Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Left upper abdominal pain? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing pain in the upper left abdomen for a long time. During this period, I have undergone abdominal ultrasound, X-rays, gastroscopy, and colonoscopy, as well as blood tests for CEA. The results showed fatty liver, multi...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If most of the tests have already been done, it may be necessary to consider functional issues or lifestyle and dietary habits, as these may not be detectable through tests. You may need to make changes to your lifestyle and dietary habits. Changhua Hospital cares about yo...[Read More] Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Elevated serum transaminases? Hello Doctor: My husband donates blood regularly every year. This year, his ALT levels were elevated. He went for a retest last week, and the results (87 U/L) are still elevated. Should he go to the hospital for a detailed examination? What precautio...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, "serum transaminase ALT," also known as SGPT, indicates abnormal liver function when elevated. It is advisable to investigate the underlying cause, with common reasons including fatty liver, viral hepatitis, other infections, metabolic diseases, autoimmune condit...[Read More] Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Concerns About Cysts and Polyps
Hepatic hemangioma Hello Doctor, at the end of last year during a company health check, an ultrasound examination revealed a liver cyst measuring 2.17 cm, multiple gallbladder polyps with the largest being 0.91 cm, and moderate fatty liver. The AFP levels were normal. In May, I w...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. There may be some discrepancies in the measurement of gallbladder polyps, so please do not worry. Fatty liver is not directly related to gallbladder polyps. As for the liver tumor, further examinations can be conducted as needed. Changhua Hospital cares about your he...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Concerns About Cysts and Polyps
Understanding Fatty Liver and Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Fatty liver and liver function tests? Hello, doctor. Due to gastrointestinal issues, I occasionally had blood tests that showed elevated liver enzymes. I have been monitoring this for about two years, and my AST levels have consistently ranged from 30 to 43, while my ALT levels h...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if you do not consume alcohol or have severe obesity that exacerbates fatty liver, mild liver function abnormalities typically do not lead to serious issues. However, you should be cautious as metabolic syndrome may develop over the next five to ten years. Regarding fatty ...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver and Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Understanding Asymmetrical Abdomen: Fat Distribution or Liver Concerns?
The right upper abdomen is larger than the left upper abdomen? Hello, Doctor. I am currently overweight, weighing 100 kg. A few years ago, I noticed that the appearance of my abdomen, specifically the upper right quadrant (below the chest), is more protruded than the upper left q...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If there are any issues with the liver, it is best to consult a clinical physician. Uneven fat distribution refers to the description of the liver observed in ultrasound and does not cause left-right imbalance. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Asymmetrical Abdomen: Fat Distribution or Liver Concerns?
Understanding Right Lower Abdomen Discomfort: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Discomfort in the right lower abdomen? Hello doctor, I previously asked about discomfort in my right abdomen and later consulted a gastroenterologist who conducted several tests, including blood tests, stool occult blood tests, colonoscopy, gastroscopy, and an ultrasound of the u...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Please discuss with your physician; there is no need to worry. Changhua Hospital is concerned about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdomen Discomfort: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Unexplained Hepatitis After Liver Biopsy: Causes and Concerns
Post-biopsy unexplained hepatitis? Dear Dr. Tsai, Hello! My husband, who is 36 years old, discovered an elevated GPT level of over 900 during a blood donation at the beginning of the year, which led us to start relevant examinations. Previously, his annual health check-ups had a...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. There are still cases of hepatitis of unknown origin in clinical practice. 2. The duration of inflammation depends on whether the underlying cause has been identified and addressed or excluded. 3. It is still possible for levels to fluctuate, as the cause has not yet be...[Read More] Unexplained Hepatitis After Liver Biopsy: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Your Liver Biopsy Report: Key Insights on Hepatitis Types and Staging
Pathological Examination Report of Hepatitis Hello, Doctor. I recently underwent a liver biopsy at the hospital. After the examination, the physician only informed me of the presence of liver inflammation and recommended changes to my lifestyle, along with prescribing some liver-...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Mild steatosis and steatohepatitis (grade 1/3, stage 1/4). The report indicates: it is Grade 1 fatty infiltration and Grade 1 fibrosis, both of which are classified as mild. 2. Whether it is caused by hepatitis B or C depends on the blood test results. Fatty liver can a...[Read More] Understanding Your Liver Biopsy Report: Key Insights on Hepatitis Types and Staging
Understanding Moderate Liver Fibrosis: Is It Possible Without Viral Infection?
Liver fibrosis I was diagnosed with moderate liver fibrosis (F3 or higher) at Wan Fang Hospital. I have had Hepatitis C for 30 years and also have severe fatty liver. After further blood tests, the hospital said there was no virus present, so I do not qualify for priority appoint...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
It is possible to recheck.[Read More] Understanding Moderate Liver Fibrosis: Is It Possible Without Viral Infection?
Should You Worry About Blood-Streaked Stool? A Guide for Adults
Stool suspected to contain blood streaks? Hello Dr. Tsai, I am 41 years old, with no significant medical history, and my height and weight are normal (although I am slightly overweight, with elevated triglycerides and mild fatty liver; I usually work in an office). Recently, I ha...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: You can seek medical attention first, and the physician will determine what examinations are necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Should You Worry About Blood-Streaked Stool? A Guide for Adults
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What Do High AST and ALT Levels Mean?
