Understanding Unexplained Liver Tumors: Next Steps for Diagnosis
Liver mass of unknown origin? Hello Dr. Chen, my father enjoys drinking a little and hiking in the city. Last month, after descending from a hike, he felt unwell but recovered after resting for over an hour. This happened twice last month. Subsequently, an abdominal ultrasound re...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: If the imaging studies remain inconclusive, a liver fine needle biopsy may be considered. However, it is advisable to monitor for changes in imaging or conduct other tests before deciding on a biopsy. Please discuss this further with your physician. Changhua Hospital ...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Liver Tumors: Next Steps for Diagnosis
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Discomfort After Overeating
After eating Hello, doctor. Sometimes, if I go a long time without eating and then eat a large amount, I notice a dull pain in my lower left abdomen. After resting for an hour or two, it improves significantly. I would like to know what this issue might be. (I had a colonoscopy l...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms, it is recommended to first visit a gastroenterologist for an X-ray to check for any signs of bloating or bowel irregularities. If there are none, and medication does not improve the condition, an endoscopy and abdominal ultrasound may be considered. ...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Discomfort After Overeating
Can You Get an Ultrasound for Fatigue Without Liver Inflammation?
Abdominal ultrasound? Hello doctor, I have a problem with easy fatigue, usually feeling tired 3 to 4 hours after getting up. Each time I check my GPT and GOT levels, they are normal. I have received the hepatitis B vaccine. I would like to have an abdominal ultrasound to check fo...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, abnormal liver function is related to your fatigue. If liver function is normal, your fatigue may be due to other factors, such as anemia, among others. If necessary, other reports should be reviewed. A small number of inactive liver cirrhosis cases may...[Read More] Can You Get an Ultrasound for Fatigue Without Liver Inflammation?
Understanding Bloating: A Case Study of Gastrointestinal Challenges
Persistent bloating..? Hello doctor, my father is 63 years old and was diagnosed with diabetes last October. Since then, he has been strictly controlling his diet and exercising, but it seems he has gone a bit overboard, as he cannot tolerate any sugar or oil. His weight has drop...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
It is advisable to discuss with your physician (whether there are other underlying causes?) and to treat the underlying condition in order to effectively resolve the issue.[Read More] Understanding Bloating: A Case Study of Gastrointestinal Challenges
Persistent Bloating and Gas: Seeking Solutions for Gastrointestinal Discomfort
I have been troubled by bloating issues for a long time? Hello Doctor: Since December, I have been experiencing a cough, cold, and abdominal bloating. I visited a clinic, and while the cold improved, the abdominal bloating persisted, accompanied by a sensation of excessive gas, f...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms you described, it is initially assessed as dyspepsia, which is essentially a gastrointestinal functional disorder. You should consider adjusting your dietary habits, such as eating smaller, more frequent meals, chewing thoroughly, avoiding overeating,...[Read More] Persistent Bloating and Gas: Seeking Solutions for Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Understanding Pancreatic Variations: Concerns and Next Steps After Diagnosis
Please provide more details regarding the pancreatic issues you are experiencing? Hello, Dr. Lin. A month ago, when I returned to Taiwan and underwent a comprehensive health check at Asia University Hospital, an abdominal ultrasound revealed a hyperechoic nodule approximately 1 c...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Congenital variations of the pancreas are not common and are difficult to examine. Some are discovered only after an unexplained episode of pancreatitis. The most sensitive examination for pancreatic tumors is endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), which can detect tumors smaller th...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Variations: Concerns and Next Steps After Diagnosis
Understanding Post-Meal Vomiting: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Vomiting after eating (including drinking water) Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing headaches since 2011, and starting in April 2012, I began vomiting every time I ate. Initially, I was vomiting white foam, but it progressively worsened, and I ended up vomiting almost all the...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: The condition is quite complex, and the team of physicians at the medical center will do their best to address each issue, but it requires your long-term patience and cooperation for management. We are currently unable to provide further advice. Wishing you well... C...[Read More] Understanding Post-Meal Vomiting: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: Blood in Stool and Enlarged Spleen
Questions Regarding Health Checkup Results Hello Doctor, I participated in the company employee health check and the result of the fecal occult blood test (quantitative method) was 50 ng/ml, which is significantly higher than the reference value of 12 ng/ml. I have a habit of tak...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. Lycopene should not cause a positive fecal occult blood test. 2. A positive fecal occult blood test can occur due to any bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. 3. The likelihood of a false positive for splenomegaly in abdominal ultrasound is ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: Blood in Stool and Enlarged Spleen
Understanding Elevated r-GT Levels: Causes and Next Steps for Patients
Elevated levels of r-GT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) index? Hello Doctor, my sGOT and sGPT levels are normal, and my liver cancer screening results are also normal. However, my r-GT levels are slightly elevated, exceeding the reference values in the test report. An abdominal ultr...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: 1. Elevated rGT levels in some individuals may be of unknown origin, but it is still recommended to monitor for 6-12 months. 2. For individuals with no hepatitis B surface antigen and no antibodies, if they are not healthcare workers or do not have close relatives wit...[Read More] Understanding Elevated r-GT Levels: Causes and Next Steps for Patients
Post-Meal Bloating and Discomfort: Seeking Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Abdominal bloating and discomfort after meals? Hello, doctor. For the past month, I have been experiencing abdominal bloating and discomfort after every meal. I continuously burp after eating, which provides slight relief, but it takes a long time for the bloating to subside. Whe...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: It is not absolutely necessary to undergo an endoscopy; prioritizing medication adjustment is the main focus. Not all major hospitals lack thin endoscopes or transnasal endoscopes; for example, our hospital is equipped with one. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr...[Read More] Post-Meal Bloating and Discomfort: Seeking Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Colonic Descensus: Treatment Options and Dietary Tips
Colonic prolapse I have been experiencing mild pain in my upper right abdomen for the past six months. Recently, I arranged for a colon X-ray examination, and the doctor said that I have a prolapsed colon, which appears in an M shape, while it should normally be in a U shape. The...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Right upper quadrant pain may be associated with the liver, gallbladder, duodenum, and colon. If necessary, abdominal ultrasound and urgent gastroscopy should be performed. Colonic prolapse generally leads to bowel dysfunction, and if there are symptoms of constipation and...[Read More] Understanding Colonic Descensus: Treatment Options and Dietary Tips
Left Abdominal Pain: Should You Get a Colonoscopy?
