Liver, Gastroenterology and Hepatology FAQ - Page 33

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Understanding Blood and Urine Test Results: What They Mean for Liver and Gastrointestinal Health

Questions about blood and urine test reports? Recently, my father had blood and urine tests, and the results are as follows: GOT: 69; GPT: 89; urine protein: (+) 30; white blood cells: (+-) 10. What do these numbers mean? What actions should be taken? How can he maintain his heal...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. Abnormal liver function requires monitoring and investigation for causes such as fatty liver, chronic viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, and autoimmune conditions. 2. The presence of proteinuria and inflammation in the urine indicates potentia...

[Read More] Understanding Blood and Urine Test Results: What They Mean for Liver and Gastrointestinal Health


Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Risks, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Hepatitis B issues? Hello, Dr. Tsai, I apologize for bothering you again! I was infected with hepatitis B in my twenties or even earlier, and at that time, the doctor said no treatment was needed. Recently, an ultrasound revealed that my liver is rough, and I have liver fibrosis....


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Liver roughness/liver fibrosis should be assessed for severity; if it is mild, it is not serious. (2) Aging or fatty liver can lead to liver fibrosis. If there is no hepatitis B virus carrier status, there is no need for excessive concern. (3) As long as immune functio...

[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Risks, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options


Managing Post-Surgery Bowel Issues After Stage 4 Colon Cancer

After colorectal cancer surgery, there has been frequent bowel movements resembling diarrhea for the past six months? In late August 2015, I was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer due to difficulty in bowel movements and the presence of blood in the stool. Two tumors were found...


Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Consider administering intestinal medications, and probiotics may also be considered.

[Read More] Managing Post-Surgery Bowel Issues After Stage 4 Colon Cancer


Frequent Nausea: When to Seek Medical Help and Costs Involved

Frequent nausea? Hello doctor, I am a male and I have been feeling nauseous frequently lately, even when drinking water. I am not sure what is wrong, and I feel that my health is not good. I would like to ask if I should get a full body check-up and how much it might cost. Should...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, you may visit the Gastroenterology outpatient clinic to check for any liver or gastrointestinal issues. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.

[Read More] Frequent Nausea: When to Seek Medical Help and Costs Involved


Understanding Liver Nodules: Should You Worry About a 0.7mm Finding?

There is a nodule in the liver? Hello, doctor. I have hepatitis B and have been continuously monitored. Recently, during an ultrasound examination, a 0.7 mm hypoechoic nodule was found. The doctor is not very certain whether it is a tumor or another benign condition; they only su...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Generally, a size greater than 1-2 centimeters is required for a CT scan to determine whether a lesion is benign or malignant. Please follow up with a ultrasound in three months to monitor any changes. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.

[Read More] Understanding Liver Nodules: Should You Worry About a 0.7mm Finding?


Can Hepatitis B Carriers Experience a Complete Recovery?

Hepatitis B carrier Hello Dr. Tsai: I have undergone health check-ups at a large hospital more than ten times due to being a chronic hepatitis B carrier, so I pay special attention to liver issues. In the past, I have had records of completely normal liver function tests. However...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: In clinical practice, it is not uncommon for older individuals to have a disappearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), indicating that they are no longer carriers of the virus. However, it is still recommended to continue monitoring as per the guidelines for hepati...

[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Carriers Experience a Complete Recovery?


Understanding the Effects of Liver Supplements on Thirst and Blood Tests

I take Hepatitis B medication? Dr. Chen, I have been taking hypertension medication for ten years. Other clinics have prescribed me with Hepatitis B medication, which helps reduce my thirst. I need to go to Chang Gung Hospital in a few days to check for Hepatitis B and C, and the...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Weininggan contains liver-protective ingredients (which can counteract oxidative stress from free radicals) and vitamins. Pharmacologically, it can improve liver function, but there is no direct evidence of its effectiveness for thirst. Changhua Hospital cares about y...

[Read More] Understanding the Effects of Liver Supplements on Thirst and Blood Tests


Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Should You Be Concerned?

Bilirubin issues? Hello Doctor, last year I discovered that my total bilirubin was elevated while my direct bilirubin was normal. My indirect bilirubin was 2.2 mg/dL. I went to a clinic for follow-up, and I had several blood tests to check for hemolysis. The doctor suggested it m...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Typically, blood tests can only measure total bilirubin and direct bilirubin. Indirect bilirubin is calculated by subtracting the two values. (2) The total bilirubin is 1.75 mg/dL, and the direct bilirubin is 0.54 mg/dL, which indicates direct jaundice. This may be due...

[Read More] Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Should You Be Concerned?


Should You Pay Out-of-Pocket for Hepatitis B Treatment?

Is treatment for hepatitis B out-of-pocket? My liver enzymes have been fluctuating around 50 to 70. Additionally, I have been diagnosed with fatty liver, and during my follow-up appointment two days ago, the doctor mentioned that my fatty liver has worsened. He said that inflamma...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. The medication for fatty liver is not very effective. Please manage your weight and diet, and engage in exercise. Also, be aware of any signs of high blood sugar or high cholesterol. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.

[Read More] Should You Pay Out-of-Pocket for Hepatitis B Treatment?


Deciding on Embolization for Advanced Liver Cancer: Expert Insights

Is embolization necessary? My mother is 74 years old and has had liver cancer for several years. She has undergone embolization and radiofrequency ablation. Ten days ago, she was hospitalized due to early-stage hepatic encephalopathy, which has been treated and stabilized. A rece...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, it is not advisable to proceed with embolization at this time. It is recommended to wait for about one month until improvement is observed before reconsidering. Please discuss individual circumstances further with your attending physician. Changhua Hospital cares about you...

