Understanding Liver Health: Concerns About Elevated Enzymes and Symptoms
Liver Hello, doctor! On May 25, 2003, I had a blood test showing GOT 50 and GPT 109. I have hepatitis B and was given a one-month supply of medication to take home (brown, 2 cm long soft gel capsules with a strong taste). I would like to ask... Recently, I often feel a tightness ...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Seventy percent of hepatitis cases are asymptomatic, unless it is acute hepatitis (with GPT levels exceeding 500), which may lead to fatigue or loss of appetite. Therefore, the symptoms you described may be related to gastrointestinal issues or emotional stress, and are no...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Concerns About Elevated Enzymes and Symptoms
After a Fight with a Friend: Understanding Poisoning Fears and Symptoms
Aftermath of an Argument with Friends Hello, doctor. I have had a long-standing conflict with a classmate, and after a recent argument, he seriously told me that he poisoned my food. I was terrified and unsure if he was just trying to scare me or if he actually did something so h...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The toxicity produced by each type of poison varies, and the severity is different as well. The aftereffects caused by these poisons also differ. As for the symptoms that may arise, they depend on the amount and characteristics of the poison ingested, leading to various re...[Read More] After a Fight with a Friend: Understanding Poisoning Fears and Symptoms
Understanding Dark Green Stool After Seafood: Causes and Concerns
Dark green stools? Hello: After eating seafood, I suddenly had deep green stools, which I haven't experienced before. Additionally, the stools have a very foul odor, whereas my previous stools were normal and did not have a bad smell. Could this be due to eating contaminated...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: This is likely caused by consuming contaminated food. Fortunately, there is no bacterial infection yet; otherwise, it could lead to acute gastroenteritis. As for occasionally having stools that contain mucus, it usually indicates some inflammation in the intestines. Howeve...[Read More] Understanding Dark Green Stool After Seafood: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Liver Abscess: Treatment Options and Risks for Seniors
Liver abscess Hello Dr. Yang: My father has been diagnosed with a liver abscess and is currently receiving treatment. The doctor mentioned that the abscess has shown significant improvement and has shrunk, but the bacteria have infected the bone marrow, requiring long-term treatm...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If drug treatment for a liver abscess is effective, it usually requires continuous intravenous injection for more than two weeks, followed by a switch to oral medication until complete resolution. However, if bacteria have infected the bone marrow causing osteomyelitis, it...[Read More] Understanding Liver Abscess: Treatment Options and Risks for Seniors
Seeking Follow-Up Care for Hepatitis B: Recommendations Needed
I need to schedule a follow-up appointment? Hello, I was hospitalized for ten days at San Chong Hospital last March due to acute hepatitis (at that time, blood tests revealed I had hepatitis B, with liver function indices around 3740, and I exhibited symptoms of jaundice. I was t...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The principles for treating hepatitis B with Gan An are as follows: If the e-antigen is positive, continue treatment until the e-antigen turns negative (confirmed by two consecutive tests), and then continue for an additional three months, but not exceeding one year. If af...[Read More] Seeking Follow-Up Care for Hepatitis B: Recommendations Needed
Understanding Bloating: Signs of Serious Gastrointestinal Issues
Abdominal bloating? Doctor, I have recently been experiencing significant abdominal bloating and a loss of appetite. I have bowel movements every two to three days, and some of the stool is dark. Occasionally, I feel nauseous. What are the warning signs of stomach cancer, colon c...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The abdomen is very bloated and there is some dark-colored stool, which is usually caused by constipation leading to excessive fecal matter. The initial portion of the stool tends to be darker in color. The likelihood of young people developing colorectal cancer is very lo...[Read More] Understanding Bloating: Signs of Serious Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Digestive Issues: Mucus in Stool and Dark Color Concerns
Bowel issues Dr. Yang: Hello, I have a question I would like to ask you... Recently (about three months ago), I noticed that after each bowel movement, there is mucus present, and the stool appears darker (deep brown or almost black). The stool is also softer, resembling diarrhea...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Dark-colored stools can sometimes be related to diet, but black stools may raise concerns about the possibility of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, it is advisable to first test for occult blood in the stool. If the result is positive, an upper endoscopy should ...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Mucus in Stool and Dark Color Concerns
Understanding Growths Near the Anus: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
There is a growth in the anal area! Hello, doctor: Last week, I noticed a lump near my anus. It feels hard when I press on it and is somewhat painful; sometimes it itches, which makes me quite anxious. I’m not sure what this condition is. Which specialist should I see?
