Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about some issues I've been experiencing. About two months ago, I had some discomfort in my stomach, which may have been exacerbated by my sensitivity to stress. For about one to two weeks, I felt continuous sto...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, a complete examination of the gastrointestinal tract has been conducted, and it has been determined that the issue is related to gastrointestinal dysfunction. As long as bowel movements are regular and smooth, the symptoms are likely to improve. It is advisable to maintain...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions
Differentiating Abdominal X-ray Findings: Gas vs. Bowel Obstruction
The distinction between localized abdominal distension and bowel obstruction on X-ray? Hello, doctor. Since February, I have been experiencing persistent discomfort and a feeling of pressure in my left upper abdomen, along with occasional discomfort in my left side. My bowel habi...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, you may consider undergoing a colon examination (either a barium enema or a colonoscopy). If no abnormalities are found, it is likely a functional issue. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chen Qifeng, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Differentiating Abdominal X-ray Findings: Gas vs. Bowel Obstruction
Understanding Hepatitis B e Antigen and Antibody Testing: Do You Need Further Tests?
What is the issue regarding hepatitis B e antigen antibodies? As a carrier of hepatitis B, my health check results show GOT 25 IU/L (normal range 5-40 IU/L), GPT 29 IU/L (normal range 5-40 IU/L), r-GT 21 U/L (normal range 10-71 U/L), AFP 4.70 ng/mL (normal range 0-20 ng/mL), and ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, if the e antigen is negative, the e antibody is usually positive, unless there is an error in the testing or the concentration falls within the gray zone. Best wishes, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B e Antigen and Antibody Testing: Do You Need Further Tests?
Understanding Right Abdominal and Back Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Pain in the right abdomen and back? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing pain in my right abdomen (to the right of my navel) for about a month. Each episode lasts around 1-2 hours and feels somewhat warm to the touch. The pain sometimes wakes me up at night, and I also feel dis...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, if all the above examinations show no issues, we can almost say there are no significant problems. Perhaps it is just a case of poor gastrointestinal function. Wishing you good health. Dr. Chen Qifeng, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal and Back Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Bile Reflux: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Report and Persistent Symptoms Hello, doctor. I am currently living abroad and started seeking medical attention last October due to symptoms of excessive stomach acid and a burning sensation in my throat. The doctor here initially prescribed me a PPI (...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
1. Bile reflux gastritis can occur even without issues related to the pylorus. The treatment focuses on managing the gastritis. 2. It is merely a description of inflammation. 3. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) primarily reduce gastric acid. They are effective for conditions relat...[Read More] Understanding Bile Reflux: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Gallstones: When to Seek Medical Advice?
The troubles of gallstones? In April 2009, I experienced abdominal pain, and during an upper abdominal ultrasound, the doctor unexpectedly found one gallstone and one kidney stone. However, the doctor mentioned that they were very small, so it wasn't a concern. In February 2...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: You may be able to undergo laparoscopic stone removal surgery for treatment. It is advisable to avoid a diet high in fats to prevent triggering pain. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Gallstones: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Understanding Liver Health: Concerns About Hepatitis and STD Risks
Liver examination status? On April 25, I had a kiss and intimate relationship with my ex-girlfriend, and I am concerned about the possibility of sexually transmitted infections, including hepatitis B and C. On April 19, during a company health check, my liver enzyme levels were s...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, having antibodies for hepatitis B means you will not be re-infected. You have not been infected with hepatitis C. Abnormal liver function requires an abdominal ultrasound for further evaluation of the cause, but it has been confirmed that it is not related to hepatitis B o...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Concerns About Hepatitis and STD Risks
Essential Liver Health Checkups for Hepatitis B Carriers
Liver health checkup? Hello Doctor: I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Due to my work schedule, I often stay up late and wake up late. Recently, I have been feeling fatigued and experiencing chest tightness. I would like to undergo a liver health check, including liver function tests...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Most general hospitals offer this examination, but please refer to the original hepatitis B report. The registration fee and National Health Insurance coverage at our hospital is approximately NT$290. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Essential Liver Health Checkups for Hepatitis B Carriers
Understanding Appendicitis: Common Myths and Clinical Insights
What is the correct knowledge about appendicitis? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask a few questions regarding appendicitis: 1. Is the statement that appendicitis is "always caused by a foreign object entering" correct? 2. Are there clinical cases of patients experien...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
1. The causes of appendicitis can include twisting or swelling at the opening, blockage by a hardened stool mass, or the presence of foreign objects within the appendix. 2. Generally, this can be applied, but a minority of patients may present with intermittent severe abdominal...[Read More] Understanding Appendicitis: Common Myths and Clinical Insights
Understanding Blood Test Results: Insights on Hepatitis B and Liver Health
Blood test report Hello Doctor, I have a hemangioma in my liver measuring 2.4 cm (it was 1 cm when discovered). On February 27 of this year, I tested for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and alpha-fetoprotein. On April 12, I had an abdominal ultrasound, and the doctor did not inform me ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, please visit the hepatobiliary department for further examination. Any single test may have discrepancies, especially when the concentration values are in the borderline range. Wishing you health, Dr. Chen Qi-Feng, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Insights on Hepatitis B and Liver Health
High HBsAg Levels: What You Need to Know as a Chronic Hepatitis B Carrier
