Managing High Cholesterol: Tips for Daily Life and Treatment
Individuals with hyperlipidemia should pay attention to the following aspects in their daily lives: 1. **Dietary Choices**: Adopt a heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. Focus on consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean prote...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
Hyperlipidemia can have significant effects on the human body, as lipids can easily deposit in the arterial walls, accelerating the process of atherosclerosis and leading to diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Elevated triglyceride levels can also increase the risk...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: Tips for Daily Life and Treatment
Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission: Risks of Kissing and Oral Sex
Regarding hepatitis B issues? So, doctor, can kissing and saliva transmit hepatitis B? What about oral sex? Is it really only transmitted through blood? What about semen? I'm really scared of getting infected and passing it on to my family. I want to clarify this to protect ...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Transmission through blood, saliva, or oral sex is unlikely unless both parties have open wounds. Semen can also transmit the virus, but the other person must have an open wound.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission: Risks of Kissing and Oral Sex
Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission and Treatment Options
Hepatitis B issues Doctor, may I ask if my girlfriend has hepatitis B, is it contagious? What will happen if we engage in intimate activities? Will I contract hepatitis B? How should she be treated?
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Transmission routes of Hepatitis B! 1. Vertical transmission - If a mother is a carrier of Hepatitis B, she may transmit the virus to her fetus before or during childbirth. 2. Horizontal transmission - This can occur through blood transfusions, injections, ear piercing, tatto...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission and Treatment Options
Managing Diarrhea and Rectal Pain: Dietary Tips and Solutions
Diarrhea Hello Dr. Tsai: Since I asked you about my anal fissure, I experienced a few days without pain, although my stools have been smaller. However, starting this past Monday, I began having diarrhea, and my anus has been painful, but the pain subsides shortly after a bowel mo...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Diarrhea, also referred to as loose stools, is characterized by the passage of stools that are more liquid and watery than usual, along with an increased frequency of bowel movements. The stools may contain more water, possibly accompanied by mucus or changes in color, and in som...[Read More] Managing Diarrhea and Rectal Pain: Dietary Tips and Solutions
Understanding Liver Cirrhosis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Fibrosis Insights
Cirrhosis Dear Vice President Tsai, I have a few questions I would like to ask you, thank you. 1. What are the causes of liver nodules? Does the presence of liver nodules indicate the presence of liver cirrhosis? 2. Can liver cirrhosis be detected through ultrasound? 3. If the ...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Cirrhosis can be detected through ultrasound, which may appear coarse; however, the liver does not necessarily exhibit signs of fibrosis. The definition of cirrhosis involves hepatocyte necrosis, with the remaining liver cells regenerating to form nodular structures surrounded by...[Read More] Understanding Liver Cirrhosis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Fibrosis Insights
Understanding Acute Anal Fissure Surgery: Duration, Risks, and Recovery
Acute anal fissure surgery? Hello, doctor. I consulted you yesterday about my anal fissure issue. I apologize for asking again, but if surgery is necessary, how long does the procedure take? Are there any risks involved? How long does it take to heal? I’m sorry for bothering you,...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Anal fissures require the assistance of a colorectal surgeon. Acute anal fissures typically do not require surgical treatment, as 90% of patients can heal with conservative measures. A high-fiber diet, stool softeners, and adequate hydration can improve bowel habits and prevent c...[Read More] Understanding Acute Anal Fissure Surgery: Duration, Risks, and Recovery
Understanding Anal Fissures: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Time
Anal fissure Hello, I have been experiencing pain during bowel movements since early November, and my anus hurts, but there is no blood in the stool, only a little bit of blood when wiping (just a tiny bit). I have seen several doctors, and one doctor prescribed stool softeners. ...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Anal fissures are caused by hard stools tearing the anal mucosa. They are the most common cause of rectal bleeding in children under one year of age. During the acute phase, a tear in the mucosa can be observed at the anterior or posterior anal region, appearing bright red (Figur...[Read More] Understanding Anal Fissures: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Time
Dietary Tips for Managing Bloating and Constipation Issues
Dietary Considerations for Bloating and Constipation Hello, I would like to ask... Recently, I saw a book about gastrointestinal health at a bookstore that discusses various gastrointestinal conditions (such as constipation, bloating, etc.), dietary considerations, and exercise f...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Food Choices Irritating Foods: Foods such as coffee, alcohol, gravy, chili peppers, mustard, and pepper should be avoided as they can stimulate gastric acid secretion or damage the gastric mucosa. Individual responses to food vary, so dietary choices should be adjusted based on ...[Read More] Dietary Tips for Managing Bloating and Constipation Issues
Understanding Bloating and Cold Sensations in the Abdomen
Abdominal bloating and issues related to coldness in the body? When I stay up late, I often feel bloated and experience pain near my navel. Sometimes it feels like stomach acid is about to overflow, and when I wake up, I keep burping and feel a fullness in my stomach. I also feel...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
It is likely a problem related to the stomach and duodenum, and a gentle diet should be adopted. Meals should be served in small, frequent portions. It is important to relax and maintain a pleasant mood during meals. A gentle diet is one that is non-irritating, low in fiber, easy...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Cold Sensations in the Abdomen
Understanding AFP Levels: What Are the Correct Reference Values?
