Understanding Elevated CA72-4 Levels: Next Steps for Evaluation
CA72-4 is abnormal? Dear Doctor, during my health check-up, my CA72-4 level was 11.1 (should be less than 6.89), but other markers such as CEA, AFP, CA19-9, CA125, CA153, and NSE were normal. An abdominal ultrasound showed moderate fatty liver. What further tests should I conside...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: CA 72-4 is not officially included for medical diagnostic use, so there is no need to worry. If you have any symptoms, please seek medical examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Elevated CA72-4 Levels: Next Steps for Evaluation
Understanding Elevated ALT Levels in Blood Donation: Common Concerns
Blood Donation Center Report Will there be errors in the tests at the blood donation center? I have a normal routine, I'm not taking any medication, and I consume Ganoderma from Grape King every day. However, when I went to donate blood, they said my ALT levels were elevated...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Elevated ALT levels indicate liver inflammation, which can have various causes (including medication-induced, fatty liver, hepatitis B/C, etc.). You may visit a hepatobiliary clinic for further examination. Consuming reishi mushrooms is only for health maintenance and...[Read More] Understanding Elevated ALT Levels in Blood Donation: Common Concerns
Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Liver, Gallbladder, or Nerves?
Dull and distended sensation next to the lower right rib cage? Hello Doctor: In May of this year, I began to feel a sense of heaviness and bloating near the bottom of my rib cage, sometimes just below the lowest rib (which I believe is the rib junction). Therefore, in mid-May, I ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, liver inflammation can lead to abnormal liver function, which may cause a feeling of discomfort or bloating in the upper abdomen; however, in fact, 70% of hepatitis cases are asymptomatic. Additionally, elevated liver enzymes are one thing, but the most important factor is...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Liver, Gallbladder, or Nerves?
Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Insights
There is a feeling of heaviness in the right upper abdomen? Hello Dr. Chen: I have been feeling a dull sensation in the upper right quadrant of my abdomen, which I can't quite describe as pain, but it feels swollen and uncomfortable. I am 176 cm tall and weigh 90 kg, and I d...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, discomfort in the upper right abdomen, if accompanied by acid reflux and belching, may indicate a duodenal issue. If it is accompanied by bloating and difficulty with bowel movements, it may suggest a problem with the colon. Wishing you good health. Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoy...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Insights
Managing Elevated Liver Enzymes: Key Questions and Insights for Caregivers
Regarding issues related to elevated liver enzymes? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask a question regarding my mother, who has had abnormal liver function for over 10 years and has been regularly monitored through blood tests. This year's health check results showed: AST: 65...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: There is no specific medication for fatty liver. A GPT level of 80 can use liver-protective medications covered by health insurance, but the effects are not significant. Weight loss is the most important factor, along with monitoring changes in GPT levels. Patients a...[Read More] Managing Elevated Liver Enzymes: Key Questions and Insights for Caregivers
High HBsAg Levels: What You Need to Know as a Chronic Hepatitis B Carrier
Please stabilize the HBsAg index, which is very high? Doctor, I recently received my health check results, and my HBsAg level is 7186, which is very high. I am a carrier of hepatitis B, but my other liver function tests, including GOT, GPT, and AFP, are all normal. An abdominal u...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: A high HBsAg index only indicates that the viral load may be higher (this is often the case in young individuals). Please confirm whether HBsAg is positive and continue with follow-up. Staying up late is a common saying; when you feel fatigued and sleepy, it's be...[Read More] High HBsAg Levels: What You Need to Know as a Chronic Hepatitis B Carrier
Understanding Gilbert's Syndrome: Risks and Lifestyle Impacts Explained
Please ask your questions, and I'll do my best to assist you? Hello Dr. Chen, I have two questions I would like to ask. I have visited a general laboratory, then a general gastroenterologist, and was referred to a major hospital. Currently, the doctor at Chang Gung Memorial...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: In fact, there are not many complications associated with Gilbert's syndrome. It is advisable to avoid overexertion, limit alcohol consumption, prevent hunger, and reduce the risk of infections to minimize the occurrence of jaundice. Changhua Hospital cares about...[Read More] Understanding Gilbert's Syndrome: Risks and Lifestyle Impacts Explained
Understanding Fatty Liver: What is a Fatty Area and Its Implications?
What is a lipid-deficient area? Hello, Dr. Chen. Recently, my uncle went to the hospital for an examination. The doctor informed him that there is a 1.2 cm area of "fatty sparing" in his left liver near the bile duct. This is the first time my uncle has heard the term &...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, the area with a lack of fat is considered healthy, while other areas of the liver may have fat accumulation, which is known as fatty liver disease. There are many causes of fatty liver, with common reasons including being overweight or obese, high blood lipids, poorly cont...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: What is a Fatty Area and Its Implications?
Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Right upper quadrant discomfort? Hello, I would like to ask about a persistent dull ache and occasional sharp pain in my right upper abdomen near the ribs. I have been a regular blood donor and do not have hepatitis B or C, but I do have fatty liver and am overweight. I had an ul...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Right upper quadrant pain can have differential diagnoses including musculoskeletal issues, pleural diseases, gastrointestinal problems, liver and biliary conditions, as well as kidney and adrenal gland disorders. Normal liver function tests generally refer to normal ...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
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 the Connection Between Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver Disease
The correlation between hepatitis B and fatty liver disease? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you some professional questions. I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have regular follow-up examinations every six months. My liver function tests, including GOT, GPT, HBeAg, and bilirub...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: 1. There is no correlation between hepatitis B and fatty liver. 2. Fatty liver is due to metabolic insufficiency and typically does not cause liver "inflammation." 3. Please engage in weight loss and exercise to promote metabolism and monitor hepatitis B. Ch...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver Disease
Understanding Fatty Liver: AST, ALT, and Dietary Recommendations
Fatty liver disease Hello Doctor, I would like to ask if the AST and ALT liver function tests are what is commonly referred to as GOT and GPT? Last week, my blood test results were 63 and 108. The doctor mentioned that I have fatty liver (without hepatitis B or C and no history o...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Sir: 1. AST = GOT; ALT = GPT. 2. The main treatment for fatty liver is weight loss and exercise; certain diabetes medications can also be helpful, primarily due to metabolic syndrome. Liver-protective medications and clam extract have limited benefits. 3. Ultrasound ha...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: AST, ALT, and Dietary Recommendations
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
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Concerns, Treatment, and Next Steps
Liver fibrosis Hello, doctor: Recently, my mother was diagnosed with liver fibrosis at the hospital. However, we are still waiting for the blood test results to evaluate further. A few days later, when my mother returned for a follow-up, the doctor told her that since it is only ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, to address liver fibrosis, it is essential to identify the underlying cause in order to provide appropriate treatment. Currently, there are no medications that can immediately improve fibrosis. Common causes include chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C, autoimmune liver diseas...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Concerns, Treatment, and Next Steps
Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing and Precautions for Your Family
Hepatitis B antibody testing in children? Hello Dr. Chen: I was diagnosed with hepatitis B 17 years ago during a blood donation. Does having hepatitis B mean that I am a carrier? Can it be transmitted to those who share meals with me, or to my spouse or children? Over the past fe...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: 1. Having hepatitis B means you are a carrier. 2. If you are a carrier, you need to be monitored every six months. 3. Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids, not through food or drink. 4. Children can be tested first, and they can also undergo sch...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing and Precautions for Your Family
Essential Monitoring Tests for Chronic Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver
Regular follow-up items for hepatitis B? Hello, I previously went for a hepatitis B check-up, but the report only listed two items: liver enzymes and alpha-fetoprotein. Since I am a carrier of hepatitis B and also have fatty liver, are these two tests sufficient? Should I also ch...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Liver enzymes refer to GOT/GPT. For fatty liver, it is important to monitor blood lipids, and for hepatitis B, regular ultrasound examinations are necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Essential Monitoring Tests for Chronic Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver
Weight Loss and Diarrhea: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues in Cancer Survivors
Diarrhea accompanied by weight loss? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to consult you regarding my mother's health issues. Here is a brief overview of her condition: My mother is 58 years old and has a history of breast cancer, for which she underwent bilateral mastectomy and has...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Yali: 1. There is a low correlation with the liver, but regular ultrasound examinations (every 6 months) are still recommended. 2. It is advised to visit a gastroenterology clinic for stool tests and medication, and then consider a colonoscopy. 3. Irritable bowel ...[Read More] Weight Loss and Diarrhea: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues in Cancer Survivors
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Necessary Tests
There is blood? Hello Doctor: I have a problem with fatty liver. Today (or sometimes in the past), after having a bowel movement, when I wipe, at first there is no blood, but towards the end, when I wipe and don't touch any stool, I notice a little blood. What could be the c...
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Hello, your condition sounds like hemorrhoidal bleeding. Most people have internal hemorrhoids, and symptoms like yours can occur due to constipation, diarrhea, prolonged sitting, a diet low in fiber, or insufficient water intake. It is advisable to visit a gastroenterology clini...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Necessary Tests
Understanding Persistent High Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
The GPT index remains consistently high? The health check revealed that liver enzyme levels have consistently been above 200. I have undergone a self-paid liver examination package, which showed no hepatitis A, B, or C; I have antibodies for hepatitis B, no alcoholic liver diseas...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a leading cause of chronic hepatitis in Western countries, second only to viral hepatitis, and is highly associated with metabolic syndrome, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance...[Read More] Understanding Persistent High Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Abnormal liver function tests? Hello Dr. Lin: I just received the results of my military service physical examination from the city office today. It states that my liver enzyme levels are elevated, with SGOT at 58 and SGPT at 84. I checked online, and the normal range is consider...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello A-Min, Although the standard values for GOT and GPT may vary slightly from one hospital to another, they generally do not differ significantly. In our hospital, the standard values for GOT and GPT are below 40. A GPT level of 84 indicates an abnormal liver index, suggesti...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know