Understanding Blood Test Results: Assessing Liver Fibrosis with AST Levels
Blood Test Report Doctor: My blood test results show that my AST (also known as GOT) is 20.4, and my platelet count is 204,000. There is no evidence of hepatitis B or C. Can this be used to assess whether the subject has liver fibrosis? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, it is not possible to determine liver fibrosis solely based on this. It is necessary to refer to the A/G ratio, the GOT/GPT ratio, and abdominal ultrasound imaging. Dr. Chen Chi-Feng, attending physician of the Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology at Taoyuan Ge...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Assessing Liver Fibrosis with AST Levels
Understanding Diverticulitis: Diagnosis and Follow-Up Care
Diverticulitis pain Hello Dr. Tsai, Last month, I went to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital's emergency department due to right abdominal pain. After undergoing an abdominal X-ray, a CT scan, and blood and urine tests, I was diagnosed with diverticulitis. I was hospitalized and...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: You can return to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital to consult with the attending physician regarding any abnormalities in other abdominal organs as seen on the CT scan. There is no need to perform an abdominal ultrasound, as the CT scan provides a clearer representation. Chang...[Read More] Understanding Diverticulitis: Diagnosis and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Blood Test Insights and Evaluation Methods
Liver fibrosis Hello Doctor: In June of this year, I had an abdominal ultrasound, and the doctor mentioned that my liver appeared coarse. I learned that this indicates liver fibrosis, which has made me very sad and worried. A month later, I had a blood test, and the results showe...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, the accumulation of sufficient liver fibrosis leads to cirrhosis. The diagnosis of cirrhosis is often based on a combination of blood test results and ultrasound imaging of the liver. Factors such as the observation of liver stiffness, platelet count, the GOT/GPT ratio, th...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Blood Test Insights and Evaluation Methods
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Treatment Options and Testing in Taiwan
Liver issues? Hello doctor, I had an abdominal ultrasound that showed liver fibrosis and an enlarged spleen, but I do not have hepatitis B or C and I do not drink alcohol. What treatment should I pursue? Additionally, do I need to go to Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for a s...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The causes of liver fibrosis are not limited to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and alcohol; there are many other different causes. Fibroscan is a more advanced ultrasound scan that can quantify the degree of fibrosis, but it cannot diagnose the underlying cause. Typically, fibr...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Treatment Options and Testing in Taiwan
Frequent Gastroenteritis: When to Seek Further Testing and Treatment
Frequent gastroenteritis? In February of this year, during the Lunar New Year, I experienced persistent diarrhea for unknown reasons. I visited a clinic, but the medication I received was ineffective, so I went to the emergency room. The doctor conducted blood tests and bacterial...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you have already undergone a colonoscopy and no issues were found, there is no need to worry excessively. If necessary, a routine stool test can be conducted to better understand the cause of diarrhea. The most common causes of acute gastroenteritis are usually related ...[Read More] Frequent Gastroenteritis: When to Seek Further Testing and Treatment
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Causes, Treatment, and Next Steps
Liver fibrosis Hello doctor, a few days ago I had an abdominal ultrasound that revealed liver fibrosis. I then went to Taoyuan Shengbaolu Hospital for blood tests and another abdominal ultrasound. The doctor said the fibrosis is manageable and suggested monitoring it again in a y...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: The ultrasound diagnosis of mild liver fibrosis is a very subjective statement (the objective assessment is through liver biopsy). Therefore, as long as you do not have hepatitis B or C, do not consume alcohol excessively, and have normal liver function, you do not n...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Causes, Treatment, and Next Steps
Understanding Digestive Issues: Should You Worry About Colon Cancer?
Gastrointestinal tract and bowel movements? Dr. Tsai, I have been experiencing some unusual bowel movements over the past month. My stools are formed but somewhat mushy, with brownish, string-like lines on them, or they are formed but slightly smaller or thinner (golden yellow). ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to start by improving dietary habits (increase hydration and intake of fruits and vegetables) and to reduce the consumption of irritating foods or beverages. Your condition may also be related to mood factors causing irritable bowel syndrome symptoms; it ...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Should You Worry About Colon Cancer?
