How Often Should You Monitor Liver Health and Uric Acid Levels?
How often should follow-up examinations be conducted? First of all, thank you, Dr. Tsai, for your previous response. Last month's blood test results showed: 1. SGPT 71 (reference range 4-44) 2. Triglycerides 132 (50-130) 3. Uric acid 11.6 (3.6-8). These three values are elev...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Last year, liver function tests were normal, but this year the liver index is 71. It is unclear how it fluctuated throughout the year; it may have been higher at some point and has recently decreased, or it could currently be at its peak. It is recommended to monitor ...[Read More] How Often Should You Monitor Liver Health and Uric Acid Levels?
Can Fatty Liver and High Uric Acid Levels Be Reversed?
Fatty liver and high uric acid? Hello Dr. Tsai, I would like to consult you regarding issues related to fatty liver and uric acid. Last month, my blood test results showed: 1. SGPT 71 (reference range 4-44) 2. Triglycerides 132 (50-130) 3. Uric acid 11.6 (3.6-8). These three val...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Liver function in fatty liver disease may be normal or elevated, which is referred to as steatohepatitis. Both fatty liver and steatohepatitis are reversible conditions. However, prolonged steatohepatitis that does not resolve can eventually lead to cirrhosis, which is...[Read More] Can Fatty Liver and High Uric Acid Levels Be Reversed?
Safe Imaging Options for Monitoring Polycystic Liver and Kidney Disease
Please provide me with a specific condition or symptom for which you would like a check-up or treatment recommendation. Thank you? Hello Dr. Tsai, I am 169 cm tall and weigh 75 kg. I do not smoke or drink alcohol, and I have no history of drug allergies. I had allergic rhinitis a...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Based on the information you provided, your kidney function (GFR = 69 cc/min) is estimated to be at stage 2 chronic kidney disease (mild decrease in kidney function). If a CT scan is absolutely necessary, it is recommended to use an isotonic contrast agent to minimize the ...[Read More] Safe Imaging Options for Monitoring Polycystic Liver and Kidney Disease
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Diagnosis
Right lower abdominal pain? Hello, Dr. Chen. I would like to ask you about some recent health issues. I've been experiencing intermittent pain in my lower right abdomen, located roughly on the right side of my belly, which usually lasts about an hour and is tolerable. Howeve...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello David, 1. Please check for any right kidney/ureter stones. 2. A stool occult blood test should be performed. 3. If symptoms persist, a non-invasive colonoscopy or related examinations should be conducted, as determined by a specialist. 4. Ultrasound can visualize the l...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Diagnosis
Chronic Abdominal Pain and Back Discomfort: Understanding IBS and Next Steps
Chronic issues I have been experiencing long-term pain in my lower abdomen and almost daily discomfort in my lower back and upper back, including pressure and cramping sensations, for over a year now. Initially, it was just abdominal pain, but then it progressed to daily discomfo...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Irritable bowel syndrome generally does not cause lower back discomfort. The examinations are mostly complete, and it is recommended to adjust diet and medication. An ultrasound examination of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys should be performed, and i...[Read More] Chronic Abdominal Pain and Back Discomfort: Understanding IBS and Next Steps
Understanding the Differences Between Abdominal X-rays and Ultrasounds
Abdominal issues? Hello doctor, I have a question. 1. What is the difference between an abdominal X-ray and an abdominal ultrasound? Are they checking the same things? 2. If I have already had an abdominal ultrasound, do I still need to have an abdominal X-ray? (Why did my attend...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Abdominal X-ray: primarily used to assess the distribution of intestinal gas; it can also reveal some calcifications (such as certain gallstones and kidney stones), the normal distribution of soft tissues, the normal outlines of solid organs, as well as the vertebrae and p...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Abdominal X-rays and Ultrasounds
Understanding IBS: Can It Cause Chronic Back Pain and Discomfort?
I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling this way? I have been experiencing intermittent lower abdominal pain for over a year, but recently the pain has escalated to daily lower back spasms and soreness. Sometimes, I have watery stools, loose stools, or constipation that c...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Low back pain is generally not related to irritable bowel syndrome. Please consult a neurologist or a rehabilitation specialist. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding IBS: Can It Cause Chronic Back Pain and Discomfort?
Understanding Liver Ultrasound: Is It Enough for a Complete Assessment?
Liver examination..? I went for a liver examination, and the doctor only arranged for an abdominal ultrasound. The results were normal, and no other tests were scheduled. The doctor said that if the ultrasound showed no issues, it can be confirmed that there are no problems with ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The examination of the liver and gallbladder refers to blood tests (liver function tests, bilirubin levels) and abdominal ultrasound, which can rule out the majority of liver and gallbladder diseases. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Liver Ultrasound: Is It Enough for a Complete Assessment?
Understanding Elevated SGPT Levels and Hepatitis B Antibody Testing
Liver dysfunction Hello, Doctor: 1. Regarding my serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) level, which is 57 (reference range 0-55), if it is only slightly above the normal range by 2, is it likely that this is just a minor elevation in liver enzymes? 2. I have already vi...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The antibodies produced by the hepatitis B vaccine are not permanently effective. Research indicates that some individuals who received the hepatitis B vaccine at birth may not have detectable hepatitis B antibodies by adolescence and may even lose immune memory. If antibo...[Read More] Understanding Elevated SGPT Levels and Hepatitis B Antibody Testing
Do You Need Abdominal X-Ray After Normal Colon X-Ray Results?
