Differentiating Abdominal X-ray Findings: Gas vs. Bowel Obstruction
The distinction between localized abdominal distension and bowel obstruction on X-ray? Hello, doctor. Since February, I have been experiencing persistent discomfort and a feeling of pressure in my left upper abdomen, along with occasional discomfort in my left side. My bowel habi...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, you may consider undergoing a colon examination (either a barium enema or a colonoscopy). If no abnormalities are found, it is likely a functional issue. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chen Qifeng, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Differentiating Abdominal X-ray Findings: Gas vs. Bowel Obstruction
Managing Medication for Hepatitis B Carriers with Kidney Issues
Medication issues Hello Dr. Chen: I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been diagnosed with glomerulonephritis. I am currently taking "Losacar (ARB) 50mg/tab" and "Forflow 400mg/tab" to manage my high urinary protein levels. I would like to ask if it is safe ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Ropivacaine is not suitable for patients with hepatitis (during an episode). Please discuss with your physician/pharmacist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Managing Medication for Hepatitis B Carriers with Kidney Issues
Should You See a Doctor for Liver and Kidney Scan Results?
Do I need to see a doctor? The CT scan report of your father indicates: Apical fibrosis in both lungs; otherwise, the remaining lung is clear. There are left renal stones, a calcified spot in the liver, calcification of the coronary arteries, and a small cyst on the spleen. Shoul...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, Lungs: There may be fibrosis due to pneumonia, often a result of scarring from old pulmonary tuberculosis. Kidneys: Right kidney stone; if symptomatic, seek care from a urologist. Liver: Calcifications may also indicate intrahepatic stones; if asymptomatic, no treatm...[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for Liver and Kidney Scan Results?
Essential Tests for Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers: A Guide
What tests should be done for a hepatitis B carrier? Hello: I underwent a health check at the end of 2005, where I tested positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen and negative for Hepatitis B surface antibody. In the following years, my GOT and GPT levels were normal. If I want t...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. According to your examination in 2005, you are a carrier of Hepatitis B. Your liver function tests are normal; however, chronic Hepatitis B poses a high risk for liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is recommended to have regular annual check-ups, including liver func...[Read More] Essential Tests for Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers: A Guide
Understanding Fluid Buildup Between Stomach and Pancreas: Causes and Prevention
Why do I have blisters between my stomach and pancreas? Hello, doctor: I recently had an ultrasound examination and found an abnormality. The hospital scheduled me for a CT scan, and the doctor mentioned it could be a cyst or some tissue. I'm very worried! I also went to two...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Chris: The presence of cysts in the organs (liver, kidneys, pancreas) is often due to non-specific reasons. If they are not large and are monitored every 3 to 6 months without any changes, they are usually benign and there is no need for concern. Changhua Hospital cares...[Read More] Understanding Fluid Buildup Between Stomach and Pancreas: Causes and Prevention
Understanding AFP Levels: What Does a Rapid Drop Mean for Tumor Recurrence?
The fetal protein level was 97, and after four days, the test result was less than 3. What is the likelihood of tumor recurrence? My daughter had hepatoblastoma with an alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level peaking at 1.3 million. After chemotherapy and surgery, her levels were normal fo...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, basically any test can have errors (testing variability), and each test can show slight fluctuations because normal values for any parameter are a range rather than absolute values. Additionally, EIA (Enzyme Immunoassay) and RIA (Radioimmunoassay) cannot be directly compar...[Read More] Understanding AFP Levels: What Does a Rapid Drop Mean for Tumor Recurrence?
