Understanding Kidney Issues: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Suspected kidney issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you something. Previously, when I drank alcohol, my hands would shake and I would experience acid reflux. Recently, I have developed many small red spots on my lower back. When pressed, nothing comes out. I also feel lik...
Dr. Lin Peifeng Reply:
Hello, it is recommended that you visit a hospital for a physician to make a personal assessment in order to provide you with a clear diagnosis and advice. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Understanding Limb Swelling: Causes and Solutions for Office Workers
Swelling of the limbs? I have to sit for long periods at work, and after each shift, I notice that my entire foot is much more swollen than in the morning. When I press on it, it doesn't take long to rebound, but it's clearly different from how my foot looked in the mor...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If this continues, it would be safer to go to the hospital for a detailed examination. For example, low albumin levels can also cause lower extremity edema and low blood pressure. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Limb Swelling: Causes and Solutions for Office Workers
Understanding Blood in Urine: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Hematuria, with pain occurring towards the end of urination? Hello, doctor. At the beginning of September, I had sexual intercourse and started experiencing dark-colored urine with a strong odor. After that, I had hematuria, increased urinary frequency, and pain at the end of uri...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Please visit the urology outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Urine: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Is 2000cc of Daily Water Intake Safe for a Single Kidney?
Unilateral kidney issues? Hello doctor, I was born with only one kidney, which functions normally. I would like to ask, for someone with only one kidney, is drinking 2000cc of water per day a burden on the kidney? Thank you.
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
If you only have one kidney, it has to bear the workload of two kidneys, so it's important to take good care of it. This includes staying well-hydrated (such as drinking at least 1500cc to 2000cc of water per day), monitoring and controlling the three highs (hypertension, hi...[Read More] Is 2000cc of Daily Water Intake Safe for a Single Kidney?
Understanding Cloudy Tea-Colored Urine: Causes and Concerns
Cloudy tea-colored urine? Hello Doctor, I have a hereditary issue that causes my uric acid levels to be consistently high, and I have experienced multiple gout attacks. I have been taking Benzobromarone 50 mg once daily for four months to manage this condition. This morning, I no...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry (this morning's first urine was found to be cloudy and tea-colored, while the second urine returned to clear), it is not possible to determine whether Benzobromarone has caused hepatotoxicity. Generally, the first urine in the morning is darker because ...[Read More] Understanding Cloudy Tea-Colored Urine: Causes and Concerns
Kidney Stones vs. Kidney Cancer: Understanding Your Diagnosis and Concerns
Kidney stones or kidney cancer? Dear Dr. Wu, Hello! I have some questions that I would like your help with. 1. Since my sophomore year, I have consistently had protein in my urine during health check-ups, which has caused me a lot of concern. Almost every test I have done show...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. The examination of proteinuria can be categorized into coarse and fine assessments, and there are physiological proteinuria and pathological proteinuria. It is recommended that you consult a nephrologist for a detailed examination to clarify the issue. 2. Kidney stones are d...[Read More] Kidney Stones vs. Kidney Cancer: Understanding Your Diagnosis and Concerns
Understanding Kidney Pain and Unpleasant Urine Odor: Symptoms Explained
I feel like there is a problem with my kidneys? Hello doctor, recently I have been experiencing occasional sharp pain in my left lower back, approximately where the kidney is located, and my urine has a foul odor. What could these symptoms indicate?
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Regarding the pain you mentioned in the left lower back, which is approximately where the kidney is located, along with the occasional sharp pain and foul-smelling urine, it is possible that you may be experiencing kidney inflammation, stones, or other issues. It is advisable to ...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Pain and Unpleasant Urine Odor: Symptoms Explained
Understanding Proteinuria: Kidney Health and Hydration Concerns
Urinary protein and some issues? Hello Doctor, I have been drinking insufficient water for a long time, and my urine output is low. A few years ago, I tested positive for protein in my urine. During that time, I increased my water intake, and the protein disappeared, but I still ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. Regarding proteinuria, it should not be assessed by visual inspection (such as the presence of bubbles in the urine, darker urine color, or occasional cloudiness). If there are any concerns, it is advisable to consult a nephrologist for a detailed examination to confirm the di...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Kidney Health and Hydration Concerns
Can Membranous Nephropathy Be Cured or Just Managed with Medications?
Glomerulonephritis Can membranous nephropathy be cured, or is continuous medication necessary for management? I have been on medication for nearly two years. Currently, I am taking Cyclosporine 200 mg and Mycophenolate Mofetil 360 mg. My most recent lab results show an albumin/cr...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Membranous nephropathy can be managed effectively with regular medication adherence and follow-up. I hope you receive excellent care at your nephrologist's office.[Read More] Can Membranous Nephropathy Be Cured or Just Managed with Medications?
Understanding Kidney Imaging: When to Repeat and What It Means
Renal imaging I would like to ask the doctor, a few years ago I had a urinalysis that showed trace hematuria (1+), and the doctor performed an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) which came back normal. If I have another urinalysis now that still shows trace hematuria (1+), should I unde...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. It is recommended to consult a nephrologist or urologist for a renal ultrasound for monitoring. If any issues arise, further examinations such as an Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) or a CT scan can be considered. 2. To determine if there is proteinuria, a urinalysis is sufficient...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Imaging: When to Repeat and What It Means
Managing Joint Pain in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients
Issues related to systemic lupus erythematosus? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus in early April this year. I have already started taking medication, but I am currently away and do not have the English name of the medication with me, so I cannot pro...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
The diagnostic criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) include: 1. The presence of a fixed erythematous rash on the cheeks, known as a malar rash or butterfly rash; it typically does not involve the nasolabial folds. 2. The appearance of discoid lupus erythematosus lesion...[Read More] Managing Joint Pain in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients
Why Does Inflammation Keep Recurring Despite Treatment?
