Should a Middle Schooler with High Uric Acid Levels Take Medication?
A middle school student with a uric acid level of 8 mg/dL, should medication be considered? Doctor, in my lifetime, during a school health check, my uric acid level was found to be elevated at 8. I went to see a doctor, who advised me to take medication to lower uric acid for one...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Based on your inquiry, if your uric acid level is 8 and you have no history of gout attacks, you can start with dietary control, increase your fluid intake, and reduce consumption of sugary beverages. After making these adjustments, you should have a follow-up test and then discu...[Read More] Should a Middle Schooler with High Uric Acid Levels Take Medication?
Understanding Kidney Cysts: What to Know After Blood in Urine
Renal cysts Hello Doctor, I am inquiring on behalf of my mother. My mother has experienced blood in her urine twice within the past three months (she has had this issue before, but the occurrences were several years apart). Both times she visited a nearby clinic. The first time, ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Based on your question, the small renal cysts (commonly referred to as "water bubbles") are unlikely to be the cause of hematuria. Regular monitoring of kidney function and ultrasound is sufficient. However, regarding the hematuria issue, if there are no symptoms, a fol...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Cysts: What to Know After Blood in Urine
How to Manage a Low-Protein Diet While Eating Out for Kidney Health
How can individuals who eat out achieve a low-protein diet? Hello Doctor: At the beginning of the month, I had a blood test that showed my kidney creatinine level at 2.5, which has increased to 2.62 as of October 27. Although my attending physician referred me to the nutrition de...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Based on the information you provided (Cr=2.5), the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is 28 mL/min/1.73 m², which indicates stage 4 chronic kidney disease. It is advisable that you are currently seeing a nephrologist and have been referred to a dietitian for consultatio...[Read More] How to Manage a Low-Protein Diet While Eating Out for Kidney Health
Understanding Changes in Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function
Kidney function issues? Hello, I have a question to ask you. This year's company health check report has been released, and when compared to last year, last year's creatinine level was 1.0 (0.5 ~ 1.3), which corresponds to a GFR of 91. This year, the creatinine level is...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 91 mL/min/1.73 m² or 79 mL/min/1.73 m² shows a difference, but it is not significant when viewed in the long-term trend. However, if you do not have hypertension, diabetes, proteinuria, or hematuria, and you maintain a controlled...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function
Managing Kidney Health: Dietary Tips for Creatinine and Uric Acid Control
Kidney problems Hello, doctor. In 2014, I had abnormal creatinine levels and elevated uric acid, which led me to seek consultation in the nephrology department of a major hospital for examinations (ultrasound and CT scan) and continuous monitoring. About six months later, my leve...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
According to the information you provided, a cholesterol level of 130 is considered normal. However, excessive intake of cholesterol from meat can increase the burden on the kidneys, which may lead to adverse effects. Regarding your concerns about sexual function, there are many ...[Read More] Managing Kidney Health: Dietary Tips for Creatinine and Uric Acid Control
Understanding Kidney Function and Glomerular Filtration Rate Issues
Glomerular and renal function issues? Hello doctor, I would like to ask a question. I am 35 years old, and my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) has not exceeded 90 for the past seven years. I do not have hypertension or diabetes. In my most recent urine test, the protein level was...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Based on the data you provided, the following is the calculation of the health examination results: Year Age Serum Creatinine Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) 2010 29 1.2 mg/dL 72 mL/min 2011 30 1.3 mg/dL 65 mL/min 2012 31 ...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function and Glomerular Filtration Rate Issues
High Potassium Levels: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
If the potassium ion levels in the electrolytes are elevated, what should be done? Hello Doctor: I recently had a blood test for electrolytes, and the report shows that my potassium level is 6.1 mEq/L. Is this value considered high? How can I address the issue of potassium imbala...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
According to the data you provided, the potassium ion level is 6.1 mEq/L, which is indeed elevated. High potassium levels can lead to arrhythmias, so it is important to identify the underlying cause of the hyperkalemia and provide appropriate treatment. I recommend that you consu...[Read More] High Potassium Levels: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Effects of Essential Oils on Kidney Health: A Closer Look
The effects of essential oils on the kidneys? Hello Dr. Wu, I would like to inquire about the essential oil issue. I have learned that my colleague is using wild orange essential oil, which I found online contains limonene as its main chemical component. My colleague applies it t...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Your question can be addressed from several perspectives. 1) Essential oils are primarily volatile organic compounds, typically containing multiple chemical constituents (sometimes up to dozens). There may not always be a single predominant component, and the effects on th...[Read More] Effects of Essential Oils on Kidney Health: A Closer Look
Managing SLE, COPD, Kidney Function, and High Cholesterol in Your 50s
The patient has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), along with impaired kidney function and elevated cholesterol levels? My mother is 50 years old and has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Since systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can potentially affect the kidneys and even cause glomerulonephritis, if your health check shows a significant decrease in glomerular filtration rate, it is recommended that you discuss this with your rheumatologist or bring your me...[Read More] Managing SLE, COPD, Kidney Function, and High Cholesterol in Your 50s
Understanding Acute Kidney Failure Recovery: Key Insights and Timeline
Recovery from renal failure Hello Dr. Wu, in May of this year, I underwent blood tests due to feeling unwell. The first test results showed BUN: in the 120s and Cr: around 5.5 (with no proteinuria present). Two days later, I had another blood test, and the results were BUN: in th...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Based on the information you provided, if kidney function was normal during the previous year's health check and has suddenly deteriorated this year, the clinical course should primarily be considered as acute kidney injury. However, acute kidney injury can lead to va...[Read More] Understanding Acute Kidney Failure Recovery: Key Insights and Timeline
Do Essential Oils Affect Kidney Health? Insights for Office Workers
The effects of essential oils on the kidneys? Hello Dr. Wu, I have interstitial nephritis and I am currently a working professional. Recently, my colleagues have started using essential oils to stay alert, and the scent is quite strong. I would like to ask if the aroma of essenti...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. Li, essential oils contain various components and additives (or solvents), and each component can have different effects on the kidneys. It is necessary to assess the specific ingredients and additives (or solvents) to determine whether they may impact kidney function.[Read More] Do Essential Oils Affect Kidney Health? Insights for Office Workers
Is It a Kidney Issue? Understanding Bladder and Urinary Symptoms
Is it a kidney problem? Hello doctor, two months ago I experienced severe symptoms of cystitis, including fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, frequent urination, and painful urination. An ultrasound revealed a benign cyst on my kidney. A few weeks ago, I experienced frequent urinati...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Based on your inquiry, it seems that you may have a urinary tract infection. If you have completed the necessary treatment but are still experiencing discomfort, it is advisable to follow up with a urologist or nephrologist. If necessary, consider undergoing a urine culture. Addi...[Read More] Is It a Kidney Issue? Understanding Bladder and Urinary Symptoms
Do You Need Annual Kidney Check-Ups After Past Urinary Issues?
