Understanding Pancreatitis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Pancreatitis What are the common causes of abdominal pain due to pancreatitis? How can one check for the presence of pancreatitis? If the abdominal pain is solely caused by pancreatitis, what are the treatment options? Are there any special considerations to be aware of? Addition...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Common causes of acute pancreatitis include alcohol consumption, gallstones, high triglycerides, and hypercalcemia. (2) Symptoms include upper abdominal pain, often radiating to the back, and a blood test showing elevated amylase/lipase levels (three times above normal...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatitis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding GERD: A Young Adult's Struggle with Symptoms and Treatment
Gastroesophageal reflux is very bothersome? Honestly, over the past six months, I've felt quite hopeless about this condition. I'm only 24 years old and have been dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) since last year. In August of last year, I underwent an...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may not always correlate between endoscopic findings and clinical symptoms; for instance, endoscopic grading may be A or B while symptoms are severe, and some may have endoscopic grades C or D but exhibit mild symptoms. 2. GERD...[Read More] Understanding GERD: A Young Adult's Struggle with Symptoms and Treatment
Understanding GERD: Treatment Challenges and Patient Concerns
Issues in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) To be honest, I have felt quite hopeless about this condition over the past six months. I am only 24 years old and have been dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) since last year. In August of last ye...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that is prone to recurrence, especially in individuals with a hiatal hernia. In addition to pharmacological treatment, the following lifestyle and dietary recommendations are suggested: minimize smoking and alcohol cons...[Read More] Understanding GERD: Treatment Challenges and Patient Concerns
Do You Need Fasting for Liver Blood Tests and Abdominal Ultrasound?
Regarding liver blood tests and abdominal ultrasound? For liver health check-ups, is fasting for 8 hours required for blood tests, or is it necessary for abdominal ultrasound? Additionally, should these two tests be scheduled on the same day, or does the abdominal ultrasound need...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: An abdominal ultrasound generally requires fasting for 6 to 8 hours to facilitate the observation of organs such as the gallbladder. However, if only drawing GOT and GPT (liver function tests), fasting is not necessary. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen...[Read More] Do You Need Fasting for Liver Blood Tests and Abdominal Ultrasound?
How Night Shifts Affect Liver Health: Essential Tests to Consider
Does staying up late affect the liver? My dad has been working night shifts and staying up late. Recently, a traditional Chinese medicine doctor advised him to pay attention to his liver health. What tests should my dad undergo?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: You can have a blood test to check GOT/GPT (liver enzymes). If the results indicate any issues, an abdominal ultrasound can be arranged for further liver examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] How Night Shifts Affect Liver Health: Essential Tests to Consider
Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound: What It Reveals About Your Organs
Examination methods If the abdominal ultrasound examination during a health check-up shows no issues, does that mean that the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys are all normal?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: An abdominal ultrasound is used to examine the structures, while liver and kidney function should be assessed through blood tests. Best wishes, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound: What It Reveals About Your Organs
Understanding Abdominal Pain, Headaches, and Fever: Possible Causes and Solutions
Stomach pain + headache + fever Hello Dr. Tsai, I apologize for the lengthy message. (1) About a month ago, I underwent an endoscopy and was diagnosed with a gastric ulcer. After taking medication for nearly three weeks, I felt much better, so last Saturday I went out for hot p...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Please be aware of gastrointestinal symptoms that may be caused by a cold (viral infection). It is advisable to seek medical attention for a proper evaluation by a physician, who can arrange appropriate tests. Antipyretic and analgesic medications can help reduce fever and...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain, Headaches, and Fever: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Stomach Pain: Managing GERD and Anxiety Effects
Stomach pain has affected my mental state! Doctor: Hello! In May, due to excessive mental stress, I experienced stomach pain and diarrhea. After evaluation by a physician, I was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In August, I under...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, (1) Helicobacter pylori is not directly related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), so it is reasonable not to perform a H. pylori test. The prevalence of H. pylori is about 50% to 60%; however, if there is no history of peptic ulcers, duodenal ulcers, or family his...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Pain: Managing GERD and Anxiety Effects
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Treatment Options
Liver enzyme levels are very high? On October 9th, I had a blood test at the clinic, which revealed elevated liver enzymes: r-GTP 311, sGOT 55, and sGPT 63. The doctor mentioned that it is alcoholic hepatitis. However, I had consumed a lot of sorghum liquor a couple of days prior...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Zhiming. 1. Abstain from alcohol for 3 months before the examination. 2. Hepatitis B and C should also be ruled out. 3. Avoid traditional Chinese medicine or herbal remedies. 4. Health supplements are not necessary; a balanced diet is sufficient. Changhua Hospital c...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain and Its Unexplained Symptoms
What should I do? Supplementing from the previous post, the following conditions have already affected my daily life... After more than a year of consultations, there have been no results... I have been experiencing intermittent abdominal pain for a long time, which has progresse...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, regarding gastrointestinal issues, if there is pain from the waist to the rib cage, especially after undergoing examinations such as gastroscopy, colon X-ray, and abdominal ultrasound, and all results are normal, then the likelihood of gastrointestinal problems is further ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain and Its Unexplained Symptoms
Understanding Fatigue and Nausea: When to Seek Medical Attention
Fatigue and nausea? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have suddenly felt very fatigued and have been experiencing a slight feeling of nausea, though not to the point of vomiting. I also often feel discomfort around my navel. My bowel movements are relatively normal, but I feel very unwel...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to seek medical attention. A physician's consultation and physical examination should be conducted, along with appropriate tests; self-medication is not advised. Urine and blood tests may indicate a urinary tract infection, urinary stones, or kidney ...[Read More] Understanding Fatigue and Nausea: When to Seek Medical Attention
Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment Decisions and Health Concerns
After three years of taking Baraclude, issues related to hepatitis B treatment? Hello Dr. Lin, three years ago I had an acute phase of hepatitis B, with liver enzyme levels exceeding 2000. An ultrasound showed no tumors. After taking Baraclude for a month or two, my liver enzymes...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. For patients with chronic hepatitis B who exhibit significant inflammation or high levels of viral replication, consideration should be given to pharmacological treatment. Treatment options include antiviral medications or interferon. The interferon treatment regimen ...[Read More] Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment Decisions and Health Concerns
Understanding Fatty Liver: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Fatty liver disease issues? Doctor: Hello! I recently had a blood test and found that my liver enzymes were elevated (normal range 0-55), with my value being 57. I later went to the hospital for further examination and discovered that I have fatty liver disease. Can you tell me i...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Hazards: (1) Fatty liver, which refers to the accumulation of fat in the liver, particularly triglycerides; (2) Fatty liver disease, which indicates fat accumulation in the liver leading to inflammation; (3) Fatty liver fibrosis/fatty liver cirrhosis, where prolonged fat a...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Black Spots on Lips and Gastrointestinal Issues: What You Need to Know
Black spots have appeared on the lips and they have enlarged? Black spots have appeared on the lips and they have enlarged. Additionally, there is gastrointestinal discomfort and frequent constipation with irregular bowel movements.
