Understanding Urine Test Results: Bile Sediment and Blood in Urine
Urinalysis Hello, I recently had a urine test done for my mother (58 years old) and found the presence of bile sediment and hematuria. Could you please advise what part of the body might be experiencing issues? Which specialty should we consult? Thank you for your help.
Dr. Zhang Yuting reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Please visit the internal medicine or urology department for consultation.[Read More] Understanding Urine Test Results: Bile Sediment and Blood in Urine
Understanding Constipation and Digestive Issues: Expert Insights
Constipation and indigestion? Dr. Chang: Hello! I've been experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort for the past four to five days: my stomach makes gurgling sounds when it's empty, which used to happen only when I was extremely hungry. Now, I feel full after eating just...
Dr. Zhang Yuting reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Your concerns are quite common in the gastroenterology clinic. May I ask how old you are and why you are worried about functional decline? Since you have multiple symptoms, I recommend that you visit a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. However, to clarify briefly, for im...[Read More] Understanding Constipation and Digestive Issues: Expert Insights
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Causes, Tests, and Treatment Options
Abdominal discomfort? In the past month, I have frequently experienced abdominal bloating and a sensation of gas movement in my abdomen, along with an increased feeling of hunger and occasional nausea. I have undergone a stool occult blood test, which was normal. A barium enema e...
Dr. Zhang Yuting reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
If there are polyps in the colon, an endoscopic resection can be performed; however, to determine whether it is colon cancer, a biopsy is necessary, and confirmation can only be made through pathological examination. As for the costs of painless gastroscopy and colonoscopy, they ...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Causes, Tests, and Treatment Options
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Dietary Impact
I have blood in my stool? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about an issue I occasionally experience with blood in my stool. Whenever I eat less vegetable-based foods, I notice this problem. Does this indicate that there is an issue with my gastrointestinal system, or could i...
Dr. Zhang Yuting reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
There are many causes of bloody stools, with hemorrhoidal bleeding being the most common. However, it is essential to rule out inflammatory bowel disease or tumors. It is recommended that you visit a gastroenterologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Dietary Impact
Understanding Liver, Gallbladder, and Gastrointestinal Health Issues
Hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal system issues? Hello Doctor: My father recently underwent a health check-up, and the results are as follows: Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA): 6.62 mg/ml (<6.0) Total Bilirubin: 1.1 mg/dl (0.1-1.2) Direct Bilirubin: 0.3 mg/dl (0.0-0.2) Total Pr...
Dr. Zhang Yuting reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
May I ask where your father had his health check-up and why he did not explain it clearly to you? Your father is a carrier of hepatitis B and needs regular follow-up treatment in the gastroenterology department. The elevated CEA levels are associated with smoking or adenocarcinom...[Read More] Understanding Liver, Gallbladder, and Gastrointestinal Health Issues
Understanding Chronic Constipation: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Chronic constipation I would like to ask the doctor... I used to have chronic constipation, going about four to five days without a bowel movement. However, I consistently drink plenty of water every day, exercise regularly, eat a high-fiber diet, and often consume yogurt. My bow...
Dr. Zhang Yuting reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
There are many causes of irregular bowel movements, which are related to diet, lifestyle habits, stress, and gastrointestinal function. However, it is crucial to rule out organic diseases of the gastrointestinal organs. If you experience persistent irregular bowel movements, plea...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Constipation: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Understanding Abdominal Distension: Seeking Help for Persistent Bloating
The lower abdomen is protruding, resembling that of a woman who is 4 to 5 months pregnant? Hello Dr. Zhang, I am 160 cm tall and weigh 40 kg. I have been very thin since childhood, not by choice. Every morning when I wake up, my abdomen is flat, but as I eat, my lower abdomen ex...
Dr. Zhang Yuting reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Please visit the Endocrinology and Metabolism Department or the Gastroenterology Clinic for further evaluation of your underweight issue.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Distension: Seeking Help for Persistent Bloating
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B and C Treatment Costs in Taiwan
Chronic hepatitis B and C treatment..? Hello Dr. Chang: I understand that the National Health Insurance Administration has recently started to cover treatments with interferon and other medications for eligible patients with chronic hepatitis B and C, and that the treatment needs...
Dr. Zhang Yuting reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Cost-related inquiries cannot be answered by the physician; please consult the administrative department of the hospital where you are receiving treatment.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B and C Treatment Costs in Taiwan
Comparing Barium Enema and Colonoscopy for Accurate Colon Diagnosis
Yogurt Can barium enema imaging accurately detect lesions in the colon, or is colonoscopy a more precise method? Additionally, is it advisable to consume yogurt during episodes of diarrhea and soft stools to alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort?
Dr. Zhang Yuting reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Barium enema imaging cannot detect all lesions in the colon with 100% accuracy, and if the bowel is not adequately cleansed, false positives may occur. Colonoscopy, on the other hand, is more direct and allows for biopsy or treatment of lesions, which barium imaging cannot provid...[Read More] Comparing Barium Enema and Colonoscopy for Accurate Colon Diagnosis
Understanding Black Stomach: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Stomach Hello, doctor. I'm asking on behalf of my dad, and I'm very worried about him. Recently, he has been experiencing stomach discomfort and went to a large hospital to see a doctor. The doctor performed an endoscopy and said that his stomach looks different from a ...
Dr. Zhang Yuting reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the finding of a black stomach during an endoscopy is not a recognized clinical term. We hope to have further examination reports to provide you with a clearer explanation.[Read More] Understanding Black Stomach: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Antibody Response
Hepatitis B Hello: I heard from my teacher that some people do not produce antibodies even after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine. I was vaccinated as a child, but my recent health check report showed a positive reaction. Should I get vaccinated again? Is there a specific time w...
