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 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
Understanding Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Unusual discomfort in the upper abdomen? I have a bulge below my xiphoid process extending to the right rib cage, which becomes more noticeable after eating. I usually don't pay attention to it, but now there's a slight, dull pain. Could you please help me with this? Th...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, upper abdominal pain after eating, accompanied by a feeling of fullness, may indicate issues with the stomach or duodenum, which could be functional or organic (such as gastritis or peptic ulcers). Problems with the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas can also cause pain. It i...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Fluid Buildup Between Stomach and Pancreas: Causes and Prevention
Why do I have blisters between my stomach and pancreas? Hello, doctor: I recently had an ultrasound examination and found an abnormality. The hospital scheduled me for a CT scan, and the doctor mentioned it could be a cyst or some tissue. I'm very worried! I also went to two...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Chris: The presence of cysts in the organs (liver, kidneys, pancreas) is often due to non-specific reasons. If they are not large and are monitored every 3 to 6 months without any changes, they are usually benign and there is no need for concern. Changhua Hospital cares...[Read More] Understanding Fluid Buildup Between Stomach and Pancreas: Causes and Prevention
Understanding Leaky Gut Syndrome: Causes and Implications for Digestive Health
Leaky gut syndrome Leaky gut syndrome, also known as increased intestinal permeability, is a condition characterized by the weakening of the intestinal barrier, allowing toxins, undigested food particles, and bacteria to enter
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
A healthy gut requires an intact intestinal mucosa, which primarily functions to absorb nutrients and serve as a barrier against the invasion of external pathogens. The surface composition of the intestinal mucosa consists of numerous epithelial cells that fit tightly together li...[Read More] Understanding Leaky Gut Syndrome: Causes and Implications for Digestive Health
Understanding Abnormal Glutamyl Transferase Levels: Causes and Concerns
Abnormalities of transaminases? Hello, I recently had a health check-up at my company and my results showed an abnormal level of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) at 104. The other results were as follows: GTP: 18, SGOT: 23, direct bilirubin (D-BIL): 0.2, total bilirubin (T-BIL): ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) can be found in biliary epithelial cells, hepatocytes, and other tissues such as the kidneys, pancreas, and small intestine. GGT, also known as the alcohol index, can be used to assess alcoholic hepatitis. Additionally, if alkaline phosphat...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Glutamyl Transferase Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Bloating and Discomfort in Acute Cholecystitis
Acute cholecystitis Acute cholecystitis can cause bloating and discomfort even when not eating due to several factors. The inflammation of the gallbladder can lead to irritation of the surrounding tissues and organs, which may affect the gastrointestinal tract's motility and...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. The gallbladder contains bile, and the secretion of bile can stimulate the pancreas to release digestive enzymes, aiding in the digestion and absorption of fats. 2. In acute cholecystitis, bile becomes infected, and bile obstruction prevents it from draining into the common ...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Discomfort in Acute Cholecystitis
Understanding High RGT Levels: Implications and Management Strategies
What happens if RGT is too high? Recently, I participated in a family health check organized by the health bureau, and my health report indicated an RGT index as high as 172, which led to the insurance company denying coverage. What is the significance of the RGT index? Last year...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! γ-GT, or gamma-glutamyl transferase, is an enzyme predominantly found in the kidneys, liver, pancreas, serum, blood cells, and bile ducts. It is particularly sensitive to alcohol consumption, making it useful for screening for alcoholic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, or abnor...[Read More] Understanding High RGT Levels: Implications and Management Strategies
Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels: What Could It Mean for Your Health?
The fetal protein index is slightly elevated? Hello, doctor. Last month during my company's health check-up, my alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was 13 (the hospital's normal range is below 10.9). My liver function tests were normal. Last week, I went for a follow-up, and ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Fetal protein is a protein that appears in fetal serum and disappears after birth. The causes of elevated fetal protein levels include pregnancy, hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, germ cell tumors, testicular cancer, and other reproductive and urinary system tumors. For ...[Read More] Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels: What Could It Mean for Your Health?
Understanding Digestive Discomfort: Causes of Abdominal Pain and Gas Issues
Difficulty passing gas? Hello, I would like to ask the following questions: 1. I have been experiencing pain about 3-4 fingerbreadths above my navel and in my left abdomen 2-3 times within the past week. What organs are located in this area? What could be the possible causes of...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. The organs associated with your pain include the stomach, small intestine, pancreas, and transverse colon. Pain in this area may be related to gastrointestinal diseases (including gastritis, esophagitis, peptic ulcers, tumors, and polyps), liver, gallbladder, and panc...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Discomfort: Causes of Abdominal Pain and Gas Issues
Chronic Stomach Pain and Right Side Back Pain: Seeking Effective Solutions
Stomach pain and right flank pain? Hello Dr. Liu, I have been suffering from stomach pain for a long time and have been diagnosed with gastritis. Two years ago, during a health check-up, I tested positive for Helicobacter pylori. I have undergone three gastroscopies (at differen...
