Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels: What Could It Mean for Your Health?
The fetal protein index is slightly elevated? Hello, doctor. Last month during my company's health check-up, my alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was 13 (the hospital's normal range is below 10.9). My liver function tests were normal. Last week, I went for a follow-up, and ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Fetal protein is a protein that appears in fetal serum and disappears after birth. The causes of elevated fetal protein levels include pregnancy, hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, germ cell tumors, testicular cancer, and other reproductive and urinary system tumors. For ...[Read More] Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels: What Could It Mean for Your Health?
Understanding Elevated Fetal Protein Levels: What You Need to Know
Elevated fetal protein index? My husband recently had a health check at his company, which revealed an elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level of 65. He then went to the Gastroenterology Department at Tri-Service General Hospital for further evaluation, where his AFP level was aga...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The causes of elevated fetal protein levels include hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, or other tumors such as germ cell tumors and testicular inflammation, as well as pregnancy. Generally, if the fetal protein level exceeds 400, liver cancer should be suspected. In your ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Fetal Protein Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Digestive Discomfort: Causes of Abdominal Pain and Gas Issues
Difficulty passing gas? Hello, I would like to ask the following questions: 1. I have been experiencing pain about 3-4 fingerbreadths above my navel and in my left abdomen 2-3 times within the past week. What organs are located in this area? What could be the possible causes of...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. The organs associated with your pain include the stomach, small intestine, pancreas, and transverse colon. Pain in this area may be related to gastrointestinal diseases (including gastritis, esophagitis, peptic ulcers, tumors, and polyps), liver, gallbladder, and panc...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Discomfort: Causes of Abdominal Pain and Gas Issues
Understanding Polyps: Which Specialist to Consult for Colon Issues?
Colorectal polyps? Dear Dr. Lin, My grandfather is seventy-four years old. During a recent health check-up, a polyp was found in his colon. Should we make an appointment with the "Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology Department" or the "Colorectal Surgery Departmen...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Basically, your grandfather has polyps. However, the size, appearance, and location of the polyps determine whether it is best to perform a polypectomy. At our hospital, Taoyuan Hospital, you can make an appointment with either the Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroent...[Read More] Understanding Polyps: Which Specialist to Consult for Colon Issues?
Understanding Elevated GPT Levels: Liver Health Concerns and Next Steps
Elevated GPT levels? Hello Dr. Lin, I recently had a blood test that showed a GPT level of 47 and a white blood cell count of 3.6. I was diagnosed with hepatitis B during high school. Due to high work stress, I don’t have time for a lunch break, and I feel very tired when I get ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Patients with hepatitis B are advised to have regular follow-ups, including liver function tests, alpha-fetoprotein levels, and abdominal ultrasound. There are many causes of skin itching, and liver dysfunction can sometimes present with itching symptoms. Taoyuan General H...[Read More] Understanding Elevated GPT Levels: Liver Health Concerns and Next Steps
Understanding Black Spots Found During Gastroscopy: Causes and Concerns
Gastroscopy During an endoscopy, black spots found in the stomach could indicate several conditions. These may include the presence of gastric ulcers, bleeding from the stomach lining, or even the possibility of malignancy such as gastric cancer. It is essential to conduct furthe...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the black spots observed during the gastroscopy could potentially be bleeding points, traces of bleeding, pigmentation, food, or foreign objects. It may be best to consult the examiner from that time for more clarity. Wishing you good health![Read More] Understanding Black Spots Found During Gastroscopy: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Signs and Concerns for Your Health
What are the gastrointestinal issues? Hello, Dr. Lin. I am someone who often eats out and usually have greasy takeout for my meals. I typically have a bowel movement once a day. I do not smoke or drink alcohol. In the past, I would often experience stomach pain right after breakf...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. The consistency of stool is related to diet; consuming greasy foods can lead to diarrhea, while increasing the intake of vegetables and fruits to boost fiber can result in more formed stools, which does not necessarily indicate disease. 2. Symptoms of colorectal cancer ...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Signs and Concerns for Your Health
Understanding Digestive Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Gastrointestinal discomfort? I have recently experienced sudden sharp pains in my stomach, irregular bowel movements that alternate between hard and loose stools, and sometimes my stools change from being formed to completely liquid. Additionally, I occasionally feel sudden pain ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, 1. Hemorrhoids are the dilation of veins near the anus and the relaxation of connective tissue. It is advisable to drink plenty of water and consume a high-fiber diet, while minimizing abdominal straining during bowel movements to prevent worsening of hemorrhoids. Additi...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Persistent Diarrhea: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Persistent diarrhea? Hello doctor, I started experiencing diarrhea on June 25th, which occurs about 2 to 3 hours after eating, and it has been watery. I visited the clinic on June 28th for treatment and received medication. For my meals, I only consumed white toast or congee. How...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
When experiencing gastroenteritis, it is important to maintain a light diet and ensure adequate hydration and electrolyte replenishment. Gastroenteritis can have many causes, including poor dietary practices, viruses, bacteria, or medications. Endocrine disorders and psychologica...[Read More] Persistent Diarrhea: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Persistent Abdominal Discomfort: Seeking Answers for Ongoing Pain
Abdominal discomfort has persisted for a week? Dear Doctor: I have been experiencing abdominal discomfort for about a week. I visited a doctor who prescribed me medications for intestinal regulation, digestion, and antispasmodics, but they have not alleviated my discomfort. Most ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, based on your age and description, the possible causes of abdominal pain and abnormal bowel movements include irritable bowel syndrome and gastroenteritis. It is advisable to pay attention to your dietary habits, eat light meals, and increase your fluid intake. Avoid spicy...[Read More] Persistent Abdominal Discomfort: Seeking Answers for Ongoing Pain
Can Saliva in Mineral Water Transmit Hepatitis B or C?
