Can People with Kidney Issues Take Krill Oil? Expert Insights
Kidney problems Hello. Can people with kidney problems take krill oil sold on the market?
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Krill oil is classified as a dietary supplement and comes in various forms, so it cannot be treated uniformly. If you have chronic kidney disease, it is advisable to discuss this with your nephrologist during your outpatient visit. Thank you for your inquiry; the Nephrology Depar...[Read More] Can People with Kidney Issues Take Krill Oil? Expert Insights
Understanding Kidney Health: Long-Term Effects of Medications and Monitoring
Kidney problems Hello, I would like to ask about my health history. When I was young, I had poor health and took a lot of medications, including both Western and traditional Chinese medicines, as well as some unknown herbal powders intermittently until I was around 18 years old. ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Based on your inquiry, it seems you are concerned about the potential kidney damage caused by aristolochic acid. If you took unknown herbal powders during childhood but had a normal kidney function test during your last routine blood check as an adult, there is likely no cause fo...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Health: Long-Term Effects of Medications and Monitoring
Morning Abdominal Discomfort: Could Stress Be the Cause?
Lower abdominal discomfort in the morning upon waking up? Hello, doctor. Recently, for the past two to three days, I have been feeling a bit of discomfort in my lower abdomen when I wake up in the morning. I usually don't eat breakfast, but for the past two to three days, I ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Based on your description, due to your history of kidney stones, it is recommended to schedule a follow-up appointment for a renal ultrasound and other examinations to clarify the cause. Thank you for your inquiry; Changhua Hospital cares about your health.[Read More] Morning Abdominal Discomfort: Could Stress Be the Cause?
Common Questions from Families of New Dialysis Patients
Questions from family members of novice kidney patients? Dear Dr. Wu, I hope this message finds you well. My elderly family member has recently entered the dialysis stage due to chronic kidney failure, and as a novice caregiver, I have some questions I would like to ask you. 1....
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
1. Determine an appropriate target dry weight: approximately 1-2 weeks, unless the patient has a history of pulmonary edema or generalized edema, in which case additional time may be needed. 2. If the dry weight has been achieved but blood pressure remains elevated, antihypertens...[Read More] Common Questions from Families of New Dialysis Patients
High Kappa Immunoglobulin Levels: Understanding Potential Health Risks
Elevated levels of immunoglobulin Kappa? Hello, I am a 48-year-old male, 166 cm tall and weighing 66 kg, with hereditary Mediterranean anemia. I had a urinary stone in 2012, but it passed naturally. I do not have hypertension (January 2018 readings: 122 mmHg systolic, 77 mmHg dia...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Based on your inquiry, I can provide you with some recommendations: 1. The eGFR of 55 is slightly low, and the urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio of 303.4 mg/g is elevated; it is advisable to have long-term follow-up with a nephrologist. 2. Regarding the immunoglobulin levels, K...[Read More] High Kappa Immunoglobulin Levels: Understanding Potential Health Risks
Does Drinking Ice-Cold Beverages Lead to Kidney Failure?
Does drinking cold beverages affect the kidneys? Drinking 1000-1500cc of cold beverages every day may not directly cause early kidney failure, but excessive consumption of sugary or caffeinated drinks can lead to other health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, w...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Drinking 1000-1500cc of iced beverages daily, does it lead to kidney failure? Currently, there is no medical literature that supports this hypothesis if you are referring to iced plain water. However, if by iced beverages you mean sugary drinks, consuming 1000-1500cc of sugary be...[Read More] Does Drinking Ice-Cold Beverages Lead to Kidney Failure?
Unexplained Fever from Back to Lower Abdomen: Causes and Solutions
Unexplained fever from the back to the lower abdomen? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing unexplained warmth from my armpit to my back and lower abdomen, especially after sitting for a long time or lying in bed. My kidney function is not very good; I have previously been hospi...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Based on your description, you can start by consulting a nephrologist for some basic tests to identify the underlying cause.[Read More] Unexplained Fever from Back to Lower Abdomen: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Recovery and Dietary Considerations
Kidney problems Hello, my sister is 29 years old and has a history of refractory epilepsy for 23 years, is a carrier of hepatitis B, and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia for 2 years. She was hospitalized on July 31 due to cellulitis and developed sepsis, requiring intubation...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Based on the data you provided, this condition is classified as "acute kidney injury," which may be caused by cellulitis complicated by sepsis. The key point is that as the infection is brought under control, your kidney function will gradually improve. It is recommende...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Recovery and Dietary Considerations
Can Chronic Kidney Disease Be Treated with Medications?
Is there medication available to treat chronic kidney disease? Hello Doctor: My mother previously suffered from a myocardial infarction, which has affected her kidney function. Her current creatinine level is 2.23, and the doctor has indicated that she is in stage 4 chronic kidne...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Based on your description, your aunt has a history of myocardial infarction and may also have issues related to the "three highs" (hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia). From the perspective of chronic kidney disease management, controlling these conditions i...[Read More] Can Chronic Kidney Disease Be Treated with Medications?
