Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Possible Medication Effects
Liver dysfunction Hello Doctor, six months ago my liver function tests showed GOT at 26 and GPT at 37, both within the normal range. However, during a recent blood test, I found that GOT is now 108 and GPT is 280. Previously, I took several medications for Helicobacter pylori, in...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
→ First, exclude the possibility of hepatitis B/C, then discontinue the medication and observe. We can only suspect a possible correlation (unless we conduct a one-by-one drug trial again, which is not recommended).[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Possible Medication Effects
Understanding Tumor Markers: When to Seek Further Testing for Health Concerns
Tumor markers Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my recent blood tests. All liver function tests came back normal, and an abdominal ultrasound showed no abnormalities (performed after eating). The fetal globulin level was 5.21, which is within the normal range, but it is a ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There should be no issues, but it is still recommended to conduct regular follow-ups.[Read More] Understanding Tumor Markers: When to Seek Further Testing for Health Concerns
Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Difficulties: A Gastrointestinal Perspective
Chest tightness and difficulty breathing? Hello Doctor: On November 21 (Saturday), I went to the emergency room because I suddenly experienced chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and rapid heartbeat shortly after taking a shower. The hospital conducted chest X-rays, blood test...
Dr. Zhang Kebin Reply:
Hello, you reported the following symptoms: 1. Chest tightness, shortness of breath, and rapid heartbeat. 2. Mild dizziness and nausea, which are common symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including heartburn and acid regurgitation. Generally, chest tightness, sho...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Difficulties: A Gastrointestinal Perspective
Is Appendicitis Always the Cause of Cecal Inflammation?
Is appendicitis always caused by appendicitis? On November 26, I experienced bloating and pain in my lower right abdomen, along with nausea for 5-6 days. Since I was on a business trip in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, I visited a large hospital there. The doctor performed a CT scan ...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Ms. BB, if diagnosed with appendicitis, I recommend surgery. As for cecitis, it refers to inflammation in the cecum area. If you continue to feel unwell, please return for a follow-up consultation. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Is Appendicitis Always the Cause of Cecal Inflammation?
Understanding Rectal Foreign Sensation: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Feeling of a foreign body in the anus? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been feeling a sensation of a foreign body in my anus. There is no bleeding or constipation, but I sometimes experience cramping pain in my lower abdomen, which resolves after using the restroom. I have never e...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may be irritable bowel syndrome; a fecal occult blood test can be performed to rule out serious intestinal diseases, and a light diet should be adjusted for observation.[Read More] Understanding Rectal Foreign Sensation: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Unexplained Weight Loss Despite Normal Appetite: A Gastroenterology Concern
Weight Issues ~ Weight Continues to Decrease Despite Normal Diet Hello, Doctor. My current health status is as follows: On December 3, 2020, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The attending physician explained that I have gastritis and mild ulcers, but my esophagus ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please discuss with the attending physician regarding the current data (hemangioma of the liver should only be monitored) and the management/consultation for weight loss.[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss Despite Normal Appetite: A Gastroenterology Concern
Understanding Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Concerns, and Diagnosis
Questions related to diverticulitis? Hello Doctor, I discovered in my company's health check report in January 2019 that I had a positive fecal occult blood test with a level of 200. However, I did not undergo a colonoscopy and later went abroad. Prior to this, I had never e...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. If the pain subsides after a bowel movement or lasts only for a brief moment, there is usually no need for excessive concern; typically, if there is a problem, the pain would persist. 2. Bloating or fecal impaction can also present similar symptoms. 3. The presence of r...[Read More] Understanding Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Concerns, and Diagnosis
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Insights on Weight Loss and Pain
Gastrointestinal issues consultation~ Recently, I went to the emergency room due to stomach pain (accompanied by cold sweats, but no fever). After measuring my temperature, blood tests, and X-rays, all the results came back normal. I was given a painkiller, and while waiting for ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: You may have gastrointestinal issues, possibly gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or an ulcer. It is recommended to undergo further examination with an endoscopy. Additionally, significant weight loss is defined as a decrease of 10% of your original weight ...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Insights on Weight Loss and Pain
Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Test Results: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Fecal occult blood issue? The fecal occult blood immunoassay result from the health check shows a value of 1.8 ng/mL. Why does the report indicate a positive result, and is this considered abnormal? Should further monitoring or additional testing be pursued?
