Can Weight Loss and Diet Reverse Severe Fatty Liver Disease?
Fatty liver disease issues? Hello, Doctor. Recently, I went to the hospital for a check-up and an abdominal ultrasound at the family medicine department. The family medicine doctor said that the gastroenterologist indicated I have significant fatty liver (severe fatty liver). My ...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen, Hello. Fatty liver can indeed be improved through dietary changes and regular exercise. The liver accumulates fat, and when this fat oxidizes over time, it can lead to inflammation, resulting in elevated liver enzymes. Given that you weigh over 100 kilograms, it i...[Read More] Can Weight Loss and Diet Reverse Severe Fatty Liver Disease?
Dietary Guidelines for Managing Elevated Ammonia Levels in Liver Cirrhosis
Diet for Elevated Ammonia Levels Hello, doctor. My father is 56 years old and currently has grade C liver cirrhosis. His last blood test showed an ammonia level of 277, which is slightly elevated. He is alert, but I'm unsure about his diet. I'm worried that if he consum...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: For patients with a tendency towards hepatic encephalopathy, it is advisable to provide 40 to 50 grams of protein daily (0.5 to 0.7 grams per kilogram of body weight). Once symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy arise, the protein intake should be immediately reduced to 25 to ...[Read More] Dietary Guidelines for Managing Elevated Ammonia Levels in Liver Cirrhosis
Could My Symptoms Indicate Colon Cancer After Liver Donation?
Am I suffering from colorectal cancer? Two years ago, I donated part of my liver, leaving me with 50% of my liver and having my gallbladder removed. Since the surgery, I have frequently experienced diarrhea, especially after consuming greasy foods. Recently, I have occasionally f...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Ms. Ii, Based on your description, it does seem more like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, since you have also undergone gallbladder removal, this could potentially contribute to your abdominal discomfort. I recommend that you consult with a physician for an evalua...[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate Colon Cancer After Liver Donation?
Can Silimin Be Taken Long-Term for Fatty Liver Management?
Is it safe to take Silimin long-term? I had a stroke in 2014, which left me with right-sided paralysis. After a six-month rehabilitation in the hospital, my condition improved, and the hospital discharged me, recommending home rehabilitation. However, home rehabilitation was limi...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, you can ask your physician to check if your liver enzymes have returned to normal. If they have, you may not need to continue taking medication. Additionally, if you are not experiencing constipation, there is no need to keep taking stool softeners; just be mindful of your...[Read More] Can Silimin Be Taken Long-Term for Fatty Liver Management?
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Elevated liver enzymes indicating inflammation? Hello, doctor. I went to the family medicine clinic last week for a blood test, and today the report came back. My blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides are all normal, but my liver enzymes are elevated. The family medicine do...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: An ALT level of 60 (with a standard range of 7-42) indicates a liver condition that is not considered severe. However, it may be caused by fatty liver or insufficient sleep. Once the underlying cause is identified, further measures can be taken to improve the situation, wh...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Is Fatty Liver the Cause?
Liver dysfunction Hello Doctor, two weeks ago I had a blood test and today the report shows liver function results: GOT: 34 IU/L (5-34), GPT: 54 IU/L (<40). Last year, during a colonoscopy and gastroscopy, the doctor performed an ultrasound of my liver and diagnosed me with fa...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It is possible to try losing weight first and rule out hepatitis B/C. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Is Fatty Liver the Cause?
Understanding Abnormal Jaundice Levels: Causes and Implications
Abnormal bilirubin levels? Hello, doctor. I have hepatitis B, and an ultrasound showed a 0.6 cm hemangioma in my liver. There is no cirrhosis or enlargement of the liver according to my health check report. My GOT and GPT levels are normal, and my AFP is also normal. The only abn...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, it is possible that the jaundice is due to a metabolic issue related to your constitution, which should not be a concern. Please continue to monitor it. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Jaundice Levels: Causes and Implications
Should You Remove a Pancreatic Tumor? Understanding MRI Reports
Is surgical resection necessary for this tumor based on the pancreatic MRI report? Recently, a family member experienced severe abdominal pain (radiating to the back) and underwent an MRI examination, which revealed a tumor in the pancreas. The hospital that performed the MRI sug...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
It is advisable not to rely solely on the report's content; it is important to consult with a clinical physician for their opinion.[Read More] Should You Remove a Pancreatic Tumor? Understanding MRI Reports
Understanding Hepatitis B: Treatment Resistance and Monitoring
Recent hepatitis B screening? Hello Dr. Lin, I am a carrier of Hepatitis B. I have been on treatment with ETV (entecavir) for three years. In December and June of last year, my viral load was undetectable, but this June, the viral load was measured at 28. However, the E antigen, ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1) Hepcludex is used for chronic hepatitis B, and the chance of developing drug resistance is very low. 2) GPT: 49 indicates elevated liver enzymes; besides hepatitis B, other possible causes such as medications, infections, or non-compliance with medication should be considered....[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Treatment Resistance and Monitoring
Understanding Pain Under the Right Rib: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Below the right rib cage? Hello, doctor. I have a concern regarding a lump located just below my right rib cage, near the diaphragm. This lump often causes soreness, sharp pain, and a feeling of heaviness in that area, which sometimes radiates to my back. When I perform sit-ups o...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Pain beneath the right rib cage may be related to posture. There are nerves located beneath the right rib cage or in the intercostal spaces, and a common cause of pain in this area is muscular. Additionally, issues with the organs located beneath the right rib cage, such as the l...[Read More] Understanding Pain Under the Right Rib: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding Ascites and Liver Damage from Alcohol Abuse
