Should You Rush for a Checkup with Slightly Elevated Total Bilirubin?
Is it necessary to urgently return for a follow-up if the total bilirubin level is 0.01 above the normal range but all other indices are normal? Hello, Director! I have a bit of gallstones and mild fatty liver, with no other liver or gallbladder issues. Therefore, I need to under...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
No problem / No need for a follow-up appointment in the short term.[Read More] Should You Rush for a Checkup with Slightly Elevated Total Bilirubin?
Do You Need a Follow-Up for Fatty Liver Diagnosis?
Does fatty liver require follow-up visits? Yesterday, during an abdominal ultrasound, the doctor found fatty liver and recommended a blood test. I went for the blood test that same day and just received the report showing AST 33 and ALT 104. Since the doctor did not specifically ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Follow-up visits can assess metabolic status and cardiovascular risk while actively promoting healthy weight loss.[Read More] Do You Need a Follow-Up for Fatty Liver Diagnosis?
Understanding Abnormal Liver Indices: Causes and Follow-Up
Abnormal liver function tests? Hello, doctor. I am not currently taking any medications, but I have an issue with being overweight (BMI: 31). Recently, I have experienced mild edema in my lower extremities. Two days ago, I had a blood test, and the kidney values were as follows: ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Elevated serum albumin levels can be referred to as hyperproteinemia. Clinically, this is often less significant and may be due to good nutrition or dehydration, which leads to a decreased plasma water content. Hypoglobulinemia refers to low levels of globulins, which are serum p...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Indices: Causes and Follow-Up
Understanding Bowel Sounds and Gastrointestinal Issues: What You Need to Know
Borborygmi. Gastrointestinal issues? Hello Doctor: I am 30 years old, and I have been experiencing something unusual these past few days. After meals, my stomach often makes gurgling noises (it feels like my intestines are making the sounds). Sometimes I experience abdominal pain...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If the abnormal reflexive peristalsis is solely caused by diet, one can slow down the eating pace. If necessary, medication can be taken before meals for adjustment. If there are still concerns, a stool occult blood test can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Sounds and Gastrointestinal Issues: What You Need to Know
Understanding Muddy Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Bowel pattern and persistence issues? Hello Doctor, I am currently in my early 30s and have a fairly regular bowel movement schedule (within 10 minutes of waking up) with minimal issues of constipation. However, I have recently noticed that my stools are often not formed but rath...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
As long as there is no blood in the stool or weight loss, you can reduce oil and dairy intake and continue to monitor the situation.[Read More] Understanding Muddy Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Can Liver High Echogenic Tumors Suddenly Appear? Understanding Rapid Growth
Can a hepatic hyperechoic tumor suddenly develop? Hello Doctor, I have been undergoing abdominal ultrasounds as part of my health check-ups (I have a 0.6 cm hyperechoic tumor that is being monitored). This time, there was a 10-month gap since my last check-up, but I suddenly foun...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please discuss with the attending physician whether further examinations are necessary. Additionally, contraceptive pills may promote the growth of hemangiomas, so if you are taking them, it is important to discuss discontinuation.[Read More] Can Liver High Echogenic Tumors Suddenly Appear? Understanding Rapid Growth
Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Right upper quadrant pain? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing difficulty sleeping until dawn for over a year and a half since 2021 due to high stress, which has led to a decline in my overall health. Recently, I have had recurrent fevers, abdominal pain, acid reflux, and diar...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A medical examination is sufficient. If the physician's palpation or ultrasound shows no significant abnormalities, local heat application and dietary/emotional adjustments can be recommended.[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Managing Evening Bloating and Gas: Solutions for Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Experiencing bloating at night and being unable to pass gas until the morning can be a common issue? After noon, I start to experience bloating and a sensation of trapped gas that I can't release (it is indeed difficult to pass gas, and I only occasionally manage to do so, b...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
If symptoms do not improve with medication treatment, it is recommended to schedule an earlier follow-up consultation with your attending physician. Thank you.[Read More] Managing Evening Bloating and Gas: Solutions for Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Understanding Chronic Gastrointestinal Issues: IBS vs. Crohn's Disease
Recurrent gastroenteritis? Irritable bowel syndrome? Crohn's disease? Hello Doctor, in early September of this year, I developed gastroenteritis after consuming something unclean. Just as I was recovering, I ingested something unclean again, causing my gastroenteritis sympto...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Blood and stool tests showed no issues. It is advised to pay attention to the problematic areas and monitor your diet. Limit the intake of foods that can increase stomach acid, such as coffee, chocolate, carbonated beverages, and fried foods. Additionally, reduce smoking, as it c...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Gastrointestinal Issues: IBS vs. Crohn's Disease
Intermittent Right Lower Rib Pain: When to Consult a Gastroenterologist?
Intermittent pain in the right lower rib area? Hello Doctor, my father has stage I lung adenocarcinoma and early-stage hypertension (with a systolic blood pressure of about 130). He underwent a right upper lobectomy at the end of December last year, and a follow-up low-dose compu...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If pain persists after taking gastric medication, a referral to a gastroenterologist may be considered.[Read More] Intermittent Right Lower Rib Pain: When to Consult a Gastroenterologist?
Understanding the Mystery of Fatty Liver: Normalizing Liver Enzymes
Fatty liver disease issues? I would like to ask, I had a health check-up in July that revealed severe fatty liver. In October, I returned for a follow-up and had blood tests, and the doctor said my liver enzymes were normal. However, I am puzzled because I haven't made any c...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please discuss with the hepatobiliary department, and it is still recommended to maintain a normal body weight and limit alcohol consumption.[Read More] Understanding the Mystery of Fatty Liver: Normalizing Liver Enzymes
Understanding Pancreatic Issues from Abdominal Ultrasound Results
Abdominal ultrasound issues - pancreatic problems? Hello Doctor: I had an abdominal ultrasound, and part of the report states: PANCREAS: echogenic pancreas, head/tail: poor resolution, body: normal. During the procedure, the doctor mentioned that the pancreas appeared to be somew...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The echogenic pancreas shows poor resolution in the head and tail, while the body appears normal. This means that only the body of the pancreas is visible, and the head and tail are obscured by intestinal gas. Fatty pancreas is similar to fatty liver, which requires weight...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Issues from Abdominal Ultrasound Results
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Dietary Recommendations for Teens
Blood in the stool? Hello doctor, I am an 18-year-old high school student. Recently, I have experienced blood in my stool, which has occurred twice. Both times, the bleeding happened after I had been holding in my urge to defecate for a while. The blood is located towards the end...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Observe any changes; if there is persistent bleeding or worsening symptoms, seek medical evaluation. Limit spicy foods and establish a regular bowel routine.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Dietary Recommendations for Teens
Managing Retained Surgical Clips in the Esophagus: A Gastroenterology Concern
Retained screws after esophageal surgery? A year and a half ago, I experienced sudden severe vomiting, which resulted in two episodes of vomiting blood. I went to the emergency room, where an endoscopy was performed and it was discovered that the severe vomiting caused a tear in ...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
We recommend that you visit the gastroenterology and hepatology outpatient clinic for evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Managing Retained Surgical Clips in the Esophagus: A Gastroenterology Concern
Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Help
Rectal bleeding Hello Doctor, I had a bowel movement yesterday and today, and both times there was blood. I can see red blood in the toilet and on the toilet paper, but after wiping a couple of times, it stopped. I'm not sure if the blood is only at the end of the stool or i...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is advisable to observe, reduce prolonged sitting, and increase water intake along with fruits and vegetables. If necessary, a visit to a gastroenterology clinic may be warranted.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Help
Is There a Link Between Drug Residues and Jaundice?
Is there a relationship between drug residues and jaundice? A few days ago, I was hospitalized for acute pancreatitis for three days, during which I received antibiotics and pain medication. Before being hospitalized, my blood tests showed no signs of jaundice, but after three da...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Hello, the symptoms of acute pancreatitis include jaundice. If you have any concerns, please consult your attending physician. Thank you.[Read More] Is There a Link Between Drug Residues and Jaundice?
Understanding Newly Detected Liver Nodules: Causes and Next Steps
Hypoechoic liver nodule Hello, due to mild fatty liver and gallbladder polyps, I have been undergoing abdominal ultrasound follow-ups every six months at the clinic. There is no evidence of hepatitis B or C. During my last visit in October, the doctor noted two liver nodules (one...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The shadow of fatty liver may just be an artifact, and experienced gastroenterologists can often make this determination, but further follow-up is still necessary for confirmation.[Read More] Understanding Newly Detected Liver Nodules: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Blood Test Results for Hepatitis: Are You Improving?
Blood test report issues? On August 29, blood tests showed GOT: 75, GPT: 187, HBeAg - EIA Hepatitis B e antigen: 1380. After continuously taking Viread for about 3 months, on December 1, blood tests showed GOT: 31, GPT: 49, HBeAg - EIA Hepatitis B e: 1236. I would like to know if...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Inflammation is improving (very effectively), long-term medication is required, do not discontinue on your own, and regular follow-up is necessary.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results for Hepatitis: Are You Improving?
Understanding Loose Stools: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Bowel issues Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing issues with unformed stools for the past three months. The stool is very loose and scattered, although not completely liquid, and I occasionally have normal-shaped stools. This seems to be a diarrhea-related issue, but my bowel ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Reduce oil, dairy, and刺激性 foods; necessary adjustments or increases in medication may be required.[Read More] Understanding Loose Stools: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Bowel issues Hello Doctor, I am currently 27 years old and have a habit of daily bowel movements. In the past, my stools were often thick and long, but now the frequency has decreased significantly; the last time I had a bowel movement was at the beginning of last month. This mon...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Abnormal bowel movements and normal fecal occult blood test results from last June—should a colonoscopy be performed? Abnormal bowel movements could be related to anxiety-induced irritable bowel syndrome, irregular diet, dietary changes, or gastroenteritis. It is recommended to a...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Consider a Colonoscopy