Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
The health check showed elevated levels of total bilirubin and direct bilirubin? Total bilirubin: 1.51 mg/dL (reference range: 0.1–1.2 mg/dL) Direct bilirubin: 0.49 mg/dL (reference range: 0–0.4 mg/dL) In the past three years, only these two values have exceeded the standard...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It may be a congenital constitution, and it is possible that family members are similar. It does not affect your health, so there is no need for concern. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Gallstones: Next Steps After Diagnosis and Surgery Options
A small clinic has diagnosed gallstones? Hello Dr. Chen, I have a question to ask. Last Friday night, I experienced abdominal pain and went to a small clinic for a consultation. The doctor at the clinic listened to my description and symptoms (abdominal pain and slight back pain)...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, you can directly see a general surgery evaluation and start a low-fat diet. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Gallstones: Next Steps After Diagnosis and Surgery Options
Understanding Elevated G-GT Levels: Causes and Management Tips
Elevated G-GT levels? Hello Doctor, I previously had a blood test related to my liver, and the first time my G-GT level was 67, while both GOT and GPT were within normal ranges. About a month later, I had another blood test for follow-up, and I found that my G-GT level dropped to...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Fatty liver can be managed with normal GOT and GPT levels. If rGT is elevated, the general recommendation is to reduce oil and sugar intake, limit alcohol consumption, and increase physical activity. Follow-up should be done every 4 to 6 months.[Read More] Understanding Elevated G-GT Levels: Causes and Management Tips
Persistent Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
There is a sensation of a foreign object in the upper right abdomen; it is not painful, but there is a noticeable feeling of obstruction when sitting down? 1. The patient has hepatitis B and requires regular abdominal ultrasound and fetal protein tests every 6 to 12 months. 2. ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if you haven't had an examination for six months, you can schedule an ultrasound at Changhua Hospital to take care of your health. Best regards, Chen Shidian.[Read More] Persistent Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Managing Gallstone Pain: When to Seek Emergency Care and Treatment Options
Issues with Pain Relief Injections for Gallstones Hello Dr. Chen, In July of this year, I underwent an abdominal ultrasound at the hospital and discovered that I have a gallstone approximately 1 cm in size. My symptoms typically begin with nausea, followed by intermittent sever...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It's better to undergo surgery as soon as possible to avoid recurrent inflammation and adhesions, which can complicate the procedure. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Best regards, Chen Shidian.[Read More] Managing Gallstone Pain: When to Seek Emergency Care and Treatment Options
Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Implications
The first occurrence of total bilirubin (1.8 mg/dL) and direct bilirubin (0.8 mg/dL) is elevated? I have been taking medication for lowering blood sugar for a long time. My fasting blood sugar is 121 mg/dL, and my HbA1c is 6.5%. My average blood pressure is 130/78 mmHg. Aside fro...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels are elevated, indicating liver function abnormalities. It is necessary to check for hepatitis or gallbladder and biliary tract diseases. Causes of hepatitis include viral infections, alcohol consumption, medications, and fatty liver dis...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Implications
Can Gallstones and Fatty Liver Cause Chest and Shoulder Pain?
Can gallstones and fatty liver cause pain in the epigastric region or upper abdomen, right shoulder pain, and discomfort in the back? Hello, Director Chen. I apologize for interrupting you during your busy schedule. I am 36 years old, have never smoked or consumed alcohol, and my...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. While the chances of related opportunities may not be significant, if you have been troubled for a long time, you might consider laparoscopic cholecystectomy to prevent future occurrences of gallstones. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Sincerely, Chen Shidia...[Read More] Can Gallstones and Fatty Liver Cause Chest and Shoulder Pain?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Insights on Stomach Pain and Treatment
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor: At the beginning of September this year, I visited a clinic due to feeling unwell. The doctor diagnosed me with heat exhaustion. The next day, after taking the medication, I experienced severe stomach pain in the afternoon. I returned to the ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Serious illnesses should have been ruled out; you only have irritable bowel syndrome. With dietary adjustments and medication, you should be fine. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Insights on Stomach Pain and Treatment
Can Gallstones and Fatty Liver Cause Upper Abdominal Pain and Discomfort?
Can gallstones and fatty liver cause pain in the epigastric region or upper abdomen, right shoulder pain, and back discomfort? Hello Dr. Chen, I apologize for interrupting you during your busy schedule. I am 36 years old, have never smoked or consumed alcohol, and my blood tests ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
In general, fatty liver is less likely to present with pain symptoms. As for gallstones, treatment should be pursued whenever there are symptoms, regardless of their size or quantity. In terms of location, the pain may be due to the gallstones, but based on your description of th...[Read More] Can Gallstones and Fatty Liver Cause Upper Abdominal Pain and Discomfort?
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Concerns for Carriers and Treatment Options
The struggles of hepatitis B carriers? Hello Doctor: I am a carrier of Hepatitis B and have been under surveillance since 2013. Initially, I had semi-annual check-ups and abdominal ultrasounds, but this year it has changed to every three months. My current test results are as fol...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. This issue is more specialized, please discuss it with an experienced hepatologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Concerns for Carriers and Treatment Options
Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Should You Pay for Further Testing?
