Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate: What High Levels Mean for Diabetics
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) Hello Dr. Chang, I am a diabetes patient. Recently, my blood test report showed the following: estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): 143, creatinine: 0.65, urine microalbumin-to-creatinine ratio: 84, urine occult blood: 1+. Is a higher glom...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello: 1. Regarding the glomerular filtration rate, if your blood pressure and blood sugar are well-controlled, it is recommended to monitor the trends. 2. Diabetic nephropathy is usually accompanied by proteinuria; therefore, maintaining stable blood sugar and blood pressure is ...[Read More] Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate: What High Levels Mean for Diabetics
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Should You Worry About Your Readings?
Blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor, I am 22 years old, and my height, weight, and BMI are all normal. I do not have hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or any other unhealthy values. On March 1st of this year, my fasting blood glucose was 89, and today, March 20th, my fasting blood gluco...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The current blood test results are normal, so please do not worry excessively. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Should You Worry About Your Readings?
Understanding Chronic Pyelonephritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks
Chronic pyelonephritis Hello, Doctor: Three years ago, I had acute pyelonephritis (with high fever and severe pain) but did not get hospitalized for intravenous antibiotics; I only took the oral antibiotics prescribed by my doctor for 7 days. During that time, I had irregular fol...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen: 1. Chronic pyelonephritis is usually caused by recurrent acute infections. If a child has repeated urinary tract infections along with congenital issues (such as vesicoureteral reflux or renal hypoplasia), they are more likely to develop this condition. 2. A uri...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Pyelonephritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks
Understanding Proteinuria: What Your Kidney Health Tests Mean
Proteinuria testing Hello Doctor, I am 22 years old. Recently, I underwent a health check-up, and the report indicated that my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is around 83. Is this a bit low for my age? Can drinking more water and exercising help restore it to above 100? I also ...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Good morning! The definition of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 60 mL/min for more than three months, or the presence of proteinuria, hematuria, or structural abnormalities of the kidneys. Your eGFR is greater than 60, and there is...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: What Your Kidney Health Tests Mean
Understanding Kidney Health: Concerns About eGFR and Bilirubin Levels
Kidney-related issues? Hello Doctor, I recently felt inspired to undergo a health check-up, and after receiving the results, I am a bit concerned. My estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) is only 81.25, but my urine protein level is negative (<30). I have been monitoring...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello, the definition of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 60 mL/min for more than three months, or the presence of proteinuria, hematuria, or structural abnormalities of the kidneys. Your eGFR is greater than 60 and there is no prot...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Health: Concerns About eGFR and Bilirubin Levels
Do You Need to Fast for Uric Acid Tests? Understanding Urine Odor Changes
Is fasting required for uric acid testing? Hello, Doctor Gao: I have the following questions: 1. For a simple uric acid test without any other tests, is fasting required? 2. Over the past year, I have noticed that my urine has a different smell, resembling onion water, every time...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is fasting required for a simple uric acid test without any other tests? --> Fasting is not necessary for measuring uric acid levels in the blood. 2. Over the past year, I have noticed that my urine has a differe...[Read More] Do You Need to Fast for Uric Acid Tests? Understanding Urine Odor Changes
Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease: Conflicting Medical Opinions Explained
Renal dysfunction Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my recent health check report. My serum creatinine is 1.35, urine creatinine is 110.76, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 62.53, hemoglobin A1c is 5.4, fasting blood glucose is 90, uric acid is 7.2, urine protein is 9, a...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Urine or blood tests can determine the presence of hematuria, proteinuria, or any abnormalities in kidney function, which is typically assessed using the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). It is recommended that you bring your test results to a nephrology outpatient clinic at a re...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease: Conflicting Medical Opinions Explained
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Oral and Anal Concerns
Regarding healthcare? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask three questions. 1. If there is a wound in the mouth (such as on the lips or inside the mouth), can I get infected if I eat something that has HIV-infected blood or bodily fluids? 2. Similarly, if I have a wound in my m...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. If bodily fluids contain live HIV, there is indeed a risk of infection. 2. All diseases transmitted through bodily fluids or droplets have the potential for infection. 3. Viruses typically die within minutes outside the human body, and public restrooms are unlikely to have bod...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Oral and Anal Concerns
Understanding the Window Period for STI Testing: Your Concerns Addressed
Window period for a ten-in-one STI test? Hello doctor, I had a high-risk sexual encounter on October 9th last year and subsequently contracted Chlamydia, which has made me very worried about the possibility of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). I received treatment and...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Yes. 2. First, maintain personal hygiene and ensure adequate hydration. Next, using condoms during sexual contact with strangers is essential for safe sex.[Read More] Understanding the Window Period for STI Testing: Your Concerns Addressed
Understanding Proteinuria: Does Position Affect Foamy Urine?
Proteinuria issues? Hello doctor, can you please tell me if foamy urine caused by proteinuria occurs regardless of whether one is urinating while standing or sitting? Or is it that sitting down to urinate does not produce foam?
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Proteinuria is not related to posture. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Does Position Affect Foamy Urine?
Understanding Hantavirus and Leptospirosis Infection Risks in Household Settings
Risk of Hantavirus and Leptospirosis Infection Hello Dr. Lin, Yesterday, I went to my elder's house and was about to take a shower when my elder accidentally spilled a cup of water. In a hurry, I grabbed a cloth to wipe the floor. While wiping, I noticed yellow and black st...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. There is no precise data, but viruses typically do not survive outside the body for more than a few days, so there is definitely no risk of transmission after six months. 2. No, because the virus cannot survive that long after six months. 3. Based on the scenario you describ...[Read More] Understanding Hantavirus and Leptospirosis Infection Risks in Household Settings
Understanding Positive Urinary Protein: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Urinary protein issue? Hello Dr. Huang, I recently underwent a general health check-up, which included blood and urine tests. When I received the report, the nurse mentioned that everything was normal, but I noticed that my urine protein was positive at 1+, while all other result...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello, a urine protein result of 1+ does not necessarily indicate a problem. If you are concerned, you may want to schedule an appointment with a nephrologist (remember to bring your health check report). Additionally, postural proteinuria is a condition where "normal indivi...[Read More] Understanding Positive Urinary Protein: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Can Stage 3a Chronic Kidney Disease Be Reversed? Medications and Tests Explained
Can stage 3a chronic kidney disease be reversed? What medications are available? The patient has diabetes with a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level maintained at 6.5%. Triglycerides are at 110 mg/dL, uric acid at 4.6 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol at 88.2 mg/dL, ...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Ms. Paul, your creatinine level is 135 mg/dL, and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is listed as 1.35 mg/dL, which seems to be incorrect. Please provide the correct values, thank you! (The unit for glomerular filtration rate is ml/min/1.73 m², not mg/dL.) Additionally, a...[Read More] Can Stage 3a Chronic Kidney Disease Be Reversed? Medications and Tests Explained
Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Suspected systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome? I visited a family medicine clinic for hair loss issues and had blood tests done, which all came back normal except for the rheumatology test, which showed a titer of 1:80. I then went to another hospital for fur...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, this question has been asked for the second time. I am reposting my previous response below; please avoid repeating questions in the future. I believe the likelihood of Sjögren's syndrome is higher. Your physician will arrange for further detailed examinations to conf...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Suspected lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome? I went to see a family physician for hair loss issues, and all my blood test results were normal except for the rheumatology test, which showed a titer of 1:80. I then went to another hospital for further rheumatology blo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, this question has been asked repeatedly. I am reposting my previous response below, and please avoid asking the same question in the future. I believe the likelihood of Sjögren's syndrome is higher. Your physician will arrange for additional detailed examinations to h...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Understanding the Differences Between Blood and Urine Creatinine Levels
The difference between serum creatinine and urine creatinine lies in their measurement and significance in assessing kidney function. Serum creatinine is a blood test that measures the level of creatinine in the bloodstream, which is a waste product produced by muscle metabolis...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Hello, please follow up with a nephrologist regarding the abnormal kidney function. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Blood and Urine Creatinine Levels
Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Suspected systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome? I visited a family medicine clinic for hair loss issues and had blood tests done, which all came back normal except for the rheumatology test, which showed a titer of 1:80. I then went to another hospital for fur...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The likelihood of Sjögren's syndrome is higher. Your physician will arrange for additional detailed examinations to confirm the diagnosis. In principle, if there are no symptoms, we may not necessarily initiate treatment. If the symptoms ar...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Causes of Lower Limb Edema: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
What are the possible causes of lower extremity edema? Hello Doctor: My father has been experiencing lower limb edema (with pitting), abdominal bloating, loss of appetite, subjective fatigue (increased sleep duration), along with pain in the skin of both legs and ankle joint pain...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If the albumin level in the blood is too low, it may also cause lower extremity edema. It is recommended to check the albumin level data, as low levels can lead to lower limb swelling. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Causes of Lower Limb Edema: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Understanding Renal Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, and Follow-Up Care
Kidney cyst issues? Hello, doctor. I experienced pain in my right upper back at the beginning of September. The pain extended to my right abdomen and groin, prompting me to visit Hospital A for an emergency consultation. An ultrasound of my kidneys revealed a cyst. I was advised ...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
You can visit the nephrology outpatient clinic for consultation.[Read More] Understanding Renal Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Urinary Albumin Levels: What Does a 30 Mean for Your Health?
Urinary albumin Hello Doctor: This morning I went to the medical laboratory for a simple health check, and I just received the report showing a highlighted value of "urine albumin at 30," with a normal range of 10. This has made me very anxious, and I would like to ask ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
It is recommended to go to the hospital for another test to determine the need for dialysis based on blood toxins, such as creatinine. Simply looking at urine cannot guarantee health and safety.[Read More] Understanding Urinary Albumin Levels: What Does a 30 Mean for Your Health?