Understanding the Relationship Between Elevated Liver Enzymes and CRP Levels
CRP index issue Hello Director Chen, my mother is 68 years old. One month ago, she visited the Infectious Disease Department at the municipal hospital due to elevated liver enzymes (GOT: 94.2, GPT: 112.7). She has been taking cholesterol-lowering medication (Rosuvastatin) for the...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, CRP levels can be affected by hepatitis, but it is important to first rule out other diseases and monitor whether they decrease as the hepatitis improves. Changhua Hospital is concerned about your well-being. Sincerely, Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding the Relationship Between Elevated Liver Enzymes and CRP Levels
Understanding Tumors: Are They the Same as Stomach Cancer?
Is a tumor equivalent to stomach cancer? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask if a tumor is equivalent to stomach cancer or if there is a correlation? Can abdominal ultrasound be used for diagnosis? If the stool does not appear dark or black, can gastrointestinal diseases be ruled o...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
The definitive diagnosis of gastric tumors or gastric cancer requires an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy; ultrasound and blood tests are insufficient. The presence of melena suggests gastrointestinal bleeding, but ulcers or tumors in the gastrointestinal tract do not necessarily...[Read More] Understanding Tumors: Are They the Same as Stomach Cancer?
Understanding Fatty Liver and Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Fatty liver and liver function tests? Hello, doctor. Due to gastrointestinal issues, I occasionally had blood tests that showed elevated liver enzymes. I have been monitoring this for about two years, and my AST levels have consistently ranged from 30 to 43, while my ALT levels h...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if you do not consume alcohol or have severe obesity that exacerbates fatty liver, mild liver function abnormalities typically do not lead to serious issues. However, you should be cautious as metabolic syndrome may develop over the next five to ten years. Regarding fatty ...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver and Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Understanding Severe Constipation: Causes and Connections to Thyroid and PCOS
Severe constipation Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing constipation issues, with having a bowel movement only once a week being the norm for me. However, it has now been nearly two weeks without a bowel movement (although I do pass gas). My usual diet includes a good amount o...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, constipation is related to polycystic ovary syndrome and is not directly associated with your thyroid condition. The obstetrics and gynecology department cannot address this issue and can only prescribe medication for constipation. Changhua Hospital cares about your health...[Read More] Understanding Severe Constipation: Causes and Connections to Thyroid and PCOS
Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Further Gastrointestinal Evaluation
Blood in the stool? Hello, doctor. About two years ago, I underwent a colonoscopy due to mucus and blood in my stool. The findings showed diverticula and hemorrhoids, and the doctor said it was not a concern. However, I still occasionally notice mucus and blood in my stool (the b...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It may not be necessary, but a fecal occult blood test can be performed. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Further Gastrointestinal Evaluation
Understanding Digestive Issues: Insights on Abdominal Pain and Bowel Changes
Bowel issues Hello Dr. Chen: I am 19 years old. In January of this year, I experienced occasional bloating and discomfort in my upper left abdomen, and after undergoing an endoscopy, I was diagnosed with mild gastric and duodenal ulcers, with no Helicobacter pylori detected in my...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It is likely just an abnormality in gastrointestinal motility. If you are feeling very uncomfortable, you may take medication and consider a stool occult blood test. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Insights on Abdominal Pain and Bowel Changes
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort and Bowel Issues in Young Adults
Chronic abdominal discomfort and bowel issues? Hello, doctor. I just turned 18 this year. I am a high school student who does not smoke, drink alcohol, or chew betel nut. I have a habit of staying up late and sitting in front of the computer for long periods. I hope this informat...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The accuracy of stool tests is indeed not very high, but it is a good tool for initial screening. Whether your symptoms require an endoscopy should be determined by a clinical physician. Additionally, you should be aware of the possibility of irritable bowel syndrome or fe...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort and Bowel Issues in Young Adults
Understanding Chronic Constipation: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions
Bowel movement issues are described in detail. I would appreciate the doctor's clarification? Hello Doctor, I have been troubled by constipation for the past five years, experiencing anxiety and consistently passing pellet-like stools. Occasionally, I notice mucus in my stoo...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. The time it takes for food to be ingested and then excreted varies from person to person. 2. Coffee has a diuretic effect, which may lead to the elimination of water from the body through urine. It is important to improve dietary and lifestyle habits, such as increasing...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Constipation: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions
Understanding Right Lower Abdomen Discomfort: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Discomfort in the right lower abdomen? Hello doctor, I previously asked about discomfort in my right abdomen and later consulted a gastroenterologist who conducted several tests, including blood tests, stool occult blood tests, colonoscopy, gastroscopy, and an ultrasound of the u...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Please discuss with your physician; there is no need to worry. Changhua Hospital is concerned about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdomen Discomfort: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Insights into Gastrointestinal Issues
Abdominal issues? Hello Doctor: I apologize for the lengthy description, but I appreciate your patience in reading it... Thank you for previously examining my right lower abdomen and feeling something that wasn't a hard mass, which didn't hurt when pressed. However, som...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Without seeing the imaging results and physical examination, it is indeed difficult to determine if there are any issues. I recommend that you follow the current physician's prescription and return for a follow-up appointment for evaluation. If your condition worsens,...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Insights into Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Persistent Gas and Discomfort After Liver Transplant: A Patient's Journey
