Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Further Testing
Gastroenterology issues Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing intermittent abdominal pain for over a year now. The pain is characterized as cramping, bloating, colicky, and sharp, accompanied by a feeling of pressure and discomfort in both my lower back and abdomen. Recently, I ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you have concerns that require further examination, it may be necessary to discuss this with your attending physician. The physician arranges tests after taking a history and conducting a physical examination to confirm the accuracy of the diagnostic judgment made durin...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Further Testing
Do You Need an Abdominal X-Ray After an Ultrasound?
Abdominal issues? Is it necessary to undergo an abdominal X-ray after having an abdominal ultrasound?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Abdominal ultrasound is primarily used to examine solid organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and bladder. Abdominal X-rays are mainly used to assess the distribution of intestinal gas. If there is air in the intestines, it can obscure the view ...[Read More] Do You Need an Abdominal X-Ray After an Ultrasound?
Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Long-term distress? Doctor, I have been suffering from long-term pain in my upper and lower abdomen. The doctor prescribed medication for irritable bowel syndrome, but I still experience intermittent abdominal pain. I have undergone stool tests, gastroscopy, colon X-rays, and liv...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, are you referring to a barium enema when you mention a colon X-ray? If it is indeed a barium enema, then under the condition of complete bowel preparation, polyps, ulcers, or tumors of a certain size in the colon can be detected. However, each examination has its own accur...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Alternating Diarrhea and Constipation
Abdominal discomfort with alternating diarrhea and constipation? Hello, Doctor. I have had poor dietary habits and been overweight. Since February, I have suddenly experienced left abdominal pain (which seems to be cramping pain), and then gastrointestinal issues began. Initially...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: According to your description, being overweight and having poor dietary habits, along with discomfort in the left abdomen, if it is in the upper left abdomen, may indicate gastric issues. The limited abdominal space, if occupied by intra-abdominal fat, can compress the nor...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Alternating Diarrhea and Constipation
Accuracy of Liver Biopsy: Impact of Sampling Location on Diagnosis
What is the accuracy of liver biopsy? Hello Dr. Chen: I have fatty liver and have undergone a liver biopsy. The biopsy was performed on a 1.2 cm unknown tumor, but the needle was not inserted directly into the center of the tumor; it was placed nearby (as the physician was concer...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The main focus of liver biopsy is to accurately obtain the target tissue. It is generally performed under ultrasound guidance, and with the advancements in current instruments, the accuracy is quite high, at least over 90%. As for the biopsy results, as long as they are be...[Read More] Accuracy of Liver Biopsy: Impact of Sampling Location on Diagnosis
Understanding the Accuracy of Gastrointestinal Tests: A Comprehensive Guide
Gastrointestinal examination Doctor, I have been troubled by long-term pain in my upper and lower abdomen. I have undergone stool tests, gastroscopy, colon X-rays, and liver and gallbladder ultrasound. I would like to ask about the accuracy rates of these tests: what is the accur...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, the accuracy of these tests is around 90% or even above 95%. The accuracy of a barium enema is slightly lower, at about 80%, and if necessary, a colonoscopy should be performed. However, the likelihood of functional disorders is higher depending on age,...[Read More] Understanding the Accuracy of Gastrointestinal Tests: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Fetal Protein Levels in Hepatobiliary Health Management
Fetal protein Hello Doctor: I have been taking Baraclude for six months, but my fetal protein level has increased from 6.X to 8.89! Does this mean my condition is not well controlled? I will be returning to Taoyuan in July; can I schedule an appointment with you for consultation ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. The use of oral antiviral medications can improve liver function, liver enzyme levels, and reduce viral load. Reports indicate that taking Baraclude for 3 to 5 years can improve fibrosis. If the medication is taken for only six months, any improvement can be assessed ...[Read More] Understanding Fetal Protein Levels in Hepatobiliary Health Management
Managing Cholestatic Liver Cirrhosis Due to Bile Duct Stones
Biliary stone-induced cholestatic liver cirrhosis? The patient is a 51-year-old female. Her current condition includes intrahepatic bile duct and gallbladder stones, along with obstructive biliary cirrhosis (with over 75% fibrosis in the left liver and a 20% enlargement of the ri...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Minjhang, your issue is more complex and requires imaging assessment. Therefore, please discuss your medical plan with your gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Managing Cholestatic Liver Cirrhosis Due to Bile Duct Stones
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Is It Gastric or Hepatic Issues?
Abdominal pain or stomach pain? Hello, doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing pain in the lower part of my chest, slightly to one side, and sometimes it hurts when I press on it. Could this be a stomach issue or a liver/gallbladder issue? Is it possible that this could be sto...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, the nerves of the internal organs are not intricately connected, making it difficult to determine which organ is affected based solely on the location of pain. Therefore, discomfort in the upper abdomen, particularly on the right side, could indicate is...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Is It Gastric or Hepatic Issues?
