Understanding Stool Color Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Bowel issues Hello, doctor. I would like to consult about the color of my stool. I have been experiencing chronic constipation, and today I noticed that my stool is light yellowish-gray for the first time. However, it was brown yesterday. Should I seek medical attention for this,...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Stool that is light yellowish-gray in color can be related to diet, medications, or diseases. Pale gray or white stool may indicate reduced bile production by the liver or obstruction in the biliary tract, and it is advisable to check for any issues with the liver, gallbladder, o...[Read More] Understanding Stool Color Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Chronic unexplained abdominal pain? Hello, doctor. For the past six months, I have frequently experienced abdominal bloating and pain accompanied by cold sweats, nausea, dizziness, and a feeling of wanting to vomit. The pain is not localized and can be felt from below the ribs to...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please discuss with a gastroenterologist and implement dietary control along with moderate exercise to reduce stress. An ultrasound examination may also be considered.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Abdominal bloating and pain? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing abdominal bloating and pain for nearly two months. Eating liquid foods causes more pain than solid foods, and lying down increases the pain; I have to sit up and bend my body to alleviate it. My bowel habits have...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The causes of abdominal bloating and pain may include indigestion, gastrointestinal issues, and liver, gallbladder, or pancreatic diseases. It is advisable to pay attention to dietary habits, avoiding rapid eating and greasy foods. Risk factors for pancreatitis include gal...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Can Cold Symptoms and Medication Cause Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Is it possible for a cold and medication to cause an elevation in liver enzymes? Hello Doctor, I had a blood test at the hospital the day before yesterday and found that the following liver-related indices were elevated: SGOT: 20 (reference range 5-34), DGOT: 39 (reference range ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If GOT/GPT levels are within the normal range, there is no need to worry too much. Elevated ALP levels may indicate conditions such as biliary obstruction or bone disorders. Additionally, normal occurrences include pregnancy and adolescence. You may consider following up w...[Read More] Can Cold Symptoms and Medication Cause Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Why Did My Liver Tumor Shrink? Understanding Changes in Liver Health
Why do liver tumors shrink? In early November 2022, a company health check revealed that I have mild fatty liver. In mid-November 2022, a hospital examination found a liver tumor measuring 1.5 x 1.0 cm (hypoechoic). The doctor immediately arranged for an abdominal MRI (with contr...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Hello, patients with chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and cirrhosis are at high risk for liver cancer and require regular monitoring. If there is a suspected liver tumor on abdominal ultrasound, further confirmation should be done through computed tomography (CT), magnetic reson...[Read More] Why Did My Liver Tumor Shrink? Understanding Changes in Liver Health
Are Elevated Liver Enzymes Linked to Cold and Medication Use?
Could the elevation of these liver enzymes be related to a cold and the use of medications? Hello Doctor, I had a blood test at the hospital yesterday and found that the following liver-related indices were elevated: SGOT: 20 (reference range 5-34), DGOT: 39 (reference range 5-40...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You can visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for further confirmation.[Read More] Are Elevated Liver Enzymes Linked to Cold and Medication Use?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Supplements and Nail Fungus Treatment
Hepatitis B-related issues Hello, Doctor. My mother has hepatitis B. 1. Recently, I want to buy dietary supplements for her. I would like to know if dietary supplements can harm the liver and if you recommend their use. 2. My mother has been suffering from onychomycosis that hasn...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Licensed dietary supplements are generally not harmful to the liver. Oral medications for onychomycosis may affect liver function, so it is important to discuss this beforehand and monitor liver function before and during treatment.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Supplements and Nail Fungus Treatment
Understanding Liver and Gallbladder Health: When to Seek Treatment
Whether to see a hepatobiliary specialist for treatment, take medication, and undergo regular follow-up? 112/01/13 Creatinine (U) 22.70 112/01/13 Urine protein 4.00 112/01/13 Glucose (B) 98.00 112/01/13 HbA1c 6.20 112/01/13 GPT 6...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist for confirmation.[Read More] Understanding Liver and Gallbladder Health: When to Seek Treatment
Understanding Right Liver Lobe Nodules: Diagnosis and Next Steps
High echogenic nodule in the right lobe of the liver? Medical examination report: Right lobe liver nodule measuring 0.71/0.82 cm, AFP is 2.02, SGOT is 19, SGPT is 24. I would like to ask what issues this indicates with the liver and how to proceed from here. Thank you.
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely a benign liver nodule/hemangioma, and follow-up is sufficient.[Read More] Understanding Right Liver Lobe Nodules: Diagnosis and Next Steps
Understanding Blood in Nasal Mucus: Is It Related to Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B? I have been experiencing bloody nasal discharge for a year, and my throat often hurts. Could this be due to my frequent X-rays or a liver issue? I had two CT scans and over 50 X-rays two years ago. I often feel weak, have fever, and my blood pressure today was 180. I...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please return for a follow-up with the gastroenterology department to monitor hepatitis B (at least every 6 months) and discuss medication for symptoms. A small amount of acetaminophen (such as 3 times a day for 3-5 days) is not harmful.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Nasal Mucus: Is It Related to Hepatitis B?
