Managing Kidney Disease: Dietary Tips for Optimal Health
Diet for Kidney Disease Hello Dr. Yang: A year ago, I inquired about dietary issues related to kidney disease. At that time, I was advised to follow a low-protein diet, but the doctor recommended a normal diet, so I increased my protein and caloric intake. However, my muscle mass...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Currently, the formulas used worldwide to estimate kidney function utilize four variables: serum creatinine levels, age, gender, and race. Therefore, kidney function tends to decline with age. However, the symptoms you described do not seem to be closely related to kidney ...[Read More] Managing Kidney Disease: Dietary Tips for Optimal Health
Understanding Your Symptoms: Muscle Pain, Diarrhea, and Coughing
Please consult a doctor for clarification..? I started exercising last week, and after two days, I had to pause due to muscle soreness. The soreness is mainly in the outer part of my upper arms, which hurts significantly when I bend or extend them to a certain degree. I also feel...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei reply Internal Medicine
1. After exercise, there may be a significant accumulation of lactic acid, which can cause soreness the following day. Please drink plenty of water and rest; you should recover quickly. 2. Your other symptoms resemble those of upper respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. If...[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: Muscle Pain, Diarrhea, and Coughing
Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Causes and Concerns
Creatinine issues? The health examination report indicates that there are no signs of hematuria or proteinuria, and the blood urea nitrogen level is normal. However, the creatinine level is 1.34 mg/dL. The doctor advised to follow up in three months. Given that I had surgery for ...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei reply Internal Medicine
Most medical centers have a normal serum creatinine level up to 1.4 mg/dL. If urine tests show no proteinuria or hematuria and serum creatinine is less than 1.4 mg/dL, we consider kidney function to be normal. To assess whether both kidneys are functioning properly, an ultrasound...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Low Urine Output: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Regarding decreased urine output? Decreased urine output in a day, despite drinking plenty of water, is concerning.
Dr. Yang Zhongwei reply Internal Medicine
Hello: If the daily urine output is less than 500 c.c., it is referred to as oliguria. Possible causes include: 1. Dehydration, leading the kidneys to conserve water; 2. Impaired renal function, resulting in an inability to excrete urine; 3. Urine retention in the bladder, making...[Read More] Understanding Low Urine Output: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Managing Kidney Health: Understanding Diet and Function in Patients
Kidney disease management Hello Dr. Yang, I have a smaller left kidney (congenital, not due to atrophy) and during winter, I experience high blood pressure, increased urination, and nocturia. After visiting the hospital for follow-up examinations, my kidney function has remaine...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei reply Internal Medicine
Hello: 1. Frequent urination (is it the frequency or the volume?) and nocturia are not necessarily indicative of kidney problems; it is advisable to consult a urologist to examine the bladder. 2. There is currently insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of a low-pro...[Read More] Managing Kidney Health: Understanding Diet and Function in Patients
Understanding Elevated Monocytes: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Monocyte issues Hello Doctor: I recently had an examination, and the report indicated that my monocyte level is 14.9%, which is slightly elevated. Does this indicate any specific disease, or could there be an underlying condition? Should I pursue further monitoring or treatment? ...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei reply Internal Medicine
There are many reasons for elevated monocytes, the most common being viral infections, but it may also be due to hematologic malignancies. It is recommended that the user "Weiwei" seek medical attention at a hematology department in a medical center.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Monocytes: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Understanding Complications After Peritoneal Dialysis Surgery
Postoperative Recovery After Peritoneal Dialysis Surgery Dear Dr. Yang, My father has been undergoing peritoneal dialysis for over a year. Recently, due to some exposure of the dialysis catheter, the doctor recommended a surgical procedure to fix the catheter. We initially thoug...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Exposed tubing can easily lead to infections, and it should be reconstructed. As for the infections, stroke, ulcers, and intubation you mentioned, I cannot comment on your father's condition since I am not present. I apologize for that! I sincerely wish your father a ...[Read More] Understanding Complications After Peritoneal Dialysis Surgery
Is Hospital Dialysis an Option for Patients with Limited Mobility?
