Patient's question:
My mother is over 70 years old, and she has had milky urine for a long time. It might be chyluria, and she has a history of lymphatic filariasis.Please answer the following:
1. What tests can confirm the diagnosis? Are the testing methods complex?
2. If it is confirmed, should we first identify the location of the lesion (lymphatic vessel rupture) before treatment? What methods are used for this examination? Are they complex?
3. Which method—Chinese medicine or Western medicine—is more effective? Considering her age, what method is most suitable?
I look forward to your complete reply. Thank you!
Doctor's answer:
The characteristic of chyluria is that the urine is cloudy like milk, or resembles wastewater or soy milk, hence the name. The peak age of onset for chyluria is between 30 and 60 years old. The cause of chyluria is currently believed to be thoracic duct obstruction, local lymphatic inflammation damage, leading to changes in lymphatic dynamics, where lymph fluid enters the urinary tract, resulting in chyluria. Additionally, some cases are associated with the prevalence of Bancroftian filariasis, as the filarial worms enter the lymphatic vessels, causing damage to the lymphatic system. Further related examinations are recommended.