Understanding Elevated Blood Ammonia Levels: Causes, Symptoms, and Testing
Blood ammonia I have alcoholic hepatitis, coronary artery disease, a minor stroke, and gallstones. Recently, I went to the emergency room due to abdominal bloating, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Blood tests showed my serum ammonia level was 130. The doctor informed me tha...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, elevated ammonia levels are toxic to the brain. Normally, ammonia is produced from protein metabolism. However, the human body has a urea cycle system to eliminate ammonia. In children with congenital metabolic disorders, this can lead to hyperammonemia, which may present ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Blood Ammonia Levels: Causes, Symptoms, and Testing
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
Causes of Right Side Abdominal Bloating: Beyond Ultrasound Findings
Bloating on the right side of the abdomen? If you are experiencing bloating on the right side of your abdomen and an ultrasound did not reveal any issues, there are several potential causes to consider. These may include: 1. **Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)**: A common gastroint...
Dr. Zhang Siyuan Reply:
Hello! Abdominal bloating is just a symptom, and as you inquired, it can have many causes, some of which are benign and not life-threatening if diagnosed late, while others can be life-threatening if recognized too late and should not be taken lightly. Common causes include the f...[Read More] Causes of Right Side Abdominal Bloating: Beyond Ultrasound Findings
Are Bloating and Dizziness Related? Understanding Gastrointestinal Health
Is dizziness related to bloating? Hello doctor! My husband is 55 years old and has a large abdomen. He has regular bowel movements every day but often feels bloated, and recently he has experienced occasional dizziness. Could this be related? Additionally, how should he manage hi...
Dr. Zhang Siyuan Reply:
Hello! Here are the answers to your questions: ★ Bloating is just a symptom that can have many causes. Benign causes may not be life-threatening even if diagnosed late, but some causes can be life-threatening if detected too late, so it should not be taken lightly. Common causes...[Read More] Are Bloating and Dizziness Related? Understanding Gastrointestinal Health
Managing Chronic Hepatitis B in Adolescents: Concerns and Treatment Options
Hepatitis B My daughter contracted hepatitis B vertically due to my condition. Although she received immunoglobulin at birth, she is now 14 years old and her e-antigen is still positive. I take her for blood tests and ultrasounds every three months. Currently, her GOT, GPT, and f...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear concerned mother, I can sense your eagerness and love! However, there is no need to be anxious; it seems that there is currently no major issue. Just keep monitoring the situation without the need for any medication (only necessary during episodes). The ultrasound report de...[Read More] Managing Chronic Hepatitis B in Adolescents: Concerns and Treatment Options
Can Ascites from Cirrhosis Spread Hepatitis C? Understanding the Risks
Cirrhosis Hello, Dr. Lin. I would like to ask if ascites caused by liver cirrhosis is contagious. On December 19, my mother-in-law went to the hospital to have fluid drained from her lungs due to cirrhosis. After returning home, the puncture site did not heal properly, causing fl...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, although the virus can be detected in the pleural effusion, the amount is small. There is a possibility of infection, so it is important to monitor for any skin breaks. Infection is more likely with blood contact, so it is advisable to avoid direct contact as much as possi...[Read More] Can Ascites from Cirrhosis Spread Hepatitis C? Understanding the Risks
Coping with Cirrhosis: A Family's Struggle for Hope and Care
Cirrhosis ~ Helpless Family Members Hello Dr. Lee, My brother is only 45 years old and has developed cirrhosis due to excessive smoking and drinking, along with long-term night shift work. He is currently hospitalized and has been there for a month. In the first few days of his...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello, based on the information provided in the letter, your brother's liver cirrhosis has become quite severe. It is unclear whether your brother has hepatitis B or C, in addition to his smoking and drinking habits. Cirrhosis is a slow inflammatory process, so reaching this...[Read More] Coping with Cirrhosis: A Family's Struggle for Hope and Care
Persistent Bad Breath: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
Distress 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, my breath is always foul, and people are hesitant to talk to me, which is difficult to address. I am only 28...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen, Halitosis is a bothersome issue that can persist even with good oral hygiene, and despite not smoking or drinking alcohol. It is advisable to avoid irritant foods such as garlic, as some cases of halitosis are related to anaerobic bacteria in the oral cavity. The ...[Read More] Persistent Bad Breath: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Persistent Bad Breath: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Halitosis Hello Doctor: I have been troubled by a persistent issue for the past five years; I have a problem with halitosis. Regardless of whether I brush my teeth or not, the odor remains strong, and people are hesitant to talk to me, which is difficult to address. I am only 28 ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen: We still recommend discussing your halitosis issue with a dentist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Persistent Bad Breath: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal 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 Bad Breath: Causes, Solutions, and Medical Insights
Halitosis Hello Doctor, I have been troubled by a persistent issue for the past five years: I suffer from halitosis. Regardless of whether I brush my teeth or not, the odor remains, and people are hesitant to talk to me, which is difficult to address. I am only 28 years old, do...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen: If there are no oral issues, you can test for Helicobacter pylori (blood test costs about 300 NTD), followed by eradication treatment (approximately over 2000 NTD). Gastroenterology clinics offer this service, but it may not necessarily eliminate bad breath. Chang...[Read More] Understanding Bad Breath: Causes, Solutions, and Medical Insights
Understanding Liver Virus Index: Key Questions and Health Implications
What is the liver virus index? 1. What is the liver virus index? Does it refer to the levels of AST (GOT) and ALT (GPT)? The doctor mentioned that this test is only available at National Taiwan University Hospital and New Taipei City Hospital. 2. What happens if a person with no...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, 1. The hepatitis B virus load test is referred to as HBV DNA. GOT and GPT are indicators of liver inflammation and are different tests from the viral load. 2. The HBV DNA test is indeed not available at every testing facility. 3. If there is no liver cirrhosis and the HBV ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Virus Index: Key Questions and Health Implications
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
Can Gastroscopy Reveal Your Lifestyle Habits Like Smoking and Drinking?
Information that can be obtained from gastroscopy? Can a gastroscopy reveal your usual habits? For example, can a gastroscopy indicate whether you smoke or drink alcohol?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello Ben, the main purpose of an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for any lesions, including inflammation, erosion, ulcers, tumors, and changes related to lifestyle habits. Widespread lesions may be associated with irritant medi...[Read More] Can Gastroscopy Reveal Your Lifestyle Habits Like Smoking and Drinking?
Managing Diuretics for Ascites in Cirrhosis: Dosage Adjustments Explained
Diuretics Hello! My father has cirrhosis. He saw the doctor yesterday, and since his overall condition has improved, the doctor reduced his diuretics from taking half a tablet of Lasix (Furosemide) daily (20mg) and two tablets of Aldactone (Spironolactone) (totaling 50mg) to just...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Wang Hong, The management of ascites due to liver cirrhosis often requires the use of Aldactone (spironolactone) in combination with Lasix (furosemide), along with the restriction of salt and fluid intake. Changhua Hospital is concerned about your health. Sincerely, ...[Read More] Managing Diuretics for Ascites in Cirrhosis: Dosage Adjustments Explained
Understanding Liver Function Tests: Normal Results with Elevated Bilirubin Levels
Liver function tests? Doctor, I received my lab results today: G.O.P = 21, G.P.T = 31, and albumin = 4.4, all of which are normal. I am a carrier of hepatitis B, but why is my total bilirubin level 1.88 under these normal conditions? What could be the reason for this? What should...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. (1) Hepatitis B carriers should undergo regular monitoring of GOT, GPT, AFP, and abdominal ultrasound. (2) Elevated total bilirubin can be attributed to three main causes: 1. Excessive destruction of red blood cells leading to the release of too much hemoglobin; 2. Liver dysfu...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: Normal Results with Elevated Bilirubin Levels
Understanding Liver Tumor Treatment Options: Surgery, Biopsy, and More
Treatment of liver tumors? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask about my aunt. She is experiencing swelling and pain under her right rib cage, along with noticeable jaundice. After undergoing an abdominal ultrasound at the hospital, the results showed tumors in both lobes of her...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Ms. Hsiao-Pei, 1. If imaging studies and blood tests cannot confirm the tumor classification, a liver biopsy is necessary (but should be performed with caution). 2. After understanding the tumor classification and staging, treatment options will be recommended based on medi...[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumor Treatment Options: Surgery, Biopsy, and More
Understanding Liver Regeneration with Entecavir in Cirrhosis Patients
Regarding the liver regeneration function associated with the use of "Belac" (Bepotastine besilate)? Dear Dr. Chen, I have purchased your book and would like to consult you regarding my father, who is 60 years old and has related health issues. Two years ago, he was ho...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello: My father has cirrhosis and underwent embolization two years ago. After that, the embolized area was surgically removed. He has been developing tumors every six months, which have been treated with alcohol injections. In October 2006, with the physician's permission, ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Regeneration with Entecavir in Cirrhosis Patients
Understanding Liver Cirrhosis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Fibrosis Insights
Cirrhosis Dear Vice President Tsai, I have a few questions I would like to ask you, thank you. 1. What are the causes of liver nodules? Does the presence of liver nodules indicate the presence of liver cirrhosis? 2. Can liver cirrhosis be detected through ultrasound? 3. If the ...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Cirrhosis can be detected through ultrasound, which may appear coarse; however, the liver does not necessarily exhibit signs of fibrosis. The definition of cirrhosis involves hepatocyte necrosis, with the remaining liver cells regenerating to form nodular structures surrounded by...[Read More] Understanding Liver Cirrhosis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Fibrosis Insights
Managing Severe Rectal Bleeding and Pain After Liver Disease Treatment
Excessive bleeding during bowel movements is very painful? My father has liver disease and was taking laxatives to prevent ammonia levels from rising, which caused him to become comatose. However, he developed anal fissures and has been having bowel movements five times a day, wi...
Dr. Liu Nanshan Reply:
In patients with liver cirrhosis, in addition to anal fissures, it is also necessary to rule out bleeding from esophageal varices when there is blood in the stool. The physician will determine the color of the blood, whether it is bright red, dark red, or tarry. Based on this ass...[Read More] Managing Severe Rectal Bleeding and Pain After Liver Disease Treatment