Understanding Persistent Proteinuria: Causes, Risks, and Next Steps
Persistent proteinuria reaching + + +? Hello Dr. Yao, I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask for your advice. I have noticed persistent bubbles in my urine for a long time. Since I haven't felt any abnormalities or discomfort, I haven't paid much attent...
Dr. Yao Quan reply Internal Medicine
Ms. Yang: Hello. Your urine test shows + + protein, and further quantitative urine protein testing is necessary, and possibly a biopsy to determine the cause or pathological type. As you mentioned in your letter, a biopsy must be considered; if a biopsy is not performed, we will ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Proteinuria: Causes, Risks, and Next Steps
Can Allergic Purpura Appear on Thighs? Symptoms and Treatment Insights
Purpura can appear on the thighs? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if allergic purpura can appear on the thighs and the inner thighs? The symptoms are as follows: occasional abdominal pain, lower back pain, and knee pain when walking. The spots are painful when pressed. Will th...
Dr. Yao Quan reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Miss Sandy. Allergic purpura primarily appears on the lower extremities and can occur on the thighs. Some patients may also have purpura on the trunk. The following photo is from the British Journal of Dermatology, 149(6):1282-5, December 2003. Allergic purpura is a type o...[Read More] Can Allergic Purpura Appear on Thighs? Symptoms and Treatment Insights
Understanding Edema and Unexplained Leg Fluid Leakage: Causes and Specialist Guidance
Edema and unexplained fluid accumulation in the calves? I have been experiencing edema for a while, and yesterday and today my calves have been leaking fluid for no apparent reason. What could be the cause of this, and which specialist should I see?
Dr. Yao Quan reply Internal Medicine
Hello, you have been experiencing edema for a while now, and for the past two days, your calf has been leaking fluid. Based on my personal experience, I have seen patients with severe edema who also had wounds on their legs, which caused continuous fluid leakage from the wounds. ...[Read More] Understanding Edema and Unexplained Leg Fluid Leakage: Causes and Specialist Guidance
Understanding Side Effects of Sleeping Pills: When to See a Doctor
Side effects after taking medication? Hello, Doctor: Due to insomnia, I have been taking the sleeping pills prescribed by you every night before bed. However, recently I have been experiencing frequent pain in the left kidney area upon waking up in the morning, along with numbnes...
Dr. Yao Quan reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. Ahong, due to your insomnia, you have been taking the sleeping medication prescribed by your doctor every night. However, recently you have been experiencing frequent pain in the left kidney area upon waking up in the morning, along with numbness in your hands and feet,...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Sleeping Pills: When to See a Doctor
Can Blood Cleansing Machines Help Lower Uric Acid in Gout Patients?
Gout 1. Can gout patients use "extracorporeal machines" to cleanse their blood in order to lower uric acid levels? I have been diagnosed by my physician with gout-induced arthritis, but I still have residual pain after two weeks. Is it possible that it is not gout? Can ...
Dr. Yao Quan reply Internal Medicine
Hello: 1. Uric acid cannot be completely eliminated through dialysis; moreover, it can be effectively lowered with medication, so there is no need for excessive measures. 2. Gout typically resolves within a week, but if the wrong medication is used, the diagnosis is incorrect, or...[Read More] Can Blood Cleansing Machines Help Lower Uric Acid in Gout Patients?
Night Sweats While Sleeping: Causes and Solutions in Air-Conditioned Rooms
Experiencing excessive sweating during sleep (even in an air-conditioned room)? My husband almost every night sweats profusely while sleeping! The air conditioning is on in the room, and the temperature is around 26°C (79°F). He sweats on his forehead, back of the neck, chest, ba...
Dr. Yao Quan reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Night sweats can be normal or abnormal. Some individuals who are overweight often experience significant night sweating. In these individuals, it is important to monitor for snoring during sleep and whether there are any interruptions in breathing while asleep. If such sym...[Read More] Night Sweats While Sleeping: Causes and Solutions in Air-Conditioned Rooms
Understanding Abnormal Blood Pressure: High and Low Readings Explained
Blood pressure (both high and low are abnormal) Hello Dr. Yao: I would like to ask you a question. Recently, I have been experiencing unexplained dizziness, and the blood pressure readings show high systolic pressure and low diastolic pressure, as well as low systolic pressure an...
