Understanding Kidney Function Tests: Interpreting Your Results
Kidney function tests Hello Dr. Wu, I had a general health check-up at a clinic in early May, and the report is as follows: - Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): 14.0 (normal range: 7-25) - Creatinine: 0.63 (normal range: 0.6-1.2) - Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): 115 (greater than 6...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to your inquiry, both reports indicate normal kidney function (as the glomerular filtration rate is greater than 60, and all urine tests are normal), which does not qualify as chronic kidney disease. For chronic kidney disease to be diagnosed, the glomerular filtration ...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function Tests: Interpreting Your Results
Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Why My Levels Increased Despite Healthy Eating
Issues related to glycated hemoglobin? Hello, Doctor. I am currently 35 years old, 168 cm tall, and weigh 56 kg. I usually exercise regularly. In the past, my meal times were irregular, and my portion sizes varied greatly. Last year, during a health check, I found out that my fas...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
When it comes to carbohydrates, try to choose those with a low glycemic index, such as whole grain rice or brown rice. Additionally, fruit intake should not be excessive. You may also consider the 16:8 intermittent fasting method, and then monitor for any changes afterward.[Read More] Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Why My Levels Increased Despite Healthy Eating
Managing Weight Loss and Health for Night Shift Nurses
Moderately obese night shift nurse? Hello, doctor. I am a nurse who has been working night shifts for a long time. Over the past three years, I have gained 30 kilograms (currently classified as moderately obese, with a history of polycystic ovary syndrome). Since last year, I hav...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Drink water at your convenience, while always being attentive to any urinary tract symptoms.[Read More] Managing Weight Loss and Health for Night Shift Nurses
Understanding Bloating and Constipation: Insights for Relief
Abdominal bloating and constipation? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing abdominal bloating for almost six months now, with the bloating sensation primarily located on the right side of my abdomen. I have undergone a colonoscopy during this period, which was normal. Currently,...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Gastrointestinal abnormalities are common clinical issues that can be challenging to manage. The causes are numerous, including physiological, psychological, medication-related, dietary, and lifestyle factors. It is difficult to determine the cause and appropriate management base...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Constipation: Insights for Relief
Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c Levels
Elevated fasting blood glucose with normal glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)? Hello, doctor. I usually have a blood test every month to check my fasting blood glucose levels. In the past few tests, my levels were around 80 to 90, but in the last two months, they were 101 and 124. I als...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, fasting blood sugar reflects the current blood sugar level, while glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) indicates the average blood sugar over the past three months. Based on your values, it suggests that your average blood sugar is good; however, there may be occasional spikes in b...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c Levels
Managing Severe Dry Mouth in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome
Severe dry mouth in xerostomia? Hello Doctor: My mother is 76 years old and has been suffering from Sjögren's syndrome for over 20 years. She also has hepatitis C, which has recently been successfully treated, and she is now virus-free. My mother has severe dry eye syndrome,...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Currently, there are effective medications available to alleviate the symptoms of xerostomia, particularly dry mouth, which you can discuss with your primary care physician. Additionally, there are some over-the-counter mouth rinses that can hel...[Read More] Managing Severe Dry Mouth in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome
Understanding Muscle Indentation Above the Tibia: Kidney Health Insights
Depression upon palpation of the muscles above the tibia in the lower leg? Hello Dr. Wu, I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask you a question. Recently, I suddenly noticed that when I press on the muscles around my tibia in both calves, they indent and do not bou...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to your inquiry, the report you provided shows that urine protein levels are at 568 mg/g, which exceeds the normal value (<150 mg/g). This may require a discussion with a nephrologist regarding treatment options and adherence to a low-protein diet. Regarding the inde...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Indentation Above the Tibia: Kidney Health Insights
Can Immune Modulators Like Salazopyrin Reduce Severe COVID-19 Risk?
Does the immunomodulatory function of Salvia miltiorrhiza reduce the likelihood of developing moderate to severe symptoms after contracting COVID-19? Hello Doctor, I have ankylosing spondylitis and I am currently 20 years old. I am taking two Salazopyrin (500 mg each) and one Met...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) From a theoretical standpoint, could it be that because I am taking Salazopyrin, I am less likely to develop moderate to severe symptoms after contracting COVID-19 compared to others of the same age and condition who ...[Read More] Can Immune Modulators Like Salazopyrin Reduce Severe COVID-19 Risk?
