Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes and Dizziness: Key Insights
Liver enzymes & dizziness? Hello doctor, today I was sent to the emergency room due to feeling unwell, and I had a blood test. The nurse mentioned that my liver enzyme levels are elevated; the normal range is around 40, and mine is 59. She said it’s not excessively high and d...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Abnormal liver function requires further investigation to determine the cause; please consult a hepatologist. As for the dizziness, there are many potential causes. Please see a neurologist for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes and Dizziness: Key Insights
Understanding Painless Diarrhea: Causes and When to Seek Help
Painless diarrhea? Hello Dr. Chen, about three weeks ago I woke up with sudden diarrhea that was watery, but I did not have any abdominal pain. I went to a general clinic, and they diagnosed me with gastroenteritis. After seeing the doctor twice, I took medication four times a da...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
The condition is gastroenteritis, and stool samples can be collected for microbiological examination to rule out the possibility of bacterial enteritis.[Read More] Understanding Painless Diarrhea: Causes and When to Seek Help
Do I Need Antiviral Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B?
Do we need antiviral medication? Hello, Doctor! Several years ago, I was infected with hepatitis B, and at that time, I tested positive for antibodies and did not require treatment. Recently, an ultrasound revealed that my liver is rough, my spleen is enlarged, and I am experien...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. 1. If liver function is normal, there is currently no need to check for viral DNA. 2. Splenomegaly or coarse liver texture can be discussed with gastroenterology and hematology specialists for management strategies. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shi...[Read More] Do I Need Antiviral Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B?
How Irregular Eating and Drinking Habits Affect Bowel Movements
Irregular bowel movements? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if irregular lifestyle and diet can affect bowel movements? About two years ago, I started drinking alcohol, and recently I've been experiencing irregular bathroom habits. The stools are sticky; could this be rela...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, it is possible that it may have an impact. Please refrain from alcohol and follow a light diet. If necessary, you can visit the gastroenterology clinic for a fecal occult blood test and medication adjustment. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] How Irregular Eating and Drinking Habits Affect Bowel Movements
Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention
Bowel issues Hello, Dr. Yang. I would like to ask about a situation that occurred about two weeks ago. I noticed blood when I had a bowel movement, with red streaks remaining on the toilet paper. However, I didn't see a doctor because my menstrual period started a week later...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Ms. Elly, based on your description, I recommend that you schedule a colonoscopy with a gastroenterologist for your peace of mind. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Liver Health: Do You Need Fibrosis Testing for Hepatitis B?
Is it cirrhosis? Hello, doctor. I recently had an abdominal ultrasound that showed my liver is enlarged. Subsequent blood tests indicated that my Hepatitis B surface antigen is negative, but my surface antibody and core antibody are positive. I have never been vaccinated, so it s...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A negative hepatitis B surface antigen means that there is no hepatitis B virus carrier status, and there is no need for any medication. There is a significant difference between liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, so there is no need to be overly concerned about cirrhosis. As f...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Do You Need Fibrosis Testing for Hepatitis B?
Understanding Unexplained Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
What could cause an unexplained increase in bilirubin levels? Hello, two weeks ago I visited the hospital for a follow-up on my long-term, intermittent proteinuria (although my kidney function has always been normal). During the examination, it was found that my bilirubin levels ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: In addition to monitoring for hemolysis, you should also pay attention to whether you have been taking traditional Chinese medicine, drinking herbal tea, or consuming alcohol for an extended period. If not, you can track the changes in your indices, as some individuals may...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Is Too Much Fiber the Culprit?
Gastrointestinal issues If your stools are consistently loose, it may be due to an excessive intake of dietary fiber from vegetables, which your gastrointestinal tract may not be able to absorb properly.
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: As long as your bowel habits have not changed, there is no need to worry too much. If you have not undergone a fecal occult blood test, it is recommended to have one. If the result is positive, a colonoscopy is advised. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai A...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Is Too Much Fiber the Culprit?