Hepatitis B..? Hello Doctor, I did not pass the military service physical examination and was asked to undergo a re-examination. Therefore, I spent 1500 NTD at a clinic for a blood test to check my liver. After the results came out, the doctor said my report was very unreasonable...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, you can visit a large hospital's gastroenterology department for follow-up examinations. If your ALT levels continue to rise without decreasing, you may also consider having a DNA test covered by health insurance. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidia...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Should You Pay for Further Testing?
Understanding Peritonitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
Issues related to peritonitis? Hello, on the evening of August 23rd (Tuesday), I ate some stale clam soup, and the next morning I started experiencing diarrhea, which continued daily until August 28th (Sunday), when it became milder. Around August 25th or 26th, I noticed sharp pa...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. The pain in your stomach may be due to gastritis, which can cause discomfort. 2. Severe intestinal inflammation can potentially affect the visceral peritoneum. If you are experiencing intestinal perforation, it can lead to inflammation of the entire abdominal cavity,...[Read More] Understanding Peritonitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps and Indirect Bilirubin Levels
Abnormal liver function test results? The abdominal ultrasound showed a 0.8 cm polyp in the gallbladder and an indirect bilirubin level of 0.70. Is this very serious?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1) The gallbladder polyp measures 0.8 cm and can be monitored. If it continues to grow and exceeds 1-1.5 cm, gallbladder removal is recommended to prevent potential malignancy. 2) Indirect bilirubin is 0.70, which is normal. There is no need for excessive concern. Changhua...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps and Indirect Bilirubin Levels
Understanding Bloating and Hiccups: A Teen's Gastrointestinal Concerns
My stomach gets very bloated after eating, and I keep burping? Hello Doctor: I am 15 years old and have been experiencing abdominal bloating for the past seven to eight months. This never happened before; now, whenever I eat a full meal, my stomach becomes extremely distended, al...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: To see a gastroenterologist, it's important to adjust not only medications but also lifestyle habits, diet, and bowel habits for significant improvement. Avoid foods that are high in fat and protein, and beverages should also be limited. Establish a daily bowel moveme...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Hiccups: A Teen's Gastrointestinal Concerns
Persistent Stomach Pain and Weight Loss: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Persistent stomach discomfort for two weeks with weight loss? Hello, Doctor. Two weeks ago, I started experiencing bloating in my stomach, accompanied by a persistent dull pain that occurs throughout the day, regardless of whether I've eaten. I feel like there's gas ris...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: You can start by taking Nexium and temporarily discontinue mosapride to see if there is any improvement. If there is still no improvement, you can return to your original physician for a discussion and medication adjustment. There is no need to change doctors just because ...[Read More] Persistent Stomach Pain and Weight Loss: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Understanding Long-Term Fatty Stools: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chronic fatty stools Hello Doctor, in the past few months, I have noticed a layer of clear, colorless oil floating on the surface of my stool during bowel movements. The amount varies, and it usually disappears on its own after about 4-5 days, only to reappear after some time. Th...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Check liver function, biliary enzymes, and pancreatic enzymes. If any abnormalities are found, further evaluation with abdominal ultrasound or even computed tomography (CT) scan may be necessary. If all tests are normal, dietary adjustments should be made, and digestive enzymes m...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Fatty Stools: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Liver Nodules: Concerns and Next Steps for Patients
Hepatic nodular hyperplasia Recent abdominal ultrasound examination report: low echo liver nodule (right lobe, approximately 0.7 cm). Can you explain my situation? I do not have hepatitis B or C and am very concerned it could be a tumor or cancer. My body fat percentage is relati...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. You can follow up with the gastroenterology outpatient clinic in three months. There may not necessarily be any changes, so there is no need to worry. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Liver Nodules: Concerns and Next Steps for Patients
Post-Meal Hunger: Understanding Unusual Digestive Symptoms and Solutions
Postprandial hunger sensation? Hello Doctor: Three weeks ago, after lunch, I suddenly experienced a problem where I felt hungry shortly after eating (similar to a hunger sensation without bowel sounds). If I eat too quickly, the hunger sensation can even appear halfway through th...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. The examination results should be clear enough. In addition to dietary control for fatty liver, you may discuss medication (or an endoscopy) with your physician regarding your gastrointestinal symptoms. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shih-Dian.[Read More] Post-Meal Hunger: Understanding Unusual Digestive Symptoms and Solutions
Post-Surgery Complications in Children with Biliary Cysts: Insights and Concerns
Postoperative issues in children with choledochal cysts? Hello Dr. Chen, The child underwent laparoscopic total cyst excision of the bile duct, biliary-enteric anastomosis, and liver biopsy due to a choledochal cyst. The underlying cause was identified through abnormal levels of...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
The risk of developing pancreatitis after the aforementioned surgery is inherently present, primarily depending on the severity assessment. The level of the index is not an indicator of severity. Treatment is mainly supportive.[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications in Children with Biliary Cysts: Insights and Concerns
Understanding Diaphragmatic Asymmetry: Causes and Concerns
Diaphragmatic asymmetry Hello doctor, a while ago I experienced difficulty breathing, so I visited a pulmonologist. After an X-ray, the doctor mentioned that my diaphragm is asymmetric. Could this possibly be congenital, or could there be other reasons? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Congenital conditions should be evaluated. It is recommended to perform an abdominal ultrasound to rule out hepatic lesions.[Read More] Understanding Diaphragmatic Asymmetry: Causes and Concerns