Understanding Gout Symptoms: Normal Uric Acid Levels and Foot Discomfort
Regarding normal uric acid levels but slight discomfort in the big toe? Hello Director Gao, I apologize for disturbing you, but I would like to consult you regarding a patient. About ten years ago, the patient experienced sudden severe pain in the foot and was diagnosed with gou...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Can gout occur even with normal uric acid levels? For example, if someone suddenly consumes a large amount of seafood or red meat, or if they haven't been drinking enough water recently, could this trigger a mild...[Read More] Understanding Gout Symptoms: Normal Uric Acid Levels and Foot Discomfort
Dietary Restrictions for Iodine Radiation Therapy in Thyroid Cancer
Dietary Issues Related to Radioactive Iodine Therapy Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my mother-in-law's thyroid cancer treatment, which requires radioactive iodine therapy. Before the treatment, there are dietary restrictions, such as avoiding salty condiments like ...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: To be precise, a low-iodine diet is required. Mirin or grape vinegar can be consumed as long as they are low in iodine.[Read More] Dietary Restrictions for Iodine Radiation Therapy in Thyroid Cancer
Concerned About My Height Growth at Age 13: Seeking Medical Advice
I feel like I'm not growing taller? Hello, doctor. I am 13 years old, and I feel like I haven't grown taller recently. My dad is 172 cm and my mom is 161 cm. My diet is normal, and I drink plenty of milk. Sometimes I stay up late, and I am also working on my abs. In the...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If there is a concern about not growing taller, it is advisable to visit a pediatric endocrinologist to check for any issues with growth hormone. Growth hormone secretion is lower during the day, while it is significantly released during sleep, particularly between 10 PM a...[Read More] Concerned About My Height Growth at Age 13: Seeking Medical Advice
Understanding Kidney Issues: The Significance of Proteinuria and Creatinine Levels
Kidney issues (proteinuria) Urine Creatinine: 93.4 mg/dL Micro Albumin: 25.7 * mg/dL (Random Urine < 1.9 mg/dL) Urine Protein: 42.0 * mg/dL < 14 ACR: 275.16 * µg/mg Creatinine (<30) Protein/(Creatinine/1000): 449.68 mg/g Serum Creatinine: 1.07 Doctor, I have...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Mao, Regarding your concerns about proteinuria, kidney function, and kidney biopsy, here are some suggestions for your consideration: 1. You may want to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of a kidney biopsy with your physician. An excerpt from UpToDate states, "...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: The Significance of Proteinuria and Creatinine Levels
Understanding Kidney Issues: Ultrasound Findings and What They Mean
Kidney problems Kidney: mild bilateral cortical echogenicity increase and irregular contour. > Aorta: patent and normal size. > Inferior vena cava: patent and normal size. IMP: Fatty liver with focal sparing. Bilateral renal parenchymal disease. 1. This ultrasound indicate...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The main findings are fatty liver and renal parenchymal disease. Renal parenchymal disease refers to the observable damage to the kidneys that can occur with aging or disease; however, it should be evaluated alongside kidney function indices, specifically serum creati...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Ultrasound Findings and What They Mean
Understanding Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels: Your Health Questions Answered
Inquire about blood lipid and blood glucose issues? Hello: I have a lipid issue and have been taking traditional Chinese medicine and Lipitor for about six months. My last blood test results on February 21 showed: LDL: 185, HDL: 60, total cholesterol: 249, triglycerides: 67, bloo...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Your blood glucose is currently within the fasting range of 70-100 mg/dL, and your hemoglobin A1c is between 4-6%. Whether there are issues with your blood vessels can be determined based on your symptoms or through examinations. Generally, these conditions require long-te...[Read More] Understanding Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels: Your Health Questions Answered
Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Risks: Key Insights
Follow-up questions regarding complement system? Hello, doctor. Thank you for your response. In your previous article, you mentioned that complement proteins are produced by the liver, so liver disease can lead to decreased complement levels. For normal individuals, it is related...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Are you asking if low complement levels in healthy individuals could increase their likelihood of developing autoimmune diseases in the future, or if individuals who already have autoimmune diseases could have low co...[Read More] Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Risks: Key Insights
Understanding Gout Diagnosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
Gout Diagnosis Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to respond to my questions. I really appreciate it! I am a 34-year-old male, 175 cm tall, weighing 93 kg. I do not drink alcohol but often stay up late. I have gastroesophageal reflux disease and a duodenal ulcer, for which I ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is swelling and redness always present in gout? I had pain in my knee at that time, but there was no swelling or redness; can that still be considered gout? --> Most of the time, yes, but some patients may not exhi...[Read More] Understanding Gout Diagnosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
Understanding Thyroid Issues: Low Free T4 and TSH Levels Explained
Thyroid issues Hello, doctor. I am 20 years old, with a height of 160 cm and a weight of about 48 kg. I have lost 10 kg in just one year. Recently, I had a blood test for my thyroid, and my Free T4 level was 0.76 and my TSH level was 0.695, both of which appear to be low. I did s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have hyperthyroidism, free T4 levels would be elevated and TSH levels would be decreased. Conversely, if you have hypothyroidism, the opposite would be true. Your blood test results suggest that your significant weight loss may not be due to a thyroid issue. I would...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: Low Free T4 and TSH Levels Explained
Managing Diabetes: Weight Loss, Diet, and Cholesterol Control
Diabetes, Weight, and Diet Last October, I was diagnosed with diabetes and started medication—Metformin. At the end of November, I began intermittent fasting (16:8) to lose weight, eating only lunch and dinner. During my follow-up appointment in February, my weight decreased from...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Avoid consuming items that contain refined sugars, such as candies, sodas, cakes, etc. Instead, try to choose less sweet fruits, such as firm guavas and large tomatoes. You should also discuss with your physician how many calories you can reasonably consume each day based ...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Weight Loss, Diet, and Cholesterol Control
Understanding Rising Cholesterol Levels: Key Factors and Next Steps
Elevated total cholesterol? Hello, doctor. Recently, during my follow-up visit for my thyroid condition, the hospital conducted blood tests that included cholesterol and triglyceride levels. I have previously done blood tests myself and noticed that my total cholesterol has been ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Currently, the levels do not appear to be high, so there is no need for excessive concern. Triglycerides may be influenced by recent dietary intake, leading to fluctuations. Some medicinal fish oils can help lower triglyceride levels.[Read More] Understanding Rising Cholesterol Levels: Key Factors and Next Steps
Why Am I Not Growing Taller? Understanding Growth Patterns in Teens
I feel like I'm not growing taller? Hello doctor, I am 13 years old. Ever since I experienced a growth spurt of about 10 centimeters when I was 11, I have been growing less and less. I usually go to bed at 9:30, but sometimes I stay up past 10. I regularly exercise, drink mi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding height, it is likely influenced by genetics. I suggest you first consider your parents' heights. You can calculate the average height by adding your father's height and mother's height, then dividing by two, and adding about 10 centimeters; this co...[Read More] Why Am I Not Growing Taller? Understanding Growth Patterns in Teens