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A sudden lump has appeared on the anus, and it is somewhat painful. Possible causes may include a hemorrhoid, inflammation of the anal glands, skin conditions, or even tumors that should be considered. It is recommended that you seek medical attention from a colorectal sur...[Read More] Understanding Growths Near the Anus: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding Adult Acne: Causes, Treatments, and Liver Health Concerns
Acne I am already 34 years old, not a young girl, so why am I still experiencing acne? Could it be a sign of health issues? I apply a light moisturizer every day at work and double cleanse my face after work; is that sufficient? My T-zone tends to be oily; what type of skincare p...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The formation of acne is due to excessive oil secretion that accumulates in the hair follicles, and it is not limited to adolescence; individuals of other ages can also experience it. For skin issues, it is more appropriate to consult a dermatologist. The formation of a li...[Read More] Understanding Adult Acne: Causes, Treatments, and Liver Health Concerns
Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain: Possible Liver Issues Explained
Pain in the right upper quadrant? Hello: Recently, I have been experiencing severe pain in my upper right abdomen, which sometimes radiates to my back. I am unsure if this is related to a liver issue or if it is simply abdominal pain. Additionally, I have not been feeling well me...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Severe pain in the upper right abdomen that radiates to the back often suggests gallstones, while other possible causes include duodenal ulcers, kidney stones, or colorectal lesions. The liver has nerve endings on its surface, but there are no nerve distributions within it...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain: Possible Liver Issues Explained
Understanding Black Stool: Causes and Concerns for Digestive Health
Melena Hello Dr. Yang: I am 157 cm tall and weigh 46 kg. I have a good appetite, yet I cannot gain weight, and I appear thin, but my abdomen is quite large. Almost every day, about an hour after breakfast, I feel the urge to have a bowel movement, and sometimes I go three times a...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Black stools usually indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding, most commonly originating from the stomach or duodenum. However, it is essential to first confirm whether there is indeed bleeding, as certain foods can also cause black stools (such as eating blood-tinged meat...[Read More] Understanding Black Stool: Causes and Concerns for Digestive Health
Understanding Hepatitis C: Treatment Options and Costs Explained
Hepatitis C Hello Doctor: My brother had hepatitis B when he was a student, with liver enzyme levels close to 100. A few months ago, while serving in the military, he underwent tests at the Tri-Service General Hospital in Taipei and found that he no longer has hepatitis B but now...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Your brother may be a carrier of Hepatitis B, and previously, due to the lack of testing for Hepatitis C, it was mistakenly believed to be only Hepatitis B; or Hepatitis C could be a new infection (which is less likely). The most important issue is how to determine which t...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C: Treatment Options and Costs Explained
Understanding Hepatitis B and C: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Costs in Taiwan
Liver Hello Doctor: My brother had hepatitis B when he was a student, with liver enzyme levels close to 100. A few months ago, while serving in the military, he underwent tests at the Tri-Service General Hospital in Taipei and found that he no longer has hepatitis B but has hepat...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Your brother may be a carrier of Hepatitis B and could potentially have Hepatitis C, as he was previously not tested for Hepatitis C and mistakenly thought he only had Hepatitis B; or it is possible that Hepatitis C is newly acquired (though this is less likely). The most ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B and C: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Costs in Taiwan
Understanding Liver Abscess: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Tips
Liver abscess My husband has been experiencing persistent high fever, and after multiple tests, it was discovered that he has a liver abscess approximately 3 centimeters in size. What are the causes of this condition? Does it require surgical intervention? Is there a likelihood o...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: There are two categories of causes for liver abscesses. One is bacterial, primarily originating from the gastrointestinal tract; the other is parasitic (such as amoebic protozoa). Liver abscesses commonly occur in high-risk patients (such as those with diabetes, alcoholism...[Read More] Understanding Liver Abscess: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Tips
Understanding Esophageal Reflux: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Is this gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Hello Dr. Yang, Recently, I have been experiencing frequent pain in the middle of my back for the past two to three weeks. My consumption of tobacco and alcohol has increased, approximately one pack of cigarettes every three days a...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The symptoms you described are consistent with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is typically caused by abnormal relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to the easy backflow of stomach acid. However, most individuals undergoing endoscopy do not re...[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Reflux: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Understanding CT Scans: Safety, Procedure, and Risks Explained
What is a computed tomography (CT) scan? My father has abnormal liver function with a fatty liver index of 3375. An abdominal ultrasound performed at the hospital showed fluid on the liver surface and abnormalities. The doctor recommended a CT scan. Due to the current SARS outbre...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A computed tomography (CT) scan is a type of radiological examination that involves performing a circumferential scan of the abdominal organs approximately every 0.8 centimeters, creating an image that examines the body from the head down to the feet. The procedure itself ...[Read More] Understanding CT Scans: Safety, Procedure, and Risks Explained
Understanding Nausea and Frequent Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Frequent nausea? Poor appetite in the morning, often feeling nauseous (wanting to vomit but not actually vomiting), and frequent trips to the bathroom (3 to 4 times a day).
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: This is an issue with the gastrointestinal tract, usually caused by gastritis or excessive gastric acid, but other causes such as peptic ulcers are also possible. Therefore, you must first make appropriate adjustments to your diet and lifestyle, avoiding irritating foods, ...[Read More] Understanding Nausea and Frequent Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Yellow Oily Stool: Causes and Gastrointestinal Concerns
Why do I keep experiencing oily stools? I haven't had a bowel movement in the past few days, but I've been passing deep yellow oily fluid. I'm unsure what issue my gastrointestinal system might be experiencing.
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Passing deep yellow oily stools usually indicates a problem with the digestion of fats in the intestines, with the most common cause being enteritis. There are many potential causes of enteritis, including viruses and bacteria, and it is important to consider whether other...[Read More] Understanding Yellow Oily Stool: Causes and Gastrointestinal Concerns
Combining Traditional and Western Medicine for Hepatitis B Treatment
Treatment for Hepatitis B Will the efficacy of treatment for hepatitis B be improved with a combination of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine?
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: According to currently published research findings, certain traditional Chinese medicines do have therapeutic effects on hepatitis B; however, when compared to Western medications (such as Hepatitis B antiviral agents and interferon), they do not demonstrate significantly ...[Read More] Combining Traditional and Western Medicine for Hepatitis B Treatment
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Discomfort in the lower abdomen? Hello Dr. Yang, I have a question that I hope you can help me with or provide some advice. I have a history of irritable bowel syndrome during high school, but I recovered after entering the workforce. There is no family history of colorectal ca...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The causes of discomfort in the lower left abdomen, aside from gynecological organs, can be related to the intestines. If it occurs regularly every month and is associated with menstruation, it may be due to endometriosis affecting the intestines or simply the stimulation ...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Next Steps