Understanding Liver, Gallbladder, and Gastrointestinal Health Issues
Hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal system issues? Hello Doctor: My father recently underwent a health check-up, and the results are as follows: Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA): 6.62 mg/ml (<6.0) Total Bilirubin: 1.1 mg/dl (0.1-1.2) Direct Bilirubin: 0.3 mg/dl (0.0-0.2) Total Pr...
Dr. Zhang Yuting Reply:
May I ask where your father had his health check-up and why he did not explain it clearly to you? Your father is a carrier of hepatitis B and needs regular follow-up treatment in the gastroenterology department. The elevated CEA levels are associated with smoking or adenocarcinom...[Read More] Understanding Liver, Gallbladder, and Gastrointestinal Health Issues
Understanding Helicobacter Pylori and Its Impact on Digestive Health
Helicobacter pylori Hello doctor, I previously underwent gastroscopy and abdominal ultrasound examinations, which confirmed that I have a peptic ulcer and also tested positive for Helicobacter pylori. Before the examinations, I frequently coughed up blood, and I am still experien...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
Hemoptysis refers to blood that is coughed up from the respiratory tract, indicating that the underlying issue is likely within the airways. Therefore, further examination such as a chest X-ray or bronchoscopy should be conducted. Hematemesis, on the other hand, pertains to blood...[Read More] Understanding Helicobacter Pylori and Its Impact on Digestive Health
Understanding Helicobacter Pylori: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-Up Care
Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter pylori: 1. Is it correct for doctors to determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori based on experience during an endoscopy? 2. If Helicobacter pylori is sometimes detected during regular examinations and sometimes only ulcers are found without ...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello: Since over 95% of duodenal ulcers are associated with Helicobacter pylori, when a duodenal ulcer is first diagnosed, it is usually acceptable to initiate antibiotic treatment without necessarily performing a Helicobacter pylori test. However, after treatment, a carbon-13 u...[Read More] Understanding Helicobacter Pylori: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-Up Care
Chronic Appendicitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Chronic appendicitis? Three weeks ago, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which revealed some inflammation in my stomach and the presence of Helicobacter pylori. After that, I took a one-week course of a "triple therapy" to eradicate the bacteria. A few da...
Dr. Liang Jiade Reply:
Based on your description, the pain upon pressing the lower right abdomen is likely due to localized abnormal intestinal peristalsis. It is also possible that it is caused by the use of antibacterial antibiotics, which typically resolves in a short period. The chronic appendiciti...[Read More] Chronic Appendicitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Helicobacter Pylori in Stomach and Duodenal Ulcers
Helicobacter pylori 1. Is Helicobacter pylori commonly associated with gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers? 2. Can a doctor determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori based solely on experience during an endoscopy without conducting other tests? 3. If a physician indicates ...
Dr. Zhang Yuting Reply:
1. About 80 to 90 percent of patients with gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers are infected with Helicobacter pylori. Aside from ulcers caused by NSAIDs and other rare causes, there is a significant association between Helicobacter pylori and the formation of ulcers. 2. Gastroscop...[Read More] Understanding Helicobacter Pylori in Stomach and Duodenal Ulcers
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
Rectal bleeding In June, I frequently experienced rectal bleeding, but it stopped after about a week. In July, I underwent a full-body check-up and was diagnosed with superficial gastritis and tested positive for Helicobacter pylori. After that, I occasionally experienced rectal ...
Dr. Liang Jiade Reply:
Hello: The pattern of rectal bleeding (bright red blood or black stools, frequency, volume, chronic or acute) and whether the stools themselves are mixed with blood can help differentiate between upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Your upper gastrointestinal endoscopy res...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
Should You Take Antibiotics for Helicobacter Pylori in Gastritis?
Should I take medication to eradicate Helicobacter pylori? I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in mid-October and was diagnosed with hemorrhagic gastritis (without ulcers). The doctor changed my medications several times, but there was still no significant improvement...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello! Among all gastric diseases, gastritis is the most prevalent and also one of the most challenging to treat. This is due to the numerous causes it can have, including diet, medications, emotional stress, and infections. Although there is a close relationship between Helicoba...[Read More] Should You Take Antibiotics for Helicobacter Pylori in Gastritis?
Understanding Duodenal Ulcers: Differences from Gastric Ulcers and Treatment Duration
Duodenal ulcer Is a duodenal ulcer different from a gastric ulcer? If an endoscopy has confirmed the presence of a duodenal ulcer, is it necessary to perform a Helicobacter pylori test? The doctor has identified a 2 cm ulcer and recommends antibiotic treatment for more than four ...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
Gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers are two types of ulcers located in different areas. If a duodenal ulcer is present, a test for Helicobacter pylori can be performed. If there is a Helicobacter pylori infection, antibiotic treatment is required for two weeks, along with the addi...[Read More] Understanding Duodenal Ulcers: Differences from Gastric Ulcers and Treatment Duration
Understanding Stomach Issues: Causes and Solutions for Ulcers
Stomach Hello Doctor: My father is currently around 65 years old. After meals, he often feels a sense of heaviness in his stomach, experiences a burning sensation in his chest, and has the urge to vomit sour liquid. He previously underwent an endoscopy, and the doctor mentioned t...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
There are many causes of gastric ulcers, including Helicobacter pylori, medications (especially nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), alcohol, stress, corrosive chemicals (such as hydrochloric acid and strong bases), and severe illnesses (such as stroke or brain surgery). Gastri...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Issues: Causes and Solutions for Ulcers
Is a Helicobacter Pylori Level of 6.8 Normal and Does It Require Treatment?
Helicobacter pylori Hello Doctor: I recently had a test for Helicobacter pylori with a value of 6.8. Is this considered normal? Do I need treatment? Thank you.
Dr. Xu Ruihong Reply:
Helicobacter pylori is a common infection in densely populated areas. However, there is currently no consensus on its exact role. Some scholars believe it has a significant association with gastric cancer, while the majority hold opposing views. It is now considered that if a pat...[Read More] Is a Helicobacter Pylori Level of 6.8 Normal and Does It Require Treatment?
Can Cold Medications Cause Stomach Ulcers? A Doctor's Insight
Is it possible for cold medication to cause a stomach ulcer? Hello Dr. Chen: Due to a recent cold, I had a severe sore throat and took a cold medication prescribed by my doctor that contained analgesics. While the sore throat improved, I developed stomach pain instead. After unde...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, it is possible, but the treatment remains the same (ulcer medication). It is recommended to check for Helicobacter pylori; if present, then eradication therapy is advised. Wishing you good health![Read More] Can Cold Medications Cause Stomach Ulcers? A Doctor's Insight
Understanding Stomach Ulcers: Causes, Diet, and Lifestyle Tips
About gastric ulcers? I’m sorry to hear about your father’s condition. Gastric ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers, are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. The main causes of gastric ulcers include: 1. **Helicobacter pylori i...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Gastric ulcers are lesions that form in the stomach wall due to the erosion of the gastric mucosa by gastric acid. Gastric ulcers can be detected through upper gastrointestinal X-ray with barium contrast or endoscopy. In this condition, 90-100% of patients with duodenal ulcers an...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Ulcers: Causes, Diet, and Lifestyle Tips
Understanding Stomach Pain: Insights on Acute Gastroenteritis and H. Pylori
Abdominal pain occurs almost once a week? I am experiencing severe stomach pain that lasts for about 1-2 days. I underwent some tests, but the doctors have conflicting opinions. Three doctors diagnosed me with acute gastroenteritis, while one doctor mentioned Helicobacter pylori....
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
There are many causes of abdominal pain, so it is important to undergo an examination first. If your pain subsides after taking antacids, it may indicate gastritis, but it could also be a gastric ulcer or a duodenal ulcer. If you have a loss of appetite or have lost four to five ...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Pain: Insights on Acute Gastroenteritis and H. Pylori
Understanding Helicobacter Pylori Testing: Methods and Availability
How is the Helicobacter pylori test performed? Is it necessary to perform an endoscopy to check for Helicobacter pylori? Can it be detected through a blood test? Are these tests available in general hospitals? Thank you!
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Patients infected with Helicobacter pylori have a four to six times higher risk of developing gastric adenocarcinoma and gastric lymphoma compared to the general population. Generally, individuals with peptic ulcers, dyspepsia, gastric lymphoma, or a family history of gastric can...[Read More] Understanding Helicobacter Pylori Testing: Methods and Availability
Can Cancer Be Transmitted Between Family Members Through Blood?
Can cancer be transmitted? If person A and person B are direct blood relatives, can cancer from person A be transmitted to person B through blood, regardless of the presence of tumors?
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Cancer is not contagious; however, its causes often involve bacterial or viral infections, or genetic predispositions (such as the presence of oncogenes). This can lead to familial clustering, meaning that family members living together may be exposed to the same pathogenic organ...[Read More] Can Cancer Be Transmitted Between Family Members Through Blood?
Understanding Digestive Ulcers: Symptoms, Tests, and Emotional Impact
Examinations for peptic ulcers? Dear Dr. Chen Shih-Dian, Thank you for your advice. It has only been a week since I stopped taking the "three-in-one" medication, and I occasionally feel nauseous and experience abdominal bloating. Is this normal? Sometimes I worry that ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, internet user: If your symptoms are quite bothersome, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation for peace of mind. However, it is important to maintain a regular routine and avoid excessive stress! After eradication therapy, testing should not rely solely on blood tests; ...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Ulcers: Symptoms, Tests, and Emotional Impact
Do I Have Peptic Ulcers? Symptoms and Advice for Recovery
Could it be the symptoms of "peptic ulcer"? Dear Dr. Chen Shih-Dian, I would like to ask about my condition. In the past four weeks, I experienced symptoms similar to vomiting and a cold. The doctor diagnosed me with a rotavirus infection. Afterward, I ate out indiscri...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, dear user: (I apologize for the delay in responding due to issues with my email) Based on the data, direct eradication therapy (prescription name?) is not appropriate, but it is not harmful. Since you still have symptoms, I recommend visiting a gastroenterologist for an ex...[Read More] Do I Have Peptic Ulcers? Symptoms and Advice for Recovery
Understanding Helicobacter Pylori: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
Helicobacter pylori In October, I underwent a self-paid health check and was found to have Helicobacter pylori. When I took the report to the hospital to get medication, the doctor insisted that I undergo an X-ray examination. A week later, I consulted another physician about the...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello everyone: 1. The transmission route is still unclear, but it is likely transmitted orally. The potential for carcinogenicity is also not well understood, although there is a statistical correlation. 2. Patients may experience gastrointestinal discomfort or may be asymptomat...[Read More] Understanding Helicobacter Pylori: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
Understanding Helicobacter Pylori: Symptoms, Treatment, and Healthcare Challenges
Helicobacter pylori In October, I underwent a self-paid health check and tested positive for Helicobacter pylori. When I went to the hospital to get medication, the doctor refused to prescribe it, stating that I needed to undergo an X-ray examination first to determine whether me...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello everyone: 1. The mode of transmission is still unclear, but it is likely transmitted orally. 2. Patients may experience gastrointestinal discomfort or may be asymptomatic. Approximately 50% of people in Taiwan are infected. 3. Currently, eradication treatment is only covere...[Read More] Understanding Helicobacter Pylori: Symptoms, Treatment, and Healthcare Challenges