Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: A Daughter's Urgent Concerns
Abnormal liver function tests? My father went to the hospital for a blood test on November 18, and after the results came back, he was urgently admitted for hospitalization! His liver enzyme levels were over 1000 (prior to this, he had been complaining of lower back and waist pai...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, the term "fulminant hepatitis" refers to the onset of jaundice accompanied by altered mental status. It is advisable for your father to discuss his condition thoroughly with his attending physician and to be closely monitored. Additionally, please avoid consuming...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: A Daughter's Urgent Concerns
Understanding Baraclude Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B in Taiwan
Belantamab mafodotin treatment 1. The patient has been a carrier of hepatitis B for over 5 years, with positive HBeAg and an HBV-DNA level of 911,500 IU/mL in March 2016. In August 2016, the AST/ALT levels were 119/290, which is the highest recorded. After half a month, the level...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. ① Generally, you can apply if the levels remain elevated for more than 3 months, with a doubling of values or jaundice greater than 2. If the e-antigen is positive for more than 3 months, and you have been a carrier of hepatitis B for over 6 months, with a GPT increas...[Read More] Understanding Baraclude Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B in Taiwan
Understanding a Hard Lump in the Upper Right Abdomen: What You Need to Know
Right upper quadrant mass? Hello Doctor: I have a hard lump in my upper right abdomen. I actually noticed it six months ago, but since I had no symptoms, I didn't pay much attention to it. The size is about the size of a finger joint, located about a finger's length fro...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you can feel a lump at your fingertip, it is mostly located subcutaneously rather than in the internal organs. You may consult a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding a Hard Lump in the Upper Right Abdomen: What You Need to Know
Understanding Long-Term Fatty Stools: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chronic fatty stools Hello Doctor, in the past few months, I have noticed a layer of clear, colorless oil floating on the surface of my stool during bowel movements. The amount varies, and it usually disappears on its own after about 4-5 days, only to reappear after some time. Th...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Check liver function, biliary enzymes, and pancreatic enzymes. If any abnormalities are found, further evaluation with abdominal ultrasound or even computed tomography (CT) scan may be necessary. If all tests are normal, dietary adjustments should be made, and digestive enzymes m...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Fatty Stools: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: Causes and Concerns
Abnormal liver function test results? Hello Doctor, I have a few questions. I have not been very healthy regarding my gastrointestinal system since middle school, experiencing recurrent issues such as duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. I usual...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. If the values are greater than normal, it can be classified as acute hepatitis. However, if it is accompanied by jaundice and coagulation dysfunction, it indicates hepatic decompensation, which poses a risk. 2. There are many causes of hepatitis; if you have not been ev...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Enlarged Bile Duct and Pancreatic Head: Symptoms and Concerns
Common bile duct and enlargement of the pancreatic head? Dear Doctor, My father started experiencing some symptoms at the beginning of last year: 1) fever and weakness that would resolve the next day, returning intermittently; 2) vomiting, and around May of last year, he develop...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
There are many causes of obstructive jaundice, including benign conditions such as bile duct stones, and malignant conditions primarily involving tumors (such as cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic head cancer, duodenal cancer, and duodenal papilla cancer). Therefore, it is essential ...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Bile Duct and Pancreatic Head: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
Bilirubin issues? Hello Doctor, last year I discovered that my total bilirubin was elevated while my direct bilirubin was normal. My indirect bilirubin was 2.2 mg/dL. I went to a clinic for follow-up, and I had several blood tests to check for hemolysis. The doctor suggested it m...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Typically, blood tests can only measure total bilirubin and direct bilirubin. Indirect bilirubin is calculated by subtracting the two values. (2) The total bilirubin is 1.75 mg/dL, and the direct bilirubin is 0.54 mg/dL, which indicates direct jaundice. This may be due...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
Yellowing of the Feet: Signs of Liver Issues and When to Seek Help
Yellowing of the soles? Hello, I occasionally stay up late, and last night I noticed that the soles of my feet have a slight yellowish tint. I'm not sure if this is something new or if it has been happening for a while. When I press on it, the yellowing becomes more pronounc...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If the yellowing is caused by jaundice, the sclera (the white part of the eye) will also appear yellow. However, if it is due to excessive pigmentation (such as from consuming too many carrots, citrus fruits, papayas, mangoes, tomatoes, etc.), or from cleaning agents, or a...[Read More] Yellowing of the Feet: Signs of Liver Issues and When to Seek Help
Understanding Bile Duct Stricture: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Bile duct stricture Hello, doctor. I had my gallbladder removed due to gallstones in 2013, and since then, I have been experiencing recurrent pain that feels similar to gallstone pain, radiating from my ribs to my back. The pain has become unbearable, and the frequency of these e...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Ms. Anonymous, The instrument you mentioned is indeed rare in Taiwan. However, the occurrence of that condition is quite low. Biliary strictures can cause jaundice, which may be related to other diseases. You may want to seek evaluation at a regional teaching hospital or a...[Read More] Understanding Bile Duct Stricture: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Unexplained Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
What could cause an unexplained increase in bilirubin levels? Hello, two weeks ago I visited the hospital for a follow-up on my long-term, intermittent proteinuria (although my kidney function has always been normal). During the examination, it was found that my bilirubin levels ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: In addition to monitoring for hemolysis, you should also pay attention to whether you have been taking traditional Chinese medicine, drinking herbal tea, or consuming alcohol for an extended period. If not, you can track the changes in your indices, as some individuals may...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding the Risks of Cancer Related to Jaundice Symptoms
