Dealing with Persistent Bad Breath: Causes and Solutions Beyond Dental Care
Halitosis with a foul odor resembling rotten food? Hello Doctor: My husband informed me that even after brushing my teeth, he can still smell a foul odor coming from my mouth from about 30 cm away. The smell resembles that of something decaying, making it difficult for me to brea...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of halitosis, including oral, nasal, pulmonary, throat, gastrointestinal diseases, metabolic disorders, and liver diseases. It is recommended to seek diagnosis and treatment from a professional physician. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Dealing with Persistent Bad Breath: Causes and Solutions Beyond Dental Care
Post-Surgery Recovery: Understanding Delayed Bowel Function in Seniors
Please consult a doctor? My grandfather, who is 70 years old, underwent surgery for adhesive intestinal obstruction (fortunately, his intestines did not necrose). However, it has been two weeks since the surgery, and he still cannot eat or drink, resulting in significant weight l...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Recovery after surgery is influenced by various factors such as age, the function of the heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs, as well as chronic medical history (including diabetes and hypertension), immune status, and overall nutritional condition. It is not possible to dete...[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery: Understanding Delayed Bowel Function in Seniors
Understanding Cirrhosis: What Diagnostic Tools Are Available?
Cirrhosis, with a rough surface of the liver? Hello, Doctor. Can you please answer me? I have been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, and the surface of my liver is very rough. I have undergone ultrasound examinations for over ten years, and there has been no improvement. I have rec...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Patients with liver cirrhosis must continue to receive follow-up treatment. Blood tests and abdominal ultrasounds should be performed every three months. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chen Chi-Feng, Taoyuan Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Cirrhosis: What Diagnostic Tools Are Available?
Managing a 5cm Liver Hemangioma with Existing BC Liver: Best Strategies
The patient has a pre-existing hepatitis B infection and now presents with a liver hemangioma measuring over 5 centimeters. What should be done? You have a history of hepatitis B and now have a liver hemangioma measuring over 5 centimeters. What should be done in terms of treatme...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello to those who want to live healthily. Don't worry, the two are unrelated. As long as you cooperate with the gastroenterology follow-up examinations and receive medication treatment when necessary, you can rest assured. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Chen...[Read More] Managing a 5cm Liver Hemangioma with Existing BC Liver: Best Strategies
Understanding Rising AFP Levels in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Hepatitis B carrier with an abnormal rise in AFP to 588? Hello Doctor: I am a carrier of hepatitis B. My current status is as follows: AST 23, ALT 28, AFP 583. I have undergone abdominal ultrasound, CT, and MRI, but the reason for the continuous increase in AFP remains unclear. M...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Elevated AFP levels are commonly caused by chronic hepatitis, acute hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Tumors that frequently secrete AFP include pancreatic tumors, gastric tumors, colorectal tumors, and bronchial tumors, as well as pregnancy in women and tes...[Read More] Understanding Rising AFP Levels in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology
Pain below the left rib cage? Hello Dr. Lin, I have experienced discomfort and pain under my left rib cage whenever I feel anxious or if my eating schedule is irregular. Sometimes the pain radiates and makes my entire abdomen feel uncomfortable. Recently, the frequency of this pa...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Pain under the left rib cage may involve areas such as the esophagus, stomach, intestines, pancreas, and left liver, but the likelihood of gastric pain is higher. Please pay attention to your diet, and if the pain persists, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Wishi...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology
Managing Elevated Viral Load and Liver Enzymes in Hepatitis B Patients
Viral load, GOT, and GPT levels surge? Dear Director, I have hepatitis B and previously underwent treatment with "Interferon" and "Lamivudine" for three years. Since the treatment period covered by health insurance has ended, I have stopped taking the medicat...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Yang, please enhance your follow-up and apply for medication control at the appropriate time as instructed. If you are willing to deviate from the regulations and pay out of pocket for medication, you may use Huilituo for treatment. Interferon is also another option, bu...[Read More] Managing Elevated Viral Load and Liver Enzymes in Hepatitis B Patients
Do You Need to Fast for Liver Ultrasound When Monitoring Hemangioma?
Liver examination Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you about my hepatic hemangioma measuring 0.8 cm. I want to know if I need to fast before undergoing an ultrasound examination of my liver for follow-up.
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: An abdominal ultrasound is typically performed fasting to observe the gallbladder and pancreas. However, if the focus is solely on the liver, it can be done without fasting. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chen Chih-Feng, Taoyuan Hospital.[Read More] Do You Need to Fast for Liver Ultrasound When Monitoring Hemangioma?
Understanding Urine Test Results and Gastrointestinal Issues in Teens
Urinalysis Report and Bowel Issues On August 27, the report indicated the following abnormal findings: urine protein (+,-), urine ketones (+++), hematuria (+,-), and urine leukocytes 4-6. I am a 17-year-old male, 177 cm tall and weighing 65 kg. Two weeks ago, I had a urinalysis a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello JK, everything seems to be fine. Some symptoms have resolved on their own and are not concerning. Just keep an eye on it for follow-up. Please take care and relax; Changhua Hospital is concerned about your health. Dr. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Urine Test Results and Gastrointestinal Issues in Teens
Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Total bilirubin (T) slightly elevated issue? Hello Doctor, I recently visited a weight loss clinic where the doctor arranged for me to undergo blood tests and an abdominal ultrasound. The abdominal ultrasound showed normal results except for moderate to severe fatty liver, and th...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. There are many common causes of elevated total bilirubin, including hepatitis (alcoholic, viral, autoimmune, or drug-induced), hemolytic anemia, biliary diseases, infections, sepsis, malignancies, Gilbert's syndrome, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cho...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Can My Father Undergo Liver Transplant Surgery with Advanced Cirrhosis?
