Gout, Internal Medicine FAQ

Understanding Prednisolone for Gout: Dosage, Long-term Use, and Treatment Efficacy

Medications for Gout Dear Dr. Chen: My father (85 years old) has gout and has been prescribed prednisolone (2 tablets in the morning and 2 tablets in the evening, each 5mg) by an orthopedic doctor for over a month. I recently found out that this is a corticosteroid. Is this dosag...

Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Prednisolone (a corticosteroid) can be used to treat acute gout. Typically, a physician will prescribe an appropriate dosage of prednisolone based on the patient's condition and symptoms. If there are any questions regarding the medication, please discuss them with the atten...

Understanding the Referral from Family Medicine to Nephrology for Diabetes Patients

The family medicine physician referred the case of my father to the nephrology department? Hello, my father has been suffering from diabetes and kidney stones for a long time. He was originally seeing a family medicine doctor, but for some reason, his case has been referred to a ...

Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Sugar (Glycosuria): 1+ (-) HbA1c: 7.8% Uric Acid: 4.2 mg/dl Cholesterol Total: 219* mg/dl Q1: Attached is the examination report from February 7th. I noticed that there are no kidney function indices in the report. Can I request this test during my next outpatient visit? Answer1:...

Understanding Swollen Fingertips: Gout and Treatment Options

Swelling at the fingertip of the index finger? Dear Doctor: My father has symptoms of gout, and the swelling at the tip of his right index finger has persisted for one to two years. When he experiences gout symptoms, injections or medications can alleviate the symptoms, but the s...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. If gouty arthritis occurs multiple times, it is recommended to regularly take urate-lowering medication; otherwise, continuous use of pain relief injections may lead to gastrointestinal or kidney issues. Additionally, prolonged gout can result i...

Understanding High Uric Acid Levels: Causes and Management Tips

Hello, Dr. Hsiao? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I have a habit of donating blood, and the blood donation center also checks some health parameters for us. One of these is the uric acid level, which is 7.1. It shows that the normal range for males is 3.5 to 7.2! It is clearly close to being ...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question regarding serum uric acid levels, hyperuricemia is defined as a level greater than 7.0 mg/dL in men and greater than 6.0 mg/dL in women. The deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joint synovial fluid or other tissues leads to symptoms know...

Can a Vegetarian Diet Help Reduce Gout Symptoms and Uric Acid Levels?

Gout issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if a vegetarian diet can help gout patients in eliminating crystals and lowering uric acid levels.

Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
1. A vegetarian diet will not eliminate uric acid crystals in gout. 2. Lowering uric acid levels can reduce the frequency of gout attacks. 3. A vegetarian diet often relies heavily on legumes, which can also raise uric acid levels. If eggs and dairy are still considered veget...

Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Gout or Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Finger joint soreness and numbness? Hello Doctor: I have a history of gout for about 10 years, and I haven't had an acute attack for over 6 years. This month, my blood test showed a uric acid level of 8.6. I would like to ask about an incident from early last year when I sud...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the symptoms you are experiencing do not appear to be acute gout, but chronic gout cannot be ruled out. It is recommended that you visit a hospital for further examination. The sudden sensation of numbness and tingling in the joint of your right little finger and palm, alo...

Managing Gout in Hepatitis B Carriers: Safety of Benzbromarone

Patients with hepatitis B who require treatment for gout should be carefully managed to avoid potential drug interactions and complications. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate medication options that are safe and I am a carrier of hepatitis B and hav...

Dr. Yang Weishun Reply:
The likelihood of benzbromarone causing fulminant hepatitis is low, with some scholars estimating an incidence of approximately one case per 17,000 people. However, if you have concerns about the medication, there are alternative drugs available. It's important to note that ...

Understanding Low Uric Acid Levels: Risks and Health Implications

Uric acid Hello Doctor: I previously had a uric acid test, and my level was 9.3, which is too high. After seeing a doctor, he prescribed medication to lower my uric acid. Recently, my level was tested at 2.9! The standard range is 3 to 6. What complications can arise from having ...

Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: High uric acid levels pose a risk for gout attacks and may lead to kidney dysfunction. After treatment, if uric acid levels decrease and return to normal, medication may no longer be necessary, provided that adequate hydration is maintained and foods high in uric acid are ...

Understanding Gout: Causes, Symptoms, and Long-Term Management Options

Dr. Tseng: Hello! I experience gout attacks every year in June, July, and August (in my big toe). Why does this happen? When it flares up, the pain is so intense that I can't sleep, and my toe becomes red and swollen! I have to rely on medication and injections to alleviate ...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, internet user: Gout is caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. It can be categorized into two main types: those with identifiable causes and those without. If the cause of your high uric acid levels cannot be determined and you continue to experience frequent ...

Can Chicken Essence Be Consumed with Impaired Kidney Function?

Kidney Can individuals with poor kidney function consume chicken essence?

Dr. Yang Weishun Reply:
Regular chicken essence contains high levels of salt and purines, which can easily lead to edema, hypertension, and gout in patients with renal failure. Additionally, it has high levels of potassium and phosphorus, making it unsuitable for individuals with impaired kidney functio...

