Persistent Bad Breath: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
Distress Hello Doctor: I have been troubled by a frustrating issue for the past five years; I have a problem with halitosis. Regardless of whether I brush my teeth or not, my breath is always foul, and people are hesitant to talk to me, which is difficult to address. I am only 28...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen, Halitosis is a bothersome issue that can persist even with good oral hygiene, and despite not smoking or drinking alcohol. It is advisable to avoid irritant foods such as garlic, as some cases of halitosis are related to anaerobic bacteria in the oral cavity. The ...[Read More] Persistent Bad Breath: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
How Hepatitis B Carriers Can Prevent Transmission to Others
Hepatitis B carriers should take the following precautions to avoid transmitting the virus to others: Hello Dr. Lin: I am a carrier of hepatitis B. How can I avoid transmitting the virus to others? What measures should I take to protect my wife (or girlfriend) and children from i...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, Xiao Dou. 1. The transmission route of Hepatitis B is through bodily fluids, including blood, saliva, and semen. It is important to be cautious with personal items that may come into contact with your blood, such as razors and toothbrushes; it is advisable not to share t...[Read More] How Hepatitis B Carriers Can Prevent Transmission to Others
Navigating Care Decisions for Elderly Patients with Gastrointestinal Issues
Hello, doctor. I would like to ask for your advice? Hello Doctor, my grandmother has generally been in good health, but due to her age (currently in her 80s), she can only consume liquid foods (milk and carrot puree). She often expresses feelings of hopelessness, saying things li...
Dr. Zhang Siyuan Reply:
To MustLee: Honestly, as a doctor with many years of experience, I can say that in cases similar to your grandmother's, there are numerous human factors involved behind modern medical practices. No one has the right to force a patient to undergo treatment. When facing your g...[Read More] Navigating Care Decisions for Elderly Patients with Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Chronic Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Left lower abdominal pain? 1. The current symptoms include bloating and pain in the lower left abdomen, which have persisted for four years. There is still abdominal bloating and pain regardless of diet. 2. So far, I have consulted various specialists, including gastroenterolog...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello Mrs. Wu, You have been experiencing pain in your lower left abdomen, which must have been quite bothersome for a long time. You have undergone examinations for muscular, neurological, urinary, gastrointestinal, and gynecological issues, all of which showed no problems. Ho...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Gastritis: Causes, Treatment, and Dietary Tips
Gastritis Hello, my friend has gastritis. The doctor advised him to avoid sour, sweet, cold, spicy, oily, and irritating foods, and he needs to take medication before and after meals. Is this condition incurable? Will it recur? Will this method of taking medication affect his bod...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, there are many types of gastritis. Gastritis can be classified into acute, chronic, and acute erosive gastritis, with subtypes such as superficial hemorrhagic and erosive gastritis. The causes are related to medications, alcohol, irritants, allergens, bacteria, emotional f...[Read More] Understanding Gastritis: Causes, Treatment, and Dietary Tips
Chronic Stomach Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Relief
Chronic stomach pain..? I've been experiencing stomach pain for three years... I don't know why... I often have difficulty adjusting to my environment, which affects my bowel movements, making it hard to have a regular daily stool... I frequently have diarrhea after con...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Miss Bear: 1. It's time to see a doctor! Generally, it could be a digestive issue, and medication should help improve it. 2. Diarrhea caused by dairy products is known as "lactose intolerance," which is quite common among Taiwanese people. It's a matt...[Read More] Chronic Stomach Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Relief
Understanding Excessive Gas: Causes and Dietary Solutions
The constant trouble of excessive flatulence! Hello, I have a history of chronic gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). My gastrointestinal system was fine until a few months ago when I impulsively started drinking cola, a carbonated beverage that I had avoided for...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello Oz: Continuous flatulence and excessive gas in the abdomen may be caused by several factors, including: 1. Swallowing a lot of air; 2. The gastrointestinal tract producing excessive gas. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to dietary habits, such as chewing food tho...[Read More] Understanding Excessive Gas: Causes and Dietary Solutions
