Is It Gastritis? Understanding Nighttime Abdominal Discomfort
Doctor Chen, is this gastritis? I'm sorry to bother you, doctor. I would like to ask about something I've been experiencing for the past few weeks. Whenever I lie down to sleep at night, I feel a pressure in my abdomen as if something is not fully digested, which is ver...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the symptoms seem to indicate dyspepsia, but why are they better during the day and more pronounced at night? Could it be due to less activity in the evening? You might consider seeing a doctor and trying some prokinetic agents. If discomfort persists, an upper gastrointes...[Read More] Is It Gastritis? Understanding Nighttime Abdominal Discomfort
Understanding Digestive Health: The Effects of Sour Plums and Skin Tags
Bowel movement Hello, doctor. 1. I bought regular sour plums (not for weight loss or medicinal purposes), and I find that my bowel movements are very smooth, about three times a day. Is it normal that my body seems to be more sensitive to plums? Is it good or bad to continue ea...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. If it is indeed helpful, you may continue taking it. 2. Yes. If you experience bleeding or pain, please consult a colorectal surgeon. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Zhi-Ping, Internal Medicine.[Read More] Understanding Digestive Health: The Effects of Sour Plums and Skin Tags
Understanding Open vs. Closed Hepatitis B Carriers: Key Differences Explained
I am a carrier of hepatitis B virus (HBV). What is the distinction between "open" and "closed" hepatitis B carriers? I am a carrier of hepatitis B. What is the distinction between "open" and "closed" hepatitis B carriers? Please help clarif...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. The "open" state you mentioned likely refers to HBeAg-positive hepatitis B, indicating that the hepatitis B virus is more active in the body, with a higher viral load and increased infectivity. Conversely, the "closed" state you referred to ...[Read More] Understanding Open vs. Closed Hepatitis B Carriers: Key Differences Explained
Is It Safe to Exercise on an Empty Stomach with Gastroparesis?
Is it advisable to avoid exercising on an empty stomach if you have gastric ptosis? Hello doctor, I have been diagnosed with gastroparesis for several weeks. When I visited the doctor, they only advised me not to exercise immediately after eating and to rest for a while. Therefor...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, because the blood in our body cannot keep all our blood vessels in a state of congestion, it is best to exercise one hour before meals and two hours after meals to avoid insufficient blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract, which could affect digestion. This message is co...[Read More] Is It Safe to Exercise on an Empty Stomach with Gastroparesis?
Should You Consider a Biopsy for Liver Tumors? Expert Insights
Should a puncture be performed...? Dear Dr. Chen, I have some questions and would like to hear your thoughts. Thank you for your patient explanations! Patient history: Hepatitis C + Fatty Liver - 2003-10-16: 80 / 187 / 5.07 - 2004-12-13: 74 / 156 / 4.32 - 2005-03-14: 65 / 137 /...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Response: Hello, I have limited experience with the diagnosis of Focal Nodular Hyperplasia (FNH) and can only provide information based on literature. 1. Most cases of FNH can be diagnosed through imaging studies without the need for histological confirmation. However, if imagi...[Read More] Should You Consider a Biopsy for Liver Tumors? Expert Insights
Understanding Wandering Kidney: Symptoms, Causes, and Care Tips
Wandering kidney Recently, I visited the hospital due to bloating and abdominal pain. The doctor informed me that I have a wandering kidney. What is a wandering kidney? What causes a wandering kidney to occur? Is it related to other diseases? Is the pain in my left lower abdomen ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Dear Miss Hsiao-Yu: Hello. "Wandering kidney," commonly referred to as "renal ptosis," refers to a condition where the kidney is not fixed in the retroperitoneal cavity and changes position with changes in posture. To clarify, under normal circumstances, the k...[Read More] Understanding Wandering Kidney: Symptoms, Causes, and Care Tips
Understanding Liver Function Tests: High GPT Levels and Health Tips
Liver function A few days ago, I had a blood test, and my results were as follows: GOP 25, GPT 46, ALK 127, R-GT 62.9, with the rest being normal. I would like to know why my GOP is normal but my GPT is elevated. I couldn't find similar Q&A, so what could be the possible...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, (1) GPT primarily exists within liver cells, and abnormal GPT levels (usually standard value <40) indicate liver cell damage. Common causes in Taiwan include viral hepatitis (chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C), fatty liver, medications, and alcohol consumption. R...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: High GPT Levels and Health Tips
Understanding the Effects and Risks of Gallbladder Removal Surgery
Does gallbladder removal have an impact on the body? Due to long-term stomach pain, I have only been taking painkillers, but a recent CT scan revealed that my gallbladder is enlarged and has decayed. I am deeply concerned about the potential effects and complications after its re...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if cholecystitis has led to gallbladder perforation or rupture, it generally results in acute peritonitis, and failing to perform surgery to remove the gallbladder could pose a life-threatening risk. Unless there is a more chronic formation of a localized abscess in the ri...[Read More] Understanding the Effects and Risks of Gallbladder Removal Surgery
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: Healing and Their Longevity Explained
There are three antibodies for hepatitis B, and I have two of them? Twelve years ago (in 1993), I had elevated liver enzymes (GOT, GPT) due to hepatitis B, with levels reaching around 600-700. The doctor initially said that if the levels did not decrease, hospitalization would be...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, there are three antigens associated with Hepatitis B: surface antigen (HBsAg), core antigen (HBcAg), and e antigen (HBeAg). After being infected with Hepatitis B, all three antigens will appear, and subsequently, antibodies against the core antigen (Anti-HBc) will be produ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: Healing and Their Longevity Explained
Can Psychiatric Medications Cause Constipation? Solutions Explained
Can medications cause constipation? Doctor: Can the following psychiatric medications cause constipation? Efexor, Stilnox, Xanax, Tane, Deanxit, Haldol. If they do cause constipation and I cannot stop taking these medications, what options do I have to address the constipation is...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, Efexor, Xanax, Artane, and Haldol may have constipation as a side effect according to the pharmacopoeia. If the medication cannot be discontinued, please increase your intake of high-fiber foods and drink plenty of water. If necessary, please consult your physician for a p...[Read More] Can Psychiatric Medications Cause Constipation? Solutions Explained