Dr. Liu Nanshan Reply:
Abdominal pain with no identifiable cause is often functional in nature and related to gastrointestinal motility, such as spasms. This condition is more likely to occur in individuals who are prone to anxiety, high work demands, or other significant stressors, or it may be associ...[Read More] Chronic Stomach Pain and Right Side Back Pain: Seeking Effective Solutions
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment Options
Gallbladder polyp Gallbladder sludge can have various effects on the body and may lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. In some cases, it can cause complications like cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) or pancreatitis (inflammati...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. Gallbladder polyps are small nodules that protrude outward from the mucosal layer of the gallbladder due to hyperplasia. Polyps are considered tissue overgrowths and typically do not present symptoms. Most are discovered incidentally during ultrasound examinations, and patholo...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment Options
Understanding Stomach Bloating: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Bloating Hello, I often experience bloating in my stomach. What could be the cause of this? Additionally, I frequently hear gurgling sounds, and when these sounds occur, I feel like my entire stomach is churning. What could be the reason for this?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Factors contributing to bloating include dietary factors, functional gastrointestinal disorders, and organic lesions in the gastrointestinal tract, such as inflammation, ulcers, and tumors. Diseases of the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, as well as systemic conditions including...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Bloating: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Insights on Gastrointestinal Health
Abdominal issues are very troubling for me? Hello Dr. Lin, I have been experiencing a sensation in my stomach (around the area between my ribs) that feels like a needle pricking me, but it’s not painful; it feels more like a cramp. This sensation is not constant and often occurs...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Your three questions: 1. Occasionally having blood in your stool may indicate issues related to the rectum and anus, commonly seen in conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, tumors, or inflammatory polyps. It is advised to avoid prolonged sitting, engage in moderate exerci...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Insights on Gastrointestinal Health
Persistent Left Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Continuous intermittent pain in the left upper abdomen for eleven days? Hello Doctor: Since Saturday morning two weeks ago, I experienced pain after eating spicy food the night before. During the night, I woke up due to pain, which was localized on the left side of my lower back,...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Abdominal pain accompanied by bowel irregularities, considering your age, common causes include gastroenteritis and irritable bowel syndrome. It is recommended to pay attention to your diet, eat at regular intervals, chew food thoroughly, and avoid irritating foods, caffeine, car...[Read More] Persistent Left Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
How to Address Elevated Bilirubin Levels for Clearer Eyes
Hyperbilirubinemia Hello doctor, over the past year, I have been preparing for graduate school and have experienced long-term insomnia, which has caused my eyes to appear slightly greenish-yellow. I underwent tests and found out that I have elevated bilirubin levels, which is cau...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Seek medical attention as soon as possible. The physician will determine the cause of jaundice through the patient's medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and various imaging studies. This will lead to further treatment. Jaundice is an abnormal condition in whi...[Read More] How to Address Elevated Bilirubin Levels for Clearer Eyes
Understanding Stomach Discomfort: Bloating, Fever, and Dizziness
Abdominal bloating, fever, and chills? Hello, Dr. Lin. I have discomfort in my stomach, with bloating and a feeling of heaviness. I also experienced fever and chills. The next day, I woke up with the fever subsided and my stomach felt a bit better, but I still feel a bit dizzy.
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Based on your symptoms, it is possible that you have acute gastroenteritis. It is recommended to maintain a light diet in the coming days, avoid stimulating beverages, and monitor for abdominal discomfort and fever. If you experience any discomfort, it is advisable to seek...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Discomfort: Bloating, Fever, and Dizziness
Persistent Pain Above the Navel: Causes and Concerns Explained
Sharp pain located seven centimeters above the navel for three consecutive days? Hello Dr. Lin, Since the night before last, I have been experiencing persistent diarrhea (whenever I pass gas, it turns into watery stool). I have also been having a sharp pain located about seven ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Based on the location of the pain you described, it is possible that there are inflammatory or ulcerative lesions in the area before the duodenum. Additionally, since the pancreas is located in the retroperitoneal space, it is advisable to pay attention to dietary habits d...[Read More] Persistent Pain Above the Navel: Causes and Concerns Explained
Understanding Chronic Stomach Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chronic stomach pain Hello, doctor! I had gastritis a while ago and went to the emergency room for treatment, which helped. However, in the following days, I've been experiencing stomach pain. Sometimes it hurts right after I wake up, and other times it comes on suddenly. I ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. The most common cause of stomach pain is gastritis, so it's important to pay attention to dietary habits, avoid overeating, and limit spicy and irritating foods. However, there are other causes, such as peptic ulcers and tumors. If the pain occurs frequently, it is advisa...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Stomach Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Bloating: Causes, Symptoms, and Self-Care Tips
The discomfort of bloating? Dear Dr. Yuan, I have been experiencing occasional bloating symptoms for the past six months, but recently the symptoms have become more severe. Here are the details: 1. Timing: After meals or just before bedtime. 2. Bloating symptoms: Gas often gets...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: Bloating can be caused by organic factors such as ulcers, intestinal obstruction, or issues related to the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, or endocrine system. It can also be due to functional problems, such as poor motility caused by stress, anxiety, or panic, or dietary fa...[Read More] Understanding Bloating: Causes, Symptoms, and Self-Care Tips