How Long Should I Wait After Quitting Alcohol for Accurate Liver Tests?
The liver is currently in an inflammatory state? I am a patient with liver inflammation (elevated GOT and GPT levels) and have a long history of smoking and drinking alcohol. I have stopped drinking alcohol for about three months. How long should I wait before getting tested for ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: There are many causes of abnormal liver function, and further tests are needed to differentiate between viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, or fatty liver disease, among others. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Chi-Feng, Gastroenterology Department, Tao...[Read More] How Long Should I Wait After Quitting Alcohol for Accurate Liver Tests?
Exploring Gastrointestinal Causes of Fatigue and Dizziness
Fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness? Hello Dr. Chen, regarding the topic of fatigue factors, blood tests are fine, and brainwave tests are also normal, with no insomnia. I have consulted with an ENT specialist multiple times, but I have not been able to achieve complete improvement. T...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Your fatigue, dizziness, and drowsiness seem to have no apparent cause. It is recommended to undergo a health check-up covered by health insurance for adults; if no abnormalities are found, it may be chronic fatigue syndrome. Wishing you peace and health. Dr. Chen Chih-Fen...[Read More] Exploring Gastrointestinal Causes of Fatigue and Dizziness
Understanding Gastrointestinal Flu: Symptoms, Recovery, and When to Seek Further Care
Gastroenteritis Hello, doctor. Around April 10, I noticed that my stool had a sour smell and was in a muddy consistency rather than liquid. The color was brownish-yellow, and there were undigested food particles. After two days without improvement, I started experiencing bloating...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The symptoms clearly indicate gastroenteritis. In addition to recommending a mild diet low in oil and dairy, please consult a gastroenterologist. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Flu: Symptoms, Recovery, and When to Seek Further Care
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea: Possible Causes and Solutions
I have been experiencing frequent diarrhea lately, and I feel pain when pressing on my upper abdomen? I experience pain when pressing on my upper abdomen (which has been ongoing). Ever since last month, after several consecutive days of eating baked dishes, I've had a tenden...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Based on the current symptoms, it appears to be gastrointestinal dysfunction and indigestion caused by dietary factors. It is recommended to follow a mild diet low in oil and dairy, and to moderately increase the intake of fruits and vegetables. If there is no improvement,...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea: Possible Causes and Solutions
Timing for Accurate Carbon-13 Breath Test After Antibiotic Treatment
Carbon-13 breath test I underwent an endoscopy this year, which revealed an infection with Helicobacter pylori. I started antibiotic treatment in mid-July. I would like to ask the physician about the carbon-13 urea breath test: how long after antibiotic treatment should I wait be...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: After one week of eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori, it is recommended to undergo a C13 breath test one month later to confirm whether eradication was successful. If unsuccessful, consideration should be given to changing medications or selecting second-line trea...[Read More] Timing for Accurate Carbon-13 Breath Test After Antibiotic Treatment
Understanding Villous Polyps: What You Need to Know About This Gastrointestinal Issue
Villous polyp A few days ago, I had a colonoscopy and found a polyp about 0.8 centimeters. The doctor removed it on the spot, and when I returned for the follow-up, the pathology report indicated it was benign. I remember the doctor mentioned it was a villous polyp. What is a vil...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Polyps can be classified into: 1. Non-familial polyps: (1) Hyperplastic - the most common, with a low risk of malignant transformation (2) Inflammatory (3) Adenomatous: a. Tubular adenoma b. Villous adenoma (higher risk of malignant transformation) c. Mixed type (higher ri...[Read More] Understanding Villous Polyps: What You Need to Know About This Gastrointestinal Issue
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Bladder Discomfort After Endoscopy
Lower back soreness? I underwent a painless colonoscopy and a painless gastroscopy. After the procedures, I felt a strange sensation in my bladder with some discomfort, but it wasn't very painful—just a feeling of pressure. Today, however, my bladder pain has increased compa...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: In principle, after a painless endoscopic examination, the occurrence of bladder pain during urination and lower back pain should primarily raise the suspicion of other urinary tract conditions. Please consult a urologist for urine tests and further evaluation. Wishing you...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Bladder Discomfort After Endoscopy
Managing Rectal Bleeding and Hemorrhoids After Surgery
Bleeding and internal hemorrhoids? I underwent three hemorrhoid ligation surgeries last year, and for over a year, I have not experienced any bleeding or prolapse of the internal hemorrhoids. However, in early April, I had constipation and difficulty with bowel movements for a we...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Hemorrhoids may recur even after surgical treatment (regardless of the surgical method used). Please consult a colorectal surgeon for further evaluation. Wishing you safety and health. Dr. Chen Chih-Feng, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health an...[Read More] Managing Rectal Bleeding and Hemorrhoids After Surgery
Managing Gallstones: Addressing Bloating and Surgical Options
Gallstones and bloating? Hello, I have gallstones and have been under follow-up care at your hospital. Recently, I have experienced bloating twice, making it impossible for me to eat. I would like to know if your hospital has the facilities for surgery. Thank you.
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Symptomatic gallstones should be considered for surgical treatment, with laparoscopic surgery being the most common approach. Please consult the Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastrointestinal Surgery (General Surgery) for evaluation. Wishing you safety and health. Sincer...[Read More] Managing Gallstones: Addressing Bloating and Surgical Options
Could Irregular Sleep and Alcohol Affect My Liver Antibodies?