Understanding Complications After Kidney Transplant: A Guide for Patients
Could you please provide a more detailed response? Hello Dr. Fang, I would like to ask you a question. My mother is 42 years old (she has hepatitis B). In February 2004, she fainted and was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taipei. Last Jul...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, jaundice, thrombocytopenia, and edema are symptoms that may raise concerns about the possibility of cirrhosis. Therefore, it would be advisable for your mother's physician to consult a hepatologist for an evaluation to determine if there is chronic hepatitis, signific...[Read More] Understanding Complications After Kidney Transplant: A Guide for Patients
Managing Elevated GOT and GPT Levels in Hepatitis B Patients
The patient has hepatitis B and has experienced elevated GOT and GPT levels in the past two years? In the past two years, my GOT and GPT levels have been consistently high, around 60 to 116. I have been taking the medication prescribed by your hospital for about three months now,...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, first we need to rule out other causes that can lead to elevated AST (GOT) and ALT (GPT) levels, such as bile duct stones, tumors, alcohol consumption, and medications that may cause abnormal liver function tests. If there are no other causes and the elevation is solely du...[Read More] Managing Elevated GOT and GPT Levels in Hepatitis B Patients
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Regarding hematochezia? Hello Dr. Chen, I have been experiencing rectal bleeding since I was about 24 years old. Initially, it occurred about once or twice a year, with only a small amount of blood on the toilet paper. However, over the past year and a half, the frequency of the...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, to determine whether you have a tumor, it is not possible to make assumptions based solely on the presence of blood in the stool. Therefore, I recommend that you visit a gastroenterology or colorectal surgery clinic to arrange for an examination (colonoscopy) to rule out t...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Effective Treatments for Pancreatic Stones Beyond Medications
How to treat pancreatic stones? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask how to treat pancreatic stones, aside from using pain relief medications.
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, regarding pancreatic duct stones, some can be removed using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) combined with stone retrieval techniques, but this is not guaranteed to be 100% effective. Additionally, even after removal, there is no assurance that pain wi...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Pancreatic Stones Beyond Medications
Understanding Green Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Stool color Today, I noticed that my stool is dark green. Later in the evening, I started feeling a bit nauseous (previously, my stool was somewhat black and this has been ongoing for about 3-4 times). Could this be related to the medications I'm taking? (If I have a strong ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if the stool is black and tarry, it is generally indicative of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (from the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum). As for dark green stool occurring once every one to two days, it is difficult to determine if there is bleeding. It is advisable to go...[Read More] Understanding Green Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding ALT Levels: Myths, Symptoms, and Recovery Tips
Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) Is "serum transaminase (ALT)" commonly referred to as "blood oil," and can it easily cause numbness in the hands and feet? How can I help it return to normal? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, ALT is an indicator of liver inflammation, not "blood lipids," and it does not cause numbness in the hands and feet. If abnormal, you should seek medical evaluation to determine the cause of the liver inflammation, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver, e...[Read More] Understanding ALT Levels: Myths, Symptoms, and Recovery Tips
Unusual Stool Shape and Blood on Toilet Paper: When to See a Doctor?
After acute non-infectious gastroenteritis, the stool appears abnormal, and there are fresh blood stains on the toilet paper? Two weeks ago, after an episode of acute non-infectious gastroenteritis and the cessation of diarrhea, I started experiencing the following after taking m...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Response: Hello, 1. Blood on toilet paper may indicate rectal bleeding. If it persists or is significant in volume, you should seek medical attention (gastroenterology or colorectal surgery) for evaluation. 2. It could also be due to hard stools, which may lead to the formati...[Read More] Unusual Stool Shape and Blood on Toilet Paper: When to See a Doctor?
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Rectal bleeding Hello, Dr. Chen... I would like to ask you about a situation I've been experiencing for the past three days. After having a bowel movement, I've noticed a small amount of blood (it is bright red while the stool is brown). I was wondering if this could be...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, rectal bleeding is most commonly caused by hemorrhoids or anal fissures, which are related to poor bowel habits and constipation. Of course, issues such as inflammation or tumors in the rectum are also possible, but they are less common. To determine the cause, it is essen...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Does Drinking Wine Before Bed Help Relieve Constipation?
Regarding constipation..? I have heard many celebrities say that drinking a small glass of red wine, white wine, or grape wine before bed can help with smooth bowel movements the next day. Is this really effective? Also, when feeling hungry at night, people often say to eat fruit...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Response: Hello, regarding the claim that drinking red wine aids in bowel movements, I personally have not heard of it and am unsure of its effectiveness. Fruits also contain sugars, which are carbohydrates, but in lower amounts compared to high-calorie starchy foods like bread a...[Read More] Does Drinking Wine Before Bed Help Relieve Constipation?
Understanding Yellow Oily Discharge from the Anus: Causes and Concerns
Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology Department I would like to ask about a recent issue. Every time I go to the bathroom, I notice a yellow, oily substance dripping from my anus. It looks like oil, but there is no pain or discomfort. This has been happening for a week now. I would...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, you can visit the outpatient department of the hospital for a stool test to determine if it is indeed "steatorrhea." The causes of steatorrhea may be related to diet (for example, some people have consumed oily fish for weight loss), medications (such as orlistat...[Read More] Understanding Yellow Oily Discharge from the Anus: Causes and Concerns