Understanding Greasy Stool: Is It a Sign of Pancreatic Issues?
A long-term feeling of greasy stools that are unformed may indicate a problem with the pancreas? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing a greasy feeling in my stool for about one to two years. The front part of the stool is formed, but the latter part is like a muddy, ice cream c...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Dear Miss Sandy: If you have been feeling unwell for an extended period, it is advisable to consult your physician or seek a second opinion to evaluate the underlying reasons for your condition. This will help in providing the appropriate treatment. Wishing you a speedy recovery,...[Read More] Understanding Greasy Stool: Is It a Sign of Pancreatic Issues?
Understanding Mild Yellowing of the Eyes: Is It a Sign of Liver Issues?
Slightly yellow sclera? Hello doctor, I recently had blood tests and my liver enzyme levels were at 150. The urine test showed normal bilirubin levels, but a few days later, I noticed that the whites of my eyes were slightly yellow, although not very noticeable. Could this be rel...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is possible; please return for a follow-up appointment to check the bilirubin levels.[Read More] Understanding Mild Yellowing of the Eyes: Is It a Sign of Liver Issues?
White Sesame in Stool: Is It a Sign of Parasites or Something Else?
Is the presence of white sesame seeds in stool a sign of parasites? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing pain in my left middle, middle, right middle, lower middle, right lower, and left lower abdomen (using the navel as a reference) since mid-July. I started receiving treatmen...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. A, you have already seen a physician. It is recommended that you discuss directly with your attending physician and provide your stool for evaluation or examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health.[Read More] White Sesame in Stool: Is It a Sign of Parasites or Something Else?
Understanding Jaundice and Sepsis in Liver Disease Management
Jaundice and sepsis? The elder has developed cirrhosis and ascites due to chronic alcoholism after retirement. Although he was supposed to have regular follow-ups, he did not return to the hospital on schedule. On November 17, he was urgently admitted due to a high fever, and the...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The condition is complex; please discuss it further with the attending physician.[Read More] Understanding Jaundice and Sepsis in Liver Disease Management
Understanding Elevated GPT and Indirect Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Elevated GPT/indirect bilirubin slightly elevated? Over the past 10 years of regular health check-ups, my GPT/GOT/total bilirubin levels have all been within normal ranges, with GPT/GOT between 10-20. In August 2018, total bilirubin was first noted at 1.8 (with GPT/GOT around 20 ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The condition is somewhat different from others, but still poses no danger. It is recommended to continue monitoring at the same healthcare facility. Maintain a normal diet and avoid exposure to toxic volatile substances. Referral to a medical center should only be made if necess...[Read More] Understanding Elevated GPT and Indirect Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Pancreatic Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Follow-Up Care
Pancreatic pseudocyst Hello Doctor Chen: I have been experiencing a sensation of a foreign body in my right abdomen for 3-4 years. Sometimes, I also have abdominal pain that radiates to my back (the area is not fixed). My blood test showed a slightly elevated bilirubin level (1.6...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Pancreatic cysts are generally not a major concern, while liver nodules need to be evaluated based on their characteristics. Typically, ultrasound examinations do not specifically emphasize the relationship between height and pancreatic size, but rather observe whether there is a...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin: Causes and Implications
Elevated total bilirubin? Hello doctor, the company's health check report shows a total bilirubin level of 2.8 mg/dL and a direct bilirubin level of 0.2 mg/dL, which is elevated. The abdominal ultrasound is normal, with mild fatty liver and a 0.4 cm stone in the right kidney...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
If there are no hematological disorders, it may be a congenital bile metabolism disorder.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin: Causes and Implications
Understanding Abnormal Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels in Health Checkups
Abnormal total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels in health check-ups? Hello, doctor. In my recent health check report, it was found that my total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels were abnormal, with total bilirubin at 4.17 mg/dL and direct bilirubin at 1.59 mg/dL. Other ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, some individuals have congenital abnormalities in bilirubin metabolism, which may increase under certain conditions. It is recommended to monitor through follow-up blood tests under normal daily activities. If the levels continue to rise, further examinations may be necess...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels in Health Checkups
Understanding Congenital Bile Duct Cysts: When Is Surgery Necessary?
Congenital choledochal cyst Hello, doctor. Recently, my health check-up report showed elevated total bilirubin levels, and after undergoing an abdominal ultrasound and CT scan at the hospital, I was diagnosed with a choledochal cyst. However, the doctor mentioned that I only need...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, it is quite rare to perform surgery for this condition, but it still depends on the individual case. You may discuss this further with your attending physician and continue to monitor the situation, or consult a specialist in biliary diseases at a medical center. Changhua ...[Read More] Understanding Congenital Bile Duct Cysts: When Is Surgery Necessary?
Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Hepatitis B testing status I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have regular follow-ups. Today, I had blood tests done with the following results: - 2017/10/03 AST/GOT (aspartate aminotransferase) 25 U/L (normal range: 8-38) - 2017/10/03 ALT/GPT (alanine aminotransferase) 24 U/L (...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, based on your description, you have antibodies against Hepatitis B, indicating that the infection has completely resolved. If you have liver cirrhosis, close monitoring is still necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shih-Tien[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Total bilirubin, direct bilirubin Doctor, I recently had blood test results showing elevated total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels. The normal value for total bilirubin is 1.2 mg/dL, and mine is 1.77 mg/dL. The normal value for direct bilirubin is 0.5 mg/dL, and mine is 0.6...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, based on what you described, it seems to be a benign congenital condition related to bilirubin metabolism. Generally, it is not dangerous and does not require treatment. At most, you may need to have blood tests annually for comparison, so there is no need to worry! Changh...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Abnormal Jaundice Levels: Causes and Implications
Abnormal bilirubin levels? Hello, doctor. I have hepatitis B, and an ultrasound showed a 0.6 cm hemangioma in my liver. There is no cirrhosis or enlargement of the liver according to my health check report. My GOT and GPT levels are normal, and my AFP is also normal. The only abn...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, it is possible that the jaundice is due to a metabolic issue related to your constitution, which should not be a concern. Please continue to monitor it. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Jaundice Levels: Causes and Implications
Mild Bile Duct Dilation: Should You Be Concerned at Age 60?
Mild dilation of the bile duct? I am sixty years old. Last month, I had my annual check-up and an abdominal ultrasound, which revealed a slight dilation of the bile duct measuring 7mm, while everything else was normal. My liver function tests were also normal, and I do not feel a...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The normal range for the diameter of the bile duct is between 7mm and 11mm. If the bilirubin levels and alkaline phosphatase are normal, there is no need to be overly concerned. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Mild Bile Duct Dilation: Should You Be Concerned at Age 60?
Complications of Biliary Stenting in Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Biliary stent complications? Hello Dr. Yang, my mother was recently diagnosed with stage II pancreatic cancer. To manage her jaundice, she underwent endoscopic biliary stenting. After the procedure, she was living normally, but starting on the sixth day, she experienced recurrent...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Little Red Bean, pancreatic cancer is known for its unpredictable progression. While placing a metal stent may resolve most jaundice issues, there are still situations where jaundice may not improve. The use of self-paid albumin should not be related to the metal stent; it s...[Read More] Complications of Biliary Stenting in Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels in Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers
A carrier of hepatitis B would like to inquire about the issue of elevated total bilirubin (TBIL 2.1 mg/dL)? Hello Dr. Chen, I am 40 years old and a carrier of Hepatitis B. I would like to inquire about the issue of elevated total bilirubin (TBIL 2.1 mg/dL). I have been regularl...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It is likely that your elevated bilirubin levels are due to your individual bilirubin metabolism, which poses no harm to your health. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels in Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers
Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: A Daughter's Urgent Concerns
Abnormal liver function tests? My father went to the hospital for a blood test on November 18, and after the results came back, he was urgently admitted for hospitalization! His liver enzyme levels were over 1000 (prior to this, he had been complaining of lower back and waist pai...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, the term "fulminant hepatitis" refers to the onset of jaundice accompanied by altered mental status. It is advisable for your father to discuss his condition thoroughly with his attending physician and to be closely monitored. Additionally, please avoid consuming...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: A Daughter's Urgent Concerns
Understanding Liver Inflammation and Elevated CA19-9 Levels
Liver, CA19-9 Hello, Doctor! The recent blood test report shows T-Bilirubin 2.14 mg/dL, D-Bilirubin 1.32 mg/dL, GOT 159 U/L, GPT 482 U/L, Alk-P 151 U/L, GTP 484 U/L, and Eosinophil 0.4%, which is below the normal value of 0.9. AFP is 3.17 ng/mL (which is normal), CEA is 4.25 ng/m...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Such a blood test report indicates that it is not the time to discuss dietary considerations, but rather the time to undergo further examinations. The preliminary assessment suggests the highest likelihood of bile duct obstruction (rather than hepatitis), and a referral to a gast...[Read More] Understanding Liver Inflammation and Elevated CA19-9 Levels
Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin and Protein Levels: Next Steps
Health check: Total bilirubin and total protein levels are elevated? Dear Dr. Chen, Hello! During this year's health check-up, there were two abnormalities: total bilirubin at 1.4 mg/dL and total protein at 8.1 g/dL. I would like to know if this is very serious and what fur...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. You only need to follow up in 3 months for comparison. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin and Protein Levels: Next Steps
Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
The health check showed elevated levels of total bilirubin and direct bilirubin? Total bilirubin: 1.51 mg/dL (reference range: 0.1–1.2 mg/dL) Direct bilirubin: 0.49 mg/dL (reference range: 0–0.4 mg/dL) In the past three years, only these two values have exceeded the standard...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It may be a congenital constitution, and it is possible that family members are similar. It does not affect your health, so there is no need for concern. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Implications
The first occurrence of total bilirubin (1.8 mg/dL) and direct bilirubin (0.8 mg/dL) is elevated? I have been taking medication for lowering blood sugar for a long time. My fasting blood sugar is 121 mg/dL, and my HbA1c is 6.5%. My average blood pressure is 130/78 mmHg. Aside fro...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels are elevated, indicating liver function abnormalities. It is necessary to check for hepatitis or gallbladder and biliary tract diseases. Causes of hepatitis include viral infections, alcohol consumption, medications, and fatty liver dis...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Implications