Understanding Rising AFP Levels in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Hepatitis B carrier with an abnormal rise in AFP to 588? Hello Doctor: I am a carrier of hepatitis B. My current status is as follows: AST 23, ALT 28, AFP 583. I have undergone abdominal ultrasound, CT, and MRI, but the reason for the continuous increase in AFP remains unclear. M...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Elevated AFP levels are commonly caused by chronic hepatitis, acute hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Tumors that frequently secrete AFP include pancreatic tumors, gastric tumors, colorectal tumors, and bronchial tumors, as well as pregnancy in women and tes...[Read More] Understanding Rising AFP Levels in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Understanding Black Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Feces..? Hello doctor, I would like to ask a question. Sometimes my stool color is normal, but then it turns black. Is this normal? Can seafood cause black stool? Does constipation for one day cause black stool?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Constipation and eating seafood will not cause your stool to turn black. To determine whether black stools are normal or not, a fecal occult blood test should be conducted. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Black Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Black Stool: Signs of Gastrointestinal Bleeding?
The stool is black? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing black, ribbon-like stools in the morning for several months. Occasionally, when I have diarrhea, the stool is yellow and watery. I have a history of esophageal ulcers and have undergone an endoscopy. I have been resting ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The color of stool can sometimes be influenced by diet. The term "melena" refers to black stools (pure black in color), which can occasionally occur after consuming green vegetables, resulting in dark green stools. If you are unable to distinguish the situation, ...[Read More] Understanding Black Stool: Signs of Gastrointestinal Bleeding?
Persistent Bloating: Understanding Your Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Always experiencing bloating in the stomach? I always feel bloated and have a sense of pressure in my stomach, but I don't have constipation. I have normal bowel movements every day, but the stools are small and minimal. I went to the hospital for an ultrasound, and the doct...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: If it is confirmed to be gastric bloating, it may be caused by gastritis or ulcers leading to impaired gastric emptying, resulting in bloating. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chen Chih-Feng, Taoyuan Hospital.[Read More] Persistent Bloating: Understanding Your Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Understanding High Water Content in Stool: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Difficulty in bowel movements, with high water content in the stool and gas? Doctor, I have had gastrointestinal issues since childhood. When my diet is poor, I tend to experience bloating, and when it gets worse, excessive stomach acid leads to gastric ulcers. In the past, altho...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) must meet the following criteria: In the past 6 months, there should be at least 12 weeks or more of abdominal discomfort, with recurrent symptoms including: abdominal pain or bloating that improves after a bowel movement; changes in bowel fr...[Read More] Understanding High Water Content in Stool: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Distress and Breathing Issues: A Patient's Journey
Abdominal bloating and difficulty breathing? Hello, doctor: I have read many articles, but it seems that no one has the same experience as I do. Recently, I have seen many doctors, but my symptoms have not improved. I have been working night shifts for over two years, and one day...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. The typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include heartburn and acid regurgitation. Atypical symptoms may include chest pain, a sensation of a lump in the throat, and asthma. 2. It is recommended to relax and not be overly anxious, while paying attention t...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Distress and Breathing Issues: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Total bilirubin (T) slightly elevated issue? Hello Doctor, I recently visited a weight loss clinic where the doctor arranged for me to undergo blood tests and an abdominal ultrasound. The abdominal ultrasound showed normal results except for moderate to severe fatty liver, and th...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. There are many common causes of elevated total bilirubin, including hepatitis (alcoholic, viral, autoimmune, or drug-induced), hemolytic anemia, biliary diseases, infections, sepsis, malignancies, Gilbert's syndrome, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cho...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Immunological Fecal Occult Blood Testing Results
Immunoassay testing Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if a stool occult blood test result of 0.00 should be considered a potential false negative, and should we retest? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Alex, there is no need for retesting. This examination is much more accurate than the old chemical methods. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Immunological Fecal Occult Blood Testing Results
Managing Persistent Abdominal Discomfort After Surgery: Next Steps
What should I do? Hello Dr. Tsai, Medical history description: In February 2012, I experienced severe cramping pain in my abdomen (primarily on the left side, with no diarrhea or vomiting). I went to the emergency department of Hospital A, where I underwent blood tests, urinalys...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: In your description, apart from the pathological tissue obtained from the laparoscopic removal of the appendiceal cyst, there have been no pathological results from inflamed tissue. After all, blood tests, urine tests, stool tests, ultrasound, and computed tomography are a...[Read More] Managing Persistent Abdominal Discomfort After Surgery: Next Steps
Understanding Abnormal Fetal Protein Levels: Next Steps for Evaluation
Abnormal fetal protein levels Hello! I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been regularly undergoing blood tests and ultrasound examinations. In my recent adult health check-up, my blood test results showed GOT at 28 and GPT at 37, but the alpha-fetoprotein screening result was ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Tiantian, please discuss the examination details (such as CT scans) with your physician or closely monitor the changes in your values. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Fetal Protein Levels: Next Steps for Evaluation
Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Further Gastrointestinal Testing
Abdominal pain issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about experiencing severe upper abdominal pain twice within the past year (approximately six months apart). There was no vomiting or diarrhea, but after receiving IV fluids, blood tests, X-rays, and urine tests in the emer...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr./Ms. LALA, based on your description, your condition seems more like gastric spasms, which are often a symptom associated with gastritis. Medication treatment is usually sufficient; however, if the episodes occur frequently or the frequency increases, it is necessary to ...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Further Gastrointestinal Testing
Can Hemorrhoids Affect Fecal Occult Blood Testing Results?
Hemorrhoids can affect fecal occult blood screening? 1. If the mother has colorectal cancer, is there a high possibility of hereditary risk despite no family history? I would like to start with a fecal occult blood test! 2. However, I have irritable bowel syndrome, and usually ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Fecal occult blood sampling has specific methods to minimize the impact of hemorrhoidal bleeding. By following the sampling instructions, one can reduce the likelihood of false positives due to hemorrhoidal bleeding. As for irritable bowel syndrome, it should not have a si...[Read More] Can Hemorrhoids Affect Fecal Occult Blood Testing Results?
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Treatment Options and Recovery
Elevated liver enzymes? The blood test results show GOT levels of 326, 276, and 247, and GPT levels of 452, 496, and 408, indicating elevated liver enzymes. The viral test results exceed the standard limits. What treatment options are available, and is complete recovery possible?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Miss Lin, please visit the Hepatobiliary Specialty Clinic for an evaluation by a professional physician. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Chen Shih-Tien.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Treatment Options and Recovery
Understanding Red Stains on Toilet Paper: What It Could Mean for Your Health
Red streaks on toilet paper after a bowel movement? Dear Doctor: I have noticed orange-red streaks on the toilet paper after bowel movements several times. I went to the hospital for a fecal occult blood test, which came back negative. If it were colorectal cancer, would the feca...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The orange-red color of the stool is likely due to pigments. Of course, a negative fecal occult blood test does not necessarily indicate the absence of colorectal cancer; however, the likelihood of colorectal cancer is significantly higher in individuals with a positive fe...[Read More] Understanding Red Stains on Toilet Paper: What It Could Mean for Your Health
Understanding Upper Left Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Abdominal issues? Hello Dr. Chen: I have been experiencing a dull pain in my upper left abdomen for over a month. I went to a gastroenterologist for an ultrasound examination, which showed no issues. The doctor also conducted blood tests and a urinalysis, all of which were normal...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Jimmy, if you are still uncomfortable despite taking medication, it is advisable to undergo an endoscopy to rule out a gastric ulcer. Additionally, please pay attention to your diet and posture. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Upper Left Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Tests: Implications for Upper GI Bleeding
Occult blood test Hello, Doctor: 1. If there is upper gastrointestinal bleeding, will the fecal occult blood test also be positive? 2. If the fecal occult blood test is positive, should further examinations be a colonoscopy, an upper endoscopy, or both? Thank you for your answers...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: There are two types of fecal occult blood tests. One is a general test, which, if positive, indicates bleeding from anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. The other is the enzyme immunoassay method, used for colorectal cancer screening, specifi...[Read More] Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Tests: Implications for Upper GI Bleeding
Understanding Pancreatic Enlargement: Should You Seek Further Evaluation?
Regarding pancreatic enlargement? Previously, I had stomach discomfort and an endoscopy revealed gastritis. For precaution, I returned to the doctor who performed an ultrasound and found an enlarged head of the pancreas measuring 4.2 x 2.4 cm (not fasting). Later, the doctor orde...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Generally, there is no specific term for congenital pancreatic enlargement. Please arrange for an abdominal ultrasound follow-up for confirmation. Best wishes, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Enlargement: Should You Seek Further Evaluation?
Understanding Pancreatic Enlargement: Causes and Next Steps
Pancreatic enlargement Due to discomfort in my stomach, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at a nearby small hospital, which revealed mild gastroesophageal reflux. As a precaution, the doctor recommended an ultrasound. The results showed an enlargement of the head of...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The enlargement of the pancreatic head may have several possible causes as mentioned by the physician, including pancreatitis, autoimmune diseases, pancreatic cancer, and congenital anomalies. It is recommended to monitor the condition and seek medical attention if symptom...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Enlargement: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding the Connection Between Stress and Stomach Ulcers
Gastric ulcers and stress? Hello Dr. Tsai, I apologize for reaching out again. Today, I had a follow-up appointment with the gastroenterologist, who believes that after taking Pantoprazole (morning) and Ranitidine (evening) for three and a half months, my symptoms of gastric ul...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It's good to hear opinions from other doctors, but the most important thing is to adjust your own mindset. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Stress and Stomach Ulcers
Understanding Helicobacter Pylori Infection: Testing and Concerns
Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter pylori infection occurs primarily through oral-oral or fecal-oral transmission, often through contaminated food or water. To determine if you have an H. pylori infection, several tests can be performed, including a breath test, stool test, blood t...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, Helicobacter pylori is transmitted orally, but it may also depend on individual gastric mucosal environmental conditions. There are various methods for detecting Helicobacter pylori, including serological blood tests, gastric biopsy, and the C13 breath ...[Read More] Understanding Helicobacter Pylori Infection: Testing and Concerns