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:
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 Thyroid Function in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke
Thyroid-related issues? Hello, Director Hsiao. My mother is 64 years old and experienced a mild stroke in early March 2014. She is currently showing stable and improving recovery. Due to her atrial fibrillation, her attending physician prescribed Dronedarone for treatment, and sh...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Amiodarone is a commonly used medication for the treatment of arrhythmias, and it is quite effective. However, it can affect iodine metabolism, leading to either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism; therefore, regular monitoring of thyroid function is necessary. If such conditio...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke
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:
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 Unexplained Weight Loss and Digestive Issues
Annoying physical discomfort? Hello Doctor: Since the end of September last year, my weight has dropped from 68 kg to 52 kg. My height is 172 cm, and my condition includes a sudden decrease in appetite, lack of desire to eat, discomfort, nausea, and dizziness. I often experience ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you visit the Department of Metabolism and the Department of Gastroenterology at a medical center to determine the cause of your condition. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Unexplained Weight Loss and Digestive Issues
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:
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 Basophil Counts: What Do Your Blood Test Results Mean?
Eosinophilia typically indicates? (The first part was sent prematurely and is incomplete.) Hello, Doctor. I apologize for sending the previous message before I finished typing. I would like to ask: The results of my health check-up at Taichung City Hospital at the end of 2012 sho...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Regarding your white blood cell differential count, the total white blood cell count is normal, with a slightly elevated percentage of basophils and a slightly decreased hemoglobin level in red blood cells, which should be considered normal variations. There is no evidence of ...[Read More] Understanding Basophil Counts: What Do Your Blood Test Results Mean?
Understanding Reiter's Syndrome: Prognosis, Treatment, and Dietary Considerations
Regarding Reiter's syndrome (reactive arthritis) I was recently diagnosed with Wright's syndrome, and looking back, I realize that I have had symptoms for over six months. I am currently taking antibiotics, immunomodulatory drugs, and pain medications. I would like to a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The prognosis for this condition is quite good. If inflammation and joint pain improve with ongoing treatment, it is possible to gradually reduce or even discontinue medication, which can be discussed with your physician. There are no specific ...[Read More] Understanding Reiter's Syndrome: Prognosis, Treatment, and Dietary Considerations
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:
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:
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
Understanding Diabetes Risk: Home Testing vs. Professional Evaluation
Concerns about diabetes? I have a family history of diabetes; my father and grandmother have it, while my mother's side only has my grandmother. When I was a freshman in college, I had a health check-up, and my fasting blood glucose level was 105 mg/dL, with no glucose in my...
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
Fasting blood glucose levels between 100 and 126 mg/dL indicate impaired fasting glucose, while levels above 126 mg/dL are diagnostic for diabetes. Blood test results are generally more accurate. Capillary blood glucose readings can also be referenced. Individuals with impaired f...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Risk: Home Testing vs. Professional Evaluation
Understanding Dizziness and Blurred Vision: Anemia Symptoms Explained
Sudden dizziness, blurred vision, and anemia? This condition has been present for about three to four months. Sometimes I experience sudden dizziness, and occasionally I feel nauseous. The dizziness feels similar to that of anemia, and at times, when I feel dizzy and uncomfortabl...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello Jun, if you are experiencing symptoms such as dizziness and nausea, I recommend that you go to the hospital for a blood test to further assess your health condition for an accurate evaluation. Thank you for your message.[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Blurred Vision: Anemia Symptoms Explained
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:
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 the Connection Between Kidney Calcification, Tubular Acidosis, and Hypokalemia
The relationship between renal calcification, renal tubular acidosis, and hypokalemia? Two to three years ago, I underwent an ultrasound at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Keelung, which diagnosed me with numerous kidney stones (calcifications) in both kidneys. I have a history o...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Yao: Nephrocalcinosis, renal tubular acidosis, and hypokalemia are three distinct conditions. Nephrocalcinosis, which is different from renal stones, is usually caused by hypercalcemia. It involves calcium deposits in the renal parenchyma, whereas renal stones are concentra...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Kidney Calcification, Tubular Acidosis, and Hypokalemia
