Can Red Yeast Rice and Nitric Oxide Supplements Be Safe with Blood Pressure Meds?
Antihypertensive medications, red yeast rice, and nitric oxide? My husband is 43 years old and has been taking blood pressure medication (Lisinopril and Amlodipine) for about six months. Can he take red yeast rice or nitric oxide-related health supplements?
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Since we are unable to ascertain the current health status of the gentleman, it is recommended to bring the dietary supplements he wishes to take to his regular outpatient physician for consultation. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can Red Yeast Rice and Nitric Oxide Supplements Be Safe with Blood Pressure Meds?
Can Allergies Affect Inflammatory Markers Like CRP and ESR?
Does allergies affect inflammation levels? Hello Doctor: My son is 19 years old and has had allergies since childhood. Over a year ago, he was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. He is currently being treated with Wankesit and Celebrex. In his most recent follow-up appointment...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Can allergies cause an increase in CRP and ESR? --> Not necessarily. Most of the time, they do not, but severe allergies may cause an increase. 2) My child currently has a CRP of 0.5 and an ESR of 20. Could part ...[Read More] Can Allergies Affect Inflammatory Markers Like CRP and ESR?
Understanding U-PCR and Urinary Protein: Implications for Kidney Health
The relationship between U-PCR (Urine Protein-to-Creatinine Ratio) and kidney function? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a recent health check-up for a 72-year-old male. The U-PCR result is 1336.47, indicating significant proteinuria (+++). Is this indicative of a problem...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, U-PCR 1336.47 or urine bag protein 3+ are both indicators of proteinuria, which is most commonly associated with diabetes, but may also indicate other intrinsic kidney issues. Your overall kidney function is currently normal, but it is still recommended to schedule an appo...[Read More] Understanding U-PCR and Urinary Protein: Implications for Kidney Health
Managing High Fasting Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels: A Guide
Health check-up shows elevated fasting blood glucose levels? Hello Doctor, I had a health check-up in 2021 with a fasting blood glucose level of 100 mg/dL and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol of 139 mg/dL. On January 15, 2022, my fasting blood glucose was 112 mg/dL and t...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to avoid foods and beverages that contain alcohol. Fruits and carbohydrate-rich foods, such as desserts, can also lead to issues with blood sugar and blood lipids. It is advised to have a controlled diet for breakfast, and to exercise regularly and consis...[Read More] Managing High Fasting Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels: A Guide
Understanding Kidney Issues: Rising Urine Protein Despite Improved Creatinine Levels
Kidney problems On 03/19/2011, creatinine was 1.18, urine protein was 5, urine creatinine was 53.12, and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (uPCR) was 94.12. On 10/09/2010, creatinine was 1.26, urine protein was 17, urine creatinine was 108.7, and uPCR was 156.11. On 11/03/200...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to your inquiry, although the serum creatinine levels show little variation (ranging between 60-70), the urinary protein levels are gradually increasing. In addition to pharmacological management of hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, the prevention and treatmen...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Rising Urine Protein Despite Improved Creatinine Levels
Understanding eGFR and Creatinine Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