Understanding Left Shoulder Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns

Left shoulder pain? Hello Doctor: Two days ago, after waking up, I experienced severe pain near the joint of my left shoulder. The pain comes and goes, especially being most intense at night or upon waking. During that time, the pain can be persistent or absent, and I can move my...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Dear Roger, Gout typically presents with redness, swelling, heat, and pain. Most patients experience attacks starting from the lower limb joints, and it is rare for the pain to be intermittent. It is recommended to visit an orthopedic outpatient clinic for evaluation to rule out...

Understanding High Uric Acid Levels: Causes, Treatments, and Lifestyle Tips

Regarding the issue of high uric acid levels? I would like to consult a doctor. I have a condition of elevated uric acid levels, with values between 11 and 12. Is the normal value 7? I discovered this issue three years ago when I suddenly experienced severe lower back pain and wa...

Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, Ayou: The uric acid level should be maintained below 7.0 mg/dL. The most common sites affected by gout are the joints, particularly the interphalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints (especially the big toe). During an acute attack, colchicine is typically administered alo...

Understanding Blood Test Results: Cholesterol, Gout, and Follow-Up Care

Blood draw issues? Hello, on May 19th, I had a health check-up, and the blood test report showed some concerning results: total cholesterol 125, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) 39, urine pH 7, and a positive reaction for occult blood. Does this indicate a risk for cardiovascular d...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. The essence of a health check-up is to screen for specific diseases or issues through certain tests or examinations, and if necessary, to conduct further evaluations or diagnoses. 2. Your total cholesterol level is 125 mg/dL, and your high...

Is It an Injury or a Disease? Understanding Foot Pain in Athletes

Unconsciousness or injury? I am overweight and enjoy playing basketball. In the past, I often sprained my ankle, and after seeing a doctor, my foot would stop hurting, so I continued playing. Now, if I play for a longer period, my foot starts to hurt, often in the ankle and the h...

Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
It is true that gout can improve on its own without treatment, but if you experience foot pain after playing sports for an extended period, this is not necessarily a sign of gout. It is advisable to visit a hospital and consult with a family medicine physician for an evaluation.

Effective Strategies to Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare-Ups

How to prevent rheumatoid arthritis? As the weather gets cooler, my knees become inflamed, and I experience soreness in all ten fingers and even my shoulders. What can I do to prevent this from worsening? Thank you.

Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Hello Wansia: 1. As the weather gets colder, poor blood circulation can lead to an increased occurrence or worsening of arthritis, so it is advisable to ensure proper warmth. 2. If there is gouty arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, a blood biochemical test should be conducted for ...

Understanding Uric Acid Levels: Do They Indicate Gout?

Uric acid Hello, I would like to ask about my previous foot pain. I went to see a doctor and the test results showed that my uric acid level is slightly higher than normal. Does this mean I have gout? Should I get another test done? Is gout a condition that can be completely cure...

Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: If the uric acid level is high along with typical symptoms of a gout attack, a diagnosis of gout can generally be made. However, if only the uric acid level is elevated without typical attacks, it cannot be diagnosed as gout. Most gout treatments are effective, and after a...

Can Gout Patients Safely Consume Clam Extract Drinks?

Can gout patients consume clam extract? Hello doctor, I am a gout patient with a history of two years. Two years ago, during my first attack, my uric acid level was 12. Currently, my uric acid levels have been normal upon examination. I would like to know if consuming commerciall...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: Clam extract is considered a high-purine food. If consumed occasionally and not on a regular basis, it should not pose significant issues. It is advisable to regularly monitor uric acid levels after consumption. Sincerely, Dr. Tseng Kuo-Sen, Internal Medicine.

Could It Be Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help

Could it be diabetes? I have seen many doctors due to my bad breath, but the problem has not been resolved, which is very distressing for me. My symptoms include severe halitosis, frequent foamy urine, occasional chest tightness, and fatigue. Additionally, I have a history of gou...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, there are many causes of halitosis, including issues related to the oral cavity, otolaryngology, lungs, trachea, esophagus, stomach, and even metabolic problems. As for "bubbly urine," it generally warrants consideration of proteinur...

Understanding High Uric Acid Levels: Health Impacts and Dietary Solutions

Hyperuricemia The blood test results indicate a total cholesterol level of 201, triglycerides at 69, blood urea nitrogen at 11.4, creatinine at 0.9, and uric acid at 7.5. Elevated uric acid levels can lead to health issues such as gout, which is characterized by painful joint inf...

Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hyperuricemia can lead to gout, but the likelihood of a gout attack due to mild elevations in uric acid is low. Avoiding high-purine foods can help lower uric acid levels in the blood. High-purine foods include organ meats, seafood, legumes, and meat gravies.

Understanding High Uric Acid and Its Impact on Kidney Health

Uric acid issues? Hello, doctor: Recently, I participated in a health check-up, and the abdominal ultrasound report indicated that there are bilateral renal calcifications (gouty nephropathy) in the kidneys. The examining physician mentioned that this is caused by my elevated uri...

Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
1. Bilateral renal calcifications may indicate the presence of calcified spots within the kidneys, which cannot be confirmed by other means. This could be one of the manifestations of hyperuricemia or hypercalcemia. If accompanied by hyperuricemia, controlling uric acid levels (t...

Previous｜Page ｜Next