Benefits of B Vitamins for Individuals with Liver Dysfunction
Vitamin B complex Hello, Dr. Tsai. I would like to ask if supplementing with B vitamins is beneficial for individuals with poor liver function?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Dear Mr. Zheng: Vitamin B1 (thiamine) in the B-complex vitamins plays a role in tissue repair and growth, and it is beneficial during the regeneration of liver cells in the event of hepatitis. Another component of the B-complex vitamins, B12, can help reduce jaundice and loss o...[Read More] Benefits of B Vitamins for Individuals with Liver Dysfunction
Understanding Unidentified Liver Tumors: Risks and Insights for Patients
A tumor of unclear origin on the surface of the liver? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask about my father (61 years old). He recently underwent examinations and was diagnosed with fatty liver, and a 1.2 cm tumor was found on the surface of his liver. However, both ultrasound an...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Based on the information above, there is a high possibility of a hepatic lipoma, hepatic cyst, or hepatic hemangioma. These are likely benign tumors, as they are often not spherical, which may result in some discrepancies when measured from different angles. It is recommen...[Read More] Understanding Unidentified Liver Tumors: Risks and Insights for Patients
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Interpreting Your Brother's Test Results
Liver fibrosis elastography test Hello Doctor: I would like to provide my brother's test report. He didn't ask the doctor about his condition while at the hospital, and he hasn't made any significant dietary changes since returning home. Could you please let me kno...
Dr. Li Yongming Reply:
The liver fibrosis elastography test you mentioned is currently not covered by health insurance. Since it is an out-of-pocket expense, please schedule an outpatient visit for the performing physician to explain it to you. There is a certain correlation between liver fibrosis elas...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Interpreting Your Brother's Test Results
Is There a Connection Between Cold Symptoms and Lower Abdominal Pain?
Is there a connection between a cold and lower abdominal pain? Doctor, may I ask if my lower abdominal pain is related to my cold? Since I had a cold last July, I have been experiencing symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy throat, and tinnitus. I haven't seen...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, unless there is a viral infection accompanied by upper respiratory symptoms that also causes gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, the conditions may be unrelated. Best regards, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Is There a Connection Between Cold Symptoms and Lower Abdominal Pain?
Understanding Unidentified Liver Lesions in Fatty Liver Patients
An unknown foreign object has developed on the surface of the liver? Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to ask about my father who is 61 years old. He was recently diagnosed with fatty liver (with normal liver enzymes), but there is a 1 cm unidentified mass on the surface of his liver. ...
Dr. Li Yongming Reply:
In clinical practice, the diagnosis of "fatty liver" refers to the condition where the weight of fat (primarily triglycerides) accumulated in the liver exceeds 5% of the total liver weight, or when more than 10% of liver cells in a liver tissue biopsy exhibit fatty vacu...[Read More] Understanding Unidentified Liver Lesions in Fatty Liver Patients
Understanding the Protective Power of Hepatitis B Antibodies
The protective efficacy of hepatitis B antibodies? Hello, doctor. Is it true that individuals with positive hepatitis B antibodies (and negative antigens) can effectively maintain immunity regardless of the amount of hepatitis B virus they are exposed to? Hepatitis B antibodies c...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. For individuals who have recovered from natural infection, their antibody efficacy generally lasts a lifetime. In contrast, after vaccination, antibodies may wane within 5 to 10 years. If memory cells are still present at that time, exposure to the virus will trigger im...[Read More] Understanding the Protective Power of Hepatitis B Antibodies
Chronic Abdominal Pain: Is Small Intestine Testing Necessary?
Frustrating! I have been experiencing long-term pain in my lower abdomen, which includes cramping, dull pain, and sharp pain. Sometimes, I also feel pain in my upper abdomen. The pain in my lower abdomen can occur on the left side, right side, or in the middle, and sometimes it r...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Diseases of the small intestine are clinically rare. If examination is needed, small bowel imaging may be considered. Best wishes, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Chronic Abdominal Pain: Is Small Intestine Testing Necessary?
Chronic Abdominal Pain: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Issues I have been experiencing persistent pain in my lower abdomen for a long time, including cramping, dull pain, and sharp pain. Sometimes, I also feel pain in my upper abdomen. The pain in my lower abdomen can occur on the left side, right side,...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The abdominal pain in an unspecified location is most likely related to gastrointestinal issues. If examinations have already been conducted, functional disorders should be prioritized for consideration. You may consider seeking a second opinion from the gastroenterology d...[Read More] Chronic Abdominal Pain: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound: What Organs Are Examined?
Ultrasound Doctor, may I ask? When a gastroenterologist arranges for a liver and gallbladder ultrasound, does it only focus on the liver and gallbladder, or will the pancreas and spleen also be included in the examination?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The abdominal ultrasound primarily examines the structure of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys. Best regards, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound: What Organs Are Examined?
Can Abdominal Ultrasound Detect Pancreatic Issues?
Ultrasound Issues Can a liver and gallbladder ultrasound also detect the pancreas?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Abdominal ultrasound is primarily used to examine the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys. Best regards, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Can Abdominal Ultrasound Detect Pancreatic Issues?
Understanding Liver and Gallbladder Ultrasound: Functions and Diseases Explored
Liver and gallbladder ultrasound examination Liver and gallbladder ultrasound examination is used to assess the functions and diseases of the liver and gallbladder.
