Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Is It Just Hemorrhoids or Something More?
There was blood only the first time I wiped after having diarrhea? About six months ago, I noticed that my stool became thinner and had a smooth surface. Sometimes there was bright red blood. I visited a clinic where the doctor performed an abdominal ultrasound and diagnosed me w...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If symptoms persist and there are concerns, you may consult a gastroenterologist to evaluate whether further investigation, such as a colonoscopy, is necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Is It Just Hemorrhoids or Something More?
Understanding High Blood Sugar and Pancreatic Enzyme Levels After Pregnancy
Blood glucose and pancreatic function tests are elevated? Hello, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes in the later stages of my pregnancy and was treated with insulin. A month after giving birth, I experienced acute pancreatitis and was hospitalized for over a week, but the ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
The causes of acute pancreatitis include alcoholic gallstones, hyperlipidemia, medications, and autoimmune conditions. A light diet is recommended, along with blood sugar control and imaging studies such as abdominal ultrasound or CT scans for monitoring. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding High Blood Sugar and Pancreatic Enzyme Levels After Pregnancy
Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
Bilirubin issues? Hello Doctor, last year I discovered that my total bilirubin was elevated while my direct bilirubin was normal. My indirect bilirubin was 2.2 mg/dL. I went to a clinic for follow-up, and I had several blood tests to check for hemolysis. The doctor suggested it m...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Typically, blood tests can only measure total bilirubin and direct bilirubin. Indirect bilirubin is calculated by subtracting the two values. (2) The total bilirubin is 1.75 mg/dL, and the direct bilirubin is 0.54 mg/dL, which indicates direct jaundice. This may be due...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
Chronic Lower Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers After Extensive Testing
Lower abdominal discomfort? Due to persistent dull pain in the lower abdomen for over a year, I have undergone several examinations including colonoscopy, small bowel barium X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, hysteroscopy, transvaginal ultrasound, and intravenous urogram. Despite these...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you still have symptoms, it is recommended to continue follow-up visits for the physician to assess what further examinations may be necessary. Additionally, certain functional issues may not be detectable through instrumental examinations. Please pay attention to any c...[Read More] Chronic Lower Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers After Extensive Testing
Am I Suffering from GERD? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Am I experiencing gastroesophageal reflux? I have an irregular lifestyle, often staying up late and eating out. My circadian rhythm has been disrupted for about a week, and I have been compensating by sleeping during the day, but I still manage to get around 8 hours of sleep. I h...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It could be symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or it may be caused by bloating or constipation. It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Am I Suffering from GERD? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Gastrointestinal issues Hello, doctor. I previously asked you about gastrointestinal issues, and I've been experiencing discomfort for almost four weeks now. I went to the hospital for a consultation, and initially, I only felt a sharp pain in my abdomen. The doctor performe...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It could be the original issue or a new gastrointestinal infection, and it may require a physician's clinical judgment. Please provide your symptoms in more detail to the doctor. It may be necessary to adjust your medication or arrange for other tests. Changhua Hospit...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Understanding Liver Health: Do You Need Fibrosis Testing for Hepatitis B?
Is it cirrhosis? Hello, doctor. I recently had an abdominal ultrasound that showed my liver is enlarged. Subsequent blood tests indicated that my Hepatitis B surface antigen is negative, but my surface antibody and core antibody are positive. I have never been vaccinated, so it s...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A negative hepatitis B surface antigen means that there is no hepatitis B virus carrier status, and there is no need for any medication. There is a significant difference between liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, so there is no need to be overly concerned about cirrhosis. As f...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Do You Need Fibrosis Testing for Hepatitis B?
Understanding Unexplained Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
What could cause an unexplained increase in bilirubin levels? Hello, two weeks ago I visited the hospital for a follow-up on my long-term, intermittent proteinuria (although my kidney function has always been normal). During the examination, it was found that my bilirubin levels ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: In addition to monitoring for hemolysis, you should also pay attention to whether you have been taking traditional Chinese medicine, drinking herbal tea, or consuming alcohol for an extended period. If not, you can track the changes in your indices, as some individuals may...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding the Risks of Cancer Related to Jaundice Symptoms
Is the risk of cancer high? Hello, doctor. I researched some symptoms of jaundice in adults. In this stage, hepatitis is the primary cause of jaundice, especially chronic hepatitis B and C. Some patients may progress to cirrhosis or develop liver cancer, which can severely affect...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to monitor the changes in the indices. If the jaundice is caused by diseases of the pancreas, bile ducts, or liver, the indices will gradually increase. At that time, a physician will evaluate what kind of examinations should be arranged. You should also ...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Cancer Related to Jaundice Symptoms
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Could It Be Related to Duodenal Ulcers?
Abdominal issues? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing some pain on the right side of my xiphoid process for several days. I underwent an abdominal ultrasound, and the results showed no issues with my liver or gallbladder. I have a history of duodenal ulcers. Could this be a re...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If the liver and gallbladder are confirmed to be without issues, it is possible that you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, or duodenal ulcers. You may consider consulting a gastroenterologist for evaluation. Changhua Hospital cares about your heal...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Could It Be Related to Duodenal Ulcers?
