Understanding Unexplained Pain: Seeking Answers for Abdominal Discomfort
I am troubled by unexplained pain? I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been experiencing a dull pain in the lower right back for three months. The pain also occurs when I contract my abdomen and when I lean backward. I visited the nephrology department at Mackay Memorial Hospi...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Pain in the lower right flank may involve various organs, including muscles, nerves, kidneys, retroperitoneal space, urinary tract, intestines, uterus, and ovaries. 2. It is advisable for hepatitis B carriers to undergo regular abdominal ultrasound examination...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Pain: Seeking Answers for Abdominal Discomfort
Understanding Elevated AFP Levels: What You Need to Know About Liver Health
Elevated AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) Hello doctor, my husband recently had a health check-up at your hospital, and the report showed that his AFP level is elevated at 14.5, while all other tests are normal. The abdominal ultrasound was also normal, and the carcinoembryonic antigen (C...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Your husband is being regularly monitored at National Taiwan University Hospital. You inquired about the fetal alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, which is 14.5. The reference range for AFP at National Taiwan University Hospital is considered normal if it is below 20, so your h...[Read More] Understanding Elevated AFP Levels: What You Need to Know About Liver Health
Understanding Irregular Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Bowel issues Hello Doctor: I have irregular bowel movements (every 2 to 3 days or once every 1 to 2 weeks), and I experience some abdominal pain before defecation. My stool is sometimes white (sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't), and occasionally there is bleeding. What dis...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, if you have irregular bowel movements for a long time, sometimes hard, sometimes soft, sometimes constipated, and sometimes experiencing diarrhea without weight loss, fever, or bleeding, along with abdominal pain before bowel movements that alleviates afterward, it is most...[Read More] Understanding Irregular Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes, Concerns, and Care Tips
Total bilirubin Dear Doctor, I received my blood test results from my physical examination and I have some questions. My total bilirubin (T-bil) level is elevated at 1.26 mg/dL, while the normal range is 0.2 to 1.2 mg/dL. My direct bilirubin (D-bil) level is also high at 0.40 m...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. The causes of elevated bilirubin levels include liver diseases, biliary obstruction, hemolysis, medications, sepsis, autoimmune diseases, and primary biliary cirrhosis. There may also be a congenital deficiency of enzymes in the liver that process bilirubin. ...[Read More] Understanding Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes, Concerns, and Care Tips
Understanding Digestive Discomfort: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Abdominal discomfort? It seems that I tend to feel the urge to use the restroom after eating. Previously, I would go 3 to 4 times a day, and my stools were a speckled coffee color, but not to the point of diarrhea. Last Monday, I visited a gastroenterologist who prescribed medica...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, I am not sure how long you have been experiencing your symptoms. If it has been several months or even years without accompanying weight loss, fever, anemia, or positive fecal occult blood test, and if the symptoms are not worsening, especially considering your young age, ...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Discomfort: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Chronic Stomach Pain: Seeking Answers Beyond Endoscopy and Ultrasound
Chronic stomach pain? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a long-term issue for about six to seven years. Due to my busy work schedule, I often ate irregularly or sometimes not at all. Subsequently, I began to have symptoms similar to acid reflux. The symptoms are not characte...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, the initial symptom of burning in the chest is caused by gastric acid reflux into the esophagus. At this time, using proton pump inhibitors typically results in significant improvement. The size of the ulcer does not necessarily correlate with the symptoms of upper abdomin...[Read More] Chronic Stomach Pain: Seeking Answers Beyond Endoscopy and Ultrasound
Essential Care Tips for Managing Mild Cirrhosis and Low Platelets
What should be noted in liver cirrhosis? Dear Dr. Yuan, My father has been suffering from mild cirrhosis for nearly two years. He has been undergoing regular liver check-ups, and sometimes his liver function tests show abnormal results. Recently, during an ultrasound, the gallbl...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, there are several reasons why the gallbladder may not be visible during an abdominal ultrasound: 1. The patient may have undergone gallbladder removal surgery (or other abdominal surgeries that involved gallbladder removal). 2. The patient may not be fasting; after eating,...[Read More] Essential Care Tips for Managing Mild Cirrhosis and Low Platelets
Understanding Yellow Oily Discharge from the Anus: Causes and Concerns
Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology Department I would like to ask about a recent issue. Every time I go to the bathroom, I notice a yellow, oily substance dripping from my anus. It looks like oil, but there is no pain or discomfort. This has been happening for a week now. I would...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, you can visit the outpatient department of the hospital for a stool test to determine if it is indeed "steatorrhea." The causes of steatorrhea may be related to diet (for example, some people have consumed oily fish for weight loss), medications (such as orlistat...[Read More] Understanding Yellow Oily Discharge from the Anus: Causes and Concerns
Bloating and Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues Explained
The stomach and abdomen are both very bloated? Doctor, I would like to ask you something. Recently, my stomach and abdomen have been very bloated, regardless of whether I eat or not, or how much I eat (although I don't eat much, as eating too much makes me feel nauseous). Th...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, there are many causes of abdominal bloating. It may be due to abnormal peristalsis in the stomach or intestines caused by inflammation, which could be your current condition. If you pay attention to your diet—eating smaller, more frequent meals, chewing thoroughly, and avo...[Read More] Bloating and Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues Explained
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Abdominal pain? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing abdominal pain for about two years now, specifically in the area just below the left rib cage, aligned with the lowest part of the central rib cage. Initially, the pain would occur after overeating, but now it happens every t...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, under normal circumstances, this area contains the stomach and intestines. If you continue to experience pain and have ruled out abdominal muscle pain, overexertion, or sports injuries, it is recommended that you visit a hospital for an abdominal ultrasound and gastroscopy...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Understanding Polyps: What You Need to Know About Your Liver Health
