Understanding Abdominal Distension: Causes and Solutions for a Healthier You
Regarding the issue of my abdomen becoming larger? Since I returned from military service, my belly has gradually gotten bigger. I don't know why, but sometimes when I press on my stomach, it feels hard, and other times it feels soft. Why is that? Interestingly, it sometimes...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
After completing military service, men generally experience weight gain as they age, primarily due to a significant decrease in physical activity compared to their time in the military. If dietary habits are not controlled, weight will gradually increase, leading to an increase i...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Distension: Causes and Solutions for a Healthier You
Is It Gastroenteritis? Understanding Abdominal Pain and Symptoms
Is there a problem with the gastrointestinal tract? Two days ago, while I was running, I suddenly felt pain on the right side of my abdomen. After feeling the pain, I stopped running and walked slowly; any movement would cause pain. Later that evening, when I got home, I started ...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
1. Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the gastric and intestinal mucosa, commonly caused by food poisoning. Symptoms include severe vomiting and diarrhea, often accompanied by abdominal cramping and colicky pain, fever, and sweating. Prolonged and significant fluid loss can l...[Read More] Is It Gastroenteritis? Understanding Abdominal Pain and Symptoms
Essential Daily Tips for Managing Hepatitis C in Your Life
Hepatitis C What should be taken into consideration in daily life for individuals with hepatitis C?
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
Diet: 1. A fresh, light, natural, and balanced diet is best. Artificial additives such as colorings, spices, and preservatives can burden the liver, so it's advisable to avoid excessive intake. Some patients with severe hepatitis may experience nausea and loss of appetite, m...[Read More] Essential Daily Tips for Managing Hepatitis C in Your Life
Finding the Right Specialist for Complex Abdominal Symptoms
Finding the right physician for treatment? My mother is currently 73 years old and has diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, which she manages with regular doctor visits and medication. This year, she has experienced discomfort in two areas of her body. The first issue is th...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
The patient's primary pain is located in the lower abdomen, and it worsens with walking. They also experience loss of appetite and a tendency to feel bloated, which may not necessarily indicate a gastric issue. If we narrow down the problem to the lower abdomen, potentially ...[Read More] Finding the Right Specialist for Complex Abdominal Symptoms
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Is Your Work Schedule to Blame?
My stomach feels strange... I suspect I might have a gastrointestinal disorder? Due to working the night shift from 4 PM to 12 AM, I usually sleep until around 1 or 2 PM. Sometimes I wake up not feeling hungry, so I skip meals (when I am hungry, I eat some snacks). I typically ea...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, I apologize for the delayed response to your question. Based on your symptoms, it appears to be functional dyspepsia. The causes of these symptoms are multifactorial, including irregular eating habits, abnormal lifestyle routines, stress, and vigorous exercise before or af...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Is Your Work Schedule to Blame?
How Long Can Hepatitis B Virus Survive Outside the Body?
How long can the hepatitis B virus survive outside the body? If saliva from a person with highly infectious hepatitis B comes into contact with clothing during a conversation, is there a possibility of transmission to others? How long can the hepatitis B virus survive outside the...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
Hello Linlin~~ Hepatitis B virus is transmitted through body fluids, primarily via blood transfusions, sexual contact, sharing needles, and needlestick injuries. It is not transmitted through respiratory droplets or food. Hepatitis B is very difficult to survive outside the body;...[Read More] How Long Can Hepatitis B Virus Survive Outside the Body?
Understanding Persistent Stomach Pain: Seeking Solutions for Your Loved One
Stomach pain? Dear Dr. Hsiao, Hello. My father has been suffering from stomach pain for the past month or two. He has undergone both gastroscopy and colonoscopy, and both tests showed no abnormalities. However, he continues to experience persistent pain, whether he eats or not. ...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
Based on the above description, it is possible that the pain is originating from the upper abdomen rather than from the stomach or colon. Further evaluation with abdominal ultrasound or CT scan of the abdomen should be performed to check for tumors in the pancreas, liver, or bili...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Stomach Pain: Seeking Solutions for Your Loved One
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Bloating and Cramping in Young Adults
Left lower abdominal bloating and cramping? Dear Dr. Hsiao, My 22-year-old daughter has been experiencing bloating and cramping pain in her lower left abdomen for the past two weeks. She has noticed a decrease in her bowel movements and feels as though she cannot fully relieve h...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
Left lower abdominal pain should be considered based on the involved organs, including the colon, urinary system, and gynecological organs such as the ovaries or uterus. Currently, a urinalysis has been performed, and a gynecological ultrasound has generally ruled out issues rela...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Bloating and Cramping in Young Adults
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes Beyond Hemorrhoids and Diagnosis
Rectal bleeding The main cause of rectal bleeding was not hemorrhoids; a colonoscopy revealed bleeding in the intestines. After exercising, I no longer experienced rectal bleeding. This was my fourth visit to Taichung Veterans General Hospital for examination. The results showed ...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
The color of blood in stool can provide clues about the location of the bleeding. Generally, the brighter the blood, the closer the bleeding site is to the anus, and the blood is more distinctly separated from the stool. Conversely, bleeding from the upper part of the intestines ...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes Beyond Hemorrhoids and Diagnosis
Understanding the Risks of Hair-Related Infections from Food
Risk of Hair Infection Diseases Hello Dr. Hsiao, about a month ago, I found a hair in my meal at a restaurant. Although I did not ingest it and my body has shown no unusual symptoms, I was told by a doctor during a check-up that not all illnesses can be detected immediately. Ther...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
Hair is an appendage of the skin, and bacteria, fungi, or parasites such as lice that may be present on the skin can be transmitted through hair. However, these infections are generally not heat-resistant, and cooking typically eliminates their infectious potential. Additionally,...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Hair-Related Infections from Food
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Is It Related to a Previous Injury?
