Understanding Lower Back Pain: Is It a Kidney Issue?
Lower back pain? Hello Dr. Wang: My husband has been experiencing frequent lower back pain. Could this indicate a problem with his kidneys or kidney inflammation? Thank you, Dr. Wang.
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
1. To determine whether there is kidney inflammation or infection, a urine test is necessary to check for the presence of white blood cells and bacteria. 2. Common causes of lower back pain include poor posture, which accounts for 85% of cases, while other possible causes include...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain: Is It a Kidney Issue?
Managing Kidney Cysts: Health Tips for a 57-Year-Old Woman
Renal cysts Hello Dr. Wu, I would like to ask you a question. My mother is 57 years old, and there is no history of kidney-related hereditary issues in our family. About two years ago, she underwent a kidney ultrasound, and the doctor informed her that there were small cysts in ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. First, confirm the number of cysts; if there are more than three on each side, consider the possibility of polycystic kidney disease and regular follow-up is necessary. If there is only a single cyst on one side, it is likely a degenerative cyst, and only observation is requir...[Read More] Managing Kidney Cysts: Health Tips for a 57-Year-Old Woman
Foamy Urine: What It Means and Its Connection to Health Issues
There are bubbles in the urine! Hello Director Wu: My boyfriend has noticed a lot of bubbles in his urine that take a long time to dissipate when he urinates. This condition has been present for some time. Is this a cause for concern? Is it related to fatty liver disease?
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
The presence of bubbles in urine is most likely indicative of proteinuria (although it may not necessarily indicate a problem). If this has been persistent for a while, it is advisable to visit a nephrology clinic for an initial urine test to confirm whether proteinuria is presen...[Read More] Foamy Urine: What It Means and Its Connection to Health Issues
Understanding Kidney Cysts: Risks and Monitoring for Your Health
Renal cyst Hello, Doctor. This month I had a kidney ultrasound examination, and the doctor informed me that there is slight dilation in the left kidney. The right kidney has a cyst approximately 2 centimeters in size. I later underwent an X-ray imaging examination, and the result...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello, if there is a cyst in the kidney, we refer to it as a "renal cyst." Generally, it does not have any significant impact on your health. We will consider the following situations: 1. Whether there is a family history of "autosomal dominant polycystic kidney di...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Cysts: Risks and Monitoring for Your Health
Understanding Fatigue and Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
(Worried about) lower back pain and easy fatigue? Recently, I have been feeling easily fatigued and experiencing some lower back pain. What could be the cause of this? I am quite worried and would appreciate the doctor's insight. Thank you!
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Hello: The issue of easy fatigue can be considered from many angles. It may be due to high work stress, anxiety, or a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. If there are physical abnormalities, it is advisable to check for diseases related to the liver, heart, or endocrine system...[Read More] Understanding Fatigue and Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Should You See a Doctor for Persistent Foamy Urine After Medication?
excuse me? Hello doctor, I recently had an injury and have been taking anti-inflammatory medication for nearly three months. I stopped taking it 2-3 days ago and have noticed that the bubbles in my urine are difficult to dissipate. There are still some small bubbles after a minut...
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Hello, excessive and persistent foaming in urine may be a possible indication of proteinuria (though it is not the only cause). Please visit a hospital for a urine test to rule out any concerns regarding proteinuria. Sincerely, Dr. Chuan Yao, Nephrology Department, Taoyuan Hospit...[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for Persistent Foamy Urine After Medication?
