Understanding e-Antigen Negative Hepatitis B: Risks and Treatment Options
Hepatitis B patients who are e-antigen negative? Hello Doctor: In 2006, I tested negative for HBeAg and positive for HBeAb, and I originally thought I was a low viral load hepatitis B patient. However, my recent tests showed GPT=77, GOT=31, AFP=4.5, and HBV DNA=250,000 IU/mL. The...
Dr. Li Yongming Reply:
Hello, you are a very diligent patient. I will first address your questions in order, and then provide the current health insurance regulations and personal recommendations regarding your situation. First, the e antigen in wild-type chronic hepatitis B virus is indeed an indica...[Read More] Understanding e-Antigen Negative Hepatitis B: Risks and Treatment Options
Understanding IBS: Managing Pain and Discomfort in Your Gut
I'm very troubled..? Since the end of July, I have been experiencing intermittent pain in the lower abdomen, including bloating, sharp pain, and cramping. I consulted a gynecologist, and everything appeared normal. The gynecologist mentioned that my intestines were moving ve...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is related to individual constitution. It is difficult to cure completely, and requires lifestyle and dietary adjustments, along with medication management for proper control. If symptoms persist without improvement, further evaluation by a g...[Read More] Understanding IBS: Managing Pain and Discomfort in Your Gut
Understanding Chronic Lower Abdominal Pain: Insights on IBS and Treatment Options
Lower abdominal issues? Since the end of July, I have been experiencing intermittent pain in the lower abdomen, including bloating, sharp pain, and cramping. I consulted a gynecologist, and they found no issues. The gynecologist suggested that my intestines are moving too quickly...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) requires the exclusion of colonic lesions. It is recommended to undergo a colon X-ray or colonoscopy. Best regards, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Lower Abdominal Pain: Insights on IBS and Treatment Options
Is Severe Pain Below the Nipple Related to Liver or Stomach Issues?
Is the pain below the nipple when taking a deep breath related to the liver? What are some issues concerning the stomach and liver? Hello Dr. Lee: I would like to ask some questions regarding my stomach and liver. I have been a carrier of hepatitis B for over ten years, and I hav...
Dr. Li Yongming Reply:
Doctors cannot accurately diagnose the source of a patient's pain based solely on its location; otherwise, there would be no need for ultrasound, endoscopy, or X-rays! You may suspect that you have a stomach or liver condition but are reluctant to undergo further testing. Wi...[Read More] Is Severe Pain Below the Nipple Related to Liver or Stomach Issues?
Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Seek Gastroenterology Help
Defecation I have been experiencing constipation for the past two weeks, and there is bleeding from the anus after bowel movements, which is fresh blood (I thought it might be hemorrhoids or anal fissures). However, this morning during a bowel movement, I expelled a deep green, g...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. The most common causes of blood in the stool are indeed hemorrhoids or anal fissures. If the symptoms are recurrent or persistent, it is advisable to consult a colorectal surgeon. 2. The color of feces primarily comes from bile, which contains bilirubin and biliverd...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Seek Gastroenterology Help
Exploring the Link Between Gut Health and Acne: A Comprehensive Guide
Gastrointestinal health and acne? Hello, Doctor: I have severe acne near my chin. I previously consulted a dermatologist who said that I could only continue taking medication and applying topical treatments to manage it. Since I am still young, the doctor mentioned that my condit...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The causes of acne may be related to gastrointestinal issues, liver and gallbladder diseases, endocrine disorders, and systemic diseases. For acne treatment, it is advisable to address the symptoms, and consulting a dermatologist may be helpful. Additionally, it is importa...[Read More] Exploring the Link Between Gut Health and Acne: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Growing Liver Hemangiomas: When to Seek Treatment
Hemangioma that grows? Hello Dr. Chen, I undergo a health check-up approximately every two years, which includes an abdominal ultrasound. Over the past sixteen years, I have had about seven check-ups. Four years ago, I was first diagnosed with a hepatic hemangioma measuring about...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. TATA: A small number of benign hemangiomas may still enlarge (possibly related to female hormones?). It may be considered to perform fine needle aspiration or core needle biopsy to confirm that the cells are normal, although there are some risks involved. Changhua Hospi...[Read More] Understanding Growing Liver Hemangiomas: When to Seek Treatment
