Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Right upper quadrant tenderness? Hello doctor, recently I have occasionally experienced slight pain when pressing on my upper right abdomen upon waking up. It's not a constant pain, just a mild sensation when pressed. I am a carrier of hepatitis B, but I haven't gone fo...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: It is time for your (regular) follow-up appointment to check up and discuss with the physician the schedule for your annual follow-ups. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Do I Need Another Endoscopy for My Recurring Stomach Issues?
If you frequently experience discomfort in your stomach, do you need to keep undergoing gastroscopy? Hello! I would like to ask: I have been troubled by my stomach for a long time. Previously, I only experienced occasional discomfort (bloating, a feeling of fullness, sometimes na...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: If the symptoms persist despite ongoing treatment, further examination may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. However, based on what you have described, it appears to be a gastrointestinal dysfunction (possibly influenced by post-surgical adhesions). It is recomm...[Read More] Do I Need Another Endoscopy for My Recurring Stomach Issues?
Understanding Unexplained Liver Tumors: Next Steps for Diagnosis
Liver mass of unknown origin? Hello Dr. Chen, my father enjoys drinking a little and hiking in the city. Last month, after descending from a hike, he felt unwell but recovered after resting for over an hour. This happened twice last month. Subsequently, an abdominal ultrasound re...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: If the imaging studies remain inconclusive, a liver fine needle biopsy may be considered. However, it is advisable to monitor for changes in imaging or conduct other tests before deciding on a biopsy. Please discuss this further with your physician. Changhua Hospital ...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Liver Tumors: Next Steps for Diagnosis
Symptoms of Hepatitis B and C: Rash, Fatigue, and Swelling Explained
Symptoms of hepatitis Infection with hepatitis B or C can present with various symptoms. Common symptoms include fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. While rashes are not typical symptoms of hepatitis B or C infections, some in...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 70% of acute hepatitis cases present without any obvious symptoms, while the remaining patients exhibit non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, poor appetite, abdominal bloating, and mild drowsiness. Some may report symptoms similar to those of a cold, and it is usually onl...[Read More] Symptoms of Hepatitis B and C: Rash, Fatigue, and Swelling Explained
How Long Should I Wait After Quitting Alcohol for Accurate Liver Tests?
The liver is currently in an inflammatory state? I am a patient with liver inflammation (elevated GOT and GPT levels) and have a long history of smoking and drinking alcohol. I have stopped drinking alcohol for about three months. How long should I wait before getting tested for ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of abnormal liver function, and further tests are needed to differentiate between viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, or fatty liver disease, among others. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Chi-Feng, Gastroenterology Department, Tao...[Read More] How Long Should I Wait After Quitting Alcohol for Accurate Liver Tests?
Could Irregular Sleep and Alcohol Affect My Liver Antibodies?
Insufficient liver antibodies? Irregular sleep patterns and a reversed day-night cycle, along with a history of frequent alcohol consumption, could indeed contribute to your current difficulty in waking up after sleeping. Additionally, if your high school health check indicated i...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Fatigue or drowsiness may be related to the liver, but it is essential to undergo blood tests to confirm any liver function abnormalities. If liver function is normal, then fatigue or drowsiness is likely not related to the liver. Additionally, insufficient antibodies like...[Read More] Could Irregular Sleep and Alcohol Affect My Liver Antibodies?
Is Permanent Damage Possible from Drug Overdose in Adolescents?
Is the damage caused by drug overdose permanent? In my adolescence, I attempted to take around 60 acetaminophen tablets twice. The first time, I sought medical help too late, and by the time I arrived at the hospital, I could only receive an antidote. The second time, I vomited s...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Taking too much acetaminophen can lead to drug-induced liver injury and is one of the causes of acute liver failure. However, the liver has regenerative capabilities. It is recommended to develop good lifestyle habits, avoid alcohol, refrain from taking unnecessary medicat...[Read More] Is Permanent Damage Possible from Drug Overdose in Adolescents?
Understanding Increased Hiccups: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Increased frequency of hiccups? Hello, Doctor! About one or two months ago, I noticed that my hiccups (not spasms, just regular hiccups) have increased in frequency. Sometimes, I feel a tight sensation from the upper chest to the throat, which I wonder if it's related to gas...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Stress can indeed affect digestion and cause acid reflux, leading to discomfort in the chest. If it's convenient to seek medical attention, you may try a stronger antacid (which you may need to purchase out-of-pocket) and reduce your coffee and sugar intake to se...[Read More] Understanding Increased Hiccups: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Chronic Digestive Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Recently, I have been experiencing frequent gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing bloating and discomfort in my stomach for at least over a decade, but in the past year, the symptoms have slightly changed to a sensation of acid reflux (my stomach fee...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Upper abdominal bloating is related to gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In addition to medication, it is important to follow dietary and lifestyle precautions. Furthermore, individuals with a history of abdominal surgery are more prone to bloating, abd...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Digestive Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Can You Get an Ultrasound for Fatigue Without Liver Inflammation?
Abdominal ultrasound? Hello doctor, I have a problem with easy fatigue, usually feeling tired 3 to 4 hours after getting up. Each time I check my GPT and GOT levels, they are normal. I have received the hepatitis B vaccine. I would like to have an abdominal ultrasound to check fo...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, abnormal liver function is related to your fatigue. If liver function is normal, your fatigue may be due to other factors, such as anemia, among others. If necessary, other reports should be reviewed. A small number of inactive liver cirrhosis cases may...[Read More] Can You Get an Ultrasound for Fatigue Without Liver Inflammation?
