Understanding Left Side Back Pain and Urinary Symptoms: A Medical Inquiry
Urinary system and left flank pain? Dear Doctor: My situation began with a feeling of frequent urination that lasted for two days. On the third day, after I got up in the morning and urinated for the first time, I felt the urge to urinate again, accompanied by a sensation of blad...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
1. Consider consulting another urologist. 2. Consider prostatitis. 3. Ultrasound can be used to rule out stone issues.[Read More] Understanding Left Side Back Pain and Urinary Symptoms: A Medical Inquiry
Managing Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: Key Considerations
How to manage polycystic kidney disease? Dear Director Wu, My father is 70 years old. Two years ago, he experienced sudden hypertension and dizziness. After blood tests, he was found to have hematuria, with a creatinine level of 1.3 and a GFR (CG) of 56, indicating stage 3 chron...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
1. The left-sided cyst is compressing the kidney; consider referring to urology for "percutaneous renal cyst aspiration and sclerotherapy." If there is a recurrence, consider "laparoscopic cyst decortication" for management. 2. Consider treating with "Nor...[Read More] Managing Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: Key Considerations
Living with One Kidney: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Congenital renal agenesis I was born with a missing left kidney, and my right kidney is enlarged. Since the discovery, I have been undergoing regular check-ups every year, and all tests have been normal. However, in recent years, I often feel fatigued and mentally drained, and I ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
1. As long as kidney function is normal, having only one kidney is acceptable. 2. Q: In recent years, I often feel fatigued and lack energy, and occasionally experience dizziness, making it difficult to lift heavy objects and do household chores. Could this be caused by my kidn...[Read More] Living with One Kidney: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Understanding Kidney Cysts: Causes, Treatment, and Prognosis
Cyst in the kidney? Hello: Recently, after an abdominal ultrasound, it was found that there are small cysts measuring 1.1 x 1.0 cm on both kidneys. I would like to know what could be the cause of this? Will the cysts disappear? Is long-term medication necessary? Thank you!
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
1. These types of blisters are benign, the cause is unclear, they do not disappear, but long-term medication is not necessary. 2. If there are multiple cysts on both sides (three or more), it is called polycystic kidney disease, which is a hereditary condition that requires mon...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Cysts: Causes, Treatment, and Prognosis
Understanding BUN and CREA: Interpreting Kidney Function Test Results
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) & CREA (Creatinine) Hello, doctor. On December 21st of last year, a private hospital in Kaohsiung came to our company to conduct health check-ups, which cost a total of 4,000 NTD. A few days later, the report came out, showing my BUN at 30 mg/dL and ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
1. Each hospital has different standard values; it is unclear whether the first private hospital informed you of its normal values. 2. If the re-examination at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital shows normal results, then there should be no issue. 3. If you are still concerned...[Read More] Understanding BUN and CREA: Interpreting Kidney Function Test Results
Understanding Normal Ratios of Urine Microalbumin to Creatinine
The normal ratio of random urine microalbumin to creatinine is typically less than 30 mg/g. Values above this threshold may indicate the presence of microalbuminuria, which can be an early sign of kidney damage, particularly in individuals with diabetes or hypertension? The rando...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
1. A random urine microalbumin to creatinine ratio of less than 30 is considered normal. 2. This test is typically performed when there is a suspicion of early diabetic nephropathy.[Read More] Understanding Normal Ratios of Urine Microalbumin to Creatinine
