expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Kaveh Sharif, MD

Internist

Dr. Kaveh Sharif is an internist practicing in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Sharif specializes in the medical treatment of adults. Internists can act as a primary physician or a consultant to a primary physician. They manage both common and rare diseases. Dr. Sharif provides comprehensive care and manages treatment with surgeons as well. Internists establish long-term relationships with their patients and incorporate disease prevention and mental health care into their practice.
Dr. Kaveh Sharif, MD
Specializes in:
  • Kidney Transplant
  • Hemodialysis
  • Peritoneal Dialysis
  • Los Angeles, California
  • Univ Cath De Louvain, Bruxelles, Belgium
  • Accepting new patients

Elevated total and direct bilirubin?

The most isolated elevated indirect bilirubin is consistent with Gilbert’s syndrome which is a benign condition without consequences. The other possibility for elevated indirect READ MORE
The most isolated elevated indirect bilirubin is consistent with Gilbert’s syndrome which is a benign condition without consequences. The other possibility for elevated indirect bilirubin would be hemolysis. In that case, you would be anemic. If that’s the case you need to check Haptoglobin, LDH, and Reticulocyte counts.

Do I need to go to the ER for ankle swelling?

Yes. You should. Any liver, heart, or kidney condition will give you bilateral leg edema. Also, a venous blood clot (DVT) needs also to be ruled out.

I had a minor stroke?

If the MRI did not show a stroke, lt's less likely to be a stroke. The migraine attacks can cause the symptoms that you have. You need to see a neurologist and be treated. Migraines READ MORE
If the MRI did not show a stroke, lt's less likely to be a stroke. The migraine attacks can cause the symptoms that you have. You need to see a neurologist and be treated. Migraines if severe enough, can cause a stroke.

Should I go to urgent care for high blood pressure?

Depends on how high your blood pressure is. If BP > 200/100 or any high BP associated with chest pain, shortness of breath, or any neurological symptoms, then yes!

How effective is kidney dialysis?

This is the only way to stay alive and also may be a bridge to a kidney transplant. There are 2 types of dialysis: 1) Hemodialysis which you go to a clinic typically 3 days a week READ MORE
This is the only way to stay alive and also may be a bridge to a kidney transplant. There are 2 types of dialysis: 1) Hemodialysis which you go to a clinic typically 3 days a week connected to a machine that purifies your blood 2) Peritoneal dialysis with a catheter in your peritoneal cavity that does not involve blood. There is fluid going inside your belly and drains out on a nightly base while you are sleeping at night via a small machine in the comfort of your home but it is done every night.

Can blood in urine go away on its own?

Blood in the urine could be a sign of serious kidney disease or could be associated with more benign conditions. It needs to be checked out.

Can you manage diabetes 2 without medication?

Diet and exercise and by losing weight if you are overweight.

Are liver diseases dangerous?

Yes. Fatty liver can result in Cirrhosis of the liver and can eventually fail. Make sure your dad is not diabetic if he is he needs to control his sugar. Also, diet as mc exercise READ MORE
Yes. Fatty liver can result in Cirrhosis of the liver and can eventually fail. Make sure your dad is not diabetic if he is he needs to control his sugar. Also, diet as mc exercise work to loose weight also avoids fatty foods.

Is it painful to have dialysis?

No. If he gets hemodialysis through fistula in the arm, inserting the needles might be painful but there are numbing creams to help with that. If he is on peritoneal dialysis there READ MORE
No. If he gets hemodialysis through fistula in the arm, inserting the needles might be painful but there are numbing creams to help with that. If he is on peritoneal dialysis there is no needle involved so there is no pain

Could I have appendicitis?

It certainly could be. If you sit up and hunch over the pain is improving then it might be appendicitis. If you hunch over and the pain is worse it might be musculoskeletal in READ MORE
It certainly could be. If you sit up and hunch over the pain is improving then it might be appendicitis. If you hunch over and the pain is worse it might be musculoskeletal in nature.

How can my daughter treat hives?

Hives is caused by allergy to some substances or some immunological perturbance in the body. The immunological part could be genetic and is congenital which happens from birth READ MORE
Hives is caused by allergy to some substances or some immunological perturbance in the body. The immunological part could be genetic and is congenital which happens from birth or young childhood. It could also be acquired, and in that case, autoimmune diseases such as Lupus or malignant disease such as lymphoma comes to mind. She needs to be checked out by allergist specialist. It can usually be treated by anti histamines. You can try a combination of Allegra 60 mg twice a day and Zantac 150 mg twice a day. Both medications are available in over the counter. This is the the dose for adults and children above age of 12. For below age of 12, Allegra is 15-30 mg twice a day. For Zantac, the dose is 4-8 mg/kg/day divided in twice a day manner.
I hope this is helpful to you.

Can taking pain medication for too long affect your health?

Definitely. The medications labeled as non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs such as Motrin, Aleve, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, etc. Even Tylenol in the long run, if used for many years, READ MORE
Definitely. The medications labeled as non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs such as Motrin, Aleve, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, etc. Even Tylenol in the long run, if used for many years, can cause progressive renal failure. You need to pinpoint what is the cause of your back pain and alleviate it without medications mentioned above.

What would cause blood in urine?

The blood in the urine is abnormal and can come from any part of urinary tract system. The work up should start with seeing Urologist. Usually a CT of abdomen and pelvis with IV READ MORE
The blood in the urine is abnormal and can come from any part of urinary tract system. The work up should start with seeing Urologist. Usually a CT of abdomen and pelvis with IV contrast and Cystoscopy will be required. If all these are negative then the blood is coming from the kidney. In that case a Renal biopsy is warranted.

Would Factor V Leiden make pregnancy high-risk?

Yes, you are at risk of making blood clots and pregnancy due to hormonal changes makes the risk of blood clot formation even higher. However, if you are adequately anti-coagulated READ MORE
Yes, you are at risk of making blood clots and pregnancy due to hormonal changes makes the risk of blood clot formation even higher. However, if you are adequately anti-coagulated and under tight supervision, it should be okay. Nevertheless, it is high risk.

How is hepatitis B caused?

It’s either through blood products such as blood transfusions or through sexual activity.

Can I donate blood if I'm anemic?

It is not recommended. You need to find out why you are anemic which is not normal!

Can natural foods help in improving my platelet count?

You need to pin point why your platelet counts are dropping. See a hematologist

Could the pain in my joints be gout?

Yes, it can be gout, it could’ve be genetic or caused by environmental causes such as chronic exposure to lead (the metal). Have it checked out by your doctor. The serum iron acid READ MORE
Yes, it can be gout, it could’ve be genetic or caused by environmental causes such as chronic exposure to lead (the metal). Have it checked out by your doctor. The serum iron acid needs to be checked.