Should Hepatitis B Carriers Get Vaccinated? Understanding Your Test Results
Hepatitis B testing and vaccination? Hello doctor, I am a carrier of hepatitis B. This month, my hepatitis B test results showed a surface antigen value of 0.46 S/CO (Nonreactive) and a surface antibody value of 6.9 mIU/mL (Nonreactive), both of which are negative. Do I need to r...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Some carriers of hepatitis B may experience spontaneous disappearance of the surface antigen, which we refer to as functional treatment for hepatitis B. Vaccination is not required in these cases. Some individuals may also produce surface antibodies on their own, achieving functi...[Read More] Should Hepatitis B Carriers Get Vaccinated? Understanding Your Test Results
Severe Back Pain: Understanding Gastrointestinal and Liver Issues
Severe back pain? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing pain in my back and stomach for over a week now. Recently, I have been unable to bend my back due to severe pain, and it hurts even when I'm not moving. I'm not sure what is wrong. I have already seen a gastroente...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Hello! Sudden or chronic back pain is a warning sign. It's important to pay attention to the exact location of the pain, such as the upper back, lower back, or elsewhere, and to note if there are any accompanying symptoms. It is advisable to visit the appropriate specialty c...[Read More] Severe Back Pain: Understanding Gastrointestinal and Liver Issues
Unexplained Abdominal Pain: What Tests to Consider Next?
Abdominal pain with normal test results? Hello, doctor. Since November 11, I have been experiencing abdominal pain when bending over, particularly with certain movements that put pressure on my abdomen. Specifically, I feel a sudden sharp pain on the left side of my abdomen (near...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Ms. Aasta, based on the symptoms you described, an abdominal ultrasound can be arranged. Additionally, if there is not much improvement with medication treatment, you should discuss further examinations with your attending physician, and possibly arrange for a CT scan. Than...[Read More] Unexplained Abdominal Pain: What Tests to Consider Next?
Does Moderate Fatty Liver Increase the Risk of Liver Cancer?
Can moderate fatty liver lead to liver cancer? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a few questions. I have moderate fatty liver, no hepatitis B or C, and no cirrhosis. I undergo ultrasound and blood tests every three months. My cholesterol level is 205 and triglycerides are 211, w...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Ms. A: 1. I cannot answer this question without seeing the report and images; I recommend consulting your physician. 2. Lipomas can also occur in the liver, but they are relatively rare. 3.4. It would be best to ask your physician for clarification. 5. Fatty liver disease c...[Read More] Does Moderate Fatty Liver Increase the Risk of Liver Cancer?
Persistent Stomach Pain and Bloating: When Medications Fail
Stomach pain and bloating that do not improve with medication? Hello, doctor. I've been experiencing gastrointestinal bloating and stomach pain for two months. I underwent an endoscopy, and the doctor diagnosed me with gastric erosion and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GER...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: In addition to medication, dietary habits are also very important. Beverages such as tea (black/green/milk tea), coffee, smoking, alcohol, fried foods, spicy foods, sweets, and chocolate can have an impact. Avoid late-night snacks, eat until satisfied without lying down, r...[Read More] Persistent Stomach Pain and Bloating: When Medications Fail
Understanding Liver Health: Fatty Liver, Tumors, and Cancer Concerns
Liver problems Hello doctor, I am asking on behalf of my mother. My mother is 60 years old and has moderate fatty liver disease. She has been undergoing regular ultrasound examinations every three months for the past few years. The doctor mentioned that there is a shadow on her l...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The preliminary diagnosis on the examination report is not accurate and will depend on the results of the CT scan. The examination is unrelated to ophthalmic surgery.[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Fatty Liver, Tumors, and Cancer Concerns
Understanding Liver Lipomas: Diagnosis and Imaging Techniques Explained
Hepatic lipoma Hello doctor, today I am the person inquiring about liver issues from article #190299. I would like to ask if an ultrasound can determine whether a lesion is a lipoma. Can lipomas be visualized through ultrasound? How does the doctor make this determination? Additi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Ultrasound requires certain preparations (though not always 100% guaranteed), and if abnormalities are detected, contrast-enhanced imaging studies may be performed. Costs are determined according to health insurance regulations. Some non-insured contrast agents may be used based ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Lipomas: Diagnosis and Imaging Techniques Explained
Understanding Negative E Antigen and Antibody Results in Hepatitis B
Both e antigen and e antibody are negative? Hello Dr. Chen, I am a hepatitis B patient. This month, my tests for hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) and hepatitis B e-antibody (anti-HBe) were both negative. Does this mean I have recovered?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely due to the natural attenuation of the virus or the suppressive effects of antiviral medications. Most of the virus still exists within liver cells, leading to a state of coexistence, and regular monitoring is still necessary.[Read More] Understanding Negative E Antigen and Antibody Results in Hepatitis B
Understanding Liver Nodules: What You Need to Know After Imaging Tests
Questions about liver nodules? Three months prior to the company health check, I was following up on a 0.5 cm gallbladder polyp at a gastroenterology clinic, and no other issues were found. During the company health check, it was noted that the gallbladder polyp had increased to ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. Follow-up for gallbladder polyps once a year. 2. For liver nodules, follow-up should be determined based on the physician's imaging report, but it can be done in 3 months.[Read More] Understanding Liver Nodules: What You Need to Know After Imaging Tests
Understanding Post-Surgery Abdominal Pain After Bile Duct Stone Removal
Laparotomy for the removal of bile duct stones? Hello doctor, I have a history of liver transplantation. On October 3rd, I experienced upper abdominal pain and went to the emergency room at National Taiwan University Hospital on the early morning of October 4th, where I was admit...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Hello, there are many causes of upper abdominal pain. If it occurs after meals and is related to fatty foods, it is indeed important to be cautious about pain originating from the gallbladder or pancreas. However, pain from other gastrointestinal sources is also possible. Given t...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Abdominal Pain After Bile Duct Stone Removal