Dr. Yao Quan reply Internal Medicine
Dear Miss Ellen, Hello. I hope you can provide your blood pressure readings, as this would allow the physician to make more informed judgments and recommendations. The difference between high systolic blood pressure and low diastolic blood pressure is referred to as pulse pressu...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Pressure: High and Low Readings Explained
Seeking Help for My Mother's Severe Kidney and Back Pain
I am here to help, as I cannot bear to see my mother in so much pain? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask you, in the past week, my mother has been experiencing severe pain in her kidneys and both sides of her lower back. The pain is so intense that she can't sit or stand comf...
Dr. Yao Quan reply Internal Medicine
Ms. Li: Hello! Generally speaking, for patients with lower back pain, if kidney issues are ruled out after examination, we usually consider skeletal or muscular disorders. Therefore, further tests such as X-rays of the spine may be conducted. Regarding your mother’s condition, yo...[Read More] Seeking Help for My Mother's Severe Kidney and Back Pain
Understanding Acquired Polycystic Kidney Disease: Key Questions Answered
May I ask the doctor? I have acquired polycystic kidney disease, and it has been diagnosed that there are more than ten cysts on my right kidney. I would like to ask the doctor: Is polycystic kidney disease a type of benign tumor? Also, is polycystic kidney disease a renal parenc...
Dr. Yao Quan reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Is polycystic kidney disease considered a benign tumor? Polycystic kidney disease is not cancer and is not classified as a malignant tumor. However, certain types of polycystic kidney disease, such as autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, can lead to kidney failure...[Read More] Understanding Acquired Polycystic Kidney Disease: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Alkaline Phosphatase Levels: What You Need to Know
Alkaline phosphatase in the blood Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you: I recently received the results of a health check-up conducted by my company, and yesterday I found that the blood test results included "alkaline phosphatase." Could you please explain what this ...
Dr. Yao Quan reply Internal Medicine
Hello, alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme found in the body, primarily in the liver and biliary system, bones, small intestine, and placenta. If you are pregnant, elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase can occur due to liver and biliary system disorders (such as bile duct obstruc...[Read More] Understanding Alkaline Phosphatase Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Kidney Stones: Surgical Options and Kidney Preservation
Kidney stones Dr. Yao, my mother has been diagnosed with stag horn kidney stones and has undergone a PET scan. Her kidney function is still at 50%. If surgery is necessary, does that mean the kidney must be removed? What are the surgical options available? Is it traditional open ...
Dr. Yao Quan reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Staghorn calculi are usually associated with infection and typically require simultaneous treatment. The methods for stone removal include percutaneous nephrolithotomy and surgical extraction. Each method has its own risks and success rates, so please consult with your uro...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Stones: Surgical Options and Kidney Preservation
Understanding Your Blood Test: What Low and High White Blood Cell Counts Mean
Regarding white blood cell issues? Hello, doctor! I recently had a physical examination, and there are some issues in the report that I would like to ask about: In the blood report, my white blood cell count shows neutrophils at 37.7% with a ↓ symbol, basophils at 1.7% with a ↑ s...
Dr. Yao Quan reply Internal Medicine
Hello, your neutrophil percentage is 37.7%, which is slightly below the reference range (40%-74%). The basophil percentage is 1.7%, which is slightly above the reference range (0-1.7%). The lymphocyte percentage is 44.2%, which falls within the reference range. Your message did n...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test: What Low and High White Blood Cell Counts Mean
Understanding Severe Reactions After Medication: Causes and Concerns
excuse me? Hello, doctor: I visited a nearby clinic due to headaches and dizziness that caused nausea. At the clinic, I received an injection (intravenous) and was prescribed medication for morning and evening (for 3 days). After returning home, I took the first dose 30 minutes l...
Dr. Yao Quan reply Internal Medicine
Hello, based on your symptoms occurring one hour after taking the medication (and 1.5 to 2 hours after the injection), we can consider two possibilities: first, a drug allergy; second, a worsening of your underlying condition. However, from your description, it seems you experien...[Read More] Understanding Severe Reactions After Medication: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Elevated Immunoglobulin Levels and Kidney Health Risks
Elevated immunoglobulin levels? Doctor: Hello! Recently in April, I went to the hospital due to shortness of breath and chest tightness, where cardiac examinations showed no issues, and it was later diagnosed as autonomic nervous system dysfunction. However, the urine tests revea...
Dr. Yao Quan reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Kiki, Hello. There are five types of immunoglobulins: IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, and IgE, each with different normal value ranges. Your letter mentions elevated immunoglobulin levels (approximately 440), but it is unclear which specific immunoglobulin is elevated. The normal r...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Immunoglobulin Levels and Kidney Health Risks