Challenging Cases of Severe Hypokalemia: When Potassium Supplements Fail
Severe hypokalemia that cannot be corrected? My mother suffers from severe hypokalemia, with potassium levels ranging from about 1.7 to 1.9 when stable, and dropping to as low as 1.4 during severe episodes. She takes potassium tablets daily, with the hospital prescribing up to 60...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
You can visit the outpatient clinic for a detailed assessment and examination.[Read More] Challenging Cases of Severe Hypokalemia: When Potassium Supplements Fail
Understanding Occult Blood in Urine: Implications for Kidney Health
Occult blood? Hello, Doctor Wu. I would like to ask if there is a relationship between occult blood and the kidneys. My occult blood level increased from 4+ to 5+. Will this affect my kidneys? What does an occult blood level of 4+ indicate? My urine protein and other indices are ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hematuria and occult blood are different. It is important to first confirm the presence of red blood cells in the urine. If red blood cells are present, renal issues such as renal cysts, kidney lesions, stones, or tumors may need to be ruled out. If there is only occult blood wit...[Read More] Understanding Occult Blood in Urine: Implications for Kidney Health
Understanding Rhabdomyolysis: When Urine Color Signals Concern
Rhabdomyolysis and Urine Color Issues Hello Dr. Wu, I have previously read your article on rhabdomyolysis that you posted on September 1, 2014. Today, I visited an orthopedic department at a hospital (the front desk recommended me to go there) because I experienced severe thigh...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
One of the diagnostic tests for rhabdomyolysis is the measurement of serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels. If the test results are normal and the pain subsequently decreases, with normal urine color, there is no need for concern. It is important to maintain a regular exercis...[Read More] Understanding Rhabdomyolysis: When Urine Color Signals Concern
Rising BUN and Creatinine Levels: Should You Worry About Kidney Health?
If BUN and creatinine levels are continuously rising (but still within the normal range), does this indicate a problem with the kidneys? Hello Doctor: I had a blood test in November 2017, which showed a BUN of 6 and a creatinine level of 9. In August 2018, I had another blood tes...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
1. BUN and creatinine (CRE) have standard values established by each laboratory. As long as the values are within the normal range (e.g., CRE: 0.7-1.3), the results indicate that they fall within the normal limits. Fluctuations in these values can be significantly influenced by d...[Read More] Rising BUN and Creatinine Levels: Should You Worry About Kidney Health?
Understanding Dizziness, Nausea, and Rapid Heartbeat After Intense Exercise
Dizziness, nausea, and rapid heartbeat? A few days ago, I went to exercise because I felt that the pressure from my studies had kept me from working out for a long time. While doing pull-ups, I pushed myself to do more until I couldn't continue, and I drank electrolyte bever...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, excessive exercise may lead to rhabdomyolysis, which can cause acute kidney failure. However, based on your age and physical condition, the likelihood of this is probably low. Another more probable scenario is that some individuals may experience mild nephrotic syndrome, p...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness, Nausea, and Rapid Heartbeat After Intense Exercise
Understanding Rhabdomyolysis: Symptoms, Risks, and Hydration Tips
Rhabdomyolysis Hello Doctor, I would like to ask, after exercising the day before yesterday, I feel like I might be experiencing rhabdomyolysis. My urine is slightly darker than usual, and my muscles have not recovered yet (besides these two symptoms, I have no other symptoms suc...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Drinking plenty of water after exercise helps in the elimination of metabolic waste, including muscle enzymes, so it is recommended to stay hydrated for muscle recovery. It is important to wait until lactate and other waste products are completely removed. In case of any exercise...[Read More] Understanding Rhabdomyolysis: Symptoms, Risks, and Hydration Tips
Can You Be Discharged Within Hours After Rhabdomyolysis?
Rhabdomyolysis Is it possible to be discharged in just a few hours? Can one feel completely fine the next day? Is this feasible?
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, "rhabdomyolysis" refers to the rapid and excessive damage to our skeletal muscles (striated muscles), leading to the destruction and necrosis of muscle cells. The affected muscles typically exhibit pain or tenderness, and there may be a decrease in muscle contrac...[Read More] Can You Be Discharged Within Hours After Rhabdomyolysis?
