Differentiating Between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Stomach Ulcers
The difference between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and peptic ulcer disease? Yesterday, while preparing breakfast, I suddenly experienced severe stomach pain, making it difficult to stand upright. The pain radiated to my chest and back. I took one Omeprazole (OMEZOL), which al...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, miss. Please wait for the test results and take the medication for a while to observe the response. If necessary, you may undergo an endoscopy to rule out other possible conditions. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Differentiating Between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Stomach Ulcers
Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Recommended Tests
Abdominal pain Hello Dr. Lin: Recently, I have been experiencing hardness in the upper abdominal area near the chest, which is often painful when pressed. Occasionally, after meals, I feel a burning sensation in my abdomen, along with nausea and belching, and my stomach appears t...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Upper abdominal pain, occasional burning sensation after meals, and regurgitation with burping may indicate functional gastrointestinal issues. Conditions such as gastritis and esophagitis suggest the need to pay attention to dietary habits, including chewing food thoroughly, eat...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Recommended Tests
Understanding Liver Issues: Insights from Ultrasound Reports and Symptoms
Liver issues? Hello Dr. Tsai! I would like your help reviewing my abdominal ultrasound reports from two different hospitals, thank you. **First Report:** - Spleen Index: 7.18 × 3.75 cm - CBD: 0.63 cm - Portal vein: 1.05 cm - Normal liver size, bright and heterogeneous parenchyma...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. According to the report you provided, the liver appears to be only fibrotic, with no signs of cirrhosis. Additionally, your platelet count is 241,000; individuals with cirrhosis typically have platelet counts below the normal range (169,000). 2. Chronic anemia can i...[Read More] Understanding Liver Issues: Insights from Ultrasound Reports and Symptoms
Understanding Liver Issues: Could It Be Cancer or Benign Tumors?
Liver problems Hello Doctor: On January 23, I had a blood test, and the results showed GOP 153 and GPT 382 with no hepatitis B. The fetal protein levels were normal. Today, an abdominal ultrasound was performed, and the doctor noted two small black spots, which led to a CT scan. ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: You should trust the conclusions drawn by clinical physicians based on ultrasound and computed tomography diagnoses. Please return for regular follow-up examinations. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Liver Issues: Could It Be Cancer or Benign Tumors?
Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels in Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers
A carrier of hepatitis B would like to inquire about the issue of elevated total bilirubin (TBIL 2.1 mg/dL)? Hello Dr. Chen, I am 40 years old and a carrier of Hepatitis B. I would like to inquire about the issue of elevated total bilirubin (TBIL 2.1 mg/dL). I have been regularl...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It is likely that your elevated bilirubin levels are due to your individual bilirubin metabolism, which poses no harm to your health. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels in Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers
Understanding Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Patient's Journey
Gastrointestinal issues Hello, doctor. Last October, I experienced stomach pain, dizziness, and fatigue, so I went to a small clinic. The doctor diagnosed me with gastritis symptoms. After taking the medication, I initially felt better, but the next day I had stomach and abdomina...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If all tests show no obvious issues, it may be necessary to look for causes in your lifestyle, diet, and habits. Avoid stimulating foods (such as tea, coffee, fried foods, and spicy foods), try not to be overly anxious or under significant stress, and develop a habit of da...[Read More] Understanding Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Mass: Possible Causes and Concerns
Left lower abdominal mass? Hello Doctor: I have felt a tubular mass in my left lower abdomen near the pelvis (about 6 centimeters long, approximately the width of my thumb; sometimes it is very noticeable, other times it is less so). I have already consulted a gynecologist, but t...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
If the physician cannot palpate the mass and it is not visible on ultrasound, it can almost be confirmed that the mass does not exist. If it is a hernia, it would be a more superficial protrusion that the physician should be able to feel. If it is an enlarged intestine, it may be...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Mass: Possible Causes and Concerns
Managing Persistent Gastrointestinal Issues: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor, I previously asked you about my condition after undergoing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy last July. At that time, the doctor diagnosed me with mild gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastritis. After taking medication for severa...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
In addition to medication therapy, dietary management is very important. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, the next step is to adjust the medication.[Read More] Managing Persistent Gastrointestinal Issues: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment
Addressing Anxiety: Concerns About Abdominal Ultrasound and Recording
Hello doctor, I have two questions? Hello, doctor. My boyfriend is experiencing severe anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. He is currently undergoing treatment in a psychosomatic clinic. Recently, he has had two concerns related to his liver, gallbladder, and gastrointesti...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Recording on a mobile phone will not affect the ultrasound results. Fasting for more than 6 hours, with only a small amount of water consumed, will not impact the interpretation of the ultrasound.[Read More] Addressing Anxiety: Concerns About Abdominal Ultrasound and Recording
Does Drinking Water Before an Abdominal Ultrasound Affect Results?
Drinking water before an ultrasound examination? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing dull pain in my upper right abdomen, so I visited a gastroenterology clinic. The doctor wanted to perform an abdominal ultrasound and asked if I was fasting and had not consumed any water. I ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Drinking water occasionally may affect the penetration of ultrasound; however, if the physician has not specifically mentioned the need for a re-examination, it should be clear enough. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Does Drinking Water Before an Abdominal Ultrasound Affect Results?
Can Liver Tumors Progress to Liver Cancer? Understanding Your Risks
Can a liver tumor transform into liver cancer? Hello, doctor! In September of this year, I went for a check-up due to gastrointestinal discomfort, and an abdominal ultrasound detected a 0.6 cm tumor on my right liver. During a follow-up visit in December, it had increased to 0.8 ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. Please do not worry; the chances are likely low. Just continue to monitor any changes in size. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Can Liver Tumors Progress to Liver Cancer? Understanding Your Risks
Understanding Anti-HBs Levels and Their Implications for Liver Health
Anti-HBs Hello, doctor. Could you please explain what a positive Anti-HBs value of + (108.22) indicates? Additionally, I have a mild fatty liver observed during an abdominal ultrasound. Thank you.
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. The concentration of hepatitis B antibodies is a concern for your health at Changhua Hospital. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Anti-HBs Levels and Their Implications for Liver Health
Could My Symptoms Indicate a Possible Pancreatic Tumor?
Is there a possibility of pancreatic tumor? Hello Doctor, I am 29 years old and here is my situation. Recently, on a night in November, I felt a dull ache and bloating in my right abdomen. For several days, I have had a slight sensation in my right upper abdomen, but it is not as...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Your symptoms can be explained by gallstones. If the doctor has diagnosed you with no pancreatic tumor and multiple tests have shown the same results, there is no need to worry too much.[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate a Possible Pancreatic Tumor?
Understanding Pain Radiating from Below the Navel: Gallstones Explained
The pain radiates upward from below the navel? Hello Dr. Chen! For the past month, I have experienced two episodes of pain that radiates in a fan shape from two centimeters below the navel during the night. An abdominal ultrasound indicated that the bile duct is dilated but withi...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
In principle, if gallstones are symptomatic, the primary symptom is upper abdominal pain, especially after consuming a rich, fatty meal. Lower abdominal pain is often related to the intestines.[Read More] Understanding Pain Radiating from Below the Navel: Gallstones Explained
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: When to Worry and What to Do
Gallbladder polyp Hello Dr. Chen, since I started undergoing health check-ups in February 2013, I discovered an issue with gallbladder polyps. At that time, there was only one polyp, approximately 0.5 mm in size. However, during a follow-up health check arranged by my company in ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
The principles of surgery for gallbladder polyps are that if the size is greater than 1 centimeter or if the number continues to increase, cholecystectomy should be considered due to the risk of complications. If a person experiences diarrhea after consuming oily foods, it may be...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: When to Worry and What to Do
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Discomfort: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Left lower abdominal discomfort and pain? Hello, doctor. Since the middle of last month, I've gradually felt some discomfort in my lower left abdomen. I initially thought it was a gynecological issue, so I consulted a gynecologist who performed an ultrasound and said there w...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Young women experiencing lower abdominal pain may have several potential causes, including gynecological issues, ovulation pain, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, or urinary tract problems. If there is chronic abdominal pain, irregular diet, blood in the stool, or weight lo...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Discomfort: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Does Recording Conversations Affect Abdominal Ultrasound Results?
Could you please clarify your question? Hello, doctor. I have severe anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, so I try to record everything I consider important in my life. I have a fear of death, which makes me feel very tense when I see a doctor. Before my appointments, I sec...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. The recording device will not affect the ultrasound examination, so there is no need to worry. However, private recording may have legal implications, and you should obtain the physician's consent before recording. Please take note of this. Changhua Hospital care...[Read More] Does Recording Conversations Affect Abdominal Ultrasound Results?
Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: A Daughter's Urgent Concerns
Abnormal liver function tests? My father went to the hospital for a blood test on November 18, and after the results came back, he was urgently admitted for hospitalization! His liver enzyme levels were over 1000 (prior to this, he had been complaining of lower back and waist pai...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, the term "fulminant hepatitis" refers to the onset of jaundice accompanied by altered mental status. It is advisable for your father to discuss his condition thoroughly with his attending physician and to be closely monitored. Additionally, please avoid consuming...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: A Daughter's Urgent Concerns
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Risks, Symptoms, and Surgical Options
Cholecystectomy Hello Doctor, during today's employee health check, an abdominal ultrasound revealed a 0.4 x 0.7 cm polyp at the fundus of the gallbladder, which was not detected in last year's ultrasound. Other blood test results are as follows: CEA and CA 19-9 are nor...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
CA72-4 is a marker that has high sensitivity but low specificity; it can be elevated even in cases of gastric inflammation. As for gallbladder polyps, they are generally not related. It is usually recommended to follow up every six months, and intervention is only considered if t...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Risks, Symptoms, and Surgical Options
Understanding Chronic Bloating: Causes and Solutions for Your Digestive Health
Abdominal bloating issues? Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask about my situation. Since mid-September, after experiencing a cold with a sore throat and diarrhea (which resolved in a day or two), I have been experiencing daily bloating. There has...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Ms. Penny, the possibility of a peptic ulcer cannot be ruled out based on your symptoms. It is recommended that you see a gastroenterologist for evaluation and arrange for an endoscopy. Changhua Hospital cares about your health.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Bloating: Causes and Solutions for Your Digestive Health