Left abdominal pain (to the left of the navel) Hello, I recently visited a clinic due to lower back pain. After an ultrasound, the doctor diagnosed me with kidney stones. Following urine tests and X-rays, no issues were found, and my back pain resolved in about two days. However,...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr./Ms. Shan, based on the symptoms you provided, the pain near the navel (upper left, lower left) is associated with the intestines. It is also possible that referred pain from ureteral stones could occur in this area. If you wish to arrange for an examination, an abdomina...[Read More] Left Abdominal Pain: Should You Get a Colonoscopy?
Persistent Left Lower Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
There is a persistent dull ache in the lower left abdomen? I have been feeling a dull ache in my lower left abdomen for two weeks. I went to see a doctor who performed an ultrasound and said there was only a bit of bloating in my intestines. The doctor prescribed medication for m...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Discomfort in the lower left abdomen is often associated with intestinal conditions. Abdominal ultrasound may have blind spots, so it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist for further evaluation and to arrange additional X-ray or endoscopic examinations. Wishing y...[Read More] Persistent Left Lower Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Fatty Liver: High Liver Enzyme Levels Explained
Fatty liver disease issues? Hello Doctor: My height is 171 cm and my weight is 82 kg. Currently, my blood test results are as follows: 1. GPT: 180 (normal range: 4-44 U/L) 2. GOT: 83 (normal range: 8-38 U/L) 3. R-GT: 134 (normal range: 6-73 U/L) 4. MCV: 101.5 (normal range: 80-10...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: If there is no hepatitis B and no alcohol abuse, it may be related to fatty liver. The R-GT levels in fatty liver can also potentially double. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of ...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: High Liver Enzyme Levels Explained
Signs of Liver Issues: Understanding Red Palms and Health Concerns
Symptoms of liver dysfunction? Hello, research indicates that individuals with liver issues often have reddened palms. I happen to have slightly reddened palms and my soles are also redder than others, but my liver function and abdominal ultrasound results are normal. If the redd...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Indeed, patients with chronic liver disease may exhibit palmar erythema; however, the presence of red palms does not necessarily indicate liver problems. Please continue to monitor the situation. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Chi-Feng, Gastroenterology...[Read More] Signs of Liver Issues: Understanding Red Palms and Health Concerns
Understanding Cirrhosis: Diagnostic Tools and Options in Taoyuan
Diagnosed with liver cirrhosis? I have been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis by a gastroenterologist. The surface of my liver is very rough, and I have undergone ultrasound examinations for over ten years without any improvement. I recently moved to Taoyuan and would like to know w...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: For the follow-up of liver cirrhosis, it is generally recommended to undergo abdominal ultrasound and blood tests every 3 to 6 months. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health ...[Read More] Understanding Cirrhosis: Diagnostic Tools and Options in Taoyuan
Daily Abdominal Bloating: Should You Get an Ultrasound for Tumors?
I experience bloating in my abdomen every day? I experience daily abdominal bloating, but currently, there is no pain. Is it advisable to schedule an appointment for an abdominal ultrasound to check for tumors?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: You may consult a gastroenterologist for diagnosis and treatment. The most common cause of abdominal distension is gas buildup, but it could also be due to ascites. Tumors are less common. Wishing you safety and good health. Dr. Chen Chih-Feng, Gastroenterology Department,...[Read More] Daily Abdominal Bloating: Should You Get an Ultrasound for Tumors?
Understanding Upper Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Upper abdominal bloating and pain? Hello Dr. Tsai, I have been experiencing bloating and pain in my upper abdomen (just above the navel) for over a week. Over the past six months, I have intentionally lost about 20 kilograms through exercise without taking any medication. Due to ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Psychiatric medications should be gradually tapered under the supervision of a psychiatrist, rather than abruptly discontinued. As for whether further examinations are necessary, this should be determined after an evaluation by a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Abdominal Symptoms: Insights into Gastrointestinal Issues
Some abdominal symptoms? Hello, doctor. I am 18 years old and in my senior year of high school. I have some gastrointestinal issues I would like to ask about. When I was in elementary school, I often experienced abdominal cramps that would go away after a while (I don't have...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Based on your description of bowel habits, it seems that you may have a chronic constipation issue. Incomplete bowel movements can lead to symptoms such as abdominal cramps and bloating. Whether this is related to cancer or irritable bowel syndrome should be determined thr...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Symptoms: Insights into Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Alcoholic Liver Disease Without Alcohol Consumption
Why do people develop alcoholic liver disease without drinking alcohol? Hello Doctor: My blood test report shows two abnormal values. One is serum globulin (GLO) at 3.60, and the other is gamma-glutamyl transferase (r-GT) at 107.0. I am someone who does not consume alcohol at all...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: In fact, r-GT not only indicates alcoholic liver disease but is also associated with other conditions of the bile ducts and liver, such as fatty liver, where r-GT may also be elevated. It is recommended to undergo an abdominal ultrasound examination. Wishing you peace and ...[Read More] Understanding Alcoholic Liver Disease Without Alcohol Consumption