Can Silimin Be Taken Long-Term for Fatty Liver Management?
Is it safe to take Silimin long-term? I had a stroke in 2014, which left me with right-sided paralysis. After a six-month rehabilitation in the hospital, my condition improved, and the hospital discharged me, recommending home rehabilitation. However, home rehabilitation was limi...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, you can ask your physician to check if your liver enzymes have returned to normal. If they have, you may not need to continue taking medication. Additionally, if you are not experiencing constipation, there is no need to keep taking stool softeners; just be mindful of your...[Read More] Can Silimin Be Taken Long-Term for Fatty Liver Management?
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Elevated liver enzymes indicating inflammation? Hello, doctor. I went to the family medicine clinic last week for a blood test, and today the report came back. My blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides are all normal, but my liver enzymes are elevated. The family medicine do...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: An ALT level of 60 (with a standard range of 7-42) indicates a liver condition that is not considered severe. However, it may be caused by fatty liver or insufficient sleep. Once the underlying cause is identified, further measures can be taken to improve the situation, wh...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Abdominal Bloating and Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Abdominal bloating, abdominal rigidity, a feeling of fullness, and discomfort or the urge to defecate after eating? Hello Doctor, I woke up on Saturday morning (June 10, 2017) feeling sudden abdominal bloating and a hard abdomen (around the area of the navel; I'm not sure if...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The location of your discomfort you described is more likely related to a gastric issue. It may be advisable to consult a gastroenterologist again to determine if an endoscopy is necessary. Ultrasound is indeed not effective for examining hollow organs such as the gastroin...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Bloating and Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding GERD and Delayed Gastric Emptying: Symptoms and Solutions
Gastroesophageal reflux and digestive motility issues? Hello Doctor: After eating every day, I often experience belching and start to feel a bitter taste in my mouth 2-3 hours later. My gastroscopy showed no ulcers or tumors, and there is no Helicobacter pylori, but I do have gas...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1) General gastroscopy or upper gastrointestinal imaging can determine whether the cardia is relaxed, if there is a hiatal hernia, whether there is esophageal dilation affecting the pylorus, if there are any ulcers, and if there is deformation of the duodenal bulb that impacts ga...[Read More] Understanding GERD and Delayed Gastric Emptying: Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Fluctuations in Anti-HBs Levels After Hepatitis B Treatment
Hepatitis B Anti-HBs Value Issues Dear Dr. Chen, I hope this message finds you well. During a company health check in 2007, I was found to be a carrier of hepatitis B with elevated liver enzymes (approximately GOT over 800). After follow-up at National Taiwan University Hospital...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. The values obtained are not completely quantitative, so they should only be used for reference and should not be interpreted based on their magnitude. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in Anti-HBs Levels After Hepatitis B Treatment
Understanding Right Abdominal Pain: Is Obesity the Cause?
Obesity. Occasional sharp pain just below the right breast? Hello, doctor. I am quite overweight, over 100 kilograms. The fat just below my right breast is consistently a bit larger than the left side, and it feels soft to the touch. Occasionally, I experience sharp pains a few t...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It may be more accurate to locate the liver at the lower edge of the ribs. You can consult a gastroenterologist to see if an abdominal ultrasound is necessary. Strict control of diet and exercise is essential to manage weight. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr....[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal Pain: Is Obesity the Cause?
Do I Need a Colonoscopy? Understanding Abdominal Pain Concerns
Is a colonoscopy necessary? Hello Doctor, I started experiencing pain in my upper left abdomen in early April this year. I have visited a gastroenterology clinic five times and underwent an upper endoscopy. The doctor said everything was normal, and there was no Helicobacter pylo...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
You can consult a gastroenterologist or a colorectal surgeon and consider undergoing (1) abdominal ultrasound, (2) colon X-ray, or colonoscopy.[Read More] Do I Need a Colonoscopy? Understanding Abdominal Pain Concerns
Understanding Bloating, Chest Tightness, and Liver Function Issues
Abdominal bloating, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and abnormal liver function tests? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if bloating can cause chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Two weeks ago, I visited a gastroenterologist, and during an abdominal ultrasound, the ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. If the medication does not improve your condition, you may need to return for a follow-up appointment to inform your physician and adjust the medication. 2. If GOT is greater than GPT, please consider whether you have taken any herbal medicine or consumed alcohol. As fo...[Read More] Understanding Bloating, Chest Tightness, and Liver Function Issues
Understanding Right Abdominal Discomfort: When to Seek Gastroenterology Care
Dull pain in the right side of the abdomen (approximately 10 to 13 cm to the right of the navel)? I previously reduced my water intake due to work, which led to changes in my body and resulted in kidney stones. A year and a half ago, I experienced unbearable pain from a stone lod...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you have seen a urologist and it does not appear to be a recurrence of urinary tract stones, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist to determine the cause, such as fecal impaction, bloating, or colitis, among other issues. It is advised to maintain a normal d...[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal Discomfort: When to Seek Gastroenterology Care
Mild Bile Duct Dilation: Should You Be Concerned at Age 60?