Understanding Liver Function Tests: Normal Results with Elevated Bilirubin Levels
Liver function tests? Doctor, I received my lab results today: G.O.P = 21, G.P.T = 31, and albumin = 4.4, all of which are normal. I am a carrier of hepatitis B, but why is my total bilirubin level 1.88 under these normal conditions? What could be the reason for this? What should...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. (1) Hepatitis B carriers should undergo regular monitoring of GOT, GPT, AFP, and abdominal ultrasound. (2) Elevated total bilirubin can be attributed to three main causes: 1. Excessive destruction of red blood cells leading to the release of too much hemoglobin; 2. Liver dysfu...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: Normal Results with Elevated Bilirubin Levels
Navigating Post-Embolization Complications in Liver Cancer Treatment
Regarding the embolization of liver tumors? Dear Dr. Chen, My grandfather was diagnosed with a 12 cm liver tumor, which was confirmed to be liver cancer. After undergoing embolization, he has been experiencing persistent fever. Recently, the doctor suggested using a nasogastric ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Ms. Peggy: 1. May I ask the doctor if my grandfather truly does not have hepatitis B or C? (He may have occult hepatitis B, but it is not easy to confirm.) 2. These changes in his condition are not uncommon, and I believe your attending physician will do their best to treat him. ...[Read More] Navigating Post-Embolization Complications in Liver Cancer Treatment
Understanding the Side Effects of Hepatitis Ling Injection: What You Need to Know
What side effects should be noted for Hepatitis B (Liver) injection? I previously wrote to you: Hello Doctor... I had an index of over 300 and took Gan An Neng for more than a year, during which my HBeAg turned negative. After taking it for another six months, I stopped the medic...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The medications mentioned from mainland China do not have clear evidence regarding their effectiveness, so I cannot provide appropriate recommendations. Generally, the efficacy of Tenofovir or Entecavir is significantly better than that of Adefovir, so one should not assum...[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects of Hepatitis Ling Injection: What You Need to Know
Do Liver Transplants Require Matching Blood Types?
Is it necessary for a liver transplant to have the same blood type? Is it necessary to have the same blood type for a liver transplant? If I need a liver transplant in the future, since I am type O and my wife is type B, and her entire family has hepatitis B, only my wife and chi...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! If you need a liver transplant, you can only receive type O blood. In principle, it's best to have the same blood type for a liver transplant to reduce the risk of rejection. However, type O blood can be donated to others, but individuals with type O blood can only re...[Read More] Do Liver Transplants Require Matching Blood Types?
Understanding Bitter Taste and Bad Breath: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
The issue of bad breath? Hello, Dr. Lin. This week, I've been experiencing a slight bitter taste in my mouth every day, along with some bad breath. My friends say it might be a stomach issue, but I don't feel any indigestion or stomach discomfort. My appetite is normal,...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Halitosis is associated with various conditions, including poor oral hygiene, gastrointestinal issues, and the consumption of strong-flavored or spicy foods. Certain liver, kidney, and intestinal obstruction diseases can also produce distinctive odors. It is recommended to mainta...[Read More] Understanding Bitter Taste and Bad Breath: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Hepatitis C: Risks, Transmission, and Recovery Insights
Hepatitis C issues Hello, Doctor: I apologize for asking you again about hepatitis C issues: 1. If hepatitis C is not contracted through blood transfusion (for example, due to improperly sterilized injection equipment in medical facilities), is the likelihood of it progressing to...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! 1. There is no such statement. 2. Having antibodies for hepatitis C but a negative HCV RNA test indicates that there is no active hepatitis C infection, making it unlikely to transmit to others. 3. It will not happen. 4. This possibility cannot be ruled out.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C: Risks, Transmission, and Recovery Insights
Understanding Weak Positive Hepatitis B Antibody Results: What You Need to Know