The standard value for AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) levels? Hello Dr. Tsai, I recently received a health check report from Taipei Hospital indicating that my AFP level is 14.3, which is above the standard value. The report states that the reference range should be 0-10.9, but my onlin...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The reference range should be 0 to 10.9.[Read More] Understanding AFP Levels: What Are the Correct Reference Values?
Understanding Chronic Digestive Issues: Insights from a Gastroenterologist
Chronic diseases, please consult Dr. Gao Ming for an explanation. Thank you, doctor? I usually experience diarrhea due to stomach acid. I would like to consult a physician.
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Treatment can be discussed from three different perspectives: 1. Lifestyle modifications: 1. Dietary content and patterns: It is recommended to eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid high-fat foods. The following foods should be avoided: chocolate, mint, coffee, onions,...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Digestive Issues: Insights from a Gastroenterologist
Should You Consider Surgery for a Small Bowel Abscess?
Should a person with an abscess in the small intestine undergo surgery? Hello! Recently, my uncle (around forty years old) suddenly experienced severe abdominal pain and was urgently taken to Taitung Hospital. After staying in the hospital for over a week, the cause was identifie...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Based on the professional judgment of the surgeon, there is a risk of widespread abscess formation if surgery is performed, so treatment with antibiotics should be sufficient.[Read More] Should You Consider Surgery for a Small Bowel Abscess?
What Does It Mean When the Liver Appears White?
Could you please provide the content you would like me to translate? What does it mean when the liver appears white?
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The liver is not white; you should ask if the stool color has become lighter, or even white. It would be best to make an appointment and ask the doctor for more details.[Read More] What Does It Mean When the Liver Appears White?
Understanding Coughing Up Blood: Causes and When to Seek Help
Coughing up blood? I thought I had phlegm when I was coughing, but what I coughed up was blood, and afterwards, I still felt like there was phlegm in my throat, but I continued to cough up small blood clots. What could be the issue, and which specialist should I see? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
Chest X-ray in the field of pulmonology.[Read More] Understanding Coughing Up Blood: Causes and When to Seek Help
Managing Chronic Hepatitis: Addressing Side Effects and Work Concerns
Chronic hepatitis I am a chronic hepatitis patient. After taking Danoprevir, my indices were normal, but in the 16th month, they skyrocketed. The doctor quickly switched me to Sofosbuvir. During the period I was on Danoprevir, my health was fine, but after starting Sofosbuvir, I ...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Contact your primary physician first before deciding how to adjust your medication.[Read More] Managing Chronic Hepatitis: Addressing Side Effects and Work Concerns
Understanding Symptoms: Headache, Weakness, and Possible Bacteremia
Headache, weakness in the right arm with difficulty lifting, previously had a fever up to 40 degrees Celsius, chest pain, neck stiffness, and red spots on the body? A 45-year-old female friend experienced sudden onset of headache five days ago, along with weakness in her right ar...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
Hurry to the large hospital to register for an internal medicine emergency consultation for a series of tests to check for bacteremia. Additionally, due to neck stiffness, a consultation with a neurologist may be necessary to rule out the possibility of meningitis.[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Headache, Weakness, and Possible Bacteremia
White Worms in Children's Stool: Causes, Treatments, and Risks
White worms in stool? The presence of small white worms in a child's stool, measuring about one to two centimeters in length and exhibiting strong mobility, may indicate a parasitic infection, such as pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis). Treatment typically involves the admin...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
In pediatric outpatient clinics, it is common to encounter cases of anal itching. There are many causes of anal itching, one of which is pinworms (not roundworms). You can check around the anus at night for small white worms or go to the hospital for a stool examination. Inadequa...[Read More] White Worms in Children's Stool: Causes, Treatments, and Risks
Understanding Restrictive Lung Disease: What You Need to Know
Restrictive lung disease Hello, I recently underwent a health check-up (organized by my company with a hospital conducting the examinations at the workplace), which included a computerized pulmonary function test. The results indicated "restrictive impairment." During t...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
If you usually do not have any specific symptoms, you should consider undergoing a re-evaluation to check if there was an error in the previous examination. Even if restrictive lung function impairment is confirmed, further testing is necessary to determine the underlying cause. ...[Read More] Understanding Restrictive Lung Disease: What You Need to Know
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Symptoms and Causes
Gastrointestinal discomfort issues? Hello Doctor: For the past two days, I have been experiencing pain on the left side of my abdomen near the navel, along with cramping in my intestines and bloating in my stomach. Although there are occasional discomforts, I do not have diarrhea...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
It may be Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): The following relevant information is provided: Clinically, Irritable Bowel Syndrome can present with three main categories of symptoms: (1) Chronic intermittent diarrhea, typically without abdominal pain. Diarrhea often occurs in the mor...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Persistent Stomach Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Stomach pain I often experience stomach pain that radiates to my back. Recently, a friend mentioned it might be a gallbladder issue. However, I went to the hospital for an ultrasound, and the doctor said everything was fine but couldn't answer my questions. Last night, the p...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
If you are experiencing unexplained stomach pain, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for a proper diagnosis to avoid delaying treatment due to inappropriate medication. There are numerous potential causes of stomach pain, so it is crucial to specify the location of t...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Stomach Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions