How to Lower Elevated GPT Levels: Tips for a Healthier Liver
Elevated liver enzymes? Hello Doctor, I am 25 years old. Recently, during a labor health examination, my GPT level was slightly elevated at 49. For the past two years while studying for my master's degree, my sleep schedule has been around 1 or 2 AM to 9 AM. Although the doc...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You can visit a gastroenterologist to identify the cause and then receive targeted treatment.[Read More] How to Lower Elevated GPT Levels: Tips for a Healthier Liver
Is a Slightly Elevated AFP and a 0.6 cm Nodule Indicative of Liver Cancer?
An elevated AFP level of 13 and a 0.6 cm nodule may raise concerns for liver cancer, but further evaluation is necessary. It is important to consider additional factors such as imaging studies (like ultrasound, CT, or MRI) and possibly a biopsy to determine the nature of the nodu...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Risk factors for liver cancer include individuals with chronic hepatitis (such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and autoimmune liver diseases), a family history of liver cancer, cirrhosis, alcohol consumption, obesity with metabolic liver disease, and certain environmental factors su...[Read More] Is a Slightly Elevated AFP and a 0.6 cm Nodule Indicative of Liver Cancer?
Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: A Guide for Hepatitis B Carriers
Abnormal liver function tests? Hello, Deputy Director: I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been undergoing regular follow-ups every six months. I also have fatty liver and have not been taking antiviral medication. My ALT (GPT) levels have fluctuated around 40-45 for a long ti...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is advisable to measure the hepatitis B virus load and assess the discussion on whether to initiate antiviral treatment for viral control (not a cure).[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: A Guide for Hepatitis B Carriers
Does Epclusa Cause Elevated Liver Enzymes and Trigger Hyperthyroidism?
The hepatitis C medication Epclusa? Hello Doctor, my mother is 76 years old and has a history of hypertension. Last year, she was diagnosed with Hepatitis C and was prescribed Epclusa for treatment. After completing the 8-week course, she stopped the medication at the end of Dece...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There are very few reports of this; it can be managed under the supervision of a physician.[Read More] Does Epclusa Cause Elevated Liver Enzymes and Trigger Hyperthyroidism?
Can Stomach Issues from Food Poisoning Affect Liver and Kidney Health?
Liver and kidney issues? Hello, doctor. Can eating spoiled food or having gastroenteritis lead to liver or kidney damage, or cause the function of originally healthy liver and kidneys (with normal blood test results) to deteriorate? I accidentally ate an entire expired sweet past...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Generally, gastroenteritis should not extend to the liver or kidneys, so there is no need for concern.[Read More] Can Stomach Issues from Food Poisoning Affect Liver and Kidney Health?
Understanding Abdominal Masses: Insights for Liver and Gastrointestinal Health
Abdominal mass Hello Doctor, I have a lump in my abdomen that is not very noticeable most of the time, but upon closer inspection, there is a visible protrusion in the skin. When I tighten my abdomen, the bulge becomes more pronounced. It has been present for about two years, loc...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
It is recommended to have the physician evaluate during the next follow-up appointment. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Masses: Insights for Liver and Gastrointestinal Health
Could This Shadow Be a Tumor? Understanding Liver Lesions and Concerns
Is it a tumor? Hello Doctor: My mother has hepatitis B and undergoes regular check-ups. Last year, an ultrasound revealed a shadow approximately 1 cm in size. The doctor urgently arranged for a CT scan, which showed no abnormalities. Three months later, a follow-up ultrasound at ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Ultrasound is only a preliminary examination to identify potential lesions. To rule out false positives, further CT or MRI scans are necessary. However, there are limitations in clearly visualizing early-stage tumors, especially those smaller than 1 centimeter. Therefore, please ...[Read More] Could This Shadow Be a Tumor? Understanding Liver Lesions and Concerns
Understanding CT Scan Results: Insights on Liver Tumors and HCC
Computed Tomography Interpretation A female patient, non-smoker and non-drinker, with no history of hepatitis B or C, has undergone health check-ups in 2013, 2018, and 2022. She has three hemangiomas in the liver that are being monitored regularly. On February 19 of this year, sh...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If liver biopsy has confirmed the diagnosis, proceed with surgery as soon as possible. If a liver biopsy has not yet been performed, discuss the treatment plan with the attending physician. Liver cancer can still occur (though very rarely) in the general population without hepati...[Read More] Understanding CT Scan Results: Insights on Liver Tumors and HCC
Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound for Stomach Pain Diagnosis
Stomach pain issues? Hello, doctor. I used to have very few stomach pains, but recently I've been experiencing them more often. I went to see a doctor, and they said I could have an abdominal ultrasound to confirm the issue, and that an endoscopy wasn't necessary. When ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Ultrasound can only rule out diseases other than the stomach (such as liver, gallbladder, and pancreas diseases) and cannot exclude conditions like gastric ulcers. If medication and dietary changes are ineffective, an endoscopy may be performed.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound for Stomach Pain Diagnosis
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps and Liver Cysts: Symptoms and Concerns
Gallbladder polyp measuring 0.4 cm, multiple hepatic cysts with the largest measuring 5 cm? I have been feeling unusually fatigued and uncomfortable during sleep for over six months, and I sometimes wake up due to this discomfort. Additionally, I have experienced bowel movements ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
It is recommended to conduct blood tests to assess liver and gallbladder function in cases of white stool. Differential diagnoses include hepatitis, anemia, and obstructive jaundice. Gallbladder polyps should be monitored for size and morphology. As for multiple intrahepatic cyst...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps and Liver Cysts: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Your Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Cancer or IBS?
