Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Health check shows elevated uric acid and cholesterol levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had a health check-up, and my uric acid level is 7.1, which is above the normal range. Isn't the normal value for women supposed to be less than 6.6? I currently do not have any symptoms o...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. KiKi: 1. Elevated uric acid levels primarily refer to high concentrations of uric acid in the blood. If uric acid precipitates in joint tissues (such as the big toe joint, the back of the foot, or finger joints), it can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to gout....[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Impact of Anti-Inflammatory Painkillers on Kidney Function Tests
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications and creatinine? Hello: The health check showed a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 54, which is below the standard low threshold of 60. The creatinine level is 1.5. After adjusting for age 42, the GFR of 54 is considered too low. The ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: If you are currently using painkillers, it is recommended to stop the medication before retesting kidney function, urine protein levels, and undergoing a renal ultrasound to rule out chronic or acute kidney failure. Wishing you health and safety.[Read More] Impact of Anti-Inflammatory Painkillers on Kidney Function Tests
Understanding Unilateral Leg Edema: Next Steps for Diagnosis
Unilateral edema Hello, doctor! My grandmother, who is currently 87 years old, has been experiencing severe unilateral leg edema for the past two to three weeks. She recently visited the hospital and consulted a nephrologist, and her kidney function tests came back normal. Due to...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Quiet: 1. Common causes of unilateral leg edema include cellulitis, chronic venous insufficiency, compartment syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, deep vein thrombosis, venous obstruction (e.g., from a bone tumor), lipedema, lymphedema, and right arterial compres...[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Leg Edema: Next Steps for Diagnosis
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
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 Foamy Urine: Causes and Health Implications
Foamy urine? Hello, doctor. Five years ago, during my university entrance health check, I was found to have high urine protein levels. At that time, I had just moved into the dormitory, my living conditions were poor, and I was drinking very little water. My mother told me not to...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello, due to the various components present in urine, when the urine concentration is higher (such as after drinking less water or the first urine in the morning) or when there are more impurities, it is possible to produce more bubbles. The presence of bubbles does not necessar...[Read More] Understanding Foamy Urine: Causes and Health Implications
Effective Strategies to Manage Proteinuria and Albumin Levels in Lupus Patients
How can proteinuria and albumin levels be effectively managed? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and have been diagnosed for over four years. I had been managing my condition well, even stopping medications like quinine and mycophenolate mofetil...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello: Based on the information you provided, there is currently still a significant amount of proteinuria, and given your history of lupus erythematosus, it is possible that you may have lupus nephritis. However, even within lupus nephritis, there are various types and degrees o...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Manage Proteinuria and Albumin Levels in Lupus Patients
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 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
Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Kidney Health Concerns Explained
This morning, I went for a fasting blood draw, and after receiving the report, I found that my creatinine level is slightly elevated? Hello Doctor, I submitted a question on October 12 (you replied on October 14). This morning, I went to the lab on an empty stomach to have blood ...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello: Creatinine: 1.24, GFR 81.64, which is not far from the normal value of 90. This could be due to fluctuations in test results or may indicate a mild issue. It is recommended to have regular blood tests for monitoring (every six months or annually). Additionally, regarding y...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Kidney Health Concerns Explained
Post-Surgery Kidney Function Concerns in Children with Urinary Reflux
Postoperative renal function issues after ureteral reflux surgery? My child is 8 years old and was diagnosed in 2009 with left-sided vesicoureteral reflux, which caused scarring in the left kidney, reducing its function to only 27%. The right kidney is normal. He underwent reflux...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Q1: The doctor told me that my child's left kidney function is only 27%, but the normal right kidney will compensate, so overall, kidney function is similar to that of a healthy person. Is this true? Answer: This statement is correct. Q2: Should the diet be controlled like...[Read More] Post-Surgery Kidney Function Concerns in Children with Urinary Reflux
Understanding Mild Hydronephrosis: Should You Be Concerned?
Hydronephrosis issue I am 32 years old and have been experiencing lower back pain due to prolonged sitting. Concerned that it might be a kidney issue, I visited a urologist. However, the doctor indicated that the location and symptoms of my pain are more consistent with a musculo...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Dear Jenny: Hello, if other kidney function tests (blood and urine tests) are normal, it is recommended to follow up with a kidney ultrasound every six months to a year. If there is persistent severe hydronephrosis, further examinations such as pyelography and computed tomography...[Read More] Understanding Mild Hydronephrosis: Should You Be Concerned?