Abdominal issues? I apologize for not mentioning in the previous message that a colon X-ray was done along with an abdominal ultrasound. Since the colon X-ray showed no issues, is it still necessary to perform an abdominal X-ray?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Every type of examination has its own value, and doctors arrange appropriate tests based on the patient's condition and needs. For example, an abdominal X-ray can be performed at any time, primarily to assess the distribution of intestinal gas, without the need for bo...[Read More] Do You Need Abdominal X-Ray After Normal Colon X-Ray Results?
Do You Need an Abdominal X-Ray After an Ultrasound?
Abdominal issues? Is it necessary to undergo an abdominal X-ray after having an abdominal ultrasound?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Abdominal ultrasound is primarily used to examine solid organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and bladder. Abdominal X-rays are mainly used to assess the distribution of intestinal gas. If there is air in the intestines, it can obscure the view ...[Read More] Do You Need an Abdominal X-Ray After an Ultrasound?
Understanding Barium Enema: Can It Rule Out Serious Gastrointestinal Issues?
Barium enema imaging Hello doctor, I have been experiencing intermittent abdominal pain and discomfort for over a year. Despite taking medication, my abdominal pain has not improved. My primary physician diagnosed me with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Is it possible for IBS to ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Regarding your question, as I mentioned the day before, a barium enema can detect colorectal polyps, ulcers, and tumors of a certain size or larger under the condition of complete bowel preparation. However, each examination has a certain degree of accuracy and sensitivity...[Read More] Understanding Barium Enema: Can It Rule Out Serious Gastrointestinal Issues?
Excessive Gas and Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Excessive flatulence? Hello doctor, a few days ago I read in the newspaper that if someone passes gas more than 20 times a day, they should seek medical attention. I have a long-term issue with lower abdominal pain. I have undergone tests including stool analysis, gastroscopy, ab...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: For gastrointestinal dysfunction, the following recommendations are suggested: 1. Dietary adjustments: Limit oil, dairy, irritants, fried foods, tea, coffee, and foods such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, taro, cheese, and butter. Focus on a mild and light diet, and avoid ove...[Read More] Excessive Gas and Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Alternating Diarrhea and Constipation
Abdominal discomfort with alternating diarrhea and constipation? Hello, Doctor. I have had poor dietary habits and been overweight. Since February, I have suddenly experienced left abdominal pain (which seems to be cramping pain), and then gastrointestinal issues began. Initially...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: According to your description, being overweight and having poor dietary habits, along with discomfort in the left abdomen, if it is in the upper left abdomen, may indicate gastric issues. The limited abdominal space, if occupied by intra-abdominal fat, can compress the nor...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Alternating Diarrhea and Constipation
Understanding Pancreatic Issues: Causes of Abdominal and Back Pain
Pancreatic issues Chronic lower abdominal pain that gradually extends to the pelvic area, along with left lower back pain, raises the question of whether pancreatic diseases can cause lower abdominal pain. Additionally, pain around the navel and left lower back pain are noted. An...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: An abdominal ultrasound typically examines five organs: the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys. However, a retroperitoneal ultrasound, located in the posterior abdominal cavity, is often affected by intestinal gas, making it more challenging to visualize. Ne...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Issues: Causes of Abdominal and Back Pain
Accuracy of Abdominal Ultrasound for Liver and Pancreas Evaluation
Abdominal ultrasound 1. How accurate is an abdominal ultrasound examination? 2. What is the accuracy of abdominal ultrasound in assessing the pancreas?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Abdominal ultrasound primarily observes structures such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys. It is characterized by being non-invasive and convenient, and generally has high accuracy. However, the observation of the pancreas can be easily affected by g...[Read More] Accuracy of Abdominal Ultrasound for Liver and Pancreas Evaluation
Chronic Abdominal Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
I've been troubled for a long time? I have been experiencing persistent pain in my lower abdomen, which includes cramping, dull pain, and sharp pain. Initially, the pain was localized in the lower abdomen, sometimes on the left side, sometimes on the right, and sometimes in ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. Disorders of the small intestine are quite rare. If various examinations have been conducted and the diagnosis is irritable bowel syndrome, the next step is to adjust the medication. 2. Abdominal ultrasound primarily examines organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancr...[Read More] Chronic Abdominal Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Uncertain Liver Tumors: Insights on CT Scans and Fatty Liver
About Computed Tomography (CT) Scanning Hello Dr. Chen, I apologize for asking again after my previous questions. Thank you for your response. My father is 61 years old and has recently been diagnosed with fatty liver and a 1.2 cm indeterminate liver tumor. However, his liver fun...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The most common benign tumors of the liver are hemangiomas or liver cysts, which can usually be diagnosed through abdominal ultrasound or computed tomography (CT). If the diagnosis cannot be confirmed, the main recommendation is to monitor the condition (generally advised ...[Read More] Understanding Uncertain Liver Tumors: Insights on CT Scans and Fatty Liver
Understanding Unidentified Liver Lesions in Fatty Liver Patients
An unknown foreign object has developed on the surface of the liver? Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to ask about my father who is 61 years old. He was recently diagnosed with fatty liver (with normal liver enzymes), but there is a 1 cm unidentified mass on the surface of his liver. ...
Dr. Li Yongming Reply:
In clinical practice, the diagnosis of "fatty liver" refers to the condition where the weight of fat (primarily triglycerides) accumulated in the liver exceeds 5% of the total liver weight, or when more than 10% of liver cells in a liver tissue biopsy exhibit fatty vacu...[Read More] Understanding Unidentified Liver Lesions in Fatty Liver Patients
Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound: What Organs Are Examined?
Ultrasound Doctor, may I ask? When a gastroenterologist arranges for a liver and gallbladder ultrasound, does it only focus on the liver and gallbladder, or will the pancreas and spleen also be included in the examination?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The abdominal ultrasound primarily examines the structure of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys. Best regards, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound: What Organs Are Examined?