Understanding Kidney Cysts: What to Do When Diagnosed
Renal cysts Hello Doctor, I am asking on behalf of my mother. She has been experiencing hematuria and visited a clinic where the doctor prescribed anti-inflammatory medication. However, after a week of taking the medication, there was no improvement. The doctor recommended that s...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, renal cysts, commonly known as water bubbles or fluid tumors, are fluid-filled sacs that occur in the kidneys. Renal cysts can be classified into many types; some are hereditary while others are not. Some remain benign and do not affect the body. If you have any concerns, ...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Cysts: What to Do When Diagnosed
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
Can Drinking Excessive Water Really Aid Weight Loss?
Meal replacement for weight loss / Is it really possible to drink more water? Hello, Doctor. I am currently using Herbalife products for weight loss, and I have noticed that they all claim that drinking plenty of water is essential for effective weight loss (suggesting a water in...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello: Typically, weight loss medications are designed to increase satiety to prevent overeating, which is why they often contain substances that expand in water, necessitating increased water intake. This is indeed a requirement for weight loss medications. However, if you drink...[Read More] Can Drinking Excessive Water Really Aid Weight Loss?
Managing Diabetes and Cholesterol: Key Questions and Insights
Regarding diabetes and cholesterol issues? Hello Dr. Hsiao, Six months ago during my health check-up, my fasting blood glucose was 123 mg/dL and my hemoglobin A1c was 8.3%. The doctor advised me to take medication for control and to focus on weight loss. After four months of ef...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Justin: 1. If weight loss is achieved gradually, and normal weight is maintained with good dietary control and regular exercise, it is possible to discontinue medication. However, this is contingent upon lifestyle changes and maintenance. Rapid weight loss can lead to r...[Read More] Managing Diabetes and Cholesterol: Key Questions and Insights
Low Lymphocyte Count: Could It Indicate HIV Infection?
A low lymphocyte count and a neutrophil count near the upper limit of normal could potentially indicate various conditions, including HIV. However, these findings alone are not definitive for an HIV diagnosis. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for further evalu...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Regarding <My Story>, the response is as follows: 1. I discovered painful urination and purulent discharge in mid-December last year and immediately sought medical attention at a clinic. However, there was no discharge during the examination. The doctor administered an in...[Read More] Low Lymphocyte Count: Could It Indicate HIV Infection?
Is It Safe to Monitor Chronic Kidney Disease with Just Urine Tests?
Chronic Kidney Disease Follow-up Issues! A family member has stage 3 chronic kidney disease, and their lab values have been stable over the past year during follow-up visits. However, during this visit, the doctor informed them that blood tests are no longer necessary, and only a...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello: In a stable condition, it is sufficient to perform a urine test to check for proteinuria. Urinary protein is the earliest indicator of kidney dysfunction... Wishing you safety and health, Deputy Director Wang Wei-Jie, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfar...[Read More] Is It Safe to Monitor Chronic Kidney Disease with Just Urine Tests?
Is It Safe to Skip Blood Tests for Stage 3 Kidney Disease?
Testing issues Dear Doctor Wu: A family member has stage 3 kidney disease and has been monitored for the past year with a serum creatinine level of 1.4, while other values are slightly elevated but stable. During the recent follow-up visit, the doctor mentioned that next time onl...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
In principle, patients with stage 3 chronic kidney disease should be monitored every three months. For stages 4 and 5, especially stage 5, it may be considered to monitor once a month. Regarding the monitoring items, the chronic kidney disease improvement plan includes specific p...[Read More] Is It Safe to Skip Blood Tests for Stage 3 Kidney Disease?
Do You Need Regular Kidney Function Tests? Common Concerns Explained
Questions related to kidney examinations? Is it necessary to have regular kidney function tests? I do not have diabetes or hypertension, but I have congenital heart disease and have previously had urinary tract infections and pneumonia. I took a lot of traditional Chinese medicin...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Renal function monitoring is typically recommended for: 1. Patients with a history of chronic kidney disease (such as chronic nephritis, interstitial nephritis, or hydronephrosis); 2. Individuals with systemic chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, gout...[Read More] Do You Need Regular Kidney Function Tests? Common Concerns Explained
Should You Consider a Kidney Biopsy for Unexplained Proteinuria?
Should a kidney biopsy be performed? Hello, doctor. I am the patient who previously inquired about "unexplained proteinuria" (I have had persistent protein in my urine for 3-4 years and am currently managing it with Aprovel and Persantin). In the past year of follow-up ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
The following are common reasons for performing a kidney biopsy: At onset: 1. Clinical pure proteinuria > 3 grams/day, along with suspicion of other possible lesions within the kidneys. 2. Nephrotic syndrome in non-pediatric patients (urinary protein > 3 grams/day). Inter...[Read More] Should You Consider a Kidney Biopsy for Unexplained Proteinuria?
Should You Consider a Kidney Biopsy for Unexplained Proteinuria?
Should a kidney biopsy be performed? Hello, doctor. I am the patient who previously inquired about "unexplained proteinuria" (I have had persistent protein in my urine for 3-4 years and am currently managing it with Aprovel and Persantin). Over the past year, during fol...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
The following are common reasons for performing a kidney biopsy: At onset: 1. Clinical pure proteinuria > 3 grams/day, along with suspicion of other possible lesions within the kidneys. 2. Nephrotic syndrome occurring outside of childhood (proteinuria > 3 grams/day). Inte...[Read More] Should You Consider a Kidney Biopsy for Unexplained Proteinuria?
