Understanding Long-term Bloating: When to Seek Medical Attention
Chronic bloating Hello doctor, I am 23 years old. Four years ago, I started experiencing bloating and pain on the left side of my abdomen near the navel, and sometimes pain in the upper left abdomen. I went to a large hospital for examination, and during an ultrasound, a hepatic ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: A 23-year-old female presents with abdominal bloating, left upper quadrant pain, and a history of esophageal reflux with gastric erosion. In addition to gastrointestinal disorders, differential diagnoses should also consider liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic diseases. The...[Read More] Understanding Long-term Bloating: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Right upper quadrant pain, mid-upper abdominal pain? Hello doctor, I am 23 years old and have issues with gastroesophageal reflux and bloating. Recently, the bloating has become more severe, and for the past few days, I have felt significant bloating in the lower middle part of m...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If discomfort persists, it is advisable to seek medical attention.[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Concerns About Untreated Liver Cancer Growth After TACE Procedure
After the embolization of a 5 cm liver cancer, there are still 2 cm of cancer cells remaining? Hello Doctor, my father has HCC measuring 3.2×4.8×3.4 cm in segment 3. He underwent TACE embolization in mid-March, and a CT scan on May 6 showed a remaining tumor measuring 1.3×1.8 cm ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The rate of change varies for each individual. If fetal protein levels are low before or after embolization, the changes may occur more slowly. During the pandemic, we can only say to proceed as quickly as possible.[Read More] Concerns About Untreated Liver Cancer Growth After TACE Procedure
Understanding Liver and Kidney Health: When to Seek Medical Attention
Liver and kidney related? Hello Doctor, I am 23 years old. For the past few years, I have been experiencing bloating and pain near my left side next to the navel. I went to a large hospital for examination, and during an abdominal ultrasound, a hepatic hemangioma was found, which...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely not jaundice; it is just bloating. You can first adjust your diet or consult a clinic for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Liver and Kidney Health: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Abdominal Hardness: Signs of Liver Issues or Muscle?
I noticed that my upper abdomen feels a bit hard? Today, while I was feeling my abdomen, I noticed that the skin just below my rib cage feels a bit hard. It's not as hard as a rock, but I read online that the liver should feel soft like the lips. What I felt was more like th...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It shouldn't be the liver that you're feeling, so there's no need to be overly anxious for now.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Hardness: Signs of Liver Issues or Muscle?
Understanding Abdominal Hardness: Is It Liver Disease or Something Else?
I noticed that my upper abdomen feels a bit hard? Today, while palpating my abdomen, I noticed that the skin just below my rib cage feels a bit hard. It's not as hard as a rock, but I read online that the liver should feel soft like lips. What I felt is more similar to the t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It's probably not touching the liver, so there's no need to be too anxious for now.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Hardness: Is It Liver Disease or Something Else?
Understanding White Stool: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
White stool Hello Dr. Lin, I noticed white stools when I had a bowel movement on Monday (April 12). After researching online, I found that the symptoms related to my condition could be gallstones and hepatitis. A few years ago, I had an abdominal ultrasound for hepatitis B and w...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Normal stool is yellow, while white stool is often caused by the inability of bile to flow, which can be due to liver, gallbladder, or pancreatic diseases. Common causes include bile duct obstruction. If bile duct obstruction is suspected, there may also be symptoms such a...[Read More] Understanding White Stool: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Vaccination Concerns for Hepatitis B: What You Need to Know
Vaccination Issues I want to get vaccinated because my mother has hepatitis B, but she doesn't know if she is a carrier or has been infected. She has forgotten due to her age, but her liver function tests are normal. Additionally, my grandfather had liver cancer, and my fath...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there is no exposure risk (such as for healthcare workers), there is no need for such proactive testing or booster shots (both of which are out-of-pocket expenses).[Read More] Vaccination Concerns for Hepatitis B: What You Need to Know
Managing Hepatitis B Treatment Challenges: A Family's Journey
Hepatitis B treatment issues? Dear Vice President, Our family does not carry the virus but lacks antibodies. My father (51 years old) was diagnosed with hepatitis B on April 19. To keep it brief, my question is that the doctor mentioned on that day that my father's liver en...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The symptoms initially do not seem to be clearly related to elevated liver function. However, it is advised to monitor for hepatitis B with an ultrasound every six months, and if liver function abnormalities occur, monthly follow-ups may be necessary. Additionally, allergy medica...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis B Treatment Challenges: A Family's Journey
Understanding Carotenemia: Symptoms, Causes, and Dietary Recommendations
Carotenemia I would like to consult a physician. I am experiencing noticeable carotenemia (waxen yellow skin, with significant yellowing of the palms and soles), but my sclerae are not yellow, and my liver function is normal (only bilirubin and direct bilirubin are slightly eleva...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please confirm with the attending physician.[Read More] Understanding Carotenemia: Symptoms, Causes, and Dietary Recommendations
Does Mediterranean Anemia Cause Abnormal Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels?