Cirrhosis and ascites issues? My father has a long-standing habit of drinking alcohol, and recently he has developed ascites (commonly referred to as a "beer belly"). I understand that the presence of ascites typically indicates significant liver damage. However, since ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. Patients with liver cirrhosis often experience ascites and may also have peripheral edema. However, it is essential to seek medical attention for confirmation before using diuretics and restricting salt intake. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shih-Dia...[Read More] Understanding Ascites and Liver Damage from Alcohol Abuse
Understanding Abdominal Bloating and Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Abdominal bloating, abdominal rigidity, a feeling of fullness, and discomfort or the urge to defecate after eating? Hello Doctor, I woke up on Saturday morning (June 10, 2017) feeling sudden abdominal bloating and a hard abdomen (around the area of the navel; I'm not sure if...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The location of your discomfort you described is more likely related to a gastric issue. It may be advisable to consult a gastroenterologist again to determine if an endoscopy is necessary. Ultrasound is indeed not effective for examining hollow organs such as the gastroin...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Bloating and Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Your Stomach Issues: Causes and Solutions
My stomach has been feeling strange in the past few days? Hello Dr. Tsai: About last Friday, my stomach started feeling a bit strange. I constantly feel it moving, and after eating, I don't feel as full as before. In the past few days, I do feel full after eating, but I get ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is unclear whether the blood test includes normal thyroid function, as thyroid dysfunction can also lead to gastrointestinal motility abnormalities. Additionally, there may be various reasons causing motility issues, including inflammation and other factors. If symptoms...[Read More] Understanding Your Stomach Issues: Causes and Solutions
Unexpected Growth of Liver Hemangioma: A Yearly Follow-Up Concern
A continuously monitored hemangioma suddenly increased in size by three centimeters within one year? Three years ago, during a health check-up, two tumors were found in the liver. A subsequent CT scan confirmed that both were hemangiomas, with one measuring approximately three ce...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Hong, very few hemangiomas will enlarge. Please continue to monitor and consider excision or other treatments if necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Unexpected Growth of Liver Hemangioma: A Yearly Follow-Up Concern
Understanding Fluctuations in Anti-HBs Levels After Hepatitis B Treatment
Hepatitis B Anti-HBs Value Issues Dear Dr. Chen, I hope this message finds you well. During a company health check in 2007, I was found to be a carrier of hepatitis B with elevated liver enzymes (approximately GOT over 800). After follow-up at National Taiwan University Hospital...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. The values obtained are not completely quantitative, so they should only be used for reference and should not be interpreted based on their magnitude. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in Anti-HBs Levels After Hepatitis B Treatment
Understanding Right Abdominal Pain: Is Obesity the Cause?
Obesity. Occasional sharp pain just below the right breast? Hello, doctor. I am quite overweight, over 100 kilograms. The fat just below my right breast is consistently a bit larger than the left side, and it feels soft to the touch. Occasionally, I experience sharp pains a few t...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It may be more accurate to locate the liver at the lower edge of the ribs. You can consult a gastroenterologist to see if an abdominal ultrasound is necessary. Strict control of diet and exercise is essential to manage weight. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr....[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal Pain: Is Obesity the Cause?
Managing Hepatitis B: Should You Start Antiviral Treatment Early?
Antiviral medications for hepatitis B? Hello, doctor. My father is a carrier of hepatitis B and underwent liver tumor resection surgery for stage II hepatocellular carcinoma at the end of March. During today's follow-up visit, the doctor mentioned that my father qualifies fo...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. You may inquire with the case manager about completing the medication application to schedule an earlier follow-up visit for your medication, so you won't have to pay out of pocket. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Managing Hepatitis B: Should You Start Antiviral Treatment Early?
Essential Guidelines for Preparing for a Colonoscopy: Tips and Advice
Health check-up Hello Doctor, I had a routine colonoscopy on June 7, 2017, and I need to take two bottles of Forlax oral solution. The staff instructed me to drink the first bottle at 7 PM on June 6, and I can mix it with soda. Should I finish the first bottle within 20 minutes? ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
According to the instructions for use, the bowel cleansing medication is somewhat salty, which is why some people suggest mixing it with soda for a better taste.[Read More] Essential Guidelines for Preparing for a Colonoscopy: Tips and Advice
Understanding Bloating, Chest Tightness, and Liver Function Issues
Abdominal bloating, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and abnormal liver function tests? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if bloating can cause chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Two weeks ago, I visited a gastroenterologist, and during an abdominal ultrasound, the ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. If the medication does not improve your condition, you may need to return for a follow-up appointment to inform your physician and adjust the medication. 2. If GOT is greater than GPT, please consider whether you have taken any herbal medicine or consumed alcohol. As fo...[Read More] Understanding Bloating, Chest Tightness, and Liver Function Issues
Concerns About Stomach Ulcers and Weight Loss in Teens
I'm very worried..? Hello, doctor. Recently, due to a gastric ulcer, I have lost weight from 55.56 kg to 52.6 kg. Although I have been eating normally lately, I still haven't gained any weight. During middle school, I frequently ate fried chicken and consumed very few v...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Since the gastroscopy has already been performed, there is no need to worry excessively about stomach issues. If symptoms persist, it may be necessary to adjust your diet, daily routine, and emotional management. You can discuss this with your physician during your follow-...[Read More] Concerns About Stomach Ulcers and Weight Loss in Teens