Understanding Liver Enzyme Levels: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Regarding liver enzyme levels? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you a question. I recently had my liver function tests done, and my G.O.T (AST) level was 28 U/L, while my G.P.T (ALT) level was 70 U/L. Additionally, my triglycerides level was 162 mg/dL. I would like to know if t...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, GPT: An abnormal GPT (ALT) level of 70, which is between 1 to 2 times the normal range, indicates some degree of liver cell damage, although it is not excessively high. Common causes include fatty liver, viral hepatitis (A, B, C), alcoholic liver disease, drug-induced live...[Read More] Understanding Liver Enzyme Levels: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Does PPC 900mg Really Lower Liver Enzymes? Exploring Its Effectiveness
PPC!? Recently, my family bought PPC 900mg, and I've heard that it can help lower liver enzyme levels. Is this true? Thank you!
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, 1. An increase in liver enzymes requires investigation into the causes, which may include viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, fatty liver disease, or drug-induced liver injury. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment. 2. Phosphatidyl...[Read More] Does PPC 900mg Really Lower Liver Enzymes? Exploring Its Effectiveness
Understanding White Stool: Possible Causes and Concerns
Pale or white stools? Recently, I have been experiencing pale white stools... However, I had surgery for a gastric bleed six months ago and am still taking medication. I am not sure if this is related. Could it be due to taking too much medication?
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, white stools may be caused by insufficient bile secretion or obstruction, and it is important to differentiate and diagnose any liver or biliary diseases. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Internal Medicine.[Read More] Understanding White Stool: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Post-Meal Abdominal Pain and Frequent Bowel Issues
About three hours after each meal..? Hello: About three hours after each meal, I start experiencing abdominal pain and the urge to use the restroom. At night, this occurs around 4-5 AM, and I also experience frequent urination. Each time, my stools are soft, which has affected my...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and sleep disturbances may be caused by irregular diet, gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, or diseases of the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. You may consider consulting a gastroenterologist or a gener...[Read More] Understanding Post-Meal Abdominal Pain and Frequent Bowel Issues
Understanding Dizziness, Nausea, and Diarrhea: When to Seek Help
Dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea? Dear Dr. Lin, A few nights ago, I suddenly woke up in the middle of the night feeling extremely dizzy and nauseous. After waking up, I vomited a bitter yellow liquid, likely because my stomach had already digested its contents. I also experienced d...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, 1. Dizziness may be accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, weakness, and poor appetite. There are many causes of dizziness, including inner ear imbalance or inflammation, as well as issues related to the central cerebellum or brainstem. Conditions such as anemia, hypo...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness, Nausea, and Diarrhea: When to Seek Help
Does Staying Up Late Worsen Hepatitis C? Tips for Liver Health
Hepatitis C ~ Staying up late!? Dr. Lin, I would like to ask again! Since I am a student, it's common for me to study until 1 or 2 AM. I want to know if this will worsen my liver condition! Also, aside from taking medication and receiving interferon treatment, what foods are...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. Excessive fatigue can lead to liver inflammation. If you must stay up late, make sure to catch up on sleep whenever possible. 2. There are no specific foods that can energize the liver. It is generally recommended to avoid smoking and alcohol, maintain a balan...[Read More] Does Staying Up Late Worsen Hepatitis C? Tips for Liver Health
Understanding Nausea, Lack of Appetite, and Digestive Discomfort
Nausea, lack of hunger, and loss of appetite? Hello, I often feel nauseous (but have never actually vomited), especially when I see food. I rarely feel hungry and frequently experience a sensation of bubbles rising from my stomach to my esophagus and throat, but I do not have an ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, experiencing nausea and the sensation of something rising may be related to dietary factors or functional issues with gastrointestinal motility. It could also be due to inflammation or other pathologies in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum. It is advisable to pay attenti...[Read More] Understanding Nausea, Lack of Appetite, and Digestive Discomfort
Understanding Symptoms of Chronic Hepatitis B: When to Seek Help
Symptoms of being a carrier of hepatitis B? Hello, doctor. My husband is a carrier of hepatitis B and has been regularly monitored for hepatitis. Recently, in addition to his ongoing symptoms of abdominal bloating and pain (which have remained stable for the past seven years), he...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, during acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B, symptoms may resemble those of a cold, including fatigue, loss of appetite, and jaundice. It is advisable not to overexert yourself and to monitor liver function. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Internal Medicine.[Read More] Understanding Symptoms of Chronic Hepatitis B: When to Seek Help
Understanding Recent Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology
I have been experiencing frequent diarrhea lately? Hello, I have been experiencing symptoms for about a week. During this time, I had a fever once, and I have been having diarrhea, which usually occurs in the morning or at night. When it happens, I need to go to the bathroom 2 to...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the possible causes could be enteritis, dietary factors, or irritable bowel syndrome. It is recommended to maintain a light diet, drink plenty of water, and limit beverages, including milk and caffeinated drinks. If symptoms persist, or if there is weight loss or ascites, ...[Read More] Understanding Recent Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology
Understanding Treatment Options for Chronic Hepatitis B: Your Questions Answered
Hello, I would like to treat hepatitis B? Hello Doctor: My daily routine is not very normal. I have had hepatitis B since childhood, but I currently do not have severe liver disease. I would like to ask the doctor: 1. I heard that there are currently 2 to 3 medications available ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, currently there are several treatment options for chronic hepatitis B, including antiviral medications (such as Hepatitis B Antiviral, Interferon, and Hepatitis B Immunomodulator) and immunomodulators (like Interferon and Thymosin). These medications primarily aim to reduc...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Chronic Hepatitis B: Your Questions Answered
