Why Do Liver Enzyme Levels Vary Between Different Hospitals?
Liver function tests show two values in one day? I would like to ask about my uncle, who had liver issues and went to the hospital for tests. Initially, he had tests done at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, but later, feeling uneasy, he returned to Taipei and had another set of tests at...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
The standard values for liver function tests (AST or ALT) vary between laboratories. Generally, the normal upper limit for these tests is around 40 IU/L, but this can differ from one lab to another; for instance, our hospital's upper limit is 37 IU/L. When considering the si...[Read More] Why Do Liver Enzyme Levels Vary Between Different Hospitals?
Understanding Edema: Kidney or Liver Issues from Alcohol Abuse?
Edema Hello, doctor. My father has been a long-term alcoholic, and recently he has developed swelling in his feet. Could this indicate a problem with his kidneys or liver? Both feet are affected. Which specialty should we consult for an outpatient visit? Thank you for your respon...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
Common causes of edema that can be evaluated in the fields of hepatology and gastroenterology include 1. heart failure, 2. nephrotic syndrome, and 3. cirrhosis. The primary reasons are often related to excessive body fluid and low serum protein levels. Once edema occurs in cirrho...[Read More] Understanding Edema: Kidney or Liver Issues from Alcohol Abuse?
Understanding Liver Function: Tips for Weight Loss and Health Improvement
Liver function I had an ultrasound examination, and Dr. Chang Weiren said my condition is quite serious. He advised me to lose weight and eat less. Doctor, I have a question: why am I unable to lose weight? My body just won't shed the pounds. Also, is it possible for me to r...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
The core issue of weight loss lies in calorie intake. For a normally active male, the daily caloric requirement is approximately 25-30 calories per kilogram. A typical bento meal from a convenience store like 7-11 usually contains over 700 calories. Eating only two bento meals a ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function: Tips for Weight Loss and Health Improvement
Understanding the Risks: Smoking, Drinking, and Liver Health Concerns
I'm not sure what kind of illness I have? Dr. Hsiao: Due to long-term smoking (one pack a day) and drinking alcohol (with every meal), my current health condition is not very good. In September 2022, I experienced hematemesis, a high fever lasting three to four days, and jau...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
The diagnosis of cirrhosis can be made through imaging studies such as ultrasound and computed tomography. A simple abdominal ultrasound can diagnose cirrhosis, while jaundice and abnormal liver function tests cannot differentiate between cirrhosis and severe alcoholic hepatitis,...[Read More] Understanding the Risks: Smoking, Drinking, and Liver Health Concerns
How to Lower Elevated Liver Function Tests: Expert Advice
Liver function Doctor, my liver function levels keep rising. What should I do? Please advise me on how to lower my liver function indices.
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
First, it is essential to differentiate the types of hepatitis; hepatitis is primarily classified into viral hepatitis, drug-induced hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, and fatty liver disease, among others. The first step is to confirm whether there is viral hepatitis, as hepatitis ...[Read More] How to Lower Elevated Liver Function Tests: Expert Advice
Do You Need an Endoscopy for H. Pylori Testing?
HP examination Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a question. I have been suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and have been taking medication for a year without improvement. Therefore, I am considering trying traditional Chinese medicine. A referral led me t...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin reply Internal Medicine
The tests for Helicobacter pylori include the following: 1. Serological test for Helicobacter pylori, which can only indicate whether there has been a past infection and may not reflect a current infection causing symptoms. 2. Urea breath test for Helicobacter pylori: This test m...[Read More] Do You Need an Endoscopy for H. Pylori Testing?