Understanding Back Pain Near the Kidneys: Signs and Concerns
Back pain near the kidneys? I have a strong aversion to drinking water, and I typically consume about three bowls of soup and one cup of milk each day, occasionally adding a 600cc bottle of sports drink. I've had no issues throughout my life, but since I started working as a...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, it was mentioned that your daily fluid intake is less than 2000cc, and due to work-related factors, you urinate infrequently, resulting in darker yellow urine. This is a mechanism by which the kidneys concentrate urine to retain sufficient bod...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain Near the Kidneys: Signs and Concerns
Does Hypertension Medication Increase Diabetes Risk in Seniors?
Do antihypertensive medications cause diabetes? Hello! I am 72 years old and have been on antihypertensive medication for over a decade. Recently, I had a check-up, and my blood sugar was 198, with the presence of glucose in my urine. Is this diabetes caused by high blood pressur...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
There are many causes of diabetes, and it cannot be definitively determined whether hypertension or medication is the cause. In any case, a blood sugar level of 198 needs to be controlled. Regarding whether dental inflammation on the day of testing affects blood sugar levels, for...[Read More] Does Hypertension Medication Increase Diabetes Risk in Seniors?
Understanding Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Leg Swelling, and More
Hypothyroidism What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism? Can it cause lower limb edema? Recently, I have experienced swelling in my lower limbs, and my urine tests came back normal. My blood tests showed only a GTO value of 40, while the rest were normal. My blood pressure is slig...
Dr. Huang Dayao Reply:
Hello, there are many causes of lower limb edema. Generally speaking, if urine output is normal, it is likely not related to the kidneys. Hypothyroidism can also cause edema, but it is different from typical edema; the swelling caused by hypothyroidism does not pit when pressed, ...[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Leg Swelling, and More
Should Mild Proteinuria in Children Be Treated? A Parental Concern
Does microalbuminuria require treatment? Hello Doctor: My daughter is currently 10 years old and occasionally wets the bed at night (about 3-4 times a month). After visiting the hospital for examination, it was found that she has mild hydronephrosis in both kidneys, but her kidne...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, your 10-year-old daughter has been found to have trace proteinuria, which is most commonly caused by minimal change disease in children. It is advisable to consult a pediatric nephrologist for further evaluation. Pentoxifylline has a specific ...[Read More] Should Mild Proteinuria in Children Be Treated? A Parental Concern
Feeling Tired After Sleep: Possible Causes and Solutions
Waking up feeling unrested? I have recently been feeling like I haven't had enough sleep after getting out of bed in the morning, and I feel a bit dizzy. I don't have trouble falling asleep at night, but sometimes I wake up around 1 or 2 AM and then go back to sleep. In...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Your total cholesterol is elevated, so you should pay attention to your diet and avoid excessive fats. It's important to engage in regular exercise. You are experiencing sleep disturbances, and it would be best to consult a psychiatrist or a mental health specialist at a hos...[Read More] Feeling Tired After Sleep: Possible Causes and Solutions
Is OPC Supplement Safe for Patients with Reduced Kidney Function?
Hyperkalemia Hello, I would like to ask if patients with approximately 50% kidney function remaining are suitable for consuming OPC health supplements. The OPC product contains antioxidant components such as grape seed extract at about 25 mg and red wine extract at about 25 mg pe...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello Ms. Lin, 1. Regarding your question about the health supplement OPC, I apologize that I am not familiar with it. As you mentioned, if kidney function is reduced to half, aside from collaborating with a physician (such as controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, and reducin...[Read More] Is OPC Supplement Safe for Patients with Reduced Kidney Function?
Understanding Low Blood Pressure: When to Seek Medical Help
Hypotension Hello Doctor: I experience fainting spells about 2 to 3 times a year, accompanied by cold sweats and body aches. Each time, I feel better after lying down for about 30 minutes. Blood tests have always come back normal, with only low blood pressure noted. However, in r...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question. 1. Syncope refers to a sudden, temporary loss of consciousness and inability to maintain posture, with complete recovery of consciousness typically occurring within a few minutes. It is important to differentiate it from conditions such as diz...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Pressure: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Adrenal Hyperplasia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Adrenal hyperplasia issues? 1. What is adrenal hyperplasia? Is it a congenital disorder? Are there acquired forms? Does it require treatment? 2. I have hypertension, and about once or twice a month, my blood pressure exceeds 140/95 mmHg, even though it may be around 120/80 mmHg...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello Vicky: I apologize for the delayed response due to my vacation. You may be experiencing increased anxiety, which can lead to elevated adrenal secretion, increased heart rate, and higher blood pressure. It would be best to discuss this with your physician to determine if fur...[Read More] Understanding Adrenal Hyperplasia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding High Total Cholesterol: Symptoms, Risks, and Solutions
Elevated total cholesterol? 1. Height: 176.5 cm 2. Weight: 77 kg 3. Body Mass Index (BMI): 24.7 4. Total Cholesterol: 238 mg/dL 5. Triglycerides: 116 mg/dL 6. Fasting Blood Glucose: 78 mg/dL 7. SGPT (ALT): 247 U/L 8. Blood Pressure: 124/77 mmHg a. What should be ...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
High cholesterol levels can easily lead to vascular sclerosis. Dietary control (low-fat diet) and regular exercise can help lower cholesterol. If there is a presence of diabetes or heart disease, cholesterol-lowering medication may be necessary.[Read More] Understanding High Total Cholesterol: Symptoms, Risks, and Solutions
Managing Diabetes: Addressing Nerve Issues and Rehabilitation Options
Diabetes issues Hello Doctor: My mother has had diabetes for 9 years and has been taking medication to control her blood sugar. Recently, she has been experiencing numbness in her right hand and foot. I have seen your responses to other patients and understand that this is caused...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question. 1. Diabetic neuropathy may affect peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain in the distal extremities, typically in the hands and feet. It can also cause soreness and weakness in proximal muscles, such as th...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Addressing Nerve Issues and Rehabilitation Options
Unusual Sweating: What Sticky Sweat Could Mean for Your Health
Recently, my sweating has been abnormal, and when I do sweat, it feels sticky? My mother has high blood pressure and experiences dizziness. Recently, she has noticed that her sweating is different than usual and feels stickier. Is this a symptom? Please help answer! Thank you!