Please stabilize the HBsAg index, which is very high? Doctor, I recently received my health check results, and my HBsAg level is 7186, which is very high. I am a carrier of hepatitis B, but my other liver function tests, including GOT, GPT, and AFP, are all normal. An abdominal u...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: A high HBsAg index only indicates that the viral load may be higher (this is often the case in young individuals). Please confirm whether HBsAg is positive and continue with follow-up. Staying up late is a common saying; when you feel fatigued and sleepy, it's be...[Read More] High HBsAg Levels: What You Need to Know as a Chronic Hepatitis B Carrier
Understanding Gallstones: Causes, Dietary Considerations, and Natural Passage
About gallstones? Hello Dr. Chen, I recently had an abdominal ultrasound and found that I have gallstones. I would like to ask you about the causes of gallstones and if there are any dietary considerations I should be aware of. Additionally, I have heard that kidney stones can so...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, the formation of gallstones is more related to one's constitution. Unless the composition of the gallstones is known, it is difficult to specify dietary precautions to prevent their formation. Typically, if gallstones are asymptomatic, they can be ...[Read More] Understanding Gallstones: Causes, Dietary Considerations, and Natural Passage
Understanding Persistent Burping: Gastrointestinal Issues and Solutions
Persistent hiccups? Hello Doctor: Around June, I went to a buffet and fell asleep right after returning home. Later, I experienced a bitter taste in my mouth, which I suspect was due to acid reflux, along with gas (not belching, but a feeling of gas buildup). I bought over-the-co...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, I have been experiencing persistent abdominal discomfort, overeating, frequent belching, and discomfort in the sternum for a certain period of time. These symptoms suggest dyspepsia, but it is important to rule out conditions such as tumors, gastrointestinal ulcers, and ga...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Burping: Gastrointestinal Issues and Solutions
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Monitoring, Risks, and Insurance Implications
Hepatic hemangioma Hello Dr. Chen, I had an abdominal ultrasound in 2003 that revealed a 1 cm hepatic hemangioma, which increased to 1.5 cm last year. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. Besides abdominal ultrasound, should I also have blood tests for Hepatitis B, H...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, 1. Hepatic hemangiomas typically present differently on abdominal ultrasound compared to liver cancer. If there are concerns, testing for hepatitis B and C, as well as alpha-fetoprotein, is reasonable. Once it is confirmed that there is no hepatitis B or C, it is not nec...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Monitoring, Risks, and Insurance Implications
Understanding Persistent Stomach Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Severe stomach discomfort? Previously, I experienced frequent gastric contractions, so I went to the outpatient clinic for an endoscopy. The doctor said I had only mild inflammation. An abdominal ultrasound was also performed, which showed no other abnormalities. The doctor presc...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms, delayed gastric emptying is currently the issue. As for the potential causes, conditions such as gastritis, ulcers, gastroparesis, and gastric cancer are all possible. If symptoms persist, it is recommended to undergo further examination with an endo...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Stomach Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Can Sleeping on Your Left Side Cause Nausea with a Stomach Ulcer?
Experiencing nausea while sleeping on the left side? Hello Dr. Chen: I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in early May this year, and I was diagnosed with a gastric ulcer. Can a gastric ulcer cause nausea when lying on my left side? I asked my doctor, but he seemed una...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, the stomach is located in the upper left part of the abdomen, which suggests that a gastric ulcer may cause the stomach to be prone to bloating. Lying on the left side may exert pressure on the stomach, resulting in such symptoms. If you are concerned, an abdominal ultraso...[Read More] Can Sleeping on Your Left Side Cause Nausea with a Stomach Ulcer?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Key Questions on Viral Load and Treatment Options
Hepatitis B issues Hello Dr. Lin: I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have regular check-ups every year. Earlier this year, I underwent tests, and the results showed that both GOT and GPT levels were normal, AFP was 2.7, e-antigen was negative, e-antibody was positive, and the abdo...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. The e antigen may turn negative again, but the chances are low. Those who have spontaneously cleared the e antigen are less likely to experience this. However, individuals who have received antiviral medication may have a chance of turning e antigen negative, although...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Key Questions on Viral Load and Treatment Options
Understanding HBV Viral Load: Key Questions for Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Inquiry about Hepatitis B virus load? Hello Dr. Chen: I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have regular follow-ups every year. In February of this year, I underwent testing, and my results were as follows: GOT was 22, GPT was 19, alpha-fetoprotein was 2.21, e-antigen was negative, e...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Wei: 1. It's not significant. Therefore, liver function is normal, and monitoring is sufficient. 2. Very few cases will revert. 3. Testing is only necessary when liver function is abnormal. 4. There should be no impact. Changhua Hospital cares about your health, Ch...[Read More] Understanding HBV Viral Load: Key Questions for Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Abnormalities: What to Do Next?
Abdominal ultrasound abnormalities? Hello~~~ Because my company has scheduled an annual health check, my liver function and Helicobacter pylori test results are normal. However, the hospital informed me that there are abnormalities in my abdominal ultrasound, and I have recently ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Miss Pi: If the liver ultrasound shows only "mild hepatic parenchymal changes" and liver function is normal without hepatitis B or C, there are generally no significant issues. However, it is still advisable to consult a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialis...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Abnormalities: What to Do Next?
Post-Cholecystectomy Pain: Understanding Recovery After Gallbladder Surgery
Gallstones complicated by cholecystitis? Recently, I underwent surgery for gallstones complicated by cholecystitis. It's been about two weeks since the procedure, and I still experience mild pain while breathing. Following my attending physician's initial recommendation...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, after gallbladder removal, the healing of the surgical wound and recovery from pain can vary from case to case, with some individuals experiencing discomfort for one to two years. However, if the pain is severe, especially within one to two months post-surgery, and is acco...[Read More] Post-Cholecystectomy Pain: Understanding Recovery After Gallbladder Surgery