Understanding Stiff Lower Back: Kidney Issues or Weather Effects?
Stiffness in the lower back? My husband is 45 years old. He has gout and a duodenal ulcer. Recently, the weather has been quite cold, and he has noticed stiffness in his lower back (on both the left and right sides). He says it is not painful and there are no other symptoms. I wo...
Dr. Lü Yuansan Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsiao-An, Regarding your letter describing "stiffness in the lower back without any other symptoms," a simple inference might suggest that this could be related to cold weather, as the body generates heat and enhances skeletal muscle contraction. However, Taiw...[Read More] Understanding Stiff Lower Back: Kidney Issues or Weather Effects?
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Urinary Symptoms: Possible Kidney Issues
Lower back pain? I have been experiencing severe lower back pain for the past week, along with unusual pain below the right rib cage. Additionally, I have been experiencing frequent urination at night; typically, I only wake up once to use the restroom, but recently I have been g...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Common causes of a burning sensation during urination include urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and diabetic autonomic neuropathy. Urinary tract infections encompass urethritis and acute cystitis (including honeymoon cystitis) among other infections. Diabetic autonomic ne...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Urinary Symptoms: Possible Kidney Issues
What to Do If Your Urinalysis Shows Abnormal Results?
What should I do if the results of my urine test report are abnormal? In the health check report, the urine test results show the following abnormalities highlighted in red for the first time: PRO (protein) is +, OB (urine occult blood) is 3+, BIL (urine bilirubin) is +, and WBC ...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the urinalysis indicated the presence of proteinuria, hematuria, and pyuria, which may be caused by hemorrhagic cystitis due to a lower urinary tract infection. If there are no symptoms of fever or flank pain, it suggests that the infection ha...[Read More] What to Do If Your Urinalysis Shows Abnormal Results?
Understanding Kidney Health: Symptoms of Dehydration and Concerns
Hello, how can I assist you today? Hello, doctor. I usually drink a lot of water, but recently I've noticed that my urine is very yellow, and I've been urinating less frequently. I've also been feeling a dull ache around my kidneys, sometimes on one side and someti...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the recent issue of yellow urine and decreased urination may be due to high temperatures in the summer, leading to increased sweating. Although you may be drinking plenty of water, it might still be insufficient for your body's needs, cau...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Health: Symptoms of Dehydration and Concerns
Understanding Leg Indentation: Signs of Kidney Issues and Other Causes
The calf sinks when pressure is applied? Hello doctor, I have been feeling fatigued lately, and when I press down on my calves, they seem to indent as if it could be a sign of kidney disease. Are there other possible causes for this? Could you please provide some examples and sug...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the document mentions that there is a pitting edema in the lower extremities, which is a manifestation of edema. There are many causes for lower extremity edema, including (1) kidney diseases - such as proteinuria or nephrotic syndrome. (2) He...[Read More] Understanding Leg Indentation: Signs of Kidney Issues and Other Causes
Managing Kidney Issues in Elderly Patients: Treatment Options and Considerations
Kidney problems Consulting a physician: My father is 80 years old and regularly takes medication for hypertension, diabetes, and gout. Recently, due to urine test results indicating an infection, a kidney ultrasound was performed, revealing deteriorating kidney function and a 0.6...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello, in response to your inquiry: Your father is 80 years old and has a history of hypertension, diabetes, and gout. The urinalysis shows signs of infection, which may be caused by prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia leading to urinary difficulties, and it is not necess...[Read More] Managing Kidney Issues in Elderly Patients: Treatment Options and Considerations
Understanding Persistent Bubbles in Urine: Kidney Health Concerns
May I ask the doctor? Hello, doctor! I have a question: My boyfriend has a lot of bubbles in his urine when he urinates, and the bubbles do not disappear after a while; they persist, similar to when there are a lot of soap bubbles. Does this indicate a potential kidney problem? I...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
The causes of foamy urine include the presence of protein in the urine, gas-producing bacteria in the urine, the formation of a fistula between the urethra and the intestine, and the introduction of foreign substances. Typically, men have more foamy urine because the urinary and ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Bubbles in Urine: Kidney Health Concerns
Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Vasculitis Hello, Doctor: Two years ago, I started experiencing redness, swelling, and warmth in my knees, sometimes in my feet, toes, and heels, and occasionally in my fingers. Most of the symptoms are located around the joints and typically resolve on their own within 2-3 days ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
I will start with the second question. Based on the symptoms described by the internet user, it is neither vasculitis nor gout; it is likely recurrent rheumatism, also known as migratory rheumatism or paroxysmal rheumatism. Clinically, it is referred to as "3" arthritis...[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Is It Lupus? Understanding ANA and Blood Test Results
Is it systemic lupus erythematosus? ANA 640X, WBC 3300, Eosinophils 6%, Lymphocytes 45%, Hct 37.1%, Albumin 4.64 g/dL, Globulin 3.22 g/dL, A/G Ratio 1.44, GOT and GPT normal, total bilirubin 0.96 (slightly elevated). Is this indicative of systemic lupus erythematosus?