Polyp Hello Doctor: Today I had an abdominal ultrasound, and the doctor said that my liver condition is fine, but there is a small polyp. The area where the transducer pressed is exactly where I usually feel a bit uncomfortable. I have had slightly elevated liver enzymes for a lo...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, most gallbladder polyps are benign growths and typically do not cause symptoms, so no special treatment is necessary; just regular follow-up with ultrasound is sufficient. However, if the polyp is larger than one centimeter or is growing rapidly, it is recommended to consi...[Read More] Understanding Polyps: What You Need to Know About Your Liver Health
Understanding Liver Function Tests: What You Need to Know for Accurate Results
Liver function tests (LFTs) Hello, Doctor. I have been serving in the Coast Guard for about five years. Due to work-related issues, I have been experiencing irregular sleep patterns. I read in the newspaper that there were patients whose liver function tests showed normal results...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. A general liver function test includes blood tests and ultrasound examinations. 2. The liver enzymes commonly referred to are AST (GOT) and ALT (GPT). When AST and ALT levels are elevated, it is important to investigate the underlying causes. Common causes in ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: What You Need to Know for Accurate Results
Two Key Questions on Gastrointestinal Health and Hepatitis B Management
There are two questions? I would like to ask two questions: 1. When I have a bowel movement, I notice some blood on the toilet paper after wiping. It's not a lot and doesn't happen frequently, but occasionally, when the stool is too hard, I see a small amount of blood...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. It seems more like a minor injury to the anus caused by hard stools passing through, which may also involve some hemorrhoids. If this occurs frequently, please consult a colorectal surgeon or a gastroenterologist for an examination. 2. Hepatitis B cannot be c...[Read More] Two Key Questions on Gastrointestinal Health and Hepatitis B Management
Understanding Persistently Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Insights
Liver enzyme levels have consistently been elevated? Hello Doctor: I am 26 years old, and I have had normal health check-ups before university. However, since my university entrance examination, my liver enzymes GPT and GOT have been slightly elevated above normal values. Since t...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, the common reasons for elevated AST (GOT) and ALT (GPT) levels include hepatitis B and C, drug-induced fatty liver, and autoimmune diseases. A small portion of cases may have unknown causes not related to the currently known hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, E). If the liver ...[Read More] Understanding Persistently Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Insights
Understanding Liver Health: Long-term Effects of Medication and Monitoring
Could you please provide more details about the liver issues? 1. Long-term use of Ganciclovir can have side effects. It may affect other organs, including the kidneys. 2. Since your liver function has returned to normal but the E antigen has not yet turned negative, it is advis...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, there are no significant side effects from the treatment, and it does not affect other organs. The e-antigen has not turned negative (treatment should continue), liver function tests are normal, and the treatment goal has not yet been achieved (the e-an...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Long-term Effects of Medication and Monitoring
Understanding Hepatitis B: Risks, Vaccination, and Health Monitoring
Hepatitis B carrier (1) Doctor, my boyfriend is a carrier of hepatitis B. I have had deep kisses and sexual intercourse with him, but I was vaccinated against hepatitis B when I was a child. Later, I had my antibody levels checked, and the doctor recommended another vaccination f...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, (1) Hepatitis B can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. Although the transmission rate between spouses is not high, it is best to have antibodies to reduce the risk of infection. (2) A. Fatty liver can be classified by severity through ultrasound....[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Risks, Vaccination, and Health Monitoring
Understanding Hepatitis B: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management for Teens
Liver function test inquiry I would like to ask the doctor, I am 17 years old and two years ago I had a physical examination when I started school. I found out that I have hepatitis B, but I have consulted both Western and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners for treatment....
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, if the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) remains positive for more than 6 months, it indicates a chronic carrier status. If liver enzyme levels (AST, ALT) are elevated, it suggests chronic hepatitis. There are various medications available in both Western and Traditional...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management for Teens
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Medical Help
Gastrointestinal issues..? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about the swelling under my left rib cage that has been present for quite some time. I have seen a doctor in the past, but they said that one side of the ribs is naturally more swollen and dismissed my concerns. Is tha...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, the area below the left rib may involve parts of the stomach and intestines. If you are experiencing persistent discomfort along with gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for an evaluation of your gastrointestinal trac...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding the Connection Between Duodenal Ulcers and Back Pain
Duodenum and Back Pain Hello, Doctor. 1. About three months ago, I started experiencing some pain below my left scapula (lower back), which was followed by bloating, frequent burping, and a loss of appetite. At that time, I felt pain in both sides of my lower back, and it seeme...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, the pain in your lower left back is not related to duodenal ulcers; I have never heard of referred pain from ulcers reaching that area. However, regarding the pancreas, I wonder if you have had an abdominal ultrasound, as lesions in the tail of the pancreas may cause pain ...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Duodenal Ulcers and Back Pain
Preventing Liver Cirrhosis: Essential Tips for Hepatitis B Carriers
Hepatitis B I am a carrier of hepatitis B. I currently work the night shift at a convenience store, and I try to make up for sleep during the day. I do not smoke or drink alcohol. What should I do to prevent liver cirrhosis? What are the regular check-up items I should undergo?
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, in addition to sufficient sleep and rest, maintaining a balanced diet, consuming fresh foods, avoiding alcohol, and refraining from taking medications indiscriminately are important measures for liver protection. If liver function tests (GOT, GPT) are normal, it indicates ...[Read More] Preventing Liver Cirrhosis: Essential Tips for Hepatitis B Carriers