Understanding Stiff Lower Back: Kidney Issues or Weather Effects?
Stiffness in the lower back? My husband is 45 years old. He has gout and a duodenal ulcer. Recently, the weather has been quite cold, and he has noticed stiffness in his lower back (on both the left and right sides). He says it is not painful and there are no other symptoms. I wo...
Dr. Lü Yuansan Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsiao-An, Regarding your letter describing "stiffness in the lower back without any other symptoms," a simple inference might suggest that this could be related to cold weather, as the body generates heat and enhances skeletal muscle contraction. However, Taiw...[Read More] Understanding Stiff Lower Back: Kidney Issues or Weather Effects?
Understanding High Creatinine and Uric Acid Levels: What You Need to Know
My health check-up? Hello doctor, I found out during a health check at school that my kidney function test shows a creatinine level of 1.8 mg/dL and a uric acid level of 8 mg/dL. What diseases could this indicate, and how should I manage it? Thank you.
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your inquiry, the kidney function test indicated a serum creatinine level of 1.8 mg/dL, which exceeds the normal range, suggesting impaired kidney function and the possibility of renal failure. Given your age, the elevated creatinine level may indicate acute...[Read More] Understanding High Creatinine and Uric Acid Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Urinary Symptoms: Possible Kidney Issues
Lower back pain? I have been experiencing severe lower back pain for the past week, along with unusual pain below the right rib cage. Additionally, I have been experiencing frequent urination at night; typically, I only wake up once to use the restroom, but recently I have been g...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Common causes of a burning sensation during urination include urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and diabetic autonomic neuropathy. Urinary tract infections encompass urethritis and acute cystitis (including honeymoon cystitis) among other infections. Diabetic autonomic ne...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Urinary Symptoms: Possible Kidney Issues
Understanding Left Side Abdominal Pain and Blood in Urine
There is occasional dull pain in the left flank? There is a dull pain in the left side of the lower back, and today there was blood in the urine.
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
Based on the description, if it is not during the menstrual period, there are two likely possibilities: (1) acute right-sided pyelonephritis, for which urine tests and abdominal ultrasound are recommended. (2) right kidney stones, for which the same tests as (1) are suggested, al...[Read More] Understanding Left Side Abdominal Pain and Blood in Urine
Understanding Daily Weight Fluctuations: Why Morning and Evening Weights Differ
Why can a person's weight vary by one kilogram between morning and evening? What is the underlying principle? Why does a person's weight fluctuate by about one kilogram throughout the day? What is the principle behind this? A child wants to know, and I'm not sure h...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
When standing, blood tends to pool in the lower body, resulting in lower central venous pressure. This, influenced by the autonomic nervous system and endocrine system, leads to decreased urine output. Therefore, after prolonged standing in the afternoon, a person's weight m...[Read More] Understanding Daily Weight Fluctuations: Why Morning and Evening Weights Differ
What to Do If Your Urinalysis Shows Abnormal Results?
What should I do if the results of my urine test report are abnormal? In the health check report, the urine test results show the following abnormalities highlighted in red for the first time: PRO (protein) is +, OB (urine occult blood) is 3+, BIL (urine bilirubin) is +, and WBC ...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the urinalysis indicated the presence of proteinuria, hematuria, and pyuria, which may be caused by hemorrhagic cystitis due to a lower urinary tract infection. If there are no symptoms of fever or flank pain, it suggests that the infection ha...[Read More] What to Do If Your Urinalysis Shows Abnormal Results?
Managing Diabetes and Edema: Dietary Tips for Improved Urination
Diabetes and edema? Hello Dr. Yang, My mother has been suffering from diabetes and has been receiving treatment at the Veterans General Hospital's Metabolism Department for four years. We have noticed that her urine output is quite low, and although she doesn't eat muc...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Based on your description, your mother may have diabetic nephropathy, characterized by low urine output and edema. Consider the use of diuretics and avoiding excessive salt intake to help reduce the edema. You should discuss this with your mother's attending physician to det...[Read More] Managing Diabetes and Edema: Dietary Tips for Improved Urination
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Abdominal discomfort? An ultrasound showed a 1.8 cm cyst on the right side and a 0.4 x 0.6 cm stone on the left side. There is a sensation of cramping pain, which occurs infrequently and occasionally. Could this be a neuromuscular issue? Is it normal to experience pain upon press...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the ultrasound examination of the kidneys revealed the presence of cysts and stones, which occasionally cause sharp pain in the lower back. Renal cysts are generally benign and do not cause pain unless they become enlarged or rupture, which ma...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Kidney Health: Symptoms of Dehydration and Concerns
Hello, how can I assist you today? Hello, doctor. I usually drink a lot of water, but recently I've noticed that my urine is very yellow, and I've been urinating less frequently. I've also been feeling a dull ache around my kidneys, sometimes on one side and someti...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the recent issue of yellow urine and decreased urination may be due to high temperatures in the summer, leading to increased sweating. Although you may be drinking plenty of water, it might still be insufficient for your body's needs, cau...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Health: Symptoms of Dehydration and Concerns
Which Specialist to See for Skin Moles and Kidney Pain?
Which department should I consult? I recently noticed that I have been developing moles on my body. I have heard people say that this is a sign of "cancer." Which department should I consult? Additionally, I often experience sharp pain in the area of my kidneys. Could t...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your inquiry regarding the mole on your body and concerns about potential malignant changes, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist for further diagnosis and management. The kidneys are located on both sides of the lower back; if there is pain in that ar...[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Skin Moles and Kidney Pain?
Managing Kidney Issues in Elderly Patients: Treatment Options and Considerations
Kidney problems Consulting a physician: My father is 80 years old and regularly takes medication for hypertension, diabetes, and gout. Recently, due to urine test results indicating an infection, a kidney ultrasound was performed, revealing deteriorating kidney function and a 0.6...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello, in response to your inquiry: Your father is 80 years old and has a history of hypertension, diabetes, and gout. The urinalysis shows signs of infection, which may be caused by prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia leading to urinary difficulties, and it is not necess...[Read More] Managing Kidney Issues in Elderly Patients: Treatment Options and Considerations
Understanding Water Intoxication: Causes and Risks of Overhydration
Water intoxication What is water intoxication, and why can drinking water lead to poisoning?
Dr. Xie Yonghui Reply:
Water intoxication may be caused by: (1) psychogenic polydipsia; (2) lesions in the thirst center; (3) administration of hypotonic IV solutions to patients who are unable to dilute their urine normally (e.g., postoperative patients or those with renal insufficiency). If the patie...[Read More] Understanding Water Intoxication: Causes and Risks of Overhydration
Understanding Excessive Urine Bubbles: Causes and Concerns
There are many bubbles in the urine? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask you a question. I have noticed that there are a lot of bubbles in the toilet when I urinate, and the same thing happens at night. Last month, I had a blood test, and my albumin level was slightly low (38)....
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question: Kidney disease can lead to proteinuria, which is clinically observed as increased foamy urine. If the condition is severe, it can result in low albumin levels, along with elevated cholesterol and edema, which can be diagnosed as nephrotic synd...[Read More] Understanding Excessive Urine Bubbles: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Your Health Check Results: Insights from Dr. Yang
Please consult a physician regarding some health examination data? Last year, at the beginning of the school year, our school conducted a health check-up, and some related medical data indicated that my kidney function might not be good. However, I would like to ask Dr. Yang for ...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your inquiry about participating in a health check-up, it is commendable to be concerned about your health, as bodily diseases often begin with subtle changes. The data mentioned in your correspondence regarding blood and kidney function are within normal ra...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Results: Insights from Dr. Yang
Understanding Urine Blood Test Results: Possible Causes and Concerns
Health check-up My health check indicated the presence of blood in my urine, but I was experiencing irregular menstrual cycles and hadn't had my period for 2-3 months. What could be the reason for this?
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your inquiry regarding the presence of hematuria (blood in urine) found during a health check-up, it can be clinically classified into glomerular hematuria and non-glomerular hematuria. Glomerular hematuria originates from intrinsic renal parenchymal disease...[Read More] Understanding Urine Blood Test Results: Possible Causes and Concerns
How Long Does MDMA Stay in Your System? Testing and Detox Tips
I'm sorry, but I need specific content to translate Hello Doctor... Recently, a friend of mine returned from military service and, out of curiosity, took ecstasy (MDMA). He will have to undergo a urine test soon. How long does it take for the drug to be undetectable in urine...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, after taking ecstasy, residual substances can be detected for a long time as they are metabolized by the body. Drinking more water or milk does not help in eliminating the toxins. Therefore, the fundamental approach is to refuse and avoid taki...[Read More] How Long Does MDMA Stay in Your System? Testing and Detox Tips
Understanding Persistent Bubbles in Urine: Kidney Health Concerns
May I ask the doctor? Hello, doctor! I have a question: My boyfriend has a lot of bubbles in his urine when he urinates, and the bubbles do not disappear after a while; they persist, similar to when there are a lot of soap bubbles. Does this indicate a potential kidney problem? I...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
The causes of foamy urine include the presence of protein in the urine, gas-producing bacteria in the urine, the formation of a fistula between the urethra and the intestine, and the introduction of foreign substances. Typically, men have more foamy urine because the urinary and ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Bubbles in Urine: Kidney Health Concerns
Essential Dietary Guidelines for Managing Gout: What to Eat and Avoid
Diet for Gout Patients Dr. Tseng: Hello. I have a history of gout for nearly 20 years, and I have had three flare-ups this year, which has been quite distressing. I know that I should avoid foods like legumes, organ meats, and seafood, but I have unknowingly consumed some foods w...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello! The internet user has experienced attacks more than three times a year, which meets the criteria for the use of urate-lowering medications. Relying solely on dietary control is insufficient, as complications from hyperuricemia, such as joint tissue destruction and renal di...[Read More] Essential Dietary Guidelines for Managing Gout: What to Eat and Avoid
Understanding Leg Swelling: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Edema I often experience swelling in my legs, especially when I am tired from work. I have a cramping sensation from my buttocks to my calves. Recently, I had a urine protein test and a spinal X-ray at the hospital, both of which returned normal results. I am unsure of the cause....
Dr. Chen Guifeng Reply:
The urine protein test is normal, which should rule out kidney issues. Additionally, since your edema seems to be more pronounced in the afternoon and evening after work, it is likely due to slower venous return, causing fluid accumulation in the legs. Engaging in some foot exerc...[Read More] Understanding Leg Swelling: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Strong Urine Odor: What Does It Mean for Your Health?
Urination Dear Doctor, my urine has a strong uric acid smell, and the bathroom always has an odor after I urinate. Is there something wrong? Thank you.
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Hello KK: The presence of a uric acid odor in urine does not necessarily indicate a significant issue. It is best to have the first morning urine tested at the hospital. Internal Medicine, Dr. Wang Fangli.[Read More] Strong Urine Odor: What Does It Mean for Your Health?