Dr. Zhang Kebin Reply:
Hello, Xiao-Wen! Regarding your question, the fecal occult blood immunochemical test result is 1.8 ng/mL. Is this abnormal? If it is abnormal, is further testing necessary? The normal ranges can vary due to differences in testing equipment across hospitals, so it is advisable to ...[Read More] Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Test Results: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Diverticulitis Hello Doctor, I am 20 years old. Recently, I visited a doctor due to mild pain in my lower left abdomen and diarrhea. I underwent an abdominal ultrasound and blood tests. The doctor informed me that I have a diverticulum in my intestine, which is inflamed, but the ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Indeed, diverticulitis has a higher incidence in older individuals, but it is not impossible for it to occur in someone in their 20s. As for the diagnostic method, a CT scan is more accurate. It is recommended to undergo a colonoscopy after the diverticulitis has healed. C...[Read More] Understanding Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Diverticulitis: Dietary Tips and Concerns for Young Adults
Diverticulitis issues Hello doctor, I am 20 years old. Recently, I visited a doctor due to mild pain in my lower left abdomen and diarrhea. I underwent an abdominal ultrasound and blood tests. The doctor informed me that I have a diverticulum in my intestine, which is inflamed, a...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Ms. Jane, for diverticulitis, it is recommended to consume more fruits and vegetables and to stay well-hydrated. Regarding the colonoscopy issue, I suggest discussing it with your physician, as your age raises some concerns about attributing your symptoms solely to divertic...[Read More] Understanding Diverticulitis: Dietary Tips and Concerns for Young Adults
Understanding Black Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Black stool Hello Doctor, I am 20 years old. Recently, I have had black stools for two consecutive days. Yesterday, the stool was dark brown, close to black, and today it is considered black. Neither day was the entire stool completely black; yesterday's was half black and h...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A stool occult blood test can determine if there is any bleeding. Black stools, on the other hand, should raise concerns about upper gastrointestinal issues. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Black Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Post-Meal Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Lower abdominal pain after eating? Hello Doctor: Last week, I experienced a feeling of heaviness and pain in the upper abdomen (just above the navel) after eating, along with bloating and a sensation of heat in the stomach after meals. When fasting, I did not have any particular ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may be gastrointestinal dysfunction or a side effect of medication. Further examinations such as ultrasound or stool occult blood tests can be conducted to rule out other possibilities.[Read More] Post-Meal Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Stool Thickness: When to Worry About Your Bowel Movements
Stool diameter Is stool that is approximately the thickness of a marker considered thin? How thin does stool need to be to be considered thin enough to warrant attention and further examination? Sometimes I pass stool that is about the size of a whiteboard marker, and it is quite...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A change in stool caliber to a thinner shape is a non-specific manifestation among the many symptoms of colorectal cancer. Additionally, in clinical practice, if there is narrowing of the colonic lumen, diarrhea is the most common presentation rather than a change in stool...[Read More] Understanding Stool Thickness: When to Worry About Your Bowel Movements
Understanding Polyps: Are They Likely Benign or Malignant?
Colorectal cancer Hello Doctor, I had a fecal occult blood test a month ago, and the result was negative. Yesterday, I underwent a colonoscopy, and the doctor found a polyp measuring nearly 0.5 cm, which was removed. However, I was told to return in a week to discuss the results....
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Most small polyps are benign and do not require concern. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Polyps: Are They Likely Benign or Malignant?
Persistent Chest Pain After Duodenal Ulcer Treatment: What to Know
After one month of treatment for duodenal ulcers, experiencing persistent chest tightness and heart pain? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my condition. Previously, I experienced chest tightness and heart pain, and after undergoing an endoscopy, I was diagnosed with ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: In addition to medication, dietary changes may also be necessary. Please consider if you have any of the following conditions: consuming tea, coffee, soda, eating chocolate, sweets, glutinous rice products, high-fat/high-protein foods, habitually overeating, smoking, drink...[Read More] Persistent Chest Pain After Duodenal Ulcer Treatment: What to Know
Understanding Hepatitis C: Are You Still Considered Infected?
Hepatitis C testing issues? 1. On 10/15/2011, Anti-HCV was 4.12 (+) R. May I ask the deputy director: The doctor said I have been infected with Hepatitis C, and the antibody is positive. Am I still considered a Hepatitis C patient by the doctor? 2. On 05/03/2010, the examinatio...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Previously infected, currently virus-free (not contagious to others/no further treatment required), just need to follow up with blood tests/ultrasound every six months.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C: Are You Still Considered Infected?
Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: When to Seek Medical Advice
Bowel movement issues Hello Doctor, I am 20 years old. My bowel movement frequency used to be once every three days, but after experiencing gastroenteritis, it has changed to once a day. The stool is deep brown, shaped like a log, and breaks apart when it comes into contact with ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It can be observed further.[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Bile Duct Dilation: What You Need to Know About Diagnosis and Monitoring
Bile duct dilation Hello Doctor, my mother was previously cured of Hepatitis C (age 65) and has been undergoing follow-up every six months. In February of this year, an ultrasound examination revealed mild dilation of the bile duct (0.9 cm), but blood tests were normal. A CT scan...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may be an error, but it would be advisable to conduct a follow-up to compare ultrasound and biliary indices earlier (in 3 months).[Read More] Understanding Bile Duct Dilation: What You Need to Know About Diagnosis and Monitoring
Understanding Stool Color Changes: What Your Bowel Movements May Indicate
Issues with Stool Color Hello Doctor, I have irritable bowel syndrome. Today at noon, I had two small pieces of yellow stool, but then I passed a lot of deep brown stool that looked almost dark red and had a strong sour smell. After dinner, I passed a small amount of stool that l...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please continue to monitor and pay attention to food-related concerns; a stool occult blood test can be performed for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Stool Color Changes: What Your Bowel Movements May Indicate