Do You Need Fasting for Liver Blood Tests and Abdominal Ultrasound?
Regarding liver blood tests and abdominal ultrasound? For liver health check-ups, is fasting for 8 hours required for blood tests, or is it necessary for abdominal ultrasound? Additionally, should these two tests be scheduled on the same day, or does the abdominal ultrasound need...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: An abdominal ultrasound generally requires fasting for 6 to 8 hours to facilitate the observation of organs such as the gallbladder. However, if only drawing GOT and GPT (liver function tests), fasting is not necessary. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen...[Read More] Do You Need Fasting for Liver Blood Tests and Abdominal Ultrasound?
Persistent Pain Under Right Rib: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues Explained
Persistent pain in the area below the right rib cage? Recently, I have been experiencing persistent pain in the area below my right rib cage, which feels like a stabbing pain and is not superficial. I have not had a bowel movement for several days, so I went to the pharmacy and p...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to undergo an abdominal ultrasound examination to primarily rule out liver and gallbladder diseases. If the liver and gallbladder are normal, further consideration should be given to gastrointestinal issues; of course, neuropathic pain cannot be excluded ...[Read More] Persistent Pain Under Right Rib: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues Explained
Understanding Floating Oil in Stool: Possible Liver Issues Explained
Floating stools Recently, I have noticed floating oil on the surface of the toilet water during bowel movements. The clinic recommended that I go to the hospital for an ultrasound examination, and the report indicated, "The coarse echogenic texture of the liver raises the su...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Shenton, 1. The liver ultrasound report is in general terms. There's no need to worry as long as liver function is normal. 2. This phenomenon is not related to the liver. It is likely a gastrointestinal issue. You may check your stool and pancreatic function. Please...[Read More] Understanding Floating Oil in Stool: Possible Liver Issues Explained
Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Loved One
Abdominal pain Hello, my mother has abdominal swelling (54 years old). We always thought it was just a protruding abdomen or stomach. She is about 158 cm tall and weighs between 55-60 kg, which is not considered overweight, but her abdomen is quite noticeably large. In the past f...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended to monitor liver function, as hepatitis can present with gastrointestinal symptoms. 2. Bloating, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, dizziness, and hypertension have many differential diagnoses; it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist o...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Loved One
Occasional Sharp Pain Under Right Rib: Is It a Liver Issue?
Occasional tingling? The area about 15 centimeters below the chest on the right side, near the last rib, occasionally experiences sharp pain (without engaging in vigorous exercise). Could this indicate a problem with the liver?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The organs you described, including the liver, gallbladder, large/small intestine, and right kidney, are all potential sources of concern, and it is not solely the liver that should be considered. A physician should perform a physical examination to make an accurate diagno...[Read More] Occasional Sharp Pain Under Right Rib: Is It a Liver Issue?
Feeling Tired After 8 Hours of Sleep: Is It a Liver Issue?
Feeling tired due to lack of sleep? I have been sleeping for almost 8 hours every day (from 11 PM to a little after 6 AM), but I still feel very tired and often yawn. Could this indicate a problem with my liver?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is important to pay attention to sleep quality (whether the environment is noisy, if there is snoring, or even sleep apnea, and whether there are occurrences of nocturia, etc.). As for liver issues, they are often caused by insufficient sleep leading to liver inflammati...[Read More] Feeling Tired After 8 Hours of Sleep: Is It a Liver Issue?
How Night Shifts Affect Liver Health: Essential Tests to Consider
Does staying up late affect the liver? My dad has been working night shifts and staying up late. Recently, a traditional Chinese medicine doctor advised him to pay attention to his liver health. What tests should my dad undergo?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: You can have a blood test to check GOT/GPT (liver enzymes). If the results indicate any issues, an abdominal ultrasound can be arranged for further liver examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] How Night Shifts Affect Liver Health: Essential Tests to Consider
Understanding Your Liver Health: Interpreting HBsAg and HBsAb Results
Interpretation of the Examination Report Hello, doctor. In my previous health check report, there were several data points as follows: HBsAg result 0.00 (-), reference value <0.05; HBsAb result 328.8 (+), reference value <10. Since the HBsAb result of 328.8 (+) is not less ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The {s} in HBsAg represents the surface antigen of the hepatitis B virus. Your value is 0, indicating that you are not a carrier of hepatitis B. HBsAb represents the antibodies for hepatitis B, and your value is 328.8, indicating that you have immunity against hepatitis B....[Read More] Understanding Your Liver Health: Interpreting HBsAg and HBsAb Results
Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound: What It Reveals About Your Organs
Examination methods If the abdominal ultrasound examination during a health check-up shows no issues, does that mean that the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys are all normal?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: An abdominal ultrasound is used to examine the structures, while liver and kidney function should be assessed through blood tests. Best wishes, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound: What It Reveals About Your Organs
Managing Hepatitis B: How to Reduce Viral Load and Treatment Options
How to reduce the viral load in hepatitis B? Hello Dr. Chen, I have been living with Hepatitis B for over ten years. My liver enzyme levels are 55 and 35, and my viral load is 100,000. An ultrasound showed a 0.6 cm white spot. Can I apply for health insurance coverage for Baraclu...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Xiao Jiang. 1. For the application of medication for hepatitis B, it is essential to provide proof of a medical history of more than 6 months, with GPT levels greater than 80 for over 3 months. 2. Baraclude is one of the two first-line medications in the world. It has m...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis B: How to Reduce Viral Load and Treatment Options
Understanding Elevated SGOT Levels: Concerns and Solutions for Liver Health
Elevated phenylalanine transaminase levels? Hello Dr. Chen, I am a middle school student. Recently, I have been going to bed around 11 PM. A few days ago, my school conducted a health check, and I was found to have elevated levels of "aspartate aminotransferase" (SGOT) ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: There are many reasons for abnormal liver function, and further examination by a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialist is necessary. A higher concentration of hepatitis B antibodies is better, indicating sufficient immunity and is unrelated to abnormal liver functi...[Read More] Understanding Elevated SGOT Levels: Concerns and Solutions for Liver Health
Understanding Liver Lesions: What Do Black Spots Mean?
