Understanding Jaundice: Is Yellowing of the Eyes Always Uniform?
Jaundice issues Hello, doctor. Last week, I noticed light yellow spots on the sclera of both eyes (the left eye is more pronounced). Is the yellowing of the sclera caused by jaundice usually uniform? Do I need to get checked? I do not have tea-colored urine or yellowing of the sk...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is recommended to observe the sclera (the white part of the eye) vertically, rather than horizontally, as the latter may be affected by microvascular interference.[Read More] Understanding Jaundice: Is Yellowing of the Eyes Always Uniform?
Understanding Green Stool: Is It Related to Jaundice or Gastrointestinal Issues?
Green stool, thin and thick stool? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if green stool is related to jaundice. I have been passing green stool for the past few days and I'm concerned it might be related to gastrointestinal diseases. Also, the stool I passed has a diameter of a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You may resume a normal diet and increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. Continue to monitor the color and appearance of your stool. If necessary, a stool occult blood test can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Green Stool: Is It Related to Jaundice or Gastrointestinal Issues?
Understanding Right Rib Pain: Symptoms and Necessary Tests
There is a feeling of fullness on the inner side of the lower right rib cage? Dr. Chen, I have a question: Six years ago, I experienced frequent abdominal bloating and discomfort, so I consulted a gastroenterologist. The hospital diagnosed me with excessive stomach acid, mild gas...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may still be a gastrointestinal motility or digestion issue. An ultrasound can be performed to rule out extrinsic gastrointestinal lesions. A fecal occult blood test can be conducted for the colon.[Read More] Understanding Right Rib Pain: Symptoms and Necessary Tests
Are Gallstone Medications Linked to Skin Allergies and Redness?
Is there a connection between medication for gallstones and skin allergies causing redness and swelling? Hello, I was diagnosed with acute cholecystitis due to gallstones in February 2019, which led to acute pancreatitis. I was hospitalized and received intravenous antibiotics, a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
I'm sorry, I don't have experience with that medication. Gallstones do not affect the skin.[Read More] Are Gallstone Medications Linked to Skin Allergies and Redness?
Understanding Changes in Stool Color and Eye Yellowing: Is It Jaundice?
Fecal white discoloration? In the past week, I visited a doctor due to occasional discomfort in my upper abdomen. The doctor diagnosed me with gastritis and performed an abdominal ultrasound, which came back normal. Recently, I have been more cautious with my diet; however, I not...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The sclerae are normal; further observation is sufficient for now.[Read More] Understanding Changes in Stool Color and Eye Yellowing: Is It Jaundice?
Is Ascites Always a Sign of Cirrhosis in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients?
If my mother has hepatitis C, does the presence of ascites necessarily indicate cirrhosis? Hello, doctor. My mother had slightly elevated hepatitis C levels three months ago. However, she underwent blood tests, ultrasound, and fetal protein tests at the hospital, all of which wer...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Cooperate with the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment. Simple initial-stage cirrhosis with ascites is not difficult to manage; please follow the physician's medication regimen and limit salt intake.[Read More] Is Ascites Always a Sign of Cirrhosis in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients?
Understanding Two-Toned Stool: What It Means for Your Health
A stool with two different colors? I haven't had a bowel movement for about two to three days. Today, after going to the bathroom, I noticed that my stool had two different colors: approximately one-quarter was light gray and three-quarters was brown. Should I be concerned a...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The stool color is grayish-white and brown. The color of the stool is related to the foods consumed, including iron supplements, dark-colored vegetables, and fruits, which can result in darker stools. It is advisable to monitor the stool color and check for any other sympt...[Read More] Understanding Two-Toned Stool: What It Means for Your Health
White Sesame in Stool: Is It a Sign of Parasites or Something Else?
Is the presence of white sesame seeds in stool a sign of parasites? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing pain in my left middle, middle, right middle, lower middle, right lower, and left lower abdomen (using the navel as a reference) since mid-July. I started receiving treatmen...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. A, you have already seen a physician. It is recommended that you discuss directly with your attending physician and provide your stool for evaluation or examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health.[Read More] White Sesame in Stool: Is It a Sign of Parasites or Something Else?
