Understanding Immune System Disorders: Insights on Oral Ulcers and Lupus
Immune system Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing mouth ulcers, throat pain, and gum pain since last month, and they haven't improved. A doctor suggested that I see an immunologist. Below are my health check reports: the report from April this year [link] and the immunolo...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Based on the two blood test reports you provided, there are no abnormalities indicated, and the symptoms you described do not have any clear association with systemic lupus erythematosus. Generally speaking, different laboratories may have variations in measurement values ...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Disorders: Insights on Oral Ulcers and Lupus
Understanding Trace Protein in Urine: Should You Worry?
Both urine protein tests showed +/-? Hello Dr. Lin, I underwent a health check on April 18, and the report indicated trace hematuria and trace proteinuria, with increased lung markings; all other results were normal. Today, I conducted another test, and the abnormal or borderline...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: This urine test report does indicate the presence of trace proteinuria. Generally, if proteinuria is initially detected, it is recommended to conduct two to three follow-up tests, preferably using the first urine sample collected in the morning. Additionally, women should ...[Read More] Understanding Trace Protein in Urine: Should You Worry?
High Kappa Immunoglobulin Levels: Understanding Potential Health Risks
Elevated levels of immunoglobulin Kappa? Hello, I am a 48-year-old male, 166 cm tall and weighing 66 kg, with hereditary Mediterranean anemia. I had a urinary stone in 2012, but it passed naturally. I do not have hypertension (January 2018 readings: 122 mmHg systolic, 77 mmHg dia...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, I can provide you with some recommendations: 1. The eGFR of 55 is slightly low, and the urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio of 303.4 mg/g is elevated; it is advisable to have long-term follow-up with a nephrologist. 2. Regarding the immunoglobulin levels, K...[Read More] High Kappa Immunoglobulin Levels: Understanding Potential Health Risks
Understanding Proteinuria: Kidney Health Concerns and Symptoms
Kidney proteinuria Hello, doctor. I have some questions I would like to ask you. Question 1: This week, I observed that my urine has a lot of bubbles and appears cloudy after each bathroom visit. I also experience pain in both sides of my lower back. Could this indicate protein...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
1. The presence of bubbles in urine does not necessarily indicate the presence of urinary albumin; actual conditions should be confirmed through testing. 2. To assess kidney function, it is essential to conduct relevant kidney function tests (creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, he...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Kidney Health Concerns and Symptoms
Understanding Decreased Kidney Function: When to Adjust Diet and Exercise
Decreased renal function? Hello Dr. Wang, At the end of last year, my health check showed the following kidney function values: blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 18.0 mg/dL, creatinine 1.2 mg/dL, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 78 mL/min. Since mid-year, I have started exercising a...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, due to your high-protein diet and long-term exercise habits, it is likely that your muscle mass has increased, which may result in elevated levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen in your bloodstream compared to the average person. This can lead to a decrease in the e...[Read More] Understanding Decreased Kidney Function: When to Adjust Diet and Exercise
Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Recovery and Dietary Considerations
Kidney problems Hello, my sister is 29 years old and has a history of refractory epilepsy for 23 years, is a carrier of hepatitis B, and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia for 2 years. She was hospitalized on July 31 due to cellulitis and developed sepsis, requiring intubation...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the data you provided, this condition is classified as "acute kidney injury," which may be caused by cellulitis complicated by sepsis. The key point is that as the infection is brought under control, your kidney function will gradually improve. It is recommende...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Recovery and Dietary Considerations
Assessing Potential Kidney or Spleen Injury After a Back Impact
Impact injury to the left lower back? Hello Doctor: Today while playing with friends, one of them accidentally hit my left lower back with a pillow quite hard (although the pillow is relatively soft). At that moment, there was swelling on my left lower back due to the zipper on t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Q: 1. Given the left lower back pain due to external impact, it is indeed necessary to consider potential injuries to the kidneys, spleen, mesentery, ureters, intestines, and other related structures. 2. In your case, although there is a skin wound, the absence of hemat...[Read More] Assessing Potential Kidney or Spleen Injury After a Back Impact
Understanding Kidney Issues: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families
Kidney problems Hello Doctor, My family member (female, 29 years old) has long-term chronic health issues. She has been diagnosed with refractory epilepsy for 23 years and is currently taking the following medications: Depakote 700mg, Vimpat 100mg, Keppra 1000mg, and Lamictal 30...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: Currently, your family member's creatinine levels have returned to normal range. The recent decline in kidney function is likely due to acute kidney injury, but regular monitoring is still necessary. Dietary restrictions are not required at this time. The exact causes...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function: What You Need to Know
Creatinine and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Hello, doctor. During this year's company health check, all results were normal except for my creatinine level, which is 1.3 (normal range 0.7-1.2 mg/dL). There is no proteinuria or hematuria. I am 28 years old; does this mean ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to the report you provided (creatinine 1.3), the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is only 66 mL/min/1.73m², which is indeed low (normal is greater than 90 mL/min/1.73m²). This indicates stage 2 chronic kidney disease. It is recommended to consult a nephrologi...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function: What You Need to Know
Understanding Kidney Pain vs. Back Pain: What You Need to Know
Kidney pain or lower back pain? I have a habit of jogging, but recently I have experienced pain on the left side of my abdomen, near the waist (slightly in front of the left kidney) after running just a few laps. It takes about 10 minutes of deep breathing for the pain to subside...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, the most likely diagnosis is an abdominal muscle strain. With appropriate rest for the abdominal muscles, recovery should be possible. If you are concerned about kidney issues, another possibility is kidney stones; however, kidney stones are typically a...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Pain vs. Back Pain: What You Need to Know
Understanding Increased Urination: Is It Normal After Hydration?
