Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: When to Seek Urgent Care
Liver function index exceeds one thousand? Hello, Doctor: I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have mild fatty liver and gallstones. My long-term follow-up indices have been normal until the past two years, when they started fluctuating. The most recent test on January 5 showed AST ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You may schedule an earlier follow-up appointment to discuss.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: When to Seek Urgent Care
Understanding Abdominal and Back Pain: Causes and Connections
Abdominal pain and back pain? Hello doctor, my father has been experiencing upper abdominal pain and back pain for almost three months. During this time, any physical exertion, bending over, or certain positions trigger severe pain. Normally, the pain varies from intense to mild,...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Further examination is needed to determine if there is spinal nerve compression.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal and Back Pain: Causes and Connections
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Possible Medication Effects
Liver dysfunction Hello Doctor, six months ago my liver function tests showed GOT at 26 and GPT at 37, both within the normal range. However, during a recent blood test, I found that GOT is now 108 and GPT is 280. Previously, I took several medications for Helicobacter pylori, in...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
→ First, exclude the possibility of hepatitis B/C, then discontinue the medication and observe. We can only suspect a possible correlation (unless we conduct a one-by-one drug trial again, which is not recommended).[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Possible Medication Effects
Understanding Tumor Markers: When to Seek Further Testing for Health Concerns
Tumor markers Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my recent blood tests. All liver function tests came back normal, and an abdominal ultrasound showed no abnormalities (performed after eating). The fetal globulin level was 5.21, which is within the normal range, but it is a ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There should be no issues, but it is still recommended to conduct regular follow-ups.[Read More] Understanding Tumor Markers: When to Seek Further Testing for Health Concerns
Managing Fatty Liver and Gastrointestinal Issues: Your Questions Answered
Inquiry and consultation? Hello Doctor: I had a liver ultrasound today. I have been associated with the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department since many years ago due to elevated liver enzymes. In my younger days, I often stayed up late and had a penchant for sweet foods ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, fatty liver refers to the accumulation of fat in liver cells, which may sometimes cause fluctuations in liver enzyme levels, but typically involves minimal liver fibrosis. Once it progresses to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the liver may exhibit inflammation or fib...[Read More] Managing Fatty Liver and Gastrointestinal Issues: Your Questions Answered
Unexplained Weight Loss Despite Normal Appetite: A Gastroenterology Concern
Weight Issues ~ Weight Continues to Decrease Despite Normal Diet Hello, Doctor. My current health status is as follows: On December 3, 2020, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The attending physician explained that I have gastritis and mild ulcers, but my esophagus ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please discuss with the attending physician regarding the current data (hemangioma of the liver should only be monitored) and the management/consultation for weight loss.[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss Despite Normal Appetite: A Gastroenterology Concern
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes After Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Liver enzyme levels in the red? My mother was diagnosed with stage 3A rectal cancer last year and completed chemotherapy earlier this year. However, her liver function tests have consistently shown elevated levels, with recent results in the 70s, compared to over 40 in previous m...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic at the same hospital.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes After Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Health Concerns: Can Lint from Wipes Contaminate Food and Drinks?
Gastroenterology and Hepatology 1. The fibers that may have floated or fallen from the wet wipes or cloth could potentially land in your colleagues' open cups or food, especially given the proximity of your seating arrangements. However, the likelihood of this happening depe...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: What you are describing is likely what is referred to as dust, which consists of suspended particles in the air. The gastrointestinal tract should be of less concern; rather, the respiratory tract is more affected, especially in individuals with allergic tendencies, as sym...[Read More] Health Concerns: Can Lint from Wipes Contaminate Food and Drinks?
Post-Meal Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Lower abdominal pain after eating? Hello Doctor: Last week, I experienced a feeling of heaviness and pain in the upper abdomen (just above the navel) after eating, along with bloating and a sensation of heat in the stomach after meals. When fasting, I did not have any particular ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may be gastrointestinal dysfunction or a side effect of medication. Further examinations such as ultrasound or stool occult blood tests can be conducted to rule out other possibilities.[Read More] Post-Meal Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Hepatitis C: Are You Still Considered Infected?
Hepatitis C testing issues? 1. On 10/15/2011, Anti-HCV was 4.12 (+) R. May I ask the deputy director: The doctor said I have been infected with Hepatitis C, and the antibody is positive. Am I still considered a Hepatitis C patient by the doctor? 2. On 05/03/2010, the examinatio...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Previously infected, currently virus-free (not contagious to others/no further treatment required), just need to follow up with blood tests/ultrasound every six months.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C: Are You Still Considered Infected?
