Understanding Gastroenteritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Advice
About gastroenteritis? Due to excessive late nights, I have been experiencing diarrhea for the past 4.5 days. I visited a doctor two days ago, and they diagnosed me with gastroenteritis. I have been taking anti-diarrheal medication and stomach medicine for the past two to three d...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. If you have had diarrhea for 4 to 5 days and are experiencing bleeding, it is necessary to seek medical attention for further examination. 2. Hepatitis B is not related to gastroenteritis. 3. Alcohol can harm the liver, and greasy foods and dairy products may...[Read More] Understanding Gastroenteritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Advice
How to Help Your Child Recover from Acute Hepatitis: A Guide for Concerned Parents
Worried mother My daughter was diagnosed with acute hepatitis in May of this year. Currently, her liver enzymes are at 175.110 and her bilirubin level is at 11.7, which has remained stable for about two months. What should I do to help normalize her liver enzymes and bilirubin le...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, in addition to bilirubin levels and liver enzyme levels, the prothrombin time is also an important parameter for assessing liver function. May I ask how old your daughter is and what type of hepatitis she has? Sometimes, bilirubin levels can remain elevated for an extended...[Read More] How to Help Your Child Recover from Acute Hepatitis: A Guide for Concerned Parents
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: G.O.T and G.P.T Explained
Liver enzymes G.O.T (Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase) and G.P.T (Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase Hello, I have been feeling fatigued frequently and have a bitter taste in my mouth. My sister, who is a pharmacist, suggested that I get my liver function checked. After the tests...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the normal range for liver enzymes GOT and GPT is generally below 40. Your GPT level of 154 is approximately 3 to 4 times elevated, which is not extremely high, but it is important to understand the underlying cause (such as whether there is hepatitis B or C, or fatty live...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: G.O.T and G.P.T Explained
Can Hepatitis C Patients Safely Use Placenta Extract During Treatment?
Can patients with hepatitis C receive placenta-derived products? I have hepatitis C and am currently undergoing interferon treatment. Someone suggested administering placenta extract. Will this affect my treatment?
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, I apologize for your question, but I am unable to answer it. I'm not sure if there will be any interactions between the two.[Read More] Can Hepatitis C Patients Safely Use Placenta Extract During Treatment?
Do Stomach or Colon Cancers Always Cause Blood in Stool?
I have a question? I would like to ask the doctor... Is it true that stomach cancer or colon cancer always presents with blood in the stool? If there is bleeding in the stomach or intestines, is it always blood in every bowel movement, or can it be intermittent? A few days ago, I...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the presence of blood in the stool does not necessarily indicate gastric or colorectal cancer. If there is gastrointestinal bleeding from the upper digestive tract, the stool is typically black or dark red. In contrast, if the bleeding originates from the lower digestive t...[Read More] Do Stomach or Colon Cancers Always Cause Blood in Stool?
Understanding Upper Abdominal Discomfort and Pain in Hepatitis B Patients
Abdomen Hello doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing discomfort in the upper middle part of my abdomen, and there is a sharp pain under the left side of my rib cage. I also have hepatitis B, and I'm unsure what the issue might be. Thank you.