Stomach pain Hello, Doctor: I had an accident while riding my motorcycle where I had to brake suddenly, causing my abdomen to hit the motorcycle's dashboard. Afterward, I went to see a doctor and had an X-ray done. The doctor said there was nothing serious, and it might just...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
Upper abdominal contusions may lead to injuries and bleeding in the muscle layers. When the impact is more severe, it can cause bleeding in the liver and spleen, as well as gastric contusions. Occasionally, deeper organs or blood vessels may also be injured and rupture. In the pa...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Is It Related to a Previous Injury?
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Antibody Testing for Students
Hepatitis B vaccination administration Hello, Dr. Hsiao! The child was born in 1988 and received four doses of the hepatitis vaccine according to government policy at that time. This year, due to enrollment in a dental program abroad, a hepatitis B antibody test was conducted, wh...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
1. It is possible to receive the hepatitis B vaccine again. 2. Not necessarily; the hepatitis B vaccine can produce antibodies in over 95% of recipients, but it is not 100%. 3. After completing the three-dose series, antibody testing should be conducted 3 to 6 months later. I...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Antibody Testing for Students
Can Fatty Liver Patients Engage in Intense Activities Like Hiking?
Fatty liver disease Can patients with fatty liver engage in intense exercise, such as hiking 1 to 4 kilometers?
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
Fatty liver is characterized by the accumulation of fat within liver cells. Common causes include 1. obesity 2. alcohol consumption 3. poorly controlled diabetes 4. excessive intake of carbohydrates or high-fat foods 5. lack of exercise, among others. None of these causes can be ...[Read More] Can Fatty Liver Patients Engage in Intense Activities Like Hiking?
Understanding Changes in Bile Color After Jaundice Treatment
The color of bile that is expelled can vary, typically ranging from yellow to green? Hello, my mother has cancer, and recently due to high jaundice levels, the doctor performed a procedure to place a drainage tube. Today, we noticed that the bile being drained is thinner compared...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
Cholangiocarcinoma or pancreatic cancer can cause bile duct obstruction, leading to obstructive jaundice. When drainage is initiated, the obstructed bile has accumulated for some time, and the gallbladder concentrates the bile, making it thicker. After drainage through a catheter...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bile Color After Jaundice Treatment
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: A College Student's Guide
"Health report shows abnormal liver function. Please help me, doctor!" I am a college student this year! Our school conducted a health check for us freshmen! After waiting for two months, the report came out! It indicated that I have abnormal liver function with GPT (al...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
According to the examination, you have hepatitis. Common causes of hepatitis include viral hepatitis, drug-induced hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, and fatty liver, which can lead to liver function abnormalities. The first step is to rule out viral hepatitis, specifically acute h...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: A College Student's Guide
Managing Hepatitis C: What to Do After Diagnosis
How to cope with hepatitis C? My mother, who is in her sixties, was tested at a health clinic and found to have a hepatitis C index of 5. The clinic only advised her to return for a follow-up test in five weeks. Should we just wait for that?
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
Currently, there is a new treatment for hepatitis C that involves a combination therapy of long-acting interferon and antiviral medications. Generally, treatment is considered for individuals under 65 years of age who have persistent liver function abnormalities for more than six...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis C: What to Do After Diagnosis
Understanding Hepatitis B Immunity: Antibodies, Antigens, and Lifelong Protection
Hepatitis B Hello Doctor, I would like to ask: I previously underwent a hepatitis B test, and the results showed hepatitis B surface antigen (-), antibodies (+), and hepatitis B e antigen (-). Does this mean that I have had hepatitis B and have lifelong immunity, so I will not ge...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
1. A positive Anti-HBs (Hepatitis B surface antibody) indicates that an individual has either been infected with Hepatitis B or has received the Hepatitis B vaccine. Generally, this confers lifelong immunity. Hepatitis B is transmitted through body fluids (such as blood and genit...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Immunity: Antibodies, Antigens, and Lifelong Protection
Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted Through Saliva? Understanding Antibody Longevity
Is hepatitis B transmissible through saliva? Is hepatitis B transmissible through saliva? Can hepatitis B antibodies disappear over time and lead to reinfection? Are there lifelong hepatitis B antibodies?
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
Transmission routes of Hepatitis B: 1. Vertical transmission - If a mother is a carrier of Hepatitis B, she may transmit the virus to the fetus before or during delivery. 2. Horizontal transmission - Hepatitis B can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, injections, ear ...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted Through Saliva? Understanding Antibody Longevity
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Essential Tests and Recommendations
Liver dysfunction Hello, doctor... This month I suddenly feel extremely fatigued, and during most of my working hours, I often feel very sleepy. Additionally, my previous health check indicated abnormal liver function... Therefore, I would like to undergo further tests to confirm...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
The standard tests for abnormal liver function include liver biochemical function tests, which consist of AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase). These are the most basic tests. If there are abnormalities in these function indices, further testing for...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Essential Tests and Recommendations
Effective Weight Loss Strategies: Tips from Medical Experts
Weight loss Hello doctor, I am here to ask you how I can lose weight. Please tell me what I should do.
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
First, you need to calculate your BMI (Body Mass Index: weight divided by height squared, with height measured in meters). The normal range is generally around 24 plus or minus 2. If your BMI falls within this range, you are not considered overweight and do not need to lose weigh...[Read More] Effective Weight Loss Strategies: Tips from Medical Experts