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function: What You Need to Know
Creatinine and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Hello, doctor. During this year's company health check, all results were normal except for my creatinine level, which is 1.3 (normal range 0.7-1.2 mg/dL). There is no proteinuria or hematuria. I am 28 years old; does this mean ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
According to the report you provided (creatinine 1.3), the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is only 66 mL/min/1.73m², which is indeed low (normal is greater than 90 mL/min/1.73m²). This indicates stage 2 chronic kidney disease. It is recommended to consult a nephrologi...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function: What You Need to Know
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function in Health Checkups
Creatinine, Glomerular Filtration Rate, Health Checkup Issues? Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask a question. About two months ago, I went to a health check-up at a clinic. The doctor reviewed my report and said that my liver and kidney function...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. Yang: "Creatinine 1.10, Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) 86.69" is only a single data point, making it difficult to assess the overall kidney function. Changes in kidney function need to be evaluated through multiple blood tests over time to understand the con...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function in Health Checkups
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Glomerular Filtration Rate Changes
Creatinine and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Hello Doctor, two weeks ago, the hospital came to the community to conduct free health check-ups. Today, when I went to review the report, the doctor informed me that my creatinine level is 1.05 mg/dL and my glomerular filtration ra...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. Wang: Regarding your question, I will address it in two parts. (1) The changes in creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) should be evaluated based on their "trends." If you only have two data points for comparison, you can only determine whether the...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Glomerular Filtration Rate Changes
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function Concerns
Creatinine and Kidney Function Related Issues Hello, Doctor. I apologize for the lengthy description of my issue. Here are the results from my blood and urine tests conducted at the clinic two weeks ago: Fasting blood glucose: 100 mg/dL (reference range: 70-100) Blood urea ni...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Based on your description, your creatinine level is 1.34 mg/dL (reference range 0.7-1.5), and your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 66.9 (reference value > 60). Given your age, your GFR is slightly low, and the most common risk factors affecting kidney function are hyperten...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function Concerns
Understanding Persistent Edema: Seeking Answers Beyond Normal Test Results
Edema issues Hello Doctor: I previously inquired about edema and have since visited the Metabolism Department at Shuanghe Hospital. My hormone levels and thyroid function are normal. (I had my heart, liver, and kidney blood tests done at the Family Medicine Department last August...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Hello! Based on the information you provided, I can sense your concerns about your current physical condition. However, there are many causes of edema, and clinical judgment is necessary; written communication may not accurately address your concerns. If you have previously consu...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Edema: Seeking Answers Beyond Normal Test Results
Understanding Urinary Protein Levels: When to Seek Further Testing
Urinary protein issue? Hello Doctor: Recently, I received my health check-up report, and most items are normal. However, regarding kidney function, the urine protein and urine creatinine levels are highlighted in red. The urine routine shows: Urine Protein: (+) UProtein (random u...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Regarding the interpretation of the proteinuria report: UProtein (urine protein, random urine): 22 mg/dL UCre (urine creatinine, random urine): 379 mg/dL UProtein/UCre ratio: 58 The key value to look at is the UProtein/UCre ratio of 58, which is calculated as (22/379) * ...[Read More] Understanding Urinary Protein Levels: When to Seek Further Testing
Effective Strategies to Manage Persistent Edema: A Patient's Guide
How can edema be improved? Hello, doctor... I have asked a question recently. I previously visited a family medicine doctor who ruled out issues with my liver, kidneys, and heart. My blood tests have been normal for several years. I inherited my father's genetic tendency to ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
1. First of all, I would like to express that everyone has a different definition of edema. Since I have not seen you in person and you did not mention your current weight, I cannot assess the degree of your edema. 2. You mentioned that you have seen a family physician, who has ...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Manage Persistent Edema: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Persistent Edema: Causes and Solutions for Long-Term Swelling
I have been experiencing edema for six years, and it hasn't resolved? Hello doctor, my edema started in 2012. However, my diet is light, and I have been vegetarian since childhood. I am 34 years old this year and drink about 3000 ml of water daily. I have seen a family physi...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
General systemic edema should first rule out systemic issues related to the heart, liver, kidneys, and thyroid. If it is confirmed that there are no problems with these organs, it can then be classified as idiopathic edema. As for the dietary fluid intake you mentioned, it is lik...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Edema: Causes and Solutions for Long-Term Swelling
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Health: A Patient's Inquiry
Kidney issues and creatinine? Hello Dr. Wu, I have a few questions that I hope you can help me with. I am 60 years old, 175 cm tall, and weigh 72 kg, giving me a BMI of 23.5. I have a habit of hiking every day. My serum creatinine levels are 1.6 to 1.7 mg/dL, and my glomerular f...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, based on the information you provided, you have mild chronic kidney disease, classified as stage 3 (mild). Patients with chronic kidney disease should indeed avoid nephrotoxic medications (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), but not all medications adversely aff...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Health: A Patient's Inquiry
Understanding Foamy Urine: Causes and Health Implications
Foamy urine? Hello, doctor. Five years ago, during my university entrance health check, I was found to have high urine protein levels. At that time, I had just moved into the dormitory, my living conditions were poor, and I was drinking very little water. My mother told me not to...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, due to the various components present in urine, when the urine concentration is higher (such as after drinking less water or the first urine in the morning) or when there are more impurities, it is possible to produce more bubbles. The presence of bubbles does not necessar...[Read More] Understanding Foamy Urine: Causes and Health Implications
Understanding Kidney Decline: Managing Hypertension and eGFR Changes
Rate of Kidney Decline Issue I am 40 years old and was diagnosed with hypertension (>180) in August. My creatinine level was 1.8, and my eGFR was 44. After starting treatment with antihypertensive medication (Amlodipine) and Pentoxifylline, my creatinine level improved to 1.41...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Based on your inquiry, it is evident that you have a certain understanding of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Currently, your greatest risk factor is hypertension. Caring for your kidneys is a lifelong commitment, so it is essential to control your blood pressure...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Decline: Managing Hypertension and eGFR Changes