Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Left upper abdominal pain? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing pain in the upper left abdomen for a long time. During this period, I have undergone abdominal ultrasound, X-rays, gastroscopy, and colonoscopy, as well as blood tests for CEA. The results showed fatty liver, multi...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If most of the tests have already been done, it may be necessary to consider functional issues or lifestyle and dietary habits, as these may not be detectable through tests. You may need to make changes to your lifestyle and dietary habits. Changhua Hospital cares about yo...[Read More] Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Elevated serum transaminases? Hello Doctor: My husband donates blood regularly every year. This year, his ALT levels were elevated. He went for a retest last week, and the results (87 U/L) are still elevated. Should he go to the hospital for a detailed examination? What precautio...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, "serum transaminase ALT," also known as SGPT, indicates abnormal liver function when elevated. It is advisable to investigate the underlying cause, with common reasons including fatty liver, viral hepatitis, other infections, metabolic diseases, autoimmune condit...[Read More] Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Morning Stomach Pain: Understanding GERD and Digestive Issues
Woke up with a stomachache? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing long-term bloating, diarrhea or constipation, and loss of appetite. A few days ago, I visited a gastroenterologist and had an ultrasound, which showed no abnormalities. However, the doctor informed me that abdomin...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Your symptom description is more indicative of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 2. Eating slowly and thoroughly chewing your food before swallowing can help prevent the issues you mentioned. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Morning Stomach Pain: Understanding GERD and Digestive Issues
Concerns About Hepatitis B Treatment and Medication Side Effects
Regarding medication for hepatitis B? Hello, doctor. In February, my blood test showed ALT/SGPT at 112 and fetal protein at 10.8. The clinic doctor recommended a three-month treatment with daily doses of Liver An Yi and an injection of Liphagen 20 ml every three days. In May, my ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, you will need to have blood tests every month for monitoring. If necessary, long-term oral antiviral medication treatment will be required. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Concerns About Hepatitis B Treatment and Medication Side Effects
Understanding Post-Hepatitis B Test Results: What You Need to Know
Questions After Hepatitis B Testing Hello Dr. Tsai: I underwent a hepatitis B test, and the results are as follows: (1) Test item: Anti HCV, Result: Negative (0.06) S/CO (2) Test item: HBc IgG (Hepatitis B core antibody), Result: Positive (3) Test item: HBs Ag (Hepatitis B surfac...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
If one is not a carrier, the likelihood of having hepatitis B virus in the liver is relatively low (with very few exceptions). However, since there was a previous history of being a hepatitis B carrier, it indicates that there has been a liver condition in the past. Therefore, re...[Read More] Understanding Post-Hepatitis B Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Coarse Echo Patterns in Liver Ultrasound: Key Insights for Patients
coarse echogenicity pattern Hello Doctor, the patient is an 89-year-old female who does not consume alcohol, and her blood biochemistry results are normal. The abdominal ultrasound follow-up for the past two years has yielded the following report. I have questions regarding the &...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. In ultrasound terminology, we use "coarse echo," while "fibrosis" is used in pathological sections. Although the terms are similar, they should not be used interchangeably, as this could lead to significant discrepancies. Based on the report, it do...[Read More] Understanding Coarse Echo Patterns in Liver Ultrasound: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Concerns About Cysts and Polyps
Hepatic hemangioma Hello Doctor, at the end of last year during a company health check, an ultrasound examination revealed a liver cyst measuring 2.17 cm, multiple gallbladder polyps with the largest being 0.91 cm, and moderate fatty liver. The AFP levels were normal. In May, I w...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. There may be some discrepancies in the measurement of gallbladder polyps, so please do not worry. Fatty liver is not directly related to gallbladder polyps. As for the liver tumor, further examinations can be conducted as needed. Changhua Hospital cares about your he...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Concerns About Cysts and Polyps
Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: Do You Need Further Monitoring?
Questions after Hepatitis B testing 2 Hello Dr. Lin: I previously underwent the following hepatitis B tests, and I have some questions regarding the test items and results: (1) Test item: Anti-HCV, result: Negative (0.06) S/CO; (2) Test item: HBc IgG (Hepatitis B core antibody), ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, the presence of surface antibodies indicates protection and can help combat hepatitis B infection. If someone is known to be a chronic hepatitis B carrier for many years and later develops surface antibodies (HBsAb), it does not necessarily mean that the hepatitis B infect...[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: Do You Need Further Monitoring?
Postpartum Liver Function Concerns: Understanding Elevated GOT and ALP Levels
Got got ALP exceeds the standard? Hello, I recently had a postpartum check-up two and a half months after delivery. My blood test results showed GOT 43, GPT 46 (normal range is in the 30s), and ALP 100 (normal range is 98). Abdominal ultrasound was normal, and all other blood tes...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Abnormal liver function requires further investigation to determine the cause. Please consult a hepatologist.[Read More] Postpartum Liver Function Concerns: Understanding Elevated GOT and ALP Levels
Understanding High Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Levels: What You Need to Know
Elevated surface antigen levels? Hello Doctor: I am a carrier of hepatitis B. I started treatment with Baraclude in November 2014, and by May 2017, my e-antigen turned negative and e-antibody became positive. I continued the medication for another year and stopped in May 2018. Du...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. This indicates that there are still a significant amount of viruses present in the liver, producing surface antigens. Changhua Hospital is concerned about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding High Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding White Specks in Stool: Causes and Concerns
White particles in stool? The stool is soft and has small white particles. Today, when I had a bowel movement, it was soft and had a slightly sour smell. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that there were several tiny white particles on the surface of the stool.
