Understanding Chronic Constipation: Causes, Treatments, and Solutions
Chronic constipation I have had a habit of constipation since I was 15 years old, but this symptom only started in October of this year. I didn't have this issue before, and now I find it difficult to have a bowel movement. I have taken three different medications (including...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, constipation is indeed a frustrating issue. Some cases are simply caused by poor dietary and bowel habits, while others may indicate underlying gastrointestinal problems. Chronic constipation can sometimes remain unexplained despite numerous tests, and may be classified as...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Constipation: Causes, Treatments, and Solutions
Understanding Liver Tumors: Key Questions and Diagnostic Insights
Please provide information regarding "liver tumors." Hepatitis C with fatty liver. AFT: 4.3, GOP: 74, GPT: 156. A month ago, ultrasound examinations at two hospitals revealed a low-echo tumor approximately one centimeter in size. A CT scan was arranged (only performed a...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, you have hepatitis C but do not have cirrhosis, which generally means a lower risk of liver cancer. An abdominal ultrasound shows fatty liver, but there is a 1 cm shadow that cannot be confirmed as a true lesion or merely a non-fatty area. 1. The localized non-fatty area...[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumors: Key Questions and Diagnostic Insights
Should You Test for Hepatitis B Antibodies After Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Hepatitis antibodies Six months ago, my liver enzymes elevated to over 90, and after treatment prescribed by Dr. Yun, they decreased to the 40s. I had an ultrasound examination at the internal medicine department, and the doctor said everything was fine. Blood tests also showed n...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, there are several types of antigens and antibodies for hepatitis B. The presence of the surface antigen indicates an active infection and carrier status, while the presence of the surface antibody indicates a past infection that has resolved, providing lifelong immunity. T...[Read More] Should You Test for Hepatitis B Antibodies After Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Understanding Intestinal Adhesions: Causes and Implications
What is intestinal adhesion and how does it occur? What is intestinal adhesion and how does it occur?
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, intestinal adhesions are a complication that can occur after abdominal surgery (open surgery). Following the surgery, tissue reactions in the abdominal cavity may lead to fibrosis, which can result in abnormal intestinal motility and even intestinal obstruction. Most cases...[Read More] Understanding Intestinal Adhesions: Causes and Implications
Understanding Abdominal X-rays and Stool Tests for Digestive Issues
Abdominal X-ray and stool examination? Hello Dr. Chen: After reading your advice, I feel concerned. Today, I went to the hospital for an abdominal X-ray, which revealed a shadow in the lower right abdomen. The doctor has requested a stool test, and I won't know the results u...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the dark shadow on the X-ray usually indicates the presence of air, so a shadow in the lower right abdomen suggests localized bloating rather than a tumor. The stool test primarily checks for occult blood and the presence of white blood cells or inflammatory cells. I recom...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal X-rays and Stool Tests for Digestive Issues
How to Monitor and Diagnose Liver Hemangiomas: Essential Guidelines
How should hepatic hemangiomas be monitored? 1. During my abdominal ultrasound examination, a suspected 1 cm hemangioma was found in my liver. What kind of tests should I undergo to confirm that it is a hemangioma and not a malignant tumor? 2. If it is confirmed to be a hemangi...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. To confirm with 100% certainty, surgical removal and histopathological examination are necessary; otherwise, it cannot be confirmed. However, if the examining physician suspects a benign hemangioma, they would not recommend surgery but would first check for (1)...[Read More] How to Monitor and Diagnose Liver Hemangiomas: Essential Guidelines
Understanding Liver and Gallbladder Values: Is 81 Normal?
Liver and gallbladder values I would like to ask the doctor... My friend went to the hospital for a blood test, and their liver function test results showed a value of 81. Is this within the normal range?
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, could you please clarify what you mean by "liver and gallbladder values"? Are you referring to GOT (AST) or GPT (ALT), or is it another index? If you are referring to the first two indices being 81, that is considered elevated (normal is approximately below 40), ...[Read More] Understanding Liver and Gallbladder Values: Is 81 Normal?
Understanding Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) in Liver Function Tests
Liver function tests I am a carrier of hepatitis B, and in my recent test report, there is a marker called carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). I would like to know what CEA is.
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, CEA stands for carcinoembryonic antigen, which is a tumor marker for adenocarcinoma. It is typically produced by tissues such as the colon, stomach, pancreas, and lungs. If adenocarcinoma is present, CEA levels in the blood may be abnormally elevated (smokers and elderly i...[Read More] Understanding Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) in Liver Function Tests
Which Specialist Should I See for Gallbladder and Digestive Issues?
I'm not sure which department to visit? Hello Dr. Chen, I apologize for taking up your time, but I have a question I would like to ask you. Recently, I visited the hospital due to discomfort in my abdomen. After an X-ray, the doctor found no abnormalities in my lower back, ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. On the X-ray, the area below the right breast corresponds to the liver and gallbladder region. The presence of a white shadow in this area raises the possibility of gallstones. Have you informed your previous physician about this? If you need to follow up, plea...[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for Gallbladder and Digestive Issues?
Can Stomach Cancer Progress from Zero to Stage 4 in Just Four Months?
Regarding gastric cancer? I'm sorry, but I would like to ask the doctor again: Is it possible for gastric cancer to progress from stage 0 to stage IV, or even lead to death, within a period of four months?
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the term "stage 0 gastric cancer" refers to cancerous changes in the epithelial layer of the mucosa that are confined to this layer without deeper invasion or lymphatic or distant metastasis. If it can be confirmed that the cancer can be completely resected (whet...[Read More] Can Stomach Cancer Progress from Zero to Stage 4 in Just Four Months?