Why does inflammation in the body keep shifting? I've been receiving treatment, after all? Hello, I am an 18-year-old male who has recently experienced paronychia, orchitis, otitis media, and gastritis over the past four weeks, with each condition occurring consecutively. I ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. In the past four weeks, I have experienced paronychia, orchitis, otitis media, and gastritis, almost consecutively. A: (1) Gastritis may be caused by food poisoning or irregular eating habits, so it is advisable to follow up with a gastroenterologist. (2...[Read More] Why Does Inflammation Keep Recurring Despite Treatment?
Understanding Fluctuating Hematuria and Proteinuria in Young Adults
Hello, why is it that urine tests sometimes detect hematuria and proteinuria, and at other times do not? I am currently an 18-year-old male with intermittent proteinuria, which has been monitored for three years. My nephrologist has advised to continue monitoring. In early Februa...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. There are many causes of occult blood, and orchitis can be one of them; further follow-up may be needed. 2. As for the multiple inflammatory conditions (otitis media, orchitis, and paronychia), they are likely not related. If inflammation occurs frequently in the future, it i...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuating Hematuria and Proteinuria in Young Adults
Understanding Stage 1 Chronic Kidney Disease: Symptoms and Concerns
Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 1 Hello, doctor... I have had mild proteinuria since high school. During a company health check, the urine test showed proteinuria intermittently (+/-). About six years ago, I underwent a 24-hour urine test, and the results were within the normal rang...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 1 is defined as a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 90 mL/min/1.73 m² or higher, accompanied by proteinuria, hematuria, or abnormal kidney morphology. Based on your description of "24-hour urine test results within normal range," this d...[Read More] Understanding Stage 1 Chronic Kidney Disease: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate: What You Need to Know
Regarding the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) value? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. I have been experiencing fasting blood glucose levels between 102 and 112 for a long time. This time, I underwent tests, and my fasting blood glucose was 108, postprandial was 119, HbA1c was 5.6%, blood urea ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
According to a study published in The Lancet in 2008, it is estimated that 11.93% of adults in Taiwan have chronic kidney disease (CKD). The stages of severity are as follows: 1. Stage 1: Kidney damage with normal or increased GFR, GFR ≥ 90 ml/min/1.73 m². 2. Stage 2: Kidney dama...[Read More] Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate: What You Need to Know
Understanding Kidney Sand: Risks, Prevention, and Follow-Up Care
Renal ultrasound shows the presence of calculi (stones)? Hello doctor, during a health check-up, an ultrasound was performed, and it was noted that my kidneys appear to have some sand. The doctor mentioned that drinking water, exercising, and going to bed early can help metaboliz...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, most patients with kidney stones are asymptomatic unless the stones drop from the kidneys into the ureters, causing a blockage of urine flow. Common symptoms include flank pain, sweating, severe pain leading to dizziness, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, abdominal discomfor...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Sand: Risks, Prevention, and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Frequent Urination: Causes and Concerns for Teens
Urinary problems Hello doctor, I am a high school senior weighing 66 kg and standing 174 cm tall. I often feel the need to urinate at school, about once every hour. I drink a normal amount of water, and my urine output is neither too much nor too little. After exercising (working...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, urinating 6-10 times a day with each instance being over 200cc should not be a concern. As for experiencing frequent urination at school, it may be related to stress. If you are still worried, it is advisable to consult a urologist for further evaluation to...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Urination: Causes and Concerns for Teens
Understanding Rhabdomyolysis: Symptoms, Risks, and When to Seek Help
Rhabdomyolysis Hello Dr. Wu, I would like to ask the following question. As an avid runner, I suspect that I might have rhabdomyolysis. I researched related symptoms online and my reasons for suspicion are as follows: Recently, I have been running and walking approximately 30 kil...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello, RC: 1. "Because of hematuria, I visited the urology department at Mackay Memorial Hospital last week, and I have completed a urinalysis (which showed a positive reaction for blood)..." Here, "positive reaction for blood" refers to either the presence ...[Read More] Understanding Rhabdomyolysis: Symptoms, Risks, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Acute Pyelonephritis: Risks, Recovery, and Monitoring
Urinary tract infection (pyelonephritis) Hello Director Wu, my mother is 64 years old and experienced a mild stroke in early March 2014. She is currently making stable progress in her recovery. In March of this year, during her hospitalization for stroke treatment, she had a urin...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello KK: First, let me explain some medical terms; "urinary tract infection" refers to an infection of the urinary tract system caused by pathogens (usually bacteria). The urinary tract system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, and in males, the prostate....[Read More] Understanding Acute Pyelonephritis: Risks, Recovery, and Monitoring
Understanding Microscopic Hematuria, Glucose, and Protein in Urine
Microscopic hematuria, glucose, and protein in the urine? Dr. Lee: Hello! I had a pre-employment physical examination on May 20, and on May 29, the report indicated that I had microscopic hematuria at 3+. I went for another urinalysis on May 31, and today, June 6, I received the ...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello Yu-Yan: If your tests were not conducted during your menstrual period, based on the report results, there is indeed a need to suspect the possibility of kidney disease (urinary tract disorders) and diabetes. However, further examinations are necessary; the diagnosis of diab...[Read More] Understanding Microscopic Hematuria, Glucose, and Protein in Urine