Understanding Frequent Urination: When to See a Urologist or Nephrologist
Frequent urination Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been going to the bathroom every 40-60 minutes. Sometimes I experience pain in my left lower back. I drink very little water, but after urinating, I still feel the urge to urinate, yet I cannot. Generally, the volume of urine is n...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
1. Either urology or nephrology is acceptable. 2. Generally, a urinalysis is required first to check for inflammation or stones. 3. Additionally, a renal ultrasound examination can be arranged.[Read More] Understanding Frequent Urination: When to See a Urologist or Nephrologist
Understanding Edema: Which Specialist to Consult and Testing Tips
Symptoms of edema? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you... 1. Recently, I went for a health check-up at the hospital, and the doctor mentioned that I have edema. I researched some information online and learned that there are many causes of edema. Before confirming the cause of...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
1. The causes of edema involve organs such as the kidneys, heart, and liver, so a nephrology evaluation should be considered first. 2. If a urine test is required, it is advisable to avoid the menstrual period.[Read More] Understanding Edema: Which Specialist to Consult and Testing Tips
Struggling with Oliguria: Seeking Solutions for Diuretic Dependency
Metabolic concerns? Hello Dr. Wu, I hope you don't mind me asking. I have been struggling with oliguria for the past few years, often going over ten hours without needing to use the restroom. Due to eyelid swelling and for cosmetic reasons, I started taking diuretics several...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Dear: First, please confirm the status of your kidney function. If kidney function is significantly impaired, please consult a nephrologist. Second, if kidney function is normal or slightly deteriorated, you should monitor the changes in your weight after stopping diuretics for 3...[Read More] Struggling with Oliguria: Seeking Solutions for Diuretic Dependency
Managing Proteinuria: Dietary Tips and Potassium Intake Guidance
Proteinuria Hello Doctor: Currently, kidney function is normal, but proteinuria is above 500, with 24-hour urine protein at 9 grams. Should potassium intake be reduced? Besides a low-sodium diet, what other dietary considerations should be taken into account?
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
1. This is classified as nephrotic syndrome, and it is necessary to consult a nephrologist for treatment and medication management. 2. If the medication (such as steroids) is ineffective, a kidney biopsy should be considered to identify the underlying cause. 3. In terms of di...[Read More] Managing Proteinuria: Dietary Tips and Potassium Intake Guidance
Understanding the Differences Between Polycystic Kidney Disease and Congenital PKD
Kidney cyst issues? Hello Dr. Wu: Previously, I consulted you in the discussion forum regarding issues related to renal cysts, and you mentioned that we should consider the possibility of "polycystic kidney disease." I would like to ask you about the differences between...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
1. "Polycystic kidney" and "congenital polycystic kidney" refer to the same condition. 2. As you mentioned, if there are related issues in the family, it is even more important to be cautious; annual ultrasound screening is the simplest and most efficient meth...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Polycystic Kidney Disease and Congenital PKD
Understanding Sleep Disruptions: Is Your Kidney Health at Risk?
Lower back pain causing difficulty sleeping? Hello Doctor: In the past year, when I sleep on my right side at night, I often wake up around 3-4 AM due to a strong urge to urinate and lower back pain. Each time, the volume of urine is quite large, over 500cc. After waking up, I fr...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Check/Precautions: 1. Please monitor your blood pressure first. 2. Then arrange for urine and kidney function tests. 3. Lower back pain, aside from the kidneys (such as infections or stones), is often due to inflammation of the muscles and tendons alongside the spine, and may not...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Disruptions: Is Your Kidney Health at Risk?