Stomach discomfort? Hello doctor, last April I experienced sharp pain in my lower right abdomen. In May, due to a positive fecal occult blood test, I underwent a colonoscopy which came back normal. The doctor suggested that I might have hemorrhoids and said it was not a concern. ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If both the gastroscopy and colonoscopy show no issues, I think there's no need to worry too much. Just relax and pay attention to your diet. If you feel particularly uncomfortable that day, consider whether it might be due to excessive stress or if you've eaten ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Gas and Discomfort After Liver Transplant: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Abnormal Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels in Health Checkups
Abnormal total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels in health check-ups? Hello, doctor. In my recent health check report, it was found that my total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels were abnormal, with total bilirubin at 4.17 mg/dL and direct bilirubin at 1.59 mg/dL. Other ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, some individuals have congenital abnormalities in bilirubin metabolism, which may increase under certain conditions. It is recommended to monitor through follow-up blood tests under normal daily activities. If the levels continue to rise, further examinations may be necess...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels in Health Checkups
Understanding Loose Stools: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Health
Loose stools? Hello doctor, my bowel habits usually involve having a bowel movement first thing in the morning or after breakfast, and they are generally well-formed. However, over the past two weeks, while the frequency and timing of my bowel movements have remained the same, I ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If the occult blood test results are normal and there is no change in appetite, you can continue to monitor the situation. Maintain a balanced diet and avoid irritating foods. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Loose Stools: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Health
Understanding Right Lower Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Dull pain in the lower right abdomen? Hello Doctor, I previously asked a question about a dull sensation in my lower right abdomen. I have undergone several tests, and the blood test results are all normal, including hemoglobin levels and liver function. I also had a negative sto...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
It is recommended to complete the examination; if there are no issues, it should be classified as a gastrointestinal dysfunction.[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Remedies for Hemorrhoids and Fissures
Regarding the issue of rectal bleeding? Hello, doctor. I have a habit of having a bowel movement every day, but I forgot to do so for the past two days. When I finally felt the urge, although I could sense that the stool was close to the anus, I still had to exert some effort to ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. If you have an anal fissure, straining during bowel movements or passing larger stools may cause the scabbed wound to reopen and bleed. 2. You can soak in warm water. 3. If you purchase over-the-counter ointments or suppositories and still experience bleeding, it is rec...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Remedies for Hemorrhoids and Fissures
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Discomfort After Meals
Right lower abdominal discomfort and pain after meals? Hello doctor, I previously asked about discomfort in my right abdomen. I later visited my family doctor, who pressed on my abdomen, and I did not feel any pain. I had blood tests and a urinalysis, and the results were normal....
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Please visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for an examination (colonoscopy) and at least a fecal occult blood test. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Discomfort After Meals
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Hemorrhoids: When to Seek Help
Abdominal pain and hemorrhoid issues? Hello, I have recently experienced some abdominal pain, particularly on the left side. One time, after having dinner, I felt a sharp pain in my abdomen, which seemed to be related to my stomach, but there was also some discomfort in the middl...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Please visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for a gastroscopy and a stool occult blood test. Additionally, internal hemorrhoids are a common issue, and surgical treatment is only considered if there is frequent bleeding. Internal hemorrhoids are vascular tissu...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Hemorrhoids: When to Seek Help
Understanding Your Liver Biopsy Report: Key Insights on Hepatitis Types and Staging
Pathological Examination Report of Hepatitis Hello, Doctor. I recently underwent a liver biopsy at the hospital. After the examination, the physician only informed me of the presence of liver inflammation and recommended changes to my lifestyle, along with prescribing some liver-...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Mild steatosis and steatohepatitis (grade 1/3, stage 1/4). The report indicates: it is Grade 1 fatty infiltration and Grade 1 fibrosis, both of which are classified as mild. 2. Whether it is caused by hepatitis B or C depends on the blood test results. Fatty liver can a...[Read More] Understanding Your Liver Biopsy Report: Key Insights on Hepatitis Types and Staging
Understanding High Viral Load Despite Negative e Antigen in Hepatitis B Patients
e antigen negative Hello, Doctor. I have hepatitis B. Previously, my liver inflammation caused my AST and ALT levels to exceed a thousand, with a viral load of over a million and positive e-antigen. An ultrasound showed a 0.6 cm nodule. After taking Baraclude, my e-antigen turned...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, some patients with hepatitis B virus may undergo mutations to evade the immune system and relieve pressure, leading to the disappearance of the e-antigen, which allows the virus to continue replicating and causing liver inflammation. It is recommended that antiviral medica...[Read More] Understanding High Viral Load Despite Negative e Antigen in Hepatitis B Patients
Understanding Nausea: Beyond Gastrointestinal Issues and Treatment Options
Gastrointestinal issues Doctor, I would like to ask if nausea and vomiting seem to worsen in cold weather (or at night), aside from gastrointestinal issues, what else could be the cause? Two summers ago, I underwent an endoscopy and took PPIs for two months. I wonder if my irregu...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: In addition to gastroesophageal reflux, it is important to check for fecal impaction and any abnormalities in bowel motility. If problems persist, you may consult a gastroenterologist for an evaluation to determine if further examination is necessary. Changhua Hospital car...[Read More] Understanding Nausea: Beyond Gastrointestinal Issues and Treatment Options