Understanding Bloating: A Case Study of Gastrointestinal Challenges
Persistent bloating..? Hello doctor, my father is 63 years old and was diagnosed with diabetes last October. Since then, he has been strictly controlling his diet and exercising, but it seems he has gone a bit overboard, as he cannot tolerate any sugar or oil. His weight has drop...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
It is advisable to discuss with your physician (whether there are other underlying causes?) and to treat the underlying condition in order to effectively resolve the issue.[Read More] Understanding Bloating: A Case Study of Gastrointestinal Challenges
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Test Results: A Guide to ALKP and Protein Ratios
Questions about health check-up reports? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my health check report: 1. My ALKP value is 30 (the reference range provided in the report is 32-91 IU/L). Generally, a high ALKP level is considered unfavorable; what issues could arise from a low...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: ALKP is below the normal range, no need to worry. Protein level is 4.5, and globulin is 2.1, which are normal; the ratio does not need to be considered (a low ratio is more significant). Wishing you peace and health. Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Hospital...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Test Results: A Guide to ALKP and Protein Ratios
Understanding Bloating and Weight Changes: Gastrointestinal Health Insights
Bloating after eating and significant weight loss? Hello Dr. Chen: Following up on my previous question, my abdominal bloating has significantly improved over the past week. I can eat normally now, and my weight has stabilized at 72.5 kg without further decline. The gastroscopy s...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Sir: It is advisable to discuss with your outpatient physician and patiently cooperate with observation, follow-up, and dietary adjustments. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Weight Changes: Gastrointestinal Health Insights
Understanding Bloating and Weight Loss: Gastrointestinal Health Insights
: Bloating after eating and significant weight loss? Hello Doctor: Following up on my previous inquiry, I experience abdominal bloating after eating, and my weight has decreased by 6 kilograms over the month from early November to early December. An endoscopy showed mild gastriti...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: It is advisable to discuss with your outpatient physician and patiently cooperate with monitoring and dietary adjustments. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Weight Loss: Gastrointestinal Health Insights
Understanding Green Oily Stool: Possible Liver and Gallbladder Issues
Green, oily, droplet-like stools? Last week, I frequently experienced abdominal pain and diarrhea (watery stools). A few days ago, it improved significantly; I had no abdominal pain and no diarrhea. However, today I went to the bathroom twice, and my stools had "some deep gr...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
There are many possibilities; it is recommended to see a doctor at the hospital for further examination and confirmation.[Read More] Understanding Green Oily Stool: Possible Liver and Gallbladder Issues
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort After Infectious Mononucleosis
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello Doctor, I have recently been diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis and have been experiencing a continuous fever for almost three weeks. The infectious disease specialist mentioned that there is no infection in the liver or other organs, but I...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms, there are signs of gastroenteritis. It is advisable to follow a diet low in oil and dairy, and to keep it light. If there is no improvement, you should consult a physician for a prescription for gastrointestinal medication. Wishing you safety and hea...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort After Infectious Mononucleosis
Understanding Elevated r-GT Levels: Causes and Next Steps for Patients
Elevated levels of r-GT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) index? Hello Doctor, my sGOT and sGPT levels are normal, and my liver cancer screening results are also normal. However, my r-GT levels are slightly elevated, exceeding the reference values in the test report. An abdominal ultr...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: 1. Elevated rGT levels in some individuals may be of unknown origin, but it is still recommended to monitor for 6-12 months. 2. For individuals with no hepatitis B surface antigen and no antibodies, if they are not healthcare workers or do not have close relatives wit...[Read More] Understanding Elevated r-GT Levels: Causes and Next Steps for Patients
Feeling Tired and Hungry After Meals: Gastrointestinal Concerns Explained
Easily hungry, easily fatigued, and feeling sleepy? Hello Doctor: I have noticed for over 20 years that I feel sluggish and sleepy after meals, and this is still the case now. I have also become more aware of feeling hungry; for example, after breakfast, I feel a bit hungry aroun...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: You may first go to the hospital for a health insurance-covered adult health check-up to understand some basic functions, and then visit the gastroenterology department if necessary. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Gastroenterology Department, ...[Read More] Feeling Tired and Hungry After Meals: Gastrointestinal Concerns Explained
Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: Causes and Next Steps
Regarding abnormal liver enzyme levels? Hello Doctor, At the end of February, my school conducted a health check, and the results showed abnormal liver enzyme levels, with GOT at 38 and GPT at 92. In April, I had a follow-up blood test, and my GOT decreased to 82. The healthcar...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: The effectiveness of medication for fatty liver is not very good; long-term control of diet and weight is necessary for improvement. Please continue to make an effort and follow up. If there is no family history of hepatitis B or if you are not involved in the health...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: Causes and Next Steps
Managing High Jaundice Levels in Liver Tumors and Lymphoma
The jaundice index is excessively high in a patient with lymphatic cancer and liver tumors? My father has a liver tumor, lymphoma, and hepatitis B, and he is experiencing high levels of jaundice. The doctor has mentioned that there are currently no medications available for treat...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: First, we need to confirm the primary cause of the jaundice and treat it accordingly. If necessary, we may consider plasmapheresis, but it would be out-of-pocket and carries certain risks. Changhua Hospital is concerned about your health. Sincerely, Chen Shih-Tien.[Read More] Managing High Jaundice Levels in Liver Tumors and Lymphoma