Unexplained Discomfort in the Upper Right Abdomen: Causes and Concerns
Strange sensations in the right upper abdomen? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing a cramp-like sensation just below the edge of my right rib cage. I can't describe the feeling very accurately; I can only say that I feel something there, but it's not pa...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Luo, thank you for your inquiry. It should be fine; you can start with local heat therapy and be sure to warm up before any activities. The Chiayi Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare cares about you![Read More] Unexplained Discomfort in the Upper Right Abdomen: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What ALP and ALT Levels Mean
Elevated liver enzymes? My ALP is 475 and my ALT is 63. Are these levels very high, and what should I be concerned about?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Please visit the gastroenterology and hepatology department.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What ALP and ALT Levels Mean
Morning Hiccups: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Hiccups in the morning? Doctor, I would like to ask about a symptom I've been experiencing. Every morning when I wake up, I have burps (gas), and after the gas is released, I will burp again (the force is not strong enough to make a sound, just slight). I've been observ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hiccups are mostly related to the stomach, but they can also be associated with the liver and the phrenic nerve, with a small percentage being of unknown origin.[Read More] Morning Hiccups: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Milk Thistle in Liver Health: Benefits and Concerns
Regarding the ingredients of Silymarin liver protection capsules: Milk Thistle? Hello, doctor. I have some questions regarding Silymarin liver protection capsules. Question 1: I have hepatitis B and would like to know if this product containing milk thistle can be taken long-te...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, Hepatitis B is a viral hepatitis, and it is important to protect the liver by avoiding staying up late, not taking medications indiscriminately, and undergoing regular follow-ups. Currently, there are oral antiviral medications and long-acting interferon injections avail...[Read More] Understanding Milk Thistle in Liver Health: Benefits and Concerns
Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin: Causes and Implications
Elevated total bilirubin? Hello doctor, the company's health check report shows a total bilirubin level of 2.8 mg/dL and a direct bilirubin level of 0.2 mg/dL, which is elevated. The abdominal ultrasound is normal, with mild fatty liver and a 0.4 cm stone in the right kidney...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
If there are no hematological disorders, it may be a congenital bile metabolism disorder.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin: Causes and Implications
Constant Fatigue and Nausea: Understanding Your Symptoms
Constantly feeling sleepy? Hello doctor, I often feel very sleepy and after getting enough sleep, I want to sleep again in about 3 hours. I sleep more than 7 hours every day, but sometimes when I go to bed too late, I wake up feeling nauseous and wanting to vomit. What could be c...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
A blood test can be performed to check liver function.[Read More] Constant Fatigue and Nausea: Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Liver and Gallbladder Issues: What Your Health Report Means
Liver issues? Hello Doctor, the health check report indicates that the liver parenchyma is coarse, with a 1.1 cm hypoechoic lesion in the right lobe of the liver and a 2.5 cm hyperechoic lesion in the right lobe. What does this mean? The report also states that there are several ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
1. Please visit a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialist for diagnosis. It should be an error.[Read More] Understanding Liver and Gallbladder Issues: What Your Health Report Means
Managing Hepatitis C in Elderly Patients: Risks and Treatment Options
Hepatitis C virus issues Hello Doctor, my grandmother is currently 91 years old. She recently had a blood test, and the results showed that she has several million copies of the hepatitis C virus. The outpatient doctor has suggested a three-month course of medication. Considering...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. If your grandmother does not have cirrhosis yet, and you are considering the side effects, it should be fine not to treat her. Since she has likely been infected for several decades, if she is 91 years old and has not shown signs of cirrhosis, it is unlikely that she wi...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis C in Elderly Patients: Risks and Treatment Options
Does Antibiotic Use for Cold Affect Elevated r-GT Levels in Fatty Liver?
Does taking antibiotics for a cold affect elevated r-GT levels? Hello: My husband has alcoholic fatty liver disease (he is quite thin). When it was severe, many of his liver function tests were elevated, with triglycerides reaching 4000, which led to pancreatitis. After seeking m...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
There are many reasons for an elevated rGT index, including fatty liver, alcoholic liver disease, drug-induced hepatitis, and biliary tract diseases. Therefore, it is essential to assess the actual situation to clarify the underlying cause.[Read More] Does Antibiotic Use for Cold Affect Elevated r-GT Levels in Fatty Liver?
Understanding Liver Issues: High GPT Levels and Lifestyle Factors
Liver issues? Today, when I went to the hospital to check my lab results, my blood test showed a GPT level of 102, and I forgot the GOT value, but it was also above the normal range. The doctor mentioned that it is unlikely that this is solely due to lack of sleep. However, I do ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Based on the reported symptoms, the likelihood of fatty liver causing liver function abnormalities is high, indicating fatty liver disease. Elevated liver function tests can lead to fatigue, but this is not absolute.[Read More] Understanding Liver Issues: High GPT Levels and Lifestyle Factors
Impact of Benign Liver Lesions on the Stomach: What You Need to Know
The stomach is displaced by a benign liver lesion? Hello, Doctor: Thank you for your previous response. I would like to ask you again, if the gastroscopy shows that the stomach is slightly compressed by a benign lesion of the left lobe of the liver, but the stomach itself has no ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
If there are no signs of imminent danger or compression symptoms, then observation is sufficient.[Read More] Impact of Benign Liver Lesions on the Stomach: What You Need to Know
Could a Benign Liver FNH Affect My Stomach During Endoscopy?
