Post-Liver Cancer Surgery: Foods to Avoid and Dietary Tips
After liver cancer tumor resection, which foods should be avoided? Hello Dr. Chen, my mother was diagnosed with liver cancer today. The tumor was successfully removed and there is no metastasis. I would like to ask Dr. Chen what other foods she should avoid besides ginseng, and w...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, after liver cancer surgery, dietary considerations primarily depend on whether there is liver cirrhosis and the degree of cirrhosis. If there is no cirrhosis, in addition to a fresh diet, it is advisable to limit smoking, alcohol, and pickled foods, while increasing the in...[Read More] Post-Liver Cancer Surgery: Foods to Avoid and Dietary Tips
Understanding Your Liver and Gastrointestinal Test Results: A Guide
To gain a better understanding of the laboratory test results? Doctor, this is the index from my physical examination in 2013. However, I haven't had any check-ups since then. I only received vaccinations at birth. I haven't had any vaccinations from childhood until now...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: comment... immunization may be considered: this means it is recommended that you receive the vaccine. The Hepatitis B antibody is nonreactive: this means there are no antibodies against the Hepatitis B virus, indicating a lack of immunity to the Hepatitis B virus. The Hepa...[Read More] Understanding Your Liver and Gastrointestinal Test Results: A Guide
Understanding Liver Function Tests: Should You Worry About Your GOT and GPT Levels?
Questions about liver function tests? My GOT is 17 and my GPT is above 20. I found some information online stating that the normal ratio of AST to ALT is 1.5 to 2.5:1 (when the ratio is less than 1, it is referred to as an inverted ratio, which is one of the characteristics of ch...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Everything is within the normal range, so there is no need to pay attention to the ratio. There will be opportunities for further follow-up and comparison. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: Should You Worry About Your GOT and GPT Levels?
Persistent Bloating and Discomfort: Is It Just GERD or Something More?
For the past six months, I have been experiencing constant bloating, belching, difficulty breathing, and it is also accompanied by nausea and loose stools? For the past six months, I have been experiencing constant bloating, belching, and shortness of breath. Sometimes I feel nau...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: It appears that you have a disorder of gastrointestinal motility, so medication treatment and dietary adjustments are still necessary. The necessity of continuing the PPI can be discussed with your physician. Additionally, it may be worthwhile to check for any liver, ...[Read More] Persistent Bloating and Discomfort: Is It Just GERD or Something More?
Understanding Abdominal Distension: Causes and Solutions for Men
The abdomen is gradually enlarging? Hello doctor, recently I've been experiencing an enlarged abdomen despite being male. I often have stomach acid issues and insomnia. I smoke and drink alcohol, but I haven't gained weight anywhere else, just in my belly. I frequently ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) An increase in abdominal size likely indicates an increase in waist circumference. It is important to check if there is also a corresponding weight gain, and consider weight loss, exercise, and a light diet (metabolic syndrome). (2) Smoking, drinking alcohol, and weigh...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Distension: Causes and Solutions for Men
Understanding Abnormal Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Solutions
Inquiry regarding abnormalities in total bilirubin and direct bilirubin: Hello Doctor: I recently received my health check-up report, and two abnormal values were noted: Total Bilirubin (T-Bil) is low at 1.84 mg/dl, and Direct Bilirubin (D-Bil) is high at 0.58 mg/dl. I would like...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Total bilirubin includes direct bilirubin, so total bilirubin levels are higher than direct bilirubin levels. This data should still be interpreted in conjunction with other test reports, such as liver function tests and ultrasound, to determine the underlying issues and potentia...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Abnormal T-Bil and D-Bil Levels: Causes and Solutions
Could you please clarify the issue regarding abnormal T-Bil and D-Bil levels? Hello Doctor: I recently received my health check-up report, and two abnormal values are as follows: Total Bilirubin (T-Bil) is low at 1.84 mg/dl, and Direct Bilirubin (D-Bil) is high at 0.58 mg/dl. I w...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Total bilirubin includes direct bilirubin, so total bilirubin levels are higher than direct bilirubin levels. This data should still be interpreted in conjunction with other test reports, such as liver function tests and ultrasound, to determine the underlying issues and potentia...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal T-Bil and D-Bil Levels: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies and Related Gastrointestinal Issues
Regarding Hepatitis B antibodies Dr. Tsai: If the hepatitis B antibodies are no longer present, is it advisable to receive three booster doses of the vaccine, even though my liver enzymes are abnormal due to fatty liver? Additionally, I occasionally experience acid reflux while s...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The contraindication for receiving the hepatitis B vaccine is a history of severe allergic reactions to the vaccine or any of its components. However, if there is a high fever or an acute moderate to severe illness, vaccination should be postponed until improvement occurs....[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies and Related Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Abdominal distension? Hello Doctor, I was recently diagnosed with endocrine dysfunction. My limbs and body are quite thin, but my abdomen sometimes becomes swollen and protrudes, resembling the early stages of pregnancy. However, after I wake up from sleep, my abdomen goes back t...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Abdominal distension or a protruding abdomen may require visual examination for clarity. 2. Possible causes of abdominal distension include gastrointestinal dysfunction or issues with intra-abdominal organs (such as the gastrointestinal tract, liver, gallbladder, pan...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Understanding HBsAg Levels and Hepatitis B Virus Infection Risks
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) Hello Doctor, my husband had a health check-up over a month ago and was found to have a Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) level of 0.12 IU/ml. The physician's overall assessment indicates that there is a Hepatitis B virus in his body and...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. A positive HBsAg indicates an infection with the hepatitis B virus. Testing for IgM anti-HBc can determine if it is an acute hepatitis B infection. If HBsAg remains positive after six months and HBsAb is negative, it indicates chronic hepatitis B. 2. Hepatitis B is ...[Read More] Understanding HBsAg Levels and Hepatitis B Virus Infection Risks
Understanding Hepatitis B: Do You Need a Booster Vaccine?