Understanding Jaundice and Sepsis in Liver Disease Management
Jaundice and sepsis? The elder has developed cirrhosis and ascites due to chronic alcoholism after retirement. Although he was supposed to have regular follow-ups, he did not return to the hospital on schedule. On November 17, he was urgently admitted due to a high fever, and the...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The condition is complex; please discuss it further with the attending physician.[Read More] Understanding Jaundice and Sepsis in Liver Disease Management
Probiotics for Weight Gain: Effective Strains and Health Checks Explained
Probiotics that improve absorption and aid in weight gain? Hello Doctor, I am 22 years old, 174 cm tall, and weigh 50 kg. My diet is normal, and I have hemolytic jaundice (I return for check-ups every six months, and currently, there are no issues). Due to my low weight, I have c...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, there are many types of probiotics available as supplements, and their effectiveness depends on individual constitution, as each person's microbiome analysis is different. Current research has not definitively stated that supplementing with specific strains will lead ...[Read More] Probiotics for Weight Gain: Effective Strains and Health Checks Explained
Understanding Jaundice: When to See a Gastroenterologist
Jaundice Hello doctor, I recently noticed that the sclera of my eyes is slightly yellow, but the area near the iris is white. Only the part that requires me to slightly pull back my eyelid appears a bit yellow. Does this count as jaundice? Should I see a specialist in hepatobilia...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
It is more accurate to have a specialist physician make the assessment, and blood tests can also be considered.[Read More] Understanding Jaundice: When to See a Gastroenterologist
Understanding the Relationship Between Elevated Liver Enzymes and CRP Levels
CRP index issue Hello Director Chen, my mother is 68 years old. One month ago, she visited the Infectious Disease Department at the municipal hospital due to elevated liver enzymes (GOT: 94.2, GPT: 112.7). She has been taking cholesterol-lowering medication (Rosuvastatin) for the...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, CRP levels can be affected by hepatitis, but it is important to first rule out other diseases and monitor whether they decrease as the hepatitis improves. Changhua Hospital is concerned about your well-being. Sincerely, Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding the Relationship Between Elevated Liver Enzymes and CRP Levels
Understanding Bile Duct Obstruction and High Jaundice: Diagnosis and Next Steps
Bile duct obstruction ~ elevated bilirubin levels? Dear Doctor, my mother has high jaundice levels and sought treatment at China Medical University. The doctor mentioned that the high jaundice is due to bile duct obstruction and performed endoscopic biopsies twice. The hospital h...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Cholestasis caused by bile duct obstruction has led to jaundice, with a suspicion of bile duct cancer. Bile duct cancer is difficult to diagnose, but it can be assessed through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with brush cytology and biopsy. Imaging st...[Read More] Understanding Bile Duct Obstruction and High Jaundice: Diagnosis and Next Steps
Understanding Abnormal Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels in Health Checkups
Abnormal total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels in health check-ups? Hello, doctor. In my recent health check report, it was found that my total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels were abnormal, with total bilirubin at 4.17 mg/dL and direct bilirubin at 1.59 mg/dL. Other ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, some individuals have congenital abnormalities in bilirubin metabolism, which may increase under certain conditions. It is recommended to monitor through follow-up blood tests under normal daily activities. If the levels continue to rise, further examinations may be necess...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels in Health Checkups
Understanding High Viral Load Despite Negative e Antigen in Hepatitis B Patients
e antigen negative Hello, Doctor. I have hepatitis B. Previously, my liver inflammation caused my AST and ALT levels to exceed a thousand, with a viral load of over a million and positive e-antigen. An ultrasound showed a 0.6 cm nodule. After taking Baraclude, my e-antigen turned...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, some patients with hepatitis B virus may undergo mutations to evade the immune system and relieve pressure, leading to the disappearance of the e-antigen, which allows the virus to continue replicating and causing liver inflammation. It is recommended that antiviral medica...[Read More] Understanding High Viral Load Despite Negative e Antigen in Hepatitis B Patients
Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Total bilirubin, direct bilirubin Doctor, I recently had blood test results showing elevated total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels. The normal value for total bilirubin is 1.2 mg/dL, and mine is 1.77 mg/dL. The normal value for direct bilirubin is 0.5 mg/dL, and mine is 0.6...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, based on what you described, it seems to be a benign congenital condition related to bilirubin metabolism. Generally, it is not dangerous and does not require treatment. At most, you may need to have blood tests annually for comparison, so there is no need to worry! Changh...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Abnormal Jaundice Levels: Causes and Implications
Abnormal bilirubin levels? Hello, doctor. I have hepatitis B, and an ultrasound showed a 0.6 cm hemangioma in my liver. There is no cirrhosis or enlargement of the liver according to my health check report. My GOT and GPT levels are normal, and my AFP is also normal. The only abn...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, it is possible that the jaundice is due to a metabolic issue related to your constitution, which should not be a concern. Please continue to monitor it. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Jaundice Levels: Causes and Implications
Complications of Biliary Stenting in Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Biliary stent complications? Hello Dr. Yang, my mother was recently diagnosed with stage II pancreatic cancer. To manage her jaundice, she underwent endoscopic biliary stenting. After the procedure, she was living normally, but starting on the sixth day, she experienced recurrent...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Little Red Bean, pancreatic cancer is known for its unpredictable progression. While placing a metal stent may resolve most jaundice issues, there are still situations where jaundice may not improve. The use of self-paid albumin should not be related to the metal stent; it s...[Read More] Complications of Biliary Stenting in Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Persistent Jaundice in a 12-Year-Old with Leukemia: Possible Causes?
Jaundice is not resolving? Hello Dr. Chen: My 12-year-old child is currently being treated for leukemia at National Cheng Kung University, but his jaundice remains between 4 and 9 and won't decrease. Imaging studies, including cholangiography, MRI, liver biopsy, and genetic ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, the patient's condition is more complex and cannot be assessed based on the information provided. Please consult and discuss with the medical team at Cheng Kung University. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Persistent Jaundice in a 12-Year-Old with Leukemia: Possible Causes?
Understanding Light Yellow Stool: Possible Links to Gastrointestinal Issues
The stool color is light yellow? Hello Doctor: I underwent cervical cancer surgery last May and am currently under regular follow-up. Two weeks ago, I experienced severe abdominal cramping for about two hours, and the doctor at that time diagnosed it as gastroenteritis. Recently,...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It should not be related to cervical cancer. Please pay attention to your diet and ensure an adequate intake of fiber, but avoid excessive or prolonged fiber consumption. If there is mild postoperative adhesion, it should not significantly affect bowel movements. If sympto...[Read More] Understanding Light Yellow Stool: Possible Links to Gastrointestinal Issues