Understanding Peritonitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
Issues related to peritonitis? Hello, on the evening of August 23rd (Tuesday), I ate some stale clam soup, and the next morning I started experiencing diarrhea, which continued daily until August 28th (Sunday), when it became milder. Around August 25th or 26th, I noticed sharp pa...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. The pain in your stomach may be due to gastritis, which can cause discomfort. 2. Severe intestinal inflammation can potentially affect the visceral peritoneum. If you are experiencing intestinal perforation, it can lead to inflammation of the entire abdominal cavity,...[Read More] Understanding Peritonitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
Understanding a Hard Lump in the Upper Right Abdomen: What You Need to Know
Right upper quadrant mass? Hello Doctor: I have a hard lump in my upper right abdomen. I actually noticed it six months ago, but since I had no symptoms, I didn't pay much attention to it. The size is about the size of a finger joint, located about a finger's length fro...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you can feel a lump at your fingertip, it is mostly located subcutaneously rather than in the internal organs. You may consult a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding a Hard Lump in the Upper Right Abdomen: What You Need to Know
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Elevated liver enzymes? Hello Doctor: During my health check-up, I found that my GPT level was 79, while the normal range is 4-40. At that time, I had just graduated and was waiting to start my job, and I was not under significant stress. I had consumed alcohol about once or twic...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1) If there are no discomforts and the follow-up appointment is soon, you can wait to monitor everything during the next visit. 2) Not all medications affect liver function; it depends on which medication is taken. 3) If the values exceed the normal range, attention should...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Persistent Stomach Pain and Weight Loss: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Persistent stomach discomfort for two weeks with weight loss? Hello, Doctor. Two weeks ago, I started experiencing bloating in my stomach, accompanied by a persistent dull pain that occurs throughout the day, regardless of whether I've eaten. I feel like there's gas ris...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: You can start by taking Nexium and temporarily discontinue mosapride to see if there is any improvement. If there is still no improvement, you can return to your original physician for a discussion and medication adjustment. There is no need to change doctors just because ...[Read More] Persistent Stomach Pain and Weight Loss: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Pain in the lower middle part of the chest that worsens after eating and can be severe enough to hinder walking, along with deep breathing not providing relief, could indicate several potential issues. Occasional pain or persistent pain throughout the...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Based on the description, if there are concerns about stomach issues, it is also important to consider whether there are any problems with the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas. It is recommended to visit a hospital for further examination.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Long-Term Fatty Stools: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chronic fatty stools Hello Doctor, in the past few months, I have noticed a layer of clear, colorless oil floating on the surface of my stool during bowel movements. The amount varies, and it usually disappears on its own after about 4-5 days, only to reappear after some time. Th...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Check liver function, biliary enzymes, and pancreatic enzymes. If any abnormalities are found, further evaluation with abdominal ultrasound or even computed tomography (CT) scan may be necessary. If all tests are normal, dietary adjustments should be made, and digestive enzymes m...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Fatty Stools: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Antibody Development in Taiwan
Hepatitis B Consultation Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a question. The hepatitis B vaccine was not widely administered until 1984, which means that babies born before that year, as well as older adults, did not receive the hepatitis B vaccine, right? How did they develop the...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The risk of liver cancer increases specifically in individuals who have been infected with hepatitis B and have become carriers. If a person has been infected and has developed antibodies on their own, they will have lifelong immunity and their risk of liver cancer will no...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Antibody Development in Taiwan
Combining Oral Baraclude and Long-Acting Interferon for Hepatitis B: Is It Effective?
Oral Baraclude combined with injectable long-acting interferon, is this approach feasible? Hello Director Chen! I have been receiving treatment for hepatitis B at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital since 2008, which has been about 8 years. I have undergone two courses of Baraclude (a t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. 1. It is not drug resistance but rather a common occurrence of relapse after discontinuation of medication. The significance of using Hepatitis B antiviral therapy remains the same. 2. In some patients, a combination of oral antiviral therapy and interferon can fur...[Read More] Combining Oral Baraclude and Long-Acting Interferon for Hepatitis B: Is It Effective?
Understanding Liver Nodules: Concerns and Next Steps for Patients
Hepatic nodular hyperplasia Recent abdominal ultrasound examination report: low echo liver nodule (right lobe, approximately 0.7 cm). Can you explain my situation? I do not have hepatitis B or C and am very concerned it could be a tumor or cancer. My body fat percentage is relati...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. You can follow up with the gastroenterology outpatient clinic in three months. There may not necessarily be any changes, so there is no need to worry. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Liver Nodules: Concerns and Next Steps for Patients
Understanding Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in Carriers Over 60
Reactivation of Hepatitis B Virus I am a carrier of hepatitis B. I undergo ultrasound and blood tests every six months, and my indices are normal, so I do not need medication and must return for regular check-ups every six months. I have heard that after the age of 60, when the b...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. As long as you have regular follow-ups, you can lead a normal life. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in Carriers Over 60
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: Causes and Concerns
Abnormal liver function test results? Hello Doctor, I have a few questions. I have not been very healthy regarding my gastrointestinal system since middle school, experiencing recurrent issues such as duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. I usual...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. If the values are greater than normal, it can be classified as acute hepatitis. However, if it is accompanied by jaundice and coagulation dysfunction, it indicates hepatic decompensation, which poses a risk. 2. There are many causes of hepatitis; if you have not been ev...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: Causes and Concerns
Urgent Help Needed: Exploring Treatment Options for Liver Tumors
Help, liver tumor? Hello, doctor! My wife is 40 years old and has a history of ovarian cancer at the age of 12. She does not have hepatitis B, but in April of this year, she was found to have a tumor approximately 12 cm in size along with some smaller tumors. The larger tumor is ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, you can visit the oncology department at the medical center to seek a second opinion. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Urgent Help Needed: Exploring Treatment Options for Liver Tumors
Persistent Nausea and Abdominal Pain: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues?