Understanding Right Abdominal Mass: Causes and Diagnostic Steps
Palpation of a suspected mass in the right abdomen? Hello, Doctor: I have a few questions to ask: 1. If there is a noticeable hard lump on the right side of the abdomen (approximately four fingerbreadths to the right of the navel) when standing or sitting, but it is less noticeab...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: A 35-year-old female has a noticeable mass palpated to the right of the umbilicus. The patient is relatively petite. The mass is more prominent when standing or sitting and less noticeable when lying down. An abdominal ultrasound can assess the liver, gallbladder, pancreas...[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal Mass: Causes and Diagnostic Steps
Understanding Liver Nodules: What You Need to Know After Your Ultrasound
Three liver nodules? Hello, I had a health check-up in August this year, and the ultrasound revealed three hypoechoic nodules in my liver (1.44 cm in segment 2, 0.97 cm in segment 4, and 1.64 cm in segment 7), along with mild fatty liver. My AFP levels are normal, and I have anti...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 26-year-old male underwent a health check and was found to have fatty liver and three hypoechoic liver nodules measuring less than 2 cm, with a family history of liver cancer. The differential diagnosis for liver nodules is extensive, including benign hepatic steatosis, ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Nodules: What You Need to Know After Your Ultrasound
Managing Chronic Gastritis and GERD: Tips for Reducing Post-Meal Discomfort
Chronic gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause postprandial bloating and abdominal pain. To alleviate these symptoms, consider the following strategies: 1. **Eat Smaller Meals**: Consuming smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce the pressure on the s...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, after meals, I often experience abdominal pain and bloating, along with gastroesophageal reflux and chronic gastritis, for which I am currently undergoing medication treatment. The postprandial bloating and pain can be quite distressing. How can I alleviate this? I recom...[Read More] Managing Chronic Gastritis and GERD: Tips for Reducing Post-Meal Discomfort
Managing Nausea and Vomiting in Post-Operative Ulcer Patients: A Guide
For patients with gastric ulcers who experience recurrent nausea and vomiting after discharge from the hospital, it is important to follow these management strategies: 1. **Dietary Modifications**: Encourage a bland diet that is easy to digest. Avoid spicy, acidic, or fatty food...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. If a gastroscopy has been performed and a diagnosis of peptic ulcer has been confirmed, generally, medication treatment should provide relief. If there is still no improvement, it may be necessary to investigate other causes, such as issues with bowel movements, liver, ...[Read More] Managing Nausea and Vomiting in Post-Operative Ulcer Patients: A Guide
Unclear Liver Biopsy Results: What Are Your Options?
If the liver biopsy results are inconclusive, what should be done? Hello, I do not have hepatitis B or C, but I have fatty liver disease. I undergo regular health check-ups every year. Last May, a 1.5 cm tumor was found in my liver, and the doctor advised continuous monitoring. H...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
According to standard principles, the first choice of treatment is surgery (with a low recurrence rate). If surgery is not feasible, then embolization combined with multipolar electrocautery (to expand the electrocautery area) and close monitoring can also be considered.[Read More] Unclear Liver Biopsy Results: What Are Your Options?
Understanding Rising Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns for Liver Health
Bilirubin, total bilirubin is increasingly elevated? Hello, I have mild to moderate fatty liver, so I have been undergoing regular monitoring. In my last three tests, I found that my total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels have been increasing. In May 2019, my total bilirubin...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Bilirubin levels are still normal, liver function is slightly elevated, and an ultrasound examination can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Rising Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns for Liver Health
Understanding Right Rib Pain: Symptoms and Necessary Tests
There is a feeling of fullness on the inner side of the lower right rib cage? Dr. Chen, I have a question: Six years ago, I experienced frequent abdominal bloating and discomfort, so I consulted a gastroenterologist. The hospital diagnosed me with excessive stomach acid, mild gas...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may still be a gastrointestinal motility or digestion issue. An ultrasound can be performed to rule out extrinsic gastrointestinal lesions. A fecal occult blood test can be conducted for the colon.[Read More] Understanding Right Rib Pain: Symptoms and Necessary Tests
Understanding and Managing Sudden Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
How to resolve abdominal pain? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about occasional pain in my upper abdomen, which comes on suddenly and also hurts when I lie down. The pain feels like everything inside is twisted together, and it only feels a bit better when I sit up. If I want i...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, for a 20-year-old male experiencing abdominal pain, particularly sudden upper abdominal pain that feels crampy and is relieved by sitting, it is important to consider differential diagnoses including gastrointestinal issues as well as liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic pro...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Sudden Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Keeping Pets During Liver Transplant: Risks and Solutions
If a family member undergoes a liver transplant, is it necessary to rehome the family pet? Family members are currently waiting for a liver transplant evaluation, and there is a cat at home. I would like to ask if keeping the cat confined to a specific room without contact with t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please discuss and make a decision with the liver transplantation team.[Read More] Keeping Pets During Liver Transplant: Risks and Solutions
Which Specialist to Consult for Suspected Liver Palms?
Which specialty should I see? If you suspect you have palmar erythema, which is often associated with liver conditions, you should consult a hepatologist or a gastroenterologist.
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dermatology or Hepatobiliary Medicine[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Suspected Liver Palms?