Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Testing for Hepatitis and Treatment Options
Liver issues? Hello doctor, I had an abdominal ultrasound that revealed liver fibrosis. The doctor asked me to test for Hepatitis B virus surface antigen, which was negative at 0.00, and Hepatitis C antibody, which was negative at 0.07. Does this mean I do not have Hepatitis B or...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Hepatitis B core antibody is used to determine whether there has been a past infection with hepatitis B that did not progress to chronic carrier status. Hepatitis B surface antibody is used to assess current immunity against the hepatitis B virus. (2) Liver fibrosis ne...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Testing for Hepatitis and Treatment Options
Understanding Bowel Issues: Constipation, Hemorrhoids, and Menstrual Discomfort
Bowel movement issues Hello, Doctor: 1. I have rarely experienced having a bowel movement once a day throughout my life; I usually go every two to three days. My stools are about the size of a banana, brownish-yellow in color, and approximately 15 cm long, with the process takin...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Habits vary from person to person; comparing yourself to others, if there is no change and no discomfort, it is considered normal. (2) The cause of hemorrhoids is varicose veins, and if it worsens, it may lead to thrombosis, bleeding, and pain. If there is significant ...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Constipation, Hemorrhoids, and Menstrual Discomfort
Understanding Excess Stomach Acid: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Issues
Excess stomach acid My father has been consuming only milk powder for his meals for a while now, as eating other foods causes him to experience indigestion, leading to bloating and vomiting large amounts of gastric acid. He has consistently refused to seek medical attention. What...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is advisable to persuade your father to seek medical attention as soon as possible. There are many reasons for appetite loss in the elderly, including organ issues and organ function problems, among others. A detailed diagnosis by a clinical physician is essential to av...[Read More] Understanding Excess Stomach Acid: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Issues
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Appendicitis or Something Else?
Right lower abdominal pain? This morning, I woke up with a dull pain in my lower right abdomen, and it persisted into the evening. Any movement causes pain, but when I stay still, it feels almost normal, although I sense some gas and bloating inside. I have no appetite and haven&...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you experience a fever or severe abdominal pain, it is advisable to visit the emergency department. After all, some right lower abdominal pain may be indicative of acute abdominal conditions, such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, or ovarian emergencies, among others. If...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Appendicitis or Something Else?
Understanding Right Side Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Right abdominal pain? Hello, doctor! Recently, a family member has been experiencing discomfort in the right side of the abdomen, with intermittent pain but no hard lumps... It's been over a day! I would like to ask whether we should go to the emergency room or which departm...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Right-sided abdominal pain has several differential diagnoses, but there are certain conditions that are considered emergencies, such as cholecystitis, perforated peptic ulcer, appendicitis, or diverticulitis, among others. If the situation is urgent, it is advisable to go...[Read More] Understanding Right Side Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Irregular Bowel Movements: What to Do?
Loose stools with mild pain around the navel? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing some pain around my navel when I apply slight pressure with my fingers. Normally, it's just a mild discomfort that isn't unbearable, but it's quite bothersome. It sho...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) You should consult a gastroenterologist, who will determine whether you need an upper endoscopy or a colonoscopy. (2) The shape of your stool is influenced by the types of food you eat and the speed of intestinal movement. (3) Borborygmi is the sound produced by the mo...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Irregular Bowel Movements: What to Do?
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Is It Hepatitis?
Elevated liver enzymes? Hello doctor, my SGOT is 105 and SGPT is 102. My liver enzymes seem to be significantly elevated. I had a health check-up over a month ago, and I just received the results last week. Could this indicate hepatitis?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Elevated levels of GOT/GPT indicate liver inflammation; however, the underlying cause may require further investigation, including tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, or excessive use of herbal medicine, among others. Please co...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Is It Hepatitis?
Understanding Small Intestinal Polyps: Concerns and Next Steps After Colonoscopy
During the colonoscopy, a polyp was found in a portion of the small intestine? Hello, doctor. Due to irregular bowel movements and soft, unformed stools, I underwent a colonoscopy. During the procedure today, no abnormalities were found in the colon, but several polyps were disco...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Polyps are nodules that protrude from the mucosa, and most polyps smaller than 0.5 cm are benign. The benefit of biopsy is that it allows us to determine the tissue type, which may include inflammatory glandular hyperplasia, adenomas, dysplastic lesions, or neuroendoc...[Read More] Understanding Small Intestinal Polyps: Concerns and Next Steps After Colonoscopy
Understanding Pain Below the Belly Button: Causes and Solutions
Pain directly below the navel? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing a dull pain just below my navel, similar to the discomfort associated with diarrhea. It also hurts when I apply pressure to that area. Recently, my stools have been a bit loose. I'm not sure what's go...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: You should be male, right? If so, the area just below the navel is approximately where the terminal ileum, bladder, and rectum/sigmoid colon are located. First, check for symptoms such as frequent urination or pain during urination; if present, it may indicate a urinary tr...[Read More] Understanding Pain Below the Belly Button: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Bowel Issues During Pregnancy: A Guide for Expecting Mothers
Bowel and gastrointestinal issues Hello, I am currently 7 weeks pregnant and have an external hemorrhoid that I cannot push back in. A few months ago, I occasionally noticed white mucus on the surface of my stool. I have bowel movements 1-2 times a week, usually producing paste-l...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: During pregnancy, the uterus enlarges as the fetus grows, which can compress the organs in the abdominal cavity, particularly affecting hollow organs such as the stomach or intestines. This is likely not an issue with the intestines. Additionally, when the rectum is compre...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues During Pregnancy: A Guide for Expecting Mothers
