Understanding Frequent Urination: Causes and Concerns for Teens
Urinary problems Hello doctor, I am a high school senior weighing 66 kg and standing 174 cm tall. I often feel the need to urinate at school, about once every hour. I drink a normal amount of water, and my urine output is neither too much nor too little. After exercising (working...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Based on your inquiry, urinating 6-10 times a day with each instance being over 200cc should not be a concern. As for experiencing frequent urination at school, it may be related to stress. If you are still worried, it is advisable to consult a urologist for further evaluation to...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Urination: Causes and Concerns for Teens
Understanding Chronic Glomerulonephritis: Risks and Management
Chronic glomerulonephritis Hello Director Wu: I have hypertension and dyslipidemia (controlled with medication), as well as proteinuria. Since last year, my creatinine levels have fluctuated, sometimes above 1.2 and sometimes above 1.3. My most recent creatinine level was 1.33, w...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Based on your question, "Creatinine is 1.33 with a glomerular filtration rate of 62.1 ml/min/1.73 m²," it can be simply stated that at your age, the glomerular filtration rate should be greater than 90 ml/min/1.73 m². Additionally, you mentioned having hypertension, dys...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Glomerulonephritis: Risks and Management
Understanding Rhabdomyolysis: Symptoms, Risks, and When to Seek Help
Rhabdomyolysis Hello Dr. Wu, I would like to ask the following question. As an avid runner, I suspect that I might have rhabdomyolysis. I researched related symptoms online and my reasons for suspicion are as follows: Recently, I have been running and walking approximately 30 kil...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, RC: 1. "Because of hematuria, I visited the urology department at Mackay Memorial Hospital last week, and I have completed a urinalysis (which showed a positive reaction for blood)..." Here, "positive reaction for blood" refers to either the presence ...[Read More] Understanding Rhabdomyolysis: Symptoms, Risks, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Acute Pyelonephritis: Risks, Recovery, and Monitoring
Urinary tract infection (pyelonephritis) Hello Director Wu, my mother is 64 years old and experienced a mild stroke in early March 2014. She is currently making stable progress in her recovery. In March of this year, during her hospitalization for stroke treatment, she had a urin...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Hello KK: First, let me explain some medical terms; "urinary tract infection" refers to an infection of the urinary tract system caused by pathogens (usually bacteria). The urinary tract system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, and in males, the prostate....[Read More] Understanding Acute Pyelonephritis: Risks, Recovery, and Monitoring
Understanding Excessive Urination: Causes and Concerns Explained
Regarding issues related to urine output? I often feel that I have a large urine output, with a daily intake of at least 1500 to 2500 cc and a drinking volume of about 2000 cc. I went to a urologist for a urinalysis, and aside from a urine specific gravity of 1.003, everything el...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
1. According to your description of "at least 1500 to 2500 cc per day" and "not urinating much if drinking little or no water," both are normal phenomena. 2. The human body has a self-regulating mechanism; more fluid intake leads to more urination, while less...[Read More] Understanding Excessive Urination: Causes and Concerns Explained
Understanding Foamy Urine: When to See a Doctor for Kidney Health
The issue of foamy urine? Hello: What symptoms are associated with foamy urine that would require seeing a doctor for kidney examination? Thank you.