Experiencing a quick urge to urinate after drinking water, along with a total urine output that exceeds the amount of water consumed, can indicate a condition known as polyuria. This may be associated with various factors, including diabetes mellitus, excessive fluid intake, or c...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, 1. Fluid intake includes both the water content in food and the amount of water consumed. Relying solely on water intake can lead to inaccuracies; it is advisable to check the specific gravity of urine and the presence of proteinuria to assess hydration status. 2. What...[Read More] Understanding Increased Urination: Is It Normal After Hydration?
Understanding Kidney Cysts: What to Do When Diagnosed
Renal cysts Hello Doctor, I am asking on behalf of my mother. She has been experiencing hematuria and visited a clinic where the doctor prescribed anti-inflammatory medication. However, after a week of taking the medication, there was no improvement. The doctor recommended that s...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, renal cysts, commonly known as water bubbles or fluid tumors, are fluid-filled sacs that occur in the kidneys. Renal cysts can be classified into many types; some are hereditary while others are not. Some remain benign and do not affect the body. If you have any concerns, ...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Cysts: What to Do When Diagnosed
Understanding Right Kidney Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Kidney problems Hello, Doctor Wu. I would like to ask, around noon today, I experienced pain in my right kidney. It hurts when I squat down and when I get back up. My job involves standing and squatting to pick things up. In mid-February of this year, the clinic conducted blood a...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: There are many issues related to lower back pain that can be referenced in the attached document or addressed at a hospital. Wishing you safety from bothersome back pain. In the United States, back pain is the second most common reason for seeking medical attention in inte...[Read More] Understanding Right Kidney Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Health: A Patient's Inquiry
Kidney issues and creatinine? Hello Dr. Wu, I have a few questions that I hope you can help me with. I am 60 years old, 175 cm tall, and weigh 72 kg, giving me a BMI of 23.5. I have a habit of hiking every day. My serum creatinine levels are 1.6 to 1.7 mg/dL, and my glomerular f...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello, based on the information you provided, you have mild chronic kidney disease, classified as stage 3 (mild). Patients with chronic kidney disease should indeed avoid nephrotoxic medications (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), but not all medications adversely aff...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Health: A Patient's Inquiry
Understanding Kidney Function: Is Your GFR Too Low?
Kidney problems Hello, doctor! I recently received my health check report, which shows a serum creatinine level of 1.23 mg/dL and a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 77.51. There were no signs of hematuria or proteinuria. I would like to ask if my GFR is considered low, as I ha...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello: In healthy individuals without proteinuria, a glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) greater than 80 ml/min is considered normal. If there is foamy urine, it may indicate proteinuria, and it is recommended to follow up with a nephrologist. Chronic kidney disease is classified i...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function: Is Your GFR Too Low?
Understanding Kidney Cysts: What to Know After Blood in Urine
Renal cysts Hello Doctor, I am inquiring on behalf of my mother. My mother has experienced blood in her urine twice within the past three months (she has had this issue before, but the occurrences were several years apart). Both times she visited a nearby clinic. The first time, ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your question, the small renal cysts (commonly referred to as "water bubbles") are unlikely to be the cause of hematuria. Regular monitoring of kidney function and ultrasound is sufficient. However, regarding the hematuria issue, if there are no symptoms, a fol...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Cysts: What to Know After Blood in Urine
Understanding Changes in Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function
Kidney function issues? Hello, I have a question to ask you. This year's company health check report has been released, and when compared to last year, last year's creatinine level was 1.0 (0.5 ~ 1.3), which corresponds to a GFR of 91. This year, the creatinine level is...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 91 mL/min/1.73 m² or 79 mL/min/1.73 m² shows a difference, but it is not significant when viewed in the long-term trend. However, if you do not have hypertension, diabetes, proteinuria, or hematuria, and you maintain a controlled...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function
Unexplained Urethritis: Persistent Pain and Discomfort Solutions
Unexplained urethritis? Hello Dr. Wang, I have experienced a burning sensation during urination and pain at the urethral opening three times in the past two months. However, each time I have undergone urinalysis, the results have been normal, and no infection has been identified,...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Dear Ms. Wu, Thank you for your letter. A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria invade the urinary system, leading to infection. Common symptoms include: 1. A burning sensation, pain, difficulty urinating, frequent urination, nocturia, cloudy urine, or hematuria dur...[Read More] Unexplained Urethritis: Persistent Pain and Discomfort Solutions
Managing Water Intake for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Water Intake Issues in Patients with Chronic Kidney Failure Hello Dr. Wu, My mother has a history of mild stroke, along with mild diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, high uric acid, proteinuria, and hematuria. Her estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is currently arou...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello: Regarding your question, we will discuss it in two parts: (1) Based on the information you provided, your mother's estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 50 indicates that she is approximately in stage 3 of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which has a total of fi...[Read More] Managing Water Intake for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Am I Normal? Understanding Itchy Skin and Kidney Health Concerns
Am I normal? I have recently been experiencing frequent itching on my calves, but I haven't noticed any mosquito bites. Sometimes there are small bumps (most of the time there aren't), but they disappear quickly. I came across information stating that uremia can cause s...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss 123: 1. Uremia can indeed cause skin pigmentation and the deposition of metabolic products, leading to a darker skin color and even a sensation of itching. However, it should not be localized solely to the calves as you described. There are many possible reasons for s...[Read More] Am I Normal? Understanding Itchy Skin and Kidney Health Concerns