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Health: A Patient's Inquiry
Kidney issues and creatinine? Hello Dr. Wu, I have a few questions that I hope you can help me with. I am 60 years old, 175 cm tall, and weigh 72 kg, giving me a BMI of 23.5. I have a habit of hiking every day. My serum creatinine levels are 1.6 to 1.7 mg/dL, and my glomerular f...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello, based on the information you provided, you have mild chronic kidney disease, classified as stage 3 (mild). Patients with chronic kidney disease should indeed avoid nephrotoxic medications (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), but not all medications adversely aff...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Health: A Patient's Inquiry
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
Understanding Sarcoidosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Chest pain associated with sarcoma? Hello Doctor: Last October, I experienced prolonged unexplained fever (38 degrees Celsius) and visited the infectious disease department multiple times for examinations. During this period, I also had night sweats, weight loss (3 kg in one mont...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Sarcomatoid carcinoma is not a common disease, and it is recommended to seek medical attention at a medical center. 2. Bringing all relevant medical records can help the physician quickly understand your condition. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Sarcoidosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Unexplained Proteinuria: Treatment Options and Management
Unexplained proteinuria? Hello, doctor. I do not have any high-risk factors for kidney disease (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, family history...), but I was diagnosed with proteinuria four years ago. Over the past few years, my protein levels have fluctuated between "+3 and n...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, You have reported proteinuria at 3+ for over four years. I am unsure if your physician has discussed the possibility of a kidney biopsy with you to confirm the diagnosis. If it is chronic glomerulonephritis, there are various treatment options available, such as ...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Proteinuria: Treatment Options and Management
Is Industrial Alcohol in Household Cleaners Harmful to Health?
Alcohol intoxication issues I would like to ask the doctor if inhaling industrial alcohol is harmful or poses a risk of chronic poisoning. I recently remembered that I have a bottle of lemon cleaner given by my neighbor, and I'm not sure if it is made from medical-grade or i...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, 1. To my knowledge, industrial alcohol primarily consists of approximately 95% ethanol (C2H5OH) and 5% methanol (CH3OH). The metabolic pathway for alcohols generally follows the sequence of alcohol → aldehyde → acid. In the human body, the metabolic enzymes are s...[Read More] Is Industrial Alcohol in Household Cleaners Harmful to Health?
Understanding Kidney Function: Is Your GFR Too Low?
Kidney problems Hello, doctor! I recently received my health check report, which shows a serum creatinine level of 1.23 mg/dL and a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 77.51. There were no signs of hematuria or proteinuria. I would like to ask if my GFR is considered low, as I ha...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello: In healthy individuals without proteinuria, a glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) greater than 80 ml/min is considered normal. If there is foamy urine, it may indicate proteinuria, and it is recommended to follow up with a nephrologist. Chronic kidney disease is classified i...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function: Is Your GFR Too Low?
Understanding Kidney Cysts: What to Know After Blood in Urine
Renal cysts Hello Doctor, I am inquiring on behalf of my mother. My mother has experienced blood in her urine twice within the past three months (she has had this issue before, but the occurrences were several years apart). Both times she visited a nearby clinic. The first time, ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your question, the small renal cysts (commonly referred to as "water bubbles") are unlikely to be the cause of hematuria. Regular monitoring of kidney function and ultrasound is sufficient. However, regarding the hematuria issue, if there are no symptoms, a fol...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Cysts: What to Know After Blood in Urine
Is Excessive Masturbation Causing My Back Pain and Urine Issues?
Is excessive masturbation a concern? Hello doctor, after masturbating last night, I felt a brief pain in my back muscles when stretching. I was worried all night and now I feel a bit fatigued. Could this be a kidney issue, or is it related to excessive masturbation (once a day)? ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: Typically, pain in the kidney area is not located too high. If you are referring to pain that is at the level of the thoracic spine, it may not be related to kidney function issues. To determine if there is an infection, a urine test is recommended, as bubbles in the urine...[Read More] Is Excessive Masturbation Causing My Back Pain and Urine Issues?
Understanding Abnormal Urinalysis: Which Specialist to Consult?
Abnormal urinalysis? Due to insurance requirements, I was asked to undergo a general health check-up and was informed that my urine test results were abnormal. However, I was not provided with the report (the original report was sent directly to the insurance company). I would li...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question of whether to see a urologist or a nephrologist for a detailed examination to confirm any diseases: 1. In young women, abnormal urine findings are often due to urinary tract infections, which may show an increase in white blood cells, or bot...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Urinalysis: Which Specialist to Consult?
Understanding Changes in Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function
Kidney function issues? Hello, I have a question to ask you. This year's company health check report has been released, and when compared to last year, last year's creatinine level was 1.0 (0.5 ~ 1.3), which corresponds to a GFR of 91. This year, the creatinine level is...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 91 mL/min/1.73 m² or 79 mL/min/1.73 m² shows a difference, but it is not significant when viewed in the long-term trend. However, if you do not have hypertension, diabetes, proteinuria, or hematuria, and you maintain a controlled...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function