Should You See a Doctor for Mild Liver Function Abnormalities?
Abnormal liver function detected during school health examination? SGOT 20, SGPT 42.3 (slightly elevated), Hepatitis B surface antigen negative, Hepatitis B surface antibody negative. Due to being in the third year of junior high school and staying up late, should I visit an inte...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: GPT 42.3 is only slightly elevated, so there is no need to worry too much. You can return to the clinic for a follow-up blood test in three months. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for Mild Liver Function Abnormalities?
Understanding Liver Function Tests: What Elevated Protein Levels Mean for Your Health
Liver function blood tests Hello Doctor: Today I went to the hospital for a CBC-I blood test as requested by my previous doctor, and everything is normal. Three months ago, my liver function index was slightly elevated at 60, but it has now decreased to 23. However, the doctor me...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It may be related to fetal proteins. It is recommended to closely monitor the situation, as liver inflammation or liver tumors could also cause an increase. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: What Elevated Protein Levels Mean for Your Health
Frequent Foul Gas and Blood in Stool: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
Chronic foul-smelling flatulence with bloody diarrhea? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing frequent and foul-smelling flatulence along with bloating for quite some time. About three months ago, I suspected there was blood in my stool and underwent a fecal occult blood test, wh...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
It is recommended to visit a gastroenterology department for further examination.[Read More] Frequent Foul Gas and Blood in Stool: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Abnormal Stool Colors: When to Seek Medical Advice
Abnormal stool color? Hello Doctor: About a month ago, I noticed that my stool often had blood in it, and I experienced pain in my anus. However, after applying over-the-counter treatments for hemorrhoids and anal fissures, the bleeding stopped. Recently, I underwent a fecal occu...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The color of stool is related to the food consumed and the condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Foods rich in iron can result in darker stool, while consuming red dragon fruit, cactus, or hibiscus may lead to a reddish stool. Personally, I believe that hot dogs are unl...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Stool Colors: When to Seek Medical Advice
Should I Undergo Further Health Checks for My Ongoing Symptoms?
Should I undergo further comprehensive health screening? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing fatigue and dizziness for the past two months, so I would like to ask a question. On August 12, 2017, I drank quite a bit of alcohol for my birthday, and after returning home, I start...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The possible side effects of Propafenone (心利正) listed in the package insert include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and decreased appetite. However, these may not necessarily be caused by the medica...[Read More] Should I Undergo Further Health Checks for My Ongoing Symptoms?
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Could It Be Rectal Cancer?
Left lower abdominal pain? I have been experiencing dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Additionally, I have been having pain in my lower left abdomen (approximately near the left side of my pelvis, below the navel). My stools have been watery, yellowish, a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if you are concerned, you can visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic to check for fecal occult blood, or undergo further endoscopic examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Could It Be Rectal Cancer?
Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Hepatitis B testing status I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have regular follow-ups. Today, I had blood tests done with the following results: - 2017/10/03 AST/GOT (aspartate aminotransferase) 25 U/L (normal range: 8-38) - 2017/10/03 ALT/GPT (alanine aminotransferase) 24 U/L (...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, based on your description, you have antibodies against Hepatitis B, indicating that the infection has completely resolved. If you have liver cirrhosis, close monitoring is still necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shih-Tien[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Concerns About Colonoscopy with Ovarian Cyst and Health Conditions
Ovarian cyst observed during colonoscopy? Recently, I have been coughing up blood and a stool occult blood test came back positive. My bowel movements are usually regular, but the stools break apart into pieces when they hit the water. I often hear gurgling sounds, and I also exp...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. A painless colonoscopy does not require intubation, so if there are respiratory symptoms, it can be performed once the symptoms improve. 2. During the colonoscopy, abdominal pressure may be applied, and it is not possible to predict whether it will rupture a cyst. 3. Th...[Read More] Concerns About Colonoscopy with Ovarian Cyst and Health Conditions
Concerns About Colonoscopy with Ovarian Cyst and Health Conditions
Ovarian cyst observed during colonoscopy? Recently, I have been coughing up blood and my stool occult blood test came back positive. I usually have regular bowel movements, but my stools are segmented and break apart in the water. I also experience gurgling sounds and frequent fl...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. A painless colonoscopy does not require intubation, so if there are respiratory symptoms, it can be performed after the symptoms improve. 2. During the colonoscopy, pressure may need to be applied to the abdomen, and it is not possible to predict whether this will ruptu...[Read More] Concerns About Colonoscopy with Ovarian Cyst and Health Conditions
Persistent Pain After Gallbladder Removal: Seeking Answers and Solutions
Pain after gallbladder removal? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing discomfort and pain in my stomach and back since 2011, which has been severe enough to cause me to double over in pain. It wasn't until 2013 that I was diagnosed with gallstones and underwent traditional ...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist for examination.[Read More] Persistent Pain After Gallbladder Removal: Seeking Answers and Solutions
Is Your Stool Shape a Sign of Colon Cancer? When to Seek a Colonoscopy
The shape of stool can vary, sometimes being round and other times flat. This variation can be caused by several factors, including diet and hydration. However, persistent changes in stool shape, particularly if the stool becomes consistently flat or ribbon-like, can be a sign of...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
It is recommended to undergo an examination by a colorectal specialist.[Read More] Is Your Stool Shape a Sign of Colon Cancer? When to Seek a Colonoscopy
Navigating Unstable Liver Enzymes: Treatment Dilemmas for Chronic Hepatitis B
Persistent abnormal liver function tests without meeting the criteria for medication intervention? Hello doctor, I am a carrier of hepatitis B and I am about 40 years old. For the past 5 to 6 years, I have been regularly undergoing blood tests every three months. My ALT levels fl...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, this is a strategy mandated by the National Health Insurance Administration. There is no right or wrong; it depends on the discussion between the physician and the patient. If there is significant fibrosis, a biopsy may be considered to confirm whether cirrhosis is present...[Read More] Navigating Unstable Liver Enzymes: Treatment Dilemmas for Chronic Hepatitis B
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Bowel Issues: When to Seek Further Testing
Abdominal pain and bowel sounds? Hello, I have been experiencing abdominal pain, gastrointestinal rumbling, and fever for over three months. My bowel movements vary between diarrhea and constipation, and in the mornings, I sometimes have to go to the bathroom several times before...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Whether additional tests are necessary should be determined by the clinical physician, which may include a stool occult blood test or a colonoscopy. It is recommended to adjust your diet and emotions, and to increase your intake of fluids and fiber. If there is still no im...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Bowel Issues: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Dizziness and Bowel Issues: Possible Links to Gastrointestinal Health
Bowel movements and dizziness issues? Hello, doctor. I started feeling dizzy on the morning of September 13. I went to a clinic for an injection and medication, but it didn't help. Recently, my bowel movements have either been yellow and sticky or I have difficulty passing s...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms appear to be acute. If the emergency blood test does not indicate anemia, then the dizziness is not caused by hemorrhagic anemia. It is recommended that you consult a neurologist or an otolaryngologist to determine the cause of the dizziness. As for the sympt...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Bowel Issues: Possible Links to Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Do You Need Another Colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing frequent diarrhea for the past two years. Every morning when I wake up, I have abdominal pain, which subsides after I use the restroom. Sometimes I experience constipation, and the symptoms of diarrhea and constipation alternate ...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Mr. Yan, I hope this message finds you well. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be managed with certain medications or probiotics to alleviate symptoms. A balanced diet is recommended. There is no direct link between IBS and colorectal cancer; however, regular monitoring i...[Read More] Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Do You Need Another Colonoscopy?
Uncomfortable Sensation in Right Abdomen: Possible Causes and Solutions
Uncomfortable sensation of a foreign body in the right side of the abdomen? Two weeks ago, I underwent a colonoscopy at Tri-Service General Hospital, where a benign polyp was removed from the left side. Since then, I have been experiencing a foreign body sensation on the right si...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: I'm not sure which department ordered the initial colonoscopy. I recommend that you return to the Tri-Service General Hospital to consult with the gastroenterology department. However, if the pain worsens, you can still go to the emergency department for management. C...[Read More] Uncomfortable Sensation in Right Abdomen: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Polyps: Screening and Family History in Gastroenterology
Polyp issues? Hello, doctor. My father had a positive fecal occult blood test in 2015, which led to a recommendation for a colonoscopy. During the colonoscopy, two polyps the size of rice grains were found and immediately removed. The doctor advised follow-up in two years. This y...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Colorectal cancer and polyps have some hereditary tendencies, so we still recommend that your father undergo another colonoscopy for follow-up. Other relatives should also be screened as advised. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Polyps: Screening and Family History in Gastroenterology
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Is It Just Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Abdominal discomfort? I have recently been experiencing alternating constipation and diarrhea. When I am constipated, the stool that comes out is somewhat watery, and I also feel bloated in my lower abdomen. I have the urge to have a bowel movement but can only pass a small amoun...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. You can first follow up on the fecal occult blood test at Changhua Hospital to take care of your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Is It Just Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Total bilirubin, direct bilirubin Doctor, I recently had blood test results showing elevated total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels. The normal value for total bilirubin is 1.2 mg/dL, and mine is 1.77 mg/dL. The normal value for direct bilirubin is 0.5 mg/dL, and mine is 0.6...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, based on what you described, it seems to be a benign congenital condition related to bilirubin metabolism. Generally, it is not dangerous and does not require treatment. At most, you may need to have blood tests annually for comparison, so there is no need to worry! Changh...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chronic Gastrointestinal Issues: A Young Adult's Journey
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor, I am currently 25 years old, male, and have been experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort for a long time. Due to the numerous symptoms and questions I have, I will list them for your advice. Thank you very much. 1. I have had persistent abd...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Sir, you have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome with dysmotility and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Please follow your physician's prescribed medication and make adjustments to your diet and daily routine. A stool occult blood test can also be performed initiall...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Gastrointestinal Issues: A Young Adult's Journey