Can Gallstones and Fatty Liver Cause Chest and Shoulder Pain?
Can gallstones and fatty liver cause pain in the epigastric region or upper abdomen, right shoulder pain, and discomfort in the back? Hello, Director Chen. I apologize for interrupting you during your busy schedule. I am 36 years old, have never smoked or consumed alcohol, and my...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. While the chances of related opportunities may not be significant, if you have been troubled for a long time, you might consider laparoscopic cholecystectomy to prevent future occurrences of gallstones. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Sincerely, Chen Shidia...[Read More] Can Gallstones and Fatty Liver Cause Chest and Shoulder Pain?
Can Gallstones and Fatty Liver Cause Upper Abdominal Pain and Discomfort?
Can gallstones and fatty liver cause pain in the epigastric region or upper abdomen, right shoulder pain, and back discomfort? Hello Dr. Chen, I apologize for interrupting you during your busy schedule. I am 36 years old, have never smoked or consumed alcohol, and my blood tests ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
In general, fatty liver is less likely to present with pain symptoms. As for gallstones, treatment should be pursued whenever there are symptoms, regardless of their size or quantity. In terms of location, the pain may be due to the gallstones, but based on your description of th...[Read More] Can Gallstones and Fatty Liver Cause Upper Abdominal Pain and Discomfort?
Understanding Gastrointestinal and Liver Health: When to Seek Further Testing
Gastrointestinal, liver, and kidney? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing some discomfort in my stomach for the past two weeks. It feels bloated and sometimes a bit painful. I recently had a cold, and my doctor mentioned that it might be related to that. However, I have noticed...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if you are experiencing persistent discomfort in the upper abdomen, you may consider undergoing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. There doesn't seem to be any urgency regarding other issues, so you can continue to monitor your condition. Changhua Hospital cares abo...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal and Liver Health: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps and Indirect Bilirubin Levels
Abnormal liver function test results? The abdominal ultrasound showed a 0.8 cm polyp in the gallbladder and an indirect bilirubin level of 0.70. Is this very serious?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1) The gallbladder polyp measures 0.8 cm and can be monitored. If it continues to grow and exceeds 1-1.5 cm, gallbladder removal is recommended to prevent potential malignancy. 2) Indirect bilirubin is 0.70, which is normal. There is no need for excessive concern. Changhua...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps and Indirect Bilirubin Levels
Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain and Its Causes
Right upper quadrant pain radiating to the back? Hello, I have had my gallbladder removed. Last year, I experienced mild pain in my lower right rib, and after an ultrasound, the doctor found stones in the bile duct, which led to an ERCP that caused pancreatitis. Recently, the pai...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
1. If there is enlargement of the pancreatic tail, it should cause pain in the left upper abdomen. 2. There is a possibility of recurrence of bile duct stones, but blood tests are normal, which cannot explain the situation. 3. A PET scan may not be very helpful. 4. If ERCP ...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain and Its Causes
Understanding Bile Duct Swelling: Causes and Diagnostic Insights
Bile duct dilation Hello, doctor. Recently, my mother has been experiencing abdominal pain for several days and visited a clinic. The clinic indicated that there are gallstones in the bile duct and that she can only manage it with medication. The next day, she went to a teaching ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1) After gallbladder removal, dilation of the bile duct is a normal phenomenon. As long as there is no obstruction in the bile duct, it is not a concern. Typically, the presence of obstruction can be assessed through blood tests measuring bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase...[Read More] Understanding Bile Duct Swelling: Causes and Diagnostic Insights
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: Causes and Concerns
Abnormal liver function test results? Hello Doctor, I have a few questions. I have not been very healthy regarding my gastrointestinal system since middle school, experiencing recurrent issues such as duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. I usual...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. If the values are greater than normal, it can be classified as acute hepatitis. However, if it is accompanied by jaundice and coagulation dysfunction, it indicates hepatic decompensation, which poses a risk. 2. There are many causes of hepatitis; if you have not been ev...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
Bilirubin issues? Hello Doctor, last year I discovered that my total bilirubin was elevated while my direct bilirubin was normal. My indirect bilirubin was 2.2 mg/dL. I went to a clinic for follow-up, and I had several blood tests to check for hemolysis. The doctor suggested it m...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Typically, blood tests can only measure total bilirubin and direct bilirubin. Indirect bilirubin is calculated by subtracting the two values. (2) The total bilirubin is 1.75 mg/dL, and the direct bilirubin is 0.54 mg/dL, which indicates direct jaundice. This may be due...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding the Connection Between Uribilinogen and Total Bilirubin Levels
Urobilinogen and total bilirubin? Is there a connection between abnormal levels of urinary urobilinogen and total bilirubin in a health check? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, when there is an abnormal increase in bilirubin levels in the blood, some of it may be excreted in the urine. It is advisable to consult a hepatobiliary specialist for further examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Uribilinogen and Total Bilirubin Levels
Understanding Unexplained Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
What could cause an unexplained increase in bilirubin levels? Hello, two weeks ago I visited the hospital for a follow-up on my long-term, intermittent proteinuria (although my kidney function has always been normal). During the examination, it was found that my bilirubin levels ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: In addition to monitoring for hemolysis, you should also pay attention to whether you have been taking traditional Chinese medicine, drinking herbal tea, or consuming alcohol for an extended period. If not, you can track the changes in your indices, as some individuals may...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Elevated Urobilinogen Levels: Causes and Concerns
Elevated levels of urobilinogen? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my recent urinalysis, which showed elevated urobilinogen levels, while bilirubin was negative and all other parameters were normal. I am concerned about potential liver inflammation. Six days later, I had te...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: There should be no problem; it is normal for bilirubin levels to occasionally rise in healthy individuals, and monitoring is sufficient. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Elevated Urobilinogen Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Elevated total and direct bilirubin levels? Hello doctor, my health check report shows that my total bilirubin is elevated at 1.17 (normal range: 0.3-1.0) and my direct bilirubin is high at 0.29 (normal range: 0.03-0.18). What could be the cause of this? Is there an immediate nee...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A slight increase may not necessarily indicate a pathological issue. If you have been consuming alcohol or traditional Chinese medicine, it is advisable to stop. Additionally, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist and arrange for an abdominal ultrasound examina...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Hepatitis B: Elevated Liver Enzymes and Treatment Options
Could you please provide more specific information or questions regarding hepatitis B? Hello Doctor: My father has hepatitis B. Recently, he underwent tests and his results showed GOT 54, GPT 85, viral load 17,000 (which is above the normal range), bilirubin 0.9, and amylase 111 ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Please schedule an appointment with the Gastroenterology and Hepatology department for evaluation by the attending physician. Additionally, avoid alcohol, refrain from staying up late, and do not consume traditional Chinese medicine or steroids. Changhua Hospital car...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Elevated Liver Enzymes and Treatment Options
Understanding Diarrhea and Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Diarrhea and elevated total bilirubin levels? Hello Doctor, last week my bowel movements were either soft stools or diarrhea, and I have been experiencing a dull pain in my stomach and abdomen. Therefore, I visited a gastroenterologist this Monday. The doctor pressed on my right ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: You can continue to monitor the clinical situation of your right upper abdominal pain. If it worsens, you should seek medical attention sooner. The diarrhea may be indicative of acute gastroenteritis. In certain cases, severe enteritis can also lead to jaundice, but the li...[Read More] Understanding Diarrhea and Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Your Liver and Cholesterol Test Results: Key Insights
Laboratory Report Hello Doctor, the examination results from 11/06 are as follows: Fasting Blood Sugar: 126 Hemoglobin A1c: 6.8 Triglycerides: 87 Total Cholesterol: 198 LDL: 154 HDL: 38 Creatinine: 1.0 BUN: 19 Direct Bilirubin: 0.1 Total Bilirubin: 0.6 Alkal...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, 1. Liver function tests and ultrasound interpretation should take into account the history of alcohol consumption and hepatitis to provide a comprehensive assessment. 2. Total cholesterol levels are not high, but LDL is elevated and HDL is low, indicating poor dietary s...[Read More] Understanding Your Liver and Cholesterol Test Results: Key Insights
Acute vs Chronic Hepatitis B: Understanding Your Diagnosis and Next Steps
Acute Hepatitis B or Chronic Hepatitis B? Dear Dr. Chen, I apologize for the lengthy message, but I hope you can provide me with some advice. Last month, I went to the hospital for an examination due to stomach discomfort. The doctor ordered blood tests (first test on 5/13) whic...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, based on the clinical course and blood test follow-up, the likelihood of acute hepatitis B is the highest, and it seems that the patient has completely recovered from this acute hepatitis B episode, with the disappearance of surface antigens and the production of surface a...[Read More] Acute vs Chronic Hepatitis B: Understanding Your Diagnosis and Next Steps
Understanding Liver Tumor Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Liver tumor treatment Dear Director Chen, My father is 85 years old and has been drinking alcohol since his youth, but he has never reached the level of alcoholism. His daily routine has been normal. In early July, he was hospitalized due to abdominal pain, and a CT scan reveale...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: 1. If cholangiocarcinoma has metastasized or invaded the gallbladder, the prognosis is poor. 2. Electrocautery is used for treating solitary small tumors; however, this patient is not suitable for electrocautery due to tumor invasion of the gallbladder and hepatic ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumor Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Understanding Abnormal Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Solutions
Inquiry regarding abnormalities in total bilirubin and direct bilirubin: Hello Doctor: I recently received my health check-up report, and two abnormal values were noted: Total Bilirubin (T-Bil) is low at 1.84 mg/dl, and Direct Bilirubin (D-Bil) is high at 0.58 mg/dl. I would like...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Total bilirubin includes direct bilirubin, so total bilirubin levels are higher than direct bilirubin levels. This data should still be interpreted in conjunction with other test reports, such as liver function tests and ultrasound, to determine the underlying issues and potentia...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Abnormal T-Bil and D-Bil Levels: Causes and Solutions
Could you please clarify the issue regarding abnormal T-Bil and D-Bil levels? Hello Doctor: I recently received my health check-up report, and two abnormal values are as follows: Total Bilirubin (T-Bil) is low at 1.84 mg/dl, and Direct Bilirubin (D-Bil) is high at 0.58 mg/dl. I w...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Total bilirubin includes direct bilirubin, so total bilirubin levels are higher than direct bilirubin levels. This data should still be interpreted in conjunction with other test reports, such as liver function tests and ultrasound, to determine the underlying issues and potentia...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal T-Bil and D-Bil Levels: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Elevated Amylase and Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Abnormal biochemical blood test results? Recent blood tests revealed several elevated values, specifically Amylase at 103 U/L (normal range 0-100) and Total Bilirubin at 1.8 mg/dL (normal range 0-1.5). What could be the issue?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, if this is just a routine check-up, slightly elevated amylase does not indicate clinical significance; slightly elevated total bilirubin, if there are no hemolysis issues and no liver or biliary problems, may suggest a congenital metabolic disorder of bile. It is recommend...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Amylase and Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know