Managing Osteoporosis in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Treatment of Osteoporosis in Kidney Disease Dear Dr. Huang, In March, I inquired about joint pain, and further examinations revealed severe osteoporosis with a T-score of approximately -3.5. My kidney function tests show creatinine at 1 and BUN at 11, which are within normal lim...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
1. Regarding renal function: When the creatinine (Cr) level is 1, the estimated clearance rate indicates that the renal function score should be greater than 60. Changes in urine output are not reliable indicators of renal function changes due to numerous confounding factors; the...[Read More] Managing Osteoporosis in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Understanding Elevated Kidney Function: When to Monitor Your Health
Regarding issues related to the kidneys? Doctor, my kidney function (CRE) level is slightly elevated at 1.02 mg/dL (normal range 0.1-1.4 mg/dL) and my BUN is 13.1 mg/dL (normal range 5-23 mg/dL). Should I continue to monitor this? How often should I follow up? I've been expe...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello Qiang Qiang: Your kidney function tests show BUN: 13.1 mg/dl and CRE: 1.02 mg/dl, both of which are within the normal range. Please do not worry excessively. If you have any concerns, it is recommended that you consult a nephrologist for appropriate management based on your...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Kidney Function: When to Monitor Your Health
Concerns About Kidney Health: Understanding Atrophy and Function Tests
Concerned about needing dialysis? I underwent an ultrasound examination in 1999, which revealed left kidney atrophy. I have been having regular health check-ups every two years, and my left kidney measures approximately 6 centimeters. I have also had detailed examinations at a ma...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei Reply:
Hello: 1. A person only needs one normal kidney to manage bodily functions, so in your case, even though only the right kidney is functioning normally, your blood test results for kidney function and urinalysis are normal. 2. The presence of foam in the urine without proteinuria ...[Read More] Concerns About Kidney Health: Understanding Atrophy and Function Tests
Long-Term Medication Use: Risks and Kidney Health Protection Tips
The effects of long-term medication use on the body? Hello: I have heard that long-term medication use may lead to dialysis. May I ask: 1. Is it true that long-term medication use can potentially lead to dialysis? 2. Besides dialysis, what other issues can long-term medication us...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello: Drug metabolism occurs through the liver and kidneys, which eliminate waste from the body. Why is long-term medication necessary? What types of medications are involved? The degree of impact varies. The misuse of antibiotics, pain relievers, and unverified traditional Chin...[Read More] Long-Term Medication Use: Risks and Kidney Health Protection Tips
Understanding Kidney Atrophy: Causes, Risks, and Diagnosis Explained
Renal atrophy I experienced lower back pain six months ago, and upon examining my kidneys, it was found that my left kidney measures 9 cm while my right kidney measures 12.2 cm. Both blood and urine tests were normal. The doctor was uncertain whether the left kidney atrophy was c...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, the normal size of a kidney is approximately 10-12 centimeters, and its shape resembles that of a fava bean. Your left kidney is indeed smaller in size. Distinguishing whether this is due to congenital atrophy or acquired atrophy is quite challenging. It may be caused by c...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Atrophy: Causes, Risks, and Diagnosis Explained
Understanding Sleep Disruptions: Is Your Kidney Health at Risk?
Lower back pain causing difficulty sleeping? Hello Doctor: In the past year, when I sleep on my right side at night, I often wake up around 3-4 AM due to a strong urge to urinate and lower back pain. Each time, the volume of urine is quite large, over 500cc. After waking up, I fr...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Check/Precautions: 1. Please monitor your blood pressure first. 2. Then arrange for urine and kidney function tests. 3. Lower back pain, aside from the kidneys (such as infections or stones), is often due to inflammation of the muscles and tendons alongside the spine, and may not...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Disruptions: Is Your Kidney Health at Risk?
Could Your Symptoms Indicate Kidney Disease? Key Tests to Consider
Do you have kidney disease? Hello, my urine has often been a dark reddish-brown color with a lot of foam for the past year, and I occasionally experience lower back pain. Additionally, I almost always wake up in the morning feeling nauseous and have dry heaving, which has been on...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the symptoms described in your message may be caused by a kidney-related condition. However, it is necessary to visit a nephrology clinic and undergo urine and kidney function tests conducted by a specialist to confirm the diagnosis.[Read More] Could Your Symptoms Indicate Kidney Disease? Key Tests to Consider
Understanding Elevated Immunoglobulin Levels and Kidney Health Risks
Elevated immunoglobulin levels? Doctor: Hello! Recently in April, I went to the hospital due to shortness of breath and chest tightness, where cardiac examinations showed no issues, and it was later diagnosed as autonomic nervous system dysfunction. However, the urine tests revea...
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Dear Ms. Kiki, Hello. There are five types of immunoglobulins: IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, and IgE, each with different normal value ranges. Your letter mentions elevated immunoglobulin levels (approximately 440), but it is unclear which specific immunoglobulin is elevated. The normal r...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Immunoglobulin Levels and Kidney Health Risks