Understanding Elevated Lipase Levels: A Guide for Concerned Parents
Amylase and lipase? I would like to ask about my son's situation. He is in his twenties and was diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis in August 2022. During an emergency visit, his lipase level was 82. When we followed up with a gastroenterologist, the doctor mentioned that t...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Causes of elevated lipase levels include acute and chronic pancreatitis, renal failure, cholecystitis, intestinal obstruction or infarction, duodenal ulcers, pancreatic stones, pancreatic tumors, diabetes, hepatitis C infection, HIV infection, hyperlipasemia, inflammatory bowel d...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Lipase Levels: A Guide for Concerned Parents
Understanding Muddy Stool: Gastrointestinal Concerns and Next Steps
Gastrointestinal and bowel-related issues? Hello Doctor: For the past 5-7 days, my stools have been muddy and coffee-colored. Prior to this, I experienced stomach pain and bloating, which led me to visit the emergency room for blood and urine tests. The emergency physician indica...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea improved after medication, but after three days, there are still gastrointestinal discomfort, poor appetite, and muddy, coffee-colored stools. It is possible that the gastroenteritis has not completely resolved. It is recommended to pay atte...[Read More] Understanding Muddy Stool: Gastrointestinal Concerns and Next Steps
Understanding Anal Fissures: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Anal fissure issues? Hello, doctor. This past week (starting from June 10), I have been having bowel movements every day, but the stools have been hard, and I have to exert a lot of effort to pass them. In the previous days, I only needed to push, and there was no pain in the anu...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Short-term use of oral laxatives (such as magnesium oxide) can be combined with topical ointments. During bowel movements, try to control the force, and consider passing smaller amounts in multiple attempts. Afterward, clean the area and apply medication.[Read More] Understanding Anal Fissures: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Chronic Abdominal Pain: Understanding Complications and Treatment Options
Abdominal pain persisting for over a year accompanied by multiple complications? Hello, doctor. Since February of last year, I have been experiencing abdominal pain every night, and sometimes I have to rush to the bathroom in the middle of the night. At that time, my bowel moveme...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If the weight is normal, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be the most likely cause. In addition to using gastrointestinal medications for management, a stool occult blood test can be conducted. If necessary, a referral to a mental health specialist may help with anxiety control...[Read More] Chronic Abdominal Pain: Understanding Complications and Treatment Options
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Insights
Right lower abdominal pain? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing frequent pain in my lower right abdomen recently, and I feel bloated even after eating a small amount. About a month ago, I sought medical attention for this issue, and at that time, I was diagnosed with a right o...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, the X-ray report indicates that there is a significant amount of intestinal gas, with some parts of the intestines appearing distended and the presence of fecal impaction. Additionally, there are some calcifications noted in the pelvic cavity, which may be due to vascular ...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Insights
Understanding Persistent Candida in the Esophagus: Causes and Concerns
Esophageal candidiasis? Dr. Chen: Hello, I have intestinal metaplasia in my stomach, so I undergo annual gastroscopy for monitoring. However, each time I find that there is Candida in my esophagus. Although the doctor has prescribed Fluconazole, it still appears every year. My at...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Related to personal immunity, blood sugar, peristalsis, and gastric acid, they are mostly harmless, but it is still advisable to understand the causes and seek treatment as necessary.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Candida in the Esophagus: Causes and Concerns
Emergency Surgery for Acute Cholecystitis: Navigating High Liver Enzymes
The emergency physician arranged for an urgent surgical operation? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to inquire about the following narrative: A patient presented to the emergency department late at night with abdominal pain. Blood tests revealed elevated liver enzymes, and a CT s...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If the liver function tests are significantly elevated, anesthesia or surgery may not be advisable. Please discuss the details with your attending physician.[Read More] Emergency Surgery for Acute Cholecystitis: Navigating High Liver Enzymes
Morning Abdominal Discomfort: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Morning abdominal "pain" issue? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing abdominal discomfort for a long time (about 3-4 years). Often, when I wake up in the morning, I feel pain around the area approximately three fingerbreadths to the left of my navel. This pain is not ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There should be no major issues with the gastrointestinal tract, and it can be monitored further. The likelihood of neuropathic pain is also low.[Read More] Morning Abdominal Discomfort: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Understanding Bowel Issues: Incomplete Evacuation and Residual Stool
Bowel-related issues? Recently, I've been experiencing a situation where a small amount of stool comes out when I squat or exert pressure on my abdomen after having a bowel movement. The stool is normal and not hard, but when I flush with water, some residual stool comes out...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may be a bowel dysfunction, and it is also necessary to rule out any rectal structural issues. A rectal examination or a fecal occult blood test may be required.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Incomplete Evacuation and Residual Stool
Risks of Eating Undercooked Pork Liver: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Eating undercooked pig liver? Hello, doctor. My family and I are very concerned, so I would like to ask you about something. If we consume pork liver soup and accidentally eat undercooked pork liver, which even exudes a bit of blood when pressed, is there a chance of contracting ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Currently, there are still very few cases of this kind in Taiwan, but please continue to monitor for any symptoms.[Read More] Risks of Eating Undercooked Pork Liver: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Is It Organ or Nerve Related?
Pain in the left upper abdomen with tenderness upon palpation? Hello, there is localized pain in the left upper abdomen (about 9 cm from the navel) when pressing on the abdomen, with a width of approximately three fingers. It feels dull when not pressed, but it hurts when pressur...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Ultrasound is sufficient; however, gastroscopy may also be considered.[Read More] Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Is It Organ or Nerve Related?
Understanding Tumor Markers: CA 19-9 and Gastrointestinal Health
Tumor markers Hello, on May 25th, I had a check-up with a colorectal specialist due to blood in my stool, and the cause of the bleeding was identified as an anal fissure. I also requested a colonoscopy, which is scheduled for June 14th. On May 25th, I had blood tests and an X-ray...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The accuracy of CA 19-9 is low (with many false positives), making it unsuitable for screening or diagnosis; it should only be used for postoperative monitoring, so there is no need to worry at this time. You can proceed with the endoscopy first and then schedule an appointment w...[Read More] Understanding Tumor Markers: CA 19-9 and Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Elevated Amylase Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Amylase Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I had a blood test, and yesterday the report showed that my amylase level is slightly elevated (normal range is 28-100 U/L), with my result being 107 U/L. Could this possibly indicate hyperamylasemia? I am quite worried. If it is a possibilit...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A level above 500 is when there is a real concern; if there are no symptoms, there is no need to worry.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Amylase Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues After Cryptosporidiosis Infection
Inquiries related to excretion issues? On April 17, I experienced severe diarrhea. On May 2, due to persistent wiping of stool with mucus, I sought medical attention at Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Blood tests indicated an infection with Cryptosporidiosis, while stool tests ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Sorry, there is no experience in treating this infection. Please discuss with the attending physician.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues After Cryptosporidiosis Infection
Understanding Digestive Issues: Causes of Diarrhea and Blood in Stool
Bowel issues Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing some bowel issues in the past few days. On the first day, I only had one bowel movement, and the stool was somewhat loose. However, when I wiped, there was a bit of blood on the toilet paper (the process was somewhat painful, an...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
It is recommended to see a gastroenterologist for an examination.[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Causes of Diarrhea and Blood in Stool
Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Bowel issues Hello, doctor. My bowel movement frequency is considered normal, occurring once every 1-2 days. I drink plenty of water and exercise regularly, but my stools are still somewhat hard and appear to be small, stacked pieces. There is no blood in my stools, but the size ...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Diet, lifestyle, and stress can all affect bowel movements. If you need to undergo an examination, please consult the colorectal surgery outpatient clinic. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Diarrhea and Anal Discomfort During Menstruation
Frequent diarrhea and anal discomfort? Hello, Doctor: I am currently on my period, and I often experience diarrhea during my menstrual cycle, usually about 1-2 times a day. This time, I may have eaten something bad and have had diarrhea seven times, with very watery stools that s...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Diarrhea during menstruation is a common issue for many women, which may be related to increased intestinal motility caused by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. However, if the situation is more severe, it could be due to improper diet or gastrointestinal infection. ...[Read More] Understanding Diarrhea and Anal Discomfort During Menstruation
Should You Get a Colonoscopy After Rectal Bleeding and Hemorrhoids?
If you do not understand the report, should you undergo a colonoscopy? Due to the presence of blood in the stool, a rectoscopy and anal examination were performed. The doctor mentioned that there was no evidence of bleeding within the intestines, but noted an engorged internal he...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The content highlights the presence of mild internal hemorrhoids accompanied by bleeding.[Read More] Should You Get a Colonoscopy After Rectal Bleeding and Hemorrhoids?
Understanding Elevated Enzyme Levels: Is It Pancreatitis?
Two indices are elevated? Recently, I have been experiencing lower back pain, but I don't have much discomfort in my upper abdomen. I have been using a fascia ball to help relax and relieve the pain. My blood test results show amylase at 159, lipase at 101, and normal blood ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Typical pancreatitis presents with pain radiating from the chest to the back, making it difficult to stand straight, with relief upon bending forward. A diagnosis can be made if lipase levels are more than three times the normal range. Possible causes of acute pancreatitis includ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Enzyme Levels: Is It Pancreatitis?
Understanding Chronic Morning Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Long-term abdominal pain upon waking up in the morning? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing abdominal discomfort for a long time (about 3-4 years). I often feel pain in the area about three fingerbreadths to the left of my navel when I wake up in the morning. This pain is not ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is advisable to first undergo an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to rule out any gastric issues. Additionally, please avoid tea (black tea/green tea/milk tea), coffee, chocolate, sweets, spicy foods, fried foods, high-fat, and high-protein foods. Changhua Hospital care...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Morning Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions