Understanding Liver Health: Long-term Effects of Medication and Monitoring
Could you please provide more details about the liver issues? 1. Long-term use of Ganciclovir can have side effects. It may affect other organs, including the kidneys. 2. Since your liver function has returned to normal but the E antigen has not yet turned negative, it is advis...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, there are no significant side effects from the treatment, and it does not affect other organs. The e-antigen has not turned negative (treatment should continue), liver function tests are normal, and the treatment goal has not yet been achieved (the e-an...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Long-term Effects of Medication and Monitoring
Understanding Ascites: Causes, Risks, and Connections to Cancer
What is major water pollution, and what is its severity? Doctor, I'm not clear about medical issues, so when I heard about significant ascites in the abdomen, I was filled with a lot of questions. Why is there a lot of fluid in the belly, and could this indicate advanced can...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, in healthy individuals, there is typically very little ascitic fluid present in the abdominal cavity, and it is not detectable on ultrasound. Therefore, the presence of abdominal fluid indicates an underlying issue, which could be related to the liver, kidneys, heart, or p...[Read More] Understanding Ascites: Causes, Risks, and Connections to Cancer
Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: Insights on GOT, GPT, and γ-GT Levels
Drinking alcohol Hello, doctor: After my health check-up, I found out that my GOT is 30, GPT is 76, γ-GT is 80, AFP is 7.6, and CEA is 0.62. I do not have hepatitis B, but I have fatty liver. I would like to ask the doctor why my γ-GT is abnormal even though I do not drink alcoho...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The enzyme r-GT is present not only in the liver but also in other organs such as the kidneys and spleen. In individuals who consume alcohol regularly, it serves as a reference indicator. Even if you are not currently drinking, a history of regular alcohol consumption can ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: Insights on GOT, GPT, and γ-GT Levels
Understanding Abdominal Cysts: Concerns for Elderly Patients with Comorbidities
Abdominal cyst? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask for your advice regarding my mother, who is 75 years old. She has suffered a stroke on her right side and has diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease, which have severely affected her health. Two years ago, she underwent surg...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, after surgery, weakness of the abdominal wall muscles may lead to local hernia formation. Some individuals may experience a unilateral protrusion in the abdominal area similar to your mother's condition. It is essential to rule out any internal growths, and both abdom...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Cysts: Concerns for Elderly Patients with Comorbidities
Managing Hepatitis B Treatment: Concerns About Medication Effects and Digestive Health
Hello, how can I assist you today? Hello Doctor, 1. I am undergoing treatment for hepatitis B, and my doctor has prescribed me Hepa-Merz, Prometin, Topaal, Kascoal, and Canlin. I am concerned whether taking these medications for a long time could harm other organs. I am particu...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
1. The medication you are taking has minimal effects on the stomach and kidneys. 2. If you are still experiencing bloating after three months of medication, it may be due to incomplete recovery of the liver or possibly an issue with the stomach. You should consult a gastroenterol...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis B Treatment: Concerns About Medication Effects and Digestive Health
Understanding Right Flank and Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Possible Causes
Discomfort in the right lower back and right upper abdomen? Hello, doctor. About two months ago, I started experiencing a burning sensation combined with mild aching in my lower right back. The symptoms have been intermittent. Initially, I thought it was a sports injury, but over...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, you can arrange for an abdominal ultrasound (including liver, gallbladder, and kidneys) at the internal medicine or family medicine department, along with a urinalysis and X-ray examination. Thank you, Dr. Chen Zhi-Ping.[Read More] Understanding Right Flank and Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Possible Causes
Understanding Long Intestines: Solutions for Chronic Constipation
Is the intestine too long? I heard from my mother that I have been experiencing constipation since I was a baby. During elementary school, I didn't feel much discomfort, but since middle school, especially in recent years, I have hardly been able to have a bowel movement. Ov...
Dr. Xu Ruihong Reply:
Generally speaking, the intestines of humans are quite similar. Your issue may be related to decreased gastrointestinal motility. It is recommended that you consume more fruits and vegetables and engage in regular exercise, as these can help improve gastrointestinal motility. Est...[Read More] Understanding Long Intestines: Solutions for Chronic Constipation
Essential Liver Health Checks: Importance, Costs, and Local Resources
Liver organ examination Hello, Dr. Tsai. Recently, I saw my uncle collapse due to liver disease, which made me feel anxious. Currently, I work in law enforcement, and my lifestyle and diet are irregular. I have never had my liver checked before. Before undergoing liver function t...
Dr. Cai Junyan Reply:
Dear Mr. Tsai: You should first go to the hospital to check for chronic hepatitis. It is best to consult a qualified hepatologist or gastroenterologist. The examination should include liver function tests, hepatitis B and C virus antigen and antibody tests, and liver ultrasound...[Read More] Essential Liver Health Checks: Importance, Costs, and Local Resources
Understanding Stomach Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Stomach pain Hello Doctor: Recently, I had a cold and couldn't eat, so I took medication without eating for about two weeks. As a result, I developed gastritis, experiencing bloating and stomach pain. Initially, the pain was due to hunger, but after eating, I felt bloated, a...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
If your symptoms of bloating and stomach pain persist, it is best to undergo an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis, so that the physician can provide appropriate treatment.[Read More] Understanding Stomach Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Further Help
Abdominal pain Hello Doctor, my father has been experiencing abdominal pain when moving or lightly pressing on his abdomen for the past few days. When he is still, he feels a vague discomfort. However, his bowel movements and appetite are normal. He previously visited a small cli...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello! The question you asked is quite complex and covers a wide range of issues. First, there are many diseases related to the abdomen, and abdominal pain can involve various organs. Therefore, you need to specify the location of the pain and whether there is a fever. Typically,...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Further Help
Can Gallbladder Removal Qualify for Military Exemption?
Is it possible to be exempt from military service after gallbladder removal? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to inquire about a military service issue. My boyfriend underwent a cholecystectomy due to acute cholecystitis in Taoyuan six to seven years ago and spent over a month in the...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello: Your boyfriend's symptoms may be attributed to "post-cholecystectomy syndrome," but I cannot confirm whether it falls under the category of exemptions. Generally, it is advisable to avoid oily and sugary foods, as emotional stress can also have an impact. If...[Read More] Can Gallbladder Removal Qualify for Military Exemption?
Understanding Liver Cysts: Signs of Liver Disease or Just a Concern?
Liver cysts Are liver cysts a sign of liver disease, or do they indicate the presence of chronic liver disease? What should I be aware of? Thank you.
Dr. Xie Wenhuai Reply:
Liver tumors can be classified into parasitic and non-parasitic types, with non-parasitic tumors being less common and further divided into three categories. The first type is trauma-induced, the second type is tumor-related, which can be further classified into benign and malign...[Read More] Understanding Liver Cysts: Signs of Liver Disease or Just a Concern?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Prevention, Treatment, and Family Safety
Hepatitis B I have a relative who contracted hepatitis B from donating blood when he was young. What should he do for prevention and treatment in the future? Is there a vaccine that can cure it? What precautions should he take? Can his family members be infected?
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello Judy! Among hepatitis B carriers, some individuals may eventually progress to cirrhosis or even liver cancer. Therefore, it is essential to undergo regular blood tests and abdominal ultrasound examinations, and to receive appropriate treatment when necessary, with the goal ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Prevention, Treatment, and Family Safety
Understanding Stomach Ulcers: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and When to Get an Endoscopy
About gastric ulcers? Hello Dr. Yang, in June of this year, I experienced hunger-type abdominal pain, and at the beginning of July, I had tarry stools. I was diagnosed with gastric and duodenal ulcers and was hospitalized for treatment. Since then, I have been on medication, but ...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello! In general, over 90% of peptic ulcers heal after three months of treatment with ulcer medications. Therefore, if you are still experiencing symptoms such as excessive gastric acid and left upper abdominal tenderness, it is important to consider whether there are still issu...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Ulcers: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and When to Get an Endoscopy
Are Birth Control Pills Safe for Long-Term Use in Acne Treatment?
Is long-term use of contraceptive pills or menstrual regulation medications for treating acne harmful to the liver or kidneys, or does it have other side effects? My skin is very oily and prone to acne. Recently, I visited a dermatology clinic, and the doctor recommended taking h...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Hepatitis B carriers not only have the potential to transmit the virus to others, but the virus can also remain dormant within liver cells, potentially leading to chronic hepatitis, which may progress to cirrhosis and ultimately liver cancer. Therefore, due to the possibility of ...[Read More] Are Birth Control Pills Safe for Long-Term Use in Acne Treatment?
Can I Donate Bone Marrow or Organs with Hepatitis B Carrier Status?
Bone marrow donation or liver and kidney donation or..? I was diagnosed as a carrier of hepatitis B six years ago after giving birth. I only know that it is a one plus one minus situation, and that newborns are not required to receive immunoglobulin. My questions are: 1. Can I do...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if you are confirmed to be a carrier, it is generally not advisable to donate bone marrow or organs such as the liver or kidneys (as it may transmit the infection to the recipient), although there may be exceptions. You should monitor the changes in your hepatitis B status...[Read More] Can I Donate Bone Marrow or Organs with Hepatitis B Carrier Status?
Understanding Left Upper Rib Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
The persistent dull pain in the left upper rib area may indicate an issue with several potential organs or structures in that region. It could be related to the spleen, stomach, or even the diaphragm. Other possibilities include musculoskeletal issues such as rib or intercostal m...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, the symptoms you described are likely not related to the kidneys, unless there is hematuria, which could indicate kidney stones. It may be due to neuropathic pain or gastric pain. Please visit an internal medicine clinic for further evaluation and treatment. Wishing you go...[Read More] Understanding Left Upper Rib Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns