Understanding Liver Health: Tips for Managing Elevated Enzymes and Weight Loss
What is happening to my liver? I always thought my health was good, but recently I went to the family medicine clinic downstairs for a blood test. I was shocked when I saw the report. My AST and ALT levels were 4X and 5X the normal range; my triglycerides were even more alarming ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: You have alcoholic and metabolic fatty liver disease. As long as you focus on weight loss, eat less, exercise more, and avoid alcohol, it is not necessary to take liver supplements. This will help improve your liver function and blood lipid levels. Changhua Hospital c...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Tips for Managing Elevated Enzymes and Weight Loss
Understanding Abdominal and Back Pain: A Guide to Gastrointestinal Issues
Abdominal pain and lower back pain? I'm sorry, doctor, but I don't have an email address and I'm wondering if I can use my MSN account instead. I have been experiencing symptoms for many years, and even though I used to have severe pain during my menstrual periods,...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, you are experiencing left abdominal pain, lower back pain, or abdominal pain that occurs whether you eat or not. You have undergone some examinations that showed no issues. It is recommended to follow up with a gastroenterology outpatient clinic, where the physician will c...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal and Back Pain: A Guide to Gastrointestinal Issues
Managing Persistent Left Abdominal Pain: Which Specialist to Consult?
Medical consultation? I had a CT scan of my lower abdomen at a family medicine clinic, and the doctor said everything looks generally fine. However, I am currently experiencing intermittent dull pain in my lower left abdomen and left flank, and the frequency is increasing. What s...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, the differential diagnosis for left lower abdominal and left flank pain includes musculoskeletal, neurological, urinary tract, or gastrointestinal causes. It is recommended to discuss with your family medicine physician whether a referral to a specialist is necessary. You ...[Read More] Managing Persistent Left Abdominal Pain: Which Specialist to Consult?
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Frequent abdominal pain? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a question. About six months ago, I suddenly experienced "pain while urinating." I endured it for about three days until I couldn't take it anymore and went to the hospital for an examination. The doct...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, young women with lower abdominal pain should consider differential diagnoses that include urinary tract, gastrointestinal, and gynecological issues. If the pain is intermittent, it is advisable to seek outpatient evaluation and treatment, which can be done through general ...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
How to Seek Medical Help for Liver Issues After Abnormal Test Results
If you suspect you have liver issues, how should you seek medical consultation? Hello Dr. Lin, I recently had a simple health check-up and my recent blood donation showed abnormalities in my liver (I had normal results in previous donations). My GOT and ALT levels are elevated. I...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, elevated ALT and AST levels can have many causes, including viral infections, medications, endocrine disorders, and systemic diseases. You may consult with a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialist, a general internist, or a family medicine physician to arrange for f...[Read More] How to Seek Medical Help for Liver Issues After Abnormal Test Results
Persistent Diarrhea and Severe Headaches: Which Specialist to See?
Persistent diarrhea and headache? Your girlfriend has been experiencing diarrhea for two consecutive days, with more than six episodes in one day, accompanied by severe headaches, and it coincides with her menstrual period. Which department should she consult, and how can her sym...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Severe diarrhea and menstrual periods require attention to hydration; a light diet is recommended, avoiding spicy foods, and maintaining food hygiene. 2. You can consult the Department of Family Medicine or General Internal Medicine. If there are gynecological issues...[Read More] Persistent Diarrhea and Severe Headaches: Which Specialist to See?
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Levels and Vaccination Recommendations
Hepatitis B testing Hello Dr. Chen: Last October, I had a test regarding hepatitis B, and the results showed that the hepatitis B surface antigen was negative and the hepatitis B surface antibody was 86.6. Since a classmate just received the hepatitis B vaccine, their antibody le...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, for individuals who have received the hepatitis B vaccine, a portion of patients may experience a decline in antibodies to undetectable levels (resulting in a negative test). In such cases, a booster shot is recommended, which is an out-of-pocket expense. If antibodies are...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Levels and Vaccination Recommendations
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Antibody Absence and Next Steps
Hepatitis B vaccine issues? Hello Dr. Hsu, I would like to ask you about the issue of hepatitis B vaccination. Recently, after a company health check, it was found that the results showed no hepatitis B surface antibodies (I also went to the Veterans General Hospital for a check-...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! 1. This situation is quite common and can occur in two scenarios. The first is that most people do not get tested for antibody production after receiving vaccinations in childhood, so it is possible that despite being vaccinated, due to individual variations in physiolog...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Antibody Absence and Next Steps
Understanding Appendicitis: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
About appendicitis? Doctor, I experience pain when I press on my lower right abdomen, but it doesn't hurt when I release the pressure, and I don't have any other discomfort. Could this be appendicitis? Which type of clinic should I go to for an examination?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, Aliao. 1. In addition to abdominal pain, acute appendicitis typically presents with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and loss of appetite. The abdominal pain may initially be located in the upper abdomen and then gradually shift to the right lower quadrant. 2. There a...[Read More] Understanding Appendicitis: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Managing Hepatitis C and Hyperthyroidism: Key Considerations for Patients
Hepatitis C + Hyperthyroidism Hello, earlier this year during my health check-up, I was diagnosed with hepatitis C and hyperthyroidism. I am currently undergoing treatment for hyperthyroidism, which has been ongoing for about three months. For hepatitis C, my family medicine doct...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello Cheng! 1. There is indeed a condition of hyperthyroidism, and if interferon treatment is administered, it may worsen the condition. It is recommended to achieve ideal control before proceeding with treatment. 2. As for the extent to which control is needed, this should be d...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis C and Hyperthyroidism: Key Considerations for Patients
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Bloating, Gas, and Their Links to Hypertension
Gastrointestinal issues I'm sorry, I have a question to ask. I often experience bloating and frequent flatulence. I have high blood pressure and often suffer from insomnia. Are these related? Thank you. Which department should I consult?
Dr. Zhang Siyuan Reply:
To Ah Fang: It seems that your hypertension and insomnia have significantly impacted your life, but whether they are related to bloating and excessive gas requires further evaluation. If there is a strong correlation, common causes may include metabolic syndrome associated with h...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Bloating, Gas, and Their Links to Hypertension
Chronic Constipation: Seeking Solutions for Digestive Health Issues
Chronic constipation? Hello Doctor: Since middle school, I have not had normal bowel movements. In middle school, I would go once a month. I later consulted doctors, but they only prescribed me stool softeners and laxatives, which did not improve my condition. I underwent a proce...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Previous doctors were not wrong! Your peristalsis is too slow (extremely slow) and may have reached a pathological state. Medication and enemas are both standard treatment methods, and improvements can be made with dietary and lifestyle changes (it is recommended to have at least...[Read More] Chronic Constipation: Seeking Solutions for Digestive Health Issues
Understanding Your Pre-Marital Health Checkup Results: Key Insights
Report issues? Hello, doctor. Last week, my boyfriend and I went for a premarital health check-up. Today, I went to pick up the report, but it was only handwritten, and I couldn't understand some of the indices (previously, at another hospital, I received values to compare a...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello Ruby, 1. Your test results (female) show abnormal levels of red blood cells and white blood cells in the urine, with a normal range being 0-5/HPF, which may indicate a urinary tract infection that requires follow-up. In your blood tests, the levels of red blood cells, whit...[Read More] Understanding Your Pre-Marital Health Checkup Results: Key Insights
Understanding Liver Health: Addressing Abdominal Discomfort and Concerns
Regarding issues related to the "liver" and "abdominal discomfort." Hello, Dr. Hsu. I would like to ask you a few questions and provide some context first. For the past four to five days, I have been experiencing some discomfort in the upper abdomen, particula...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The symptoms mentioned in the letter are not related to the liver. Since you do not have hepatitis B, it is likely that you do not have hepatitis C either (I'm not sure if you have been tested?). The probability of developing liver cancer is very low; however, if you ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Addressing Abdominal Discomfort and Concerns
Unexplained Left Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Next Steps
There is a sensation of a foreign body in the left abdominal area? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a question: About two years ago, I started experiencing a sensation of something foreign (possibly related to the kidney?) on the left side of my back, near the end of the rib ca...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
You are experiencing abnormal bowel movements, but feel more comfortable after passing gas, along with symptoms of abdominal burning. The most common cause could be irritable bowel syndrome. Given your family history of colorectal cancer, it is advisable to test your stool for oc...[Read More] Unexplained Left Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Next Steps
Where to Get Hepatitis A Vaccine for Adults: Timing and Locations
Administration of the Hepatitis A vaccine? Where can adults receive the hepatitis A vaccine, and what are the recommended times for vaccination? Thank you!
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. The hepatitis A vaccine can be administered at the Family Medicine, General Internal Medicine, or Gastroenterology outpatient clinics, and it is available during regular clinic hours. 2. Individuals without hepatitis A antibodies can receive the hepatitis A vaccine to develop ...[Read More] Where to Get Hepatitis A Vaccine for Adults: Timing and Locations
Can Hepatitis C Be Fatal? Understanding Risks and Testing Options
Can hepatitis C be fatal? Doctor Lin, I currently work at a hair salon. The other day, a client mentioned that she has hepatitis C. She also undergoes regular monitoring. While I was washing her hair and rinsing, I noticed a small, pinhole-sized wound that was bleeding just a lit...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. Hepatitis C can be transmitted through blood. There is a possibility of infection if there is contact between wounds or if a wound comes into contact with blood from a person infected with Hepatitis C, but infection is not guaranteed. The incubation period for Hepatitis C is b...[Read More] Can Hepatitis C Be Fatal? Understanding Risks and Testing Options
Understanding Increased Appetite: When to Seek Gastroenterology Help
Increased appetite? My friend (female) has recently experienced a significant increase in her appetite, almost eating two lunch boxes at each meal. This is unusual for her, and she claims she doesn't know why she feels constantly hungry and gets hungry quickly. During this p...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The reasons for increased appetite, binge eating, and weight gain include pregnancy, endocrine disorders (such as diabetes and thyroid dysfunction), and psychological issues. You may consult a family medicine specialist or a general internist. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, ...[Read More] Understanding Increased Appetite: When to Seek Gastroenterology Help
Food Poisoning or Cold? Understanding Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Stomach pain after food poisoning? On Saturday, I had a high fever of 39 degrees Celsius, with weakness in my limbs, mild diarrhea, and abdominal pain, but no sore throat, cough, or runny nose. The doctor diagnosed me with a cold, and after taking medication, my fever subsided, b...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Some colds can present with symptoms of gastroenteritis, which is a type of gastroenteritis caused by a virus. Common symptoms of gastroenteritis include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and food poisoning can also present with diarrhea, vomiting, and fever....[Read More] Food Poisoning or Cold? Understanding Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Understanding Recent Stomach Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Recently, I have been experiencing stomach pain? Hello, I have been experiencing stomach pain lately and have a habit of eating late-night snacks, consuming amounts similar to my main meals. Recently, I often drink iced tea (sweetened) and iced yogurt on an empty stomach. I have ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Your symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux raise the suspicion of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is related to dietary habits; late-night snacks, fried high-fat foods, spicy foods, and being overweight can all affect the lower esophageal sphincter, leadi...[Read More] Understanding Recent Stomach Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help