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Symptoms and Concerns
Abnormal liver function? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been feeling very sleepy and fatigued, and I'm a bit worried that it might be due to liver dysfunction. After a blood test, my GOT and GPT levels were 50 and 98, respectively. I would like to ask: 1. Could these values ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) It is possible, but more likely due to poor sleep, which can lead to elevated liver function tests. (2) An increase of about two times is not considered severe as long as there is no accompanying jaundice or coagulopathy. (3) Such data indicates hepatitis. Whether ther...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Symptoms and Concerns
Accidental Needle Stick from Child: Risks After First Hepatitis B Vaccine
I was accidentally pricked by a used needle that a child had used, but I just received my first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a question. I am a dental assistant, and yesterday, on the evening of the 17th, after the doctor finished seeing a 2...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. You should have received the hepatitis B vaccine when you were young, so the chances of infection are very low, so there is no need to worry. You can wait until one month after completing the booster vaccination to check for the presence of antibodies. Changhua Hospi...[Read More] Accidental Needle Stick from Child: Risks After First Hepatitis B Vaccine
Understanding Left Abdominal Discomfort: IBS and GERD Insights
Left abdominal discomfort issue? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you about some gastrointestinal issues I've been experiencing since last October. Initially, I had diarrhea, which improved after taking medication for a while, but then it changed to stomach pain and occas...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Mr. Lin's irritable bowel syndrome may have fluctuations in symptoms. Please pay attention to adjusting your lifestyle and diet, and use necessary medications. If there is suspicion of structural disease in the colon, stool occult blood tests or colonoscopy can be performed ...[Read More] Understanding Left Abdominal Discomfort: IBS and GERD Insights
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Diarrhea and Stomach Distension
Diarrhea with significant abdominal bloating? Since Monday, I have been experiencing diarrhea and a constant urge to use the bathroom, but when I actually get to the toilet, I can only pass small, fragmented stools. This cycle has continued, and aside from the sudden abdominal pa...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The likelihood of experiencing gastric torsion in a clinical setting is quite low, and your symptoms do not align with it. Typically, gastric torsion leads to obstruction, not just bloating. Instead, the probability of poor gastric emptying is higher. It is recommended to ...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Diarrhea and Stomach Distension
Understanding Bowel Issues: Constipation, Gas, and Mucus-Stained Stool
Abnormal stool? Hello Doctor: I have been struggling with constipation for a long time, and recently, while trying to lose weight, my appetite has decreased, which seems to have worsened my constipation. I occasionally take stool softeners to help with bowel movements, and I have...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Anonymous, Based on your symptoms, there is a possibility of blood in your stool. It is recommended that you consult a gastroenterologist for evaluation, and undergo routine stool tests or fecal occult blood tests, and possibly a colonoscopy. Additionally, irritable bowel ...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Constipation, Gas, and Mucus-Stained Stool
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Blood in Urine: A Guide for Parents
Abdominal pain in the colon and stomach accompanied by slight hematuria? Dear Dr. Lin, My daughter has been suffering from persistent pain in her colon and stomach. In January of this year, she also experienced hematuria. Subsequently, she underwent examinations at Chang Gung Me...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. If there are issues with the colon and stomach, it is recommended to see a gastroenterologist. 2. You may refer to the blood test results, such as the presence of tumors in certain sections. 3. Urine tests can be monitored; for females, there may be hematuria around the menstr...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Blood in Urine: A Guide for Parents
Post-Meal Nausea: When to See a Gastroenterologist?
Feeling nauseous about half an hour after eating? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a question. Since the Lunar New Year, around the sixth day, I have been feeling nauseous after every meal, and I have a constant sensation of excessive stomach acid throughout the day. At that ti...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: You may have gastritis or an ulcer, and it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist. Additionally, it is important to monitor your GOT/GPT levels, as severe hepatitis can sometimes lead to loss of appetite and even nausea. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. D...[Read More] Post-Meal Nausea: When to See a Gastroenterologist?
Understanding Borderline Hepatitis C Results: When to Retest and Follow Up
HCV test values Hello, I had a health check-up on January 25, and I just saw the report today. The report indicates a hepatitis C value of 0.974, with the hospital's reference value being <0.9, and the hepatitis C result is marked as borderline. It is recommended to monit...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Your C-reactive protein (CRP) level is classified as low positive. Sometimes, this does not necessarily indicate an infection with hepatitis C. If you are concerned, you can follow up in three months. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Borderline Hepatitis C Results: When to Retest and Follow Up
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes, Treatments, and Lifestyle Changes
Hemorrhoids, rectal bleeding, anal fissures? Hello Doctor: Since childhood, my bowel movement cycle has been longer, about every three to five days. Currently, it is normal about every three days, but I have occasionally experienced blood in my stool since I was 17 or 18 years ol...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Chang: The diagnosis should be correct, so there is no need to worry. You can visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic to obtain laxatives to maintain regular bowel movements, in order to prevent hard stools from causing anal fissures or bleeding from internal hemor...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes, Treatments, and Lifestyle Changes
Understanding Inconsistent Hepatitis B Test Results: What You Need to Know
The results of hepatitis B testing vary? During middle school, I had a blood test that showed positive for hepatitis B surface antigen and negative for antibodies. However, when I was tested again in my first year of high school, the results showed negative for both hepatitis B s...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Lu: The antigen concentration may decrease day by day and eventually become undetectable, but there may still be a very small amount of virus hidden. It is advisable to regularly visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for follow-up examinations. Changhua Hospital ...[Read More] Understanding Inconsistent Hepatitis B Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Oral Gas Expulsion: Causes and Treatment Options
Experiencing discomfort and distress from flatulence in the mouth? Hello Dr. Chen: I have been experiencing flatulence for two months now. During this time, I have consulted both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine. The Chinese medicine doctor suggested that I might...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
If gastrointestinal, liver, gallbladder, and thoracic issues have been ruled out, then it may be idiopathic belching, and the only option left would be medication adjustment.[Read More] Understanding Oral Gas Expulsion: Causes and Treatment Options
Enhancing Interferon Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B with Baraclude
The efficacy of interferon combined with Bevacizumab? Hello, Doctor. I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been regularly undergoing ultrasound and blood tests for a long time. However, since November of last year, my liver enzyme levels have been rising to over 200, and my surf...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Sir: Q1 Combination therapy is a recommendation based on professional experience, and while it is not inappropriate, there are currently no definitive human trial results to support it. Therefore, it is unclear what the best combination would be. Q2 There will be no re...[Read More] Enhancing Interferon Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B with Baraclude