Is the risk of cancer high? Hello, doctor. I researched some symptoms of jaundice in adults. In this stage, hepatitis is the primary cause of jaundice, especially chronic hepatitis B and C. Some patients may progress to cirrhosis or develop liver cancer, which can severely affect...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to monitor the changes in the indices. If the jaundice is caused by diseases of the pancreas, bile ducts, or liver, the indices will gradually increase. At that time, a physician will evaluate what kind of examinations should be arranged. You should also ...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Cancer Related to Jaundice Symptoms
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Symptoms and Concerns
Abnormal liver function? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been feeling very sleepy and fatigued, and I'm a bit worried that it might be due to liver dysfunction. After a blood test, my GOT and GPT levels were 50 and 98, respectively. I would like to ask: 1. Could these values ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) It is possible, but more likely due to poor sleep, which can lead to elevated liver function tests. (2) An increase of about two times is not considered severe as long as there is no accompanying jaundice or coagulopathy. (3) Such data indicates hepatitis. Whether ther...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Symptoms and Concerns
Navigating Uncertainty: Understanding Liver and Bile Duct Cancer Options
Liver cancer and cholangiocarcinoma? Hello Doctor, my father is 65 years old and developed jaundice at the end of last year. After examinations, a suspected gallbladder tumor was found. However, after a month of ultrasounds and CT scans, it is still unclear what type of cancer it...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Please discuss with both physicians together, as each has its pros and cons, before making a final decision. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Navigating Uncertainty: Understanding Liver and Bile Duct Cancer Options
Understanding Bloating and Acid Reflux: Managing Gastrointestinal Pain
Bloating? Excess stomach acid leading to stomach pain! Hello, doctor. Before I present my issue, I would like to mention that there is a family history of colorectal cancer (my grandmother passed away from it). I have informed other doctors about this, and they all said it was to...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
To diagnose irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it is essential to rule out other conditions of the colon, which may require stool tests, colonoscopy, or barium enema. Regarding diet and lifestyle, it is important to focus on a low-fat, low-dairy, and mildly stimulating diet, while a...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Acid Reflux: Managing Gastrointestinal Pain
Understanding Diarrhea and Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Diarrhea and elevated total bilirubin levels? Hello Doctor, last week my bowel movements were either soft stools or diarrhea, and I have been experiencing a dull pain in my stomach and abdomen. Therefore, I visited a gastroenterologist this Monday. The doctor pressed on my right ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: You can continue to monitor the clinical situation of your right upper abdominal pain. If it worsens, you should seek medical attention sooner. The diarrhea may be indicative of acute gastroenteritis. In certain cases, severe enteritis can also lead to jaundice, but the li...[Read More] Understanding Diarrhea and Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Liver Complications After Chemotherapy: A Patient's Journey
Liver lesions caused by chemotherapy? Hello, my father underwent surgical treatment for rectal cancer two years ago and was doing well. However, he experienced a recurrence two years later and was transferred to the hematology department at the same hospital. He has been taking o...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: I would like to discuss the reasons for liver function deterioration. Your attending physician must have pondered and searched for causes without success, which is why they responded that the cause of liver deterioration could not be identified. (1) Infection (bacterial, v...[Read More] Understanding Liver Complications After Chemotherapy: A Patient's Journey
Urgent Help Needed: Managing Severe Acute Hepatitis B Symptoms
Acute Hepatitis B Emergency Hello Dr. Chen, I have not been previously diagnosed with hepatitis B or C. On October 17, I visited a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology clinic due to fatigue and jaundice. Blood tests showed GOT: 2000, GPT: 4000, T-bil: 10.7, HBsAg: 1801, Anti-HBc I...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Lee, 1. When starting the medication, the antiviral effect has not fully suppressed the virus yet, so there may still be a short-term upward trend. It is advisable to be hospitalized for close observation. Changing the medication may not have a significant effect, but a...[Read More] Urgent Help Needed: Managing Severe Acute Hepatitis B Symptoms
Post-Gallbladder Surgery Diet: What You Need to Know for Recovery
Postoperative Diet After Gallbladder Surgery Hello, doctor. In January of this year, I experienced jaundice symptoms due to gallstones and underwent surgery to remove my gallbladder. Since the surgery, I have not experienced any abdominal pain. Most people say that post-operative...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, after gallbladder stone surgery, the diet should primarily consist of light and low-fat foods. However, individual differences can vary significantly. As for the recurrence of bile duct stones, it is generally more related to one's constitution. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Fen...[Read More] Post-Gallbladder Surgery Diet: What You Need to Know for Recovery
Understanding Liver Tumor Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Liver tumor treatment Dear Director Chen, My father is 85 years old and has been drinking alcohol since his youth, but he has never reached the level of alcoholism. His daily routine has been normal. In early July, he was hospitalized due to abdominal pain, and a CT scan reveale...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: 1. If cholangiocarcinoma has metastasized or invaded the gallbladder, the prognosis is poor. 2. Electrocautery is used for treating solitary small tumors; however, this patient is not suitable for electrocautery due to tumor invasion of the gallbladder and hepatic ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumor Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies and Related Gastrointestinal Issues
Regarding Hepatitis B antibodies Dr. Tsai: If the hepatitis B antibodies are no longer present, is it advisable to receive three booster doses of the vaccine, even though my liver enzymes are abnormal due to fatty liver? Additionally, I occasionally experience acid reflux while s...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The contraindication for receiving the hepatitis B vaccine is a history of severe allergic reactions to the vaccine or any of its components. However, if there is a high fever or an acute moderate to severe illness, vaccination should be postponed until improvement occurs....[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies and Related Gastrointestinal Issues