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the pain in the upper abdomen and left upper abdomen is more likely related to gastric issues, such as a gastric ulcer. Do you experience increased pain when hungry or a feeling of bloating after meals? Hepatitis B does carry a higher risk of liver cancer, but the liver an...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Discomfort and Pain in Hepatitis B Patients
Understanding Gallstones: Symptoms, Risks, and Pregnancy Considerations
Gallstones Dr. Chen, I have gallstones in my gallbladder. I read in previous Q&A that symptoms may include chills or fever. However, I usually feel cold and occasionally at night I suddenly feel very cold, to the point of shivering, but it passes after a while. Is this a seri...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the onset of gallstones typically presents with pain. If there is cholecystitis, it would be accompanied by fever and tenderness in the right upper abdomen. Your symptoms do not seem to align with this issue, making it difficult to determine if they are caused by gallstone...[Read More] Understanding Gallstones: Symptoms, Risks, and Pregnancy Considerations
Understanding Your Baby's Digestive Health: Normal Bowel Movements and Formula Choices
Issues with bowel movements? My child is 10 months old and was hospitalized previously due to diarrhea, but tests showed no bacterial infection in the stool. He had been drinking hydrolyzed protein formula, but he was having bowel movements about 2-3 times a day. After the hospit...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Response: Hello, regarding your question, we have asked Dr. Pei Ren-Sheng, a pediatric gastroenterologist at our hospital, to respond on your behalf. 1. General lactose-free formula (OLAC) is suitable for babies with abdominal discomfort and can be used for a period of 6 to 8 wee...[Read More] Understanding Your Baby's Digestive Health: Normal Bowel Movements and Formula Choices
Understanding Liver Enzyme Levels: Do You Need Treatment for GOT and GPT?
Liver function tests (LFTs) Your liver enzyme levels are as follows: G.O.T (AST) 29 and G.P.T (ALT) 57. Whether treatment is needed depends on various factors, including your overall health, symptoms, and the underlying cause of the elevated enzyme levels. It is advisable to cons...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if the GPT index is slightly elevated, it is advisable to investigate the underlying causes, such as chronic viral hepatitis (B or C), fatty liver, etc. It is not always necessary to take liver protection medications. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Zhiping. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Liver Enzyme Levels: Do You Need Treatment for GOT and GPT?
Do You Really Need Surgery for Gallstones? Understanding Your Options
Do gallstones always require surgery for removal? I was recently diagnosed with gallstones measuring approximately 1.3 cm in the gallbladder via ultrasound. Currently, I experience discomfort after meals. Do I need to have the stone removed? Is there a possibility that laparoscop...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. If there are no symptoms, gallstones do not necessarily require surgery. However, if they cause cholecystitis or recurrent pain, surgical treatment is recommended. 2. Laparoscopic surgery involves the removal of the gallbladder containing stones, rather than ...[Read More] Do You Really Need Surgery for Gallstones? Understanding Your Options
Chronic Duodenal Ulcers: Seeking Alternatives to Endoscopy for Relief
Duodenal ulcer has not been cured despite two endoscopies? Since I turned 26, I have frequently experienced upper abdominal pain. I underwent gastroscopy at ages 29 and 32, which diagnosed me with a duodenal ulcer. I tested positive for Helicobacter pylori twice, and although I t...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, you can perform a breath test for Helicobacter pylori to check if there are still bacteria present in the stomach. If so, you may consider another round of eradication therapy, but it would be best to know the medications used in the previous two treatments. As for the pos...[Read More] Chronic Duodenal Ulcers: Seeking Alternatives to Endoscopy for Relief
Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: What You Need to Know Before Donating Blood
Elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels? The physician recently donated blood and was informed by the nurse that his previous blood donation records indicated liver function indices were close to "elevated," specifically mentioning a value of "43,"...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, there are two types of serum transaminases: AST and ALT. ALT is more specific to the liver, and it is possible that the abnormal value you encountered during blood donation was ALT. This indicates liver dysfunction and the presence of liver inflammation. I'm not sure ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: What You Need to Know Before Donating Blood
Understanding Sudden Changes in Bowel Habits: Causes and Concerns
Diarrhea is unusual? Hello, doctor. I originally had a habit of constipation, and my stools were hard. However, a few days ago, I suddenly started experiencing intermittent abdominal pain without any urge to have a bowel movement until I went to the bathroom and strained, which r...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, sometimes hard stools can become impacted in the rectum, leading to the passage of watery stools instead. I recommend that you visit a hospital for an abdominal X-ray. If necessary, the physician may also arrange for a colon examination. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Zhi-Ping, Inter...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Changes in Bowel Habits: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Liver Function Tests and Military Exemption Criteria in Taiwan
Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about liver function issues. Thank you? Hello Doctor: I previously downloaded the regulations regarding exemption from military service from the Ministry of the Interior, but I have some questions about the regulations that I need clarificat...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, it is not possible to determine the potential histopathological changes in liver biopsy based on biochemical indices, so I cannot answer your question. I apologize for the inconvenience. Best wishes for your health. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Zhiping, Department of Internal Medic...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests and Military Exemption Criteria in Taiwan
Understanding Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver: Your Concerns Addressed
Hepatitis B Hello Doctor: I apologize for bothering you again, but I would like to discuss the following issues and hope you can spare some time to help me. Thank you. 1. I had an ultrasound examination that showed my liver appearing hyperechoic, and the examining physician dia...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, 1. Your test report shows elevated liver enzymes with Anti-HBc IgG(+) and HCV Ab(-), but it does not include HBsAg and HBsAb (Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody), so we cannot determine if you are currently a carrier or if you have antibodies. Anti-HBc IgG(+) only ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver: Your Concerns Addressed
Understanding Abdominal Pulsations: When to Seek Gastroenterology Help
My stomach keeps twitching? Hello Doctor: I have been lying flat in bed for almost a month and I feel something jumping inside my abdomen. Sometimes it jumps very quickly, making it difficult for me to fall asleep. Additionally, my stomach often makes loud noises (not due to hung...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if you feel something pulsating in your abdomen, it could be the abdominal aorta pulsating, which is more noticeable in thin individuals when lying flat on their back. Alternatively, it could be an aneurysm due to arterial dilation. It is advisable to visit a hospital for ...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pulsations: When to Seek Gastroenterology Help
Can Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Change from Positive to Negative?
Is it possible for the hepatitis B surface antigen to change? Hello Doctor: I previously underwent a health check-up in January 2003, where the hepatitis B surface antigen was positive and the surface antibody was negative, thus I was determined to be a carrier (liver function te...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, previously the surface antigen was positive, but it is now undetectable, and the surface antibody is also negative. There are several possibilities: 1. The surface antigen may still be present but at a level too low to be detected due to the sensitivity of the test; 2. It ...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Change from Positive to Negative?
Understanding Anal Pain and Discomfort After Bowel Movements: Causes and Concerns
I'm sorry, but I need content to translate. Please provide the text you would like Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about something. Recently, I have been experiencing a sharp pain around the anus during bowel movements. After I finish, I feel discomfort in the anal area fo...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the presence of blood in your stool and pain in the anus may indicate conditions such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures. It is advisable to consult a colorectal surgeon or visit a gastroenterology clinic to arrange for a colonoscopy to rule out diseases like colitis. It is a...[Read More] Understanding Anal Pain and Discomfort After Bowel Movements: Causes and Concerns
Blood in Stool: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues and When to Seek Help
Blood in the stool? Hello Dr. Chen: I've been feeling a bit uncomfortable in my abdomen these past few days. It feels somewhat like diarrhea, and when I have a bowel movement, it really does resemble diarrhea. However, there is a lot of fresh blood on the stool, particularly...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the presence of blood in your stool, along with dripping blood and anal pain, may indicate conditions such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures. It is advisable to visit a colorectal surgery clinic for an examination. Bowel movement frequency varies among individuals, typically...[Read More] Blood in Stool: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues and When to Seek Help
Understanding Stomach Pain and Anal Discomfort: A Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello Dr. Chen, I have experienced frequent stomach pain since childhood and am unsure if it is due to a peptic ulcer. Additionally, I often feel itching and a stinging sensation around the anus after using the restroom. I am uncerta...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, upper abdominal pain may be caused by peptic ulcers, gastritis, or dyspepsia, and further examination with an endoscopy is necessary for confirmation. Anal pain and itching may be due to parasites or conditions such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures; please visit a hospital&...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Pain and Anal Discomfort: A Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment