Understanding Weight Gain Challenges: When to Seek Gastroenterology Help
Weight gain I am 26 years old, 170 cm tall, and weigh 52 kg. I am significantly below my ideal weight, and I would like to know what methods I can use to consistently gain weight. I generally eat normally, but my weight sometimes decreases rapidly (it drops quickly, but it takes ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, may I ask if you frequently experience diarrhea? Do you have palpitations or tremors? Are you eating, drinking, or urinating more than usual? It would be advisable to see a general internist, family medicine physician, endocrinologist, or gastroenterologist for some prelim...[Read More] Understanding Weight Gain Challenges: When to Seek Gastroenterology Help
How Long Does Hepatitis B Treatment Take and Frequency of Visits?
How is hepatitis B treated? The treatment duration for hepatitis B can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the infection and the specific treatment regimen. Generally, antiviral therapy may last for several months to years. If liver enzyme levels (such as...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, regarding the treatment of Hepatitis B, the first step is to check liver function tests. If the levels are normal (typically GOT and GPT below 40), no treatment is necessary, but follow-up should be done every six months. If the levels are above 40, we need to assess the m...[Read More] How Long Does Hepatitis B Treatment Take and Frequency of Visits?
Sudden Severe Rectal Bleeding: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Sudden massive bleeding..? Dear Doctor: Recently, I experienced a sudden onset of heavy bleeding during bowel movements, which has persisted for several days. On the first day of these symptoms, I also had diarrhea. The amount of blood this time is unprecedented. For the followin...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The sudden occurrence of fresh blood in the stool is indeed a concerning situation. The causes may include bleeding from hemorrhoids, lesions in the rectum or colon (which could be tumors or inflammation, as well as diverticula, polyps, or vascular abnormalities). A small ...[Read More] Sudden Severe Rectal Bleeding: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding Massive Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding After Duodenal Surgery
Ampullectomy Why does massive bleeding occur near the esophagus above the stomach after a choledochotomy for gallstones, necessitating a subsequent gastric surgery to control the bleeding?
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, When you refer to "ampullary incision for gallstones," are you talking about endoscopic ampullectomy for bile duct stones or a surgical procedure performed through an open abdominal approach? Generally, this should not be related to significant bleeding ...[Read More] Understanding Massive Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding After Duodenal Surgery
Understanding Acute Hepatitis and Its Complications: Rhabdomyolysis Risks
Acute hepatitis complicated by rhabdomyolysis? Hello, my brother's liver enzymes have skyrocketed to over 10,000. The doctor diagnosed him with acute hepatitis and renal failure. His levels have decreased, but he has now developed rhabdomyolysis and has already undergone dia...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, could you please explain the causes of fulminant hepatitis and rhabdomyolysis leading to renal failure? How is liver function? Are symptoms such as jaundice, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy improving? What is the urine output and renal function index? The risk is signi...[Read More] Understanding Acute Hepatitis and Its Complications: Rhabdomyolysis Risks
Understanding Hepatitis B Blood Tests: Preparation and FAQs
Hepatitis B blood test? Hello Dr. Chen: 1. I would like to ask, after receiving the third dose of the vaccine, is there anything I need to pay attention to regarding diet before getting a blood test to check for antibodies? 2. When testing for hepatitis B, can liver function be c...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. There are no specific contraindications, but please avoid alcohol if you are going to have liver function tests for GOT and GPT. 2. Yes. 3. You can come in the evening, but please arrive early, as the laboratory can only support until around 9 PM. Sincerely, Dr. ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Blood Tests: Preparation and FAQs
Can You Transmit Hepatitis B If You Have Antibodies?
Hepatitis B I was tested for hepatitis B antibodies over a decade ago. Am I contagious to others?
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, I would like to clarify which "Hepatitis B antibody" you are referring to. If it is the surface antibody (anti-HBs), it indicates that you have been infected in the past and have recovered, which means you have immunity and are not contagious to others. However, ...[Read More] Can You Transmit Hepatitis B If You Have Antibodies?
Understanding Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Diarrhea and abdominal pain for several consecutive days? Hello Dr. Chen: My husband is 44 years old and has been experiencing abdominal pain (on the right side of the navel) and diarrhea (watery, yellowish... sometimes with black stools) for four consecutive days. He has taken g...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, 1. You can consult a gastroenterologist, general internist, or family medicine physician. 2. Avoid irritants such as spicy foods, alcohol, greasy foods, and dairy products (milk, cheese), and gradually return to a normal diet as you recover. 3. If this has been a long-...[Read More] Understanding Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Your Liver Health: Interpreting Bilirubin and Platelet Levels
Am I experiencing liver abnormalities? Hello Dr. Chen: I would like to ask you about a recent health check I underwent at the health center. In the report, my total bilirubin level was highlighted in red, measuring 1.2, which exceeds the normal range. Additionally, my platelet co...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The bilirubin level is slightly elevated. If there is no right upper abdominal pain and liver enzymes (GOT, GPT) are normal, it may be due to other reasons such as hemolysis or congenital bilirubin metabolism disorders. You should consult a hepatologist for further examina...[Read More] Understanding Your Liver Health: Interpreting Bilirubin and Platelet Levels
Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Hepatitis B testing I apologize for the inconvenience, but I have already reviewed the frequently asked questions and did not find information related to my situation. Therefore, I would like to ask the doctor for assistance. After graduating from school, I underwent a health che...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: HBsAg is the hepatitis B virus surface antigen, and a positive result indicates that there is a viral presence, meaning the individual is a carrier. HBeAb is the antibody to the surface antigen, indicating a past hepatitis B infection with developed immunity, meaning the i...[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Understanding Gallbladder Atrophy and Liver Cysts in Aging Patients
