Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Gas: Causes and When to Seek Help
Left lower abdominal gas? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about a recent issue I've been experiencing. For some time now, I've been feeling gas in my lower left abdomen, sometimes accompanied by sounds or bowel sounds. I can clearly feel gas passing through the intest...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Normal flatulence is expected; a negative stool test allows for monitoring of symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Gas: Causes and When to Seek Help
Can You Take Cialis with Hepatitis B and Normal Liver Function?
Can a person with hepatitis B take Cialis? If liver function is normal, is it safe to take Cialis 5mg, or is it not recommended?
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Mr. Hsiao-Hsiang: Cialis is primarily metabolized by the liver. The condition of hepatitis B and the liver should be assessed through blood tests and ultrasound. Normal liver enzyme levels do not necessarily indicate that there are no issues. It is recommended to first conf...[Read More] Can You Take Cialis with Hepatitis B and Normal Liver Function?
Concerns for Hepatitis B Carriers: Creatinine Levels and Diet
Concerns about creatinine levels and diet in hepatitis B carriers? Hello Doctor, I am a carrier of hepatitis B and currently taking the antiviral medication Hepatitis B Stable. I have regular follow-up appointments for check-ups. This time, my blood test report shows a creatinine...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. Consultation with a nephrologist may be necessary for evaluation and dosage adjustment. 2. Pain medications may have an impact; consider discontinuing or switching to acetaminophen. 3. A generally normal and balanced diet is sufficient.[Read More] Concerns for Hepatitis B Carriers: Creatinine Levels and Diet
Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: When to Seek Medical Advice
Bowel and defecation-related issues? Hello doctor, my bowel habits have changed for a while now, and it has been almost six months. I used to have regular bowel movements, but now I either go a long time without a bowel movement or I have difficulty passing stool. The consistency...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there is no bleeding or weight loss, it is likely a change in digestive motility. Pay attention to diet, hydration, and exercise. If concerned, a stool occult blood test can be performed first.[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Esophageal Varices and Liver Cirrhosis: Key Insights for Patients
Esophageal varices caused by liver cirrhosis? Hello Doctor, my father is 61 years old and is a carrier of Hepatitis B. He has been taking Baraclude for about 2-3 years and has a history of excessive alcohol consumption. After experiencing his first episode of esophageal variceal ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. It varies by individual, and there are also differences among physicians. 2. Medication and regular endoscopy are recommended, along with minimizing activities that increase abdominal pressure (such as lifting heavy objects). 3. Blood tests and ultrasound are necessary, an...[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Varices and Liver Cirrhosis: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Diarrhea: When to See a Gastroenterologist or Psychologist
Diarrhea issues? Hello Doctor: I used to have normal bowel movements at irregular times every day (normal without any issues). However, starting in June of this year after losing my job, I began experiencing diarrhea (I have had similar diarrhea issues in the past that varied in ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may still be an irritability syndrome. Management should focus on lifestyle and dietary habits (reducing oil, dairy, and coffee), along with medications for gastrointestinal symptoms and anxiety. Adjustments can be made based on the response.[Read More] Understanding Diarrhea: When to See a Gastroenterologist or Psychologist
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 Abnormal Blood Test Results: Insights on Liver and Muscle Health
Blood test values Hello, Doctor. I have a few questions regarding some lab results: 1. My lactate level is 28 (normal range: 4.5-19.8), which is elevated, and my pyruvate level is 0.98 (normal range: 0.18-0.89), which is also slightly high. Additionally, my lactate dehydrogenase...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. This issue has not been studied, I apologize. 2. Low GOT/GPT levels are still considered acceptable; if too thin, one can increase protein intake and engage in strength training to build muscle.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Insights on Liver and Muscle Health
Understanding Elevated Lipase Levels: A Guide for Concerned Parents
Amylase and lipase? I would like to ask about my son's situation. He is in his twenties and was diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis in August 2022. During an emergency visit, his lipase level was 82. When we followed up with a gastroenterologist, the doctor mentioned that t...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Causes of elevated lipase levels include acute and chronic pancreatitis, renal failure, cholecystitis, intestinal obstruction or infarction, duodenal ulcers, pancreatic stones, pancreatic tumors, diabetes, hepatitis C infection, HIV infection, hyperlipasemia, inflammatory bowel d...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Lipase Levels: A Guide for Concerned Parents
Understanding Muddy Stool: Gastrointestinal Concerns and Next Steps
Gastrointestinal and bowel-related issues? Hello Doctor: For the past 5-7 days, my stools have been muddy and coffee-colored. Prior to this, I experienced stomach pain and bloating, which led me to visit the emergency room for blood and urine tests. The emergency physician indica...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea improved after medication, but after three days, there are still gastrointestinal discomfort, poor appetite, and muddy, coffee-colored stools. It is possible that the gastroenteritis has not completely resolved. It is recommended to pay atte...[Read More] Understanding Muddy Stool: Gastrointestinal Concerns and Next Steps
Chronic Abdominal Pain: Understanding Complications and Treatment Options