The endoscopy report indicates that one area was pushed or distended? Hello Dr. Chen: I recently underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and there were no significant issues. However, the doctor mentioned that a part of my stomach was being pushed by something external, bu...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
First, it is essential to establish the presence of external compression. From an anatomical perspective, it may indeed be related to a benign lesion of the left liver.[Read More] Could a Benign Liver FNH Affect My Stomach During Endoscopy?
Can Hepatitis C Patients Safely Supplement Magnesium?
Can patients with hepatitis C supplement magnesium? My mother is a hepatitis C patient with early-stage cirrhosis and splenomegaly, but she frequently experiences muscle cramps without any apparent reason, occurring both morning and night. Today, I came across an article stating ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, sudden muscle cramps and leg cramps need to be investigated for their causes. If the sudden onset is due to mineral deficiencies such as calcium, potassium, or magnesium, supplementing magnesium may be effective. The treatment for muscle cramps and leg cramps differs if th...[Read More] Can Hepatitis C Patients Safely Supplement Magnesium?
Medications to Avoid with Liver Hemangiomas: What You Need to Know
Are there any medications that should be avoided in cases of hepatic hemangioma? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with a vascular tumor measuring approximately 1.2 cm this month. I would like to know if there are any specific medications I should avoid due to the vascular tumor. Re...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Estrogen or oral contraceptives.[Read More] Medications to Avoid with Liver Hemangiomas: What You Need to Know
Understanding Liver Tumors: Ultrasound Findings and Next Steps
Ultrasound detected a liver tumor? Hello Doctor: I have never had an abdominal ultrasound before, but today I underwent one and found that I have mild fatty liver and a 2 cm tumor. The doctor initially believes it to be benign and mentioned that blood tests are needed. I would li...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Based on the current information provided, it is not possible to make a determination. If blood tests show positive for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or elevated tumor markers, you would be considered at high risk, and further evaluation with a CT scan or MRI is recommended. C...[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumors: Ultrasound Findings and Next Steps
Understanding Liver Shadows: What Your Ultrasound Results Mean
Ultrasound liver shadowing Hello, I am a 36-year-old female with hepatitis B. I gave birth a year ago, and six months later, a liver shadow was detected, which the doctor believed to be a hemangioma measuring 0.8 cm. Recently, during a follow-up, in addition to the 0.8 cm shadow,...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 36-year-old female patient has been advised by her physician to undergo an MRI for differential diagnosis of a possible liver tumor shadow. MRI is more sensitive than CT scans for diagnosing hemangiomas. However, if the tumor is smaller than one centimeter, it can be cha...[Read More] Understanding Liver Shadows: What Your Ultrasound Results Mean
Are Fish Bones Linked to Right Lower Abdominal Pain?
Is there a correlation between fishbone ingestion and pain in the lower right abdomen? Hello, Doctor: On the evening of November 22, while eating a mackerel bento, I accidentally swallowed a small fishbone that was about 1 cm long and approximately 1 mm in diameter. At the time, ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If it is a soft fish bone, it should not cause a perforation in the intestine. However, if perforation occurs, it will lead to increased pain and peritonitis (widespread pain). If you experience any of these symptoms, please consult a gastroenterologist or visit the emerge...[Read More] Are Fish Bones Linked to Right Lower Abdominal Pain?
Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Reports: Key Insights on Liver and Pancreas Health
Abdominal Ultrasound Report Abdominal ultrasound report content: Echo pattern: abnormal, heterogeneous parenchyma Pancreas: negative, head and tail is blocked Spleen: negative Sonar Diagnosis: Parenchymal liver disease score: 5 I would like to ask what these items repr...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello, it is recommended that a physician explain it to you personally to avoid misunderstandings or further questions that may arise from a simple literal translation.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Reports: Key Insights on Liver and Pancreas Health
Questions for the Doctor: Managing Liver Health and Medication Concerns
I have some questions to ask the doctor? Doctor: Hello. I have some questions I would like to ask you: 1. I was hospitalized for acute hepatitis two months ago, which started my use of Belec. By the end of October, my liver function tests returned to normal; however, due to pract...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Generally, the side effects of Belarck are rare, and clinically, very few people experience drowsiness after taking it. This method of medication should be avoided as it can lead to drug resistance or the occurrence of fulminant hepatitis. 2. Gastrointestinal or hepatob...[Read More] Questions for the Doctor: Managing Liver Health and Medication Concerns
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes and Solutions for Bloating and Belching
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor, regarding the question I asked you last time, I later went to see a gastroenterologist. The doctor tested my stool again and said there was no trace of blood, and my blood tests were normal. My bowel movements are also normal now. I forgot to...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Do not drink too quickly; if swallowing other substances is not an issue, there is no need to worry too much. 2. Belching may indicate that there is gas in the stomach, which could be due to poor gastric emptying or gas in the intestines. 3. If there is not too much sto...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes and Solutions for Bloating and Belching