Understanding Mild Pancreatitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Concerns
Emergency mild pancreatitis Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my increased frequency of belching and flatulence, along with diarrhea that lasted for a month. I visited a large hospital and consulted a gastroenterologist, and after taking gastrointestinal medication for a mo...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Hello Leo, I’m not sure if you have undergone any imaging related to the pancreas. Generally, when it comes to pancreatitis, it is important to understand the underlying cause. However, some causes of pancreatitis may not be easily identifiable and may require monitoring over tim...[Read More] Understanding Mild Pancreatitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Concerns
Long-Term Alcohol Consumption: Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Distress and Jaundice
Long-term consumption of wine, high-alcohol beverages, and rice wine can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, and mild jaundice? Hello doctor, this is my first time asking a question here... My boyfriend is 8 years older than me. He has recently quit betel nut after a l...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Gastrointestinal discomfort, daily vomiting, slight yellowing of the sclera, lack of appetite, easy fatigue, along with a history of hypertension and heart disease? It is advisable to first check for jaundice and liver or gallbladder diseases. Long-term alcohol consumption...[Read More] Long-Term Alcohol Consumption: Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Distress and Jaundice
Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Solutions
Elevated bilirubin levels? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about the issue of elevated bilirubin levels in my recent two health check-ups, with the most recent results showing a significant increase compared to the previous one. In 2020, my total bilirubin was 1.51 mg/dL, d...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, elevated direct bilirubin along with other liver function indices may indicate liver or biliary tract-related diseases. Your abdominal ultrasound showed no abnormalities, other liver indices are normal, urine bilirubin is negative, and there are no obvious liver or biliary...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Positive Hepatitis B Test Results: Next Steps for Treatment
Positive for Hepatitis B? Hello Doctor: Today I received my health check report and saw that my Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is positive. I reviewed my health check reports from previous years, and they all showed negative results. The report from September 9, 2011, was ne...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, regarding Hepatitis B, a previously negative HBsAg can now be positive, indicating a possible Hepatitis B infection. Blood tests can be performed in an outpatient setting to confirm and assess liver inflammation. Most adults infected with Hepatitis B (about 80%) will impro...[Read More] Understanding Positive Hepatitis B Test Results: Next Steps for Treatment
Effects of Antacids on Liver Health in Hepatitis B Patients
I would like to inquire about the effects of gastric medications and acetaminophen on the liver? Hello, doctor: I am a patient with hepatitis B. Due to severe bloating, I went to the hospital for an examination and found that I have acute hepatitis, which resulted in my GPT level...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It can be continued. Additionally, acute hepatitis can cause indigestion, nausea, and vomiting, so a light diet with small, frequent meals is necessary. Prompt medication treatment for hepatitis should be initiated, and if jaundice is significant, hospitalization is required.[Read More] Effects of Antacids on Liver Health in Hepatitis B Patients
Understanding Fatty Liver: Is It the Same as Cirrhosis or Hepatitis?
I have fatty liver disease? I was diagnosed with severe fatty liver during a recent health check-up. Does this mean I have cirrhosis or hepatitis? Can appropriate exercise help eliminate this condition? I've been experiencing bloating and frequent burping lately; is this rel...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, cirrhosis indicates severe liver fibrosis, which may lead to impaired liver function. In severe cases, symptoms may include jaundice, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and bleeding from esophageal varices. Fatty liver disease is characterized by the accumulation of triglyce...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Is It the Same as Cirrhosis or Hepatitis?
Understanding Fatty Liver: Is It Linked to Cirrhosis or Hepatitis?
I have fatty liver disease? I was diagnosed with severe fatty liver during a recent health check-up. Does this mean I have cirrhosis or hepatitis? Can appropriate exercise help eliminate it? I've been experiencing bloating and frequent burping lately; is this related?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, cirrhosis indicates severe liver fibrosis, which may impair liver function. In severe cases, symptoms such as jaundice, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and esophageal variceal bleeding may occur. Fatty liver disease is characterized by the accumulation of triglycerides in...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Is It Linked to Cirrhosis or Hepatitis?
Understanding Liver Cirrhosis and Biliary Issues: Treatment Options
Cirrhosis and bile issues? Hello, Director: I have been undergoing blood tests for monitoring at the Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology Department of a hospital in Zhongli for a long time. A few years ago, my GGT level was found to be over 300, and the doctor has been prescribing...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 54-year-old male has a medical history indicating that he has liver cirrhosis, which is attributed to chronic hepatitis. The causes of cirrhosis can include viral hepatitis such as hepatitis B and C, alcoholic liver disease, autoimmune conditions, cardiac issues, biliary...[Read More] Understanding Liver Cirrhosis and Biliary Issues: Treatment Options
Persistent Pain Near Ribs: Understanding Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Persistent pain near the ribs? At the beginning of the month, I was diagnosed with pancreatitis at the hospital after blood tests indicated inflammation. However, it has been a month, and there has been no improvement. I have been trying to maintain a light diet, but the pain in ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 31-year-old female is experiencing persistent pain near the rib cage. She has a history of pancreatitis, which can be commonly caused by factors such as alcohol consumption, gallstones, bile duct stones, autoimmune diseases, hypertriglyceridemia, and certain medications....[Read More] Persistent Pain Near Ribs: Understanding Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Mopride 5mg: Safety and Interactions with Other Medications
Mopride 5mg Gastrointestinal Medication (Moshuwai Qing Enteric-Coated Tablets) Hello Dr. Zhang, due to gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux, I am currently on medication (for 7 days) including: - Panho Enteric F.C. 40mg (one tablet daily before meals) - Gaslan 40mg (one tablet ...