Kidney problems Is it necessary for a physician who had a history of urethritis over a decade ago and has taken a large amount of traditional Chinese medicine, but has had normal health values twice in recent years, to undergo regular annual check-ups? The physician has a congeni...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, based on the information you provided, not all traditional Chinese medicines cause renal dysfunction. Although you have taken a large amount of herbal medicine, it does not necessarily mean that your kidney function is impaired. However, early renal dysfunction may not pre...[Read More] Do You Need Annual Kidney Check-Ups After Past Urinary Issues?
Effective Strategies to Manage Proteinuria and Albumin Levels in Lupus Patients
How can proteinuria and albumin levels be effectively managed? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and have been diagnosed for over four years. I had been managing my condition well, even stopping medications like quinine and mycophenolate mofetil...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Based on the information you provided, there is currently still a significant amount of proteinuria, and given your history of lupus erythematosus, it is possible that you may have lupus nephritis. However, even within lupus nephritis, there are various types and degrees o...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Manage Proteinuria and Albumin Levels in Lupus Patients
Understanding Persistent Left Lower Back Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Left flank pain? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing soreness and pain in my left lower back for a while. Upon visual inspection, I notice a slight protrusion in the left lower back area. I consulted a nephrologist, and both X-rays and urinalysis came back normal, but the pai...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
If you are experiencing general left flank pain, many individuals often first seek help from a nephrologist. If you have undergone kidney ultrasound, X-rays, and urinalysis, and all results are normal, this indicates that the issue is not related to the kidneys. However, if the p...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Left Lower Back Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Managing Water Intake for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Water Intake Issues in Patients with Chronic Kidney Failure Hello Dr. Wu, My mother has a history of mild stroke, along with mild diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, high uric acid, proteinuria, and hematuria. Her estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is currently arou...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Regarding your question, we will discuss it in two parts: (1) Based on the information you provided, your mother's estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 50 indicates that she is approximately in stage 3 of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which has a total of fi...[Read More] Managing Water Intake for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
High Creatinine Levels After Dialysis: Causes and Solutions
After dialysis, creatinine and liver enzyme levels remain elevated? Hello Dr. Wu: I started dialysis in March, and my most recent blood test report showed several values outside the reference range: creatinine was 8.0 before dialysis and 3.1 after; urea was 134 mg/dL before and 4...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, regarding your questions, I would like to respond in the following points: 1) The effectiveness of dialysis is commonly referred to by two key indicators: one is the Urea Reduction Ratio (URR, which should be >65%), and the other is Kt/V. Based on the index you provid...[Read More] High Creatinine Levels After Dialysis: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Low CCR Levels: Do You Need a Low-Protein Diet?
Regarding the CCR (Creatinine Clearance Rate) renal function index? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask why my creatinine clearance (CCR) is low, even though my other test results are mostly normal. I have had several tests, and my CCR has consistently been between the low 50s and...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: The 24-hour creatinine clearance rate is clinically used as an indirect indicator of glomerular filtration rate. While its accuracy is relatively high, it can still be affected by urine collection methods, medication use, and testing errors, which may influence the results...[Read More] Understanding Low CCR Levels: Do You Need a Low-Protein Diet?
Impact of Kidney Disease on Pregnancy: Risks and Recommendations
The impact of kidney disease on pregnancy? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my current situation. My creatinine level is 1.4, but my blood pressure, proteinuria, and blood urea nitrogen levels are all normal. I recently underwent a kidney biopsy, which confirmed interstiti...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, I will explain your questions in several parts. 1. The impact of a creatinine level of 1.4 mg/dL on pregnancy: Although creatinine is referred to as a kidney function index, its value can be influenced by age, body weight/muscle composition, and gender. When interpreting...[Read More] Impact of Kidney Disease on Pregnancy: Risks and Recommendations
Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate and Proteinuria: A Patient's Concerns
Hello, Dr. Wu. Could you please explain the relationship between glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria? Hello Dr. Wu, in my last hospital check-up report, my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was highlighted in red at 83 mL/min/1.73 m², with a reference value of greater than ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) used by hospitals is estimated based on formulas derived from past research statistics on patients with chronic kidney disease. Factors such as age, weight, body composition, gender, and ethnicity can all influence the calculation of th...[Read More] Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate and Proteinuria: A Patient's Concerns