Understanding Chronic Gas: Causes and Solutions for Excessive Flatulence
Abnormal gas emission!! Hello doctor, I apologize for taking up your valuable time. I truly don't know what to do anymore. I have a symptom that has persisted for five years: I experience constant flatulence 24 hours a day, which means I have uncontrollable gas, far exceedin...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Lin: The exact cause of flatulence (passing gas) is not well understood, and therefore there is no definitive treatment. Recommendations include: 1) Try to talk less while eating to avoid swallowing air. 2) Consider using digestive enzymes. 3) Avoid gas-producing foods....[Read More] Understanding Chronic Gas: Causes and Solutions for Excessive Flatulence
Understanding Intermittent Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Intermittent sharp pain in the upper left abdomen? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing intermittent sharp pain in my upper left abdomen for about a week, occurring roughly ten times a day, but it is bearable. Additionally, for the past five to six years, this area has made noi...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The location of the left upper abdomen corresponds to the area where the stomach and colon bend near the spleen. The sounds you describe, known as borborygmi, may be due to gas buildup combined with increased peristalsis, which can be normal but may also indicate bloating....[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Issues
Abdominal pain? I used to have bowel movements 1 to 3 times a week, but for the past few days, I've been experiencing sudden abdominal pain in the mornings that wakes me from sleep. When I go to the bathroom, I only pass a small amount of stool. Initially, the stool was of n...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, it is clearly acute gastroenteritis. Adjust your diet to a low-fat, low-dairy, and bland diet, and seek medical treatment if necessary. Sincerely, Dr. Ming-Hui Lin, Attending Physician, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Issues
Understanding Normal Bowel Movements: What You Need to Know
How to determine normal bowel movements? Hello Doctor: I would like to understand what constitutes normal bowel movements. My bowel habits typically involve responding to the body's signals of urgency before going to the restroom. I'm unsure if this is considered a norm...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: There is no single normal bowel habit; some people may have multiple bowel movements a day, while others may only have one every few days. A problem arises when there is a change in an individual's usual bowel habits. The color of stool can be influenced by food, so i...[Read More] Understanding Normal Bowel Movements: What You Need to Know
Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Discomfort in the upper left abdomen? Dr. Lin: Hello, I would like to ask a few questions. I previously underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at Taoyuan Hospital, and the physician who performed the procedure diagnosed me with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). After...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, the endoscopic results for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are classified as follows: 1. Non-erosive esophagitis 2. Erosive esophagitis 3. Severe Barrett's esophagus. Currently, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are being used for treatment, which are effective for...[Read More] Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Recurring Stomach Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Frequent recurrence of gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello Doctor, recently my stomach has been feeling quite uncomfortable. I have seen several doctors before; some diagnosed me with mild gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and noted a slight gastric ulcer after an endoscopy, ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, regarding gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it is recommended to avoid smoking and alcohol, limit tea and coffee intake, reduce consumption of spicy foods, limit glutinous rice products, and avoid overly sweet or sour foods, as well as carbonated beverages. Do not ea...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Stomach Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Right lower abdominal pain? Hello Doctor, since December of last year, I have been experiencing persistent abdominal pain following an episode of gastroenteritis. Currently, the pain is primarily located in the lower right abdomen, characterized by sharp, bloating, and cramping s...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, aside from the pain radiating to the thigh, the other symptoms are a result of gastroenteritis causing irritable bowel syndrome. It is recommended to follow a low-fat, low-meat, low-dairy, and low-irritant diet. If necessary, digestive enzymes and even antidiarrheal medica...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
How Long Should I Wait After Quitting Alcohol for Accurate Liver Tests?
The liver is currently in an inflammatory state? I am a patient with liver inflammation (elevated GOT and GPT levels) and have a long history of smoking and drinking alcohol. I have stopped drinking alcohol for about three months. How long should I wait before getting tested for ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of abnormal liver function, and further tests are needed to differentiate between viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, or fatty liver disease, among others. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Chi-Feng, Gastroenterology Department, Tao...[Read More] How Long Should I Wait After Quitting Alcohol for Accurate Liver Tests?
Concerns About Colonoscopy Findings: What You Need to Know
Colonoscopy issues? Hello, My wife (25 years old) has been experiencing symptoms such as constipation, abdominal pain, and blood in her stool for the past year. Her stools are usually thin and soft, and she often alternates between constipation and diarrhea. Despite increasing ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Sir: 1. You should trust your physician's judgment, but there are indeed exceptions in the world. 2. If you have no symptoms, there is no need for medication treatment. 3. Hemorrhoids are vascular tissues at the anal opening, and everyone has them to some extent; if t...[Read More] Concerns About Colonoscopy Findings: What You Need to Know
Can You Get an Ultrasound for Fatigue Without Liver Inflammation?
Abdominal ultrasound? Hello doctor, I have a problem with easy fatigue, usually feeling tired 3 to 4 hours after getting up. Each time I check my GPT and GOT levels, they are normal. I have received the hepatitis B vaccine. I would like to have an abdominal ultrasound to check fo...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, abnormal liver function is related to your fatigue. If liver function is normal, your fatigue may be due to other factors, such as anemia, among others. If necessary, other reports should be reviewed. A small number of inactive liver cirrhosis cases may...[Read More] Can You Get an Ultrasound for Fatigue Without Liver Inflammation?