Detoxification: Impact of Sleep on Liver and Kidney Health
Detoxification? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask a few questions. 1. Does long-term sleep deprivation (around six months) lead to poor detoxification of the liver or kidneys? 2. If detoxification is impaired, can it cause hair loss on the scalp? 3. How can one restore the ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, 1. Generally speaking, staying up late is not a direct cause of liver or kidney problems; however, individuals with liver or kidney issues should avoid staying up late. 2. From a Western medical perspective, there seems to be no definitive correlation between detoxifica...[Read More] Detoxification: Impact of Sleep on Liver and Kidney Health
Understanding Abnormal Glutamyl Transferase Levels: Causes and Concerns
Abnormalities of transaminases? Hello, I recently had a health check-up at my company and my results showed an abnormal level of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) at 104. The other results were as follows: GTP: 18, SGOT: 23, direct bilirubin (D-BIL): 0.2, total bilirubin (T-BIL): ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) can be found in biliary epithelial cells, hepatocytes, and other tissues such as the kidneys, pancreas, and small intestine. GGT, also known as the alcohol index, can be used to assess alcoholic hepatitis. Additionally, if alkaline phosphat...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Glutamyl Transferase Levels: Causes and Concerns
Can Drinking Too Many Beverages Lead to Kidney Issues?
Does drinking beverages excessively really lead to kidney deficiency? I'm worried? Does drinking a lot of beverages really lead to kidney deficiency? I'm worried that continuously drinking beverages could cause kidney issues. I'm concerned because I haven't be...
Dr. Zhang Siyuan Reply:
Dear Student Chen, I am very concerned that if you continue to drink beverages and reduce your water intake, over time this may lead to excessive strain on your kidneys. This condition is referred to in Western medicine as renal insufficiency, meaning that while kidney function ...[Read More] Can Drinking Too Many Beverages Lead to Kidney Issues?
Understanding Bad Breath: Could H. Pylori Be the Culprit?
Helicobacter pylori Hello Doctor: I have been troubled by a frustrating issue for the past five years; I have a problem with halitosis. Regardless of whether I brush my teeth or not, the odor persists, and people are hesitant to talk to me, which is difficult to address. I am onl...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, Xiao Bai. 1. Issues with the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, and metabolic disorders can all lead to halitosis. 2. Helicobacter pylori can cause gastritis and duodenal ulcers, and some individuals may experience bad breath as a result. 3. Testing f...[Read More] Understanding Bad Breath: Could H. Pylori Be the Culprit?
Understanding High RGT Levels: Implications and Management Strategies
What happens if RGT is too high? Recently, I participated in a family health check organized by the health bureau, and my health report indicated an RGT index as high as 172, which led to the insurance company denying coverage. What is the significance of the RGT index? Last year...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! γ-GT, or gamma-glutamyl transferase, is an enzyme predominantly found in the kidneys, liver, pancreas, serum, blood cells, and bile ducts. It is particularly sensitive to alcohol consumption, making it useful for screening for alcoholic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, or abnor...[Read More] Understanding High RGT Levels: Implications and Management Strategies
How Much Aflatoxin Exposure Can Lead to Liver Cancer?
How much aflatoxin does one need to consume to develop liver cancer? Dear Dr. Hsu, I have undergone abdominal ultrasound examinations by two different physicians. The doctor at the Tzu Chi Douliu Clinic reported a small dark shadow and noted that the spleen appears larger than u...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, since you do not have hepatitis B or C, the likelihood of malignant tumors is low. However, if you are still concerned, a CT scan can be arranged for further evaluation. I'm not sure about the size of the small dark spot that was seen on the original ultrasound; somet...[Read More] How Much Aflatoxin Exposure Can Lead to Liver Cancer?
Is Drinking 4000ml of Water Daily Harmful for Your Digestive Health?
Water This year, I've been drinking 4000ml of water daily due to acne. I thought that since I'm taking medication every day, it could alleviate the burden on my kidneys. Is this correct? Recently, I've lost 7.8 kilograms, and I can't find the reason. Could it ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Weight loss should be investigated for underlying causes. 2. Drinking water before meals should not negatively affect digestion; the digestion and absorption of food are influenced by various factors, including the type of food and thorough chewing, as well as the se...[Read More] Is Drinking 4000ml of Water Daily Harmful for Your Digestive Health?