Understanding Elevated BUN Levels and Foamy Urine: Kidney Health Insights
Elevated BUN levels and foamy urine during a health check-up..? Hello Dr. Wu, I have some questions I would like to ask you! Recently, I have noticed bubbles in my urine, and there are quite a few. In September of this year, I underwent a simple blood test and urinalysis. The te...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
First of all, thank you for your question. Based on your inquiry, I will explain in three parts: 1. The blood test indices (serum urea nitrogen and creatinine) typically begin with an assessment of the creatinine level, which has a normal range of approximately 0.7-1.3 mg/dL (t...[Read More] Understanding Elevated BUN Levels and Foamy Urine: Kidney Health Insights
Understanding Left Side Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Left lumbar region Doctor, I have been experiencing pain in the upper left side of my lower back for some time now, especially when riding my motorcycle or sitting. Previously, I would have pain in my back or lower back, but now it is only the left side that feels a dull ache tha...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Regarding left-sided lower back pain, most people tend to think it is a kidney issue. However, after examination, it is often found to be merely inflammation of the muscles or tendons. It is recommended that you visit a nephrology clinic to arrange for urine tests and ultrasound ...[Read More] Understanding Left Side Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Persistent Proteinuria: Causes, Risks, and Next Steps
Persistent proteinuria reaching + + +? Hello Dr. Yao, I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask for your advice. I have noticed persistent bubbles in my urine for a long time. Since I haven't felt any abnormalities or discomfort, I haven't paid much attent...
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Ms. Yang: Hello. Your urine test shows + + protein, and further quantitative urine protein testing is necessary, and possibly a biopsy to determine the cause or pathological type. As you mentioned in your letter, a biopsy must be considered; if a biopsy is not performed, we will ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Proteinuria: Causes, Risks, and Next Steps
Understanding Chronic Glomerulonephritis and Military Exemption Criteria
Chronic glomerulonephritis Conditions for various types of nephritis include one of the following: 1. Chronic renal impairment confirmed by examination, with serum creatinine greater than 2 mg/dL and creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/min. 2. Histopathological examination of th...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. Minimal change disease is curable. 2. Urine tests and blood tests should be redone. 3. If necessary, a kidney biopsy should be performed again.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Glomerulonephritis and Military Exemption Criteria
Understanding Elevated Creatinine and Positive Leukocytes in Urine Tests
A serum creatinine level of 1.4 and a positive leukocyte test in urine may indicate potential kidney dysfunction and the presence of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or inflammation. The elevated creatinine suggests impaired kidney function, while the positive leukocytes in urine ...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the report mentions a mildly positive urine leukocyte count and a creatinine level of 1.4. Given your height and weight, a creatinine level of 1.4 is slightly elevated compared to normal values. The creatinine level is related to the amount of...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine and Positive Leukocytes in Urine Tests
Understanding Mild Proteinuria: Causes, Concerns, and Dietary Impact
Mild proteinuria detected in two consecutive tests? Hello, doctor. 1. Over a year ago and again last week, I used a urine test strip to check my urine. The healthcare personnel informed me that there was mild proteinuria, which may be related to my profession as a teacher, invo...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. To confirm proteinuria, a 24-hour urine collection is required for diagnosis. 2. Proteinuria can sometimes be physiological, such as from prolonged standing or exercise, and does not require excessive concern. 3. If uric acid levels exceed the standard values, please adher...[Read More] Understanding Mild Proteinuria: Causes, Concerns, and Dietary Impact
Understanding Cortisol Treatment: Lifelong Use, Side Effects, and Risks
Cortisol Hello Dr. Yang: I underwent adrenal tumor resection in July 2004 and only had a follow-up examination in February 2006. On February 26, 2006, my cortisol level was approximately 14.1 and ACTH was about 44.6 (I don't remember the exact decimal values) (I was not on m...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Adrenal insufficiency after adrenal tumor surgery can potentially recover. Taking supplemental corticosteroids will not lead to excessive side effects from steroids. If corticosteroids are not supplemented, the deficiency will become more apparent during times of physical stress,...[Read More] Understanding Cortisol Treatment: Lifelong Use, Side Effects, and Risks