Inpatient dialysis? My father has difficulty moving his lower body due to a hip fracture and also requires dialysis. Is it possible to arrange for him to be hospitalized for dialysis to alleviate the discomfort of being moved?
Dr. Yang Zhongwei reply Internal Medicine
Hello: An acute hip fracture requires hospitalization for evaluation to determine whether surgery is necessary. Therefore, if this is an acute issue, we can collaborate with the orthopedic department for joint treatment. Please bring your father to our hospital for an orthopedic ...[Read More] Is Hospital Dialysis an Option for Patients with Limited Mobility?
Understanding Proteinuria: Causes, Concerns, and Kidney Health
Concerns about proteinuria? Hello, doctor. My brother recently had a urinalysis, which showed 2+ proteinuria. He had consumed a lot of high-protein foods before the test. The doctor advised him to return for follow-up after some time, and the results showed that both the urinalys...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei reply Internal Medicine
Hello: 1. There is currently no clear answer regarding the direct relationship between high-protein foods and proteinuria. 2. Certain conditions can cause transient proteinuria, such as fever, intense exercise, or infections, but these usually resolve to normal. 3. Ultrasound is ...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Causes, Concerns, and Kidney Health
Understanding Kidney Stones: Treatment Options and Appointment Guidance
Kidney stones Hello, during my recent health check-up, I found out that I have a 0.2-0.3 mm stone in my left kidney. Although I am not experiencing any pain at the moment, I would like to take a leave on November 6, 2009, to visit Dr. Wu Hong-jie at Taoyuan Provincial Hospital. H...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei reply Internal Medicine
Hello: 1. Urinary tract stones, from the kidneys, ureters to the bladder, are managed by urologists, so you should directly schedule an appointment with the urology department. 2. If the stone is still in the kidney and has not moved down to get stuck, it will not cause pain....[Read More] Understanding Kidney Stones: Treatment Options and Appointment Guidance
Understanding Foot Calluses: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Plantar callus? Hello Dr. Yang, I have a hard lump about the size of a red bean on the bottom of my right foot, located centrally near the inner side of the foot's arch. It has been present for six months without any signs of resolution. It is painful when pressed at times, ...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Please go for an orthopedic examination. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Foot Calluses: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Concerns About Kidney Health: Understanding Atrophy and Function Tests
Concerned about needing dialysis? I underwent an ultrasound examination in 1999, which revealed left kidney atrophy. I have been having regular health check-ups every two years, and my left kidney measures approximately 6 centimeters. I have also had detailed examinations at a ma...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei reply Internal Medicine
Hello: 1. A person only needs one normal kidney to manage bodily functions, so in your case, even though only the right kidney is functioning normally, your blood test results for kidney function and urinalysis are normal. 2. The presence of foam in the urine without proteinuria ...[Read More] Concerns About Kidney Health: Understanding Atrophy and Function Tests
Managing Essential Hypertension: Medication, Diet, and Lifestyle Tips
Essential hypertension Hello Dr. Yang, My boyfriend recently went to the emergency room due to high blood pressure exceeding 170. He has a hereditary form of essential hypertension. Does this mean he will need to take medication for life? He was diagnosed early on, and his usual...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei reply Internal Medicine
Hello: 1. The target blood pressure for patients with hypertension is below 140/90 mmHg, while for patients with diabetes or chronic kidney disease, the target blood pressure is more stringent: below 130/80 mmHg. 2. Non-pharmacological management of hypertension includes: (1) ach...[Read More] Managing Essential Hypertension: Medication, Diet, and Lifestyle Tips
Understanding Urine Test Results: Protein and Blood Levels Explained
Regarding urine reports? Dr. Yang: I would like to ask a few questions. I have been experiencing issues with proteinuria and hematuria for some time. Recently, I underwent a routine check-up, and the report showed: proteinuria at 1.85, but the physician there said the normal rang...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Currently, proteinuria refers to the detection of albumin in urine using a dipstick test, where a level exceeding the detectable limit of 30 mg/dL is indicated. If it exceeds this limit, it will be expressed as 1+ to 4+ or in numerical values. Regarding the values of 1.85 ...[Read More] Understanding Urine Test Results: Protein and Blood Levels Explained