Liver transplantation surgery My father is currently in the end stage of liver cirrhosis with elevated ammonia levels and altered consciousness. He is hospitalized at your facility. Is it possible for him to undergo a liver transplant?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Ade. Please discuss with your family and the attending physician whether it is appropriate and your willingness to donate a liver. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Can My Father Undergo Liver Transplant Surgery with Advanced Cirrhosis?
Understanding Strong Ammonia Smell in Urine and Stool: Is It Liver Disease?
excuse me? The presence of a strong ammonia smell in urine and feces can be attributed to several factors. One common cause is dehydration, which can concentrate waste products in the urine, leading to a more pungent odor. Additionally, a high-protein diet can also result in incr...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, it is not scientifically objective to judge based on taste. If you have specific symptoms, please seek medical attention for a diagnosis from a physician to confirm your condition. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Strong Ammonia Smell in Urine and Stool: Is It Liver Disease?
Understanding Liver Aneurysms: Treatment Options and Recommendations
Hepatic artery aneurysm Doctor, I have a question: I have a liver artery aneurysm that is about 2 centimeters in size. I do not have hepatitis B or C. What treatment do I need to undergo?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hepatic adenomas rarely present as aneurysms, but are more commonly associated with hemangiomas (caused by microvascular proliferation). The former requires vascular imaging treatment, while the latter only needs annual follow-up. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Ch...[Read More] Understanding Liver Aneurysms: Treatment Options and Recommendations
Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Abnormal liver function tests? Dear Dr. Lin, I hope this message finds you well. Recently, the company sent out the health check report for April, and I noticed some abnormalities in my liver function tests, which has caused me some concern. I would appreciate your assistance in...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Abnormal liver function tests, although not significantly elevated, require investigation to determine the cause and to monitor for chronic Hepatitis B or C. Common causes of liver function abnormalities include fatty liver, alcohol consumption, metabolic syndrome, weight gain, e...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Understanding Liver Function Tests: Interpreting GOT and GPT Levels
Health Check Report Hello, in the health check report from July, the GOT was 20 U/L and the GPT was 59 U/L, with a reference range of 30-65 U/L. The result is described as normal. However, in the previous health check (in 2011), the reference range for GPT was 4-38 U/L. Therefore...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Different laboratories use different testing instruments, which results in varying normal value ranges. Elevated levels of GOT and GPT above the normal upper limit indicate liver dysfunction. Further investigation is needed to determine the cause of the abnormality. Your liver fu...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: Interpreting GOT and GPT Levels
Is Surgery Necessary for 12cm Asymptomatic Focal Nodular Hyperplasia?
Focal Nodular Hyperplasia (FNH) of the liver Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if a 12 cm asymptomatic focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) of the liver requires surgery, or if it can be monitored instead? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please discuss in person with your physician to clarify any potential risks (including bleeding) and whether monitoring is sufficient.[Read More] Is Surgery Necessary for 12cm Asymptomatic Focal Nodular Hyperplasia?
Laparoscopic Surgery for Large Benign Liver Tumors: Is It Possible?
Laparoscopic liver surgery Hello Doctor: I have a benign tumor (FNH) in the left lobe of my liver measuring approximately 11 cm. Although there is no immediate need for surgery, I have seen discussions in recent years about laparoscopic surgery techniques that typically limit the...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. Laparoscopic resection of the left lobe of the liver is feasible, but it requires an experienced surgeon and careful consideration of certain angles. 2. Focal Nodular Hyperplasia (FNH) does not require surgical intervention; regular monitoring is sufficient.[Read More] Laparoscopic Surgery for Large Benign Liver Tumors: Is It Possible?
Are Red Spots and Itching Side Effects of Silymarin? Expert Advice
Regarding medication issues? Hello Dr. Tsai, A friend gave me Silymarin 150mg capsules for liver protection, and I have been taking one capsule daily for about 100 days. Recently, I noticed small red spots on my hands and feet that are swollen and itchy, which feels like an all...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Common side effects of silymarin include gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, indigestion, diarrhea, as well as headaches and dizziness. At high doses, it may cause a laxative effect. Your symptoms are relatively uncommon; if you suspect side effects, you should disco...[Read More] Are Red Spots and Itching Side Effects of Silymarin? Expert Advice
Is My Fatty Liver Causing Inflammation? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Is there liver inflammation? Hello, Director Chen. Previously, during a health check conducted by my company, I was diagnosed with moderate fatty liver, and I was advised to get vaccinated, but I did not produce any antibodies. Since the beginning of this year, I have frequently ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Xiao Chen, your liver function is normal, indicating no liver inflammation. For the fatty liver component, please engage in exercise and weight loss, and continue to monitor your condition. The symptoms of bitter mouth and dry mouth are non-specific, so there is no need to ...[Read More] Is My Fatty Liver Causing Inflammation? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Abnormal Fetal Protein Levels: Next Steps for Evaluation
Abnormal fetal protein levels Hello! I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been regularly undergoing blood tests and ultrasound examinations. In my recent adult health check-up, my blood test results showed GOT at 28 and GPT at 37, but the alpha-fetoprotein screening result was ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Tiantian, please discuss the examination details (such as CT scans) with your physician or closely monitor the changes in your values. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Fetal Protein Levels: Next Steps for Evaluation