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
Long-Term Medication: Risks, Kidney Health, and Dietary Tips
The medication I am taking? Hello: Thank you for your clarification. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. What is the reason that long-term medication use may lead to dialysis? 2. I am currently taking PROZAC and ZOPICLONE, both of which are medications that need to ...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
1. Long-term medication use may lead to dialysis; what are the reasons for this? The mechanisms by which drugs can impair kidney function include several factors. First, medications can alter the pressure of glomerular perfusion, such as certain antihypertensive drugs or non-ster...[Read More] Long-Term Medication: Risks, Kidney Health, and Dietary Tips
Understanding Hypokalemia: Do You Need Ongoing Medical Follow-Up?
Hypokalemia issues? I previously went to the emergency room due to symptoms of hypokalemia, as I was feeling dizzy to the point of fainting. It was later confirmed that I had hypokalemia, and during my observation in the emergency department, my potassium level was replenished to...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question. 1. Symptoms of hypokalemia can be quite mild, but if serum potassium levels fall below 3 mEq/L, emergency symptoms such as muscle weakness, paralysis, hypotension, cramps, rhabdomyolysis, and respiratory failure may occur. 2. The causes genera...[Read More] Understanding Hypokalemia: Do You Need Ongoing Medical Follow-Up?
Understanding Muscle Strain vs. Rhabdomyolysis: When to Seek Medical Help
Rhabdomyolysis Hello, doctor. On August 14, I strained my neck muscles due to chiropractic treatment. Recently, I came across symptoms and causes of rhabdomyolysis online, so I have some questions for you. My muscle strain has not healed yet. When I initially got injured, I felt ...
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Hello, I apologize for the delayed response to your email. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition caused by damage to skeletal muscle, leading to the destruction and dissolution of muscle cells, which release myoglobin and other harmful substances into the bloodstream, affecting the entir...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Strain vs. Rhabdomyolysis: When to Seek Medical Help
Post-Discharge Care for Rhabdomyolysis: Managing Pain and Complications
Post-care for rhabdomyolysis? Hello, In early May, my brother experienced a series of complications due to rhabdomyolysis. Fortunately, it was detected early, and all complications, including acute renal failure, have been effectively managed by the doctors. He is now able to b...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello: Generally, symptoms of rhabdomyolysis should improve after treatment. The swelling and pain in the right leg indicate that there are still some lesions that have not been resolved. It is recommended that the patient go to the hospital for further examination. Sincerely, Dr...[Read More] Post-Discharge Care for Rhabdomyolysis: Managing Pain and Complications
Caring for Patients with Rhabdomyolysis: Essential Tips and Recommendations
Rhabdomyolysis For a patient with rhabdomyolysis, proper care is crucial, especially when resources are limited. Here are some recommendations: 1. **Hydration**: Continue to encourage the patient to drink plenty of fluids, preferably water or electrolyte solutions, to help flush...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the causes of rhabdomyolysis may include heat stroke, severe trauma, prolonged local tissue compression, or drug-induced factors. It is essential to first eliminate the underlying cause and provide ample hydration along with diuretics to preve...[Read More] Caring for Patients with Rhabdomyolysis: Essential Tips and Recommendations
Can Modern Medicine Cure Rhabdomyolysis from Sports Injuries?
Rhabdomyolysis Hello Doctor: I have developed rhabdomyolysis due to an exercise injury, which has caused deep scars on my calves. Can current medical technology cure this condition? Thank you for your response!
Dr. Jiang Wenzhi Reply:
Exercise injuries rarely lead to rhabdomyolysis, and rhabdomyolysis is seldom associated with scarring. Please consult an orthopedic physician for further information.[Read More] Can Modern Medicine Cure Rhabdomyolysis from Sports Injuries?
Understanding Rhabdomyolysis: Causes, Risks, and Prevention Tips
Rhabdomyolysis What are the causes of rhabdomyolysis? I've heard that excessive exercise can lead to it; is it really that serious? How can it be avoided or prevented?
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Reply to Kavun: Rhabdomyolysis often occurs due to heat stroke, electrical shock, burns, or drug toxicity. To prevent it during exercise, make sure to stay well-hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.[Read More] Understanding Rhabdomyolysis: Causes, Risks, and Prevention Tips