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello; please visit the Liver, Gallbladder, and Gastroenterology Clinic at Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, which cares about your health.[Read More] Understanding White Specks in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Red Spots on Skin: Are They Linked to Liver Health?
Are the red spots on the skin related to the liver? Hello, doctor! Recently, I noticed some red spots on my hands, about the size of a pinhead or slightly larger, mostly on my palms, fingertips, the back of my hands, and my arms. Although they are small and not numerous, I am sti...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It is advisable to see a dermatologist first. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Red Spots on Skin: Are They Linked to Liver Health?
Understanding Blood in Stool: Possible Causes and Liver Health Concerns
Blood in stool Liver function In the past two days, I have had bowel movements three times, each time with blood in the toilet that resembles the appearance of menstrual blood during the first few days. When wiping, the toilet paper also has blood clots similar to menstrual blood...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If the current liver function tests are not affected by the liver, then regarding the bowel issues, please pay attention to your diet. If there is no improvement, you may consult a gastroenterologist or a colorectal specialist to determine the cause. Changhua Hospital care...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Possible Causes and Liver Health Concerns
Understanding the Relationship Between Elevated Liver Enzymes and CRP Levels
CRP index issue Hello Director Chen, my mother is 68 years old. One month ago, she visited the Infectious Disease Department at the municipal hospital due to elevated liver enzymes (GOT: 94.2, GPT: 112.7). She has been taking cholesterol-lowering medication (Rosuvastatin) for the...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, CRP levels can be affected by hepatitis, but it is important to first rule out other diseases and monitor whether they decrease as the hepatitis improves. Changhua Hospital is concerned about your well-being. Sincerely, Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding the Relationship Between Elevated Liver Enzymes and CRP Levels
Understanding Fatty Liver and Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Fatty liver and liver function tests? Hello, doctor. Due to gastrointestinal issues, I occasionally had blood tests that showed elevated liver enzymes. I have been monitoring this for about two years, and my AST levels have consistently ranged from 30 to 43, while my ALT levels h...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if you do not consume alcohol or have severe obesity that exacerbates fatty liver, mild liver function abnormalities typically do not lead to serious issues. However, you should be cautious as metabolic syndrome may develop over the next five to ten years. Regarding fatty ...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver and Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Understanding Bloating and Bowel Issues: GERD or Digestive Disorders?
Belching and bowel movements? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing burping and flatulence daily for the past six months. Recently, I occasionally burp shortly after eating, usually within a minute. I read online that some burping can be a symptom of atypical gastroesophageal r...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. There are devices available to monitor gastric acid reflux. 2. Please trust the clinical physician regarding the cause of your symptoms. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Bowel Issues: GERD or Digestive Disorders?
Understanding Asymmetrical Abdomen: Fat Distribution or Liver Concerns?
The right upper abdomen is larger than the left upper abdomen? Hello, Doctor. I am currently overweight, weighing 100 kg. A few years ago, I noticed that the appearance of my abdomen, specifically the upper right quadrant (below the chest), is more protruded than the upper left q...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If there are any issues with the liver, it is best to consult a clinical physician. Uneven fat distribution refers to the description of the liver observed in ultrasound and does not cause left-right imbalance. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Asymmetrical Abdomen: Fat Distribution or Liver Concerns?
Post-Treatment Monitoring Strategies for Liver Cancer Recurrence
Follow-up after liver cancer treatment? Hello Dr. Chen, My family member has been diagnosed with liver cancer for 2 years and underwent surgical resection at that time. One year and three months post-surgery, two small tumors (1.4 cm and 2.4 cm) recurred. Initially, TACE was pe...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if financially feasible, you can undergo a P-MRI examination once every three months for a year; however, the National Health Insurance Administration has not approved such frequent monitoring. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Post-Treatment Monitoring Strategies for Liver Cancer Recurrence
Understanding Right Rib Pain: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology
Pain upon palpation in the right upper quadrant? Hello doctor, I recently noticed some discomfort in the area just below my right rib (approximately one centimeter below the lowest rib) and slightly above my navel on the right side. It usually doesn't hurt, but occasionally ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It is possible; you can check with an ultrasound for confirmation. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Right Rib Pain: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology
Concerns About Gastrointestinal Issues and Potential Toxin Ingestion
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor, today at noon I ate two pieces of scallion pancakes, about the same size as scallion flatbreads. I had brought them with me while camping yesterday, and they became soft when I returned. I first ate the second piece that was fried, and after ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. There should not be any major issues. 2. Severe gastroesophageal reflux can lead to bronchitis or asthma. 3. If the gastroscopy is normal, it is recommended to see a pulmonologist. 4. If it is post-nasal drip, you can consult an ENT specialist. Changhua Hospital cares a...[Read More] Concerns About Gastrointestinal Issues and Potential Toxin Ingestion