Managing Elevated Liver Enzymes: Treatment Options and Lifestyle Changes
Liver function tests (LFTs) My liver enzyme levels are GOT 71 and GPT 178. I contracted hepatitis C from a blood transfusion when I was young. Currently, I am preparing for graduate school and would like to know if I need to start interferon treatment immediately. I have visited ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, 1. Elevated liver enzymes indicate inflammation in the liver. Causes of hepatitis include viral hepatitis, fatty liver, medications, and fatigue. 2. In chronic hepatitis C, liver enzyme levels may fluctuate. An ultrasound may also reveal fatty liver. Prolonged liver inf...[Read More] Managing Elevated Liver Enzymes: Treatment Options and Lifestyle Changes
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Health
Rectal bleeding Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing bleeding during bowel movements lately. My stools are very hard, and the discomfort during defecation often leads to bleeding. I usually eat vegetables and fruits, and I also drink yogurt to help with bowel movements, but it ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, hard stools and blood in the stool can have many causes, including dietary factors (such as insufficient water intake and low fiber consumption), structural issues in the colon and rectum (including hernias, intussusception, diverticula, polyps, tumors, fistulas, inflammat...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Your Digestive Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
What is wrong with me? Hello, Doctor: I have been experiencing abdominal bloating and pain for the past three to four years. I am unable to flatten my abdomen, and pressing down on my stomach is very painful. I often have cramping pain and only have a bowel movement every two to ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. It may be irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 2. Develop good dietary and bowel habits by chewing food thoroughly, drinking plenty of water, and consuming fresh vegetables and fruits. You may also drink yogurt. Try to keep your stress levels low and establish a ro...[Read More] Understanding Your Digestive Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Can Hepatitis B Carriers Get Vaccinated? Understanding Treatment Options
Can a carrier of hepatitis B receive the vaccine? Why do people say that treatment is not necessary?
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. The hepatitis B vaccine is administered to provide antigens that stimulate the production of antibodies. However, chronic carriers of hepatitis B already have the antigens and will not produce antibodies, so vaccination is ineffective in these cases. 2. The c...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Carriers Get Vaccinated? Understanding Treatment Options
Understanding Elevated GOT and GPT Levels: What Tests Should You Consider?
GOT (Glutamate Oxaloacetate Hello: A month ago, blood tests revealed that my GOT and GPT levels were around 400. I do not have hepatitis B or C, but I am unsure if I have fatty liver. Over the past two years, I have gained about 40 kg and my diet is not very strict, as I tend to ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. An abdominal ultrasound can be arranged to check for fatty liver, liver cysts, liver tumors, etc. 2. GOT and GPT levels are approximately ten times the normal value, indicating liver inflammation. If Hepatitis B and C are ruled out, common causes include fatty...[Read More] Understanding Elevated GOT and GPT Levels: What Tests Should You Consider?
Understanding Liver Tumors: Should We Wait or Act Now?
There are two tumors in the liver? Hello, my father is 60 years old and has been experiencing persistent hiccups and vomiting. He went to Changhua Show Chwan Hospital for examination, and the report indicated that there is a tumor in his liver, but it is unclear whether it is ben...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, liver tumors include liver nodules, liver abscesses, hemangiomas, hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and metastatic tumors. It can sometimes be challenging to assess whether a liver tumor is benign or malignant, and the patient's clinical condition should b...[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumors: Should We Wait or Act Now?
Understanding Medications and Diet for Stomach Perforation Recovery
Medications and Diet for Gastric Perforation Hello doctor, I would like to ask a question. My boyfriend is 30 years old and recently experienced abdominal pain after drinking alcohol. He was sent to the hospital and underwent an endoscopy, where it was discovered that he has a ga...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. The standard medication treatment for gastric ulcers typically lasts for 2 to 3 months. If there is no improvement in the ulcer, malignancy should be suspected. If a gastric ulcer is accompanied by bleeding or even perforation, the situation is more serious. Ge...[Read More] Understanding Medications and Diet for Stomach Perforation Recovery
Understanding Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology
Abdominal bloating? I have a question. When I palpate downwards from the nipple, I feel a lump approximately three fingerbreadths above the navel. It feels swollen when I touch it from above, but when I press directly on that area, it feels soft and not hard. What could this issu...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. The swollen area you mentioned could involve subcutaneous tissue, gastrointestinal tract, liver, or retroperitoneal organs. Conditions such as subcutaneous lipomas, gastrointestinal distension, or visceral tumors may also cause swelling. It is advisable to cons...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology
Understanding Blood and Mucus in Stool: Signs and Concerns
Blood in the stool and the presence of mucus? Doctor, I previously experienced mucus after forceful bowel movements about twice, but there was no blood. However, the day before yesterday, I noticed blood on the toilet paper after a bowel movement (it was somewhat painful), and I ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. Blood in the stool is often related to issues with the rectum or anus. Common causes include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Although diverticula, polyps, and cancer are less common in younger individuals, they should still be consi...[Read More] Understanding Blood and Mucus in Stool: Signs and Concerns
Can GERD Cause Nerve Pain in Hands and Chest?
Can gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) cause nerve pain in the hands and chest? I have been suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for about 20 to 30 years, and I always thought it was just a stomach issue, relying solely on antacids without any effect. Recentl...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the typical symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a burning chest pain located just below the sternum. Atypical symptoms may include pain that does not correlate with the location of the lesions, as well as cough, sore throat, and asthma; however, complaints...[Read More] Can GERD Cause Nerve Pain in Hands and Chest?