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Sweat that is stickier does not indicate a specific disease.[Read More] Unusual Sweating: What Sticky Sweat Could Mean for Your Health
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:
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
Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Symptoms, Risks, and When to Seek Help
Blood pressure Doctor: Hello, what is considered low blood pressure? For example, even after walking, when I measure my blood pressure, the systolic pressure is between 60-50, and the diastolic pressure is between 50-40, or even lower. Is this normal? My cholesterol levels exceed...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Your blood pressure is low; it is advisable to visit a hospital for an internal medicine consultation.[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Symptoms, Risks, and When to Seek Help
Should I Take Medication for Diabetes? Exploring Treatment Options
Is medication necessary? I have been diagnosed with diabetes for a year and a half. During this time, my fasting blood sugar levels have ranged from 140 to 160 mg/dL, and my postprandial blood sugar levels have been between 180 and 200 mg/dL. My HbA1c levels are between 7.0% and ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Generally, a hemoglobin A1c level below 7.0% is considered acceptable, while a level above 8.0% necessitates intervention. Since your level is currently between these two thresholds, you can try to enhance your diet and exercise as non-pharmacological treatments. However, if you ...[Read More] Should I Take Medication for Diabetes? Exploring Treatment Options
Understanding Diabetes Complications: Symptoms and Management Tips
Complications of diabetes mellitus? Hello Dr. Shi: My father is currently 60 years old and has been diagnosed with diabetes for nearly 20 years. He has been managing his blood sugar levels with insulin injections. Recently, we have noticed that his feet are swollen and his vision...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
Your father has been suffering from diabetes for 20 years, and symptoms like edema and blurred vision are typically among the complications of diabetes. He should pay attention to potential issues such as nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular complications. Regarding the w...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Complications: Symptoms and Management Tips
Understanding Weakness in Hands and Feet: Causes and Solutions
Weakness in the limbs? Hello, I have been troubled by a long-standing issue where my hands and feet often feel weak. Sometimes, I even struggle to lift my hands to brush my teeth, and when I walk up stairs, it can get so severe that I end up kneeling down. I have low blood pressu...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello, in response to your question. The complaint of "weakness in the limbs" is common in clinical practice; however, due to the subjective nature of the experience, which varies from person to person, and the multitude of potential causes that lack specificity, it can...[Read More] Understanding Weakness in Hands and Feet: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Unexplained Pain in Diabetic Patients: A Case Study
Inquiry about unknown ailments? Hello, I would like to inquire about some unexplained pain. Thank you. Patient: Father, male, 68 years old, has been a diabetic for 15 years with blood sugar levels generally controlled around 130, but postprandial levels can rise to about 200. Med...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
Your father should not have a potassium level of 102; after hospitalization and receiving saline, it has risen to 127. It should be sodium that is low. Hypokalemia can cause weakness in the legs, but hyponatremia can also lead to leg weakness, as well as low blood pressure, which...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Pain in Diabetic Patients: A Case Study
Understanding Asymptomatic Diabetes: Risks and Management in Older Adults
There are no noticeable symptoms of diabetes? My father is 74 years old. Six years ago, he underwent surgery due to an accident and was found to have high blood sugar levels. He started taking antidiabetic medications. Initially, he was taking one pill, but now he has increased t...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
The symptoms of diabetes are often subtle, so many people with diabetes are unaware of their condition, just like your father who discovered his diabetes by chance. High or low blood sugar levels are not the main concern; what is critical are the chronic complications that arise ...[Read More] Understanding Asymptomatic Diabetes: Risks and Management in Older Adults
Understanding Low Blood Sugar: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
My blood sugar seems to be too low? (Blood sugar level: around 70 after meals) Hello, I just finished my graduate school entrance exam and the civil service exam a couple of days ago. My eating and sleeping patterns are normal (I’m actually eating a bit more than before and my ap...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the normal fasting plasma glucose level for a healthy individual ranges from 70 to 110 mg/dL, while the postprandial blood glucose level two hours after eating should be between 80 and 140 mg/dL. Regarding blood pressure, it is generally desir...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Sugar: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Managing Polycystic Kidney Disease: Tips for Patients and Family
Please inquire about polycystic kidney issues? My father is 50 years old and has inherited polycystic kidney disease. Last year, his kidney function was found to be at 65%. Besides dietary considerations, what else should he pay special attention to? Additionally, I am 24 years o...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, congenital polycystic kidney disease is a genetic hereditary condition. If someone in your family has this disease, siblings and direct relatives should be monitored. Your father was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease at the age of 50, a...[Read More] Managing Polycystic Kidney Disease: Tips for Patients and Family