Abdominal pain persisting for over a year accompanied by multiple complications? Hello, doctor. Since February of last year, I have been experiencing abdominal pain every night, and sometimes I have to rush to the bathroom in the middle of the night. At that time, my bowel moveme...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If the weight is normal, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be the most likely cause. In addition to using gastrointestinal medications for management, a stool occult blood test can be conducted. If necessary, a referral to a mental health specialist may help with anxiety control...[Read More] Chronic Abdominal Pain: Understanding Complications and Treatment Options
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Insights
Right lower abdominal pain? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing frequent pain in my lower right abdomen recently, and I feel bloated even after eating a small amount. About a month ago, I sought medical attention for this issue, and at that time, I was diagnosed with a right o...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, the X-ray report indicates that there is a significant amount of intestinal gas, with some parts of the intestines appearing distended and the presence of fecal impaction. Additionally, there are some calcifications noted in the pelvic cavity, which may be due to vascular ...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Insights
Emergency Surgery for Acute Cholecystitis: Navigating High Liver Enzymes
The emergency physician arranged for an urgent surgical operation? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to inquire about the following narrative: A patient presented to the emergency department late at night with abdominal pain. Blood tests revealed elevated liver enzymes, and a CT s...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If the liver function tests are significantly elevated, anesthesia or surgery may not be advisable. Please discuss the details with your attending physician.[Read More] Emergency Surgery for Acute Cholecystitis: Navigating High Liver Enzymes
Morning Abdominal Discomfort: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Morning abdominal "pain" issue? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing abdominal discomfort for a long time (about 3-4 years). Often, when I wake up in the morning, I feel pain around the area approximately three fingerbreadths to the left of my navel. This pain is not ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There should be no major issues with the gastrointestinal tract, and it can be monitored further. The likelihood of neuropathic pain is also low.[Read More] Morning Abdominal Discomfort: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Understanding Bowel Issues: Incomplete Evacuation and Residual Stool
Bowel-related issues? Recently, I've been experiencing a situation where a small amount of stool comes out when I squat or exert pressure on my abdomen after having a bowel movement. The stool is normal and not hard, but when I flush with water, some residual stool comes out...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may be a bowel dysfunction, and it is also necessary to rule out any rectal structural issues. A rectal examination or a fecal occult blood test may be required.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Incomplete Evacuation and Residual Stool
Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Is It Organ or Nerve Related?
Pain in the left upper abdomen with tenderness upon palpation? Hello, there is localized pain in the left upper abdomen (about 9 cm from the navel) when pressing on the abdomen, with a width of approximately three fingers. It feels dull when not pressed, but it hurts when pressur...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Ultrasound is sufficient; however, gastroscopy may also be considered.[Read More] Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Is It Organ or Nerve Related?
Understanding Tumor Markers: CA 19-9 and Gastrointestinal Health
Tumor markers Hello, on May 25th, I had a check-up with a colorectal specialist due to blood in my stool, and the cause of the bleeding was identified as an anal fissure. I also requested a colonoscopy, which is scheduled for June 14th. On May 25th, I had blood tests and an X-ray...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The accuracy of CA 19-9 is low (with many false positives), making it unsuitable for screening or diagnosis; it should only be used for postoperative monitoring, so there is no need to worry at this time. You can proceed with the endoscopy first and then schedule an appointment w...[Read More] Understanding Tumor Markers: CA 19-9 and Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Elevated Amylase Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Amylase Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I had a blood test, and yesterday the report showed that my amylase level is slightly elevated (normal range is 28-100 U/L), with my result being 107 U/L. Could this possibly indicate hyperamylasemia? I am quite worried. If it is a possibilit...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A level above 500 is when there is a real concern; if there are no symptoms, there is no need to worry.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Amylase Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues After Cryptosporidiosis Infection
Inquiries related to excretion issues? On April 17, I experienced severe diarrhea. On May 2, due to persistent wiping of stool with mucus, I sought medical attention at Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Blood tests indicated an infection with Cryptosporidiosis, while stool tests ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Sorry, there is no experience in treating this infection. Please discuss with the attending physician.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues After Cryptosporidiosis Infection
Understanding Elevated Enzyme Levels: Is It Pancreatitis?
Two indices are elevated? Recently, I have been experiencing lower back pain, but I don't have much discomfort in my upper abdomen. I have been using a fascia ball to help relax and relieve the pain. My blood test results show amylase at 159, lipase at 101, and normal blood ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Typical pancreatitis presents with pain radiating from the chest to the back, making it difficult to stand straight, with relief upon bending forward. A diagnosis can be made if lipase levels are more than three times the normal range. Possible causes of acute pancreatitis includ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Enzyme Levels: Is It Pancreatitis?