Understanding Discomfort from Skipping Meals: Causes and Solutions
Discomfort caused by excessive hunger? Hello Doctor: I have experienced 2 to 3 episodes of extreme hunger leading to discomfort over the past year (for example, only having breakfast, skipping lunch, and eating dinner). The symptoms I experience include intense hunger, trembling ...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello, Xiao Kai: Based on your description, your symptoms of discomfort seem to be more like those caused by "hypoglycemia." I recommend the following: 1. Limit your intake of sugary beverages. 2. Maintain regular and balanced meals. 3. Consult an endocrinologist.[Read More] Understanding Discomfort from Skipping Meals: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Mild Chronic Kidney Dysfunction: Key Insights and Lifestyle Tips
Kidney function issues? Hello: In my recent health check-up in June, my serum creatinine (Cr) level was 1.01, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was 10, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 85. An ultrasound examination revealed a right renal cyst (0.7 cm) and bilateral renal calculi ...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Mr. Tsao: Hello, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is calculated based on your serum creatinine level along with your age, gender, and weight. Your value falls within stage 2 of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, based on your description of the kidney ultrasound report an...[Read More] Understanding Mild Chronic Kidney Dysfunction: Key Insights and Lifestyle Tips
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function in Health Checkups
Creatinine, Glomerular Filtration Rate, Health Checkup Issues? Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask a question. About two months ago, I went to a health check-up at a clinic. The doctor reviewed my report and said that my liver and kidney function...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello Mr. Yang: "Creatinine 1.10, Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) 86.69" is only a single data point, making it difficult to assess the overall kidney function. Changes in kidney function need to be evaluated through multiple blood tests over time to understand the con...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function in Health Checkups
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Glomerular Filtration Rate Changes
Creatinine and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Hello Doctor, two weeks ago, the hospital came to the community to conduct free health check-ups. Today, when I went to review the report, the doctor informed me that my creatinine level is 1.05 mg/dL and my glomerular filtration ra...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang: Regarding your question, I will address it in two parts. (1) The changes in creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) should be evaluated based on their "trends." If you only have two data points for comparison, you can only determine whether the...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Glomerular Filtration Rate Changes
Should You See a Doctor for Thalassemia Concerns?
Should individuals with thalassemia see a doctor? Hello doctor, there is a history of thalassemia in my family, and I suspect I might have it as well. During high school, I was diagnosed during a health check-up. I have previously experienced palpitations, and a cardiology examin...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Wenwen: 1. Thalassemia, known in Chinese as "海洋性貧血" or "地中海型貧血," is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder. It is primarily classified into two types: α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia, similar to what is taught in middle school regarding Mendelian i...[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for Thalassemia Concerns?
Is Abnormal Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c a Sign of Diabetes?
Abnormal blood glucose levels with consistently normal glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) may not necessarily indicate diabetes. It is important to consider other factors and conduct further testing to determine the underlying cause of the abnormal blood glucose levels? Hello Doctor, fo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Huang: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. A fasting plasma glucose level of ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours; b. A 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance tes...[Read More] Is Abnormal Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c a Sign of Diabetes?
Understanding Urinary Protein Levels: When to Seek Further Testing
Urinary protein issue? Hello Doctor: Recently, I received my health check-up report, and most items are normal. However, regarding kidney function, the urine protein and urine creatinine levels are highlighted in red. The urine routine shows: Urine Protein: (+) UProtein (random u...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Regarding the interpretation of the proteinuria report: UProtein (urine protein, random urine): 22 mg/dL UCre (urine creatinine, random urine): 379 mg/dL UProtein/UCre ratio: 58 The key value to look at is the UProtein/UCre ratio of 58, which is calculated as (22/379) * ...[Read More] Understanding Urinary Protein Levels: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen Levels: Causes and Implications
Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels? Hello, doctor. I recently had a health check-up and found that my blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level is elevated at 24.9 mg/dL (normal range is 10-20 mg/dL), while my creatinine level is within the normal range. I am currently waiting for t...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: Based on your situation, the most likely cause of elevated BUN with normal creatinine is diarrhea and dehydration. It is recommended to wait for the diarrhea to improve and ensure adequate hydration before retesting. Other possible conditions include heart failure, effects...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen Levels: Causes and Implications
Understanding Abnormal Creatinine Levels: What You Need to Know
Creatinine level Hello Doctor, I recently received a notification regarding abnormal results from my health check-up. My creatinine level in kidney function tests is 0.59, while both blood urea nitrogen and uric acid levels are normal. What should I be aware of? Thank you for t...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dear Sender, Many factors can interfere with changes in creatinine levels, such as kidney function and muscle mass. Generally speaking, elevated creatinine levels are more concerning, while low levels are typically indicative of reduced muscle mass. It is advisable for individu...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Creatinine Levels: What You Need to Know
Managing Diabetes and Cholesterol: Key Questions and Insights
Regarding diabetes and cholesterol issues? Hello Dr. Hsiao, Six months ago during my health check-up, my fasting blood glucose was 123 mg/dL and my hemoglobin A1c was 8.3%. The doctor advised me to take medication for control and to focus on weight loss. After four months of ef...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Justin: 1. If weight loss is achieved gradually, and normal weight is maintained with good dietary control and regular exercise, it is possible to discontinue medication. However, this is contingent upon lifestyle changes and maintenance. Rapid weight loss can lead to r...[Read More] Managing Diabetes and Cholesterol: Key Questions and Insights
Do You Need Regular Kidney Function Tests? Common Concerns Explained
Questions related to kidney examinations? Is it necessary to have regular kidney function tests? I do not have diabetes or hypertension, but I have congenital heart disease and have previously had urinary tract infections and pneumonia. I took a lot of traditional Chinese medicin...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Renal function monitoring is typically recommended for: 1. Patients with a history of chronic kidney disease (such as chronic nephritis, interstitial nephritis, or hydronephrosis); 2. Individuals with systemic chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, gout...[Read More] Do You Need Regular Kidney Function Tests? Common Concerns Explained
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor, I am 168 cm tall and weigh 57 kg. I had a health check-up at a major hospital in early October this year, where my fasting blood glucose level was 95 mg/dL. Since this value is close to the upper limit of the normal range, I was quite worried abo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Alex: 1. A fasting blood glucose level of 95 mg/dL or 96 mg/dL shows no significant change clinically; in other words, it lacks significant meaning. Based solely on this value, no physician would suggest that it will soon exceed 100 mg/dL. Generally, blood glucose level...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Understanding Abnormal Urinalysis: Which Specialist to Consult?
