Understanding Gastrointestinal Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice
Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology Medical Consultation 1. Symptoms (Location, Description): The following includes two blood test reports and symptom descriptions. (1) Blood test report from Taichung Blood Donation Center on March 10, 2012: Cholesterol level was 237 mg/dL. (2) B...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. The blood test report shows a cholesterol level of 266, indicating high blood lipids. It is recommended to control your diet, exercise, and monitor your condition. Prolonged high blood lipids can lead to cardiovascular diseases, fatty liver, and liver abnormalities, w...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Alcoholic Liver Disease Without Alcohol Consumption
Why do people develop alcoholic liver disease without drinking alcohol? Hello Doctor: My blood test report shows two abnormal values. One is serum globulin (GLO) at 3.60, and the other is gamma-glutamyl transferase (r-GT) at 107.0. I am someone who does not consume alcohol at all...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: In fact, r-GT not only indicates alcoholic liver disease but is also associated with other conditions of the bile ducts and liver, such as fatty liver, where r-GT may also be elevated. It is recommended to undergo an abdominal ultrasound examination. Wishing you peace and ...[Read More] Understanding Alcoholic Liver Disease Without Alcohol Consumption
Managing Liver Health: Addressing Fatty Liver and Cholesterol Concerns
Dumbbell body examination Hello, I have been a carrier of hepatitis C for a long time, and I have not undergone treatment due to concerns about the side effects. My AST levels are normal, and my ALT levels are mostly below 60. However, I have fatty liver and high cholesterol. I g...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Fatty liver and high cholesterol require long-term dietary weight control and exercise to see results. The use of cholesterol-lowering medications must be evaluated before use. 2. Prolonged fasting can lead to the production of ketones. 3. For chronic hepatitis C and ab...[Read More] Managing Liver Health: Addressing Fatty Liver and Cholesterol Concerns
Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing Negative After Possible Exposure
Hepatitis B Last month, while having dinner with a friend, I accidentally drank from a beverage he had consumed. This friend has hepatitis B. The next day, which was last Tuesday, I went to the hospital for a blood test. Yesterday, I reviewed the report, and it showed that the he...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: It is definitely not the case. Hepatitis B is not transmitted through food, and there is an incubation period. You likely have antibodies and have developed immunity. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Hospita...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing Negative After Possible Exposure
Understanding Colorectal Cancer Screening: Key Questions Answered
Colorectal cancer screening Hello, Doctor: 1. Are all colorectal cancers derived from polyps? 2. I have heard that it takes about five years for a polyp to develop into colorectal cancer, so does this mean that individuals who have had a colonoscopy with no abnormalities can w...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. More than 90% of colorectal cancers arise from polyps. 2. In principle, if a colonoscopy is normal and there is no special medical or family history, it can be repeated in 3 to 5 years. 3. Recent screening statistics show that among those who test positive for fecal occ...[Read More] Understanding Colorectal Cancer Screening: Key Questions Answered
Does Undigested Food Affect Fecal Occult Blood Test Results?
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) I would like to ask the doctor, if during a fecal occult blood test, the stool sample contains undigested food residues such as chili flakes, could this lead to a false positive result? Thank you, and happy New Year!
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The more commonly used methods for fecal occult blood testing are: (1) chemical methods; and (2) immunochemical methods. The chemical method is more susceptible to interference from certain foods or medications (including peroxidase). Foods that can easily cause false posi...[Read More] Does Undigested Food Affect Fecal Occult Blood Test Results?