Understanding Nausea and Chest Discomfort in Hot Weather: When to Seek Help
Please ask your question? My brother is around 45 years old, and this summer he experiences nausea, vomiting, and chest tightness whenever the weather is hot, the air is humid, or the air quality is poor. Could this be heat exhaustion? Which specialty should he consult if this oc...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Heat exhaustion occurs in high temperature and humid environments, leading to excessive sweating and subsequent imbalance of body fluids and electrolytes. The management involves quickly moving to a cool, ventilated area to rest and replenish fluids and electrolytes. If sy...[Read More] Understanding Nausea and Chest Discomfort in Hot Weather: When to Seek Help
Managing Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Peritonitis: A Patient's Journey
Peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis Hello Dr. Yang, About six years ago, I started peritoneal dialysis due to chronic kidney failure. The past six years have gone quite smoothly, and I have been very attentive to cleanliness and hygiene. However, at the end of last year,...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei reply Internal Medicine
Hello: The biggest enemy of peritoneal dialysis (PD) is peritonitis. Generally, it can be resolved with antibiotic infusion treatment; however, there are certain situations where catheter removal and conversion to hemodialysis (HD) are necessary. For instance, in cases of fungal ...[Read More] Managing Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Peritonitis: A Patient's Journey
Managing Diabetes-Related Chronic Kidney Disease: Key Blood Test Insights
PTH 208 pg/ml, FERRITIN 699 ng/ml: blood test results? Blood test: GFR 21 ml/min/1.73m², PTH 208 pg/ml, Ferritin 699 ng/ml. Management of chronic kidney failure in diabetes?
Dr. Yang Zhongwei reply Internal Medicine
Hello: The information you provided is incomplete, and I am unable to answer your question. Thank you![Read More] Managing Diabetes-Related Chronic Kidney Disease: Key Blood Test Insights
Does High Protein Intake Affect Urine Protein Tests?
Issues with consuming high-protein powder? Hello, doctor. I usually have a fitness routine and after working out, I consume high-protein supplements, about 100 grams of protein per day (I weigh 61 kg). I have a health check-up coming up and I would like to know if this will affec...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei reply Internal Medicine
Hello: The average protein requirement is about 1.2 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. For a person weighing 60 kilograms, this amounts to approximately 70 grams of protein per day. In Taiwan, a normal three-meal diet typically provides sufficient protein. During exercise...[Read More] Does High Protein Intake Affect Urine Protein Tests?
Managing Diet and Activity for Moderate Kidney Disease Patients
Moderate kidney disease patients GFR 50 mL/min/1.73m² (moderate) Serum creatinine 2.3 (normal range 0.6–1.4) Serum potassium 6.0 (normal range 3.5–5.0) Serum phosphorus 5.2 (normal range 2.5–4.5) Presence of edema Age: 20 years Gender: Male Height: 160 cm Weight: ...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei reply Internal Medicine
Hello: If someone is 20 years old and has stage 3 chronic kidney disease, they really need to take extra care! Do they have hypertension or diabetes? If so, it is crucial to manage these conditions strictly, as they can accelerate the decline of kidney function. Additionally, con...[Read More] Managing Diet and Activity for Moderate Kidney Disease Patients
Understanding Kidney Pain from Western Medications: Risks and Solutions
Side effects of Western medicine? I have undergone a kidney ultrasound, and the results were normal. I would like to ask: 1. If I take any Western medicine (excluding those with chemical components and vitamins), I experience severe kidney pain immediately after taking it. What s...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei reply Internal Medicine
Hello: 1. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that taking Western medicine causes severe pain in the kidneys or lower back. 2. Both traditional and Western medicines, as well as drugs of unknown origin or composition, can potentially harm the liver and kidneys. Please disc...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Pain from Western Medications: Risks and Solutions