Understanding Intermittent Abdominal Pain: Is It Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
Is this colitis? Hello Dr. Chen: Recently, I have been experiencing a slight dull pain in my lower right abdomen (above the pelvic cavity) that typically resolves on its own within a day. However, this dull pain recurs approximately every four to five days or once a week, followi...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, you are experiencing pain in the lower right abdomen, and sometimes in the lower left abdomen. There is no diarrhea or blood in the stool, and the pain is not very severe. It may indicate an issue with the colon, but it does not seem like colitis. Could this be related to ...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Abdominal Pain: Is It Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
Understanding Epigastric Burning: Causes and Solutions
There is a slight burning sensation in the epigastric region, causing discomfort? Hello, I would like to ask, I have been experiencing a burning sensation in my epigastric area and a feeling of acid reflux for the past month or two. It feels uncomfortable, but it gets a bit bette...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the burning sensation in your chest may be a manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which could be related to your previous eating habits. Inducing vomiting may have caused relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter or mucosal damage. I recommend that y...[Read More] Understanding Epigastric Burning: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Yellowing Eyes: Is It a Sign of Liver Issues?
Liver concerns? Hello doctor, I have noticed that the sclera of my eyes has turned yellow. Could this indicate a liver problem? I enjoy exercising, but I often stay up late due to work commitments. How can I protect my liver?
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the yellowing of the sclera may be caused by jaundice due to liver disease, biliary tract disease, or pancreatic disease. However, the skin is likely to be yellow as well, and urine may appear darker, resembling tea-colored urine. To confirm the diagnosis, please visit a h...[Read More] Understanding Yellowing Eyes: Is It a Sign of Liver Issues?
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: What You Need to Know
Abnormal liver function? I recently received my health check report from school, and it indicates that I have abnormal liver function. I'm not quite sure what that means, so I would like to ask for clarification. My S.G.O.T (AST) is <100> and my S.G.P.T (ALT) is <12...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, your SGOT is 100 and SGPT is 127, indicating inflammation in the liver (normal levels are typically around 35-40 or lower). However, your report suggests receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine, which implies that you likely do not have Hepatitis B. Further testing is necessary ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: What You Need to Know
Understanding Yellow Liquid in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Bowel issues Hello: I have had some constipation, so I usually pass gas before having a bowel movement. However, in the past two days, I have noticed a yellowish liquid coming out with the gas. When I wipe with tissue, it feels very oily, which is strange. When I try to go again,...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the oily stools may be related to your diet (such as oily fish), could be associated with medications (such as orlistat, which inhibits lipase and prevents fat digestion and absorption), or there may be issues with the organs responsible for fat digestion and absorption, s...[Read More] Understanding Yellow Liquid in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
I'm sorry, but I need specific content to translate. Please Recently, I've been feeling some pain in my chest, but it only lasts a few seconds and then goes away. I went to the hospital for an examination, and everything came back normal. Lately, my upper abdomen has be...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, it is difficult to make a diagnosis based solely on these descriptions. If you experience upper abdominal pain when hungry, it could be a sign of a peptic ulcer. If you still feel unwell, I recommend visiting a hospital for further examination. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Zhiping,...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Dry Mouth: Causes and Connections to Liver Health
Dry and rough mouth? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a question. Every time I sleep, my mouth is always very dry and uncomfortable, just like the advertisements say - dry and bitter mouth! This is especially severe in the morning when I wake up. Could this be caused by my liver...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, dryness in the mouth is not necessarily solely caused by liver issues. Some individuals may experience insufficient saliva production, and people with diabetes are also prone to dry mouth. Additionally, sleeping with an open mouth or snoring can contribute to this conditio...[Read More] Understanding Dry Mouth: Causes and Connections to Liver Health
Do You Need Medical Treatment for Hemorrhoids? Expert Insights
Do hemorrhoids always require medical attention? Dear Dr. Chen, I have been experiencing symptoms of hemorrhoids for many years, specifically slight bleeding from the anus after bowel movements, similar to a skin abrasion, but it is not very painful, and my bowel movements are sm...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, I recommend that you consume more fiber-rich foods and drink plenty of water to establish a regular bowel habit. You may also consider using warm sitz baths or a bidet. If you continue to experience bleeding or pain, it is best to visit a hospital for an examination by a c...[Read More] Do You Need Medical Treatment for Hemorrhoids? Expert Insights
Understanding Nausea: Causes and Solutions for Teens
Frequent nausea? I am currently a high school freshman and have been feeling a tightness in my throat lately, along with a sensation of nausea that often leads to dry heaving. Sometimes I do vomit. What could be the issue? Is it related to my irregular eating habits? How can I im...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, do you experience feelings of bloating, abdominal pain, gas, or nausea? Does this occur after meals or when you are fasting? It could be a sign of indigestion, and is it possibly related to stress? It's difficult to make a diagnosis based solely on this description. M...[Read More] Understanding Nausea: Causes and Solutions for Teens
Is It Normal to Have Stomach Noises and Diarrhea After Eating?
Is it normal? Every time I eat, my stomach makes gurgling noises, similar to when I'm hungry, even though I've just eaten. It keeps making sounds... I've been experiencing diarrhea for almost a month. Sometimes my stomach also hurts... Is this normal?
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, abdominal rumbling is usually caused by rapid intestinal peristalsis. Since you also experience diarrhea and it has lasted for more than a month, I recommend that you visit an outpatient clinic for a stool examination and consider trying medication for treatment. If necess...[Read More] Is It Normal to Have Stomach Noises and Diarrhea After Eating?