Protecting Your Liver and Kidneys While Taking Long-Term Medications
How to protect the liver and kidneys during long-term medication use? Hello Doctor: I am a 19-year-old patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and I have been experiencing symptoms for over two years. For the past year, I have been managing my condition with Celecoxib (a non-steroid...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Maintain a normal diet, avoid using unverified remedies, and have regular blood tests.[Read More] Protecting Your Liver and Kidneys While Taking Long-Term Medications
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Gastrointestinal issues Hello, doctor. I have two issues regarding my body. First, I experience sharp pain in the lower right abdomen, which lasts for a very short duration (just a few seconds). I have seen a gastroenterologist and had an ultrasound, both of which were normal. I ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The type of diet, hydration levels, and emotional changes can all contribute to changes in bowel habits; it is not a single factor. Whether or not to perform a colonoscopy should be determined by a clinical physician based on necessity. You may also consider undergoing a c...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Understanding Colonoscopy: When to Get Tested for Gut Health
Colonoscopy The patient has been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome since elementary school and has undergone stool occult blood tests during this period, all of which were negative. The patient experiences intermittent abdominal discomfort, which improves with probiotics bu...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
No need for colonoscopy surveillance.[Read More] Understanding Colonoscopy: When to Get Tested for Gut Health
Understanding Tumor Diagnosis: Navigating Liver Health Concerns
Informed of having a tumor? Hello Doctor, I discovered a 1.6 cm hypoechoic lesion in my liver during a health check on November 29 (no hepatitis B, but no antibodies; hepatitis C is negative, and blood tests are normal). I scheduled an appointment on March 8 and had an abdominal ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Appointment rescheduling/early follow-up visit.[Read More] Understanding Tumor Diagnosis: Navigating Liver Health Concerns
Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: What to Do Next?
Total bilirubin, direct bilirubin in red text? Hello Doctor, I had a blood test this week, and the results showed total bilirubin at 1.52 mg/dL (reference range 0.1-1.2), direct bilirubin at 0.66 mg/dL (reference range ≤0.3), while the other values such as A/G ratio, sGOT, sGPT, ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is mostly a matter of genetic predisposition; regular blood tests each year are sufficient for monitoring.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: What to Do Next?
Understanding Sudden Lipase Spikes After Acute Pancreatitis
Lip levels suddenly exceed the normal range? Hello, doctor. I was hospitalized last week due to acute pancreatitis, and my lipase level was 119 upon admission. However, it suddenly spiked to 500 before my discharge, which caused me to stay an additional two days. A follow-up bloo...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Lipase may be elevated during pancreatitis. The rise occurs more slowly but remains abnormal for a longer duration. Symptoms are the primary focus, and laboratory tests are only for reference. Amylase and lipase are digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas. When the panc...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Lipase Spikes After Acute Pancreatitis
Understanding Liver Cancer Diagnosis: Key Insights and Follow-Up Care
Diagnosis of Liver Cancer Hello Doctor: I have been a carrier of hepatitis B since childhood. During a health check-up, it was found that my liver GOT and GPT levels were elevated. I went to a gastroenterology clinic for blood tests and discovered that my AFP level was 166, which...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is recommended to discuss the follow-up plan with the attending physician based on the current examination data.[Read More] Understanding Liver Cancer Diagnosis: Key Insights and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Anti-HBs Positive Results in Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers
A hepatitis B carrier recently tested positive for anti-HBs? Hello, doctor. I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Recently, my blood test results were as follows: HBsAg Equivocal (1.07), ANTI-HBs Positive (10.44 mIU/mL), reference value <10.0, ANTI-HBc Positive (10.79). The outpatien...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. Generally, there is no need for regular follow-up for non-carriers. 2. If you were previously a carrier of hepatitis B but have cleared the infection, follow-up every 1 to 2 years may be considered (there is no consensus in the medical community on this practice). 3. Your cond...[Read More] Understanding Anti-HBs Positive Results in Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers
Does Taking Taik Gastric Medicine Affect Blood Test Results?
Does taking Teku Gastrol affect blood test results? Hello, doctor. Recently, during a gastroscopy, I was diagnosed with Grade B gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The clinic physician prescribed me 30 mg of Tegoprazan to be taken once daily before bedtime for a duration of t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It will not have an impact.[Read More] Does Taking Taik Gastric Medicine Affect Blood Test Results?
Understanding Liver Cirrhosis and Biliary Issues: Treatment Options
Cirrhosis and bile issues? Hello, Director: I have been undergoing blood tests for monitoring at the Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology Department of a hospital in Zhongli for a long time. A few years ago, my GGT level was found to be over 300, and the doctor has been prescribing...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 54-year-old male has a medical history indicating that he has liver cirrhosis, which is attributed to chronic hepatitis. The causes of cirrhosis can include viral hepatitis such as hepatitis B and C, alcoholic liver disease, autoimmune conditions, cardiac issues, biliary...[Read More] Understanding Liver Cirrhosis and Biliary Issues: Treatment Options
Chronic Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Is It a Gallbladder Issue?