Understanding Moon Facies: Possible Causes and Diagnostic Approaches
What diseases can cause an unusually round and swollen face (similar to a full moon face)? I am a 22-year-old male, and recently while organizing old photos, I noticed that my face appears disproportionately swollen compared to my BMI. I am 175 cm tall and weigh 80 kg. I collecte...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Mr. Kobayashi: 1. Regarding kidney diseases, blood tests and urinalysis can be used for screening, and sometimes additional imaging studies such as ultrasound may be performed to assist in diagnosis and treatment. If, as you mentioned, you only have kidney stones (and ele...[Read More] Understanding Moon Facies: Possible Causes and Diagnostic Approaches
Understanding Elevated IgG and IgG-4 Levels: Causes and Solutions
Elevated levels of IgG and IgG4 immunoglobulins? Hello Doctor: My father had blood tests in the pancreatic department showing elevated levels of IgG: 1910 and IgG-4: 238. The pancreatic specialist advised us to consult a rheumatologist to determine the cause of the elevated globu...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The diagnosis of IgG4-related disease cannot rely solely on the concentrations of IgG and IgG4 in the blood. Since the elevation of IgG and IgG4 can be due to various reasons beyond pancreatitis, it is essential to consider the overall clinical ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated IgG and IgG-4 Levels: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Cellulitis: A Patient's 21-Day Struggle with Infection
Cellulitis, hospitalized for 11 days... on the 21st day... still suffering? Dear Dr. Liao, The patient does not have liver disease or diabetes and has sinusitis. The bacteria causing the infection and the substances they have been exposed to cannot be determined. The patient is ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. If the knee is still swollen and round, rehabilitation exercises can be performed at the bedside or on a chair to improve circulation and reduce edema. 2. The goal is to keep the C-reactive protein (CRP) level below 1. Sometimes it may take a bit longer to gra...[Read More] Understanding Cellulitis: A Patient's 21-Day Struggle with Infection
Managing Cellulitis: A 11-Day Hospital Journey and Ongoing Challenges
Cellulitis, hospitalized for 11 days, currently still unable to achieve complete control? On October 11, the patient experienced foot pain and sought medical attention at a general orthopedic clinic. The doctor prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain relief medication for three day...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. I have a general understanding of your (or your family member's) condition; it may be necrotizing fasciitis or severe soft tissue inflammation. This is inherently a serious and challenging condition to manage. 2. First, it is important to assess whether...[Read More] Managing Cellulitis: A 11-Day Hospital Journey and Ongoing Challenges
Understanding Wrist Swelling: Could It Be Rheumatoid Arthritis?
The bones in both wrists are swollen? Dear Doctor, Hello. For the past two months, I have been experiencing discomfort in my left shoulder, feeling stiff and painful in certain positions, making it difficult to lift my arm. In the last two weeks, I have noticed swelling between ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, Nanxi, thank you for your questions. Here are the answers to your inquiries: 1. Is it possible to have rheumatoid arthritis? Answer: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic form of arthritis, and since your pain has lasted a maximum of only two months, with wrist pain for only ...[Read More] Understanding Wrist Swelling: Could It Be Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Should You Get Further Blood Tests for Low WBC Count?
The white blood cell count (WBC) is 3510, and further detailed blood tests are needed? Hello Doctor, I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have blood tests and abdominal ultrasounds every six months. Previously, my white blood cell (WBC) count was always above 4,300. However, in my l...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, Lany: A count of less than 4000 is considered low. For some individuals, this may be a normal variation, while others may require further evaluation. There are many potential causes, and you can consult a hematology clinic for assessment. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Should You Get Further Blood Tests for Low WBC Count?
Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Kidney Health Concerns Explained
This morning, I went for a fasting blood draw, and after receiving the report, I found that my creatinine level is slightly elevated? Hello Doctor, I submitted a question on October 12 (you replied on October 14). This morning, I went to the lab on an empty stomach to have blood ...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello: Creatinine: 1.24, GFR 81.64, which is not far from the normal value of 90. This could be due to fluctuations in test results or may indicate a mild issue. It is recommended to have regular blood tests for monitoring (every six months or annually). Additionally, regarding y...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Kidney Health Concerns Explained