Understanding Elevated ALT Levels in Blood Donation: Common Concerns
Blood Donation Center Report Will there be errors in the tests at the blood donation center? I have a normal routine, I'm not taking any medication, and I consume Ganoderma from Grape King every day. However, when I went to donate blood, they said my ALT levels were elevated...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Elevated ALT levels indicate liver inflammation, which can have various causes (including medication-induced, fatty liver, hepatitis B/C, etc.). You may visit a hepatobiliary clinic for further examination. Consuming reishi mushrooms is only for health maintenance and...[Read More] Understanding Elevated ALT Levels in Blood Donation: Common Concerns
Managing Persistent Nausea: Insights from Gastroenterology Experts
Gastrointestinal discomfort Doctor Lin, I often experience nausea and have seen a doctor and taken medication, but the recurrence rate is high.
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, there are many causes for frequent nausea, including gastrointestinal inflammation, liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic diseases, as well as systemic illnesses. It is advisable to follow up in an outpatient clinic. If gastrointestinal discomfort occurs frequently, it is rec...[Read More] Managing Persistent Nausea: Insights from Gastroenterology Experts
Understanding Abdominal Swelling and Edema: A Guide for Concerned Families
Abdominal distension and lower extremity edema have persisted for half a month? My father has been struggling with alcoholism for at least five to six years. He has a paranoid personality and developed abdominal swelling (which feels very hard) and ankle edema (which leaves a den...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: You still need to go to the hospital for examination, including blood tests and ultrasound, to confirm the condition of cirrhosis (or liver tumor?). Please be patient and persuade yourself to seek medical attention, and you may also ask other friends, elders, or comm...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Swelling and Edema: A Guide for Concerned Families
Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Liver, Gallbladder, or Nerves?
Dull and distended sensation next to the lower right rib cage? Hello Doctor: In May of this year, I began to feel a sense of heaviness and bloating near the bottom of my rib cage, sometimes just below the lowest rib (which I believe is the rib junction). Therefore, in mid-May, I ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, liver inflammation can lead to abnormal liver function, which may cause a feeling of discomfort or bloating in the upper abdomen; however, in fact, 70% of hepatitis cases are asymptomatic. Additionally, elevated liver enzymes are one thing, but the most important factor is...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Liver, Gallbladder, or Nerves?
Understanding Elevated SGPT Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Abnormal SGPT (Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transamin During a health check-up, SGPT was 189 and SGOT was 110. After one month, the recheck showed SGPT at 120 and SGOT at 52. Subsequently, the physician arranged for an abdominal ultrasound, which diagnosed no abnormalities. What othe...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Liver function abnormalities have not worsened continuously, and ultrasound shows no liver tumors. There are many causes of liver dysfunction, including viral hepatitis, medications, alcohol, chemicals, systemic diseases, endocrine disorders, and autoimmune diseases. Regular foll...[Read More] Understanding Elevated SGPT Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Insights
There is a feeling of heaviness in the right upper abdomen? Hello Dr. Chen: I have been feeling a dull sensation in the upper right quadrant of my abdomen, which I can't quite describe as pain, but it feels swollen and uncomfortable. I am 176 cm tall and weigh 90 kg, and I d...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, discomfort in the upper right abdomen, if accompanied by acid reflux and belching, may indicate a duodenal issue. If it is accompanied by bloating and difficulty with bowel movements, it may suggest a problem with the colon. Wishing you good health. Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoy...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Insights
Managing Elevated Liver Enzymes: Key Questions and Insights for Caregivers
Regarding issues related to elevated liver enzymes? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask a question regarding my mother, who has had abnormal liver function for over 10 years and has been regularly monitored through blood tests. This year's health check results showed: AST: 65...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: There is no specific medication for fatty liver. A GPT level of 80 can use liver-protective medications covered by health insurance, but the effects are not significant. Weight loss is the most important factor, along with monitoring changes in GPT levels. Patients a...[Read More] Managing Elevated Liver Enzymes: Key Questions and Insights for Caregivers
Understanding Hepatitis B: Test Results and Dietary Considerations
Hepatitis B issues 1. Since the age of 18, the individual has been identified as a carrier of hepatitis B. Recent tests show blood report values of GOT/GPT at 25/28, alpha-fetoprotein at 0.98, e-antigen antibody as Reactive, HBeAg S/CO value at 0.317, and HBeAg interpretation as ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Sir: 1. You are likely a healthy carrier of Hepatitis B, with normal liver function and low viral load (e-antigen negative), but you still need to be monitored. 2. Generally, there is no need to test for Hepatitis C viral load. 3. You can maintain a normal diet and sho...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Test Results and Dietary Considerations
Understanding Hepatic Encephalopathy: Causes, Risks, and Recovery Tips
Cirrhotic coma My father is in the early stages of liver cirrhosis and was recently discharged from the hospital due to edema in his legs, which required him to use a cane for walking. After a period of treatment and with the physician's approval, he was discharged to rest a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: In cases of cirrhosis, blood with high ammonia levels cannot be metabolized and detoxified by the liver, leading to circulation throughout the body and brain, which can affect consciousness and even cause coma. Please reduce protein intake (as metabolism produces amm...[Read More] Understanding Hepatic Encephalopathy: Causes, Risks, and Recovery Tips
Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Findings: Should I Be Concerned?
Abdominal ultrasound inquiries? Hello Dr. Chen, I recently had a health check-up, and the physician informed me that the abdominal ultrasound showed small white spots in the liver, measuring approximately 0.38 cm. Since I have hepatitis B, I am quite concerned. I asked the ultras...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: The white spots are mostly due to calcification or benign tumors (hemangiomas), but regular follow-up is still necessary. After some time, the follow-up interval can be extended; just regular ultrasound examinations are sufficient. Changhua Hospital cares about your h...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Findings: Should I Be Concerned?
