Is It Safe to Take Expired Tetracycline? Understanding the Risks
Tetracycline that has expired for several years? Hello, doctor. I took a tetracycline that expired several years ago. After researching online, I found out that it could be toxic. Is it possible to reach a toxic dose by taking just one pill? Do I need to seek medical attention? T...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: Poisoning refers to a situation where the dosage of a toxic substance is too high or interacts with other medications, causing harm to the human body. In your case, the dosage is neither too high nor too low, and there are no other medications being taken concurrently. Ins...[Read More] Is It Safe to Take Expired Tetracycline? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Declining GFR: When to See a Nephrologist?
The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) has been continuously declining? I would like to inquire about my health check report. My glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 78, creatinine is 1.09, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is 13.2, and uric acid is 4.9. All other reports are normal, and th...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a variable value. If the GFR is <60 ml/min and persists for more than three months, the likelihood of a diagnosis of renal failure is high. If the GFR is >60 and there are no other pathological findings (such as renal biopsy), ...[Read More] Understanding Declining GFR: When to See a Nephrologist?
Understanding Foamy Urine: When to Worry About Kidney Health
I would like to ask the doctor about the issue of foamy urine? Hello, doctor. Recently, I noticed that there are always bubbles in my urine. I searched for some information online, but I'm not sure if it's accurate. Some articles suggest that the first urine in the morn...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: Whether or not there is foamy urine, please go to the hospital for testing to ensure accuracy. Creatinine (cre): 1.01; it is necessary to calculate the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) which should be eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73m²; and it must remain so when compare...[Read More] Understanding Foamy Urine: When to Worry About Kidney Health
Managing Type 2 Diabetes: Key Insights from 8 Years of Diagnosis
Type 2 diabetes diagnosed for 8 years? Type 2 diabetes diagnosed for 8 years. Recent blood test results are as follows: - AC: 115 (Normal range: 70-100) - HbA1C: 6.3% (Normal range: 4-6%) - Triglycerides: 59 mg/dL (Normal range: <150 mg/dL) - Cholesterol: 170 mg/dL (Normal ra...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Aside from elevated blood glucose levels and glycated hemoglobin, all other values are within normal range. Please continue to take your medication regularly, maintain dietary control, and engage in exercise. Regular follow-ups are recommended.[Read More] Managing Type 2 Diabetes: Key Insights from 8 Years of Diagnosis
Does Hydration Affect Serum Creatinine Levels in Chronic Kidney Disease?
Factors affecting elevated creatinine levels? I have chronic kidney disease and have been undergoing regular follow-ups. However, the results of my kidney function tests have shown significant fluctuations this year (ranging from the 50s to the 30s). Therefore, I would like to as...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the data you provided, it falls within the range of stage 3 chronic kidney disease. Sometimes, we monitor kidney function by looking at a broader range and trends over several years, rather than just comparing the most recent outpatient visit with the previous one. In yo...[Read More] Does Hydration Affect Serum Creatinine Levels in Chronic Kidney Disease?
Managing Gout: Dietary Tips and Frequency of Attacks Explained
Gout-related issues? I have had gout attacks three times so far, once a year, and was diagnosed last month. My uric acid level is 7.2. My question is: if I do not control my diet, will the attacks become more frequent? I drink 300 ml of 10% fruit juice from a cooperative every da...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The online medication "Kang Hsi Su Long 5mg" is a steroid and should not be taken daily for an extended period. If gout is not controlled, most individuals will experience increasingly frequent attacks. It is recommended that you consult a rheumatologist, rather than an...[Read More] Managing Gout: Dietary Tips and Frequency of Attacks Explained
Managing Gout: Dietary Tips and Frequency of Attacks
Gout-related issues I have had gout attacks three times so far, once a year, and was diagnosed last month. My uric acid level is 7.2. I would like to know: if I do not control my diet, will the attacks become more frequent? I drink 300ml of 10% fruit juice from a cooperative ever...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The online medication "Kang Hsu Su Long 5mg" is a steroid and should not be taken daily for an extended period. If gout is not managed, most individuals will experience increasingly frequent flare-ups. It is recommended that you consult a rheumatologist, rather than an ...[Read More] Managing Gout: Dietary Tips and Frequency of Attacks
Calcium Supplements and Kidney Stones: Foods to Avoid and Timing Tips
Calcium supplements and kidney stones? (DXA) Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone mineral density T-score of -2.2 indicates a need for calcium supplementation. However, it is known that calcium supplements should not be taken with certain foods, as this may increase the ri...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Kidney stones primarily consist of calcium stones (calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate), uric acid stones, and infection-related stones. Oxalates in food can affect calcium absorption, potentially diminishing the effectiveness of calcium supplementation. Therefore, it is advisab...[Read More] Calcium Supplements and Kidney Stones: Foods to Avoid and Timing Tips
Understanding Chronic Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Muscle and joint pain? Hello Dr. Tseng, I have been experiencing increasing fatigue upon waking up every day for the past few years (average sleep time from 12:30 AM to 6:30 AM). During sleep, I often experience pain in my shoulders, elbows, and finger joints, as well as swelling...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, it is abnormal to experience pain in the shoulder, elbow, and finger joints while sleeping, and even to wake up due to joint pain during sleep. Blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis factors and uric acid levels have returned normal, but other rheumatic diseases cannot be ru...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Can Taking Creatine and Ginkgo Biloba Together Harm Kidney or Liver Health?
