Improving Liver Function: Addressing Yellowing Skin and Thyroid Health
Yellowing of the hands and slight yellowing of the face? Hello, I would like to ask how to improve poor liver function? My hands are yellowish, but I do not have jaundice. Additionally, will taking medication for hypothyroidism help restore normal function, and what are the chanc...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. Poor liver function requires identifying the underlying cause and treating it accordingly to improve the condition. Common causes include chronic viral hepatitis, chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver, alcohol-related issues, biliary problems, endocrine disorders (such...[Read More] Improving Liver Function: Addressing Yellowing Skin and Thyroid Health
Managing Bile Duct Stones and Jaundice: Treatment Options for Seniors
Gallstones Hello Director Chen, I would like to ask about the treatment options for bile duct and gallbladder stones. My father's jaundice index is 7, his blood sugar ranges from 110 to 170, and his blood pressure is 80/160. He has been hospitalized for one month. He is 70 y...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Ah-Hui: Bile duct stones accompanied by cholangitis and jaundice are challenging to treat. It often requires repeated stone removal (which can be done via endoscopy or through a drainage tube) and drainage (which can be achieved with a percutaneous drainage tube or by...[Read More] Managing Bile Duct Stones and Jaundice: Treatment Options for Seniors
Managing Jaundice and Bile Duct Stones: Treatment Options for Seniors
Liver Gallbladder Jaundice Hello Director Chen, I would like to ask about my father's condition. He has liver and bile duct stones, with a bilirubin level of 7, blood sugar ranging from 110 to 170, and blood pressure at 80/160. He has been hospitalized for one month. He is 7...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Ah-Hui: Bile duct stones accompanied by cholangitis and jaundice are challenging to treat. It often requires repeated stone extraction (which can be performed via endoscopy or drainage tube) and drainage (either through a percutaneous drainage tube or endoscopic inter...[Read More] Managing Jaundice and Bile Duct Stones: Treatment Options for Seniors
Understanding Left Abdominal Swelling: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Abdominal distension? Recently, I have been experiencing a peculiar sensation in my left abdomen, where it feels slightly swollen for a second or two, but there is no pain. This occurs about one to three times a day. After researching online, I found that one of the complications...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The symptoms mentioned in the letter are quite vague. If the pain lasts only one or two seconds, it is probably not what you would refer to as cirrhosis. However, if you are still concerned, it is best to consult a gastroenterologist. Do you have jaundice? Is your liver fu...[Read More] Understanding Left Abdominal Swelling: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding Jaundice: Causes, Treatment Options, and Surgical Considerations
Jaundice Hello... My mother was hospitalized two weeks ago due to jaundice, with a bilirubin level as high as 11.5, which has been continuously rising. Can you explain why this is happening and what treatment options are available? The doctor mentioned that the cause is unclear, ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, A-Ya: To assess your issue, it is necessary to see the patient and review all relevant information. Please trust your physician and discuss any related concerns with them. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Jaundice: Causes, Treatment Options, and Surgical Considerations
Understanding Jaundice: Causes, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Jaundice Hello... My mother was hospitalized two weeks ago due to jaundice, with a bilirubin level as high as 11.5, which has been continuously rising. Could you please explain why this is happening and what treatment options are available? The doctor mentioned that the cause is ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, I understand your concern regarding your mother's condition as mentioned in the letter. It is indeed worrisome, especially when the cause remains unclear. Is it possible that your mother has recently been taking any specific medications, including traditional Chinese ...[Read More] Understanding Jaundice: Causes, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Black Oily Spots in Stool: Possible Causes and Concerns
Black oily stools after a bowel movement? In the past few days, I have noticed small black oil droplets floating on the surface of the water after bowel movements. The stools are relatively soft and a deep brownish-yellow color. On two occasions, I passed about 1cc of a yellowish...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: Oily stools may indicate issues with the liver, pancreas, or small intestine, leading to poor digestion and absorption of fats. Weight loss medications may also have side effects that result in fatty stools, while honey vinegar does not cause fatty stools. It is advisable ...[Read More] Understanding Black Oily Spots in Stool: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Fluctuating Bilirubin Levels in Liver Failure Patients
