Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Risks and Family History Explained
Hepatitis B Dear Doctor, hello! What exactly is a "hepatitis B carrier"? Both of my parents died of liver cancer, and my mother seems to be a carrier of hepatitis B. Does this mean I am at a higher risk of getting it? Also, my lifestyle is not very good, as I tend to sl...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! In Taiwan, there are approximately three million carriers of hepatitis B. The term "hepatitis B carrier" refers to individuals who have the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), which typically does not disappear throughout their lifetime. Hepatitis B patients can...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Risks and Family History Explained
Understanding the Connection Between Acute Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis
Acute gastroenteritis vs. acute hepatitis (fulminant hepatitis) I apologize for any inconvenience, but I have some questions to ask you. Since liver cancer is one of the top ten causes of death in our country, are there any instruments available for early detection? Also, does ha...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Hepatitis B or C is a risk factor for liver cancer. Therefore, if you are a chronic hepatitis B or C patient, you must undergo regular blood tests and abdominal ultrasound examinations. Only abdominal ultrasound can detect small liver cancers (approximately 0.5 cm or large...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Acute Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis
Why Is There Blood in My Soft Stool? Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
Soft stools with blood? I previously had irregular bowel movements, but I have never experienced blood in my stool, except when I strained. However, today my stool was soft, and I noticed red blood. What could be the reason for this? Thank you.
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! There are many causes for red blood in the stool, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, intestinal polyps, enteritis, and even intestinal tumors. To determine the cause, a sigmoidoscopy is a necessary examination. You may visit a major hospital's gastroenterology or c...[Read More] Why Is There Blood in My Soft Stool? Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
Why Am I Vomiting Blood After Drinking Alcohol?
Coughing up blood? Doctor, I’m sorry, but I have a question. I drank alcohol to the point of vomiting blood. Why is this happening? What does this symptom indicate?
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! There are two reasons for vomiting blood due to alcohol consumption. First, alcohol itself can cause gastritis and even gastric ulcers, leading to bleeding. Second, excessive vomiting induced by drinking can result in tears at the gastroesophageal junction, known as Mallor...[Read More] Why Am I Vomiting Blood After Drinking Alcohol?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Discomfort
Gastrointestinal issues Since September, I have been having bowel movements about three times a day, mostly around lunchtime and dinner. For nearly half a month, I have been experiencing significant gastrointestinal discomfort, excessive gas, and bubbling sounds in my abdomen. I ...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Gastrointestinal dyspepsia can easily lead to gas production, causing bloating, frequent flatulence, or audible bowel sounds. As a result, bowel movements may decrease and become softer, occurring several times a day. Due to gastrointestinal dyspepsia, one may not be able ...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Discomfort
Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Chronic abdominal discomfort? Hello Dr. Yang, 1. In May, I felt a persistent dull pain around my abdomen (near the navel) that was not localized. I first visited a family physician, but it was ineffective. 2. I then went to a larger hospital in Sanxia, where I had an abdominal X...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Your symptoms appear to be related to gastrointestinal dysmotility, which means there are no pathological changes in the organs themselves (as you have undergone many tests to rule this out), but rather a dysfunction in the nerves controlling intestinal motility. This can ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Understanding Yellow Eyes: Possible Causes and Liver Health Tips
Yellowing of the eyes? Hello, Doctor. I am preparing for graduate school entrance exams this year, so I have been going to bed around midnight or even past 1 AM lately. As a result, I often feel sleepy during the day. My classmate mentioned that my eyes look a bit yellow, and whe...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Although liver disease is a significant health issue in the country, approximately 1 in 5 people are affected by liver disease, with the vast majority having hepatitis B or C. Therefore, if you do not have hepatitis B or C and are not a heavy drinker, your liver should be ...[Read More] Understanding Yellow Eyes: Possible Causes and Liver Health Tips
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: What to Expect from Exams and Treatments
Poor gastrointestinal motility? I often experience itching and pain in the anal area, and sometimes I have sharp pains. Occasionally, there is blood and discharge when I wipe after a bowel movement. I also have sharp pains that make me hesitant to defecate, and I frequently feel ...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Pain and itching around the anus are usually caused by anal fissures or inflammation of the anal area, which may result from hard stools or inadequate cleaning after bowel movements. It is also possible that there are lesions in the rectum or colon, making a colonoscopy ne...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: What to Expect from Exams and Treatments
Colonoscopy vs. Barium Enema: Which is More Accurate for Colon Diagnosis?
Colonoscopy? When comparing barium enema imaging and colonoscopy for detecting lesions in the colon, which method is more accurate?
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Of course, colonoscopy is more accurate and allows for biopsy and treatment when abnormalities are found, but it has a higher pain index, and sometimes patients cannot tolerate it, preventing the completion of the entire colon examination. In contrast, barium enema is gene...[Read More] Colonoscopy vs. Barium Enema: Which is More Accurate for Colon Diagnosis?
Understanding Bloating and Gas: Solutions for Digestive Discomfort
I often feel bloated in my abdomen with a sensation of gas movement inside? Dear Dr. Yang Pei-Zhen, I have a history of chronic constipation and often experience a feeling of bloating with gas movement in my abdomen. To improve my condition, I have increased my intake of fiber-r...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Based on your description, it seems that you may have "functional gastrointestinal disorder." However, it is essential to first rule out the possibility of any organic lesions. Therefore, you may undergo a barium enema examination (which is less painful). If no l...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Gas: Solutions for Digestive Discomfort
Blood After Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Blood after bowel movement? Doctor, every time I have a bowel movement, as long as it's not diarrhea (meaning it's firm and formed), I notice blood when I wipe. This has been happening for a while. What could be causing this?