Dr. Zhang Kebin Reply:
Hello Mr. PY: Regarding the cornerstone medication for gastroesophageal reflux, Panho Enteric F.C. 40mg, you inquired: [1] I take Mopride 5mg after dinner around 9 PM, and before sleep (around 11 PM), I take half a Zolpidem 10mg along with 10mg of Propranolol. Is this dangerous? ...[Read More] Understanding Mopride 5mg: Safety and Interactions with Other Medications
Understanding Pale Stools: What They Indicate About Your Health
Pale or nearly white stools? Hello Doctor: For the past two months, I have been experiencing discomfort in my abdomen, often feeling the urge to burp and a sensation of something being stuck in my chest and throat. My bowel movements have been irregular, sometimes constipated and...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely not a biliary or pancreatic issue (which would be associated with jaundice or weight loss), so there is no need to worry excessively.[Read More] Understanding Pale Stools: What They Indicate About Your Health
Vaccination Guidance for Patients with Congenital Biliary Atresia
Congenital biliary atresia vaccination administration? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about congenital biliary atresia. I have experienced jaundice due to fever. Would you recommend getting the AZ or Moderna vaccine?
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Vivi: Currently, there is no data suggesting which vaccine to administer, so it is recommended to consult your physician. However, it is generally advised for patients with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or liver cirrhosis to receive vaccination. Director Cai Jin-ji, Department ...[Read More] Vaccination Guidance for Patients with Congenital Biliary Atresia
Can You Get the COVID-19 Vaccine with High ALT Levels?
Is it safe to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if the ALT levels are elevated? Currently, Taiwan is gradually opening up vaccine administration. Based on the literature and data reviewed, I have not found any recommendations or prohibitions regarding vaccination when ALT levels are e...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A slightly elevated level will not affect vaccination, unless the liver enzymes are more than twice the normal level, or if there is jaundice, or if there are other health conditions. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a hepatobiliary specialist to determine the cau...[Read More] Can You Get the COVID-19 Vaccine with High ALT Levels?
Does Cancer Treatment Drug Cause Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Does cancer treatment medication cause elevated liver enzymes? Hello Doctor, my father was diagnosed with rectal cancer two years ago and underwent surgery, recovering well. However, during a routine check-up two months ago, a recurrence was found, but the original treating physi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
I have never used Esomeprazole capsules and my condition is complicated, so please discuss it further with my attending physician.[Read More] Does Cancer Treatment Drug Cause Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Understanding Liver Tumors: Treatment Options for Advanced Cases
Liver tumor issues? Hello Dr. Chen, my father has liver cancer with a 9 cm liver tumor and a bilirubin level of 2.4. He has been experiencing shortness of breath recently, and the doctor mentioned pleural effusion. The doctor also said that since the bilirubin level has not dropp...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
In principle, jaundice should decrease to reduce side effects. In a few cases, medication may be used based on individual circumstances (out-of-pocket). Please discuss with the attending team.[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumors: Treatment Options for Advanced Cases
Understanding Long-Term Bloating: When to Seek Medical Advice
Chronic bloating Hello Doctor, I am 23 years old and have been experiencing bloating and pain on the left side of my abdomen near the navel for the past four years. Sometimes I also have pain in the upper left abdomen. I visited a major hospital for examination, and during an ult...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, A 23-year-old female presents with abdominal bloating, left upper abdominal pain, and a history of esophageal reflux with gastric mucosal erosion. In addition to gastrointestinal disorders, differential diagnoses should also consider liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic di...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Bloating: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Long-term Bloating: When to Seek Medical Attention
Chronic bloating Hello doctor, I am 23 years old. Four years ago, I started experiencing bloating and pain on the left side of my abdomen near the navel, and sometimes pain in the upper left abdomen. I went to a large hospital for examination, and during an ultrasound, a hepatic ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: A 23-year-old female presents with abdominal bloating, left upper quadrant pain, and a history of esophageal reflux with gastric erosion. In addition to gastrointestinal disorders, differential diagnoses should also consider liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic diseases. The...[Read More] Understanding Long-term Bloating: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Liver and Kidney Health: When to Seek Medical Attention
Liver and kidney related? Hello Doctor, I am 23 years old. For the past few years, I have been experiencing bloating and pain near my left side next to the navel. I went to a large hospital for examination, and during an abdominal ultrasound, a hepatic hemangioma was found, which...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely not jaundice; it is just bloating. You can first adjust your diet or consult a clinic for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Liver and Kidney Health: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding White Stool: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
White stool Hello Dr. Lin, I noticed white stools when I had a bowel movement on Monday (April 12). After researching online, I found that the symptoms related to my condition could be gallstones and hepatitis. A few years ago, I had an abdominal ultrasound for hepatitis B and w...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Normal stool is yellow, while white stool is often caused by the inability of bile to flow, which can be due to liver, gallbladder, or pancreatic diseases. Common causes include bile duct obstruction. If bile duct obstruction is suspected, there may also be symptoms such a...[Read More] Understanding White Stool: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: When to Seek Urgent Care
Liver function index exceeds one thousand? Hello, Doctor: I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have mild fatty liver and gallstones. My long-term follow-up indices have been normal until the past two years, when they started fluctuating. The most recent test on January 5 showed AST ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You may schedule an earlier follow-up appointment to discuss.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: When to Seek Urgent Care