Hepatitis Can drinking mineral water that has saliva from a person with hepatitis B or C lead to infection? Is it possible to get infected from the saliva in the mineral water?
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The transmission routes for Hepatitis B and C are through the entry of virus-containing blood or bodily fluids (including semen and saliva) into broken skin or mucous membranes. If the viral load in saliva is high (which is generally low), there is still a chance of infect...[Read More] Can Saliva in Mineral Water Transmit Hepatitis B or C?
Understanding Pain Below the Rib Cage: Possible Causes and Concerns
Pain under the rib cage? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing some pain below my rib cage (approximately 4-5 centimeters below the xiphoid process). I have a history of duodenal ulcers, but the ulcer has already healed. I'm not sure what might be causing this issue. Could ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, pain below the sternum may include differential diagnoses such as neuralgia, esophageal, gastric, and duodenal diseases, as well as liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic disorders. Duodenal ulcers can sometimes recur and are associated with Helicobacter pylori; if not eradica...[Read More] Understanding Pain Below the Rib Cage: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Incomplete Bowel Movements: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Bowel issues Hello Doctor: For a long time (for several years), I have been experiencing a feeling of incomplete bowel movements. My stools are unformed, very soft, and often fragmented; I rarely have a complete bowel movement. Sometimes I go several times a day, and sometimes ju...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by abdominal pain and discomfort related to bowel movements, without any organic disease. The diagnosis is primarily based on the Rome II criteria, which require that over a period of at least one year, the patient experiences abdom...[Read More] Understanding Incomplete Bowel Movements: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Understanding Liver Function Tests: Normal Results with Elevated Bilirubin Levels
Liver function tests? Doctor, I received my lab results today: G.O.P = 21, G.P.T = 31, and albumin = 4.4, all of which are normal. I am a carrier of hepatitis B, but why is my total bilirubin level 1.88 under these normal conditions? What could be the reason for this? What should...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
1. (1) Hepatitis B carriers should undergo regular monitoring of GOT, GPT, AFP, and abdominal ultrasound. (2) Elevated total bilirubin can be attributed to three main causes: 1. Excessive destruction of red blood cells leading to the release of too much hemoglobin; 2. Liver dysfu...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: Normal Results with Elevated Bilirubin Levels
Is Drinking 4000ml of Water Daily Harmful for Your Digestive Health?
Water This year, I've been drinking 4000ml of water daily due to acne. I thought that since I'm taking medication every day, it could alleviate the burden on my kidneys. Is this correct? Recently, I've lost 7.8 kilograms, and I can't find the reason. Could it ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, 1. Weight loss should be investigated for underlying causes. 2. Drinking water before meals should not negatively affect digestion; the digestion and absorption of food are influenced by various factors, including the type of food and thorough chewing, as well as the se...[Read More] Is Drinking 4000ml of Water Daily Harmful for Your Digestive Health?
Understanding Military Health Exams: Analyzing Mediterranean Anemia and Alternatives
Military Service Physical Examination Hello, I am from Miaoli. I underwent a health examination at your hospital on March 29, 2007. I have received my examination report, and my physical status is classified as reserve service category B. The overall assessment indicates Mediterr...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The determination of physical fitness is decided by the military service office. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact the military service office. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Military Health Exams: Analyzing Mediterranean Anemia and Alternatives
Understanding Bowel Noises: Causes and Related Gastrointestinal Issues
Stomach discomfort? I have been experiencing discomfort in my stomach for a period of time. There is no pain, but I often have diarrhea, and sometimes I feel slightly nauseous. I previously had an ultrasound, and the doctor explained that there is a phenomenon of fluid in the int...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, 1. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a syndrome characterized by abnormal bowel function, manifesting as abdominal pain and discomfort related to bowel movements, without any organic disease. Patients with IBS have a colon that is more sensitive to certain stimuli, such ...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Noises: Causes and Related Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Frequent Hunger and Quick Satiety: Possible Causes and Solutions
Easily hungry, easily full? Hello, doctor. Recently, I often feel very hungry, and I get full quite easily. When I am hungry, I often experience a painful sensation of hunger. What could this be a symptom of? Thank you!
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, your issue of experiencing pain when hungry and a feeling of fullness may include differential diagnoses such as dyspepsia, functional gastrointestinal disorders, acid-related diseases, peptic ulcers, inflammation, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hepatobiliary ...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Hunger and Quick Satiety: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Colonic Neuropathy: Causes, Symptoms, and Dietary Tips
What is colonic neuroinflammation? I apologize, but I would like to ask about a previous X-ray I had for my stomach. They mentioned that I have colonic neuromuscular inflammation. What is "colonic neuromuscular inflammation"? What causes it? Are there any precautions I ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the colonic neuroinflammation you mentioned may be triggered by abnormalities in the enteric nervous system, leading to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is characterized by functional abnormalities of the colon, presenting symptoms related to bowel movements, including ...[Read More] Understanding Colonic Neuropathy: Causes, Symptoms, and Dietary Tips
Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain and Digestive Issues
Pressing on the upper left abdomen causes pain? Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, I would like to ask you about some symptoms I have been experiencing recently. Since March and April of last year, I have noticed alternating bowel movements, sometimes having a solid stool and other times ex...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
You are experiencing symptoms of abnormal bowel movements, bloating, and abdominal pain, which improve after defecation. If you do not have a proper bowel movement, your abdomen feels bloated. These symptoms are consistent with a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Stres...[Read More] Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain and Digestive Issues