Understanding Pancreatic Issues: Causes of Abdominal and Back Pain
Pancreatic issues Chronic lower abdominal pain that gradually extends to the pelvic area, along with left lower back pain, raises the question of whether pancreatic diseases can cause lower abdominal pain. Additionally, pain around the navel and left lower back pain are noted. An...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: An abdominal ultrasound typically examines five organs: the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys. However, a retroperitoneal ultrasound, located in the posterior abdominal cavity, is often affected by intestinal gas, making it more challenging to visualize. Ne...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Issues: Causes of Abdominal and Back Pain
Understanding the Connection Between Chronic Nasal Congestion and Abdominal Pain
Please provide the full content or context that you would like to have translated into Since I caught a cold last July, I have been experiencing persistent nasal congestion and runny nose with phlegm. Two months later, I started having lower abdominal pain, and both issues have n...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: There is no correlation between the two. The current department of consultation is correct. Best regards, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Chronic Nasal Congestion and Abdominal Pain
Accuracy of Abdominal Ultrasound for Liver and Pancreas Evaluation
Abdominal ultrasound 1. How accurate is an abdominal ultrasound examination? 2. What is the accuracy of abdominal ultrasound in assessing the pancreas?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Abdominal ultrasound primarily observes structures such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys. It is characterized by being non-invasive and convenient, and generally has high accuracy. However, the observation of the pancreas can be easily affected by g...[Read More] Accuracy of Abdominal Ultrasound for Liver and Pancreas Evaluation
Chronic Abdominal Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
I've been troubled for a long time? I have been experiencing persistent pain in my lower abdomen, which includes cramping, dull pain, and sharp pain. Initially, the pain was localized in the lower abdomen, sometimes on the left side, sometimes on the right, and sometimes in ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. Disorders of the small intestine are quite rare. If various examinations have been conducted and the diagnosis is irritable bowel syndrome, the next step is to adjust the medication. 2. Abdominal ultrasound primarily examines organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancr...[Read More] Chronic Abdominal Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Hepatitis B: Interpreting Your Test Results and Next Steps
I'm sorry, but I need more context to provide an appropriate response. Could you please provide more details about your situation? I tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen with a value of 0.09. The hepatitis B surface antibody was 5.34, which is considered negative....
Dr. Li Yongming Reply:
Hello: Regarding your test results, there may be a laboratory error (which is why the surface antigen is less than 1.0, indicating a negative reference value). Based on experience, it seems you may have insufficient antibody response after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine (with ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Interpreting Your Test Results and Next Steps
Pregnancy and Blood in Stool: Understanding Risks and Concerns
Since the beginning of the pregnancy until now, there has been continuous blood in the stool for eight months? I am currently eight months pregnant! Ever since I discovered my pregnancy, I have been experiencing blood in my stool. The blood is dark red and sticks to the outside o...
Dr. Li Yongming Reply:
Gastrointestinal motility is affected by the increased secretion of hormones, particularly progesterone, which can lead to slowed gastrointestinal motility and reduced tension. The speed of food transport may be slower than before pregnancy, resulting in prolonged gastric emptyin...[Read More] Pregnancy and Blood in Stool: Understanding Risks and Concerns
Persistent Hiccups: Causes, Remedies, and When to Seek Medical Help
Persistent hiccups? Hello, doctor. Since I finished eating yesterday, I've been hiccuping continuously without stopping. I've tried several methods to stop it, and while some worked temporarily, they only lasted about an hour before the hiccups returned. Today, I'v...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Hiccups occur when the diaphragm (the muscle between the chest and abdominal cavities) is stimulated, which can trigger the phenomenon of hiccups. A small portion of hiccups may be due to compression of the nerves that innervate the diaphragm. Any issues with the organs su...[Read More] Persistent Hiccups: Causes, Remedies, and When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Uncertain Liver Tumors: Insights on CT Scans and Fatty Liver
About Computed Tomography (CT) Scanning Hello Dr. Chen, I apologize for asking again after my previous questions. Thank you for your response. My father is 61 years old and has recently been diagnosed with fatty liver and a 1.2 cm indeterminate liver tumor. However, his liver fun...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The most common benign tumors of the liver are hemangiomas or liver cysts, which can usually be diagnosed through abdominal ultrasound or computed tomography (CT). If the diagnosis cannot be confirmed, the main recommendation is to monitor the condition (generally advised ...[Read More] Understanding Uncertain Liver Tumors: Insights on CT Scans and Fatty Liver
Steroid Medications and Their Link to Fatty Liver Disease
Steroid medications and fatty liver disease? Hello Dr. Chen! I would like to ask if taking corticosteroids can easily lead to the development of fatty liver disease?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen, long-term use of medium to high doses of corticosteroids can lead to fatty liver and may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. Please discuss this with your prescribing physician and ensure regular follow-ups. Changhua Hospital is concerned about your health. D...[Read More] Steroid Medications and Their Link to Fatty Liver Disease
Understanding Liver Surface Irregularities: When to Seek Further Ultrasound Evaluation
Ultrasound examination Hello Dr. Yang! I previously had an ultrasound examination, and the doctor mentioned that the surface of my liver is rough. What does this indicate? Is there a need for further follow-up examinations?
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr./Ms. Yang: The term "coarse surface of the liver" refers to the appearance of the liver seen on ultrasound, which has a rough texture. This is a descriptive term used in ultrasound findings. If you do not have hepatitis B or hepatitis C, it is mostly just a phe...[Read More] Understanding Liver Surface Irregularities: When to Seek Further Ultrasound Evaluation
Understanding Hepatitis B Treatment: The Role of GOT, GPT, and Viral Load
Treatment for Hepatitis B Hello Dr. Chen! Is there a positive correlation between GOT, GPT, and viral load? For patients with hepatitis B, which is more important when considering treatment? If both GOT and GPT are normal but the viral load is high, should treatment be initiated?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Lai, There is no positive correlation between GOT/GPT levels and viral load; however, both factors need to be considered when initiating treatment. Therefore, the National Health Insurance Administration has established guidelines that allow for the commencement of an...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Treatment: The Role of GOT, GPT, and Viral Load