Understanding CA19-9 Levels: What a Decrease Means for Cancer Risk
CA19-9 elevated for four consecutive years - part 2 Hello Doctor: I previously consulted you about my elevated CA 19-9 levels, which have been high since 2009. After a recheck at the end of November last year, my CA 19-9 level was 117. Two and a half months later, in early Februa...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: CA 19-9 is a marker with high sensitivity but low specificity. It can be elevated in cases of benign tumors, malignant tumors, and other conditions. Additionally, factors such as race and individual constitution can significantly influence the levels. Generally speaking, i...[Read More] Understanding CA19-9 Levels: What a Decrease Means for Cancer Risk
Understanding Unexplained Kidney Pain: When Tests Show Normal Results
The kidneys may sometimes experience sharp pain, and although imaging of the kidneys was performed (during which pain was also present), the results were normal? I have been experiencing this for several months now, and it tends to occur more frequently in the morning. The pain i...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Typically, pain from kidney inflammation is associated with flank tenderness (frank knocking pain), so it would be helpful to clarify which specific area you are referring to regarding the right kidney. In medicine, visceral inflammatory pain is often not precisely localiz...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Kidney Pain: When Tests Show Normal Results
Understanding Elevated Liver and Pancreatic Enzyme Levels: Causes and Treatments
Health check values Recent blood tests revealed elevated levels in the following parameters: - AMY (Amylase): 103.000 U/L (normal range: 0-100) - TG (Triglycerides): 137.000 mg/dL (normal range: 50-150) - TC (Total Cholesterol): 213.000 mg/dL (normal range: 50-200) - T-B (Total...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Elevated amylase levels are significant only in the presence of abdominal pain. Elevated total and direct bilirubin levels should primarily raise suspicion for biliary tract disorders, and it is recommended to perform an abdominal ultrasound. If the results are normal and ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver and Pancreatic Enzyme Levels: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Antibody Results
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) Hello Doctor: Last Monday, I accidentally drank from a beverage that my friend, who has hepatitis B, had consumed during our meal. The next day, Tuesday, I went to the hospital for a blood test. Yesterday, I reviewed the report, which showed th...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Hepatitis B is not transmitted through food. Even if transmission occurs, antibodies do not develop that quickly. Wishing you peace and health. Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Antibody Results
Understanding Costs and Coverage for Endoscopy in Gastroenterology
Endoscopy Hello, I would like to ask about the charges for colonoscopy and gastroscopy covered by health insurance. Do these charges include anesthesia and polyp removal fees? Should I first visit a general gastroenterology outpatient clinic to undergo a fecal occult blood test?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: If clinically necessary, gastroscopy and colonoscopy are covered by insurance. However, if performed under sedation, an additional anesthesia fee will apply. Polypectomy is covered by health insurance. Based on age, a fecal occult blood test for colorectal cancer screening...[Read More] Understanding Costs and Coverage for Endoscopy in Gastroenterology
Is Colonoscopy Safe During Pregnancy After Positive Stool Test?
Is it appropriate to undergo a colonoscopy during pregnancy if fecal occult blood (not from hemorrhoids) is detected? Hello, doctor. I had a health check-up shortly after becoming pregnant (in mid-August this year) and found that my stool occult blood test was positive. In Novemb...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: If routine stool tests show a positive result, it may indicate bleeding from the mouth to the anus. If an Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) is used, it is more focused on detecting lower gastrointestinal bleeding. A digital rectal exam cannot completely rule out internal hemorrhoid...[Read More] Is Colonoscopy Safe During Pregnancy After Positive Stool Test?
Chronic Abdominal Pain Without Diagnosis: What Are Your Options?
If you are experiencing chronic abdominal pain and cannot find the cause, it is important to take the following steps: 1. **Consult a Healthcare Professional**: Schedule an appointment with a primary care physician or a gastroenterologist to discuss your symptoms in detail. 2. ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to perform a stool test. If the results are normal, it is likely post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome following gastroenteritis, and you will need to regulate your gastrointestinal function. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital...[Read More] Chronic Abdominal Pain Without Diagnosis: What Are Your Options?
Understanding Fatty Liver: Should I Get Additional Blood Tests?