Understanding Gallbladder Polyphonic Stones: What Your Test Results Mean
Multiple gallstones in the gallbladder measuring approximately 0.8 cm? Hello, doctor. Every year, our company invites a medical team to conduct employee health check-ups. Recently, I received my examination report, which indicated that my eosinophil percentage (Eosin) is 0.9 and ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, gallstones typically manifest as discomfort in the upper abdomen, especially in the right upper quadrant, following a rich and fatty meal. They may also be asymptomatic. ALK-P may be related to cholelithiasis, while Eosin is not. - Chen Qi-Feng, Taoyuan General Hospital, M...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyphonic Stones: What Your Test Results Mean
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Concerns
Left lower abdominal distension? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing bloating in my lower left abdomen for the past couple of months. Initially, I consulted a gynecologist and underwent an ultrasound and a Pap smear. Aside from a small fibroid in the uterus, there were no abno...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Please cooperate with your gynecologist/gastroenterologist in adjusting your lifestyle, diet, and medication treatment. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Concerns
Chronic Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Persistent discomfort in the right upper abdomen? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing discomfort in my upper right abdomen for a long time (about 5 to 7 years), which feels like abdominal pain, bloating, and even muscle cramps that extend to my back, causing back pain. Someti...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to schedule an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, attending physician of the Gastroenterology Department at Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Chronic Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
How to Lower GOT and GPT Levels: Tips for Liver Health
GOT 48, GPT 71? Hello Dr. Chen, my liver enzyme levels are GOT 48 and GPT 71. I do not have hepatitis B or C. I am being treated at Asia University Hospital. I previously took medication for hyperthyroidism for about a year, but I am now well and no longer need to take it. My uri...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, aside from hepatitis B and C, another cause of abnormal liver function is fatty liver... Of course, there are also other less common causes. Therefore, it is essential to rely on abdominal ultrasound and some blood tests for diagnosis. If it is indeed fatty liver, the meta...[Read More] How to Lower GOT and GPT Levels: Tips for Liver Health
Chronic Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions Explained
Persistent diarrhea? Hello, doctor... I have been suffering from chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain for a long time. In early February 2015, I underwent a comprehensive health check-up, which included stool tests, endoscopy, abdominal ultrasound, and blood tests. They informed m...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, the diagnosis should be irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is recommended to follow a low-fat, low-dairy, and non-irritating gentle diet, manage stress and anxiety, and seek medical treatment with medication if necessary. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Attending Physician, ...[Read More] Chronic Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions Explained
Understanding Stomach and Pancreatic Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer? Dear Doctor, 1. Recently, I have experienced a loss of appetite and had black stools for two days. I went to the hospital for an endoscopy, and the doctor said I have an ulcer. I was prescribed medication. During the endoscopy, the doctor also ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, your condition is ulcer bleeding, and treatment will require a certain duration. If symptoms do not improve after treatment, an abdominal ultrasound can be arranged to assess the condition of the pancreas and liver. Staying up late does not cause liver cancer. Sincerely, D...[Read More] Understanding Stomach and Pancreatic Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Managing Ovarian Cysts and Stomach Ulcers: Symptoms and Solutions
Gastric ulcer with bloating, pain, nausea, and a desire to vomit, along with an ovarian cyst? I went to the emergency room on August 4th due to pain in my lower right abdomen. After a CT scan, I was diagnosed with an ovarian cyst. I was given pain medication and after an examinat...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: It is recommended to undergo gastroscopy and abdominal ultrasound to confirm the current status of your gastrointestinal tract and adjust your gastrointestinal medications. If there is a suspicion that the side effects of medications from other specialties are causin...[Read More] Managing Ovarian Cysts and Stomach Ulcers: Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Bloating in Children: Causes and Solutions
Children often experience bloating? A 4-year-old child experiences abdominal bloating almost every night before sleep, regardless of whether they have eaten. After visiting a gastroenterologist and undergoing an X-ray, no abnormalities were found, but gas accumulation in the inte...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, it is common for children to experience gastrointestinal dysfunction, constipation, and bloating due to incomplete development of their digestive system, even into elementary school. It is recommended to provide adequate hydration and include fruits and vegetables in their...[Read More] Understanding Bloating in Children: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Hepatitis B: Positive and Negative Test Results Explained
Hepatitis B negative positive Hello Doctor: I have tested positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and positive for Hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs) in 2007 and 2008. In 2008, I had two tests done one month apart, but the antigen test result was negative while the ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: It is recommended that you bring all your blood test results to a gastroenterologist for a detailed assessment and necessary examinations to confirm your current condition. The preliminary assessment suggests that you are not a highly infectious patient, so please do...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Positive and Negative Test Results Explained
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Right lower abdominal pain? Hello Doctor, since December of last year, I have been experiencing persistent abdominal pain following an episode of gastroenteritis. Currently, the pain is primarily located in the lower right abdomen, characterized by sharp, bloating, and cramping s...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, aside from the pain radiating to the thigh, the other symptoms are a result of gastroenteritis causing irritable bowel syndrome. It is recommended to follow a low-fat, low-meat, low-dairy, and low-irritant diet. If necessary, digestive enzymes and even antidiarrheal medica...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Managing Gastroesophageal Reflux and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) combined with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing diarrhea at times and sometimes only having a bowel movement every two days (usually I go 1-2 times a day). I feel bloated after eating, my appetite has dec...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Mr./Ms. K空, The symptoms you described are indeed indicative of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, if the fecal occult blood test shows a positive result, it is still recommended to arrange for a colonoscopy, as ulcerative co...[Read More] Managing Gastroesophageal Reflux and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Issues with Liver and Gastrointestinal Health
Is there a problem? I have been drinking alcohol almost every day, and recently I've been feeling a pulling sensation just above the right side of my navel for some time. It hurts when I walk and also when I apply pressure. My stomach often feels sharp pain and bloated. When...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist for diagnosis and treatment. You may undergo an abdominal ultrasound and blood tests soon. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Attending Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Ho...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Issues with Liver and Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Elevated Amylase and Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Abnormal biochemical blood test results? Recent blood tests revealed several elevated values, specifically Amylase at 103 U/L (normal range 0-100) and Total Bilirubin at 1.8 mg/dL (normal range 0-1.5). What could be the issue?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, if this is just a routine check-up, slightly elevated amylase does not indicate clinical significance; slightly elevated total bilirubin, if there are no hemolysis issues and no liver or biliary problems, may suggest a congenital metabolic disorder of bile. It is recommend...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Amylase and Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know