Persistent dull pain in the lower right abdomen for more than one year, occurring periodically? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a mild dull pain in my lower right abdomen for over a year now, which occurs every 1-2 days, usually about 6 hours after eating. The episodes las...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Not related to the gallbladder (which is located in the right upper abdomen); it may be an issue with digestive motility. If still concerned, a fecal occult blood test can be performed first.[Read More] Chronic Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Is It a Gallbladder Issue?
Understanding Elevated Urobilinogen Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Urobilinogen Hello, I had a regular follow-up for hepatitis B at the end of last year, and my blood tests were all normal. Before the Lunar New Year, I had a health check-up, and now the report indicates that my urobilinogen level is abnormal, with a value of 2+. However, all blo...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
No further examination is necessary. Urobilinogen is for reference only.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Urobilinogen Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Loose Stools: Causes and When to Seek Help
Loose and unformed stools? Since October of last year, I have been experiencing difficulty with bowel movements, which have become slightly thinner than before. I consulted a doctor at that time and underwent a stool occult blood test, both of which came back normal. The doctor s...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If there is red in the stool and it does not disperse into the water, it is more likely to be food residue rather than blood. However, if there are still noticeable changes in bowel habits, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist to determine if further examination...[Read More] Understanding Loose Stools: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Changes in Stool Color: What You Need to Know
Stool color I have been experiencing occasional dull pain below my navel or around my navel in the past few days. At night, I find it difficult to have a bowel movement and usually have to wait until the next morning (I typically have bowel movements in the morning). Sometimes th...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
As mentioned above, further observation or medical examination for fecal occult blood testing may be warranted.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Changes in Stool Color: What You Need to Know
Understanding Abdominal Pain After Intestinal Adhesions: When to Seek Help
Abdominal discomfort or pain? Hello, the patient had surgery for intestinal obstruction during childhood. Last Saturday, they were suddenly taken to the emergency room, where blood tests, ultrasound, and a CT scan were performed. The results indicated intestinal adhesions. Fortun...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please follow up at the gastroenterology outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain After Intestinal Adhesions: When to Seek Help
Understanding Hepatitis B: Key Insights for Family Health Management
Regarding Hepatitis B? Hello Doctor: Recently, my mother (70 years old) underwent a health check-up, and the ultrasound revealed signs of liver degeneration. She has also had a clinic health examination and an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which showed the presence of Helicob...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: HBsAg (+) *243.300 indicates a carrier of Hepatitis B, who requires regular monitoring every six months, including blood tests and abdominal ultrasounds. Hepatitis B is a high-risk factor for liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. If taking dietary supplements and traditional C...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Key Insights for Family Health Management
Persistent Pain Near Ribs: Understanding Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Persistent pain near the ribs? At the beginning of the month, I was diagnosed with pancreatitis at the hospital after blood tests indicated inflammation. However, it has been a month, and there has been no improvement. I have been trying to maintain a light diet, but the pain in ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 31-year-old female is experiencing persistent pain near the rib cage. She has a history of pancreatitis, which can be commonly caused by factors such as alcohol consumption, gallstones, bile duct stones, autoimmune diseases, hypertriglyceridemia, and certain medications....[Read More] Persistent Pain Near Ribs: Understanding Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Hepatitis C Test Results: What You Need to Know
Hepatitis testing Hello doctor, I have previously undergone several blood tests for Hepatitis C antibody, with the results as follows: in 109 (Taiwanese calendar year) the values were 5.32 S/CO and 0.067 COI; in 111, the values were 4.98 S/CO and 0.077 COI, with 0.077 COI being t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If the virus has not been treated, it is necessary to measure the hepatitis C virus load to make a determination.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Test Results: What You Need to Know
Risk of Hepatitis B and C Infection from Haircut: What You Need to Know
Questions regarding infections from bloodborne viruses such as Hepatitis B and C? Hello, I would like to consult about something. Today, I went to get a haircut and was shaved with a folding razor on the back of my neck and around my sideburns. When I got home and washed my hair,...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The chances are slim but not nonexistent; if concerned, testing can be done in 1 to 3 months.[Read More] Risk of Hepatitis B and C Infection from Haircut: What You Need to Know
Understanding Right Abdominal Pain: Causes, Tests, and Vaccine Concerns
Frequent abdominal pain on the right side? Hello, Doctor. Over the past year, I have been experiencing right abdominal pain approximately every three months. Recently, the pain has returned, and the location is somewhat variable, including around the navel, the lower right abdome...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If the fecal occult blood test is normal, it can be monitored. If symptoms persist, a colonoscopy may still be considered. Vaccination can still be administered while carefully monitoring for side effects.[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal Pain: Causes, Tests, and Vaccine Concerns