Understanding Causes of Immediate Vomiting After Eating
Vomiting after eating? No matter what I eat, I immediately vomit after eating. This has been happening for a while. What could be the cause?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: You need to see a gastroenterologist, and if necessary, undergo an upper endoscopy and abdominal ultrasound examination, which should help identify the cause. Best wishes, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Causes of Immediate Vomiting After Eating
Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Persistent Pain and Discomfort Solutions
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) concerns? I have been dealing with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for almost six months now, and I still frequently experience intermittent pain and bloating in the lower abdomen, along with occasional discomfort in my lower back. When sitting, I fe...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr./Ms. Yu: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder. Its causes are often related to stress, emotions, and lifestyle habits. While it does not pose a threat to life, it can significantly disrupt daily living. If you have no family history of...[Read More] Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Persistent Pain and Discomfort Solutions
Understanding e-Antigen Negative Hepatitis B: Risks and Treatment Options
Hepatitis B patients who are e-antigen negative? Hello Doctor: In 2006, I tested negative for HBeAg and positive for HBeAb, and I originally thought I was a low viral load hepatitis B patient. However, my recent tests showed GPT=77, GOT=31, AFP=4.5, and HBV DNA=250,000 IU/mL. The...
Dr. Li Yongming Reply:
Hello, you are a very diligent patient. I will first address your questions in order, and then provide the current health insurance regulations and personal recommendations regarding your situation. First, the e antigen in wild-type chronic hepatitis B virus is indeed an indica...[Read More] Understanding e-Antigen Negative Hepatitis B: Risks and Treatment Options
Understanding IBS: Managing Pain and Discomfort in Your Gut
I'm very troubled..? Since the end of July, I have been experiencing intermittent pain in the lower abdomen, including bloating, sharp pain, and cramping. I consulted a gynecologist, and everything appeared normal. The gynecologist mentioned that my intestines were moving ve...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is related to individual constitution. It is difficult to cure completely, and requires lifestyle and dietary adjustments, along with medication management for proper control. If symptoms persist without improvement, further evaluation by a g...[Read More] Understanding IBS: Managing Pain and Discomfort in Your Gut
Understanding Changes in Hepatitis B Surface Antigens After 20 Years
I have been a carrier of hepatitis B for 20 years? I have been a carrier of Hepatitis B for 20 years. My previous health check results were: Hepatitis B surface antigen positive, surface antibody negative, E antigen negative, E antibody positive. However, this year's results...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: This year's positive surface antibody results differ from previous years, and the most likely reason is laboratory error. However, it is still important to consider the numerical values, as tests usually have a cutoff value; results above this cutoff are considered po...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Hepatitis B Surface Antigens After 20 Years
Post-Surgery Abdominal Pain After Gallbladder Removal: What to Expect?
After gallbladder surgery in November, there are occasional mild cramping pains internally? Hello, I underwent surgery to remove gallstones on November 10, 2011. Currently, the external wound is healing well; however, I occasionally experience sharp pain in a few spots in my righ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Although the surgical wound is healing well, the recovery of other tissues still requires time; some individuals may experience discomfort or pain at the wound site for up to six months or even a year. Unless there are accompanying symptoms such as fever and pain in the ri...[Read More] Post-Surgery Abdominal Pain After Gallbladder Removal: What to Expect?
Understanding Growing Liver Hemangiomas: When to Seek Treatment
Hemangioma that grows? Hello Dr. Chen, I undergo a health check-up approximately every two years, which includes an abdominal ultrasound. Over the past sixteen years, I have had about seven check-ups. Four years ago, I was first diagnosed with a hepatic hemangioma measuring about...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. TATA: A small number of benign hemangiomas may still enlarge (possibly related to female hormones?). It may be considered to perform fine needle aspiration or core needle biopsy to confirm that the cells are normal, although there are some risks involved. Changhua Hospi...[Read More] Understanding Growing Liver Hemangiomas: When to Seek Treatment
Understanding Umbilical Pain: Causes and When to Seek Further Testing
Pain around the navel? Hello Dr. Lin: I have been experiencing pain around my navel for over 10 years, which started after I gave birth. However, in recent years, the pain has intensified, and I almost experience bloating every day. My bowel movements are also irregular. When lyi...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Pain around the navel, abdominal bloating, and irregular bowel movements may be caused by issues related to the pancreas, gastrointestinal diseases, gynecological problems, etc. It may be necessary to undergo examinations, and a visit to an outpatient clinic for evaluation...[Read More] Understanding Umbilical Pain: Causes and When to Seek Further Testing
Persistent Left Rib Pain: Is It Gastric or Kidney Issues?
There is often a dull pain along the left rib margin, sometimes extending to the back on the left side? Hello Doctor, I often experience a dull pain along the edge of my left rib, which sometimes radiates to the back on the left side. This pain is particularly noticeable at night...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr./Ms. RL: Based on your description, we recommend that you schedule a gastroscopy and abdominal ultrasound examination at the gastroenterology department to determine the cause. Thank you for your inquiry! Changhua Hospital cares about your health![Read More] Persistent Left Rib Pain: Is It Gastric or Kidney Issues?
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Abdominal discomfort? Hello: I have been experiencing a feeling of bloating and dull pain near my belly button (toward the right, close to the waist). I often burp and pass gas, and occasionally have diarrhea. I can feel a fairly large, firm mass (which seems elongated) when I pr...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms, gastrointestinal disorders and indigestion are the most likely conditions. If you are concerned, you may consider undergoing a barium enema for an initial examination. (PS: The so-called mass is likely an enlarged intestine. Only the intestine can en...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Gastrointestinal issues Hello, doctor. I previously had gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers and am currently undergoing treatment. Recently, I have noticed changes in my bowel habits, with an increased frequency of loose stools that feel fluffy and disintegrate upon contact with w...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. In the treatment of peptic ulcers, changes in bowel habits and loose stools may be caused by dyspepsia. Medications for ulcers can also lead to loose stools or constipation. Other factors include medications, greasy or irritating foods, which can cause intestinal dryn...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Digestive Issues: Insights on Bowel Health and Treatment Options
Gastrointestinal issues, etc? Hello Dr. Lee: After I have a bowel movement, I sometimes notice that I can wipe some stool with toilet paper after a while, which seems to indicate that I am not fully emptying my bowels (without blood in the stool). I have visited the hospital, and...
Dr. Li Yongming Reply:
Many patients in gastroenterology clinics report the symptom of incomplete bowel evacuation, which is often benign in nature. Possible causes include: 1. Insufficient fiber intake, leading to poorly formed (non-shaped) stools, or poor water absorption in the intestines, resulting...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Insights on Bowel Health and Treatment Options
Persistent Nausea and Burping: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
Belching and nausea? Hello Dr. Lee: For the past two months, I have been experiencing nausea and a sensation of something stuck in my throat after meals, which is quite uncomfortable. I find that I need to burp continuously to relieve the discomfort. In the past two weeks, the sy...
Dr. Li Yongming Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, it appears you may be experiencing a sensation of a lump in the throat (globus sensation). Medically, there is no specific etiology or mechanism that can directly explain this condition. When the symptoms occur, there may be increased pressure in th...[Read More] Persistent Nausea and Burping: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
Switching Hepatitis B Monitoring: What You Need to Know
Regular monitoring for hepatitis B carriers? I have been regularly undergoing hepatitis B carrier check-ups and follow-ups at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Each time, the process involves first registering for an outpatient visit, then having blood drawn and an ultrasound perform...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: (1) Hepatitis B carriers need to be monitored regularly, approximately every 6 months. It is better to have reference data, such as HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBe, Anti-HCV, and the most recent results for GOT, GPT, AFP, along with an abdominal ultrasound report and any relevant m...[Read More] Switching Hepatitis B Monitoring: What You Need to Know
Understanding Elevated CA72-4 Levels: Next Steps for Evaluation
CA72-4 is abnormal? Dear Doctor, during my health check-up, my CA72-4 level was 11.1 (should be less than 6.89), but other markers such as CEA, AFP, CA19-9, CA125, CA153, and NSE were normal. An abdominal ultrasound showed moderate fatty liver. What further tests should I conside...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: CA 72-4 is not officially included for medical diagnostic use, so there is no need to worry. If you have any symptoms, please seek medical examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Elevated CA72-4 Levels: Next Steps for Evaluation
Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment, Resistance, and Monitoring
Hepatitis B Monitoring and Treatment Hello Dr. Lin, I have had HBV for a long time. Last year at this time, I was in the acute phase. My liver enzymes reached over 2000, and the viral load was about 4 million. I received treatment with Baraclude 0.5 mg. My condition improved sign...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. The resistance to Beclabuvir is not high; in patients who have not previously taken other oral antiviral medications, the resistance rate is only 1% to 3% over five years. 2. The timing for discontinuation of the medication should be discussed with your physician. T...[Read More] Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment, Resistance, and Monitoring
How to Identify Digestive Issues: A Guide for Patients
How should it be determined? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you about a 53-year-old woman who has not had her menstrual period for about a year. Approximately one to two years ago, she experienced pain in the upper left abdomen after dinner and had black stools. She underw...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Please first visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic (you may bring a small sample of "black stool" for examination) to confirm any issues related to the intestines, stomach, pancreas, or kidneys. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] How to Identify Digestive Issues: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Your Stomach Issues: Should You Test for H. Pylori?
excuse me? Hello, Doctor. I do not have any bad habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or chewing betel nut (and neither do my family members). Since February of this year, I have been experiencing discomfort in my stomach. I consulted both a family doctor and a traditional Ch...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Currently, ultrasound is not appropriate for assessing the stomach, and your gastric symptoms do indeed require an endoscopy. If you have a fear of endoscopy, you may choose a hospital that offers sedation for the procedure. Changhua Hospital cares about your health.[Read More] Understanding Your Stomach Issues: Should You Test for H. Pylori?
Understanding Elevated SGPT Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Abnormal SGPT (Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transamin During a health check-up, SGPT was 189 and SGOT was 110. After one month, the recheck showed SGPT at 120 and SGOT at 52. Subsequently, the physician arranged for an abdominal ultrasound, which diagnosed no abnormalities. What othe...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Liver function abnormalities have not worsened continuously, and ultrasound shows no liver tumors. There are many causes of liver dysfunction, including viral hepatitis, medications, alcohol, chemicals, systemic diseases, endocrine disorders, and autoimmune diseases. Regular foll...[Read More] Understanding Elevated SGPT Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Findings: Should I Be Concerned?
Abdominal ultrasound inquiries? Hello Dr. Chen, I recently had a health check-up, and the physician informed me that the abdominal ultrasound showed small white spots in the liver, measuring approximately 0.38 cm. Since I have hepatitis B, I am quite concerned. I asked the ultras...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: The white spots are mostly due to calcification or benign tumors (hemangiomas), but regular follow-up is still necessary. After some time, the follow-up interval can be extended; just regular ultrasound examinations are sufficient. Changhua Hospital cares about your h...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Findings: Should I Be Concerned?