Challenging Case of Liver Abscess: Treatment Options and Insights
Special Cases of Liver Abscesses Hello Dr. Chen, My father-in-law has a case of liver abscess, and I would like to detail the following points: 1. The original liver abscess measured 8 cm, and after one month of antibiotic treatment, the affected area has reduced to sizes of 3 ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The treatment for bacterial liver abscess primarily involves antibiotics and drainage. If the treatment is ineffective, or if the abscess is too large or located in the left lobe of the liver, surgical intervention may be considered. Best regards, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyua...[Read More] Challenging Case of Liver Abscess: Treatment Options and Insights
Understanding the Sudden Increase of Liver Hemangiomas: A Patient's Concern
Hepatic hemangioma proliferation issues? Hello, doctor. I discovered a hemangioma about 3 cm in size during my health checkup two years ago. This year, my checkup revealed four liver tumors (three new ones), including the one that has grown to 3.5 cm. I asked the screening physic...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr./Ms. RL: Based on your description, if you suddenly have three additional vascular tumors larger than 1.5 cm within a year, we recommend that you arrange for a contrast-enhanced CT scan at a nearby large hospital to further confirm whether they are indeed vascular tumors....[Read More] Understanding the Sudden Increase of Liver Hemangiomas: A Patient's Concern
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Gastrointestinal issues Hello, doctor. I previously had gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers and am currently undergoing treatment. Recently, I have noticed changes in my bowel habits, with an increased frequency of loose stools that feel fluffy and disintegrate upon contact with w...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. In the treatment of peptic ulcers, changes in bowel habits and loose stools may be caused by dyspepsia. Medications for ulcers can also lead to loose stools or constipation. Other factors include medications, greasy or irritating foods, which can cause intestinal dryn...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
High White Blood Cell Count and Elevated Liver Enzymes: What Does It Mean?
Elevated white blood cell count and liver enzymes? During my health check-up, my white blood cell count was 14.28, SGOT was 126, and SGPT was 124. I also no longer have antibodies for hepatitis B (I am not a carrier). My life has been relatively normal, yet my liver enzymes are s...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Elevated white blood cell count and liver enzymes require further investigation to identify the cause of inflammation and infection. Possible infections include chronic hepatitis B virus and other viruses; bacteria can also be a cause. Factors such as fatigue, alcohol, ...[Read More] High White Blood Cell Count and Elevated Liver Enzymes: What Does It Mean?
Why Does My Throat Taste Bitter at Night? Understanding Nighttime Symptoms
Waking up in the middle of the night with a sore throat? Hello Doctor: I have a gastric ulcer and underwent gastroscopy in January and May (with Helicobacter pylori infection). In January, I had to take antibiotics for a week (a total of ten pills per day) to treat the ulcer. Dur...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: In terms of gastroenterology, it is recommended to check liver function and assess for the recurrence of ulcers or the condition of gastroesophageal reflux. Best wishes, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Why Does My Throat Taste Bitter at Night? Understanding Nighttime Symptoms
Understanding Diffuse Liver Fibrosis: When to Seek Further Evaluation
"Diffuse" liver fibrosis Dear Dr. Li, Hello! My mother is 82 years old and had breast cancer surgery five years ago (without chemotherapy). She has diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. She has been tested negative for hepatitis B, but has not been tested for hep...
Dr. Li Yongming Reply:
Reply: Hello, regarding hepatitis, in Taiwan, chronic hepatitis B and C are still the most prevalent, particularly in the Chiayi and Tainan regions. When liver enzymes (AST/ALT) are elevated, it is essential to test for HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen) and anti-HCV Ab (Hepatit...[Read More] Understanding Diffuse Liver Fibrosis: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Should I Immediately Self-Pay for Baraclude Treatment?