I have been experiencing nausea for several weeks now? Doctor, thank you for your response. About a month and a half ago, I had a fever and cough and took antibiotics for about two rounds. However, during this illness, I have been experiencing persistent nausea, even though it se...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It is possible that the complications or residual symptoms of your gastroenteritis have not yet resolved, and you may need to continue treatment. Additionally, it would be advisable to check your liver function. Changhua Hospital is concerned about your health. Chen S...[Read More] Persistent Nausea and Abdominal Pain: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues?
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Is It the Same as Cirrhosis?
Is liver fibrosis the same as cirrhosis? Dear Doctor, I am HBsAg negative, HBsAb positive, and HBcAb positive, with no prior treatment and antibodies produced naturally. The key point is that the ultrasound examination shows liver fibrosis and a hemangioma. My spleen measures 6....
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1) You can return for a follow-up consultation with the physician to inquire why blood tests were not performed. 2) A white blood cell count of 3730 is still within the normal range. 3) For hair loss issues, you may consult a dermatologist, as it is not related to the live...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Is It the Same as Cirrhosis?
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Elevated liver enzymes? Hello doctor, my past lifestyle habits include staying up late, irregular eating, and not exercising much. About a month ago, I suddenly experienced discomfort in my abdomen, along with frequent diarrhea or loose stools... (sometimes the solid stool appear...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. 1. Gastritis does not cause abnormal liver function. You can continue to monitor the changes in hepatitis through treatment. 2. Additionally, medications may also cause hepatitis, so please discuss your medications with your physician. Changhua Hospital cares abo...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Liver Enzymes: Are My Levels Indicating Alcoholic Hepatitis?
Doctor Chen, what are my liver enzyme levels? Hello Dr. Chen, I hope this message finds you well. My health check report shows SGOT/SGPT levels at 27/24 and ALP at 47, but my r-GTP is at 195. Is this indicative of severe alcoholic hepatitis? I have a habit of drinking beer; doe...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. You should quit drinking to prevent your condition from worsening! Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Liver Enzymes: Are My Levels Indicating Alcoholic Hepatitis?
Post-Meal Hunger: Understanding Unusual Digestive Symptoms and Solutions
Postprandial hunger sensation? Hello Doctor: Three weeks ago, after lunch, I suddenly experienced a problem where I felt hungry shortly after eating (similar to a hunger sensation without bowel sounds). If I eat too quickly, the hunger sensation can even appear halfway through th...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. The examination results should be clear enough. In addition to dietary control for fatty liver, you may discuss medication (or an endoscopy) with your physician regarding your gastrointestinal symptoms. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shih-Dian.[Read More] Post-Meal Hunger: Understanding Unusual Digestive Symptoms and Solutions
Post-Surgery Complications in Children with Biliary Cysts: Insights and Concerns
Postoperative issues in children with choledochal cysts? Hello Dr. Chen, The child underwent laparoscopic total cyst excision of the bile duct, biliary-enteric anastomosis, and liver biopsy due to a choledochal cyst. The underlying cause was identified through abnormal levels of...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
The risk of developing pancreatitis after the aforementioned surgery is inherently present, primarily depending on the severity assessment. The level of the index is not an indicator of severity. Treatment is mainly supportive.[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications in Children with Biliary Cysts: Insights and Concerns
Understanding Occasional Blood in Stool: A Gastrointestinal Concern
Occasionally, there is a small amount of blood in the stool? Hello, doctor. At the beginning of February this year, I started feeling a tremor in my head, and on two occasions while standing, I felt blood rushing to my head. At that time, I was regularly donating blood, and my bl...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. You may first visit the gastroenterology department to check for occult blood in your stool, and medication adjustments will be made based on the findings. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Occasional Blood in Stool: A Gastrointestinal Concern
Persistent Right Upper Abdomen Pain After Meals: What to Do?
Postprandial pain and discomfort in the upper right abdomen, recurring episodes? Hello doctor, I often experience pain in the upper right abdomen after meals, and it also hurts when I press on it. I have undergone colonoscopy and gastroscopy without any issues found, and the ultr...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Ms. Yang, If you are experiencing abdominal pain, it is important to consult a gastroenterologist. If tests have been conducted and no issues were found, gastric spasms should still be considered. We recommend that you have a thorough evaluation by a gastroenterology speci...[Read More] Persistent Right Upper Abdomen Pain After Meals: What to Do?