eGFR, creatinine Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my situation. In September 2021, my blood test showed an eGFR of 67.06 and a creatinine level of 1. After seeing these values outside the normal range, I consulted my doctor, who suggested that if I was concerned, I could h...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Ms. Chi, you mentioned that you have had two blood creatinine tests in the past six months, with results of 1 and 1.1, and eGFR values of 67.06 and 60.08, respectively. The urine test report indicated no issues. Here is some information for your reference: 1. eGFR stands f...[Read More] Understanding eGFR and Creatinine Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
Possible Causes of Swelling and Pain in the Right Ring Finger Joint
The possible causes of swelling and pain in the first joint of the right hand's ring finger may include: 1. **Osteoarthritis**: Degenerative joint disease that can cause pain and swelling in the joints. 2. **Rheumatoid Arthritis**: An autoimmune condition that leads to infl...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your symptoms, I suspect you may have trigger finger, and I recommend having another physician take a look. The occurrence of trigger finger is related to overuse of the fingers, but in some cases, the cause remains unclear. Additionall...[Read More] Possible Causes of Swelling and Pain in the Right Ring Finger Joint
Understanding Nausea and Discomfort: Common Gastrointestinal Issues
Nausea and discomfort? In the past few days, I have been experiencing a nauseating sensation in my throat. It's not painful, but it feels like something is there, and I can't seem to burp it out. Additionally, I occasionally feel mild discomfort in my upper left abdomen...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you mentioned seems to be different conditions. Nausea and upper abdominal pain may suggest gastritis, and a light diet is recommended, which should help improve the skin condition on your hands. Since I haven't seen it directly, I cannot make a definitive diagno...[Read More] Understanding Nausea and Discomfort: Common Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Hypothyroidism: Key Questions and Management Strategies
Hypothyroidism Hello, here are some test results: Anti-TPO Ab: 428 (8/26), 242.7 (9/17); TSH: 0.01, Free T4: 0.63, Free T3: 1.6 (9/16); TSH: 8.611, Free T4: 0.67, T3: 0.51 (10/7); TSH: 4.881, Free T4: 0.75 (11/4); TSH: 1.317, Free T4: 1.12 (12/2); TSH: 0.791, Free T4: 1.05 (2/12)...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Thyroid function should be maintained within the normal range, which may vary slightly among different medical institutions. A positive TPO antibody indicates the possibility of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Currently, cholesterol levels are slightly elevated and dietary control ...[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism: Key Questions and Management Strategies
How to Improve Fasting Blood Sugar After Gestational Diabetes
How to improve fasting blood glucose levels after gestational diabetes? Hello Doctor: During my pregnancy, I strictly controlled my diet due to gestational diabetes, and my blood sugar levels remained within the normal range. After giving birth, I continued to manage my diet, but...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello Ms. Lin: It is recommended to continue dietary control and find time to exercise more to manage blood sugar levels. The likelihood of developing high blood sugar in the future due to gestational diabetes is slightly higher than average. Therefore, it is advised to maintain ...[Read More] How to Improve Fasting Blood Sugar After Gestational Diabetes
Managing Proteinuria in Diabetic Kidney Disease: When to Start Low-Protein Diet?
Proteinuria and Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) Hello, doctor. I have been diagnosed with diabetes for about ten years and have consistently had microalbuminuria. My eGFR has been around 105 ± 10 for several years. I had a UACR > 300 tested before surgery at National Taiwan Univ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to your inquiry regarding the classification of UACR: UACR < 30 mg/g is considered normal range; UACR 30-300 mg/g is classified as microalbuminuria; and UACR > 300 mg/g is classified as macroalbuminuria. Since you only mentioned "UACR results < 300," ...[Read More] Managing Proteinuria in Diabetic Kidney Disease: When to Start Low-Protein Diet?
