Assessing the Need for Continued Antiviral Treatment in Chronic Hepatitis B
Antiviral medications for hepatitis B? Hello, previously during my hepatitis B flare-up, my GOT and GPT levels were over 1,000, and my viral load was over 1 million. After taking Baraclude for 14 months, my e-antigen turned negative, and I developed e-antibodies. The health educa...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
1) For patients who are HBeAg positive, it is recommended to continue consolidation therapy for at least one year after HBeAg seroconversion. 2) It is best to confirm the absence of hepatitis B virus before discontinuing medication. 3) Health insurance coverage can extend up to t...[Read More] Assessing the Need for Continued Antiviral Treatment in Chronic Hepatitis B
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Does the xiphoid process contract? Hello, Dr. Lin. I have a stent in my heart, and I experienced the following symptoms once two years before the procedure, which were quite severe. I was scared and went to the emergency room where multiple tests were conducted, but no cause was ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The pain at the xiphoid process may occur suddenly and be cramp-like. If there are no abnormalities found in cardiology and endoscopy, there is no need for excessive concern. Some cases may involve gastroesophageal reflux, where the endoscopy appears normal but there is a reactio...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Discomfort: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Left lower abdominal discomfort and pain? Hello, doctor. Since the middle of last month, I've gradually felt some discomfort in my lower left abdomen. I initially thought it was a gynecological issue, so I consulted a gynecologist who performed an ultrasound and said there w...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Young women experiencing lower abdominal pain may have several potential causes, including gynecological issues, ovulation pain, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, or urinary tract problems. If there is chronic abdominal pain, irregular diet, blood in the stool, or weight lo...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Discomfort: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Managing Upper Abdominal Pain Linked to Chronic Constipation
Chronic constipation has led to current upper abdominal pain? Hello Dr. Lin: My wife experienced left upper abdominal pain two weeks ago and went to the emergency room twice that night. The emergency physicians attributed her condition to excessive stool. During the second visit,...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The emergency examination has generally ruled out urgent conditions such as appendicitis, bleeding, and perforation. For abdominal pain and persistent pain, follow-up examinations should be conducted in an outpatient setting. Fecal impaction can sometimes cause abdominal pain, an...[Read More] Managing Upper Abdominal Pain Linked to Chronic Constipation
Understanding Severe Bloating: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Severe bloating? I often experience gastrointestinal discomfort that has lasted for 3 to 4 months. It started with stomach pain and heartburn, and I also have tight, cramp-like pain in my intestines. I visited a doctor who diagnosed me with gastritis, and although I took medicati...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Severe bloating requires attention to dietary habits and food types. Avoid eating too quickly and limit the intake of gas-producing foods. If you experience persistent gastrointestinal discomfort along with symptoms like dizziness and anemia, it is advisable to undergo a gastroin...[Read More] Understanding Severe Bloating: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Pain in the left lower chest area related to the stomach? Hello, doctor. I am inquiring on behalf of my mother, who is 55 years old. Three months ago, she experienced discomfort in her stomach and underwent an endoscopy, which revealed mild gastric ulcers. After taking medication...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Pain in the left lower chest related to gastroesophageal issues may include differential diagnoses such as esophageal and gastrointestinal diseases, neuropathic pain, pancreatic disorders, colonic conditions, and thoracic diseases. If symptoms do not improve, continued medical ev...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Constipation: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Discomfort
Constipation issues? The ultrasound doctor told me that my intestines are blocked with fecal impaction, but even after taking a bedtime laxative, I still couldn't have a bowel movement. In the morning, after drinking yogurt and taking a post-meal laxative, I was able to go, ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Generally, after waking up in the morning and having breakfast, the reflex actions of the intestines can facilitate bowel movements, often leading to the presence of retained stool. This can cause abnormal intestinal peristalsis and abdominal pain. It is recommended to increase t...[Read More] Understanding Constipation: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Discomfort
Understanding Hepatitis B and C Window Periods: Risks and Testing Insights
CB hepatitis window period Doctor, I have been in the window period for Hepatitis B antibodies for six months and for Hepatitis C antibodies for six months. I donated blood at 3.5 months, and the report was normal. The blood donation center indicated that they also tested for vir...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
1) In adults infected with Hepatitis B, HBsAg is positive. About 70-80% of adults infected with Hepatitis B will develop antibodies against Hepatitis B and improve. A small portion will still have positive HBsAg after 6 months without antibodies, indicating they are carriers of H...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B and C Window Periods: Risks and Testing Insights
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: A Teen's Experience with Stomach Problems
Gastric issues? Hello, I am a high school freshman. In the second year of middle school, I had gastroenteritis, which has led to my current gastrointestinal issues. I feel discomfort when pressing on the lower left side of my abdomen, and sometimes when I laugh, I feel like vomit...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Frequent discomfort in the lower left abdomen, bloating, and diarrhea may indicate indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, or post-gastroenteritis changes in bowel function. It is important to pay attention to gastrointestinal care by avoiding greasy and irritating foods, and prac...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: A Teen's Experience with Stomach Problems
Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Implications
The first occurrence of total bilirubin (1.8 mg/dL) and direct bilirubin (0.8 mg/dL) is elevated? I have been taking medication for lowering blood sugar for a long time. My fasting blood sugar is 121 mg/dL, and my HbA1c is 6.5%. My average blood pressure is 130/78 mmHg. Aside fro...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels are elevated, indicating liver function abnormalities. It is necessary to check for hepatitis or gallbladder and biliary tract diseases. Causes of hepatitis include viral infections, alcohol consumption, medications, and fatty liver dis...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Implications
Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Abdominal issues? Hello, for the past few days, I've been experiencing dull pain in my lower abdomen every morning upon waking up (and I often feel the urge to pass gas). Even after having a bowel movement, the pain persists and only improves after some time. However, there ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Recurrent pain in the lower left abdomen in the morning that improves after a period following bowel movements suggests the importance of developing good bowel habits, adequate hydration, fiber intake, and exercise. Lower abdominal pain can be related to gastrointestinal, urinary...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Upper abdominal pain Hello doctor, I have a question. I had a fever yesterday, and today I started experiencing abdominal pain located about a palm's width above my navel. The pain comes in waves, and there are gurgling sounds in my abdomen, but I don't feel the urge to...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Gastroenteritis primarily involves maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance, with symptomatic treatment and a light diet. Generally, gastroenteritis can last for 3 to 7 days. It is advisable to pay attention to dietary choices. If abdominal pain persists, accompanied by feve...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Gastric Contusions: Weight Loss and Recovery Tips
Gastric contusion with significant weight loss? Hello, doctor! In June of this year, my father had to make an emergency landing while flying a light aircraft in mainland China, and he sustained abdominal bruising upon landing. He mentioned that his stomach was also injured, refer...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
1) Abdominal contusions generally raise concerns about intra-abdominal bleeding and splenic injury, but symptoms typically include abdominal pain. 2) A weight loss of 20 kg warrants an outpatient evaluation to check for endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, or pancreati...[Read More] Understanding Gastric Contusions: Weight Loss and Recovery Tips
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Symptoms
Right lower abdominal pain? I occasionally experience pain in the lower right abdomen, and for the past few months, there has been blood in my stool. Additionally, I feel pain in the anus during bowel movements and have a decreased appetite.
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Frequent pain in the lower right abdomen, blood in the stool, and anal pain. It is recommended to undergo a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, and to follow up with a gastroenterology clinic.[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Symptoms
Understanding IBS: Symptoms, GERD, and Mucus in Stool
Toilet observation and gastrointestinal issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Can it cause gastroesophageal reflux and result in bowel movements that contain mucus and slight traces of blood (a little bit of bright red)? Additionally, so...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
1) Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are different conditions. 2) The typical symptom of GERD is heartburn, which is related to dietary choices and eating habits. 3) IBS is characterized by recurrent abdominal discomfort or pain, often ...[Read More] Understanding IBS: Symptoms, GERD, and Mucus in Stool
Understanding Bloating, Belching, and Muddy Stools: Gastrointestinal Concerns
Abdominal bloating, belching, and diarrhea that resembles mud? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing hiccups since August 20, along with a feeling of fullness in my right abdomen. My bowel movements are sometimes normal and sometimes thin. On August 22, I visited a clinic where ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) include recurrent abdominal discomfort or pain, changes in stool frequency and consistency, and relief of symptoms after bowel movements. The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but it is related to both psychological and physiological factor...[Read More] Understanding Bloating, Belching, and Muddy Stools: Gastrointestinal Concerns
Understanding Pain Between the Anus and Abdomen: When to Seek Help
There is a sharp pain in the area deep within the anus, extending into the abdominal cavity? As I age, I've started experiencing a sharp pain deep in the rectum, particularly after eating, when sitting suddenly, riding a motorcycle, straining, or during menstruation. This pa...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Differential diagnoses for deep anal and lower abdominal pain include gynecological, urological, and gastrointestinal issues. It is recommended to first consult a gynecologist, followed by a family medicine physician or general internist, to arrange appropriate examinations.[Read More] Understanding Pain Between the Anus and Abdomen: When to Seek Help
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Treatment and Dietary Implications
Gallbladder polyp Doctor, my health check ultrasound showed a gallbladder polyp measuring 0.3 cm. Do I need any treatment? The health check staff only mentioned that I should continue to monitor it in the future. Is the presence of gallbladder polyps caused by a diet that is too ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
1) There are various types of gallbladder polyps with different causes, including cholesterol polyps, adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder wall, inflammatory polyps due to cholecystitis, and adenomas associated with gallbladder cancer. 2) Gallbladder polyps are generally asymptomat...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Treatment and Dietary Implications
Why Do I Feel Weak and Fatigued After Bowel Movements?
Why do I experience a burning sensation in my intestines and feel weak and fatigued after having a bowel movement? I have seen a gastroenterologist and a family medicine doctor. I told the gastroenterologist about my symptoms, and he ordered blood tests, which came back mostly no...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with changes in stool consistency, frequency, or relief of symptoms after bowel movements. Patients may experience discomfort after defecation, along with weakness and fatigue. Blood tests and ...[Read More] Why Do I Feel Weak and Fatigued After Bowel Movements?
Is a Deep Purple Bump Near the Anus a Sign of Hemorrhoids?
Is a deep purple hard lump near the anus indicative of hemorrhoids? I have recently noticed a deep purple hard lump near my anus that is very painful whenever I sit down or lightly touch it. I suspect it might be hemorrhoids.
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hemorrhoids are caused by impaired blood circulation near the anus, leading to swollen blood vessels. This condition can sometimes cause pain around the anal area, making patients uncomfortable while sitting or standing. It is recommended to seek examination and treatment from a ...[Read More] Is a Deep Purple Bump Near the Anus a Sign of Hemorrhoids?