Understanding Subcutaneous Hemorrhages in the Context of COVID-19
Subcutaneous ecchymosis of the calf? Hello, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 on June 11, and around June 24, I noticed purpura and petechiae on my calves. I visited a dermatologist on June 26, where the doctor ordered blood tests including CBC, ESR, Creatinine, AST, ALT, and CRP. Th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I have researched that one type of vasculitis is classified as ANCA-associated, which can present with symptoms such as sinusitis. I have been diagnosed recently and occasionally experience yellow nasal discharge tha...[Read More] Understanding Subcutaneous Hemorrhages in the Context of COVID-19
Understanding Parasite Risks and Health Concerns in Contaminated Water
Regarding parasitic issues? Hello Doctor, my name is Yang, and I am a female. I would like to ask about a parasitic issue. Around 2014, about eight years ago, I operated a clothing store in a wet market, which had a rather dirty environment. I used water that was offered to the E...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
It has been too long since 2014, and even if there was a single exposure to bacteria or parasites at that time, it cannot explain the subsequent symptoms you mentioned. I recommend seeing a nephrologist to investigate the cause of the proteinuria. If you are experiencing recurren...[Read More] Understanding Parasite Risks and Health Concerns in Contaminated Water
Understanding Urine Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Urinary issues and proteinuria? Hello, doctor. On the evening of May 2nd, I visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and explained that my urine in the morning was darker yellow, with a lot of bubbles that lasted longer than ten minutes. Aside from the first morning ur...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of foamy urine, including disease-related factors (such as proteinuria) and general physiological states (such as higher urea concentration in the first morning urine). This phenomenon serves as a preliminary assessment tool for individuals to evaluat...[Read More] Understanding Urine Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Proteinuria: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps for Kidney Health
Proteinuria 2+ Hello Dr. Lin, I have had a frequent urination problem since my school days. To avoid affecting my classes and work, I often hold my urine. During routine health check-ups, I have had hematuria, but my recent labor health check showed normal results for hematuria. ...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to bring your health check-up report to a family medicine physician or a nephrologist for evaluation, and then consult a dietitian for nutritional advice. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps for Kidney Health
Understanding Proteinuria: Key Questions About Kidney Health and Lifestyle
Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. Wu, I had a health check-up in September 2015, during which my fasting blood glucose level was 95 mg/dL; my estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 105 mL/min; my albumin level was 3.5 g/dL; and my albumin-to-globulin ratio was 1.6. All of t...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Q1. News reports online indicate that some doctors state: "Chronic kidney failure typically takes 20 to 30 years from the initial damage to the kidneys until dialysis is needed." Dr. Wu, is this statement accurate? Given that different stages of chronic kidney disease (...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Key Questions About Kidney Health and Lifestyle
Understanding Declining GFR: Is Your Kidney Health at Risk?
Health check for kidney issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is concerning. Over the past few years, my GFR has been around 120, but in January of last year, it was 99, and after another test in August, it dropped to 94. Is ...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, if the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is between 60 and 90, chronic kidney disease (CKD) should only be diagnosed if there is accompanying proteinuria or structural abnormalities of the kidneys. If neither is present, it is recommended to follow up wi...[Read More] Understanding Declining GFR: Is Your Kidney Health at Risk?
Understanding the Link Between Proteinuria and Osteolytic Lesions
The relationship between proteinuria and osteolytic lesions? Hello, Doctor Wu. Happy Day Six of the Lunar New Year. Following up on my previous question, I will be undergoing a PET scan. I have been diagnosed with stage I papillary thyroid carcinoma (currently no longer classifie...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Your question is too complex; please discuss it with your nephrologist. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Proteinuria and Osteolytic Lesions
The Relationship Between Proteinuria and Osteolytic Lesions: A Clinical Inquiry
The relationship between proteinuria and osteolytic lesions? Hello, Doctor Wu. Happy New Year. I have a question. At the end of April last year, I underwent a PET scan, which revealed two osteolytic lesions in my body. Here are the excerpts from the report: 1. There are two osteo...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: 1. I am curious about the reason for your positron emission tomography (PET) scan. If it is due to cancer with suspected bone metastasis, certain cancers can secrete various proteins, which may lead to increased urinary protein levels even in the absence of bone metastas...[Read More] The Relationship Between Proteinuria and Osteolytic Lesions: A Clinical Inquiry
How Long Does It Take for Kidney Stones to Shrink and Pass?
How long does it take for kidney stones to shrink and be expelled? In August of this year, I underwent a renal ultrasound at Taipei Shin Kong Hospital, which revealed two kidney stones measuring 0.7 cm each (asymptomatic). There was no proteinuria and no signs of chronic kidney a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you have done is already the basic necessary steps. However, kidney stones may not pass out due to individual differences in body constitution and location. Since your stone is small and you do not have any specific symptoms, it can indeed be monitored long-term. Emer...[Read More] How Long Does It Take for Kidney Stones to Shrink and Pass?
Do Bubbles in Urine Indicate Proteinuria? Understanding Your Kidney Health
If there is proteinuria, will there be bubbles every time you urinate? Hello, doctor. After my previous health check-up, my urine protein level was reported as (+/-)↑. The doctor mentioned that this value is quite common and advised me not to worry too much unless I wanted to pur...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the presence of bubbles in urine does not necessarily indicate proteinuria. For instance, when urine is more diluted, it may be harder to see bubbles. If you are still very concerned, you can purchase a urine protein test strip from a medical supply store, which would prov...[Read More] Do Bubbles in Urine Indicate Proteinuria? Understanding Your Kidney Health
Understanding Abnormal Urine Sediment Test Results: What You Need to Know
Abnormal urine sediment examination? Dear Doctor, Hello. I was hospitalized due to gastroenteritis and underwent an abdominal ultrasound. The gastroenterologist mentioned that I have chronic changes in my kidneys (irregular surface). I then scheduled an appointment with a nephro...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, chronic changes in the kidneys usually require accompanying blood tests to assess kidney function, such as BUN and creatinine levels, to check for abnormalities. If the blood tests are normal, observation is typically sufficient. As for urine sediment, it usually does not ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Urine Sediment Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Urine Test Results: What Do Your Numbers Mean?
Urine test inquiry? Hello Doctor, I recently had a physical examination and I don't quite understand the following test results, so I would like to ask you: 1. Test Name: Creatinine (CRE) Result: 203.1 mg/dL 2. Microalbumin (Immunoturbidimetric Method) Result: 203.1 mg/dL...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, these three values should be from a urinalysis, right? The presence of these three values suggests that you may have had proteinuria previously. The normal ranges for these values can vary depending on the testing methods used by different hospitals, so your report should ...[Read More] Understanding Urine Test Results: What Do Your Numbers Mean?
Understanding Fluctuations in Glomerular Filtration Rate: What You Need to Know
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) issues? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) results from my blood tests. In December 2020, my GFR was 100.6, in May 2021 it was 119.6, and in November 2021 it was 85.3. My concern is why today's GFR...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) only reflects kidney function, so there is no need to worry too much. If there are additional concerns such as proteinuria, hematuria, abnormalities in ultrasound examinations, or other chronic conditions, please consult a neph...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in Glomerular Filtration Rate: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment and Blood Sugar Management
Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment Hello Dr. Lin, I am a patient with chronic kidney disease (stage 3B) and have high proteinuria (approximately 1600-2200 mg/g). My blood sugar levels are also elevated, with a hemoglobin A1c of about 6.1 and a blood glucose level of approximately 1...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello Mr. Zeng, the glomerular filtration rate may decline due to aging, diseases, and other factors. It is advisable to discuss with your attending physician before starting new medications or adjusting dosages. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment and Blood Sugar Management
Exploring the Link Between Low Albumin in Lupus and Pregnancy Outcomes
The correlation between low albumin levels in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and pregnancy/abortion, along with proteinuria and the calculation method? Dear Dr. Gao, Thank you for your prompt response to my inquiry regarding #186219. I have another question related to lupus...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) In 2017, starting from June, my proteinuria fluctuated between negative and positive, eventually showing ++ and +++. However, at that time, my albumin level was still at 4.2. There was a year when I did not undergo uri...[Read More] Exploring the Link Between Low Albumin in Lupus and Pregnancy Outcomes
Understanding Steroid Side Effects and Sock Indentations: A Patient's Inquiry
Onset of steroid side effects / Sock indentation marks Hello, Doctor. I have lupus erythematosus and have been undergoing treatment since 2012. Initially, I was taking three steroid pills, but three years ago, the dosage increased to five pills. Over the past six months, my weigh...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. How long does it take for steroid side effects to appear? Is my body change possibly related to medication use, or is it simply due to dietary or lifestyle changes? --> Side effects from steroids can begin to manif...[Read More] Understanding Steroid Side Effects and Sock Indentations: A Patient's Inquiry
Understanding Proteinuria: Symptoms, Kidney Health, and Tea Consumption
Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. Wu, I have a few questions I would like to ask you: Q1. Regarding proteinuria, I have observed that my urine often has "trace" amounts of fine bubbles, and even after waiting five minutes, the bubbles do not completely dissipate, leaving ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to your questions: Q1: Healthy adults can indeed have proteinuria, but the total daily amount should not exceed 150 mg. The presence of bubbles observed with the naked eye should be confirmed through testing to determine whether it is normal or exceeds the threshold. ...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Symptoms, Kidney Health, and Tea Consumption
Can Women with IgA Nephropathy Safely Get Pregnant?
Can a person with IgA nephropathy become pregnant and give birth? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy and minimal change disease after undergoing a kidney biopsy in the past. My condition is currently stable, with no proteinuria or hematuria, and my kidney functio...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the information provided in the literature, if blood pressure is normal and the glomerular filtration rate is greater than 70 ml/min, the impact of pregnancy on the kidneys can be minimized. However, it is essential to discuss your specific situation with your attending ...[Read More] Can Women with IgA Nephropathy Safely Get Pregnant?
Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: When to See a Nephrologist
Creatinine levels exceed the standard? Hello Doctor: In my blood test report, my creatinine level is 1.21 and my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 71.7. Should I urgently see a nephrologist? What advice would you give me? My triglycerides are 160, total cholesterol is 210, high...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
For chronic kidney disease, a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) greater than 60, combined with proteinuria, hematuria, or renal parenchymal damage (such as stones, edema, or cysts), is required for a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease. Based on the report you provided, while your...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: When to See a Nephrologist
Understanding Kidney Function Tests: Interpreting Your Results
Kidney function tests Hello Dr. Wu, I had a general health check-up at a clinic in early May, and the report is as follows: - Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): 14.0 (normal range: 7-25) - Creatinine: 0.63 (normal range: 0.6-1.2) - Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): 115 (greater than 6...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to your inquiry, both reports indicate normal kidney function (as the glomerular filtration rate is greater than 60, and all urine tests are normal), which does not qualify as chronic kidney disease. For chronic kidney disease to be diagnosed, the glomerular filtration ...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function Tests: Interpreting Your Results