Is it necessary to immediately pay out of pocket for Belviq? Dear Dr. Lin, I previously self-paid for Hepa-Merz and did not develop any drug resistance, but after stopping the medication for about a year, I experienced a relapse. Currently, my GOT/GPT levels are (64/101 on Augus...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Currently, liver enzyme levels are elevated, and viral load is high, indicating liver inflammation. It is advised to avoid excessive fatigue and to investigate the causes of liver inflammation. Treatment for hepatitis B, including oral antiviral medications or long-ac...[Read More] Should I Immediately Self-Pay for Baraclude Treatment?
Understanding Liver Tumors: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Liver tumor issues? Dear Dr. Lin, 1. My father is 70 years old and has recently experienced some health issues. He has over ten tumors in his liver, but the biopsy report indicates that the largest one is necrotic, so the report appears to be fine. However, the doctor mentioned ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. There are instances where tumors may be associated with necrosis, and elevated CA 19-9 levels can indicate various conditions, including malignant ones such as pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, and gastrointestinal cancers. Benign conditions may include cholecystit...[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumors: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Understanding Bloating After Meals: Impact of Menopause on Digestive Health
Abdominal bloating Feeling bloated and uncomfortable after eating, along with amenorrhea, may have an impact. Thank you.
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of postprandial bloating: indigestion, poor eating habits, gastrointestinal diseases, liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic diseases. Menopause is generally due to ovarian function decline, which can lead to hormonal changes resulting in symptoms such as...[Read More] Understanding Bloating After Meals: Impact of Menopause on Digestive Health
Understanding Peptic Ulcers and Colonic Ulcers: Symptoms and Solutions
Regarding peptic ulcers and colonic ulcers? Hello Dr. Chen. I previously consulted with you and have since undergone some examinations. I was surprised to find out that I have peptic ulcers, colonic ulcers, and duodenal ulcers, as well as gallstones. I would like to ask you, Dr. ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Chao, The ulcer can be treated. Please adhere to the prescribed medication and make lifestyle adjustments. As for the gallstones, surgical intervention may be considered if the condition persists (such as experiencing postprandial abdominal pain even after the ulcer has...[Read More] Understanding Peptic Ulcers and Colonic Ulcers: Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas and Fatty Liver: What You Need to Know
Hepatic hemangioma and fatty liver disease? During a health check-up, an ultrasound examination revealed a hepatic hemangioma. After consulting another clinic, the results showed four hemangiomas (approximately 1 cm each) and fatty liver (weight 50 kg). The doctor mentioned that ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: If it is fatty liver and hemangioma, then indeed, follow up as indicated in <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/36394">#36394</a>. There are many causes of fatty liver, with common ones including obesity, high blood lipids (triglycerides), poorly cont...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas and Fatty Liver: What You Need to Know
Understanding CAL OXALATE and Current Clinical Practices for Liver Tumor Treatment
What is CAL OXALATE? Also, what is the current clinical situation regarding computer-assisted surgery for liver tumors? Thank you! What is CAL OXALATE? Also, what is the current clinical situation regarding computer-assisted surgery for liver tumors? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Joeylin: 1. I am unclear about what CAL OXALATE is. I apologize. 2. Does it refer to more precise electrotherapy? Its effectiveness is still not fully confirmed. It is mostly used for symptom management (pain relief) or in conjunction with other treatments for liver ...[Read More] Understanding CAL OXALATE and Current Clinical Practices for Liver Tumor Treatment
Is Self-Paying Treatment for Mild Hepatitis B Fibrosis Worth It?
Hepatitis B treatment? Dr. Lin's Inquiry: If a 50-year-old patient with hepatitis B has normal liver function and only mild fibrosis (the doctor described it as "a bit coarse"), and does not meet the treatment reimbursement criteria set by the National Health Insur...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that.[Read More] Is Self-Paying Treatment for Mild Hepatitis B Fibrosis Worth It?