Mild dilation of the bile duct? I am sixty years old. Last month, I had my annual check-up and an abdominal ultrasound, which revealed a slight dilation of the bile duct measuring 7mm, while everything else was normal. My liver function tests were also normal, and I do not feel a...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The normal range for the diameter of the bile duct is between 7mm and 11mm. If the bilirubin levels and alkaline phosphatase are normal, there is no need to be overly concerned. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Mild Bile Duct Dilation: Should You Be Concerned at Age 60?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues After Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Guide
Gastrointestinal issues Hello, doctor. I gave birth to my baby last December and have been supplementing during my confinement period. One night, I had stomach pain after drinking chicken soup before bed. After taking probiotics, I felt fine! However, after the confinement period...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Minishiuan: Your condition is relatively complex. Generally, diverticulitis may lead to your current symptoms; of course, a pelvic infection combined with mild peritonitis can also present in this manner. It is advisable for you to seek evaluation from a gastroenterologist a...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues After Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Anxiety, Digestive Issues, and Solutions
Abdominal pain? Doctor... I have had loose, unformed stools for about two weeks now, along with constant bowel sounds and flatulence. My bowel habits have changed, and while I was abroad, I started to worry it might be colon cancer. I returned to Taiwan and underwent a painless c...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Loose stools, abdominal rumbling, and a feeling of urgency with incomplete evacuation may all be due to increased intestinal motility. Sometimes, this can be caused by emotional factors, and at other times, it may be related to certain foods (such as tea or coffee). If the...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Anxiety, Digestive Issues, and Solutions
Understanding Mild Anemia: Causes and Gastrointestinal Concerns
Acute mild anemia Hello Doctor: In 2013, my hemoglobin was 16.4 during a health check, and in 2015, it was 15.7. However, in 2016, my hemoglobin dropped to 12.7, and during a blood donation in March 2017, it was found to be 12.6. In April 2017, a hospital check showed my hemoglob...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Please first visit a colorectal surgeon.[Read More] Understanding Mild Anemia: Causes and Gastrointestinal Concerns
Understanding Fatty Liver: Concerns About Hepatomegaly and Next Steps
Fatty liver with abdominal distension? Hello. In January of this year, I underwent an abdominal ultrasound due to abdominal pain, and the report indicated fatty liver. The ultrasound report stated: "liver is normal size with smooth outline. There is diffuse increase in echog...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. The normal liver size is approximately 25 cm in length, 15 cm in height, and 16 cm in width. 2. I'm not sure how often your physician has advised you to return for follow-up; if there are no specific concerns, a follow-up with blood tests and ultrasound every six m...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Concerns About Hepatomegaly and Next Steps
Understanding Liver Tumors: Assessing Cancer Risk and Follow-Up Care
There is a tumor in the liver? Hello Doctor: In February, an abdominal ultrasound revealed two tumors in my liver (0.6 cm and 1.7 cm). During a follow-up in April, another tumor was found (0.8 cm). The previous two tumors had not grown, and the doctor mentioned that they might ha...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, the probability is low, but further monitoring is needed. If necessary, a CT scan or MRI may be performed for evaluation. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumors: Assessing Cancer Risk and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Insights into Gastrointestinal Issues
Abdominal issues? About two months ago, I started experiencing nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, excessive stomach acid, and an inability to burp, so I went to the hospital for a check-up. After undergoing an endoscopy, the doctor said there were no issues with my stomach, but I ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Abdominal ultrasound: liver, gallbladder, spleen, and kidneys; the pancreas can only be visualized when there is minimal intestinal gas. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Insights into Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Growth Risks and Care Tips
High-frequency feedback issue? Hello Dr. Tsai, I consulted you a few days ago regarding an abdominal ultrasound issue. On Monday, the attending physician initially told me it was a liver nodule, but on the follow-up visit, they said it was a 0.5 cm hemangioma and advised me to re...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A 1.0 x 0.5 cm hemangioma requires regular monitoring to determine if it will grow rapidly, which is usually not the case. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Growth Risks and Care Tips
Understanding Your Abdominal Ultrasound Results: Key Insights for Liver and Gallbladder Health
Abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the organs and structures within the abdomen. It is commonly used to evaluate conditions affecting Hello Dr. Tsai, I previously submitted a question but did not recei...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Fatty liver: It is recommended to monitor the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the serum, maintain a light diet, exercise, and pay attention to weight. 2. Blisters: Generally, there are no significant concerns unless the blisters are large and compressing the ...[Read More] Understanding Your Abdominal Ultrasound Results: Key Insights for Liver and Gallbladder Health
Understanding Colonoscopy Anxiety: What to Expect and Common Concerns
Thank you for the doctor's response last time, but I haven't had a colonoscopy yet? Regarding the previous question, I have undergone tests including stool analysis, urinalysis, blood tests, and abdominal ultrasound, all of which returned normal results. A colonoscopy i...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Colonoscopy has its unique characteristics and cannot be replaced by blood tests. Metastasis can occur in many locations and cannot be completely ruled out by ultrasound. Before determining the cause, there is no need for speculation; if necessary, please consult a gastroe...[Read More] Understanding Colonoscopy Anxiety: What to Expect and Common Concerns
Understanding Weight Loss Concerns in Cancer Patients: Key Insights
Regarding the issue of weight loss? Dear doctors, if a person has cancer, will their weight continuously decrease? Is it possible that their weight never increases at all? Last November, I weighed 80 kilograms. Recently, I have been eating a more balanced diet and have developed ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you are intentionally exercising and have lost weight as a result, there is no need to worry too much, especially since you have already undergone basic examinations, including blood tests, urine tests, stool tests, abdominal ultrasound, and colonoscopy. Additionally, m...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss Concerns in Cancer Patients: Key Insights