Liver spots issue? Hello Dr. Lin, my mother is a carrier of hepatitis B. Recently, she underwent a follow-up ultrasound examination of her liver, and the doctor mentioned that there are small black spots approximately 1.5 cm on her liver. Subsequently, tests for ALT, AST, and alp...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Hepatitis B carriers require regular follow-up. An abdominal ultrasound shows a black spot approximately 1.5 cm, which may be due to causes such as fibrous nodules, cysts, small tumors, or early-stage liver cancer. The levels of AST, ALT, and AFP are normal, indicating no ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Lesions: What Do Black Spots Mean?
Understanding Blood in Stool: Gastrointestinal Concerns Explained
Bowel issues!! Hello doctor, I have been experiencing persistent pain in my upper and lower abdomen for over a year. I have undergone stool tests, gastroscopy, liver and gallbladder ultrasound, and barium enema examinations, all of which returned normal results. Last Friday, I ha...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If the stool color is normal but there is fresh blood on the stool, the most common cause is hemorrhoidal bleeding. If there is no blood on the toilet paper after wiping, the likelihood of internal hemorrhoids is high. However, less common conditions such as proctitis or r...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Gastrointestinal Concerns Explained
Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain: Is It Related to Rib Discomfort?
Please provide the content you would like me to translate? I have been experiencing intermittent lower abdominal pain for almost two years now. The abdominal pain has become almost daily, accompanied by a strange discomfort and a feeling of pressure and bloating in the rib area. ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: You may consider using a topical analgesic ointment. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain: Is It Related to Rib Discomfort?
Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain: Is It Related to Gastrointestinal Issues?
Is it related?! I have been experiencing intermittent lower abdominal pain for almost two years now. The abdominal pain has become almost daily, and I feel discomfort around my ribs, which feels strange and uncomfortable, accompanied by a sensation of pressure, bloating, and shar...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to provide your height, weight (from one year ago, six months ago, two months ago, and your current weight), frequency of pain, duration of pain, past medical history, current medications, bowel movement frequency, and urine output. This information will ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain: Is It Related to Gastrointestinal Issues?
Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain: Is It Related to IBS or Something Else?
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? I have been experiencing intermittent lower abdominal pain for almost two years now. The abdominal pain has become almost daily, accompanied by a strange discomfort in my ribs, including a feeling of pressure, bloating, and sharp pai...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Gastrointestinal issues, aside from bloating, rarely cause a sensation of rib pressure or constriction. Therefore, in terms of gastroenterology, the focus should be on alleviating gastrointestinal bloating. During pregnancy, especially in the first three months, it is advi...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain: Is It Related to IBS or Something Else?
Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Right upper quadrant pain? Hello, I have a sudden pain located about one palm's width above my navel, slightly to the right side, just below my right rib cage. It hurts more when I press on it, and it also hurts when I stand, walk, or take a deep breath. Sitting in a chair o...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The common causes of abdominal pain in the area you mentioned are as follows: 1. Acute cholecystitis (both stone-related and non-stone-related): often accompanied by fever and chills. 2. Peptic ulcer disease (duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer). 3. Liver abscess: often accompan...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Treatment Options
Liver enzyme levels are very high? On October 9th, I had a blood test at the clinic, which revealed elevated liver enzymes: r-GTP 311, sGOT 55, and sGPT 63. The doctor mentioned that it is alcoholic hepatitis. However, I had consumed a lot of sorghum liquor a couple of days prior...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Zhiming. 1. Abstain from alcohol for 3 months before the examination. 2. Hepatitis B and C should also be ruled out. 3. Avoid traditional Chinese medicine or herbal remedies. 4. Health supplements are not necessary; a balanced diet is sufficient. Changhua Hospital c...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Treatment Options
Can You Develop Liver Cancer Without Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B and Liver Cancer Hello, doctor: May I ask if it is possible to develop liver cancer without having hepatitis B? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The risk factors for liver cancer include: 1. Hepatitis B 2. Hepatitis C 3. Liver cirrhosis 4. Family history, etc. Therefore, the absence of Hepatitis B does not mean one will not develop liver cancer. Wishing you health, Dr. Chen Qi-Feng, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of ...[Read More] Can You Develop Liver Cancer Without Hepatitis B?
Managing Concurrent Hepatitis A and B: High Bilirubin and Vomiting Solutions
The patient is a carrier of hepatitis B and has recently contracted hepatitis A, resulting in a bilirubin level elevated to 15? Dear Dr. Yang, my current health issue is that I am a carrier of Hepatitis B and have recently contracted Hepatitis A, which has caused my bilirubin lev...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Ms. A, Your infection is treatable; however, your bilirubin level is quite high at 15, which may be contributing to your nausea and vomiting. I recommend that you consult your clinician for some antiemetic medication to help alleviate your symptoms. If your bilirubin level ...[Read More] Managing Concurrent Hepatitis A and B: High Bilirubin and Vomiting Solutions