Please inquire about fatty liver disease? Hello Doctor: Last year, due to gastroesophageal reflux issues, I had an ultrasound and adult health screening done. The ultrasound results showed a small cyst on my liver, but everything else was normal, and my blood tests were within st...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: For the diagnosis of fatty liver, blood tests should include GOT (AST) and GPT (ALT), triglycerides, and also cholesterol levels, including LDL and HDL (low-density and high-density lipoproteins). The key is to work on returning to your normal weight, avoid alcohol, mainta...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Should I Get Additional Blood Tests?
Understanding Sticky Stool: Causes, Dietary Changes, and Testing Options
Sticky stools? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've noticed that my stool sometimes sticks to the toilet, and I have to use a handheld shower to rinse it away. What could be the problem? How should I adjust my diet? Additionally, I often experience some constipation at the beginnin...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. The presence of mucus in the stool may be related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can involve symptoms such as constipation, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. It may also be associated with dyspepsia and colorectal cancer. It is recommended to maintain food hygie...[Read More] Understanding Sticky Stool: Causes, Dietary Changes, and Testing Options
Is Abdominal Discomfort After Appendectomy a Sign of Adhesions?
Could this symptom be intestinal adhesions? Hello, doctors on the forum: In mid-September of this year, I went to the emergency room due to acute appendicitis. After examination, the doctor informed me that it was appendicitis (blood tests/CT scans, etc.) and that I could either ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Undergoing surgical treatment for acute appendicitis is the correct decision. If there is a delay and it becomes severe enough for the appendix to rupture and cause peritonitis, the surgery may be more extensive, and the recovery period will be longer. Having surgery in mi...[Read More] Is Abdominal Discomfort After Appendectomy a Sign of Adhesions?
Understanding Colon Polyps: Risks, Recurrence, and Family Screening
Colon polyp issues? Dear Dr. Tsai, My mother-in-law underwent a health check at around 55 years old, where 2 to 3 colorectal polyps were discovered and subsequently removed. After continued monitoring, she developed another 3 to 5 polyps. This year, during a follow-up examinatio...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Benign polyps come in various types, such as hyperplastic polyps, adenomas, and inflammatory polyps, all of which are classified as benign. The colon can indeed undergo genetic changes due to aging, making it more susceptible to the development of polyps as one gets older....[Read More] Understanding Colon Polyps: Risks, Recurrence, and Family Screening
Understanding Cirrhosis: What Diagnostic Tools Are Available?
Cirrhosis, with a rough surface of the liver? Hello, Doctor. Can you please answer me? I have been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, and the surface of my liver is very rough. I have undergone ultrasound examinations for over ten years, and there has been no improvement. I have rec...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Patients with liver cirrhosis must continue to receive follow-up treatment. Blood tests and abdominal ultrasounds should be performed every three months. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chen Chi-Feng, Taoyuan Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Cirrhosis: What Diagnostic Tools Are Available?
Understanding Bowel Consistency: Insights from Gastroenterology
Issues with stool consistency? Hello Dr. Tsai, My husband has a bowel movement about twice a day, mostly after meals. Sometimes the stools are shaped, varying in thickness, and occasionally they have a slightly higher water content, allowing the shape to be faintly visible, but ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Bowel habits should be compared to your own previous patterns. If your bowel habits have been consistent over a long period, there is usually no need for excessive concern. However, if there are changes in your bowel habits or stool consistency, you should seek medical att...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Consistency: Insights from Gastroenterology
Understanding Normal Bowel Habits and Gas Issues in Adults
Bowel habits Dear Dr. Chen, I apologize for reaching out again. My husband, who is 47 years old, has been having bowel movements 2 to 3 times a day for many years, mostly after meals. There is no blood in his stool, and sometimes the stool is thick while other times it is thin. ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Mrs. Lin should be fine. A stool occult blood test can be performed first. If the result is negative, the risk is lower. After the age of 50, a colonoscopy can be considered once, followed by stool tests every 1-2 years. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Chen Shidian...[Read More] Understanding Normal Bowel Habits and Gas Issues in Adults