Insufficient liver antibodies? Irregular sleep patterns and a reversed day-night cycle, along with a history of frequent alcohol consumption, could indeed contribute to your current difficulty in waking up after sleeping. Additionally, if your high school health check indicated i...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Fatigue or drowsiness may be related to the liver, but it is essential to undergo blood tests to confirm any liver function abnormalities. If liver function is normal, then fatigue or drowsiness is likely not related to the liver. Additionally, insufficient antibodies like...[Read More] Could Irregular Sleep and Alcohol Affect My Liver Antibodies?
Is Follow-Up Testing Necessary After Helicobacter Pylori Treatment?
Helicobacter pylori infection I was diagnosed with a Helicobacter pylori infection during my gastroscopy this year and underwent a 7-day course of medication. My doctor has recommended a carbon-13 urea breath test to monitor whether the Helicobacter pylori has been eradicated. Is...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: After one week of eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori, it is recommended to undergo a C13 breath test one month later to confirm whether the eradication was successful. If unsuccessful, consideration should be given to changing medications or opting for second-line...[Read More] Is Follow-Up Testing Necessary After Helicobacter Pylori Treatment?
Understanding Constipation and Urgency from Long-term Sedative Use
Taking tranquilizers? Hello Doctor: I am 48 years old and started taking anxiolytics eight years ago, which led to constipation, having a bowel movement about once a week. I didn't pay much attention to it, but about five or six years ago, I began experiencing urgent bowel m...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The use of anxiolytics often leads to decreased gastrointestinal motility in most patients, resulting in constipation. For these situations, it is recommended to increase the intake of fruits, vegetables, and fluids. If improvement is not achieved, a consultation with a ga...[Read More] Understanding Constipation and Urgency from Long-term Sedative Use
Painless Colonoscopy: Costs and Same-Day Appointment Information
Painless rectoscopy examination Hello! I would like to undergo a painless colonoscopy at your hospital, but I do not have health insurance. Could you please let me know the approximate cost for the procedure? Can I register on-site and have the examination on the same day? Thank ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A standard flexible sigmoidoscopy only examines the area from the anus up to 30 to 50 centimeters, so it is not performed under sedation; only a colonoscopy is done with sedation. For a sedated colonoscopy, if the colonoscopy portion meets the criteria for insurance covera...[Read More] Painless Colonoscopy: Costs and Same-Day Appointment Information
Effective Treatment Options for Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Gastritis
Helicobacter pylori infection I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in February of this year, and the results showed chronic superficial gastritis with Helicobacter pylori infection. What is the recommended treatment?
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: For patients with gastritis combined with Helicobacter pylori, treatment guidelines recommend that only those with refractory gastritis should undergo bacterial eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Departm...[Read More] Effective Treatment Options for Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Gastritis
Understanding Red Blood Streaks in Stool: Causes and Solutions
There are red streaks? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have occasionally noticed that when I feel the urge to have a bowel movement but do not go immediately, I end up holding it in until it becomes urgent. When I do finally go, I feel a lot of pressure at the anal opening. After I fi...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The most common cause of bloody stools is hemorrhoids; however, it may sometimes be necessary to consult a gastroenterologist or a colorectal surgeon to determine if further evaluation with a colonoscopy is needed. Wishing you safety and good health. Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Gas...[Read More] Understanding Red Blood Streaks in Stool: Causes and Solutions
Painless Colonoscopy for Polyp Removal: What You Need to Know
Polypectomy Hello! I would like to inquire if your hospital offers painless colonoscopy procedures. Here’s the situation: I underwent a colonoscopy abroad this year, where a benign polyp measuring nearly 2 cm was found. At that time, it was not removed immediately. Now, with my c...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If you have rectal polyps that need to be removed, it is recommended to undergo a full colonoscopy to check for the presence of polyps in other parts of the colon besides the rectum. Whether to undergo a painless colonoscopy will be assessed by the physician. Wishing you s...[Read More] Painless Colonoscopy for Polyp Removal: What You Need to Know
Understanding Anal Pain and Bleeding: Causes and Solutions
Anal pain? I have been experiencing issues with irregular bowel movements. Although I do have a bowel movement every day upon waking up, due to poor habits developed since childhood, it takes me at least 40 minutes each time. Recently, I have noticed that after using the restroom...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Patients with constipation often experience complications such as anal pain and bleeding. It is recommended to visit a colorectal surgery specialist for further evaluation and treatment. The most common cause is hemorrhoids, but other conditions may also be present. Wishin...[Read More] Understanding Anal Pain and Bleeding: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Diverticulosis: Is It Common for Everyone?
Diverticulum of the colon Are diverticula present in everyone, or not? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Diverticular disease of the colon is not present in everyone; it can be either solitary or multiple. The most common complications are diverticulitis or bleeding. Diverticulitis presents with abdominal pain and fever, while diverticular bleeding may result in hematochezia....[Read More] Understanding Diverticulosis: Is It Common for Everyone?
Dietary Guidelines for Preparing for a Gastroscopy Exam
Gastroscopy What dietary precautions should be taken the day before undergoing a gastroscopy?
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It is essential to fast for at least 8 hours before undergoing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. This ensures complete gastric emptying, which prevents food residue from interfering with the examination and also helps avoid complications such as vomiting and aspiration ...[Read More] Dietary Guidelines for Preparing for a Gastroscopy Exam
Understanding Severe Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Severe gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello Dr. Chen, I have severe constipation (about every 4 to 5 days). After the Lunar New Year, on "working days," I often feel gastrointestinal discomfort and headaches around 3 PM. I visited a clinic and informed the doctor, who sug...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Based on the symptoms, it appears to be a case of functional gastrointestinal disorder. It is recommended to start with dietary adjustments. The principles are to reduce oil, meat, and dairy intake, while increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as hydr...[Read More] Understanding Severe Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions