: What You Need to Know
Managing Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease: Impact on Eye Health
Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease Hello Doctor: I have severe chronic kidney disease and have not yet started dialysis. I also have anemia; previously, I received erythropoietin injections every two weeks, but for the past two months, I have been receiving them weekly. Recently, d...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Based on your description, it seems you have stage 5 chronic kidney disease complicated by anemia, which is why your physician prescribed erythropoietin (a blood-boosting injection) to help stimulate your own red blood cell production. This erythropoietin injection is intended to...[Read More] Managing Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease: Impact on Eye Health
Understanding Abnormal Urine Protein Levels: Causes and Concerns
Abnormal urine protein? Hello, Dr. Wu. During my health check-up two months ago, the urine tests showed normal results for pH, occult blood (OB), and glucose (Glu), but the protein level was at 4+. I wasn't menstruating that day and hadn't engaged in vigorous exercise; ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Based on your inquiry, if the urine test shows a proteinuria level of 4+ from the dipstick test, it is recommended to follow up with a nephrologist for a more accurate assessment of urine protein to clarify the issue. Regarding your question about the timing of the menstrual cycl...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Urine Protein Levels: Causes and Concerns