Chronic Bloating: Understanding Causes and Seeking Effective Treatments
Chronic bloating Hello, Doctor. Since I had food poisoning during last year's Spring Festival, which resulted in vomiting and diarrhea, I sought treatment and recovered. However, I have been experiencing persistent bloating every day since then. I have visited a gastroentero...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Prioritize dietary adjustments by reducing oil, dairy, and刺激ing foods. Avoid overeating. With medication treatment, improvement should be achievable. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Chronic Bloating: Understanding Causes and Seeking Effective Treatments
Understanding Nightly Stomach Cramps: When to Seek Further Medical Help
About nightly stomach cramps? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing recurrent stomach cramps for three weeks, and for the past four days, my stomach has been cramping and painful every night after 10 PM. However, I feel fine when I wake up the next day. I went to Mackay Memorial...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
An endoscopy can examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for any painful changes, such as inflammation or ulcers. It is recommended to avoid irritating foods and to pay attention to your diet to prevent the onset of gastritis. Additionally, further examinations such as abdom...[Read More] Understanding Nightly Stomach Cramps: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Left Side Abdominal Pain: Is It Kidney Stones or Gallstones?
Pain and discomfort under the left rib cage can be associated with either kidney stones or gallstones. However, kidney stones typically cause pain in the flank area, which is located on the side of the body between the ribs and the hip. In contrast, gallstones usually lead to pai...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
The gallbladder is located in the right upper abdomen, so your issue is likely not related to the gallbladder. The most common cause of pain in the left upper abdomen is the stomach, so an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is recommended. Other less common causes may include the p...[Read More] Left Side Abdominal Pain: Is It Kidney Stones or Gallstones?
Understanding Borderline Hepatitis C Results: When to Retest and Follow Up
HCV test values Hello, I had a health check-up on January 25, and I just saw the report today. The report indicates a hepatitis C value of 0.974, with the hospital's reference value being <0.9, and the hepatitis C result is marked as borderline. It is recommended to monit...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Your C-reactive protein (CRP) level is classified as low positive. Sometimes, this does not necessarily indicate an infection with hepatitis C. If you are concerned, you can follow up in three months. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Borderline Hepatitis C Results: When to Retest and Follow Up
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Bowel Issues: Causes and Solutions
Experiencing the urge to defecate but being unable to do so, along with pain upon pressing the right abdomen below the rib cage? I have the urge to have a bowel movement, but I can't seem to pass stool. When I do, it's only small pieces, not exceeding 2.5 centimeters, a...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
The likelihood of gastrointestinal dysfunction is highest. An abdominal ultrasound may also be considered to rule out liver and biliary diseases.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Bowel Issues: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Should You Worry About a 0.8 cm Growth?
Gallbladder polyp Hello Doctor, a few days before the Lunar New Year, I had an abdominal ultrasound at a certain joint hospital. The day before my appointment, I had a bowel movement that started with normal color, but then suddenly I expelled about five porcelain-white unidentif...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Mr. Gao, in response to your inquiry about gallbladder polyps, generally speaking, the risk of malignancy begins to increase when the polyp is larger than 0.8 cm. For polyps larger than 1 cm, surgical intervention is recommended. Therefore, for your 0.8 cm polyp, you may dis...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Should You Worry About a 0.8 cm Growth?
Understanding Right Abdominal Pain Near the Belly Button: Causes and Solutions
There is a sharp pain to the right of the navel? Hello, for the past two weeks, I have been experiencing occasional sharp pain on the right side of my abdomen near the navel at night, lasting for a few minutes. After the sharp pain subsides, I feel a dull ache. Additionally, I ha...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The area to the right of the navel may correspond to the small intestine or the large intestine. If it is slightly above the right of the navel, it could potentially be the duodenum. If there are issues with the small or large intestine, they cannot be identified through a...[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal Pain Near the Belly Button: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Liver Health: Insights on Hepatitis B and Fibrosis
Liver issues? Hello doctor, I had an abdominal ultrasound that showed hepatomegaly, and I immediately tested for Hepatitis B and C. The results for Hepatitis B were negative for surface antigen, positive for surface antibody, and positive for core antibody. For Hepatitis C, the s...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: The ultrasound report is based on subjective judgment, so there is no need to worry about the term "coarse." If possible, a follow-up in a year would be sufficient. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Insights on Hepatitis B and Fibrosis
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Testing for Hepatitis and Treatment Options
Liver issues? Hello doctor, I had an abdominal ultrasound that revealed liver fibrosis. The doctor asked me to test for Hepatitis B virus surface antigen, which was negative at 0.00, and Hepatitis C antibody, which was negative at 0.07. Does this mean I do not have Hepatitis B or...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Hepatitis B core antibody is used to determine whether there has been a past infection with hepatitis B that did not progress to chronic carrier status. Hepatitis B surface antibody is used to assess current immunity against the hepatitis B virus. (2) Liver fibrosis ne...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Testing for Hepatitis and Treatment Options
Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Elevated total and direct bilirubin levels? Hello doctor, my health check report shows that my total bilirubin is elevated at 1.17 (normal range: 0.3-1.0) and my direct bilirubin is high at 0.29 (normal range: 0.03-0.18). What could be the cause of this? Is there an immediate nee...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A slight increase may not necessarily indicate a pathological issue. If you have been consuming alcohol or traditional Chinese medicine, it is advisable to stop. Additionally, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist and arrange for an abdominal ultrasound examina...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know