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? If we assume that creatinine levels are indeed elevated (maintained at 1.15) and uric acid levels are high, would taking Methylcobalamin (1000 mcg per tablet, one tablet at a time) and Ginkgo Biloba extract (120 mg per tablet, one ta...
Dr. Ke Taiyuan Reply:
I won't.[Read More] Can Taking Creatine and Ginkgo Biloba Together Harm Kidney or Liver Health?
Understanding Urine Test Results: Glucose Levels and Diabetes Risk
Urinalysis Hello Doctor, I underwent a health check in mid-April, and the urine test showed glucose 4+ (highlighted in red), fasting blood glucose 78, hemoglobin A1c 5.1, serum urea nitrogen 7 (highlighted in red), creatinine 0.68, glomerular filtration rate 114, and uric acid 4....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if your father has diabetes, it is recommended to have a blood glucose meter at home. You should measure his blood glucose for 2-3 days, including fasting blood glucose in the morning and blood glucose levels 2 hours after meals. You can discuss these values with a metabol...[Read More] Understanding Urine Test Results: Glucose Levels and Diabetes Risk
Navigating My Medical Journey: Confusion and Fear Amidst Antibiotic Treatment
What is happening with my medical process? I am filled with confusion and fear? I am currently on antibiotics and waiting for an MRI examination... Let me recount my medical journey from November 23, 2018, to the present... On the 23rd, I developed a corn on my right big toe, so ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, regarding your questions, here are the responses: 1. When bacterial infection is confirmed, why is it not possible to be hospitalized immediately (waiting for 4 days), and even after hospitalization, immediate testing is not available? After nearly 2 weeks of anti...[Read More] Navigating My Medical Journey: Confusion and Fear Amidst Antibiotic Treatment
How Long Do Gout Medications Take to Lower Uric Acid Levels?
What is the duration of the uric acid-lowering medication for gout? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing pain in the top of my foot, so I visited a nearby orthopedic clinic. The orthopedic doctor suggested it might be gout, and he ordered a blood test to check my ...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
1. Gout is a clinical diagnosis and is not determined solely by laboratory blood tests; therefore, it does not have an absolute relationship with uric acid levels. 2. The text does not specify which medications were taken, so it is not possible to assess their efficacy.[Read More] How Long Do Gout Medications Take to Lower Uric Acid Levels?
Understanding Gout: The Role of White Blood Cells in Uric Acid Crystals
Gout-related Hello, doctor. I apologize for asking a question that is not directly related to health care. I found online that the mechanism of gout occurs due to the accumulation of excess uric acid crystals in the body, which triggers an inflammatory response from white blood c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
In terms of pathology, once the body produces gout crystals, they are recognized by white blood cells as foreign substances, prompting an immune response. We do use immunosuppressive medications, such as corticosteroids, to mitigate the attack by white blood cells. However, these...[Read More] Understanding Gout: The Role of White Blood Cells in Uric Acid Crystals
Chronic Kidney Disease and Vitamin B: What You Need to Know
Chronic Kidney Disease and Vitamin B Complex Hello Dr. Wu Chi-Yu: I am a patient with chronic kidney disease. In my recent blood test report, my serum creatinine is 2.73, blood urea nitrogen is 33, glomerular filtration rate is 26.6, phosphorus is 5.4, and uric acid is 8.1. All o...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to the current guidelines provided by international journals: Vitamin B1: 1.5 mg/day Vitamin B6: 5 mg/day Vitamin B12: 2-3 µg/day Vitamin E: Additional supplementation is not recommended Niacin: 14-20 mg/day If you are concerned about insufficient dietary i...[Read More] Chronic Kidney Disease and Vitamin B: What You Need to Know
Understanding Inconsistent Symptoms in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
I'm sorry, but I need more context or specific information to provide an accurate translation or response? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis about three years ago when I was around 14 years old. It started with pain in my left knee, and then mo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) or juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is different from adult rheumatoid arthritis, so juvenile rheumatoid arthritis does not directly transition into rheumatoid arthritis in adulthood. Therefore, some patie...[Read More] Understanding Inconsistent Symptoms in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Understanding Proteinuria: What Your Health Check Results Mean
Health check-up: Proteinuria I have vasculitis and mild arrhythmia, and I am taking immunosuppressive medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, and anti-arrhythmic medication. I recently had a check-up, but I couldn't understand the report as the doctor was in a hurry and told me...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
If there are concerns about liver function, please consult a gastroenterologist. Urine protein is 1+, and it is recommended to visit a nephrologist for further testing. Wishing you good health and safety.[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: What Your Health Check Results Mean
Managing Blood Pressure and Edema in a 76-Year-Old Patient
Blood pressure, edema, uric acid? Hello Dr. Wu: My mother is 76 years old and has been taking Adalat 30 mg for many years. Recently, she has experienced edema in her lower extremities. We switched her to one Zanidip (Lercanidipine) 10 mg at bedtime and one Fluitran (Furosemide) 2...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Hsiao-Fen: 1. Your mother is taking Adalat® (30mg; generic name Nifedipine), which is a calcium channel blocker. Long-term use can lead to sodium and fluid retention, resulting in edema. It is recommended to switch to Zanidip® (10mg; generic name Lercanidipine) and Flu...[Read More] Managing Blood Pressure and Edema in a 76-Year-Old Patient
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