Hepatitis B antibodies Hello, Vice President Tsai. Two years ago, I had a health check-up at Taipei Hospital, where the result for Hepatitis B antibodies was positive. However, I recently went to another health check-up center, and the result was weakly positive (51 IU/L). Is thi...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
This is a normal phenomenon observed during health check-ups at Taipei Hospital. The positive reaction for hepatitis B antibodies is a qualitative test result, while other health check centers conduct quantitative tests. A weak positive result is acceptable. Hepatitis B Overvie...[Read More] Understanding Weak Positive Hepatitis B Antibody Results: What You Need to Know
Blood in Stool: Understanding Gastrointestinal Health Concerns
Blood in the stool? I have been experiencing gastrointestinal issues for over two months. My recent health check report indicated that everything is normal except for elevated total bilirubin levels (CEA is normal). However, this afternoon, I noticed blood in my stool; the blood ...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Blood in the stool, when accompanied by no anal pain, is mostly due to hemorrhoidal bleeding. If blood in the stool causes anal pain, it is likely due to anal fissures. Occasional blood in the stool should raise concerns about hemorrhoids first, followed by tumors (polyps or canc...[Read More] Blood in Stool: Understanding Gastrointestinal Health Concerns
Food Poisoning or Cold? Understanding Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Stomach pain after food poisoning? On Saturday, I had a high fever of 39 degrees Celsius, with weakness in my limbs, mild diarrhea, and abdominal pain, but no sore throat, cough, or runny nose. The doctor diagnosed me with a cold, and after taking medication, my fever subsided, b...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Some colds can present with symptoms of gastroenteritis, which is a type of gastroenteritis caused by a virus. Common symptoms of gastroenteritis include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and food poisoning can also present with diarrhea, vomiting, and fever....[Read More] Food Poisoning or Cold? Understanding Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Understanding Recent Stomach Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Recently, I have been experiencing stomach pain? Hello, I have been experiencing stomach pain lately and have a habit of eating late-night snacks, consuming amounts similar to my main meals. Recently, I often drink iced tea (sweetened) and iced yogurt on an empty stomach. I have ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Your symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux raise the suspicion of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is related to dietary habits; late-night snacks, fried high-fat foods, spicy foods, and being overweight can all affect the lower esophageal sphincter, leadi...[Read More] Understanding Recent Stomach Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Can Early Stage Hemorrhoids Be Treated with Outpatient Surgery?
Doctor, can hemorrhoids in the early stage be treated with outpatient surgery? Frequent relapses can be quite bothersome. Is it possible to achieve a permanent solution through outpatient surgery? Do all public hospitals have such facilities (e.g., in Xinying)? Are there any pote...
Dr. Liu Nanshan Reply:
In response to your question: The treatment for hemorrhoids must first determine whether it is internal or external hemorrhoid bleeding. Typically, internal hemorrhoid bleeding can be treated with endoscopic ligation, which can be performed on an outpatient basis; external hemorr...[Read More] Can Early Stage Hemorrhoids Be Treated with Outpatient Surgery?
Understanding Stomach Discomfort: Eating vs. Not Eating
Whether I eat or not, my stomach feels uncomfortable? Hello Doctor: For the past two weeks, I've been experiencing discomfort in my stomach, which has been quite bothersome. I can barely eat a few bites before feeling bloated; shortly after, I feel nauseous from hunger and I...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: Sometimes after gastroenteritis, functional dyspepsia may occur. Thyroid issues can also lead to abdominal bloating. If thyroid function is normal but you still frequently feel uncomfortable, especially with accompanying weight loss, anemia, or gastrointestinal bleeding, i...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Discomfort: Eating vs. Not Eating
Can Hepatitis B Patients Safely Care for Others? Expert Insights
Hepatitis B Dr. Lee, I would like to ask you... Is it true that individuals with hepatitis B cannot care for patients? Is there a way to do so? This has been troubling me for a long time...
Dr. Li Zhengqi Reply:
Hello, Xiaohua: Hepatitis B carriers can care for patients, but they should not donate blood to others. It is advisable for them to avoid staying up late to prevent triggering a Hepatitis B flare-up. Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and sexual contact, and it is not trans...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Patients Safely Care for Others? Expert Insights