Understanding Right Upper Quadrant Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Pain below the right rib cage? Hello, doctor. My son is currently a sophomore and just turned 19. In the past month, he has experienced two episodes of severe pain under his right rib cage. Coincidentally, both episodes occurred at night. In urgent situations, we administered pai...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Fanny, if it is inconvenient for you to seek medical attention, you can apply local heat to alleviate the pain. You may also use appropriate pain relievers and antacids. You can visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for an ultrasound or endoscopy to confirm the medic...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Quadrant Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues and Fatty Liver Concerns
Questions about the gastrointestinal system and fatty liver disease? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for bothering you. 1. Recently, I have been feeling a bit down, anxious, and tense due to some issues. Could this lead to gastrointestinal problems? For the past two days, after lunc...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. The neural control of the gastrointestinal system belongs to the autonomic nervous system, which is partly derived from the central nervous system; therefore, emotions can affect the gastrointestinal tract. 2. For fatty liver, the most important measures are to reduce o...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues and Fatty Liver Concerns
Understanding Hepatitis C: Inheritance Risks and Testing Insights
Family history of hepatitis concerns? Hello, Doctor. My father and mother were recently diagnosed with hepatitis C during their health check-ups, and their liver enzyme levels are abnormal. I would like to ask, although hepatitis C is transmitted through blood, is there a possibi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Yikun, 1. The chance of mother-to-child transmission is approximately 5%. Most cases occur when the mother's viral load is very high. 2. We agree to self-pay for testing for hepatitis A, B, and C / antibodies. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Chen Sh...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C: Inheritance Risks and Testing Insights
Can Hepatitis C Patients Experience Fever? Understanding the Connection
Can patients with hepatitis C develop a fever? Hello Dr. Chen: My mother is a hepatitis C patient. Her condition is currently stable, and she has completed her last medication (chronic prescription). The doctor informed her that she could follow up in the outpatient clinic in six...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, cases of chronic hepatitis C rarely present with fever. As for treatment, it involves either the use of liver support supplements or antiviral therapy (interferon treatment combined with oral ribavirin). If liver function is normal, follow-up should be ...[Read More] Can Hepatitis C Patients Experience Fever? Understanding the Connection
Understanding the Differences Between Liver Inflammatory Pseudotumors and Fibrosis
Liver diseases? Is liver inflammatory pseudotumor the same as liver fibrosis? What are the differences between the two? Thank you, doctor!
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Wang, the two are completely different. The former refers to the shape of the tumor, which is actually caused by inflammation. The latter is widespread fibrosis resulting from chronic hepatitis. Please discuss this further with your physician at Changhua Hospital, who is co...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Liver Inflammatory Pseudotumors and Fibrosis
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Concerns about health check-ups? Hello Doctor: I just completed my annual health check-up this month, and my GOT (AST) and GPT (ALT) levels are both above the standard values, with GOT at 42 and GPT at 86. Additionally, my total bilirubin is 1.2. What aspects should I pay attenti...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Jason: Please bring your health check-up report to the Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology for further evaluation of the elevated indices and treatment. Changhua Hospital cares about your health~~~~[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Understanding Complications of Cirrhosis: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Complications of Liver Cirrhosis The patient has been in the intensive care unit for a month due to bleeding from liver cirrhosis. They are now in a coma, reliant on a ventilator, and have developed sepsis. Is there still a chance for recovery? Should invasive treatments be pursu...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Patients with liver cirrhosis may experience deterioration of liver function and even multiple organ failure due to gastrointestinal bleeding and sepsis. It is advisable for family members to discuss the condition with the intensivist in the intensive care unit to explore ...[Read More] Understanding Complications of Cirrhosis: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Should You Seek a Second Opinion?
Hepatic hemangioma Hello Doctor: In February, I visited the emergency room due to discomfort and unexpectedly discovered a 4 cm hepatic hemangioma. Since I was unfamiliar with this condition and did not know any doctors, I randomly consulted a hepatobiliary specialist at a large ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Isa, please rest assured. The CT scan is quite accurate, but it is essential to follow up on time. If you are still concerned, a fine needle aspiration biopsy can be performed for pathological examination. However, this is generally not necessary. Changhua Hospital cares ab...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Should You Seek a Second Opinion?
Do You Need a CT Scan After Normal Abdominal Ultrasound Results?
Ultrasound Issues 2 If the abdominal ultrasound examination of the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen is normal, is it still necessary to request a CT scan from the doctor?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Whether to proceed with a CT scan should be determined by the treating physician, based on the necessity of the scan. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Do You Need a CT Scan After Normal Abdominal Ultrasound Results?
Do You Need Another Abdominal Ultrasound for Ongoing Pain?
Abdominal examination? Experiencing intermittent pain in the upper and lower abdomen, with the pain point shifting unpredictably, along with daily discomfort in both sides of the waist and the area around the ribs (both front and back), can be concerning. Since you had an abdomin...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Whether another ultrasound should be performed is based on two points: (1) Follow-up ultrasound examinations are arranged based on last year's ultrasound results and the pre-existing condition. (2) The physician has determined that new issues have arisen or that furth...[Read More] Do You Need Another Abdominal Ultrasound for Ongoing Pain?
Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment Decisions and Health Concerns
After three years of taking Baraclude, issues related to hepatitis B treatment? Hello Dr. Lin, three years ago I had an acute phase of hepatitis B, with liver enzyme levels exceeding 2000. An ultrasound showed no tumors. After taking Baraclude for a month or two, my liver enzymes...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. For patients with chronic hepatitis B who exhibit significant inflammation or high levels of viral replication, consideration should be given to pharmacological treatment. Treatment options include antiviral medications or interferon. The interferon treatment regimen ...[Read More] Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment Decisions and Health Concerns
Understanding Left Abdominal Swelling and Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Left abdominal distension with left flank pain? I have been troubled by this issue for three to four months. I experience swelling in the left side of my abdomen, and my left flank feels sore and painful. When exposed to air conditioning or a fan, it feels as if something is bein...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Discomfort in the left abdomen and even left lower back pain should consider several possibilities, including issues related to the stomach, intestines, pancreas, and even the left urinary tract. Given the accompanying bowel symptoms, the likelihood of colorectal disease i...[Read More] Understanding Left Abdominal Swelling and Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Ultrasound Results: Do Normal Findings Rule Out Liver and Gallbladder Issues?
Ultrasound Issues The doctor arranged for a liver and gallbladder ultrasound, and the results showed no issues. The doctor mentioned that the liver, gallbladder, spleen, and pancreas are all normal, indicating that the abdominal pain is not caused by these organs. I would like to...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Every type of examination has a certain degree of accuracy and precision; there is no test that is 100% accurate. However, the diagnostic rate can be improved through the physician's interpretation combined with a thorough inquiry into the patient's medical histo...[Read More] Understanding Ultrasound Results: Do Normal Findings Rule Out Liver and Gallbladder Issues?
Can Abdominal Ultrasound Detect Kidney, Liver, Gallbladder, Pancreas, and Spleen Cancers?
Abdominal ultrasound? Abdominal ultrasound can be used to examine the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen. I would like to ask the doctor if abdominal ultrasound can detect cancerous diseases in the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: During ultrasound examinations of the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen, if different echogenicities are observed in the solid organs without interference from bowel gas, it may indicate the presence of either benign or malignant lesions. Typically, further...[Read More] Can Abdominal Ultrasound Detect Kidney, Liver, Gallbladder, Pancreas, and Spleen Cancers?
Understanding Drug Resistance in Hepatitis B Treatment: Key Insights and Concerns
Belantamab mafodotin has developed resistance? 1. The doctor mentioned there are two methods: one is to add liver function support, or switch to the latest hepatitis B medication (entecavir, brand name: Viread). 2. I would like to ask, since I have been taking medication since 2...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The biggest challenge in the treatment of hepatitis B is drug resistance. So far, Tenofovir and Entecavir are considered to have low resistance rates. In the case of Entecavir, there has been no evidence of drug resistance in the five-year studies conducted to date. Additi...[Read More] Understanding Drug Resistance in Hepatitis B Treatment: Key Insights and Concerns
Understanding Fatty Liver: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Fatty liver disease issues? Doctor: Hello! I recently had a blood test and found that my liver enzymes were elevated (normal range 0-55), with my value being 57. I later went to the hospital for further examination and discovered that I have fatty liver disease. Can you tell me i...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Hazards: (1) Fatty liver, which refers to the accumulation of fat in the liver, particularly triglycerides; (2) Fatty liver disease, which indicates fat accumulation in the liver leading to inflammation; (3) Fatty liver fibrosis/fatty liver cirrhosis, where prolonged fat a...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
How Often Should You Monitor Liver Health and Uric Acid Levels?
How often should follow-up examinations be conducted? First of all, thank you, Dr. Tsai, for your previous response. Last month's blood test results showed: 1. SGPT 71 (reference range 4-44) 2. Triglycerides 132 (50-130) 3. Uric acid 11.6 (3.6-8). These three values are elev...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Last year, liver function tests were normal, but this year the liver index is 71. It is unclear how it fluctuated throughout the year; it may have been higher at some point and has recently decreased, or it could currently be at its peak. It is recommended to monitor ...[Read More] How Often Should You Monitor Liver Health and Uric Acid Levels?
Can Fatty Liver and High Uric Acid Levels Be Reversed?
Fatty liver and high uric acid? Hello Dr. Tsai, I would like to consult you regarding issues related to fatty liver and uric acid. Last month, my blood test results showed: 1. SGPT 71 (reference range 4-44) 2. Triglycerides 132 (50-130) 3. Uric acid 11.6 (3.6-8). These three val...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Liver function in fatty liver disease may be normal or elevated, which is referred to as steatohepatitis. Both fatty liver and steatohepatitis are reversible conditions. However, prolonged steatohepatitis that does not resolve can eventually lead to cirrhosis, which is...[Read More] Can Fatty Liver and High Uric Acid Levels Be Reversed?
Safe Imaging Options for Monitoring Polycystic Liver and Kidney Disease
Please provide me with a specific condition or symptom for which you would like a check-up or treatment recommendation. Thank you? Hello Dr. Tsai, I am 169 cm tall and weigh 75 kg. I do not smoke or drink alcohol, and I have no history of drug allergies. I had allergic rhinitis a...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Based on the information you provided, your kidney function (GFR = 69 cc/min) is estimated to be at stage 2 chronic kidney disease (mild decrease in kidney function). If a CT scan is absolutely necessary, it is recommended to use an isotonic contrast agent to minimize the ...[Read More] Safe Imaging Options for Monitoring Polycystic Liver and Kidney Disease
Understanding Liver Health: Do Ultrasound Results Guarantee No Issues?
Liver problems..? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about liver issues. If a liver ultrasound shows normal results for hepatitis A, B, C, or other liver diseases, does that mean the liver is normal and there are no problems?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A healthy liver must have: (1) normal liver enzymes (AST/ALT); (2) normal liver parenchyma on ultrasound (no fibrosis/no cirrhosis/no fatty liver); (3) no chronic hepatitis (such as hepatitis B/hepatitis C/autoimmune hepatitis/copper or iron deposition, etc.). Changhua Hos...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Do Ultrasound Results Guarantee No Issues?