[Read More] Deciding on Embolization for Advanced Liver Cancer: Expert Insights


Yellowing of the Feet: Signs of Liver Issues and When to Seek Help

Yellowing of the soles? Hello, I occasionally stay up late, and last night I noticed that the soles of my feet have a slight yellowish tint. I'm not sure if this is something new or if it has been happening for a while. When I press on it, the yellowing becomes more pronounc...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If the yellowing is caused by jaundice, the sclera (the white part of the eye) will also appear yellow. However, if it is due to excessive pigmentation (such as from consuming too many carrots, citrus fruits, papayas, mangoes, tomatoes, etc.), or from cleaning agents, or a...

[Read More] Yellowing of the Feet: Signs of Liver Issues and When to Seek Help


Intermittent Sharp Pain Above the Navel: Causes and Concerns

Experiencing intermittent sharp pain above the navel? Hello doctor, for the past three days, I have been experiencing intermittent sharp pain about three fingerbreadths above my navel. The pain lasts for about 1 to 3 seconds and then subsides, but it reoccurs after some time thro...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Pain located about three fingers above the navel may involve organs such as the stomach, intestines, pancreas, and left lobe of the liver. Common causes include gastroenteritis and peptic ulcers. If accompanied by dizziness and fatigue, it may be necessary to check for anemia. It...

[Read More] Intermittent Sharp Pain Above the Navel: Causes and Concerns


Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes and Dizziness: Key Insights

Liver enzymes & dizziness? Hello doctor, today I was sent to the emergency room due to feeling unwell, and I had a blood test. The nurse mentioned that my liver enzyme levels are elevated; the normal range is around 40, and mine is 59. She said it’s not excessively high and d...


Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Abnormal liver function requires further investigation to determine the cause; please consult a hepatologist. As for the dizziness, there are many potential causes. Please see a neurologist for evaluation.

[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes and Dizziness: Key Insights


Understanding Liver Issues: Insights on Rough Liver, Nodules, and Fatigue

Liver problems? Dear Dr. Tsai, I apologize for bothering you again. My liver is rough, and my spleen is slightly enlarged. The surface antigen is negative, the surface antibody is positive, and the core antibody is positive. I have not been vaccinated, and I have developed antib...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) With aging or fatty liver disease, fibrosis may occur. (2) Liver nodules can be benign or malignant. (3) If you are experiencing fatigue, you should evaluate the quality of your sleep and whether your work is too strenuous; it is not solely related to liver issues. (4)...

[Read More] Understanding Liver Issues: Insights on Rough Liver, Nodules, and Fatigue


Understanding Elevated GPT Levels: Should You Worry About Liver Health?

GPT anomaly doubled? Hello doctor, I had a health check-up on February 5th, and today I saw that my test results show that my GPT level is twice the normal limit (GPT=70; GOT=34). I found online that elevated GPT can indicate "acute liver necrosis." Should I go to the h...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If the GPT is less than twice the normal range, it can be considered a sign of hepatitis, and there is no need to be overly concerned. However, it is recommended to follow up with a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialist regarding your recent condition. Changhua Hos...

[Read More] Understanding Elevated GPT Levels: Should You Worry About Liver Health?


Understanding Cholesterol and Liver Enzyme Levels: A Health Guide

Cholesterol and liver enzymes? Hello doctor, I recently received my health check report. My height is 163 cm, weight is 53 kg, cholesterol level is 260 (normal range is 0-200), and liver enzyme level is 10 (normal range is 14-54). I usually exercise, playing basketball three time...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. A low liver enzyme level generally does not indicate any issues; it is often due to a smaller body size. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.

[Read More] Understanding Cholesterol and Liver Enzyme Levels: A Health Guide


Do I Need Antiviral Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B?

Do we need antiviral medication? Hello, Doctor! Several years ago, I was infected with hepatitis B, and at that time, I tested positive for antibodies and did not require treatment. Recently, an ultrasound revealed that my liver is rough, my spleen is enlarged, and I am experien...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. 1. If liver function is normal, there is currently no need to check for viral DNA. 2. Splenomegaly or coarse liver texture can be discussed with gastroenterology and hematology specialists for management strategies. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shi...

[Read More] Do I Need Antiviral Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B?


Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Recovery Tips

If liver enzyme levels are elevated? I would like to ask if a liver index of 150 at my age is considered too high. Why is this happening? Can it be improved solely by adjusting sleep and diet? How long will it take to see significant improvement?


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. Generally, the normal range is 30 to 40, but a level of 150 has increased by 3 to 5 times. Please visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic to identify the cause and maintain a regular diet and lifestyle. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.

[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Recovery Tips


Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Pain: Causes and Insights

Right upper quadrant issues? Hello Dr. Tsai, In recent days, I have been experiencing intermittent sharp pain in my upper right abdomen near the last rib, which feels similar to nerve pain. The pain is horizontal and approximately ten centimeters in length. It diminishes or eve...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) If there are questions regarding the report, physicians from different specialties may not provide much explanation for parts they do not understand. It is advisable to consult the physician who originally arranged the examination or a specialist in that field. (2) The...

[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Pain: Causes and Insights


Understanding Liver Health: Do You Need Fibrosis Testing for Hepatitis B?

Is it cirrhosis? Hello, doctor. I recently had an abdominal ultrasound that showed my liver is enlarged. Subsequent blood tests indicated that my Hepatitis B surface antigen is negative, but my surface antibody and core antibody are positive. I have never been vaccinated, so it s...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A negative hepatitis B surface antigen means that there is no hepatitis B virus carrier status, and there is no need for any medication. There is a significant difference between liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, so there is no need to be overly concerned about cirrhosis. As f...

[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Do You Need Fibrosis Testing for Hepatitis B?


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