Managing Kidney Cysts: Health Tips for a 57-Year-Old Woman
Renal cysts Hello Dr. Wu, I would like to ask you a question. My mother is 57 years old, and there is no history of kidney-related hereditary issues in our family. About two years ago, she underwent a kidney ultrasound, and the doctor informed her that there were small cysts in ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
1. First, confirm the number of cysts; if there are more than three on each side, consider the possibility of polycystic kidney disease and regular follow-up is necessary. If there is only a single cyst on one side, it is likely a degenerative cyst, and only observation is requir...[Read More] Managing Kidney Cysts: Health Tips for a 57-Year-Old Woman
Understanding Kidney Stones: Symptoms, Pain Relief, and Hydration Tips
Kidney problems Hello doctor, during a recent health check, I discovered that I have two kidney stones in my right kidney. After examination, it was determined that these stones were caused by my childhood habit of not drinking enough water. The doctor advised that surgery is not...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: First, it is important to confirm whether the pain is caused by kidney stones. "Gently tapping the lower back can elicit severe pain"—this symptom is very similar to pain caused by kidney stones; additionally, a kidney infection can also cause lower back pain. Se...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Stones: Symptoms, Pain Relief, and Hydration Tips
Understanding Kidney Cysts and Edema: Treatment and Care for Seniors
Kidney cysts and edema issues? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if medication is necessary to treat cysts in the kidneys. My grandmother was hospitalized for a urinary tract infection and has now been discharged. The doctor mentioned that there is edema and cystic formation in t...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
1. If there are only a few blisters, this is a degenerative issue and does not require medication. However, if there are multiple blisters, this is a genetic issue that needs to be managed in collaboration with a physician, monitoring blood pressure and avoiding urinary tract inf...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Cysts and Edema: Treatment and Care for Seniors
Managing Small Kidney Stones: What You Need to Know
Questions about kidney stones? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about the two kidney stones measuring 0.25 cm that were discovered during my company's health check last week. I would like to know how I should proceed with this. I'm feeling a bit worried. Thank you.
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
First, check if you have any symptoms such as lower back pain, hematuria, or urinary tract infection (fever, chills, frequent urination, or painful urination). If you do, you should consult a urologist. If not, based on the size of your stone (0.25 cm) and your age (20-39 years),...[Read More] Managing Small Kidney Stones: What You Need to Know
Foamy Urine: What It Means and Its Connection to Health Issues
There are bubbles in the urine! Hello Director Wu: My boyfriend has noticed a lot of bubbles in his urine that take a long time to dissipate when he urinates. This condition has been present for some time. Is this a cause for concern? Is it related to fatty liver disease?
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
The presence of bubbles in urine is most likely indicative of proteinuria (although it may not necessarily indicate a problem). If this has been persistent for a while, it is advisable to visit a nephrology clinic for an initial urine test to confirm whether proteinuria is presen...[Read More] Foamy Urine: What It Means and Its Connection to Health Issues
Understanding Kidney Cysts: Risks and Monitoring for Your Health
Renal cyst Hello, Doctor. This month I had a kidney ultrasound examination, and the doctor informed me that there is slight dilation in the left kidney. The right kidney has a cyst approximately 2 centimeters in size. I later underwent an X-ray imaging examination, and the result...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, if there is a cyst in the kidney, we refer to it as a "renal cyst." Generally, it does not have any significant impact on your health. We will consider the following situations: 1. Whether there is a family history of "autosomal dominant polycystic kidney di...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Cysts: Risks and Monitoring for Your Health
Understanding Elevated BUN Levels and Foamy Urine: Kidney Health Insights
Elevated BUN levels and foamy urine during a health check-up..? Hello Dr. Wu, I have some questions I would like to ask you! Recently, I have noticed bubbles in my urine, and there are quite a few. In September of this year, I underwent a simple blood test and urinalysis. The te...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
First of all, thank you for your question. Based on your inquiry, I will explain in three parts: 1. The blood test indices (serum urea nitrogen and creatinine) typically begin with an assessment of the creatinine level, which has a normal range of approximately 0.7-1.3 mg/dL (t...[Read More] Understanding Elevated BUN Levels and Foamy Urine: Kidney Health Insights
Understanding Left Side Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Left lumbar region Doctor, I have been experiencing pain in the upper left side of my lower back for some time now, especially when riding my motorcycle or sitting. Previously, I would have pain in my back or lower back, but now it is only the left side that feels a dull ache tha...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Regarding left-sided lower back pain, most people tend to think it is a kidney issue. However, after examination, it is often found to be merely inflammation of the muscles or tendons. It is recommended that you visit a nephrology clinic to arrange for urine tests and ultrasound ...[Read More] Understanding Left Side Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions