Could Your Diet and Dehydration Be Causing Kidney Pain?
Drinking insufficient water and experiencing lower back pain after consuming certain foods may indicate a potential issue with the kidneys? Hello Doctor: I have noticed that whenever I eat certain specific foods (like Angelica duck noodles or braised dishes), I experience sorenes...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Regarding your symptoms, there are several possible scenarios: 1. The pain in your elbows and knees may be related to gout. I recommend visiting a hospital for a blood test to check your uric acid levels. 2. A high-sodium diet can lead to increased fluid intake...[Read More] Could Your Diet and Dehydration Be Causing Kidney Pain?
Understanding Non-Joint Swelling and Pain in the Index Finger
Swelling of the index finger (non-articular) Hello, I would like to ask about a situation I experienced. Last night, I suddenly had swelling and throbbing pain in the tip of my index finger (not related to the joint), which kept me awake. The next morning, I went to a clinic for ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe it would be beneficial to consult with an allergist or rheumatologist to investigate whether it might be recurrent rheumatic disease. I recommend seeking an appointment at any time, rather than waiting for an episode to occur. The Chan...[Read More] Understanding Non-Joint Swelling and Pain in the Index Finger
Managing Water Intake for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Water Intake Issues in Patients with Chronic Kidney Failure Hello Dr. Wu, My mother has a history of mild stroke, along with mild diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, high uric acid, proteinuria, and hematuria. Her estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is currently arou...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello: Regarding your question, we will discuss it in two parts: (1) Based on the information you provided, your mother's estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 50 indicates that she is approximately in stage 3 of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which has a total of fi...[Read More] Managing Water Intake for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Regarding sharp pain in the right upper abdomen? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. I have been experiencing a sudden feeling of hunger shortly after meals, which feels somewhat like an empty stomach sensation without the typical stomach growling. If I eat too quickly, I might even feel hungry ha...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Shi: 1. Regarding your upper right abdominal pain, I believe it may be what is commonly referred to as side stitch, as mentioned in my response on June 27, 2016. Therefore, I recommend that you consult a coach to learn proper breathing techniques while running to avoid ...[Read More] Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Chest Discomfort, Frequent Hiccups, and Persistent Cough: What to Know
Left chest tightness, persistent hiccups, and continuous coughing? Hello Doctor, at the beginning of the month, I felt a heaviness in my left chest and sometimes experienced slight weakness in my body. On the 8th, I went to a cardiologist for an examination, and the doctor mentio...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, the most likely condition is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The characteristics of GERD include symptoms that occur after eating or when lying down, such as a mild burning sensation in the chest, noticeable belching, and in severe cases, throat...[Read More] Chest Discomfort, Frequent Hiccups, and Persistent Cough: What to Know
Understanding Persistent Foamy Urine: Is It a Sign of Proteinuria?
The first urine in the morning shows a slight foam that has not dissipated for a long time? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have started to pay attention to the issue of foamy urine, so I have been carefully observing the characteristics of each urination daily. Since I am currently wa...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang: The presence of bubbles in your urine may indicate proteinuria, but it could also be caused by other substances. Clinically, only proteinuria is known to affect health, so when we encounter bubbly urine, we typically conduct a test for urine protein. Urine protein...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Foamy Urine: Is It a Sign of Proteinuria?
Managing Elevated Uric Acid Levels: When to Start Medication?
Uric acid issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my uric acid level of 7.6 mg/dL, which is slightly above the standard range of 4.0-7.5. Do I need to start medication for control, or should I wait to recheck it in three months? Occasionally, I experience sudden pain in ...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello: Your uric acid level is slightly elevated at 7.6 mg/dL (normal range is 4.0-7.5 mg/dL; different laboratories may have slightly varying normal ranges, and at my workplace, the normal range is 3.7-7.3 mg/dL). It is only slightly above normal, and you can manage it with diet...[Read More] Managing Elevated Uric Acid Levels: When to Start Medication?
Understanding Low CCR Levels: Do You Need a Low-Protein Diet?
Regarding the CCR (Creatinine Clearance Rate) renal function index? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask why my creatinine clearance (CCR) is low, even though my other test results are mostly normal. I have had several tests, and my CCR has consistently been between the low 50s and...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello: The 24-hour creatinine clearance rate is clinically used as an indirect indicator of glomerular filtration rate. While its accuracy is relatively high, it can still be affected by urine collection methods, medication use, and testing errors, which may influence the results...[Read More] Understanding Low CCR Levels: Do You Need a Low-Protein Diet?
Understanding Foamy Urine: Causes and Concerns After Rapid Weight Loss
My urinary issues? Hello Dr. Wu, I previously experienced rapid weight loss due to taking Forxiga, dropping from 116 kg to 109 kg between March 30 and April 11. I stopped the medication on April 8. I was concerned about potential kidney issues, so I had blood tests done on April ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello, 1. First, it is essential to understand the dosage of Forxiga you are using and whether you are combining it with other weight loss medications or treatments. A weight loss of nearly seven kilograms in less than two weeks is considered too rapid and may pose potential ha...[Read More] Understanding Foamy Urine: Causes and Concerns After Rapid Weight Loss
Can Barley Grass Tablets Help Lower High Uric Acid Levels?
Hyperuricemia Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if taking Chang Gung Biotechnology's barley grass tablets can help lower high uric acid levels. Thank you.
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Non-medical consultation. Hello: "Chang Gung Biotechnology - Barley Grass Tablets" should be classified as a "dietary supplement," which is different from "medications." Before a medication is marketed by a pharmaceutical company, it must undergo mul...[Read More] Can Barley Grass Tablets Help Lower High Uric Acid Levels?
Understanding the Causes of Elevated Creatinine Levels in Lupus Patients
Causes of elevated creatinine levels? I have systemic lupus erythematosus, which was diagnosed in 2009. At that time, my serum creatinine level was 4.4. After receiving steroid treatment, it decreased to 2.5. I have since been under the care of rheumatology and nephrology. Howeve...
Dr. Lin Peifeng Reply:
The provided information is limited. Lupus nephritis can cause six types of pathological changes in the kidneys, some of which are acute changes. In such cases, the use of stronger immunosuppressants and corticosteroids may improve some kidney function. However, if the changes ar...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Elevated Creatinine Levels in Lupus Patients
Understanding White Particles in Urine: Is It Normal?
Urine with suspended particles? Hello Doctor, I am 155 cm tall and currently weigh 57 kg. During my recent urine tests, I noticed that my urine has a whitish sediment. Is this normal? Also, is my uric acid level high? Here are the results from my most recent urine test: Blood Ure...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello, based on the information you provided, most of the results appear to be normal. However, some aspects of the urinalysis (such as the microscopic examination) were not listed, making it difficult to assess. If you continue to notice any suspended particles, you should consu...[Read More] Understanding White Particles in Urine: Is It Normal?
Can You Drink Unsweetened Soy Milk Daily with High Uric Acid?
Gout and Soy Milk Hello, Doctor Gao. I would like to ask if it is okay for me to drink a cup of unsweetened soy milk (about 250cc) for breakfast every day, considering my fasting blood test showed a uric acid level of 7.7 (with the upper limit of the normal range being 7.6). Than...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Currently, high-purine foods from vegetables, including legumes or related products and mushrooms, do not have an impact on individuals with gout or hyperuricemia! If you have never had a history of joint pain, the effect of high-purine vegetab...[Read More] Can You Drink Unsweetened Soy Milk Daily with High Uric Acid?
Understanding High Uric Acid Levels: Next Steps and Specialist Guidance
High uric acid levels issue? Hello, Dr. Gao. I have a question regarding my health check report. My uric acid levels are elevated but not exceeding 8. I am unable to determine the exact issue. What further tests can help identify the problem? Which department should I visit at a ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If your uric acid level is elevated but not exceeding 10 mg/dL, and you have not experienced any joint symptoms or kidney stones, I believe it would be reasonable to monitor the situation over time. You can follow up in about three to six month...[Read More] Understanding High Uric Acid Levels: Next Steps and Specialist Guidance
Understanding Kidney Function: GFR vs. Creatinine in Health Concerns
Glomerular filtration rate and kidney disease issues? Hello Dr. Wu: I am 180 cm tall and weigh about 71 kg. Recently, for the past month, I have noticed persistent bubbles in my urine and have experienced increased urinary frequency (especially 2-3 hours after consuming sugary dr...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the data you provided, the physician's response is correct because the current formula for estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is derived from international sources, while domestic scholars have been researching a formula specific to our population. In summa...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function: GFR vs. Creatinine in Health Concerns
Understanding Kidney Function: GFR vs. Creatinine in Chronic Kidney Disease
Glomerular filtration rate and kidney disease issues? Hello Dr. Wu, I am 180 cm tall and weigh around 71 kg. Recently, for the past month, I have noticed persistent bubbles in my urine, and I feel that I have increased urinary frequency (especially 2-3 hours after consuming suga...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the data you provided, the physician's response is correct because the current formula for estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is derived from international sources, while domestic scholars are researching a formula specific to our population. In summary, re...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function: GFR vs. Creatinine in Chronic Kidney Disease
Understanding Low Glomerular Filtration Rate: What You Need to Know
Low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) Hello doctor, I am currently 26 years old and below are my data (the abnormal ones related to kidney function tests). Last year, my blood pressure was 137/80, cholesterol was 208 (standard upper limit is 200), white blood cells were 4.7 (norma...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the data you provided, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) has decreased from 94.58 to 80.89, which raises concerns about changes in kidney function. Currently, the GFR we use is derived from studies conducted by international scholars, and there are also researchers in...[Read More] Understanding Low Glomerular Filtration Rate: What You Need to Know
Understanding High Creatinine Levels: Implications for Kidney Health
Elevated creatinine levels? Recent health check report: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 15 mg/dL, creatinine 1.35 mg/dL, uric acid 5.9 mg/dL, calcium 7.7 mg/dL. Does this report indicate that there is a problem with kidney function? What dietary and lifestyle considerations should be t...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your report: creatinine level of 1.35, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is 60 ml/min/1.73m², indicating that kidney function is indeed slightly impaired. It is recommended to consult a nephrologist for further evaluation. Please pay attention to your diet ...[Read More] Understanding High Creatinine Levels: Implications for Kidney Health
Managing Uric Acid Levels: Dietary Tips and Follow-Up Care
Kidney function tests A month ago, I had a health check-up and my uric acid level was within the normal range (2.5-6.5 mg/dL), specifically at 6.1 mg/dL, which is close to the upper limit and has made me a bit concerned. What dietary aspects should I pay attention to? Do I need t...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the uric acid level of 6.1 is still within the normal range, so there is no need to worry. Just make sure to drink plenty of water, eat more vegetables and fruits, reduce meat and organ meats, avoid alcohol, and incorporate exercise to manage your weight along with regular...[Read More] Managing Uric Acid Levels: Dietary Tips and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Autoimmune Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Polyarthritis 1. I have an ASLO index of 247 (or 274?). Is this caused by genetics or an infection? My family has a history of almost all hereditary diseases, including lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney stones, kidney disease, stroke,...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Ms. Yang, I hope this message finds you well. Your questions are somewhat complex, and since I haven't actually seen you, many of my thoughts are merely speculation. It is best for you to discuss these matters with a physician who has examined you in person. Here are m...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options