Non-Invasive Liver Fibrosis Assessment Using Shock Wave Technology
Liver fibrosis elastography assessment In general, to further confirm liver fibrosis, a liver biopsy is required. Recently, I came across information online about a device that uses ultrasound waves to assess the degree of liver fibrosis. Dr. Chen, I would like to know if such a ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Please visit the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Kaohsiung for a self-paid examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Non-Invasive Liver Fibrosis Assessment Using Shock Wave Technology
Impact of Night Shifts on Liver Metabolism in Hepatitis B Patients
Does working night shifts affect liver metabolism? Hello, doctor. I am a carrier of hepatitis B. About four years ago, my GPT levels were over 600. Following my doctor's advice, I took Tenofovir for more than two years and then stopped the medication. At that time, I had jus...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Belarck has good long-term safety, but there are contraceptive considerations. As long as the virus is well-controlled, working night shifts is not a major issue, but it should not be done for an extended period to avoid impacting immune function. Changhua Hospital ca...[Read More] Impact of Night Shifts on Liver Metabolism in Hepatitis B Patients
Differentiating Abdominal X-ray Findings: Gas vs. Bowel Obstruction
The distinction between localized abdominal distension and bowel obstruction on X-ray? Hello, doctor. Since February, I have been experiencing persistent discomfort and a feeling of pressure in my left upper abdomen, along with occasional discomfort in my left side. My bowel habi...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, you may consider undergoing a colon examination (either a barium enema or a colonoscopy). If no abnormalities are found, it is likely a functional issue. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chen Qifeng, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Differentiating Abdominal X-ray Findings: Gas vs. Bowel Obstruction
Understanding Same-Day Colonoscopy and Liver Biopsy for Seniors
Colonoscopy in the morning and liver biopsy in the afternoon? I would like to ask the doctor a few questions: My father (nearly 70 years old) discovered a hard mass above his liver and went to the hospital for examination. He previously underwent a CT scan and some routine blood ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, please follow the physician's instructions for management. If you have any questions, feel free to ask the attending physician directly. During the hospitalization, it is acceptable to have morning and afternoon examinations if intravenous therapy is being administere...[Read More] Understanding Same-Day Colonoscopy and Liver Biopsy for Seniors
Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: When to Start Treatment and Testing
Could you please specify your question regarding hepatitis B? I am a carrier of hepatitis B, which was detected during a blood test when I was 18 years old in high school. Now I am 27. There have been a few instances where my liver enzymes spiked to 4 to 5 times the normal level,...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: The e antigen and viral load can represent the "virulence" of the virus, which may increase the chances of future outbreaks or long-term complications such as liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. However, despite advancements in medical technology, there is stil...[Read More] Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: When to Start Treatment and Testing
Understanding Bile Reflux: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Report and Persistent Symptoms Hello, doctor. I am currently living abroad and started seeking medical attention last October due to symptoms of excessive stomach acid and a burning sensation in my throat. The doctor here initially prescribed me a PPI (...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
1. Bile reflux gastritis can occur even without issues related to the pylorus. The treatment focuses on managing the gastritis. 2. It is merely a description of inflammation. 3. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) primarily reduce gastric acid. They are effective for conditions relat...[Read More] Understanding Bile Reflux: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Severe Bloating and Constipation: Seeking Solutions for Digestive Distress
Severe bloating to an unusual extent? Hello Dr. Lin, Since middle school, I have been experiencing excessive gas, sometimes passing over a hundred times a day, which has been quite distressing (and I'm a girl, too). I apologize to all my classmates sitting behind me. Additi...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, the causes of bloating are often related to food, such as legumes, carbonated beverages, cereals, and grains. It may also be associated with constipation and swallowing air while eating. Young women tend to experience bloating more frequently due to constipation. It is rec...[Read More] Severe Bloating and Constipation: Seeking Solutions for Digestive Distress
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Dietary Solutions
Gastrointestinal discomfort Hello, Doctor. I had a colonoscopy and gastroscopy two months ago, which showed some mild ulcers. Due to my work, I frequently travel. On May 12, the day I returned from India, I started experiencing persistent diarrhea. During this period, I took &quo...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, diarrhea after traveling abroad can be due to general gastroenteritis or specific bacterial gastroenteritis. It is recommended to visit a gastroenterologist for further examination and treatment. In terms of diet, it is advisable to consume low-fat, low-dairy, and light fo...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Dietary Solutions
Understanding Liver Health: Concerns About Hepatitis and STD Risks
Liver examination status? On April 25, I had a kiss and intimate relationship with my ex-girlfriend, and I am concerned about the possibility of sexually transmitted infections, including hepatitis B and C. On April 19, during a company health check, my liver enzyme levels were s...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, having antibodies for hepatitis B means you will not be re-infected. You have not been infected with hepatitis C. Abnormal liver function requires an abdominal ultrasound for further evaluation of the cause, but it has been confirmed that it is not related to hepatitis B o...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Concerns About Hepatitis and STD Risks
Essential Liver Health Checkups for Hepatitis B Carriers
Liver health checkup? Hello Doctor: I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Due to my work schedule, I often stay up late and wake up late. Recently, I have been feeling fatigued and experiencing chest tightness. I would like to undergo a liver health check, including liver function tests...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Most general hospitals offer this examination, but please refer to the original hepatitis B report. The registration fee and National Health Insurance coverage at our hospital is approximately NT$290. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Essential Liver Health Checkups for Hepatitis B Carriers