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mrs. Liu, please visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for an examination to check for any special issues (such as congenital conditions) and to conduct a fecal occult blood test. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Black Spots on Lips and Gastrointestinal Issues: What You Need to Know
How Often Should You Monitor Liver Health and Uric Acid Levels?
How often should follow-up examinations be conducted? First of all, thank you, Dr. Tsai, for your previous response. Last month's blood test results showed: 1. SGPT 71 (reference range 4-44) 2. Triglycerides 132 (50-130) 3. Uric acid 11.6 (3.6-8). These three values are elev...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Last year, liver function tests were normal, but this year the liver index is 71. It is unclear how it fluctuated throughout the year; it may have been higher at some point and has recently decreased, or it could currently be at its peak. It is recommended to monitor ...[Read More] How Often Should You Monitor Liver Health and Uric Acid Levels?
Can Fatty Liver and High Uric Acid Levels Be Reversed?
Fatty liver and high uric acid? Hello Dr. Tsai, I would like to consult you regarding issues related to fatty liver and uric acid. Last month, my blood test results showed: 1. SGPT 71 (reference range 4-44) 2. Triglycerides 132 (50-130) 3. Uric acid 11.6 (3.6-8). These three val...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Liver function in fatty liver disease may be normal or elevated, which is referred to as steatohepatitis. Both fatty liver and steatohepatitis are reversible conditions. However, prolonged steatohepatitis that does not resolve can eventually lead to cirrhosis, which is...[Read More] Can Fatty Liver and High Uric Acid Levels Be Reversed?
Safe Imaging Options for Monitoring Polycystic Liver and Kidney Disease
Please provide me with a specific condition or symptom for which you would like a check-up or treatment recommendation. Thank you? Hello Dr. Tsai, I am 169 cm tall and weigh 75 kg. I do not smoke or drink alcohol, and I have no history of drug allergies. I had allergic rhinitis a...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Based on the information you provided, your kidney function (GFR = 69 cc/min) is estimated to be at stage 2 chronic kidney disease (mild decrease in kidney function). If a CT scan is absolutely necessary, it is recommended to use an isotonic contrast agent to minimize the ...[Read More] Safe Imaging Options for Monitoring Polycystic Liver and Kidney Disease
Understanding Esophagitis and Fatty Liver: Risks and Prevention
Esophagitis and fatty liver disease? Hello, I recently had an endoscopy, and the doctor indicated that I have esophagitis. I don't feel any discomfort, but the doctor mentioned that individuals with esophagitis have a higher risk of developing esophageal tumors compared to t...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. Reflux esophagitis is associated with esophageal cancer, but its relationship is influenced by the severity and duration of esophagitis, as well as factors such as ethnicity (less common in Eastern populations) and individual constitution, requiring further follow-up. E...[Read More] Understanding Esophagitis and Fatty Liver: Risks and Prevention
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Diagnosis
Right lower abdominal pain? Hello, Dr. Chen. I would like to ask you about some recent health issues. I've been experiencing intermittent pain in my lower right abdomen, located roughly on the right side of my belly, which usually lasts about an hour and is tolerable. Howeve...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello David, 1. Please check for any right kidney/ureter stones. 2. A stool occult blood test should be performed. 3. If symptoms persist, a non-invasive colonoscopy or related examinations should be conducted, as determined by a specialist. 4. Ultrasound can visualize the l...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Diagnosis
Should You Test for H. Pylori After Endoscopy for GERD Symptoms?
After undergoing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and taking the medication, the symptoms still persist..? About a year ago, I had an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and the doctor diagnosed me with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastritis. At that time, the doct...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, (1) To clarify, Helicobacter pylori is not directly related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). (2) If you have been diagnosed with a Helicobacter pylori infection but do not have a history of gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, gastric lymphoma, a history of gastric c...[Read More] Should You Test for H. Pylori After Endoscopy for GERD Symptoms?