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
First, let’s define what you refer to as "bubbly urine." When observing bubbly urine with the naked eye, it is important to further investigate for proteinuria, as proteinuria can cause bubbly urine. However, bubbly urine does not necessarily indicate proteinuria; it ma...[Read More] Understanding Foamy Urine: When to See a Doctor for Kidney Health
Understanding Kidney Issues: Proteinuria and Rising Creatinine Levels
Regarding kidney disease issues? Three months ago, blood tests showed a creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL and a BUN of 7.2 mg/dL. Three days ago, blood tests indicated that the creatinine level has risen to 1.1 mg/dL, and a urinalysis revealed proteinuria at 10 mg. In recent months, ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Three months ago, blood tests showed a creatinine level of 1.0, which corresponds to an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 98 ml/min/1.73m². Three days ago, the creatinine level increased to 1.1, resulting in an eGFR of 88 ml/min/1.73m². Although this appears to be a ...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Proteinuria and Rising Creatinine Levels
Understanding Edema: Causes and Concerns for Kidney Patients
Edema of the legs? Hello Dr. Wu: I have chronic glomerulonephritis with proteinuria and hypertension, and I undergo blood tests every three months. My kidney function is within normal limits, although my creatinine level occasionally exceeds 1.4 slightly. The cardiologist suggest...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
1. If pressing on the foot causes a dent that lasts about 3-5 seconds (sometimes several minutes) before recovering, does this count as edema? Answer: Yes, this is considered edema. 2. Kidney function is within normal limits, but sometimes creatinine is slightly above 1.4. Answ...[Read More] Understanding Edema: Causes and Concerns for Kidney Patients
Defining Substantial Renal Pathology in Alternative Military Service Standards
The definition of substantial renal pathology during alternative military service suspension? I apologize for the inquiry, Dr. Wu, regarding the standards for alternative military service suspension. The criteria state "pathological examination of the kidneys shows significa...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
1. Based on the two reports you provided, which indicate "hematuria + proteinuria" in the urine and a serum creatinine level showing "glomerular filtration rate of 82-77 ml/min/1.7 m²," there is indeed a need to suspect the presence of significant renal pathol...[Read More] Defining Substantial Renal Pathology in Alternative Military Service Standards
Understanding Membranous Glomerulonephritis: Treatment, Prognosis, and Emotional Impact
Glomerulonephritis The biopsy report indicates membranous glomerulonephritis. Prior to the biopsy, the proteinuria was 1.25 grams, which increased to 2 grams after the biopsy. Following one month of steroid treatment, the proteinuria decreased to 1.3 grams. Due to significant sid...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Membranous nephropathy is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults, with the majority of cases being of unknown origin, while a minority are associated with medications or infections (such as hepatitis B). Treatment and prognosis can be categorized into three types: ...[Read More] Understanding Membranous Glomerulonephritis: Treatment, Prognosis, and Emotional Impact
Kidney Donation Eligibility for Relatives with Drug History: What to Know
Kidney transplantation The likelihood of being able to use a kidney from a relative with a history of drug abuse (who has been sober for a year) depends on several factors, including the individual's overall health, kidney function, and any potential complications related to...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
First, your relative must be a blood relative or spouse within the fifth degree of kinship (a spouse is defined as someone who has been married to the organ donor for at least two years or has children with the donor), and must not have any other legally defined infectious diseas...[Read More] Kidney Donation Eligibility for Relatives with Drug History: What to Know
Can Foreign Workers in Taiwan Apply for Kidney Transplants?
Kidney transplantation Can a foreigner working in Taiwan and holding a health insurance card apply for an organ transplant? (Has been on dialysis for two years...)
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
In principle, individuals working in Taiwan who hold a National Health Insurance card can apply for organ transplantation. However, the specific circumstances need to be assessed by a nephrologist during an outpatient visit to determine if the patient's health condition is s...[Read More] Can Foreign Workers in Taiwan Apply for Kidney Transplants?
Managing Post-Dialysis Nausea and Dizziness: When to Seek Further Help
Frequent vomiting after dialysis? My boyfriend has been on dialysis for over a year now. Recently, he often feels dizzy after dialysis or the next day, and he frequently experiences vomiting. Sometimes he vomits right after eating, and other times he rushes to the bathroom to vom...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Regarding dizziness and frequent vomiting after dialysis or the following day, we can discuss it in two parts: 1. First, consider the quality of dialysis. Is the dialysis adequate? Is there excessive weight gain between sessions? Is there poor blood pressure control? These factor...[Read More] Managing Post-Dialysis Nausea and Dizziness: When to Seek Further Help
Understanding Normal Serum Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function
Normal test values The normal range for serum creatinine concentration is typically 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL in adults, not 3.5 to 5 mg/dL. Therefore, even if a patient's serum creatinine level falls within a certain range, it does not necessarily indicate normal kidney function. Th...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
The normal values for serum creatinine, based on our hospital's laboratory results, are as follows: for males, 0.7-1.2 mg/dL, and for females, 0.4-1.0 mg/dL. Although there may be some variations among different hospitals, values will not reach 3.5 to 5 mg/dL. Currently, whe...[Read More] Understanding Normal Serum Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function
Understanding Right Flank Discomfort: Kidney or Gastrointestinal Issues?
Right posterior flank? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing a dull, pressure-like sensation in the right side of my lower back, sometimes in the right flank. It feels uncomfortable when sitting down, but it’s not painful. This has been going on for over a week. I fee...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Recently, I have been experiencing a feeling of heaviness and pressure in the right side of my lower back, sometimes in the right flank, especially when sitting down. There is no pain, and these symptoms have persisted for over a week. I feel more comfortable when standing. Gener...[Read More] Understanding Right Flank Discomfort: Kidney or Gastrointestinal Issues?
Understanding Heavy Metal Toxicity: Detection, Detoxification, and Treatment
Heavy metal concerns? Hello: Due to modern dietary habits, people may ingest heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and mercury. I would like to ask: 1. Does the human body have the ability to excrete heavy metals on its own? 2. What foods or drinks can help accelerate the excretion...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
1. The human body can excrete heavy metals on its own, but the amount and speed of excretion can vary. Dietary interventions or other methods may not significantly increase the rate of excretion, and the key point in heavy metal poisoning is not the speed of excretion but rather ...[Read More] Understanding Heavy Metal Toxicity: Detection, Detoxification, and Treatment
Which is Better for Kidney Health: Outpatient Visits or Health Checkups?
Kidney problems Hello Dr. Wu, I would like to inquire about kidney examinations. Should I schedule an outpatient appointment, or is it better to undergo a health check-up? Which option would provide a more comprehensive assessment? Thank you.
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
1. If there is a family history of kidney disease or a past medical history, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with a nephrologist who will be responsible for examining and explaining the reports. 2. If there are no such conditions, either of the above two options is ...[Read More] Which is Better for Kidney Health: Outpatient Visits or Health Checkups?
Antibiotics and Grapefruit Juice: A Risky Combination?
Antibiotics + Grapefruit Juice A few days ago, I had a fever. I took antibiotics in the morning, and three and a half hours later, I drank grapefruit juice. Within a few minutes, I started experiencing abdominal pain and had two episodes of diarrhea. At that time, there were sign...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Q1: A few days ago, I had a fever. After taking antibiotics in the morning, I started experiencing abdominal pain within a few minutes and had two episodes of diarrhea. At this point, there are signs of gastrointestinal inflammation. Additionally, I noticed inflammation at the ur...[Read More] Antibiotics and Grapefruit Juice: A Risky Combination?
Understanding Kidney Issues: Proteinuria and Hematuria Concerns
Kidney problems Hello, Doctor: 1. Is a urine protein level of 180 mg/L considered normal? (The reference value is 150 mg/L.) 2. However, I have a urine occult blood result of 4+. Is this related to excessive masturbation? After drinking more water, the color of my urine became ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
1. Is a urine protein level of 180 mg/L considered normal? (The reference value is 150 mg/gm. Since 180 > 150 mg/gm, it cannot be considered normal. However, this slightly elevated physiological urine protein may occur after intense exercise. It is recommended to retest later....[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Proteinuria and Hematuria Concerns
Why Is My Urine Colorless After Eating Red Dragon Fruit?
Colorless urine? Hello Dr. Wu, As we all know, consuming red dragon fruit can cause urine to appear more reddish. I experienced this normal phenomenon when I previously ate red dragon fruit. However, recently, after eating red dragon fruit, my urine seems to be nearly colorless...
Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
The color of urine can indeed vary based on hydration levels and diet. For example, when water intake is low, urine tends to be darker (concentrated), while higher water intake results in lighter urine (diluted). However, this can differ from person to person. Regarding your ques...[Read More] Why Is My Urine Colorless After Eating Red Dragon Fruit?