Understanding Proteinuria: Causes, Tests, and Treatment Options
Urinary protein Hello Dr. Yang: I have been researching some information about protein in urine online, but I still have some uncertainties. I notice a lot of bubbles when I urinate, which I believe is due to protein in my urine. I would like to know if there is a way to complete...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, noticing a lot of bubbles in your urine may indicate the presence of proteinuria. However, not all bubbly urine is due to proteinuria, as factors such as urine concentration, contents, or other variables can also cause bubbly urine. A urine te...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Causes, Tests, and Treatment Options
Understanding Kidney Function and Health Risks: A Patient's Guide
Kidney Disease Consultation I previously underwent a health check at a laboratory, and my test results showed cholesterol: 230 mg/dL, creatinine: 1.7 mg/dL, uric acid: 8.5 mg/dL, potassium: 2.9 mmol/L, and urine protein: ++. I would like to ask the doctor how much kidney function...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the tests listed in your inquiry can diagnose chronic kidney disease, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia, hypokalemia, and hypertension. Kidney disease is related to hypertension, and additionally, diet, medications, systemic diseases, and autoimmu...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function and Health Risks: A Patient's Guide
Am I Diabetic? Understanding Symptoms and Health Benefits of Running
Do I have diabetes? I have graduated from high school for over two years, and my weight is approaching 56 kg. No matter how I try to lose weight, I can't seem to drop any. I often feel dry mouth and thirst. After going to the hospital for a urine test, I was diagnosed with a...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
1. It is common for weight to increase with age, which is related to the decline in our metabolic rate as we get older. This is why you may have noticed that you could eat anything without gaining weight in the past, but now even a slight increase in food intake leads to weight g...[Read More] Am I Diabetic? Understanding Symptoms and Health Benefits of Running
Understanding Back Pain Near the Kidneys: Signs and Concerns
Back pain near the kidneys? I have a strong aversion to drinking water, and I typically consume about three bowls of soup and one cup of milk each day, occasionally adding a 600cc bottle of sports drink. I've had no issues throughout my life, but since I started working as a...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, it was mentioned that your daily fluid intake is less than 2000cc, and due to work-related factors, you urinate infrequently, resulting in darker yellow urine. This is a mechanism by which the kidneys concentrate urine to retain sufficient bod...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain Near the Kidneys: Signs and Concerns
Left Side Back Pain: Is It a Kidney Issue or Something Else?
Is left flank pain a kidney problem? Hello Doctor: About a year ago, I started experiencing pain in my left lower back. Later, I consulted a urologist who suggested it might be a lumbar strain and prescribed some medications for the strain. The pain did improve, although it still...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, there are many potential causes of lower back pain, which may be due to issues with nerves, muscles, tendons, skeletal joints, or kidney diseases (such as infections or stones). If kidney or urinary tract problems are suspected to be causing t...[Read More] Left Side Back Pain: Is It a Kidney Issue or Something Else?
Understanding Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Leg Swelling, and More
Hypothyroidism What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism? Can it cause lower limb edema? Recently, I have experienced swelling in my lower limbs, and my urine tests came back normal. My blood tests showed only a GTO value of 40, while the rest were normal. My blood pressure is slig...
Dr. Huang Dayao Reply:
Hello, there are many causes of lower limb edema. Generally speaking, if urine output is normal, it is likely not related to the kidneys. Hypothyroidism can also cause edema, but it is different from typical edema; the swelling caused by hypothyroidism does not pit when pressed, ...[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Leg Swelling, and More
Understanding Kidney Inflammation: Prevention and Care Tips
Kidney inflammation..? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask you about an issue I experienced 5-6 days ago. I felt slight pain in the lower left part of my back, and there was also mild discomfort when bending over. After visiting a gynecologist, I was diagnosed with kidney inflammat...
Dr. Huang Dayao Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI). Typically, women are at a higher risk for UTIs than men due to the proximity of the urethra to the vagina and anal opening. However, if you experience recurrent infections, it is important to...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Inflammation: Prevention and Care Tips