Gallbladder atrophy is not observed, and there are blisters on the liver? Hello: My father is currently 76 years old and has been suffering from liver cirrhosis for about two years. A few days ago, during a health check-up, the report indicated that the gallbladder was not visibl...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Gallbladder atrophy is commonly seen in patients with gallstones, and over time it may develop into chronic cholecystitis, leading to a reduction in gallbladder size. If there is no pain or fever, it should not be a concern, but it is still important to monitor the conditi...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Atrophy and Liver Cysts in Aging Patients
Understanding Hepatitis B: Carrier Status, Risks, and Dietary Management
Hepatitis B Hello, doctor. My boyfriend's mother has hepatitis B, and she transmitted it to him at birth. Is my boyfriend considered a carrier of hepatitis B? What is the difference between being a hepatitis B carrier and not being one? Is having an annual check-up sufficien...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If your boyfriend's blood test shows a positive Hepatitis B surface antigen, it means he is a carrier. A carrier is someone who has been infected with Hepatitis B and still harbors the virus in their body, whereas a non-carrier has either never been infected or has be...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Carrier Status, Risks, and Dietary Management
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Insights on Gastrointestinal Issues
Stomach and abdomen Two days ago, I experienced significant pain in the area to the left of my navel. After taking some antacids and a gastric milk, the pain improved somewhat, but I still felt some discomfort and occasional pain. Then yesterday, the pain subsided, but this after...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It could be acute gastritis, but it may also be a peptic ulcer. A diagnosis cannot be made solely based on the description provided. I recommend avoiding irritating foods and eating small, frequent meals. If there is no improvement, please visit a gastroenterology clinic f...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Insights on Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns Explained
Hepatitis Hello, I had a blood test and my liver enzyme level is 173, which was previously in the 80s. I'm not sure how serious this is. The doctor prescribed me Silymarin 150mg, which seems to be 10mg more than usual! My liver enzyme levels fluctuate. The doctor said I do n...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Elevated liver enzymes indicate signs of liver inflammation, which may be caused by viral hepatitis types A, B, C, etc., or could be due to alcohol, medications, or fatty liver disease. Unlike cirrhosis, which involves scarring from repeated and long-term injury leading to...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns Explained
Do You Really Need Stomach Medications with Other Prescriptions?
Regarding stomach medications? Hello: I once read in a book that the reason for prescribing stomach medication along with other medications after a consultation is that people in our country believe that Western medicine can harm the stomach. Therefore, stomach medication is ofte...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, most medications do not actually harm the stomach. The main exception is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, which can be more irritating to the stomach. However, the gastric damage primarily occurs due to changes in the mucosal blood vessels. In f...[Read More] Do You Really Need Stomach Medications with Other Prescriptions?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Treatment Options and Lifestyle Tips
Hepatitis B Hello Doctor: My husband recently underwent a liver biopsy at the hospital, and the results showed he has liver fibrosis stage 2. Could you please let me know what medications are currently available for treatment? Additionally, what lifestyle changes should we be awa...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if you have hepatitis B with liver fibrosis, and your liver enzyme GPT (ALT) is abnormal, greater than twice the normal level, and HBeAg is positive, then you should receive antiviral treatment. This can reduce the level of inflammation and improve fibrosis. If inflammatio...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Treatment Options and Lifestyle Tips
Understanding Colorectal Cancer with Liver Metastasis in Elderly Patients
Malignant tumor of the transverse colon with multiple liver metastases? Hello, my father is 83 years old and recently underwent a right hemicolectomy and liver biopsy due to a malignant colon tumor. The physician indicated that the postoperative pathology report shows that the ma...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Response: Hello, colon cancer with liver metastasis is classified as stage IV colon cancer, with an average survival of about six months to one year. Post-surgery, chemotherapy (either intravenous or oral) may be acceptable, or hepatic artery embolization could be attempted. Curr...[Read More] Understanding Colorectal Cancer with Liver Metastasis in Elderly Patients
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns After Abdominal Surgery
Blood in stool? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my previous surgery for an abdominal cyst. Since the operation, I have been experiencing persistent constipation and pain in the lower left abdomen, accompanied by small pinkish spots. I have consulted many doctors, and eac...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: After abdominal surgery, it is possible to experience intestinal adhesions, which can lead to difficulties in bowel movements, constipation, and abdominal bloating. It is advisable to consume a high-fiber diet, drink plenty of water, and engage in regular exercise to facil...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns After Abdominal Surgery
Can Kissing Transmit Hepatitis B Between Partners?
Can intimate contact between partners transmit Hepatitis B? Hello Dr. Chen, I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Since I have intimate contact with my girlfriend, I would like to know if kissing (exchange of saliva) can lead to her contracting hepatitis B? If she has already been infec...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Hepatitis B virus is transmitted through blood or bodily fluids via open wounds. Theoretically, sexual intercourse or deep kissing could also lead to transmission. Therefore, I recommend that your girlfriend visit a hospital or testing center for Hepatitis B antigen and an...[Read More] Can Kissing Transmit Hepatitis B Between Partners?
Understanding Digestive Issues: Oil Stools, Mucus, and Cancer Concerns
Bowel issues? Hello, Dr. Chen: I would like to ask about the characteristics of oily stools and stools that contain mucus. Three weeks ago, I visited a doctor who diagnosed me with mild gastritis, and after taking medication, I felt some improvement! However, I still feel somethi...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if you are concerned about blood in your stool or gastrointestinal bleeding, you can visit a hospital outpatient clinic or get a stool test to check for occult blood. Steatorrhea (fatty stools) is often caused by pancreatic or small intestine diseases leading to malabsorpt...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Oil Stools, Mucus, and Cancer Concerns