Bilirubin levels fluctuate? Hello Doctor, my father has been hospitalized for over a month due to liver failure. During this time, his liver enzymes have decreased from over 600 to just over 200. However, his bilirubin levels have been fluctuating, at one point rising to 25. Desp...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Vicky: I cannot provide you with a definitive answer, but it is advisable to avoid the use of traditional Chinese medicine or herbal remedies, and to patiently support the recovery of liver function (which depends on the underlying cause). If necessary, consider a liver...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuating Bilirubin Levels in Liver Failure Patients
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes and Sleep Issues: What You Need to Know
Liver issues consultation? Hello Doctor: I had tests for GOT and GPT at the end of last year. My GOT was 38.8 U/L and my GPT was 61.22 U/L, both of which are higher than the normal values. Does this indicate inflammation of the liver? Additionally, for the past few months, I have...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Abnormal levels of GOT and GPT, ranging from 1 to 2 times the normal values, indicate liver cell damage, although not significantly elevated. It is important to investigate the underlying causes, which may include viral hepatitis (types B and C), medications, alcohol co...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes and Sleep Issues: What You Need to Know
Understanding Your Liver Function Test Results: What They Mean for You
Liver function index issues? Hello Doctor: Today I received the test report from the Foundation for Liver Cancer Prevention and Treatment, and the results are as follows: Hepatitis B surface antigen: + Hepatitis B surface antibody: + Hepatitis C antibody: - AST (GOT): 36 ALT (GPT...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. A positive surface antigen (HBsAg positive) indicates the presence of the hepatitis B virus in the body, meaning you are a carrier of hepatitis B. If you recover, you will develop hepatitis B antibodies, resulting in a positive HBsAb and a negative HBsAg. It is recomm...[Read More] Understanding Your Liver Function Test Results: What They Mean for You
Managing Liver Tumors: Solutions for Bloating and Pain Relief
My father is ill with a liver tumor? My father is currently in Veterans General Hospital. He has been hospitalized since early March. He had jaundice, but it is slowly improving. He has a tube inserted into his body to drain the bile into a bag. Initially, everything was fine, bu...
Dr. Li Zhengqi Reply:
Hello Demi: I believe the doctors at the Veterans General Hospital will work hard to address your father's issues (due to the complexity of the condition and limited information, they are unable to provide you with specific advice). Wishing you and your family all the best a...[Read More] Managing Liver Tumors: Solutions for Bloating and Pain Relief
Understanding GPT Levels During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
GPT: 50 GOT: 34 Hello, I completed a health check on October 26, and the report indicated that everything is normal (urinalysis, kidney function tests including BUN, CREA, and UA are all normal; lipid profile, metabolic tests, blood, and serum tests show HBsAg (-), HBsAb (+), ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Response: 1. GPT: Abnormal liver function tests indicate inflammation of the liver, necessitating further monitoring of liver function and investigation into potential causes of liver inflammation, such as viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, alcohol use, medications, metabolic ...[Read More] Understanding GPT Levels During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
How to Lower High Bilirubin Levels for Better Health?
Elevated bilirubin levels? I was diagnosed with hepatitis C in October, and while my levels are still normal, my bilirubin is elevated, which has prevented me from obtaining insurance. Is there a way to lower bilirubin levels? Thank you!
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Elevated jaundice indicates an increase in bilirubin levels in the blood, which can be caused by hemolysis, acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, bile duct obstruction, among others. Treatment methods vary depending on the underlying cause. 2. Hepatitis ...[Read More] How to Lower High Bilirubin Levels for Better Health?
Understanding Alcohol's Impact on Liver Health: A Guide for Busy Professionals
ALCOHOL Dr. Li: Hello, I am a normal office worker, slim, and I previously visited Chang Gung Memorial Hospital due to discomfort, where an ultrasound examination revealed a 4 cm mass on my liver. However, due to the distance, I switched to a nearby hospital, where the ultrasound...