Midnight Stomach Pain: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Issues
Stomach pain at midnight? Hello: I experience a pain in my stomach that feels similar to hunger pangs when I lie on my back at night, but the pain subsides when I change positions. This has been ongoing for over a year. Two years ago, I underwent an endoscopy, and the doctor note...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Experiencing stomach pain at night and having occult blood in the stool indicates potential gastrointestinal issues, which may include inflammation, ulcers, tumors, or gastric ulcers that require monitoring. It is advisable to seek medical evaluation to determine whether upper or...[Read More] Midnight Stomach Pain: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Issues
Understanding Digestive Issues: Weight Loss, Abdominal Pain, and Nutrient Absorption
Question I am very thin and no matter how much I eat, I don't gain weight. Could this be due to poor gastrointestinal health? I often experience stomach pain and diarrhea, and my skin appears yellow. My breasts also haven't developed; could this be a result of poor nutr...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: There are many possible causes for poor absorption, including high stress, chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, and issues with the digestive system, liver, kidneys, heart, or endocrine system. It is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Sincerely, Dr. Yuan Hongdao, In...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Weight Loss, Abdominal Pain, and Nutrient Absorption
Managing Bloating in Seniors: Tips for Comfort and Relief
Bloating issues in the elderly? My mother-in-law is already eighty years old and has been experiencing severe pain in the lower right side of her chest from the afternoon until late at night for the past few days. An ultrasound examination at the hospital showed that her kidneys,...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: There are many reasons for pain in the lower right side of the chest, including neuralgia, chest abnormalities, and liver, gallbladder, or gastrointestinal diseases. If taking gastrointestinal medications does not improve the condition, it is recommended to continue follow...[Read More] Managing Bloating in Seniors: Tips for Comfort and Relief
Understanding Kidney Size Differences: Causes and Health Implications
Am I a kidney disease patient? Why is one of my kidneys larger than the other? Is it congenital or caused by my poor diet over the years? When there are issues with the kidneys, do they hurt? Can I consume water like a normal person?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Having one kidney larger than the other can be due to congenital or acquired conditions. Since we do not know the actual size difference between the two kidneys, it is advisable to consult a nephrologist if there are any concerns. 2. Pain may occur when there...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Size Differences: Causes and Health Implications
Understanding Unexplained Pain: Seeking Answers for Abdominal Discomfort
I am troubled by unexplained pain? I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been experiencing a dull pain in the lower right back for three months. The pain also occurs when I contract my abdomen and when I lean backward. I visited the nephrology department at Mackay Memorial Hospi...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Pain in the lower right flank may involve various organs, including muscles, nerves, kidneys, retroperitoneal space, urinary tract, intestines, uterus, and ovaries. 2. It is advisable for hepatitis B carriers to undergo regular abdominal ultrasound examination...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Pain: Seeking Answers for Abdominal Discomfort
Managing Drug Resistance in Hepatitis Treatment: What You Need to Know
What should be done if liver disease develops drug resistance? Hello... Six months ago, my ALT and AST levels were over 500. The e-antigen was positive with a viral load of 1380. After taking HepaGam for three months, my ALT and AST levels returned to normal, and the viral load d...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, generally, taking Hepatitis B medication (such as Entecavir) for one year can lead to the disappearance of the e-antigen, with a 20% chance of developing e-antibodies. If e-antibodies are produced, you will need to continue taking the medication for another six months. The...[Read More] Managing Drug Resistance in Hepatitis Treatment: What You Need to Know
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology
Blood in the stool? Hello Doctor, for the past three years, I have experienced blood in my stool approximately every two months. Before the occurrence of blood in my stool, I feel a dull ache and a sensation of fullness or swelling in the area of my kidneys in the back. The blood...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, the presence of blood in the stool indicates gastrointestinal bleeding. If the person does not experience dizziness or signs of shock, it suggests that the bleeding is coming from the colon or rectum. Generally, bleeding from the colon results in dark red or bright red sto...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology