Persistent Oily Stools: Do I Need Further Tests for Digestive Issues?
Floating stools with oil have been evaluated through various tests. I would like to ask if any further examinations are necessary? The patient has been experiencing long-term pain in the right upper abdomen and has had unformed stools. Recently, the stools have been floating and ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 38-year-old male presents with floating stools. His diet is not excessively greasy, and stool tests can be conducted to check for steatorrhea. Floating stools are associated with diet, medications, and gastrointestinal, liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic diseases. Both g...[Read More] Persistent Oily Stools: Do I Need Further Tests for Digestive Issues?
Managing Digestive Issues: Tips for Handling Greasy Foods
Eating too much greasy food can easily cause diarrhea? Hello, my gastrointestinal health has deteriorated over the past few years. Whenever I eat something too greasy, I experience diarrhea. Are there any medications that can help treat this condition? For example, something I ca...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you consume too much oily food, it can lead to diarrhea. The best approach is to avoid eating excessively oily foods. You may consider visiting a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialist to check if there are any issues with your liver, gallbladder, or pancreas. Ch...[Read More] Managing Digestive Issues: Tips for Handling Greasy Foods
Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: What Do They Mean for You?
Hepatitis testing I would like to ask a question. Since my father has liver cancer, I specifically tested for hepatitis B and received a report indicating HBsAg Positive (410.33). Does this mean I have hepatitis B? Is this value considered high? Additionally, Anti-HCV Negative (&...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You have hepatitis B, but not hepatitis C. Please visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: What Do They Mean for You?
Could BNT COVID Vaccine Cause Abnormal ALT Levels in Patients?
Does receiving the BNT COVID-19 vaccine cause abnormal ALT liver enzyme levels? Hello Doctor: I have been diagnosed with autoimmune conditions including Sjögren's syndrome, autoimmune thyroiditis, and vitiligo, and I have been taking the medication Sulfasalazine. Since last ...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Miss Yuping: Based on what you mentioned, it should not be related to the vaccine. I believe it is more associated with autoimmune diseases. You may want to discuss this with a rheumatologist.[Read More] Could BNT COVID Vaccine Cause Abnormal ALT Levels in Patients?
CT vs MRI: Which Imaging is Best for Abdominal Diagnosis?
Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for abdominal diagnosis? I would like to ask, since I have already undergone gastroscopy, ultrasound, and colonoscopy, but the discomfort in my upper abdomen has not improved, if I want to pay out of pocket for advance...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you are examining solid organs, a CT scan of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys/adrenal glands, ovaries, and uterus will suffice. However, if you need to reconstruct images of the pancreatic duct or bile duct, an MRI is required. Of course, any lesions vi...[Read More] CT vs MRI: Which Imaging is Best for Abdominal Diagnosis?
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Insights into Gastrointestinal Issues
Abdominal issues? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing pain in the upper right quadrant of my abdomen for the past six months. I underwent an ultrasound which revealed fatty liver and gallbladder polyps, and an endoscopy indicated mild gastritis. A few weeks later, I suddenly d...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, your comprehensive examinations are sufficient to diagnose diseases of all abdominal organs. However, functional issues such as abnormal peristalsis, irritable bowel syndrome; metabolic disorders (such as thyroid dysfunction, blood sugar abnormalities; or rarer conditions ...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Insights into Gastrointestinal Issues
Persistent Discomfort in the Upper Right Abdomen: Causes and Next Steps
Persistent discomfort in the right upper abdomen? For the past two months, I have been experiencing a tight, burning sensation in the upper right part of my abdomen (approximately from just above the navel to just below the lower rib margin). At the end of last month, I had an ab...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, since you have already undergone abdominal ultrasound, gastroscopy, and colonoscopy, most diseases in the right upper abdomen can be diagnosed. You may want to review your dietary habits to see if they are contributing to your gastric discomfort, such as the consumption of...[Read More] Persistent Discomfort in the Upper Right Abdomen: Causes and Next Steps
Challenges in Draining Liver Abscess: Risks and Treatment Options
The location of the liver abscess makes drainage impossible? On December 1, 2021, I had a fever and went to the emergency room. A CT scan of my abdomen revealed a liver abscess, which led to my hospitalization for treatment. During my hospital stay, an abdominal ultrasound showed...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is recommended to closely cooperate with the physician for follow-up, providing a daily temperature log for three meals. If the fever exceeds 38 to 39 degrees Celsius, return for an earlier consultation or visit the emergency department.[Read More] Challenges in Draining Liver Abscess: Risks and Treatment Options
Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Tightness and Heat Sensation
Tightness and a prickling heat sensation in the upper right abdomen? Recently, I have been experiencing a tight sensation in the upper right abdomen (approximately from above the navel to just below the rib cage) that feels warm at times. This has persisted for about a month and ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
First, apply local heat therapy and observe. Avoid vigorous exercise or local strain, and return for a follow-up if necessary.[Read More] Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Tightness and Heat Sensation
