Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Elevated total bilirubin? Hello Dr. Tsai! Recently, I have been experiencing a dull pain in my upper right abdomen, and I'm unsure if it is nerve or muscle pain, so I went to the hospital for an examination. The test results are as follows: Creatinine "1.13" mg/dL,...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The total bilirubin level of "1.8" mg/dL is elevated, and the AST level is "46" U/L, which is also elevated, while the ALT level is "29" U/L. This may be related to alcohol and medication (herbal medicine) intake, so it would be advisable to c...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Mucus in Stool: Possible Causes and Medication Effects
Mucus in stool? Hello, doctor. Last week, I experienced bleeding from hemorrhoids due to bowel movements and visited a local clinic for treatment, where I received the following medications: Alcos-anal suppositories, Transamin 250 mg, Brufen 400 mg, Danzen 10 mg, and MGO 250 mg. ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Mucus is a normal occurrence and is not necessarily related to medication. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool: Possible Causes and Medication Effects
Understanding Recurring Lower Abdominal Cramps: Causes and Solutions
Intermittent cramping pain in the lower abdomen on both sides? Hello, doctor. My bowel habits have been around 3 to 4 times a day for a long time. However, in the past two to three weeks, I have started experiencing abdominal bloating and pain, which seems to move around the midd...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Discomfort in the lower abdomen on both sides may indicate an issue related to the intestines. Conditions such as rapid peristalsis, fecal impaction, or irritable bowel syndrome could be present. It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist to determine whether medica...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Lower Abdominal Cramps: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
There is occasional pain in the lower right abdomen? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my gastrointestinal issues. For about three weeks now, I have been experiencing intermittent discomfort in my lower right abdomen (approximately a few centimeters above the pubic bo...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Continue to monitor and apply local heat compresses; if the condition worsens, seek medical attention again.[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Recurring Diarrhea: Causes and When to Seek Help
Diarrhea issues Hello Dr. Chen, I previously inquired about my gastrointestinal issues. About five days ago, I experienced cramping abdominal pain and diarrhea, having two bowel movements on that day. After a few days, my stools returned to normal. I suspected it was due to eatin...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If necessary, a fecal occult blood test can be performed, and symptoms can be managed with medication.[Read More] Understanding Recurring Diarrhea: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Symptoms and Insights
Abdominal issues? Hello doctor, my bowel habits have been around 3 to 4 times a day for a long time. Recently, over the past 2 to 3 weeks, I've started experiencing abdominal bloating and pain, with discomfort moving around the middle and lower left and right abdomen. My bow...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may also be irritable bowel syndrome; lifestyle and dietary adjustments can be made, and medication may be necessary for control.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Symptoms and Insights
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Insights on Gastrointestinal Issues
Abdominal discomfort? Hello, in April, I went to the emergency room due to abdominal pain and underwent a CT scan, which showed edema and inflammation in the colon. After receiving antibiotics and resting for several days, my condition gradually improved. In May, I was diagnosed ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Continue to follow up with the physician to monitor changes in symptoms and necessary medications/tests.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Insights on Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Excessive Burping: Causes and Solutions for GERD Symptoms
Burping more than 20 times a day? Hello, doctor. After undergoing an endoscopy due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it was found that there is a reflux level between A and B, and the lower esophageal sphincter is slightly open. There are minor ulcers in the stomach and ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hiccups are merely a physiological/psychological phenomenon. It may be necessary to compare the use of medication, discontinuation of medication, and re-initiation of medication.[Read More] Understanding Excessive Burping: Causes and Solutions for GERD Symptoms
Chronic Gastrointestinal Issues: Seeking Solutions for Morning Nausea
Chronic gastrointestinal issues Hello, doctor. I have had gastrointestinal issues since around middle school, and even now, when I wake up in the morning, if my stomach gets cold or I smell even a little bit of something, I feel nauseous and gag. This happens whether I smell brea...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may be due to a personally sensitive constitution. Symptomatic treatment in conjunction with a gastroenterologist, along with relaxation of the body and mind, is recommended.[Read More] Chronic Gastrointestinal Issues: Seeking Solutions for Morning Nausea
Understanding Esophageal Polyps: Concerns and Treatment Options
Pyloric polyp? Two weeks ago, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at the clinic, where I was diagnosed with a gastric ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). During the procedure, a 1 cm polyp was removed from the fundus of my stomach, but the doctor mention...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Dear Grace, there are many types of gastric polyps, and most of them are benign. The decision to perform a biopsy or removal typically relies on the judgment of the endoscopist. Since a significant number of small benign gastric polyps have an extremely low risk of malignant tran...[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Polyps: Concerns and Treatment Options
Understanding Recurring Diarrhea: When to Seek Medical Attention
Diarrhea issues? Hello, doctor. About five days ago, I experienced cramping abdominal pain and diarrhea, having two bowel movements on that day. After a few days, my stools returned to normal. I thought it was due to eating undercooked food. However, today, on 10/30, I have diarr...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Mild enteritis is possible; further observation is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Recurring Diarrhea: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Black Stool After Colonoscopy: Causes and Concerns
After a colonoscopy After a colonoscopy, if your stool is black the next day, it could be due to several reasons. One common cause is the presence of blood in the stool, which may indicate bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, if you were given iron supplements or...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please confirm with the examining physician.[Read More] Understanding Black Stool After Colonoscopy: Causes and Concerns
Managing Acute Gastroenteritis: Symptoms, Medications, and Recovery Tips
This time it is acute gastroenteritis? After discussing the colonoscopy with my doctor, I recently stayed up late again, which seems to have weakened my body and led to gastroenteritis. I visited a doctor who prescribed Zhenghe Yue Guizhi tablets, Dubikang (Loperamide) tablets, a...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: After diarrhea, a sudden decrease in bowel movements may occur, which should not be immediately classified as constipation. It is important to ensure adequate hydration, electrolytes, and intake of fruits and vegetables, as this should gradually improve the situation. Unle...[Read More] Managing Acute Gastroenteritis: Symptoms, Medications, and Recovery Tips
Understanding Mild Liver Fibrosis: Key Considerations for Patients
Mild hepatic parenchymal fibrosis The health check shows mild hepatic parenchymal fibrosis, but liver function is normal, and there is no hepatitis B or C. What should the physician pay attention to?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you do not have hepatitis B or C, and you do not have a habit of excessive drinking, misuse of medications, or other unhealthy lifestyle habits, there is no need to worry too much; this is a normal change that comes with aging. Changhua Hospital cares about your health....[Read More] Understanding Mild Liver Fibrosis: Key Considerations for Patients
Understanding Severe Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and Management Tips
Since yesterday, the diarrhea has been getting progressively worse? Hello, doctor. Recently, I visited a physician due to a feeling of urgency and heaviness in my lower abdomen, which I believe was caused by hemorrhoids. The doctor diagnosed me with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please cooperate with a gastroenterologist to adjust your schedule and take your medication.[Read More] Understanding Severe Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and Management Tips
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Tight and painful in the lower left abdomen? Hello, I would like to inquire about a persistent tightness in my lower left abdomen. I feel that the left side is harder than the right side near the pelvis, although when I contract my abdominal muscles, I don't notice any diffe...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If a physician suspects that the issue is related to constipation or fecal impaction, they may first recommend medications from a gastroenterologist or dietary adjustments to address the constipation. If constipation is resolved but bloating persists, a colonoscopy or furt...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Persistent Belching After Waking: Gastrointestinal Concerns Explained
Persistent belching upon waking up? Hello Doctor, A year ago, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and a colonoscopy due to gastrointestinal discomfort. The endoscopy revealed a 1 cm submucosal tumor, which was confirmed to be benign. The doctor recommended regular m...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please continue to discuss with the attending physician and monitor the symptoms/weight changes.[Read More] Persistent Belching After Waking: Gastrointestinal Concerns Explained
Two Weeks Without Normal Bowel Movements: Should I Get Another Colonoscopy?
It has been two weeks since I last had a normal bowel movement? Hello Doctor: I haven't had normal bowel movements for the past two weeks and have no urge to go. I've only gone a few times, producing small amounts. Previously, I had one or two instances of watery stools...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Hello, Ying. Your situation may be divided into two parts: changes in bowel habits and the presence of dark red stools. It is true that sometimes hormonal fluctuations caused by menstrual regulation medications can lead to changes in bowel habits, which may include diarrhea or co...[Read More] Two Weeks Without Normal Bowel Movements: Should I Get Another Colonoscopy?
Understanding Elevated CA19-9 Levels: Implications for Gastrointestinal Health
Interpretation of CA 19-9 Values Hello Doctor, I recently received my health check report, which shows a CA 19-9 value of 212 (compared to 180 the previous year). I have a chocolate cyst (for many years) and have been taking Danazol (for three months; the health check was conduct...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
CA 19-9 is a glycoprotein found in the human body, including in epithelial cells of the pancreas, gallbladder, and salivary glands. It is also expressed in the epithelial cells of the cervical lining. An elevated CA 19-9 level does not necessarily indicate the presence of cancer....[Read More] Understanding Elevated CA19-9 Levels: Implications for Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Abnormal CEA Levels: What You Need to Know
Abnormal CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) levels in health checkup? Hello, doctor. At the end of last year, my CEA level was abnormal at 6.71. I have gastroesophageal reflux disease, and in March of last year, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and a colonoscopy. Aside...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels can be elevated in cases of mucosal lesions, inflammation, and carcinogenesis. CEA is a tumor marker primarily associated with colorectal cancer. In addition to colorectal cancer, elevated CEA levels can also be seen in other cancers s...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal CEA Levels: What You Need to Know