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
Can Gout Patients Safely Consume Clam Extract Drinks?
Can gout patients consume clam extract? Hello doctor, I am a gout patient with a history of two years. Two years ago, during my first attack, my uric acid level was 12. Currently, my uric acid levels have been normal upon examination. I would like to know if consuming commerciall...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: Clam extract is considered a high-purine food. If consumed occasionally and not on a regular basis, it should not pose significant issues. It is advisable to regularly monitor uric acid levels after consumption. Sincerely, Dr. Tseng Kuo-Sen, Internal Medicine.[Read More] Can Gout Patients Safely Consume Clam Extract Drinks?
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
Could It Be Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Could it be diabetes? I have seen many doctors due to my bad breath, but the problem has not been resolved, which is very distressing for me. My symptoms include severe halitosis, frequent foamy urine, occasional chest tightness, and fatigue. Additionally, I have a history of gou...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, there are many causes of halitosis, including issues related to the oral cavity, otolaryngology, lungs, trachea, esophagus, stomach, and even metabolic problems. As for "bubbly urine," it generally warrants consideration of proteinur...[Read More] Could It Be Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Understanding High Uric Acid Levels: Health Impacts and Dietary Solutions
Hyperuricemia The blood test results indicate a total cholesterol level of 201, triglycerides at 69, blood urea nitrogen at 11.4, creatinine at 0.9, and uric acid at 7.5. Elevated uric acid levels can lead to health issues such as gout, which is characterized by painful joint inf...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hyperuricemia can lead to gout, but the likelihood of a gout attack due to mild elevations in uric acid is low. Avoiding high-purine foods can help lower uric acid levels in the blood. High-purine foods include organ meats, seafood, legumes, and meat gravies.[Read More] Understanding High Uric Acid Levels: Health Impacts and Dietary Solutions
Understanding Left-Sided Lower Back Pain: Possible Kidney Issues?
Lower back pain? I have pain on the left side of my lower back extending at a 45-degree angle to my spine. I feel soreness in certain positions, but the right side is fine. Recently, I noticed some swelling. Four months ago, I had a record of high protein in my urine. I would lik...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello: To determine if there is kidney disease, a urinalysis can provide the necessary information. The cause of low back pain is often related to poor posture, resulting in neuromuscular pain. Correcting posture and the use of analgesics can lead to improvement. Another cause is...[Read More] Understanding Left-Sided Lower Back Pain: Possible Kidney Issues?
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
How Much Water Should Seniors Drink Daily in Summer?
How much water should elderly individuals drink daily during the summer? Hello, doctor. My grandmother had a stroke nearly a year ago and is unable to speak or move. Now that it's summer, she is at home on the first floor where there is good ventilation. She is being fed wit...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello: The issue you mentioned regarding fluid intake should be assessed for potential heart and kidney dysfunction (renal failure). Generally speaking, the recommended daily fluid intake can be estimated by taking the patient's urine output from the previous day (24 hours) ...[Read More] How Much Water Should Seniors Drink Daily in Summer?
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 Blood in Urine: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Hematuria Hello, I previously experienced hematuria (visible blood in urine) and consulted a doctor. After a urinalysis, the doctor diagnosed me with a urinary tract infection and prescribed antibiotics. A month and a half later, I underwent another urinalysis, which showed no in...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question regarding hematuria, the most common causes are urinary tract infections or urinary stones. The first occurrence of gross hematuria is likely due to hemorrhagic cystitis. After the infection symptoms resolve, the presence of 5-10 red blood cell...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Urine: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
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 Urinary Issues: When to See a Urologist
Urological issues Hello Doctor: I don't know when it started, but I have been unable to hold my urine. Sometimes I can manage to hold it, but other times, just thinking about needing to urinate makes me feel like I have to go immediately, and I can't hold it in at all, ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Please go to the urology department for an examination: urodynamic testing, thank you.[Read More] Understanding Urinary Issues: When to See a Urologist
Understanding Strong Urine Odor: Is It a Sign of Diabetes?
Urological issues Hello Dr. Yang, after I urinate in my girlfriend's bathroom, she always thinks my urine has a strong odor. She suspects that I might have diabetes, which could be causing the strong smell. Is this true?
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: Diabetes does not present with such symptoms. If you are concerned, you can check your blood sugar levels to rule out diabetes.[Read More] Understanding Strong Urine Odor: Is It a Sign of Diabetes?
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Bloating and Cramping in Young Adults
Left lower abdominal bloating and cramping? Dear Dr. Hsiao, My 22-year-old daughter has been experiencing bloating and cramping pain in her lower left abdomen for the past two weeks. She has noticed a decrease in her bowel movements and feels as though she cannot fully relieve h...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
Left lower abdominal pain should be considered based on the involved organs, including the colon, urinary system, and gynecological organs such as the ovaries or uterus. Currently, a urinalysis has been performed, and a gynecological ultrasound has generally ruled out issues rela...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Bloating and Cramping in Young Adults
Should I Continue Taking These Medications for My Migraine?
Can these medications be taken? I have a question to ask! I went to the hospital to see a doctor in the internal medicine department because I was experiencing "headaches." The doctor informed me that I have migraines and checked my blood pressure, which was normal. Bef...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello: Each individual's constitution reacts differently to medications. Generally speaking, when taken at normal doses, adverse reactions should not occur. If similar side effects do arise, discontinuation of the medication is advised. Sincerely, Dr. Wang Wei-Jie, Internal ...[Read More] Should I Continue Taking These Medications for My Migraine?
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
Understanding Left Lower Back Pain: Possible Kidney Issues?
Pain in the left lower back? Hello Doctor, for the past 2 to 3 months, I have been experiencing intermittent soreness in the left side of my lower back. However, there is no significant pain when I apply pressure. But when I sneeze, I experience intense pain in that area. Previou...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, there are many causes of lower back pain. Aside from kidney diseases (such as kidney stones, ureteral stones, pyelonephritis, or renal tumors), other causes include musculoskeletal and neurological disorders, which can also lead to lower back ...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Back Pain: Possible Kidney Issues?