Does Mediterranean anemia cause abnormalities in total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels? My recent health check report came out, showing total bilirubin: 1.63 (0.3~1) mg/dL and direct bilirubin: 0.29 (0.03~0.18) mg/dL. Could you please tell me which part of my body might be ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is only a mild increase, related to individual constitution, and can be monitored.[Read More] Does Mediterranean Anemia Cause Abnormal Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels?
Is My Elevated Direct Bilirubin Due to Anemia or Liver Issues?
Could you please tell me if I really have a liver problem, or is it caused by anemia? This year during my health check-up, my direct bilirubin level was slightly elevated at 0.40 mg/dL, but all other liver function tests were normal. However, there were abnormalities in my blood ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Just need to check the cause of mild anemia.[Read More] Is My Elevated Direct Bilirubin Due to Anemia or Liver Issues?
High Viral Load in Hepatitis B: Should I Start Treatment?
Fetal protein and liver enzymes are normal, but the viral load is very high? Hello Doctor, I have had hepatitis B since childhood due to vertical transmission from my mother. I have been undergoing regular check-ups every six months, and my liver enzymes and alpha-fetoprotein lev...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There is currently no definitive conclusion regarding lifelong prevention. It is recommended to follow regular monitoring, and if symptoms develop, medication will be covered by health insurance.[Read More] High Viral Load in Hepatitis B: Should I Start Treatment?
Understanding Intermittent Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Intermittent sharp pain in the abdomen at an unspecified location? Hello, Doctor. Recently, for the past two months, I have been experiencing intermittent sharp pains in my abdomen. Initially, the pain was located near the right upper quadrant close to the rib cage and in the rig...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, neuropathic pain, gastroenteritis, gallbladder, and biliary pancreatic diseases are all possibilities. Hepatic hemangiomas generally do not cause pain. Gastrointestinal bloating and acid reflux may occur. It is recommended to limit foods that can trigger gastric acid, such...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Persistent Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Next Steps
When sitting down, there is a sensation of a foreign object in the right upper abdomen, occasionally accompanied by pain? Hello Doctor, since 2013, I have been experiencing a sensation of a foreign object in my body near the right upper abdomen close to the ribs when sitting down...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: To manage fatty liver, it is recommended to reduce the intake of greasy foods and sweets, and to avoid alcohol. Do not eat until overly full, as this can hinder digestion. It may be advisable to check for any issues with the bile ducts or pancreas. Wishing you peace, healt...[Read More] Persistent Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Next Steps
Can Patients with Liver Hemangiomas Safely Supplement with Isoflavones?
Hello, is it safe to supplement with isoflavones if I have a hepatic hemangioma? Hello, can I take isoflavones if I have a hepatic hemangioma?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
→ Currently, there are no comprehensive studies confirming whether it is possible.[Read More] Can Patients with Liver Hemangiomas Safely Supplement with Isoflavones?
Managing a 13cm Liver Tumor: Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
13 cm liver tumor I would like to ask about my grandmother, who is nearly 90 years old and has been experiencing itching all over her body. She went to the hospital for examination yesterday and was found to have a 13 cm tumor on her liver. The doctor does not recommend surgery a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
(Self-paid) oral targeted therapy → but there are side effects. If the results are good/tumor shrinks → embolization therapy can be considered again.[Read More] Managing a 13cm Liver Tumor: Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Tattooing with Hepatitis B: Safety and Considerations for Carriers
Tattooing in Hepatitis B Carriers Hello Doctor, I am a carrier of hepatitis B, but my liver condition is normal, and my liver enzymes do not fluctuate frequently. I am considering getting a tattoo on my upper arm, approximately 6x4 cm in size. The shop uses disposable needles, so...
Dr. Zhang Kebin Reply:
Hello, Mr. O! You asked whether the pigments from tattoos are absorbed by the liver. Generally, pigments tend to remain in the skin, so I believe your real question is whether tattoos can affect liver function. Some organic solvents or chemicals can indeed cause liver damage; som...[Read More] Tattooing with Hepatitis B: Safety and Considerations for Carriers
Understanding Severe Fatty Liver: Symptoms, Risks, and Next Steps
Fatty liver disease issues? Hello, doctor. Recently, during a health check-up, an ultrasound report indicated that I have severe fatty liver. I am 172 cm tall and weigh 74 kg. I do drink alcohol, but not every day—only on weekends when I go out with friends. Does severe fatty liv...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is recommended to schedule an appointment for evaluation to understand the condition, and to limit alcohol consumption and avoid starches.[Read More] Understanding Severe Fatty Liver: Symptoms, Risks, and Next Steps
Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Pain During Swallowing
Swallowing-related pain in the right upper abdomen? Hello Doctor: I have gastroesophageal reflux disease and I am currently taking Dexilant. Recently, for the past two weeks, I have been experiencing pain in the upper right abdomen while eating, which subsides after swallowing fo...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You can discuss and have an examination with the physician during your follow-up visit.[Read More] Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Pain During Swallowing