Is it cancer or irritable bowel syndrome? Hello, doctor. At the end of May last year, I experienced frequent bloating and constipation due to excessive milk consumption. I recently completed a gastrointestinal endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound of the pancreas, during which six ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. The theoretical probability is very low, unless the bowel preparation is inadequate, which may affect the interpretation of the results. 2. If there are six polyps and all are hyperplastic polyps, the recommendation in foreign countries is to follow up in 3-5 years. How...[Read More] Understanding Your Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Cancer or IBS?
Can You Drink Alcohol in Moderation After Curing Hepatitis C?
Can a person who has been cured of hepatitis C consume alcohol in moderation? I would like to ask the doctor, I was diagnosed with hepatitis C at the end of 2020. I started oral medication treatment in March 2021 for three months, and after completing the treatment, I followed up...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is acceptable not to have cirrhosis, but be sure to avoid driving after consuming alcohol.[Read More] Can You Drink Alcohol in Moderation After Curing Hepatitis C?
Understanding Weight Loss and Appetite Changes in Gastrointestinal Health
Weight loss and poor appetite? Hello, Doctor: My father is 173 cm tall and weighs approximately 106 kg. He is taking medication for hypertension and has a regular exercise routine. He has experienced chronic diarrhea for many years, with bowel movements occurring 3 to 4 times a d...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Ultra-slow jogging can help with weight loss, and weight loss can be gradual. However, since your father is older, has a higher weight, and is experiencing diarrhea, it is important to note that decreased appetite and increased frequency of diarrhea are not necessarily normal for...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss and Appetite Changes in Gastrointestinal Health
Preoperative Assessment for Liver Cirrhosis: Key Considerations
Preoperative Assessment for Liver Cirrhosis Is surgery recommended for thrombocytopenia in cirrhosis? What emergency measures should be taken in case of esophageal variceal rupture?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If necessary, platelet transfusion or self-paid medications to increase platelet count may be considered. Special hemostatic agents combined with endoscopic band ligation are commonly used methods; please discuss this further with the attending physician.[Read More] Preoperative Assessment for Liver Cirrhosis: Key Considerations
Does Dupin 5mg Affect GPT Levels in Liver Function Tests?
The GPT index is too high? Will taking Dupin 5mg affect the GPT levels in blood tests?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If there is no overdose, it should not cause liver inflammation. You can visit a gastroenterologist for a detailed examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Does Dupin 5mg Affect GPT Levels in Liver Function Tests?
Understanding Chronic Hiccups: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Chronic hiccups? My father has been experiencing hiccups, which led him to quit drinking alcohol. He tends to get hiccups whenever he eats more than one bowl of rice, and once they start, they can persist without stopping. This seems to occur in cycles, lasting about one to two w...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
If liver, gallbladder, and gastrointestinal issues have been ruled out, please refer the elder to a neurology outpatient clinic for evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hiccups: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Intermittent Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Abdominal pain Recently, I have been experiencing intermittent abdominal pain.
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Common causes of pain in the middle of the abdomen include indigestion, gastroenteritis, peptic ulcers, and constipation. It may also be due to muscle soreness, liver, gallbladder, or pancreatic diseases, as well as irritable bowel syndrome. It is recommended to seek medical atte...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Fatty Liver and Low-Echo Nodules: What You Need to Know
Fatty liver with hypoechoic liver nodules? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing elevated serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) levels for a long time. My last test showed a level of 57 (normal is 35), so I have been regularly monitoring my liver condition every six month...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Further imaging studies are required for confirmation.[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver and Low-Echo Nodules: What You Need to Know
Do You Need Hospitalization for Biliary Stent Removal?
Is hospitalization required for the removal of a biliary stent? Due to bile duct obstruction caused by gallstones, liver enzyme levels have risen. Jaundice has been addressed by placing a biliary stent to relieve the obstruction caused by the gallstones. The gallbladder is schedu...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
The number of days required for hospitalization observation varies depending on each individual's recovery condition and medical needs. It is advisable to consult your attending physician for more information. Thank you.[Read More] Do You Need Hospitalization for Biliary Stent Removal?
Understanding Colonic Compression: Causes and Clinical Insights
Colon compression Hello, doctor. I recently underwent a colonoscopy, and the results for the colon itself were normal. However, there was a finding of intestinal compression near the liver, and I have not experienced any discomfort. I am a carrier of hepatitis B but have regular ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There seems to be no such statement; please discuss it with your attending physician.[Read More] Understanding Colonic Compression: Causes and Clinical Insights