Bilirubin, Gastroenterology and Hepatology FAQ

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Understanding Elevated Bilirubin and Cholesterol Levels: Next Steps for Diagnosis

Elevated levels of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and total cholesterol? Hello, doctor. I recently completed a health check-up, and the results that exceeded the normal range include total bilirubin at 2.88, direct bilirubin at 0.57, total cholesterol at 246, and urine showin...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Abnormal values (with normal ultrasound) are likely due to individual constitution and do not pose a long-term health risk; monitoring is sufficient. Cholesterol can be managed through diet and medication. Pain management can be addressed by consulting a pain specialist or a fami...

[Read More] Understanding Elevated Bilirubin and Cholesterol Levels: Next Steps for Diagnosis


Understanding Elevated AFP Levels: Potential Causes and Next Steps

Elevated levels of AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) test? Hello, I underwent a health check-up on May 25th, where it was found that my alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was elevated at 19.3. All related liver function tests, including GOT, GPT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, and albumin, we...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You can wait for the CT scan report first, and if necessary, an MRI can be added, or you can follow up with a third blood test.

[Read More] Understanding Elevated AFP Levels: Potential Causes and Next Steps


Understanding Digestive Issues: Back Pain, Bloating, and Anxiety Concerns

Back pain, occasional nausea, and bloating issues? Hello Doctor: Last May, I sought medical attention for gastrointestinal bloating after consuming too much milk. Due to a family history of diabetes (grandfather, mother, and father), the doctor arranged for a colonoscopy, an endo...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It should not be related to pancreatic cancer; managing with medication and dietary control is sufficient, so there is no need to worry.

[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Back Pain, Bloating, and Anxiety Concerns


Can You Drink Alcohol in Moderation After Curing Hepatitis C?

Can a person who has been cured of hepatitis C consume alcohol in moderation? I would like to ask the doctor, I was diagnosed with hepatitis C at the end of 2020. I started oral medication treatment in March 2021 for three months, and after completing the treatment, I followed up...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is acceptable not to have cirrhosis, but be sure to avoid driving after consuming alcohol.

[Read More] Can You Drink Alcohol in Moderation After Curing Hepatitis C?


Understanding Fatty Liver and Kidney Stones: Dietary Insights and Management

Abdominal ultrasound Hello Doctor: Last year, due to abdominal pain, I was examined and found to have kidney stones and moderate fatty liver. Over the past year, my weight has been stable at 92 kg (height 166 cm), and I have been controlling my diet for about a year. I believe I ...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
The patient has moderate obesity with a BMI of 33.3, and there are kidney stones present with minimal changes observed in the follow-up ultrasound. The abdominal ultrasound shows slight changes in non-fatty areas and multiple small right-sided kidney stones. It is recommended to ...

[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver and Kidney Stones: Dietary Insights and Management


Should You Rush for a Checkup with Slightly Elevated Total Bilirubin?

Is it necessary to urgently return for a follow-up if the total bilirubin level is 0.01 above the normal range but all other indices are normal? Hello, Director! I have a bit of gallstones and mild fatty liver, with no other liver or gallbladder issues. Therefore, I need to under...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
No problem / No need for a follow-up appointment in the short term.

[Read More] Should You Rush for a Checkup with Slightly Elevated Total Bilirubin?


Understanding Blood Test Results: Insights on Liver Health and More

Blood test value inquiry? Hello, doctor. Recently, my family arranged for a blood test at a laboratory, and I have some questions regarding the results. Here are the liver-related values: Total Bilirubin: 1.1, Direct Bilirubin: 0.35, Total Protein: 7.4, Albumin: 5.0, Globulin: 2....


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is still within an acceptable range; a re-evaluation of the slightly abnormal parts can be done in 3 to 6 months for comparison.

[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Insights on Liver Health and More


Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Treatment Duration and Expectations

Elevated liver enzymes? Hello Doctor, my mother is 68 years old. Her blood test results show GOT/GPT over 300, and r-GT over 1500. Her bilirubin level, which was originally 18, has decreased to 8, but it is still quite high. Recently, my mother has been taking liver and bile medi...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The recovery of liver function and the underlying causes of the disease will determine the timeline, which can typically range from 1 to 3 months. Please discuss this with your attending physician.

[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Treatment Duration and Expectations


Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns

Elevated total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels? Hello, doctor. In 2021, I had a health check-up, and at that time, my total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels were elevated. Three months later, I had another blood test, and those levels were normal. This year, during my ...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There is no correlation and it does not affect health. If there is no hepatitis B, the principle is to follow the general health check-up guidelines (for those over 40 years old, once every two years).

[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns


Managing Elevated T-Bilirubin: Insights for Liver Health

Laboratory report: T-bilirubin 1.41 is elevated. What are the next steps for management? The liver surface is rough (for several years) with no evidence of hepatitis A, B, or C, and no signs of metabolic syndrome. GOT is 21, GPT is 22, and there are no symptoms such as pain. Bowe...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is still within the normal range of fluctuations, so there is no need to worry.