Questions regarding Hepatitis B? Hello Doctor, I was born in 1984 and I am currently 30 years old. Since 2007, I have been undergoing regular health check-ups every year. I would like to inquire about hepatitis B because my test reports regarding hepatitis B antibodies have been ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, it is speculated that this is related to insufficient levels of hepatitis B antibodies. Since the levels are borderline, sometimes the test results are positive and sometimes negative. In this situation, it is simply a matter of insufficient concentration, and receiving on...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Do You Need a Booster Vaccine?
Understanding Liver Health: Efficacy of Liverall and Other Treatments for Fatty Liver
Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? Hello, Doctor! Recently, during a health check-up, my liver function index was tested (normal range: 33-55) and the result came out to be 177. After visiting the outpatient clinic, hepatitis B and C were rule...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is not recommended to take over-the-counter medications during an outbreak of hepatitis until the cause is determined. The doctor will provide appropriate treatment, and it is advised not to rely on folk remedies or take medications indiscriminately. The treatment for f...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Efficacy of Liverall and Other Treatments for Fatty Liver
Managing Gastroesophageal Reflux and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) combined with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing diarrhea at times and sometimes only having a bowel movement every two days (usually I go 1-2 times a day). I feel bloated after eating, my appetite has dec...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Mr./Ms. K空, The symptoms you described are indeed indicative of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, if the fecal occult blood test shows a positive result, it is still recommended to arrange for a colonoscopy, as ulcerative co...[Read More] Managing Gastroesophageal Reflux and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms
Understanding the Risks of Ingesting Fungal Contaminants from Household Items
Regarding the ingestion of mold? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you about a situation. Today, my mother accidentally threw away something usable into the household trash bin. As a result, she rummaged through the trash and came across several pieces of tissue paper, which ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, ingesting mold does not cause gastrointestinal infections from fungi. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Attending Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Ingesting Fungal Contaminants from Household Items
Understanding Mold Ingestion: Myths and Facts About Gastrointestinal Health
Regarding the ingestion of mold (2) Hello Dr. Chen: I am the person inquiring about "ingesting mold." Thank you very much for your previous response. In your earlier reply, you mentioned that ingesting mold does not cause gastrointestinal infections. I understand that, ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, the ability of fungi to survive and even cause disease within the body's organs is related to the host's immune system. Only individuals with severely compromised immunity, such as those with AIDS, cancer patients, or those using immunosuppres...[Read More] Understanding Mold Ingestion: Myths and Facts About Gastrointestinal Health
Blood During Bowel Movements: Understanding Causes Beyond Hemorrhoids
There is some fresh blood when wiping after a bowel movement. I have seen a doctor, but they said I do not have hemorrhoids? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've noticed a small amount of bright red blood when wiping after a bowel movement. I went to see a doctor, who performed a d...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, sometimes internal hemorrhoids cannot be detected through a digital rectal examination, and ultrasound cannot check for colorectal cancer. Generally, to screen for colorectal cancer, one must undergo a colorectal examination, such as a colonoscopy or a barium enema. Based ...[Read More] Blood During Bowel Movements: Understanding Causes Beyond Hemorrhoids
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: Vaccine Response and Risks
Regarding Hepatitis B antibodies Hello, Dr. Tsai. I would like to ask you a question. I received the hepatitis B vaccine when I was young, but I remember that during a health check in fifth grade, I tested negative for antibodies. About three years ago, I went to a family medicin...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Adolescents are often found to have lost their hepatitis B antibodies during health check-ups. This occurs because the immune memory generated by the hepatitis B vaccine administered at birth gradually fades due to the immune system not being stimulated by viral antigens o...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: Vaccine Response and Risks
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Issues with Liver and Gastrointestinal Health
Is there a problem? I have been drinking alcohol almost every day, and recently I've been feeling a pulling sensation just above the right side of my navel for some time. It hurts when I walk and also when I apply pressure. My stomach often feels sharp pain and bloated. When...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist for diagnosis and treatment. You may undergo an abdominal ultrasound and blood tests soon. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Attending Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Ho...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Issues with Liver and Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Right Upper Quadrant Pain: Causes and Concerns
Right upper quadrant tenderness? Hello doctor, I previously inquired about hepatitis B and will promptly return for a follow-up. However, I am really scared about the tenderness; is it very serious?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Liver lesions often do not cause pain, but it is advisable to have an ultrasound to rule out any possibilities. We will also check for gallstones that may be causing discomfort. There is no need to worry too much, but please schedule an outpatient appointment as soon...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Quadrant Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Elevated Amylase and Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Abnormal biochemical blood test results? Recent blood tests revealed several elevated values, specifically Amylase at 103 U/L (normal range 0-100) and Total Bilirubin at 1.8 mg/dL (normal range 0-1.5). What could be the issue?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, if this is just a routine check-up, slightly elevated amylase does not indicate clinical significance; slightly elevated total bilirubin, if there are no hemolysis issues and no liver or biliary problems, may suggest a congenital metabolic disorder of bile. It is recommend...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Amylase and Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know