Dr. Li Zhengqi Reply:
Hello, 1. If there are abnormalities in the ultrasound examination, it is important to first determine if there is a history of chronic hepatitis, including whether there is a carrier status for hepatitis B or C. Relevant tumor markers should also be tested. If the findings are...[Read More] Understanding Alcohol's Impact on Liver Health: A Guide for Busy Professionals
Understanding Jaundice: Risks, Recovery, and Antibody Production
Jaundice issues Hello doctor, a year and a half ago my liver function was abnormal with levels reaching 864. Now my liver function is normal, but I have not produced antibodies, and recently my jaundice has risen to 1.6. Does this indicate a potential relapse? Is the absence of a...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Your liver enzyme levels were abnormal but have now returned to normal, yet no antibodies have appeared. Which specific antibodies are you referring to? Are you a patient with Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C? Is a bilirubin level of 1.6 considered abnormal? Observing your long-...[Read More] Understanding Jaundice: Risks, Recovery, and Antibody Production
Understanding the Risks of Jaundice and Liver Transplant Complications
Can jaundice be life-threatening? Hello Doctor: My husband is a liver transplant patient, but after the transplant, his liver enzymes increased, and the doctors couldn't find the problem. They suspected a biliary issue, so they performed ERCP, but after three attempts, his c...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Your husband's situation is quite complex, and without his medical history for reference, it is difficult to conduct a thorough online assessment and interpretation. Regarding whether your husband needs a second liver transplant, it is advisable to consult a liver tra...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Jaundice and Liver Transplant Complications
Understanding Symptoms of Chronic Hepatitis B: When to Seek Help
Symptoms of being a carrier of hepatitis B? Hello, doctor. My husband is a carrier of hepatitis B and has been regularly monitored for hepatitis. Recently, in addition to his ongoing symptoms of abdominal bloating and pain (which have remained stable for the past seven years), he...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, during acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B, symptoms may resemble those of a cold, including fatigue, loss of appetite, and jaundice. It is advisable not to overexert yourself and to monitor liver function. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Internal Medicine.[Read More] Understanding Symptoms of Chronic Hepatitis B: When to Seek Help
Understanding Elevated Jaundice Levels in Liver Cirrhosis Patients
Abnormal bilirubin levels? Hello doctor, my father went to the hospital last week for an examination and was found to have cirrhosis with a bilirubin level of 18. The attending physician mentioned that the normal value is 1.1, but after a series of tests, no bile duct obstruction...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, a bilirubin level of 18 may indicate possible causes such as bile duct obstruction, hepatitis (viral, alcoholic, drug-induced, autoimmune), tumors, sepsis, or hereditary diseases, among others. If none of these conditions are present and it is determined to be solely due t...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Jaundice Levels in Liver Cirrhosis Patients
Understanding Jaundice After Biliary Dilation: What to Expect
Biliary dilation causing jaundice? Dear Dr. Hsu, My husband recently underwent an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for biliary stricture. After the first procedure, he experienced biliary obstruction due to an improper size of the stent, which led to symptom...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Your husband is experiencing bile duct narrowing, which can lead to bile retention and inflammation. It is necessary to use drainage to alleviate this condition, and the letter mentioned that ERCP is the treatment method. Although a larger drainage tube was successfully pl...[Read More] Understanding Jaundice After Biliary Dilation: What to Expect
Could Bad Breath Indicate Liver Issues? What You Need to Know
Is it possible that liver issues are causing bad breath? My husband is 33 years old and has been working overtime recently. I've noticed that his breath has a severe odor, similar to carbon dioxide in a confined space, and some people think it smells like ammonia. Could this...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, if there is cirrhosis or severe hepatitis, it is possible for the breath to have an unusual odor, but it should be accompanied by other symptoms such as altered or decreased consciousness, abdominal distension (ascites), leg swelling, jaundice, etc. Additionally, condition...[Read More] Could Bad Breath Indicate Liver Issues? What You Need to Know