Understanding Occasional Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Occasional pain in the lower left abdomen? Hello, I have been experiencing occasional pain in my lower left abdomen for the past two months. I have already undergone a uterine examination with no issues, and a fecal occult blood test showed no abnormalities (as stated by the doct...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Dear Jochi, Without your other medical reports, it is difficult to assess the possibility of gastrointestinal cancer based on the information you provided and to recommend specific tests. I suggest discussing this with your physician. Sincerely, Director Cai Jinji Departm...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Hepatitis B Antigen and Antibody Results: What You Need to Know
Hepatitis B antigen and antibody issues? Hello Doctor: In August, I had blood tests for arthritis at the rheumatology department, and the physician also conducted tests for viral hepatitis. The report indicated that my hepatitis B surface antigen antibody level was 1.28, which ex...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Regarding the issue of hepatitis B antigen and antibody. If there is hepatitis B surface antigen but no hepatitis B antibodies, the individual is considered a carrier. Liver function tests may be normal, so regular monitoring of liver function, AFP (alpha-fetoprotein), and...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antigen and Antibody Results: What You Need to Know
Left Upper Abdomen Tingling and Contraction: Is It Gastric Related?
Numbness and a constricting sensation in the upper left abdomen? Hello, I have been experiencing a tingling sensation and a constricting feeling in my upper left abdomen recently. I consulted a doctor and underwent an abdominal ultrasound and an endoscopy. The abdominal ultrasoun...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: A 33-year-old male presents with left upper abdominal pain, symptoms lasting for 2-3 weeks. Endoscopy reveals gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The pain may be attributed to gastritis. In addition to pharmacological treatment, it is advised to pay atten...[Read More] Left Upper Abdomen Tingling and Contraction: Is It Gastric Related?
Unexplained Weight Loss and Duodenal Ulcer: Seeking Answers
Continuous weight loss, diagnosed with duodenal ulcer, and blood tests show no issues? Hello Dr. Tsai, I am 31 years old. From August 11 to August 23, I experienced a rapid weight loss of 4 kilograms. My diet and appetite have been normal, but my weight dropped from 78.5 kg to 74...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Mr. Vincent: I would like to know from what weight you started to lose and how long it has been? Do you have any other symptoms? I recommend consulting your physician to see if a referral to another specialty, such as endocrinology or others, is necessary. Director Cai Jin-...[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss and Duodenal Ulcer: Seeking Answers
Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) This condition has been ongoing for about three and a half years now, with frequent episodes of diarrhea. Approximately three years ago, I underwent a painless colonoscopy, and the doctor stated that my intestines were healthy, advising me to relax ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Even if it is just hyperactivity disorder, continuous monitoring is necessary.[Read More] Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Understanding Small Intestinal Inflammation: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Inflammation of the small intestine Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing intermittent lower abdominal pain since November of last year. I underwent a stool test, blood tests, and an abdominal CT scan on August 8th. The results indicated edema and inflammation in a portion of th...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Necessary to consider small bowel imaging/small bowel endoscopy/small bowel capsule endoscopy. CT scans are primarily used to evaluate larger tumors or extraluminal diseases.[Read More] Understanding Small Intestinal Inflammation: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Fatty Liver: Causes, Risks, and Dietary Solutions
Fatty liver disease issues? Hello Doctor, I have abnormal liver enzyme levels from a blood test: GOT=30 and GPT=52 (with normal values being below 40). My previous blood tests were normal, and this time it is abnormal. The doctor arranged for me to have an ultrasound, which indic...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Severe fatty liver disease (high liver fat content) can lead to liver inflammation (i.e., steatohepatitis), and over time (over several decades), there is a risk of cirrhosis (which can be assessed through out-of-pocket fibrosis markers) and an increased likelihood of developing ...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Causes, Risks, and Dietary Solutions
Can CT and MRI Detect Inflammation in the Digestive Tract?
Issues related to digestive motility or inflammation? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if CT and MRI can detect inflammation in the intestines. Recently, I have been experiencing discomfort in the area of the appendix and ileum (tenderness and bloating), and I am worried about ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
For highly specialized topics, it is advisable to consult with a gastroenterologist at a specialized gastrointestinal clinic or a major hospital.[Read More] Can CT and MRI Detect Inflammation in the Digestive Tract?
Chronic Diarrhea, Abdominal Discomfort, and Post-Vaccine Gastro Issues
Chronic diarrhea + hunger sensation in the stomach + bloating + lower abdominal pain? I have been experiencing intermittent diarrhea for over three months, with symptoms fluctuating, especially after eating out. Even when I am not having diarrhea, my stools have become thinner th...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A gastroenterology outpatient consultation can be provided. A fecal occult blood test can be performed initially to check for any abnormalities.[Read More] Chronic Diarrhea, Abdominal Discomfort, and Post-Vaccine Gastro Issues
Understanding Recent Blood and Mucus in Stool: A Gastroenterology Perspective
Recent issues with blood in stool and mucus? Hello Dr. Chen, I asked a related question on August 12. Since I have cerebral palsy and use a wheelchair, I am unable to exercise regularly. Last time, I mentioned that my bowel habits changed starting at the age of 13, and I often ex...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A fecal occult blood test can be performed on normal-looking stools (which rules out bleeding from internal hemorrhoids). If there are still concerns, please discuss with your outpatient physician whether further examination is necessary.[Read More] Understanding Recent Blood and Mucus in Stool: A Gastroenterology Perspective
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Could It Be Crohn's Disease?