Abnormal urinalysis? Due to insurance requirements, I was asked to undergo a general health check-up and was informed that my urine test results were abnormal. However, I was not provided with the report (the original report was sent directly to the insurance company). I would li...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question of whether to see a urologist or a nephrologist for a detailed examination to confirm any diseases: 1. In young women, abnormal urine findings are often due to urinary tract infections, which may show an increase in white blood cells, or bot...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Urinalysis: Which Specialist to Consult?
Understanding Endocrine Issues and PCOS in Young Women: A Case Study
Regarding Endocrinology and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Hello, Doctor: I am currently 19 years old, with a height of 151 cm, weight of 45.4 kg, body fat percentage of 20.3%, and a waist circumference of 58 cm. Description of my condition: In March of this year, my weight sud...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Nini: 1. The formula for Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is often estimated using various regression equations; it represents the energy required to maintain basic physiological functions daily. It can be used as a reference, but there is no need to be overly concerned, as ...[Read More] Understanding Endocrine Issues and PCOS in Young Women: A Case Study
What to Do About Low Uric Acid Levels of 0.6 mg/dL?
If your uric acid level is low at 0.6, what should you do? Hello, doctor. During my employee's health check-up, it was found that my uric acid level is too low, only 0.6 mg/dL, and it has been fluctuating between 0.X and 1.X for the past three to four years. The normal range...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: Common causes of low uric acid can be congenital or acquired. Congenital causes include enzyme deficiencies involved in uric acid production, among others. Acquired causes may include medications (such as losartan, allopurinol, febuxostat, and other uric acid-lowering drug...[Read More] What to Do About Low Uric Acid Levels of 0.6 mg/dL?
Understanding Sudden Weight Gain: Causes and Concerns
Short-term rapid weight gain issues? Hello Doctor: This week, I suddenly noticed that my weight has increased significantly in just a few days (from 55 kg to 63 kg). My diet has remained the same as before, but my records indicate an increase in body fat percentage, a drastic dec...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. JMF: 1. If there is an increase from 55 kg to 63 kg within a week, that amounts to an approximate daily increase of 1 kg; and various extensive examinations have shown no issues. Such a rate of weight gain is extremely rare in medicine and even contradicts common sense....[Read More] Understanding Sudden Weight Gain: Causes and Concerns
Do You Need Annual Kidney Check-Ups After Past Urinary Issues?
Kidney problems Is it necessary for a physician who had a history of urethritis over a decade ago and has taken a large amount of traditional Chinese medicine, but has had normal health values twice in recent years, to undergo regular annual check-ups? The physician has a congeni...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello, based on the information you provided, not all traditional Chinese medicines cause renal dysfunction. Although you have taken a large amount of herbal medicine, it does not necessarily mean that your kidney function is impaired. However, early renal dysfunction may not pre...[Read More] Do You Need Annual Kidney Check-Ups After Past Urinary Issues?
How to Address Multiple Symptoms After Urological Issues?
How should a series of symptoms be evaluated? Today, I have been experiencing a series of symptoms that started after I developed a urological condition. Initially, I had testicular pain due to frequent erections without proper relief during that time. After consulting a urologis...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
1 & 2: Based on your symptom description, it is indeed most likely chronic prostatitis. However, there is concern about the possibility of complications such as prostatic abscess or urinary tract infection. You may want to consult an infectious disease specialist, urologist, ...[Read More] How to Address Multiple Symptoms After Urological Issues?
Understanding Lupus: Low Platelets, Pregnancy Concerns, and Treatment Options
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello Dr. Tseng, I have some questions regarding systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). My wife has low platelet counts, and the hospital has identified three criteria that are consistent with SLE; we are still waiting for the X-ray results. If sh...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, netizen. 1. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) typically presents with sudden onset of symptoms or abnormalities discovered during examinations, and the exact etiology is not fully understood. 2. If thrombocytopenia is the only finding during pregnancy, it does not nece...[Read More] Understanding Lupus: Low Platelets, Pregnancy Concerns, and Treatment Options
Understanding Blood Pressure Fluctuations: Concerns and Solutions
Blood pressure issues Hello Doctor: I am 170 cm tall and weigh 53 kg. My parents do not have hypertension, I rarely drink alcohol, and I quit smoking six months ago. I tend to get anxious and have annual health check-ups, where my blood pressure has always been normal (<120/&l...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. Blood pressure can vary due to internal factors such as physical activity and emotions, as well as external factors like temperature; this is a normal phenomenon. 2. Most people tend to have higher blood pressure readings in the hospital compared to at home, which is re...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Fluctuations: Concerns and Solutions