Dr. Zhang Yuting reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The serological tests for hepatitis B include surface antigen (HBsAg) and surface antibody (Anti-HBs). I am not sure which of your results is positive. If you have received the vaccine, typically, Anti-HBs would be positive. If Anti-HBs is positive, there is no need for further v...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Antibody Response
Understanding Hepatitis C Diagnosis and Treatment Options: A Patient's Guide
How to diagnose Hepatitis C? My father visited your hospital due to abdominal pain and discomfort. Blood tests revealed he has Hepatitis C, with GOT at 120 and GPT at 150. An abdominal ultrasound was performed, and he was prescribed medication. On November 11, his GOT decreased t...
Dr. Zhang Yuting reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Currently, the diagnosis of hepatitis C is performed using serological tests, which measure whether the patient has antibodies against the hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV antibodies). However, patients who test positive for antibodies do not necessarily have protective immunity, nor ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Diagnosis and Treatment Options: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Helicobacter Pylori in Stomach and Duodenal Ulcers
Helicobacter pylori 1. Is Helicobacter pylori commonly associated with gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers? 2. Can a doctor determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori based solely on experience during an endoscopy without conducting other tests? 3. If a physician indicates ...
Dr. Zhang Yuting reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
1. About 80 to 90 percent of patients with gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers are infected with Helicobacter pylori. Aside from ulcers caused by NSAIDs and other rare causes, there is a significant association between Helicobacter pylori and the formation of ulcers. 2. Gastroscop...[Read More] Understanding Helicobacter Pylori in Stomach and Duodenal Ulcers
Understanding Suspected Submucosal Tumors in the Duodenum: Next Steps
Submucosal tumor of the duodenum? Hello Doctor, my father recently underwent a comprehensive health check-up at the Veterans General Hospital. The report indicated an abnormal finding during the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, stating, "gastroesophageal reflux disease, sus...
Dr. Zhang Yuting reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
1. Your father has two issues. One is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which may be associated with reflux esophagitis. Common symptoms include acid reflux, a burning sensation in the chest, or chronic cough. If your father experiences these symptoms, he should visit a gas...[Read More] Understanding Suspected Submucosal Tumors in the Duodenum: Next Steps
Understanding Pancreatitis: The Link Between Gallstones and Digestive Health
Pancreatitis Why are individuals with gallstones more prone to developing pancreatitis? What impact does pancreatitis have on the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the human body?
Dr. Zhang Yuting reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Individuals with bile duct stones or gallbladder stones may experience cholangitis or pancreatitis if the stones become lodged at the ampulla of Vater. There are several hypotheses regarding the pathogenic mechanisms involved. The pancreas has both endocrine and exocrine function...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatitis: The Link Between Gallstones and Digestive Health
Understanding Hepatitis B Surface Antibodies: Key Insights for Patients
Hepatitis B issues What is Hepatitis B surface antibody?
Dr. Zhang Yuting reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
What you are asking about is the Hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs), which is the antibody produced by the body in response to the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Generally, individuals who have not been infected with Hepatitis B will develop Anti-HBs after receiving th...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Surface Antibodies: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Your Stomach Pain: Why Lying Down Helps Relieve Discomfort
Stomach pain? Doctor, I would like to ask about my stomach pain, which is quite inconsistent. However, there is one noticeable condition: every time the pain occurs, it immediately goes away when I lie down. Sometimes lying on my side is more effective, but other times just lying...
Dr. Zhang Yuting reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
There are many causes of upper abdominal pain, such as ulcerative diseases, biliary and pancreatic disorders, esophagitis, and musculoskeletal issues, which could all contribute to your discomfort. It is difficult to determine a diagnosis based solely on symptoms. It is recommend...[Read More] Understanding Your Stomach Pain: Why Lying Down Helps Relieve Discomfort
Understanding Pancreatic Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Pancreatic tumor Dear Dr. Zhang Yuting, Hello! I would like to briefly summarize my medical history for your reference. 1. Hepatitis B (maternal transmission) 2. Car accident (fractured jaw, surgery performed) 3. Uterine fibroids (surgically removed approximately 0.6 kg) 4. Ch...
Dr. Zhang Yuting reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Your issue is quite complex, and based on your description, the most likely problem is a chronic pancreatic neck tumor. There are several possibilities regarding your pancreatic neck tumor: one is that it is a malignant tumor (as chronic pancreatitis is a high-risk factor for pan...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: What You Need to Know After an Ultrasound
About the liver? Hello Dr. Chang, I had an abdominal ultrasound during my health check-up and was informed that there are white spots on my liver, indicating fibrosis. What should I do?
Dr. Zhang Yuting reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
There are many possibilities for the hyperechoic spots observed on ultrasound, with common causes being hemangiomas or calcifications, or hepatic blood vessels. However, further blood tests are needed for confirmation. If you have concerns, please consult a gastroenterologist or ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: What You Need to Know After an Ultrasound
Understanding Persistent Vomiting in Elderly Diabetic Patients: Causes and Solutions
Vomiting Doctor, I am asking on behalf of my grandfather, who is 82 years old and has diabetes. His condition has been quite serious, and he has been controlling his blood sugar with medication for over two years. His blood sugar levels have been relatively well-managed, and he h...
Dr. Zhang Yuting reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Patients with diabetes who have poor blood sugar control are prone to complications affecting various organs, one of which is diabetic gastroparesis. This condition is caused by neuropathy affecting the nerves that control gastrointestinal motility, leading to symptoms such as ab...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Vomiting in Elderly Diabetic Patients: Causes and Solutions