Does Eating Too Much Salt Harm Your Kidneys?
Does eating a lot of salt harm the kidneys? Dr. Chou: I am someone who often eats out, and I find the food very salty. When I go home, my mother's cooking tastes too bland for me. My question is, will eating a lot of salty food harm my kidneys?
Dr. Zhou Hengguang reply Urology
The metabolism of salt primarily involves the kidneys, so excessive salt intake inevitably increases the workload on these organs. Over time, this can raise the incidence of hypertension, and the kidneys may also experience premature failure due to long-term overwork and high blo...[Read More] Does Eating Too Much Salt Harm Your Kidneys?
Understanding Proteinuria: What to Know When a Loved One is Hospitalized
There is protein in the urine? If your grandmother has a fever and has been hospitalized, and the urine test shows proteinuria, it is important to monitor her condition closely. While proteinuria can sometimes be a benign finding, it can also indicate underlying health issues, es...
Dr. Zhou Hengguang reply Urology
During an infection, especially in the case of a urinary tract infection, there can be proteinuria because bacteria are a type of protein. Therefore, after the infection has resolved, it is advisable to consult a nephrologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: What to Know When a Loved One is Hospitalized
Managing Discomfort from Kidney Stones: Essential Tips for Patients
Kidney stone-related back pain? I have a history of right kidney stones and am a carrier of hepatitis C. Recently, I have been experiencing discomfort (not pain) in the lower left back area. Doctor, what precautions should I take? Are there any methods for improvement?
Dr. Zhou Hengguang reply Urology
(1) Kidney stones do not always cause pain; in fact, many instances of lower back pain are caused by injuries to the muscles and tendons adjacent to the spine. (2) For patients with kidney stones, general maintenance includes drinking plenty of water, reducing salt intake, avoidi...[Read More] Managing Discomfort from Kidney Stones: Essential Tips for Patients
Understanding Low Potassium Levels: Causes, Symptoms, and Care Tips
Hypokalemia (low potassium ion concentration in the kidneys) Hello, Doctor. My mother experienced dizziness today and went to the emergency room. The test results showed that her potassium levels are critically low, and she needs to be admitted to the intensive care unit for obse...
Dr. Zhou Hengguang reply Urology
Hypokalemia is a common electrolyte disorder in clinical practice, with serum potassium levels typically ranging from 3.5 to 4.8 mEq/L. A potassium level below 3.6 mEq/L is classified as hypokalemia, and approximately 20% of hospitalized patients exhibit symptoms of hypokalemia, ...[Read More] Understanding Low Potassium Levels: Causes, Symptoms, and Care Tips
Left Flank Pain: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Left flank Dear Doctor: I have previously experienced severe pain in my left flank and had an X-ray that showed no signs of kidney stones. I have taken pain medication, but in recent days, the pain in my left flank has recurred and feels somewhat sore. I'm unsure what the is...
Dr. Zhou Hengguang reply Urology
Left-sided lower back pain, along with some urinary symptoms (such as painful urination, frequent urge to urinate, and difficulty urinating), should raise concerns about potential kidney disease. Pay attention to pain in the lower back or lower abdomen! Possible causes include: 1...[Read More] Left Flank Pain: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help