Understanding Elevated AST and ALT Levels: Causes and Concerns
AST 961 ALT 246 units U/L The values mentioned are significantly elevated. I do not frequently stay up late and have a habit of exercising. I would like to ask if the soreness in my upper body before the blood test could be the reason for the elevated values. My GGT level is 37, ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: AST: 961 ALT: 246, indicating liver inflammation, requires investigation for the underlying cause. Medications, shock, infections, viral hepatitis, and endocrine diseases can all lead to abnormal liver function, necessitating monitoring of liver function. Excessive exercis...[Read More] Understanding Elevated AST and ALT Levels: Causes and Concerns
Can Polio Patients Safely Receive Interferon Treatment for Hepatitis C?
Can patients with poliomyelitis receive interferon? Can my friend, who is a congenital polio patient and also a carrier of hepatitis C, receive interferon treatment? His blood tests show a positive viral load and abnormal liver function. Will this treatment have any impact on his...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Sir: Theoretically, your friend can undergo treatment for Hepatitis C. However, it is important to communicate in advance about the common side effects that may occur during treatment (such as anemia, nausea, weakness, etc.), and to ensure that family members provide ample ...[Read More] Can Polio Patients Safely Receive Interferon Treatment for Hepatitis C?
Chronic Diarrhea: Is Smoking and Drinking to Blame?
For the past three years, bowel movements have been achieved through manual assistance? Hello doctor, I am asking questions on behalf of my father because he refuses to go to the hospital for a check-up. I can only seek help here. My father has been experiencing diarrhea every ti...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Bad habits and consumption of milk and greasy foods can easily lead to soft stools or diarrhea, often due to rapid peristalsis. First, a stool occult blood test should be performed to rule out colorectal cancer. Additionally, taking gastrointestinal medication before ...[Read More] Chronic Diarrhea: Is Smoking and Drinking to Blame?
Do I Still Need a Colonoscopy After Negative Fecal Occult Blood Test?
The fecal occult blood test result is negative? Hello, doctor: Last week, I had a stool occult blood test, and the doctor said there was no occult blood. Do I still need to have a colonoscopy? Is there still a risk of colorectal cancer?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, it is important to first inquire about the reasons for performing a fecal occult blood test. Additionally, a negative result on the fecal occult blood test does not equate to the absence of colorectal cancer, as there are other potential causes. Even with a negative result...[Read More] Do I Still Need a Colonoscopy After Negative Fecal Occult Blood Test?
Urgent Help Needed: Managing Severe Acute Hepatitis B Symptoms
Acute Hepatitis B Emergency Hello Dr. Chen, I have not been previously diagnosed with hepatitis B or C. On October 17, I visited a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology clinic due to fatigue and jaundice. Blood tests showed GOT: 2000, GPT: 4000, T-bil: 10.7, HBsAg: 1801, Anti-HBc I...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Lee, 1. When starting the medication, the antiviral effect has not fully suppressed the virus yet, so there may still be a short-term upward trend. It is advisable to be hospitalized for close observation. Changing the medication may not have a significant effect, but a...[Read More] Urgent Help Needed: Managing Severe Acute Hepatitis B Symptoms
Understanding Negative Fecal Occult Blood Test Results and Their Implications
The fecal occult blood test result is negative? Hello Dr. Chen: Today I received the results of my stool occult blood test, which came back negative and was deemed normal. However, the doctor was very busy, and I didn't get to ask him many questions before leaving the consul...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, a negative fecal occult blood test does not completely rule out colorectal cancer or gastric cancer. The presence of stool mixed with urine should not affect the accuracy of the test. Ultimately, it is essential to consider clinical symptoms in conjunction with the test re...[Read More] Understanding Negative Fecal Occult Blood Test Results and Their Implications
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Elevated liver enzymes? My health report shows that all other items are normal, but my liver enzyme levels indicate GOT at 60 and GPT at 17 (normal). I do not have a history of substance abuse or alcoholism. 1. Is a GOT level of 60 considered very high? 2. I stayed up late for ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, GPT primarily refers to a marker released into the bloodstream after the destruction of liver cells. However, GOT can be found not only in liver cells but also in other tissues such as the heart, skeletal muscle, blood cells, kidney cells, and certain tumor cells. Therefor...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Liver enzyme levels are elevated? Previously, during my enrollment check, my BMI was normal with no obesity issues. My liver enzyme levels were GOT at 31 and GPT at 63, which are above the normal range. The recommendation was to have regular check-ups and to reduce late-night act...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Lin: It is recommended to maintain a regular lifestyle, control weight to prevent increase, rule out drug-induced hepatitis, and recheck liver function in 2-3 months. Additionally, please rule out hepatitis C and undergo an ultrasound examination. Changhua Hospital car...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Understanding Digestive Issues: Is It Gastrointestinal or Hemorrhoids?
Gastrointestinal issues or internal hemorrhoids? Over the past year, I have undergone gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and fecal occult blood tests. The gastroscopy showed no issues. During the colonoscopy, the doctor was unable to get a clear view due to insufficient bowel preparation,...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Based on what you've described, there seems to be slight bleeding near the rectum/anus. You may observe it for now, but if the bleeding continues, please return to the clinic for an examination. Additionally, you have irritable bowel syndrome, so it is advisable ...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Is It Gastrointestinal or Hemorrhoids?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes of Loose Stools and Abdominal Pain
Gastrointestinal issues Since returning from Japan at the end of August, my stools have been loose for an extended period. Sometimes, after eating, I experience abdominal pain, which is accompanied by dark-colored stools. Additionally, my stools have become more watery than usual...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, the location of abdominal pain is significantly related to differential diagnosis. The presence of dark-colored stools may indicate a positive fecal occult blood test, which requires further examination. It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist for precise abdomin...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes of Loose Stools and Abdominal Pain
Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: Should You Get a Colonoscopy?
Abnormal health check values Hello Dr. Chen, I recently completed a health check-up, and the results showed an abnormal OBEIA value of 19.3 (I took stomach medication a day or two before the test due to gastrointestinal discomfort). The reference value is <12 ng/ml. I checked,...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, a positive fecal occult blood test indicates the presence of bleeding somewhere along the colon to the rectum and anus, which may include bleeding from hemorrhoids. After evaluation by a physician, a decision is made to proceed with further examination. A colonoscopy is ce...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: Should You Get a Colonoscopy?
Understanding Fatty Liver: Can It Really Elevate Liver Enzymes to 200?
Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? Hello Dr. Tsai: I would like to provide the following information for your reference: 1. SGOT: 79 (normal range: 8-38 U/L) SGPT: 214 (normal range: 4-40 U/L) Ultrasound examination: Moderate fatty l...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can cause inflammation that may exceed 200. In addition to medication, it is essential to control caloric intake and increase physical activity. As for autoimmune hepatitis, blood tests are required to confirm the presence of specific au...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Can It Really Elevate Liver Enzymes to 200?
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Symptoms and Causes
Right lower abdominal pain? Hello Doctor: For the past three months, I have been experiencing intermittent abdominal pain, particularly in the lower right abdomen, just slightly below the navel. It feels like something is stuck there, causing a bloated and painful sensation. Duri...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, it may be gastrointestinal dysfunction secondary to gastroenteritis. It is recommended to avoid oily, dairy, and irritating foods, and to follow a bland diet. If there is no improvement, you may consult a gastroenterologist at the Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and W...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Symptoms and Causes
How to Distinguish Between Blood and Food Residue in Stool
Distinguishing whether it is hematochezia? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask how to distinguish if it is blood in my stool. I read online that one way to differentiate is to see if the blood disperses in the water; if it doesn't, it's food residue, and if it does, it&#...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, if you are unable to distinguish, you can visit the Gastroenterology Department for a fecal occult blood test. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Attending Physician, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] How to Distinguish Between Blood and Food Residue in Stool
Understanding Left Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Left lower abdominal issues? Hello Doctor: For the past month, I have been experiencing bloating in my left abdomen after dinner, and I find that I pass gas the next morning. My bowel movements are normal, and I do not have constipation. Is this a cause for concern? Secondly, i...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: After dinner, if you experience bloating in the left abdomen, it is advisable not to overeat; about 60-70% full is sufficient. Avoid lying down immediately after a meal; a gentle walk is recommended. The accuracy of stool tests is only 30% to 50%, so a negative result for ...[Read More] Understanding Left Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Chronic Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Persistent discomfort in the right upper abdomen? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing discomfort in my upper right abdomen for a long time (about 5 to 7 years), which feels like abdominal pain, bloating, and even muscle cramps that extend to my back, causing back pain. Someti...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to schedule an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, attending physician of the Gastroenterology Department at Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Chronic Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Long-Term Use of Silymarin for Liver Health: Benefits and Risks
Liver protection supplements issues? (1) I previously had abnormal liver function (GPT 70), and my doctor prescribed Kojar (Silymarin) capsules. After three months, my liver function returned to normal, and the medication was discontinued. Over the past few years, my liver enzyme...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Lin: 1. If there is a clinical need for Silymarin, it can be taken long-term without any reported significant side effects, but its effectiveness is not guaranteed. According to health insurance regulations, treatment must be discontinued if there is no improvement. 2. ...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Silymarin for Liver Health: Benefits and Risks
How to Lower GOT and GPT Levels: Tips for Liver Health
GOT 48, GPT 71? Hello Dr. Chen, my liver enzyme levels are GOT 48 and GPT 71. I do not have hepatitis B or C. I am being treated at Asia University Hospital. I previously took medication for hyperthyroidism for about a year, but I am now well and no longer need to take it. My uri...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, aside from hepatitis B and C, another cause of abnormal liver function is fatty liver... Of course, there are also other less common causes. Therefore, it is essential to rely on abdominal ultrasound and some blood tests for diagnosis. If it is indeed fatty liver, the meta...[Read More] How to Lower GOT and GPT Levels: Tips for Liver Health
Can You See Hidden Blood in Stool? Understanding Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Can blood in the stool be seen with the naked eye? Hello, doctor. I have a few questions that I would like to ask you: 1. Can blood in the stool be visible to the naked eye? 2. If I carefully examine my stool and see some red spots that might be blood, but there is no blood on ...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen, Questions 1, 2, and 3: Occult blood refers to blood that is not visible to the naked eye and can only be detected through laboratory testing. Therefore, it is important to understand that just because stool appears red or contains visible blood does not necessaril...[Read More] Can You See Hidden Blood in Stool? Understanding Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Chronic Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions Explained
Persistent diarrhea? Hello, doctor... I have been suffering from chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain for a long time. In early February 2015, I underwent a comprehensive health check-up, which included stool tests, endoscopy, abdominal ultrasound, and blood tests. They informed m...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, the diagnosis should be irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is recommended to follow a low-fat, low-dairy, and non-irritating gentle diet, manage stress and anxiety, and seek medical treatment with medication if necessary. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Attending Physician, ...[Read More] Chronic Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions Explained