Understanding Left Kidney Pain: When to Seek Further Testing
Percussion of the left kidney causes pain? Hello Doctor: When I tap on the area of my left kidney, it hurts. This has been going on for a long time, so this year I went to the hospital for a kidney ultrasound, blood tests, and urinalysis, but the doctor said everything was fine. ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dear Sender, The issue of left-sided lower back pain has many potential causes. If the pain radiates down the back to the thighs and calves, it may indicate nerve pain or compression. If it is related to kidney problems, such as stones or infections, it typically remains localiz...[Read More] Understanding Left Kidney Pain: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Persistent Foamy Urine: Is It a Sign of Proteinuria?
The first urine in the morning shows a slight foam that has not dissipated for a long time? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have started to pay attention to the issue of foamy urine, so I have been carefully observing the characteristics of each urination daily. Since I am currently wa...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang: The presence of bubbles in your urine may indicate proteinuria, but it could also be caused by other substances. Clinically, only proteinuria is known to affect health, so when we encounter bubbly urine, we typically conduct a test for urine protein. Urine protein...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Foamy Urine: Is It a Sign of Proteinuria?
Understanding Proteinuria, Hematuria, and GFR: When to Seek Medical Help
Proteinuria, hematuria, glomerular filtration rate? Hello Dr. Huang, I would like to ask about my last health check-up in January. The report indicated several areas in red: urine occult blood 1+, urine protein 30 mg/dL, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 83. Is this serious? W...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
1. It does not appear to be very serious; the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 83, with a normal range of approximately 90 (measured in ml/min/1.73m²). A higher value is better; urine occult blood is 1+, and urine protein is 30 mg/dl, both of which are mildly abnormal. 2. Re...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria, Hematuria, and GFR: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding White Particles in Urine: Is It Normal?
Urine with suspended particles? Hello Doctor, I am 155 cm tall and currently weigh 57 kg. During my recent urine tests, I noticed that my urine has a whitish sediment. Is this normal? Also, is my uric acid level high? Here are the results from my most recent urine test: Blood Ure...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello, based on the information you provided, most of the results appear to be normal. However, some aspects of the urinalysis (such as the microscopic examination) were not listed, making it difficult to assess. If you continue to notice any suspended particles, you should consu...[Read More] Understanding White Particles in Urine: Is It Normal?
Understanding Incomplete Urination: Causes and Solutions
The small intestine is not clean? I often feel like I can't fully empty my bladder when I urinate. After finishing, there always seems to be some residual urine stuck in the urethra, and I have to shake a bit to completely finish.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Jie: 1. If you do not experience frequent urination (more than 7 times a day under normal circumstances), nocturia, urgency, difficulty urinating, painful urination, burning sensation, hematuria, foul-smelling urine, or discomfort in the lower abdomen, your symptoms sh...[Read More] Understanding Incomplete Urination: Causes and Solutions
Is a Creatinine Level of 0.8 mg/dL Considered Normal?
Creatinine 0.8 Is my creatinine level of 0.8 considered normal?
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. If your age-adjusted glomerular filtration rate is 82 ml/min/1.73 m² (calculated using the MDRD formula), it is slightly below 90 ml/min/1.73 m²; however, this alone should not be used to conclude that there is a problem (as this formula was developed from studies conducted ab...[Read More] Is a Creatinine Level of 0.8 mg/dL Considered Normal?
Understanding BUN and Creatinine Levels for Kidney Function Assessment
Blood tests for kidney function indicators? If both BUN and creatinine levels in the blood test are within the normal range, does it indicate that kidney function is normal? Since the calculation of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is in the first stage, does this have any re...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
To confirm normal kidney function, three tests must be normal: 1. Blood tests (BUN and Creatinine) 2. Urine tests (no hematuria, no proteinuria) 3. Ultrasound examination (no stones, no hydronephrosis...) Thank you for your inquiry, and the Nephrology Department of Changhua Hospi...[Read More] Understanding BUN and Creatinine Levels for Kidney Function Assessment
Understanding Low Glomerular Filtration Rate: What You Need to Know
Low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) Hello doctor, I am currently 26 years old and below are my data (the abnormal ones related to kidney function tests). Last year, my blood pressure was 137/80, cholesterol was 208 (standard upper limit is 200), white blood cells were 4.7 (norma...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the data you provided, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) has decreased from 94.58 to 80.89, which raises concerns about changes in kidney function. Currently, the GFR we use is derived from studies conducted by international scholars, and there are also researchers in...[Read More] Understanding Low Glomerular Filtration Rate: What You Need to Know
Understanding Blood in Urine: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Hematuria, with pain occurring towards the end of urination? Hello, doctor. At the beginning of September, I had sexual intercourse and started experiencing dark-colored urine with a strong odor. After that, I had hematuria, increased urinary frequency, and pain at the end of uri...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Please visit the urology outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Urine: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Kidney Imaging: When to Repeat and What It Means
Renal imaging I would like to ask the doctor, a few years ago I had a urinalysis that showed trace hematuria (1+), and the doctor performed an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) which came back normal. If I have another urinalysis now that still shows trace hematuria (1+), should I unde...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. It is recommended to consult a nephrologist or urologist for a renal ultrasound for monitoring. If any issues arise, further examinations such as an Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) or a CT scan can be considered. 2. To determine if there is proteinuria, a urinalysis is sufficient...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Imaging: When to Repeat and What It Means
How to Test for Tick-Borne Disease: A Guide for Patients
How to submit samples for Chagas disease testing? How should suspected cases of tick-borne encephalitis be sent for testing, and which institutions can perform tests for tick-borne encephalitis? Since there have been no reported human infection cases, the information available is...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the aforementioned condition, it seems that the diagnosis may not be accurate, and the patient is becoming increasingly weak. The following recommendations are suggested: 1. If there has been a tick bite => It is advisable to visit a larger hospital to ...[Read More] How to Test for Tick-Borne Disease: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Fluctuating Hematuria and Proteinuria in Young Adults
Hello, why is it that urine tests sometimes detect hematuria and proteinuria, and at other times do not? I am currently an 18-year-old male with intermittent proteinuria, which has been monitored for three years. My nephrologist has advised to continue monitoring. In early Februa...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. There are many causes of occult blood, and orchitis can be one of them; further follow-up may be needed. 2. As for the multiple inflammatory conditions (otitis media, orchitis, and paronychia), they are likely not related. If inflammation occurs frequently in the future, it i...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuating Hematuria and Proteinuria in Young Adults
Understanding Stage 1 Chronic Kidney Disease: Symptoms and Concerns
Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 1 Hello, doctor... I have had mild proteinuria since high school. During a company health check, the urine test showed proteinuria intermittently (+/-). About six years ago, I underwent a 24-hour urine test, and the results were within the normal rang...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 1 is defined as a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 90 mL/min/1.73 m² or higher, accompanied by proteinuria, hematuria, or abnormal kidney morphology. Based on your description of "24-hour urine test results within normal range," this d...[Read More] Understanding Stage 1 Chronic Kidney Disease: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate: What You Need to Know
Regarding the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) value? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. I have been experiencing fasting blood glucose levels between 102 and 112 for a long time. This time, I underwent tests, and my fasting blood glucose was 108, postprandial was 119, HbA1c was 5.6%, blood urea ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
According to a study published in The Lancet in 2008, it is estimated that 11.93% of adults in Taiwan have chronic kidney disease (CKD). The stages of severity are as follows: 1. Stage 1: Kidney damage with normal or increased GFR, GFR ≥ 90 ml/min/1.73 m². 2. Stage 2: Kidney dama...[Read More] Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate: What You Need to Know
Understanding Kidney Sand: Risks, Prevention, and Follow-Up Care
Renal ultrasound shows the presence of calculi (stones)? Hello doctor, during a health check-up, an ultrasound was performed, and it was noted that my kidneys appear to have some sand. The doctor mentioned that drinking water, exercising, and going to bed early can help metaboliz...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, most patients with kidney stones are asymptomatic unless the stones drop from the kidneys into the ureters, causing a blockage of urine flow. Common symptoms include flank pain, sweating, severe pain leading to dizziness, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, abdominal discomfor...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Sand: Risks, Prevention, and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Rhabdomyolysis: Symptoms, Risks, and When to Seek Help
Rhabdomyolysis Hello Dr. Wu, I would like to ask the following question. As an avid runner, I suspect that I might have rhabdomyolysis. I researched related symptoms online and my reasons for suspicion are as follows: Recently, I have been running and walking approximately 30 kil...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello, RC: 1. "Because of hematuria, I visited the urology department at Mackay Memorial Hospital last week, and I have completed a urinalysis (which showed a positive reaction for blood)..." Here, "positive reaction for blood" refers to either the presence ...[Read More] Understanding Rhabdomyolysis: Symptoms, Risks, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Microscopic Hematuria, Glucose, and Protein in Urine
Microscopic hematuria, glucose, and protein in the urine? Dr. Lee: Hello! I had a pre-employment physical examination on May 20, and on May 29, the report indicated that I had microscopic hematuria at 3+. I went for another urinalysis on May 31, and today, June 6, I received the ...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello Yu-Yan: If your tests were not conducted during your menstrual period, based on the report results, there is indeed a need to suspect the possibility of kidney disease (urinary tract disorders) and diabetes. However, further examinations are necessary; the diagnosis of diab...[Read More] Understanding Microscopic Hematuria, Glucose, and Protein in Urine
Understanding Urine Test Results: RBC, WBC, and Epithelial Cells Explained
Urine (red blood cells, white blood cells, epithelial cells) related issues? Hello Director Hsiao, my mother is 64 years old. Recently, she underwent blood and urine health examinations. Among the urine test results, three items were noted: red blood cells (RBC) were 0-1, white b...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Urinalysis specimen collection is typically performed by the patient, who collects urine in a test tube. After centrifugation, the laboratory technician extracts the sediment and examines it under high power field (HPF, approximately 400X) microscopy. Red blood cells (RBC) 0-1:...[Read More] Understanding Urine Test Results: RBC, WBC, and Epithelial Cells Explained
Defining Substantial Renal Pathology in Alternative Military Service Standards
The definition of substantial renal pathology during alternative military service suspension? I apologize for the inquiry, Dr. Wu, regarding the standards for alternative military service suspension. The criteria state "pathological examination of the kidneys shows significa...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. Based on the two reports you provided, which indicate "hematuria + proteinuria" in the urine and a serum creatinine level showing "glomerular filtration rate of 82-77 ml/min/1.7 m²," there is indeed a need to suspect the presence of significant renal pathol...[Read More] Defining Substantial Renal Pathology in Alternative Military Service Standards
Understanding Moon Facies: Possible Causes and Diagnostic Approaches
What diseases can cause an unusually round and swollen face (similar to a full moon face)? I am a 22-year-old male, and recently while organizing old photos, I noticed that my face appears disproportionately swollen compared to my BMI. I am 175 cm tall and weigh 80 kg. I collecte...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Mr. Kobayashi: 1. Regarding kidney diseases, blood tests and urinalysis can be used for screening, and sometimes additional imaging studies such as ultrasound may be performed to assist in diagnosis and treatment. If, as you mentioned, you only have kidney stones (and ele...[Read More] Understanding Moon Facies: Possible Causes and Diagnostic Approaches