Abdominal issues? Hello, Doctor. Yesterday, I went to a large hospital for a urine test, blood draw, and X-ray. The results of the urine and blood tests were normal. During the physical examination, there was pain upon palpation (but no specific rebound tenderness). The X-ray ind...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You can review the report to make a decision. Additionally, blood tests can be referenced. If symptoms persist, discuss further treatment options with your physician.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Could It Be Crohn's Disease?
How Often Should You Get a Colonoscopy? Guidelines for Young Adults
How often should a colonoscopy be performed? Hello Doctor, I am 21 years old, 176 cm tall, and weigh 103 kg, with a BMI of around 33. Three years ago, at the age of 18, I underwent a colonoscopy, which revealed only internal hemorrhoids and no other issues. The doctor diagnosed m...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
In principle, it is not necessary, but if concerned, a yearly fecal occult blood test can be performed.[Read More] How Often Should You Get a Colonoscopy? Guidelines for Young Adults
Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Abnormal liver function tests? In July, blood tests revealed abnormalities in blood sugar, liver enzymes, and cholesterol. The cholesterol issue had been noted since high school health checks, and the physician later believed it to be hereditary (as my mother also has this issue)...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. If other causes are excluded, be cautious of the side effects of lipid-lowering medications. 2. No, it won't. 3. It shouldn't either.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Stool Color Changes: When to Worry About Your Digestive Health
Bowel issues Hello, Doctor. After having a bowel movement, I occasionally notice that the stool settles at the bottom of the toilet, and the water appears orange-red, which doesn't look like blood. I would like to ask if this could indicate bleeding in the digestive system o...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Colored foods can affect the appearance of stool. If there is uncertainty, a fecal occult blood test is typically performed. If the fecal occult blood test shows abnormalities, a colonoscopy is usually arranged to identify the issue. Changhua Hospital cares about your heal...[Read More] Understanding Stool Color Changes: When to Worry About Your Digestive Health
Understanding Orange Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Stool color Hello Doctor, I have noticed that occasionally after having a bowel movement, my stool sinks to the bottom of the toilet and the water appears orange-red, which does not look like blood. I would like to ask if this could indicate bleeding in the digestive system or co...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A fecal occult blood test is sufficient.[Read More] Understanding Orange Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Right Lower Abdomen Mass: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Concerns
Hard mass in the right lower abdomen? Hello, doctor. Over the past year, I have been experiencing bloating, pain, and diarrhea in my lower right abdomen, occurring approximately once every 3-5 months. I have visited several clinics, and they seem to think it is irritable bowel sy...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A colonoscopy is necessary to confirm the absence of colorectal cancer. A negative fecal occult blood test does not rule out colorectal cancer, so if there are still concerns, it is advisable to discuss them with a physician.[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdomen Mass: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Concerns
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Mass: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Hard mass in the right lower abdomen? Hello, doctor. Over the past year, I have been experiencing bloating, pain, and diarrhea in my lower right abdomen, occurring approximately once every 3-5 months. I have visited several clinics, and they seem to think it is irritable bowel sy...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A colonoscopy is necessary to confirm the absence of colorectal cancer. A negative fecal occult blood test does not rule out colorectal cancer, so if there are concerns, it is advisable to discuss them with a physician.[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Mass: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Understanding Abdominal Pain Before Bowel Movements: Causes and Concerns
Abdominal pain before bowel movement? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing irregular bowel movements for a long time, and it has worsened since I started losing weight this past year. I usually drink at least 2000 cc of water daily, but I only have a bowel movement every three...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is just some irritable bowel syndrome; first, adjust the diet to include more fruits and vegetables and increase physical activity. If necessary, a stool occult blood test can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain Before Bowel Movements: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin in Young Children: Causes and Next Steps
Abnormal total bilirubin levels The child has been approximately 2 years old since birth and has consistently had elevated total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels. These levels have been gradually decreasing, but recent tests in May showed an increase in total bilirubin/direc...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, the child has had abnormal total bilirubin levels since birth, primarily with elevated direct bilirubin, and is now about 2 years old. In adults, elevated direct bilirubin levels can occur. Imaging studies have ruled out obstructive diseases. The causes of elevated direct ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin in Young Children: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Green Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Stool color Hello Doctor: 1. Since this year, the color of my stool has consistently been grass green, dark green, and blackish green. 2. I have daily bowel movements, the shape is normal, and I do not have diarrhea. 3. I have undergone both colonoscopy and gastroscopy, and t...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, if you are concerned about dark green stool, it is advisable to first check for any signs of bleeding in the stool. If there are any issues, further examinations will be necessary. To determine if there is a relationship with anemia or liver function, blood tests can be co...[Read More] Understanding Green Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice