Understanding Abnormal Bowel Movements: Causes and Diagnostic Approaches
Abnormal bowel movement examination Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to seek your clarification on a few points: 1. My current bowel habits have changed (loose, mucoid stools, alternating with thin stools, frequent lack of urge to defecate, occasional mucus) and I have lost 6 to 7 k...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
1. Small polyps cannot be ruled out, but if they are small, they may not necessarily cause the symptoms mentioned above. 2. Based on the current situation, including the preliminary examination results, it is likely not IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). 3. Currently, there are no...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Bowel Movements: Causes and Diagnostic Approaches
Can Liver Tumors Progress to Liver Cancer? Understanding Your Risks
Can a liver tumor transform into liver cancer? Hello, doctor! In September of this year, I went for a check-up due to gastrointestinal discomfort, and an abdominal ultrasound detected a 0.6 cm tumor on my right liver. During a follow-up visit in December, it had increased to 0.8 ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. Please do not worry; the chances are likely low. Just continue to monitor any changes in size. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Can Liver Tumors Progress to Liver Cancer? Understanding Your Risks
Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Severe discomfort in the stomach? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my condition. In July of this year, I experienced discomfort in my stomach and underwent an endoscopy, which diagnosed me with mild gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastritis. After taking med...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Based on the symptoms, it appears to be a worsening of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is recommended to undergo another endoscopy.[Read More] Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Hepatitis: Vaccination, Risks, and Virus Survival Insights
Some questions about hepatitis? Hello Doctor: 1. During a recent health check-up, I found a line in the report stating: "Liver examination: HBsAg negative, HBsAb negative. Vaccination is recommended." This made me a bit worried. Does this mean I no longer have antibodi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, in Taiwan, individuals born after 1984 have received the hepatitis B vaccine. However, antibodies may diminish after 10 to 15 years, although immune function remains intact. Generally, there is no need for booster shots or retesting. As long as there is no unnecessary expo...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis: Vaccination, Risks, and Virus Survival Insights
Concerns About Hepatitis B Vaccination During Possible Infection
Suspected infection while receiving hepatitis B vaccine? Hello Dr. Chen, a few days ago I had blood tests for both antigens and antibodies, and both results came back negative. The doctor also administered a hepatitis B vaccine. However, I work with a lot of complex individuals, ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, in Taiwan, individuals born after 1984 have generally received the hepatitis B vaccine, which provides them with immunity. Although antibodies may diminish after more than 10 years, the immune memory remains intact, offering continued protection. There is no need for conce...[Read More] Concerns About Hepatitis B Vaccination During Possible Infection
Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Bowel issues Hello, I have usually had banana-shaped stools, but last week, for 3-4 consecutive days, my stools became thin and long, I felt incomplete evacuation, the color was brown, there was no mucus, no abdominal pain, and no blood in the stool. After seeing a doctor, I was ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Indigestion, also known as motility disorder, is a benign symptom. You can manage it by paying attention to your diet and making short- and long-term adjustments to your medication. A colonoscopy is not necessary at this time unless there is a positive fecal occult bl...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: A Daughter's Urgent Concerns
Abnormal liver function tests? My father went to the hospital for a blood test on November 18, and after the results came back, he was urgently admitted for hospitalization! His liver enzyme levels were over 1000 (prior to this, he had been complaining of lower back and waist pai...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, the term "fulminant hepatitis" refers to the onset of jaundice accompanied by altered mental status. It is advisable for your father to discuss his condition thoroughly with his attending physician and to be closely monitored. Additionally, please avoid consuming...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: A Daughter's Urgent Concerns
Understanding Bloating and Pain: The Impact of Gallstones on Digestive Health
Bloating, stomach pain, and gallstones? Doctor, hello. I have been experiencing bloating after meals for many years, but I could quickly relieve it by taking some antacids or simethicone. However, in the past 1-2 years, the frequency of bloating has increased, and sometimes norma...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if you experience discomfort after meals, you may consider gallbladder surgery, although it may not necessarily be effective. It would be advisable to discuss this further with a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Pain: The Impact of Gallstones on Digestive Health
Understanding Liver Inflammation and Elevated CA19-9 Levels
Liver, CA19-9 Hello, Doctor! The recent blood test report shows T-Bilirubin 2.14 mg/dL, D-Bilirubin 1.32 mg/dL, GOT 159 U/L, GPT 482 U/L, Alk-P 151 U/L, GTP 484 U/L, and Eosinophil 0.4%, which is below the normal value of 0.9. AFP is 3.17 ng/mL (which is normal), CEA is 4.25 ng/m...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Such a blood test report indicates that it is not the time to discuss dietary considerations, but rather the time to undergo further examinations. The preliminary assessment suggests the highest likelihood of bile duct obstruction (rather than hepatitis), and a referral to a gast...[Read More] Understanding Liver Inflammation and Elevated CA19-9 Levels
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Risks, Symptoms, and Surgical Options
Cholecystectomy Hello Doctor, during today's employee health check, an abdominal ultrasound revealed a 0.4 x 0.7 cm polyp at the fundus of the gallbladder, which was not detected in last year's ultrasound. Other blood test results are as follows: CEA and CA 19-9 are nor...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
CA72-4 is a marker that has high sensitivity but low specificity; it can be elevated even in cases of gastric inflammation. As for gallbladder polyps, they are generally not related. It is usually recommended to follow up every six months, and intervention is only considered if t...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Risks, Symptoms, and Surgical Options
Understanding Digestive Issues After C-Section: Symptoms and Concerns
Intestinal adhesion? Colorectal cancer? Irritable bowel syndrome? Hello, I had a cesarean section for my third child last October (the first two were natural births), and my bowel habits have completely changed since then. Over the past few months, I frequently feel the urge to d...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Changes in bowel habits should be evaluated in the context of lifestyle and dietary habits to see if there have been any alterations. If there are no changes in lifestyle or diet, it is important to consider whether the changes in bowel habits may be due to an underlying d...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues After C-Section: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Further Gastrointestinal Evaluation
Abdominal pain issues? Hello Dr. Tsai, over the past six months, I have frequently visited the hospital due to abdominal issues. I have undergone various diagnostic tests including ultrasound, CT scans, blood tests, and X-rays, all indicating inflammation of the intestines or sto...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
It is recommended to visit a hospital for a detailed consultation with a gastroenterologist, who will review the previous reports and make decisions and assessments afterward.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Further Gastrointestinal Evaluation
Blood in Stool and GERD: When to Consider a Colonoscopy?
Blood in stool and gastroesophageal reflux? Hello doctor, in August, I underwent an endoscopy due to chest tightness and was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux and inflammation. Currently, I no longer have symptoms of chest tightness and have been taking pantoprazole regularl...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It is recommended to undergo a (non-painful) colonoscopy to check for any lesions. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Blood in Stool and GERD: When to Consider a Colonoscopy?
Understanding Elevated G-GT Levels: Causes and Management Tips
Elevated G-GT levels? Hello Doctor, I previously had a blood test related to my liver, and the first time my G-GT level was 67, while both GOT and GPT were within normal ranges. About a month later, I had another blood test for follow-up, and I found that my G-GT level dropped to...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Fatty liver can be managed with normal GOT and GPT levels. If rGT is elevated, the general recommendation is to reduce oil and sugar intake, limit alcohol consumption, and increase physical activity. Follow-up should be done every 4 to 6 months.[Read More] Understanding Elevated G-GT Levels: Causes and Management Tips
Understanding Bowel Issues: Flat Stools and Excessive Gas Concerns
Bowel issues Hello Doctor, I am Ayou. I would like to ask you about two issues: 1. Regarding the shape of my stools and the frequency of passing gas. Over the past three months, I have observed that my stools have been flat, or sometimes lumpy (with small pieces), or very thin....
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Based on the symptoms, it appears to be indigestion and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Please adjust your diet to a mild diet that is low in oil, low in dairy, and avoids irritating foods. If there is no improvement, please consult a gastroenterologist.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Flat Stools and Excessive Gas Concerns
Understanding Stool Color Changes: Brown, Black, and Red Flags
The stool is a mix of brown-yellow and black-brown colors? Hello, I recently noticed that the color of my stool is a bit unusual; sometimes it is dark brown, other times it is a mix of brownish-yellow and dark brown, and there are also some dark red blood clots on it. When I wipe...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: There is no need to worry about changes in stool color, as stool color is closely related to the foods consumed. If there is a genuine concern about potential bleeding, you can seek medical attention for a stool occult blood test. Changhua Hospital cares about your health....[Read More] Understanding Stool Color Changes: Brown, Black, and Red Flags
Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Implications
The first occurrence of total bilirubin (1.8 mg/dL) and direct bilirubin (0.8 mg/dL) is elevated? I have been taking medication for lowering blood sugar for a long time. My fasting blood sugar is 121 mg/dL, and my HbA1c is 6.5%. My average blood pressure is 130/78 mmHg. Aside fro...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels are elevated, indicating liver function abnormalities. It is necessary to check for hepatitis or gallbladder and biliary tract diseases. Causes of hepatitis include viral infections, alcohol consumption, medications, and fatty liver dis...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Implications
Can Gallstones and Fatty Liver Cause Chest and Shoulder Pain?
Can gallstones and fatty liver cause pain in the epigastric region or upper abdomen, right shoulder pain, and discomfort in the back? Hello, Director Chen. I apologize for interrupting you during your busy schedule. I am 36 years old, have never smoked or consumed alcohol, and my...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. While the chances of related opportunities may not be significant, if you have been troubled for a long time, you might consider laparoscopic cholecystectomy to prevent future occurrences of gallstones. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Sincerely, Chen Shidia...[Read More] Can Gallstones and Fatty Liver Cause Chest and Shoulder Pain?
Can Gallstones and Fatty Liver Cause Upper Abdominal Pain and Discomfort?
Can gallstones and fatty liver cause pain in the epigastric region or upper abdomen, right shoulder pain, and back discomfort? Hello Dr. Chen, I apologize for interrupting you during your busy schedule. I am 36 years old, have never smoked or consumed alcohol, and my blood tests ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
In general, fatty liver is less likely to present with pain symptoms. As for gallstones, treatment should be pursued whenever there are symptoms, regardless of their size or quantity. In terms of location, the pain may be due to the gallstones, but based on your description of th...[Read More] Can Gallstones and Fatty Liver Cause Upper Abdominal Pain and Discomfort?
Understanding HCV and HBV Testing: What You Need to Know
HCV and HBV testing Hello, doctor. Due to my tendency to worry, I am not a healthcare professional, but I have been to the hospital and am afraid of coming into contact with unclean needles and blood. I am particularly concerned about HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. On June 18...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. There is no need for further examination, so please do not worry. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding HCV and HBV Testing: What You Need to Know