Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate and Hematuria Changes in Kidney Health
The glomerulus and occult blood? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 64.6, with the standard being greater than 60. Two years ago, it was 84. Does this indicate a decline in kidney function? Additionally, the urine occult blood test has ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Occult blood testing is different from hematuria; it may be caused by recent infections, kidney stones, medications, or excessive exercise. The filtration rate can vary with fluid intake, renal function deterioration, and increased body weight. It is advisable to assess the prese...[Read More] Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate and Hematuria Changes in Kidney Health
Scleroderma and Microalbuminuria: Understanding the Connection and Next Steps
Scleroderma and Urinary Microalbumin Hello, in April of this year, I went to the rheumatology and immunology department due to hand pain and found the following abnormalities: ANA 1:160 (AC-10) Nucleolar punctate, Anti-Scl-70 16 (-) reference value (120 au/ml), Anti-Sm 9 (-), Ant...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The results from your rheumatology examination are mostly negative, with some results falling into a gray area, making it indeed difficult to draw conclusions based on the current test results. The diagnosis of scleroderma can sometimes be confi...[Read More] Scleroderma and Microalbuminuria: Understanding the Connection and Next Steps
Understanding Pentoxifylline: Uses and Duration of Treatment
Kidney function tests Doctor, what is the primary use of this medication (400mg Pentoxifylline), and how long can it be taken?
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: The indication for this medication under health insurance is to improve peripheral circulation; however, it has been found to reduce urinary protein, improve creatinine levels, and lower inflammatory markers. Therefore, some physicians use it to treat renal dysfunction. Po...[Read More] Understanding Pentoxifylline: Uses and Duration of Treatment
Understanding Kidney Health: Tests, Concerns, and Dietary Advice
Examination, health, and other related issues concerning having one less kidney? Doctor Wu: Hello, over the past ten years, I have undergone abdominal ultrasounds three times due to gastrointestinal issues, and three different physicians have been unable to locate my right kidney...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
1. The diagnostic rate of ultrasound has already reached a high level, and computed tomography (CT) can enhance diagnostic accuracy. However, it is recommended that if the results of a non-contrast scan indicate a single kidney, it should be classified as a Class A diagnosis. The...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Health: Tests, Concerns, and Dietary Advice
Should You Continue Anti-Inflammatory Meds for Joint Pain? When to Get Blood Tests
Should I continue taking anti-inflammatory medication? How much should the joint pain improve before I go to the hospital for blood tests? This past Monday, I visited an orthopedic doctor due to pain in the joint of my big toe near the foot. The doctor suspected it might be gout ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Xiao Hong: 1. The pain in the joint of your big toe near the foot can commonly be diagnosed as gout, bunions, toenail ingrowth, toe fracture, calluses, cellulitis, or paronychia, among others. 2. Since you mentioned a history of hallux valgus, it is particularly impor...[Read More] Should You Continue Anti-Inflammatory Meds for Joint Pain? When to Get Blood Tests
Understanding the Link Between High Uric Acid and Heart Health
Cardiac issues and elevated uric acid levels? Cardiac issues: I experience shortness of breath while jogging, which prevents me from continuing. This phenomenon occurs about 10 minutes into jogging (I haven't recorded it carefully). Which department should I visit for an exa...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Indeed, there is a trend of metabolic diseases occurring at younger ages, and it's great that you are being vigilant. Regarding your concerns, my recommendations are as follows: 1. If you experience shortness of breath during jogging, it...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between High Uric Acid and Heart Health
Understanding Facial Swelling After Facial Nerve Paralysis: What to Do Next?
During the recovery phase of facial nerve paralysis, swelling of the eyes and face may occur? Hello Doctor, I experienced facial nerve paralysis on the right side of my face on August 3, 2017. At that time, my right eye's vision, hearing, and taste were all affected. Althoug...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. The unilateral lower limb swelling and pain (right leg) should not be related to the facial nerve paralysis on the same side, nor should it be associated with renal dysfunction (as renal dysfunction typically leads to...[Read More] Understanding Facial Swelling After Facial Nerve Paralysis: What to Do Next?
Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Causes and Concerns
Elevated creatinine levels? Hello, doctor. This year, during my health check-up, my kidney function test showed a creatinine level of 1.5 and a uric acid level of 4.31. Last year, my creatinine level was 1.4 and my uric acid level was 5.3. My BMI has been 22 for both years. I hav...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello, regarding your elevated creatinine levels, it is recommended that you see a nephrologist for further examination and follow-up. Since your uric acid levels are normal, the cause of the renal dysfunction may require additional urine tests and blood tests to determine whethe...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Proteinuria: What Does a 0.15g/l Urine Test Result Mean?
Proteinuria test Hello, staff of Taiwan e-Hospital. I am resending this content due to the need for additional test values from October 2, 2016. I hope this will not be deleted for being a repeated inquiry. Thank you for your hard work. Dear Dr. Wu, during a health check last y...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Proteinuria is one of the indicators of renal function deterioration leading to kidney disease. However, the actual measurement of proteinuria requires a 24-hour urine collection, which can be inconvenient. Therefore, an estimation method has been developed, usin...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: What Does a 0.15g/l Urine Test Result Mean?
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?
Understanding Persistent Edema in Elderly Patients with Diabetes and Hypertension
Persistent edema Hello Dr. Lee: My mother is 78 years old and has a history of hypertension and diabetes. This year, she has experienced persistent edema in both legs for quite some time. She also gets up to urinate about 2 to 3 times during the night, with a large volume of urin...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Tina: Hello, your mother has hypertension and diabetes, so it is important to consider whether there are any complications related to renal dysfunction. Additionally, low albumin levels due to malnutrition or diabetic nephropathy causing proteinuria may also lead to edema. I reco...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Edema in Elderly Patients with Diabetes and Hypertension
Understanding Nephrotic Syndrome: Eligibility for Military Exemption in Taiwan
Nephrotic syndrome Conditions for various types of nephritis include one of the following: 1. Chronic renal dysfunction confirmed by examination, with serum creatinine greater than 2 mg/dL and creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/min. 2. History of renal pathology examination sho...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, I had nephrotic syndrome during childhood, primarily caused by minimal change disease. After treatment, I recovered with fewer relapses. Now at 23 years old, I need to re-evaluate the protein levels in my urine, assess my kidney function throu...[Read More] Understanding Nephrotic Syndrome: Eligibility for Military Exemption in Taiwan
Understanding Urinary Issues and Chest Pain: A Guide for Patients
Anuria and chest pain? Hello, Doctor: The patient is a 40-year-old woman who is thin and has a history of smoking and alcohol consumption. She experiences difficulty urinating and has been prescribed diuretics three times a day, which have not been very helpful. She frequently ex...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: Difficulty in urination, rather than low urine output or renal dysfunction, should not be treated with diuretics. It is important to rule out urinary tract infections, urinary dysfunction, or obstruction. Other medication side effects should also be considered. It is recom...[Read More] Understanding Urinary Issues and Chest Pain: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Post-Surgery Kidney Failure: A Case Study in Diabetes
Post-surgery My mother-in-law, who is 70 years old and has had diabetes for 8 years, recently underwent hip surgery. However, post-surgery, she developed renal failure. The doctor informed us that she would need dialysis, even though she did not require it before the surgery. Why...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, diabetes can potentially lead to renal dysfunction. General anesthesia during surgery may also contribute to the deterioration of kidney function. Additionally, the use of analgesics, antibiotics, or conditions such as anemia, continuous bleeding, and shock can result in r...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Kidney Failure: A Case Study in Diabetes
Managing Lower Back Pain After Kidney Stone and Infection
Low back pain Hello, I had kidney stones 5 years ago. On September 29, 2003, I had an outpatient visit at a hospital in Taipei due to persistent pain in the lower right back. There were no stones found, but there was inflammation and infection. What should I do about this? Thank ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Urinary tract stones can cause lower back pain, hematuria, or associated infections; in severe cases, they can lead to hydronephrosis or renal dysfunction. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a urologist for examination and treatment if ...[Read More] Managing Lower Back Pain After Kidney Stone and Infection