Understanding White Objects in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Bowel issues Hello, tonight my bowel movement felt very smooth. After flushing, I noticed a white object that looked like a soybean floating in the water. I had a bit of stomach pain and some diarrhea the previous morning, but it went away by the evening. I also ate more for dinn...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there are no symptoms, it can be monitored further.[Read More] Understanding White Objects in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Upper abdominal pain Hello, Doctor. I have been experiencing abdominal pain since 2019. I had a CT scan, and the doctor said everything was fine. I have a history of gastric ulcers, and this year, I've been having persistent abdominal pain, severe bloating, loss of appetite,...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Upper abdominal pain requires differential diagnosis to identify the cause, which may include gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and diseases of the gallbladder, pancreas, and liver, as well as abdominal cavity disorders. In the case of a history of gastric ulcers, in additi...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels with Normal Liver Function
Liver function is normal, but bilirubin levels are elevated? Hello Doctor, my health check report shows normal liver function, with total bilirubin at 1.4 (normal range 0.3–1.0) and direct bilirubin at 0.3 (normal range 0.03–0.18). I have a history of anemia and would like to kno...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Ms. User: A total bilirubin level of 1.4 can have many causes and may be related to anemia. I'm not sure what type of anemia you have. It would be advisable to consult a hematologist first. Director Cai Jin-ji from the Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology a...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels with Normal Liver Function
Can You Repeat an Endoscopy Within Two Weeks? Concerns and Considerations
Can a gastroscopy be repeated within two weeks? My father, who is 80 years old, underwent an endoscopy due to medication issues related to liver cirrhosis, and a suspected one-centimeter tumor was found (he had part of his stomach removed due to stomach cancer ten years ago). How...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Clinicians have their considerations; there is no specific interval required for performing gastroscopy, and there are no particular restrictions from health insurance. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Can You Repeat an Endoscopy Within Two Weeks? Concerns and Considerations
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Sleep Problems and Liver Health
Hello, doctor? Hello, Doctor! I have been unable to sleep in July and August this year, only falling asleep around 7 AM the next day. I have a long history of insomnia and irregular sleep patterns, but it was particularly severe this past July and August. In September, while taki...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. Fecal occult blood testing can be performed. 2. Eliminate poor dietary habits / weight loss. 3. Medications may be necessary to manage digestive symptoms. 4. Psychological evaluation may be needed for insomnia medication.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Sleep Problems and Liver Health
Can Fatty Liver Disease Be Reversed? Understanding Your Health Risks
Fatty liver disease issues? Hello, doctor. During my recent health check-up, my liver enzymes were slightly abnormal. After an ultrasound, I was diagnosed with mild fatty liver disease. I am already planning to lose weight. I would like to know if this condition can be cured. I a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Weight loss can lead to a cure.[Read More] Can Fatty Liver Disease Be Reversed? Understanding Your Health Risks
Managing Nausea and GERD: Insights from Gastroenterology
Dry heaving, nausea, gastritis, GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) Q: After lying down and getting up, I feel nauseous and need to eat or drink something to alleviate it. Examination: Gastritis (no Helicobacter pylori), excessive gastric acid after 8 hours of NPO, gastroesoph...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Medication can be discussed with the primary care physician (medications to be taken at bedtime? Some may require out-of-pocket expenses?) along with weight loss, increased physical activity, and dietary adjustments.[Read More] Managing Nausea and GERD: Insights from Gastroenterology
Understanding Left Rib Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Recently, I have been experiencing a subtle pain in the left lower rib area for about three weeks? For the past three weeks, there has been a subtle pain in the left lower rib area. Duration: Approximately three weeks Location: Near the lower left rib, not quite on the side C...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please see the gastroenterology outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Left Rib Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Hepatitis B Fibrosis: Which Doctor's Advice to Trust?
Hepatic fibrosis due to hepatitis B? Hello Doctor, I am a carrier of Hepatitis B and have been regularly monitored at a gastroenterology clinic in Chiayi. Recently, during an ultrasound examination, the clinic doctor informed me that there appears to be some fibrosis in my liver,...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Ultrasound is influenced by personal interpretation and machine resolution, raising concerns about the accuracy of biopsy or self-paid liver fibrosis scans (approximately around NT$1,000).[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Fibrosis: Which Doctor's Advice to Trust?
Managing Flatulence and Bad Breath in Seniors: A Gastroenterology Perspective
A 71-year-old elderly individual is experiencing issues with flatulence and halitosis? Hello doctor, my mother was born in 1939 and is currently 71 years old. She usually has a light diet and has lactose intolerance. For breakfast, she typically eats one egg and sometimes has a g...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there are no specific symptoms, it is recommended to first have a dental examination for bad breath.[Read More] Managing Flatulence and Bad Breath in Seniors: A Gastroenterology Perspective
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes in Young Children: What Parents Should Know
Liver enzyme issues? A 3-year-old child attended a growth clinic and had blood test results showing: 1. AST/SGOT: 49 (reference range: 10-42) 2. Lymphocytes: 60 (reference range: 19-48). All other report results were normal, with only these two values highlighted in red. The chil...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Whether it's liver function tests or lymphocyte counts, the primary purpose of blood tests every three months is to monitor the trends in these indices. If your physician recommends it, it is advisable to continue monitoring. Changhua Hospital cares about your health....[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes in Young Children: What Parents Should Know