Understanding Elevated Amylase Levels: What You Need to Know
Amylase index A few years ago, during a health check-up, I discovered that my CA-199 levels were severely elevated. Later, it was found that I had a teratoma in my ovary. After surgery, my CA-199 levels decreased to around 40. Since then, I have been undergoing regular blood test...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: An increase in amylase levels is commonly used to assist in the diagnosis of pancreatitis. Amylase is also present in the salivary glands, and when renal function is impaired, the excretion of amylase decreases, leading to elevated levels. Additionally, conditions such as ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Amylase Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: Causes and Concerns
The definition of changes in bowel habits? I would like to ask about the definition of changes in bowel habits. Personally, I have a bowel movement approximately every two to three days, and the stool is usually of normal thickness with some cracks. Recently, I experienced two da...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
No problem, symptom management and adjustment will suffice.[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Black Stool: Causes and What It Means for Your Health
Bowel movement color issues? Dear Doctor: What is the detailed appearance of black stools associated with gastrointestinal bleeding? I often see news reports stating that passing black stools is an important warning sign, but there is no comprehensive description available for re...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Black stools resemble tarry feces. If you are unable to distinguish them, a fecal occult blood test can be performed. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Black Stool: Causes and What It Means for Your Health
Understanding Treatment Options for Advanced Colon Cancer with Metastasis
Questions about colorectal cancer treatment? As a child seeking advice for my father: My father, in his seventies, was diagnosed with colon cancer that had metastasized to the liver. After surgically removing the tumor at the junction of the colon and rectum, he began chemotherap...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Consult an oncologist. You can inquire about the cost and effectiveness of immunotherapy if chemotherapy has failed.[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Advanced Colon Cancer with Metastasis
Understanding Mucus in Stool: Is It Normal or a Sign of IBS?
Discomfort in the lower right abdomen? Recently, I've been feeling discomfort in my lower right abdomen, but there is no pain. I went to the hospital for an examination, and the doctor ordered a routine stool test and a stool occult blood test (EIA). Today, I received the re...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Mucus is normal and does not require concern.[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool: Is It Normal or a Sign of IBS?
Understanding Black Stool: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
It's unclear whether it is melena? Hello, Doctor. This afternoon, I had a bowel movement and noticed that the stool was black, with some yellow pieces mixed in. I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. Could the presence of yellow stool mixed with black stool ind...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended to collect a stool sample for occult blood testing next time you notice anything unusual. 2. If there is significant upper gastrointestinal bleeding, black tarry stools may appear within an hour. 3. Most of what is observed is food residue. 4. It could...[Read More] Understanding Black Stool: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Pain Below the Rib Cage: Causes and Next Steps
Pain in the depression beneath the middle ribs? Hello Doctor, I previously experienced abdominal pain and consulted a physician. Yesterday, I underwent a colonoscopy and gastroscopy, and they said everything looked fine, except for mild inflammation in the intestines. My blood te...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Gastric spasms, esophageal reflux that does not cause esophagitis, excessive gastric acid, or abdominal wall muscle pain could all be possibilities. You may continue to consult a gastroenterologist, discuss your symptoms with the physician, who should arrange appropriat...[Read More] Understanding Pain Below the Rib Cage: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Hiccups: The Connection Between Autonomic Nervous System and Gastrointestinal Issues
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction, diaphragmatic issues? At the end of January this year, I experienced bloating and persistent burping, feeling as if gas was stuck in my throat. Every time I attempted to swallow, I would burp every 3-5 seconds, which was a constant occurrence...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please continue the discussion with a gastroenterologist/psychiatrist.[Read More] Understanding Hiccups: The Connection Between Autonomic Nervous System and Gastrointestinal Issues
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
Fish Bone Ingestion and Its Impact on Bowel Health
Fishbone and bowel issues? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 and was in isolation from June 17 to 24. On the evening of June 22, while eating mackerel, I swallowed a fish bone (approximately 1 cm long). At that moment, I felt a slight prick but did not have a sensation ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If convenient, a fecal occult blood test can also be performed.[Read More] Fish Bone Ingestion and Its Impact on Bowel Health
Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Seek Help for Digestive Health
Bowel-related issues? I used to have pellet-like stools, and I have tried taking probiotics, which sometimes help me have a bowel movement. My lower abdomen often feels bloated and sometimes painful, but the discomfort usually goes away after I have a bowel movement. I haven'...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: You are experiencing bowel movements that are hard and pellet-like, along with bloating and pain despite taking probiotics. The symptoms improve after defecation, but you have noticed dark stools or blood, which raises concerns about colorectal cancer. You are hesitant to ...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Seek Help for Digestive Health
Understanding Blood Tests for Thyroid Issues and Related Symptoms
About blood tests? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask if my recent symptoms of fatigue, hand tremors, neck pain, and some mental and physical issues could possibly be related to thyroid problems. If there is an issue with the thyroid, which specialty should I consult for blood t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Family medicine/Internal medicine/Metabolism department are all acceptable. There will be no specific drug screening tests conducted.[Read More] Understanding Blood Tests for Thyroid Issues and Related Symptoms
Understanding the Connection Between Anxiety and Gastrointestinal Symptoms
I'm not sure if it's a psychological factor, but my gastrointestinal function is not good? Hello, doctor. I have been a patient with anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder for over 10 years. I have been intermittently taking medication prescribed by a psychi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If it has been over a year, follow-up examinations with ultrasound or blood tests can be performed. Cancer typically does not remain unchanged for 10 years, so it can be ruled out. Please rest assured.[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Anxiety and Gastrointestinal Symptoms
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
Understanding Helicobacter Pylori: Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment Options
Helicobacter pylori consultation Dear Dr. Tsai, I have been experiencing gastrointestinal issues in recent years, primarily bloating, acid reflux, belching, stomach pain, and indigestion. Therefore, I would like to proactively check for Helicobacter pylori infection. I have the ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Q1. Not necessarily. Q2. "Blood tests" check for antibodies against Helicobacter pylori; if negative, it indicates no previous infection. Q3. It is possible. Q4. If the bacterial load is low, it may be cleared by the immune system. Q5. If there are ulcers, a fami...[Read More] Understanding Helicobacter Pylori: Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment Options
Understanding Helicobacter Pylori: Myths, Testing, and Treatment Options
Regarding Helicobacter pylori? Dear Dr. Chen, I have some questions regarding Helicobacter pylori that I would like to ask: Q1. Is it possible for individuals infected with Helicobacter pylori to heal spontaneously without any "eradication therapy"? For example, can t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. It may self-resolve shortly after onset, but there is no research to support this. 2. Symptom assessment for the presence of bacteria is often inaccurate. 3. Blood tests may frequently show negative for bacteria, although there are exceptions with unknown causes. 4. There will...[Read More] Understanding Helicobacter Pylori: Myths, Testing, and Treatment Options
How to Differentiate Between Gastrointestinal and Muscle Pain?
Colorectal issues 182706 How can Director Chen determine whether the discomfort is caused by the intestines, muscles, or the urinary system? Is it necessary to perform an endoscopy or similar procedures to clarify the issue, or can the duration of the discomfort help in making a ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A simple fecal occult blood test can be used to rule out colorectal diseases. However, if there are still concerns, an invasive colonoscopy may be necessary. The medical history and symptoms do not strongly indicate colorectal disease, but monitoring for changes is still required...[Read More] How to Differentiate Between Gastrointestinal and Muscle Pain?
Understanding Abdominal Bloating: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Abdominal bloating Hello doctor, I am 47 years old. I had surgery for intestinal obstruction when I was in fifth grade. Recently, for the past three months, I have been experiencing bloating and discomfort in my abdomen. During this time, I have had two fecal occult blood tests, ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Start with dietary and medication adjustments, and take walks after meals; a colonoscopy is not necessarily required.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Bloating: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions
Abdominal pain and diarrhea issues? Hello, Dr. Tsai. Recently, for the past two to three months, I have often gone two to three days without a bowel movement, and when I do go, it’s usually three to four times in one day. The first time is typically normal (though occasionally th...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Please pay attention to your diet, such as avoiding spicy foods and fruits with high water content. It is advisable to consume them in moderation. If there is no improvement, you may consider visiting a gastroenterologist for a stool occult blood test, and if necessary, th...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions
Post-Appendectomy Weakness: Understanding Recovery Challenges in Seniors
Post-appendectomy weakness? Hello Doctor, my grandfather recently underwent surgery for appendicitis and stayed in the hospital for over a week due to bloating for observation. He was discharged only after he was able to pass stool and gas successfully. However, after being disch...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is important to encourage your grandfather to get out of bed and be active, even if he lacks the strength to walk. He should at least be able to sit up, as elderly individuals who remain bedridden for more than a week may experience muscle atrophy and weakness. Addition...[Read More] Post-Appendectomy Weakness: Understanding Recovery Challenges in Seniors