[Read More] Managing Elevated T-Bilirubin: Insights for Liver Health


Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know

Total bilirubin Hello Doctor: Recently, my health check report showed elevated total bilirubin (T-Bil) at 1.99 mg/dL, elevated direct bilirubin (D-Bil) at 0.58 mg/dL, elevated r-GT at 151 U/L (I do not drink alcohol), and elevated GPT at 79 U/L. I would like to ask the doctor abo...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Abnormal liver function and mixed hyperbilirubinemia—where the ratio of direct bilirubin to total bilirubin is between 25-50%—may require differential diagnosis including various types of hepatitis (metabolic, drug-induced, alcoholic, viral, autoimmune diseases) and hematological...

[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know


Understanding White Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention for Gastrointestinal Issues

Bowel movement issues Today, I had a bowel movement that was about 2-3 centimeters long and white in color, while the rest were of a slightly normal color. Aside from my gastrointestinal discomfort, I have not experienced any other symptoms recently, such as jaundice, yellowing a...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is recommended to continue self-monitoring.

[Read More] Understanding White Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention for Gastrointestinal Issues


Understanding Stool and Urine Color Changes: When to Seek Help

Issues with Stool Color Hello, I currently have one gallstone and moderate fatty liver. Recently, I've noticed that my urine and stool are both very yellow in the morning. I initially thought it might be jaundice; my urine has a slight tea color, and my stool is a golden yel...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Slightly concentrated urine in the morning is still considered normal.

[Read More] Understanding Stool and Urine Color Changes: When to Seek Help


Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: Liver and Gastrointestinal Insights

Abnormal health check values? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about the abnormal results from my recent health check-up and whether I need to seek further medical attention or how to improve them. Here are the results: Direct bilirubin is elevated at 0.31 mg/dL, and high-de...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Direct bilirubin is slightly elevated at 0.31 mg/dL. If the total bilirubin is not elevated, there is no need to worry too much. You may consider following up with a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialist. 2. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is low at 3...

[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: Liver and Gastrointestinal Insights


Understanding Total Bilirubin Levels: Is 1.3 mg/dL a Cause for Concern?

Total bilirubin 1.3? Hello, Dr. Lin! My total bilirubin level is 1.3, which is slightly above the normal value of 1.2, but my GOT level is 14 and GPT level is 8, both of which are normal. Is this related to anemia? My hemoglobin level is 10.6. Thank you for taking the time to res...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Elevated total bilirubin can be primarily due to increased direct bilirubin or increased indirect bilirubin. Possible causes of elevated direct bilirubin include liver diseases and hepatobiliary disorders. If the elevation is primarily in indirect bilirubin, it may be due ...

[Read More] Understanding Total Bilirubin Levels: Is 1.3 mg/dL a Cause for Concern?


Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns

Elevated total bilirubin? Hello Dr. Tsai! Recently, I have been experiencing a dull pain in my upper right abdomen, and I'm unsure if it is nerve or muscle pain, so I went to the hospital for an examination. The test results are as follows: Creatinine "1.13" mg/dL,...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The total bilirubin level of "1.8" mg/dL is elevated, and the AST level is "46" U/L, which is also elevated, while the ALT level is "29" U/L. This may be related to alcohol and medication (herbal medicine) intake, so it would be advisable to c...

[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns


Understanding Your Liver and Gastrointestinal Test Results: What to Know

Continuation of question #187746? Doctor, thank you for your response. I recently had some tests done at the laboratory, and I'm not sure if the blood tests you mentioned were included. Could you please help me check? Thank you. My results are as follows: GOT 15, GPT 19, γ-G...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
I agree with his statement; localized heat therapy can be applied, and attention should be paid to posture while monitoring changes in symptoms.

[Read More] Understanding Your Liver and Gastrointestinal Test Results: What to Know


Understanding Stomach Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

Stomach pain issues? Thank you, doctor. I would like to ask about my condition. About two months ago, I started experiencing discomfort in my stomach that lasted for one to two weeks. Sometimes I had constipation, and occasionally diarrhea, but I did not have a fever. My bowel mo...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: It is advisable to pay attention to your diet and treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Common causes of pancreatitis include alcohol consumption, biliary issues, and hyperlipidemia. It is recommended to avoid overly greasy and sweet foods. Blood tests and imaging ...

[Read More] Understanding Stomach Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help


Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Solutions

Elevated bilirubin levels? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about the issue of elevated bilirubin levels in my recent two health check-ups, with the most recent results showing a significant increase compared to the previous one. In 2020, my total bilirubin was 1.51 mg/dL, d...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, elevated direct bilirubin along with other liver function indices may indicate liver or biliary tract-related diseases. Your abdominal ultrasound showed no abnormalities, other liver indices are normal, urine bilirubin is negative, and there are no obvious liver or biliary...

[Read More] Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Solutions


Understanding Normal Gallbladder Ultrasound with Elevated Bilirubin Levels

Abdominal ultrasound shows normal gallbladder? I apologize, but I would like to ask about abdominal ultrasound results. The gallbladder appears normal, but blood tests show total bilirubin (T-Bil) at 1.3 mg/dL and direct bilirubin (D-Bil) at 0.21 mg/dL. Is this considered normal?...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Normal margins, largely insignificant; it is sufficient to recheck in 3 to 6 months or during the next health examination.

[Read More] Understanding Normal Gallbladder Ultrasound with Elevated Bilirubin Levels


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