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
ANA 1:640X, WBC: 3300, with other results within normal limits. Based on the information provided in your letter, it cannot be directly confirmed as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The diagnosis of SLE requires meeting at least four out of eleven clinical criteria for a defin...[Read More] Is It Lupus? Understanding ANA and Blood Test Results
Understanding Uremia: Symptoms, Kidney Inflammation, and Care Tips
Uremia Urinary uremia is said to be caused by kidney inflammation. What are the symptoms of kidney inflammation? I've been feeling strange in the lower back on both sides recently. Also, how can I take care of my kidneys? What dietary considerations should I keep in mind?
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, A-Feng: In cases of kidney inflammation, it is essential to perform a urinalysis, along with testing for BUN and creatinine levels to assess your kidney function. Generally, uremia is indicated by BUN levels greater than 100 and creatinine levels greater than 10, accompani...[Read More] Understanding Uremia: Symptoms, Kidney Inflammation, and Care Tips
Alternative Diabetes Testing Methods and Treatment for Fungal Infections
Diabetes mellitus I would like to ask the doctor the following questions: 1. Besides blood tests, are there other methods to diagnose diabetes? 2. Are onychomycosis and tinea pedis symptoms of diabetes? 3. What are the treatment options for onychomycosis and tinea pedis?
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Mr. Lo: 1. Urinalysis is possible, but blood tests are the most accurate. 2. Not necessarily; however, diabetes is more prone to fungal infections. Please visit a dermatology clinic for treatment.[Read More] Alternative Diabetes Testing Methods and Treatment for Fungal Infections
Understanding Persistent Hiccups, Bloating, and Constipation Issues
Persistent hiccups, constipation, and bloating? Hello, Doctor: I have been experiencing severe hiccups and bloating for a long time. I have already undergone detailed examinations at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (including urinalysis, colonoscopy, ultrasound, and X-rays). The onl...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello: Based on what you've described, your symptoms are most likely indicative of "Irritable Bowel Syndrome" (IBS), commonly referred to as "dyspepsia." If no diseases are found during an endoscopy and there is no weight loss, you can safely take medicat...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Hiccups, Bloating, and Constipation Issues
Understanding the Health Impacts of Low Cholesterol Levels
Low cholesterol I recently had a simple health check-up (blood test and urinalysis), and the doctor mentioned that my cholesterol levels are too low. I would like to ask the doctor: What are the potential health impacts of low cholesterol, and are there any ways to improve this c...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Hello, Xiao Hui! Patients with low cholesterol generally do not require special treatment; however, if there is a tendency for selective eating (commonly seen in vegetarians), dietary habits should be improved. It is recommended that you visit the Metabolism Clinic for further ex...[Read More] Understanding the Health Impacts of Low Cholesterol Levels