Is Morning Stiffness Always a Sign of Arthritis? Understanding the Causes
Is morning stiffness always caused by arthritis? Hello, Doctor Gao. Recently, over the past week or two, I've suddenly noticed that when I wake up in the morning (this has happened for three consecutive days, but also occurred once or twice last week), my hand joints feel st...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The definition of morning stiffness is joint stiffness and pain lasting more than one hour. Therefore, if your morning joint stiffness lasts only 5 minutes, it does not meet the criteria for morning stiffness. However, even if your morning join...[Read More] Is Morning Stiffness Always a Sign of Arthritis? Understanding the Causes
Understanding Kidney Health: Interpreting Your Lab Results and Concerns
Kidney problems I received my health check report on December 29. My kidney function indices are BUN 11.8, Creatinine 0.66, uric acid 5.81, and urine leukocytes (+) with 6-8 leukocytes in the urine. The rest of the urine test results are normal. Can you tell me if I have kidney d...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Zhang Xuanxuan: Based on the information you provided, there is no evidence to suggest that you have kidney disease. Your health check physician is correct; it is possible that the urine was contaminated. It could also be due to slight increases in perineal secretions, ...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Health: Interpreting Your Lab Results and Concerns
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, 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 of g...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Kiki: 1. Elevated uric acid levels primarily refer to high concentrations of uric acid in the blood. When 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 go...[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
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
Can Chlamydia Infection Cause High Uric Acid Levels in Arthritis?
Clostridium infection Hello doctor, does Chlamydia infection-related arthritis lead to high uric acid levels?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding Chlamydia arthritis, the response is as follows, referencing http://blog.xuite.net/apex0818/twblog/121592288-%E6%8A%AB%E8%A1%A3%E8%8F%8C%E9%97%9C%E7%AF%80%E7%82%8EI. I. Cause: Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis after sexual contact is a common cause ...[Read More] Can Chlamydia Infection Cause High Uric Acid Levels in Arthritis?
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis and Uric Acid Levels in Blood Tests
Rheumatoid arthritis and uric acid? Hello! I would like to ask if the rheumatoid factor test report includes uric acid levels. I checked my report yesterday, and there was no rheumatoid factor, but the inflammatory markers were elevated. I am concerned that even without rheumatoi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The rheumatoid factor and uric acid levels are two different tests. Therefore, if your physician did not include these two tests in the examination items, you may not receive results for either the rheumatoid factor or uric acid levels. It would...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis and Uric Acid Levels in Blood Tests
Effective Weight Loss Strategies: Overcoming Common Challenges
Struggling to lose weight? Hello, Doctor: My height is 161.5 cm, weight is 70 kg, and my BMI is 26.83. I have read several weight loss books, and the doctor has mentioned to eat less and exercise more, but when I exercise more, I tend to eat more! Just relying on the phrase "...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Your height is 161.5 cm, weight is 70 kg, and your BMI is 26.83 kg/m², which classifies you as overweight. In medicine, there are various weight loss methods; however, there is no single method that is universally effective for everyone. Since obesity can lead to insulin resis...[Read More] Effective Weight Loss Strategies: Overcoming Common Challenges
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 Creatinine Levels and Glomerular Filtration Rate Changes
Creatinine and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Hello Doctor, two weeks ago, the hospital came to the community to conduct free health check-ups. Today, when I went to review the report, the doctor informed me that my creatinine level is 1.05 mg/dL and my glomerular filtration ra...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang: Regarding your question, I will address it in two parts. (1) The changes in creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) should be evaluated based on their "trends." If you only have two data points for comparison, you can only determine whether the...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Glomerular Filtration Rate Changes
Understanding the Right Specialists for Bacteremia and Spinal Abscess
For bacteremia and spinal abscess, you should consult an infectious disease specialist and a neurosurgeon? Hello, my father is 60 years old. He was previously hospitalized due to poorly controlled diabetes and was found to have Salmonella in his bloodstream, for which he received...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, Regarding chromium niacin at levels up to 600μg, the side effects of excessive intake are as follows: 1. Skin flushing and itching. 2. Elevated serum uric acid levels. 3. Impaired glucose tolerance. 4. Liver damage. Regarding the presence of Salmonella in the ...[Read More] Understanding the Right Specialists for Bacteremia and Spinal Abscess
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function Concerns
Creatinine and Kidney Function Related Issues Hello, Doctor. I apologize for the lengthy description of my issue. Here are the results from my blood and urine tests conducted at the clinic two weeks ago: Fasting blood glucose: 100 mg/dL (reference range: 70-100) Blood urea ni...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your description, your creatinine level is 1.34 mg/dL (reference range 0.7-1.5), and your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 66.9 (reference value > 60). Given your age, your GFR is slightly low, and the most common risk factors affecting kidney function are hyperten...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function Concerns
Understanding Urinary Protein Levels: When to Seek Further Testing
Urinary protein issue? Hello Doctor: Recently, I received my health check-up report, and most items are normal. However, regarding kidney function, the urine protein and urine creatinine levels are highlighted in red. The urine routine shows: Urine Protein: (+) UProtein (random u...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Regarding the interpretation of the proteinuria report: UProtein (urine protein, random urine): 22 mg/dL UCre (urine creatinine, random urine): 379 mg/dL UProtein/UCre ratio: 58 The key value to look at is the UProtein/UCre ratio of 58, which is calculated as (22/379) * ...[Read More] Understanding Urinary Protein Levels: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Right Kidney Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Kidney problems Hello, Doctor Wu. I would like to ask, around noon today, I experienced pain in my right kidney. It hurts when I squat down and when I get back up. My job involves standing and squatting to pick things up. In mid-February of this year, the clinic conducted blood a...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: There are many issues related to lower back pain that can be referenced in the attached document or addressed at a hospital. Wishing you safety from bothersome back pain. In the United States, back pain is the second most common reason for seeking medical attention in inte...[Read More] Understanding Right Kidney Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients
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
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
Should a Middle Schooler with High Uric Acid Levels Take Medication?
A middle school student with a uric acid level of 8 mg/dL, should medication be considered? Doctor, in my lifetime, during a school health check, my uric acid level was found to be elevated at 8. I went to see a doctor, who advised me to take medication to lower uric acid for one...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, if your uric acid level is 8 and you have no history of gout attacks, you can start with dietary control, increase your fluid intake, and reduce consumption of sugary beverages. After making these adjustments, you should have a follow-up test and then discu...[Read More] Should a Middle Schooler with High Uric Acid Levels Take Medication?
Managing Kidney Health: Dietary Tips for Creatinine and Uric Acid Control
Kidney problems Hello, doctor. In 2014, I had abnormal creatinine levels and elevated uric acid, which led me to seek consultation in the nephrology department of a major hospital for examinations (ultrasound and CT scan) and continuous monitoring. About six months later, my leve...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to the information you provided, a cholesterol level of 130 is considered normal. However, excessive intake of cholesterol from meat can increase the burden on the kidneys, which may lead to adverse effects. Regarding your concerns about sexual function, there are many ...[Read More] Managing Kidney Health: Dietary Tips for Creatinine and Uric Acid Control
What to Do About Low Uric Acid Levels of 0.6 mg/dL?
If your uric acid level is low at 0.6, what should you do? Hello, doctor. During my employee's health check-up, it was found that my uric acid level is too low, only 0.6 mg/dL, and it has been fluctuating between 0.X and 1.X for the past three to four years. The normal range...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: Common causes of low uric acid can be congenital or acquired. Congenital causes include enzyme deficiencies involved in uric acid production, among others. Acquired causes may include medications (such as losartan, allopurinol, febuxostat, and other uric acid-lowering drug...[Read More] What to Do About Low Uric Acid Levels of 0.6 mg/dL?
Diagnosing Non-Gout Acute Attacks: Beyond Uric Acid Testing
In addition to measuring uric acid levels, what other methods can be used to achieve a definitive diagnosis during an acute attack of non-gouty arthritis? Hello Dr. Gao, Due to my work in the United States, I was unable to return to Taiwan for medical treatment. On a day when I...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I will summarize my response as follows: 1. I believe the likelihood of gout is very low, even if you have mild hyperuricemia. Generally, gout attacks are quite severe, with significant redness, swelling, heat, and pain, often preventing indi...[Read More] Diagnosing Non-Gout Acute Attacks: Beyond Uric Acid Testing
Understanding Employee Health Check Results: When to See a Nephrologist?
Employee health check issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my annual employee health check. The report came out on May 3rd. I am a 26-year-old male, and my results show a GFR of 86, serum creatinine of 1.1 mg/dL, serum uric acid of 8.5 mg/dL, blood urea nitrogen of 15 ...
Dr. Lin Peifeng Reply:
A urine specific gravity of 1.024 indicates concentrated urine; therefore, a urine protein level of 1+ does not necessarily indicate a kidney issue. Additionally, it is important to consider whether the individual has hypertension or diabetes, as well as any family history of chr...[Read More] Understanding Employee Health Check Results: When to See a Nephrologist?