Liver, Gastroenterology and Hepatology FAQ - Page 15

Abnormal total bilirubin levels The child has been approximately 2 years old since birth and has consistently had elevated total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels. These levels have been gradually decreasing, but recent tests in May showed an increase in total bilirubin/direc...

Stool color Hello Doctor: 1. Since this year, the color of my stool has consistently been grass green, dark green, and blackish green. 2. I have daily bowel movements, the shape is normal, and I do not have diarrhea. 3. I have undergone both colonoscopy and gastroscopy, and t...

Rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and hiccups? Hello, I have had gastrointestinal issues since childhood, and I often burp after eating. Last week, I started experiencing dizziness, and this week I noticed an increased heart rate (90 when lying down and over 100 when standing). I also ...

Upper abdominal protrusion? For about a year to a year and a half, my upper abdomen has been protruding, specifically between my navel and ribcage, while the area below the navel remains flat. During this period, I gained approximately 4 kilograms over the course of a year (my we...

Congenital biliary atresia vaccination administration? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about congenital biliary atresia. I have experienced jaundice due to fever. Would you recommend getting the AZ or Moderna vaccine?

Drug side effects Hello, Dr. Chen! I have been experiencing painless and itchy red spots, rashes, or bruises on my skin every 1 to 3 months. I have been following up with a hematologist every six months, and my platelet count is between 70,000 and 80,000. I am also a carrier of h...

Is it safe to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if the ALT levels are elevated? Currently, Taiwan is gradually opening up vaccine administration. Based on the literature and data reviewed, I have not found any recommendations or prohibitions regarding vaccination when ALT levels are e...

Elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels? As mentioned, I recently had a health check-up, and the report shows an AFP level of 10.77 (normal range 0-9 ng/ml) highlighted in red, while other liver enzymes such as GPT and GOT are normal. Should I seek further examination? Thank you.

Hepatitis B medication issues? Hello doctor, my liver function and fetal protein levels are normal, but due to my high viral load, the doctor has suggested that I pay out of pocket for medication. If economic considerations are not an issue, is it possible to use medication for a...

Does cancer treatment medication cause elevated liver enzymes? Hello Doctor, my father was diagnosed with rectal cancer two years ago and underwent surgery, recovering well. However, during a routine check-up two months ago, a recurrence was found, but the original treating physi...

I would like to inquire about the use of traditional Chinese medicine for hepatitis B? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with hepatitis B. I previously took Entecavir, and after the viral load was effectively reduced, my primary physician advised me to stop the medication. After stopp...

Medication-induced gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Past Medical History: 1. Stress ulcer (lesser curvature of the stomach) 2. Irritable bowel syndrome Q: If [Grade A esophagitis] and [non-H. pylori gastritis] are ignored for a long time, could the consequences lead to eso...

Hepatic adenoma Hello Doctor, my mother is 60 years old. She was diagnosed with stage 1A gastric cancer in August 2018 and underwent surgical treatment. Since then, she has been undergoing annual check-ups. In July 2020, an abdominal CT scan revealed a small nodule in the liver. ...

Liver tumor issues? Hello Dr. Chen, my father has liver cancer with a 9 cm liver tumor and a bilirubin level of 2.4. He has been experiencing shortness of breath recently, and the doctor mentioned pleural effusion. The doctor also said that since the bilirubin level has not dropp...

Dull pain in the liver area and yellowing of the sclera? Hello! I have been a long-term alcoholic for about 7 to 8 years, starting with red wine, then whiskey, and later consuming approximately 250 to 300 cc of 58% sorghum liquor each night (I have a habit of drinking until I fal...

Blister on the liver? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if a liver cyst has grown to about 15-16 centimeters and there is pain in the lower abdomen, how many days should I expect to be hospitalized for ultrasound-guided aspiration? Will there be significant pain after the proce...

Liver function tests (LFTs) Hello Doctor: Recent health check reports indicate abnormal liver function with SGOT: 45 U/L and SGPT: 45 U/L. What could be the issue or what recommendations do you have? Is there a need for immediate medical attention, re-examination, or treatment? T...

Excessive intake of catechins? I would like to ask, convenience stores sell bottled green tea that often claims to contain catechins. What is the maximum daily intake of catechins in milligrams? Is excessive intake harmful to the liver? Thank you.

The impact of medication on hepatic hemangiomas? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if it is safe to take Finasteride or similar medications like Rogaine if I have a hepatic hemangioma? I often feel a tight sensation near my lower right rib, as if something is pressing against it...

Chronic bloating Hello Doctor, I am 23 years old and have been experiencing bloating and pain on the left side of my abdomen near the navel for the past four years. Sometimes I also have pain in the upper left abdomen. I visited a major hospital for examination, and during an ult...