I am puzzled that my blood test results show liver enzyme levels that are 5 to 6 times higher than the normal reference range? On November 16, my mother went for a blood test. The report came back with several abnormal liver function results: SGOT (AST) was 226, and SGPT (ALT) wa...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, please cooperate with the physician to determine if you have hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or drug-induced hepatitis. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What Do High AST and ALT Levels Mean?
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Treatment Options and Costs Explained
Liver fibrosis I have had hepatitis C for 30 years. When I previously had severe fatty liver, my doctor said I had depression, so I was not suitable for interferon treatment. I have been monitored every six months. Recently, Wan Fang Hospital acquired a new machine for liver fibr...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. Once the National Health Insurance Administration announces the reduction of treatment standards next year, you may be able to access oral treatments covered by health insurance. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Treatment Options and Costs Explained
High rGT Levels and Right Upper Abdominal Pain: Is It a Pancreatic Issue?
Elevated rGT levels and right upper quadrant pain? Two years ago, elevated rGT levels were discovered, and for the past two years, the index has remained around 100. There has been no medication or alcohol consumption, and other liver function tests are normal. An ultrasound is p...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Please pay attention to whether you have severe fatty liver. Additionally, some individuals may have this condition due to their genetic predisposition, and monitoring is sufficient. If necessary, a liver biopsy may be performed. Changhua Hospital cares about your hea...[Read More] High rGT Levels and Right Upper Abdominal Pain: Is It a Pancreatic Issue?
Can Fatty Liver and Elevated Liver Enzymes Cause Chronic Fatigue?
A liver index of 146 can indicate liver dysfunction or damage, which may lead to symptoms such as fatigue. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and appropriate management? I have been suffering from chronic fatigue for many years. My GPT ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Most cases of hepatitis do not present symptoms unless there is decompensated liver function, which makes symptoms more likely to occur. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Can Fatty Liver and Elevated Liver Enzymes Cause Chronic Fatigue?
Should I Undergo Further Health Checks for My Ongoing Symptoms?
Should I undergo further comprehensive health screening? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing fatigue and dizziness for the past two months, so I would like to ask a question. On August 12, 2017, I drank quite a bit of alcohol for my birthday, and after returning home, I start...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The possible side effects of Propafenone (心利正) listed in the package insert include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and decreased appetite. However, these may not necessarily be caused by the medica...[Read More] Should I Undergo Further Health Checks for My Ongoing Symptoms?
Risks of General Anesthesia with High Liver Enzymes and Gallstones
Is there a risk associated with general anesthesia for someone with elevated liver enzymes and gallstones? Hello Doctor, I am considering undergoing laparoscopic sterilization surgery, which requires general anesthesia. However, my liver function test results show S.G.O.T: 54 and...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: An anesthesiologist may consider that poor liver function can affect the metabolism of anesthetic drugs. If the surgery is not urgent, it may be advisable to wait for liver function tests to improve in order to avoid unnecessary complications. Changhua Hospital cares about...[Read More] Risks of General Anesthesia with High Liver Enzymes and Gallstones
How Long Does Weight Loss Take to Improve Fatty Liver Disease?
Fatty liver disease issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, the doctor I consulted told me that fatty liver can only be resolved through weight loss. For severe fatty liver, how long does it typically take to improve to moderate fatty liver through weight loss, and how much w...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is not an absolute proportional relationship. By making an effort to eat less and exercise more, you can control your weight and then observe the results. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] How Long Does Weight Loss Take to Improve Fatty Liver Disease?
Gallstones and Fatty Liver: Treatment Options and Dietary Management
Gallstones and fatty liver disease? Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I experienced abdominal pain that radiated to my back after eating barbecue. I visited a gastroenterologist and had an ultrasound today, which revealed that I have multiple gallstones. I had an ultrasound done at t...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Gallstones cannot be treated with medication. If pain or acute cholecystitis occurs, surgical treatment is necessary. Rapid weight loss can lead to the excretion of some body fat through the biliary tract, resulting in the rapid formation of biliary system stones. If there...[Read More] Gallstones and Fatty Liver: Treatment Options and Dietary Management
Understanding Abdominal and Back Pain: When to See a Gastroenterologist
Stomach pain with back pain? Hello Doctor, I had a barbecue lunch the day before yesterday, and after taking a shower that evening, I suddenly felt abdominal pain along with discomfort in my lower back. Later that night, I had two episodes of diarrhea, but the pain in my stomac...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back may be indicative of pancreatitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or duodenal ulcers. It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist to determine the cause. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Sh...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal and Back Pain: When to See a Gastroenterologist
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Commonality and Diagnostic Insights
Hepatic hemangioma Hello! Last April, I had blood in my urine and underwent an abdominal CT scan with contrast, which reported everything as normal, but a polyp was found in my gallbladder. This July, I had an abdominal ultrasound to follow up on the gallbladder polyp, but it als...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
A physician may not administer treatment, prescribe medication, or issue a diagnosis without personally examining the patient.[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Commonality and Diagnostic Insights