Understanding Kidney Function: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Kidney problems? Hello Doctor, I recently had a blood test and my kidney function indicators were slightly elevated: Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) was 17 (normal range is within 20), Creatinine was 1.16 (normal range is within 1.20), and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) was 83 (norma...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the slight changes in your blood test results, particularly in creatinine levels, it is suggested that this may be due to mild dehydration. It is recommended to maintain a regular habit of drinking water, engage in consistent exercise, and follow a regular daily r...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Understanding Creatinine Levels: Concerns About Kidney Health
Confusion Regarding Blood Test Report for Serum Creatinine Hello Doctor, I am 37 years old, weigh 75 kg, and am 167 cm tall. I have symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus, for which I have been taking proton pump inhibitors (such as Pantoprazole)...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. According to your inquiry, first, it is important to understand the definition of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It can be classified as stage 1 or stage 2 when the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is greater than 60 mL/min/1.73 m² and there are abnormalities in urine or imagin...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels: Concerns About Kidney Health
Understanding HIV Drug Interactions: Risks and Dietary Considerations
HIV drug interactions Hello, doctor. I have a couple of questions: 1. Is there a risk of ineffectiveness or reduced efficacy when switching medications? I am switching from Odefsey® film-coated tablets to Biktarvy 50/25/200 mg tablets. 2. Do food items like milk and soy milk,...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. For questions related to HIV medications, it is recommended to consult an infectious disease specialist. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is here to support you.[Read More] Understanding HIV Drug Interactions: Risks and Dietary Considerations
Understanding HIV Testing and PEP: Key Questions Answered
HIV testing Hello, I am spokesperson number 178234. Thank you, doctor. I have a few more questions. In the previous message, it was stated that 1 copy equals 1.67 IU, so 33 IU equals approximately 19.76 copies. Question 1: I took PEP within 72 hours of exposure. The test is sch...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. PEP can reduce the rate of infection, but it is unlikely to affect the accuracy of testing, so the results should still be reliable. 2. PEP should not significantly impact the interpretation of test results. 3. After PEP, dietary habits can return to normal. Thank...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing and PEP: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Sudden Decline in Kidney Function: Causes and Concerns
Acute decline in renal function? At the end of the year, my health check revealed a blood urea nitrogen level of 13, creatinine level of 1.7, urine protein negative, specific gravity of 1.030, and blood pressure of 126/71. Over the past years, my health check results have remaine...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to your inquiry: 1. If the health check has confirmed low vitamin D levels, please proceed with vitamin D supplementation. 2. If you experienced diarrhea about a month prior to the health check, it is indeed possible that dehydration may have caused changes in kidney fu...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Decline in Kidney Function: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: MRI Findings and Future Implications
Nuclear vibration report issues? Hello Doctor: My son is 19 years old. A year and a half ago, he started experiencing pain in the sacroiliac joint, and recently, through MRI and other examinations, he was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. The following English portion is the...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, bone marrow edema indicates a localized inflammatory response. Regardless of whether it is treated or stabilizes on its own, bone marrow edema will resolve, making it reversible. Once healed, there will be residual signs of previous inflammation on the bone, known as subch...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: MRI Findings and Future Implications
Understanding Sudden Decline in Kidney Function: Causes and Solutions
What could cause a sudden decline in kidney function? In mid-December last year, my health check revealed a blood urea nitrogen level of 13, creatinine level of 1.7, uric acid level of 6.9, pH of 6, urine protein negative, specific gravity of 1.030, and blood pressure of 126/71. ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. The presence or absence of proteinuria is determined by testing, and your urine protein result is negative (-). If you are still concerned, you can ask your physician to check the urine protein to creatinine ratio next time. 2. In mid-December, your creatinine level was 1.7, ...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Decline in Kidney Function: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Sacroiliitis Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis
What grade of sacroiliitis does it belong to? Dear Dr. Tseng, My son is 19 years old. A year and a half ago, he started experiencing pain in the sacroiliac joint, and recently, through MRI and other examinations, he has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. Below is the te...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I am not Dr. Tseng, so if you are looking for Dr. Tseng, please choose the corresponding hospital and department. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is here to assist you.[Read More] Understanding Sacroiliitis Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis
Should We Change Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis Management?
Should the medication be changed? Hello Doctor: My child (born June 2003, currently 18 years and 6 months old) developed ankylosing spondylitis in June 2019 (symptoms only included sacroiliac joint pain, with no morning stiffness). However, he was only diagnosed with ankylosing s...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. At that time, the patient was unable to stabilize their condition with the current medication, so it may be worth trying the new medication recently; if it proves ineffective, we can switch back. 2. It may be worth trying the new medication recently; if it proves ineffective, ...[Read More] Should We Change Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis Management?