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! When stool is expelled from the rectum, the anal sphincter muscles contract, and sometimes due to the stool being hard, excessive straining can occur, which may lead to anal fissures and bleeding. Additionally, if there are hemorrhoids (internal or external), this can also...[Read More] Blood After Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Stomach Ulcers: A Guide
Gastric ulcer and irritable bowel syndrome? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) medical consultation: taking Unilac can improve symptoms, but I have a peptic ulcer and am unsure how to use it.
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can present with both diarrhea and constipation. Therefore, if you also have a peptic ulcer, it is essential to consider which symptom of your IBS is predominant when prescribing medication. Some medications for treating peptic ulcers may cau...[Read More] Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Stomach Ulcers: A Guide
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Next Steps
Abdominal discomfort? Hello Dr. Yang! I have been experiencing frequent abdominal bloating and a lack of appetite for over a month. This has led to a slight weight loss. I underwent both gastroscopy and colonoscopy at a clinic near my home, but no abnormalities were found. I also...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Your condition is classified as "functional dyspepsia," which can be caused by a variety of factors including diet, emotional stress, and medications. However, the exact pathological mechanisms are not entirely clear, which makes treatment outcomes less than idea...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Next Steps
Is Induced Vomiting Harmful to Your Health? Understanding the Risks
Can vomiting cause harm? Frequent vomiting due to overeating, occurring two to three times a month for about a year, can lead to several health issues. These may include: 1. **Electrolyte Imbalance**: Repeated vomiting can cause a loss of essential electrolytes like potassium an...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Severe vomiting after regurgitation can sometimes lead to serious lacerations at the gastroesophageal junction, and may even cause hematemesis. Caution is essential; therefore, it is advisable to maintain a moderate diet and avoid irritating foods. If discomfort occurs, ne...[Read More] Is Induced Vomiting Harmful to Your Health? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Helicobacter Pylori: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-Up Care
Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter pylori: 1. Is it correct for doctors to determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori based on experience during an endoscopy? 2. If Helicobacter pylori is sometimes detected during regular examinations and sometimes only ulcers are found without ...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Since over 95% of duodenal ulcers are associated with Helicobacter pylori, when a duodenal ulcer is first diagnosed, it is usually acceptable to initiate antibiotic treatment without necessarily performing a Helicobacter pylori test. However, after treatment, a carbon-13 u...[Read More] Understanding Helicobacter Pylori: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-Up Care
Unusual Lower Abdominal Sensations: Understanding Potential Gastrointestinal Issues
Strange sensations in the lower abdomen? Hello: Two weeks ago, I started feeling some unusual sensations in my lower abdomen; it wasn't pain, but rather a feeling as if something was stirring. This week, I began to experience pain that feels similar to menstrual cramps. Init...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The main organs in the lower abdomen of women include the intestines and gynecological organs. Since your gynecological organs have been examined and found to be normal, the discomfort you are experiencing is likely originating from the intestines. To determine if there is...[Read More] Unusual Lower Abdominal Sensations: Understanding Potential Gastrointestinal Issues
Persistent Hiccups: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Persistent hiccups? Hello, I experience intermittent hiccups for several hours every day, which is very uncomfortable. I have undergone examinations such as an endoscopy, and my gastrointestinal tract shows no significant issues. However, the problem persists. It usually occurs m...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The mechanism behind hiccups is the stimulation of the phrenic nerve, which is usually caused by gastric distension (potentially due to gastritis, peptic ulcers, or functional disorders). When sitting or driving, gastric digestion tends to be less efficient, making hiccups...[Read More] Persistent Hiccups: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccine Antibody Levels: What You Need to Know
Hepatitis B vaccine Hello, I received three doses of the vaccine seven years ago. Six months later, I was tested and found to have antibodies, but now during my recent check-up, it was reported that I have no antibodies. I would like to ask the doctor about this issue! 1. Is it p...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The antibodies generated after vaccination may diminish over time, or the initial antibody response right after vaccination may not be very high. Of course, the sensitivity of testing for hepatitis B antibodies can vary between hospitals, which may lead to different result...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccine Antibody Levels: What You Need to Know
Excessive Sleep and Fatigue: Is It Related to Hepatitis B?
I feel that I have a longer sleep duration? Hello doctor, I feel that I need more sleep than average to feel rested and I easily get fatigued. Is this related to hepatitis B?
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! More than 70% of hepatitis patients are asymptomatic. They often experience prolonged sleep and fatigue, which can have various causes. To determine if it is related to hepatitis B, a blood test is necessary. In fact, even mild liver inflammation often presents no symptoms...[Read More] Excessive Sleep and Fatigue: Is It Related to Hepatitis B?
Assessing Disability in Cirrhosis Patients: Key Symptoms and Implications
Cirrhosis... related issues? In patients with cirrhosis, particularly those with hepatitis C progressing to cirrhosis, the presence of abdominal distension, lower extremity edema, and ascites can significantly impact their functional capacity. These symptoms may indicate advanced...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The presence of ascites in cirrhosis typically indicates that there is already a phenomenon of decompensated liver function. To assess the severity of cirrhosis, several factors are considered, in addition to ascites, such as jaundice, low serum albumin levels, hepatic enc...[Read More] Assessing Disability in Cirrhosis Patients: Key Symptoms and Implications