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Abdominal ultrasound primarily examines the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys. Any structural abnormalities can be detected; however, it cannot assess the functionality of these organs. Best regards, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department o...[Read More] Understanding Liver and Gallbladder Ultrasound: Functions and Diseases Explored
Differences Between ERCP and MRCP: What You Need to Know
What are the differences between ERCP and MRCP examinations? I have been experiencing pain in my right upper abdomen for 3 to 4 years. I have undergone abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, MRCP, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, small bowel endoscopy, capsule endoscopy, and endoscopic ult...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr./Ms. Peter, ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) is an invasive procedure. It involves inserting an endoscope, similar to a gastroscope, through the mouth into the duodenal ampulla. A thin catheter is then used to inject contrast dye into the openings ...[Read More] Differences Between ERCP and MRCP: What You Need to Know
Understanding Baraclude for Chronic Hepatitis B Treatment: Key Concerns and Insights
The treatment for hepatitis B is Baraclude? Dear Doctor, I hope this message finds you well. I previously asked you several questions regarding the treatment of hepatitis B, and I now have a few more concerns that I would like to outline below: 1. I have been taking Baraclude (...
Dr. Li Yongming Reply:
You have raised many excellent questions, many of which are still intriguing topics in medical research. The mechanism of action of the drug "Baraclude" (entecavir) is to inhibit the further replication of the hepatitis B virus, thereby achieving therapeutic effects. Th...[Read More] Understanding Baraclude for Chronic Hepatitis B Treatment: Key Concerns and Insights
When is ERCP Recommended for Abdominal Pain and Pancreatic Cysts?
What are the indications for using ERCP? I have been experiencing pain in my upper right abdomen for 3 to 4 years. I have undergone gastroscopy, colonoscopy, CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound, which only showed fatty liver. My bowel movements are normal, and blood tests indicate norm...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: ERCP is an invasive procedure with a small risk of causing pancreatitis. If there has been a history of pancreatitis leading to a pancreatic pseudocyst, it is generally not recommended to undergo ERCP, unless absolutely necessary or if the pseudocyst has been resolved. Wis...[Read More] When is ERCP Recommended for Abdominal Pain and Pancreatic Cysts?
Chronic Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers for Persistent Right Upper Discomfort
Please, doctor, help me with my long-standing abdominal pain? Symptoms: I feel a dull pain in the upper right abdomen all day, whether sitting or standing, as if there is a heavy object pressing down. I can't tolerate it after sitting or standing for too long, and it doesn&#...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. For asymptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts, it is recommended to have regular follow-ups to observe if they will resolve on their own. 2. Regarding the right upper quadrant pain, with only elevated ACP and VGT, and multiple tests yielding no definitive results, ERCP could ...[Read More] Chronic Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers for Persistent Right Upper Discomfort
Severe Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers and Solutions
Severe pain in the upper left abdomen? Hello Dr. Chen, my father is 54 years old and experienced severe pain in the upper left abdomen (near the bottom of the left rib cage towards the center) which led him to seek medical attention at the hospital a month ago. During this time, ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: If you have undergone the above-mentioned CT scan and still have no results, the possibility of neuropathic pain seems to be high. You may consider visiting the neurology department at your original hospital. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan G...[Read More] Severe Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers and Solutions
Persistent Pain Under Right Rib: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues?
Dull pain below the right rib cage? Hello Doctor, since last month, I have been experiencing pain under my left rib. It becomes uncomfortable when I sit, but standing is fine. I feel better when I wake up after sleeping. The first doctor took an X-ray, which showed no fractures o...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Pain under the left rib cage, left abdominal pain, pain under the right rib cage, and right abdominal pain for several days. It is recommended to visit a gastroenterologist for further examination. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Taoyuan General Hospi...[Read More] Persistent Pain Under Right Rib: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues?
How Long Should You Fast for Liver Blood Tests and Abdominal Ultrasound?
For liver blood tests and abdominal ultrasound, fasting is typically required for at least 8 to 12 hours prior to the procedure? For liver health check-ups, is fasting for 8 hours required for blood tests, or is it necessary for abdominal ultrasound? Additionally, should these tw...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Fasting is not required for liver function blood tests, but if the tests include blood glucose, kidney function, or lipid levels, then fasting for 8 hours is necessary. Additionally, for abdominal ultrasound examinations, fasting for 6 to 8 hours is also required. Wishing ...[Read More] How Long Should You Fast for Liver Blood Tests and Abdominal Ultrasound?
Life After Gallbladder Removal: Managing Symptoms and Concerns
After gallbladder removal, what should I do? I underwent surgery to remove my gallbladder due to gallstones a little over two months ago, and I didn't expect this to be the beginning of a nightmare. After the surgery, I sometimes experience unexplained palpitations and eleva...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The most common complication after cholecystectomy is fatty diarrhea, primarily due to the removal of the gallbladder, which serves as a storage place for bile. As a result, bile is continuously secreted by the liver, and when fatty foods are consumed, there may be an insu...[Read More] Life After Gallbladder Removal: Managing Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Insights
Continuing to inquire about the area just above the navel, in the middle of the ribs, slightly to the left? Hello, doctor. Today I went to a nearby clinic for an ultrasound examination. The doctor said there were no significant issues with my liver, gallbladder, or kidneys. Howev...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr./Ms. L, if the pain above the navel is not related to liver or gallbladder issues, then it is likely related to gastrointestinal or muscular problems. If the pain intensifies when you are hungry, it suggests a gastrointestinal issue, and I recommend undergoing an upper g...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Insights