Understanding Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) in Liver Function Tests
Liver function tests I am a carrier of hepatitis B, and in my recent test report, there is a marker called carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). I would like to know what CEA is.
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, CEA stands for carcinoembryonic antigen, which is a tumor marker for adenocarcinoma. It is typically produced by tissues such as the colon, stomach, pancreas, and lungs. If adenocarcinoma is present, CEA levels in the blood may be abnormally elevated (smokers and elderly i...[Read More] Understanding Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) in Liver Function Tests
Understanding Yellow Liquid in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Bowel issues Hello: I have had some constipation, so I usually pass gas before having a bowel movement. However, in the past two days, I have noticed a yellowish liquid coming out with the gas. When I wipe with tissue, it feels very oily, which is strange. When I try to go again,...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, the oily stools may be related to your diet (such as oily fish), could be associated with medications (such as orlistat, which inhibits lipase and prevents fat digestion and absorption), or there may be issues with the organs responsible for fat digestion and absorption, s...[Read More] Understanding Yellow Liquid in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Why Am I Experiencing Oily Gas? Understanding Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Question I have been passing gas for two consecutive days, and it has been accompanied by a liquid that resembles oil. I found online that this symptom can occur with weight loss pills, but I haven't taken any. Why is this happening? Which medical specialty should I see?
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, abnormal stool shape can occasionally occur in healthy individuals, but it is more significant if it happens frequently. For instance, persistent oily stools may indicate issues with the pancreas (such as chronic pancreatitis) or problems with intestinal absorption. If it ...[Read More] Why Am I Experiencing Oily Gas? Understanding Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Is It Possible to Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Understanding Your Symptoms
Could it be irritable bowel syndrome? Since mid-May of this year, I have been experiencing poor appetite and upper abdominal bloating. At the beginning of June, I participated in a routine health check arranged by my company. The report showed no abnormalities. A week later, I we...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
In addition to irritable bowel syndrome, your symptoms also warrant consideration of liver disease as well as conditions related to the pancreas and small intestine. Therefore, it is recommended that you visit a gastroenterology department at a medical center for further examinat...[Read More] Is It Possible to Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Digestive Issues: Why Your Stool Reflects What You Eat
Bowel issues? I have a question. Recently, I often notice that whatever I eat, such as apples and guavas, comes out in its original form. The shape of the stool clearly reflects the food I consumed. Does this indicate poor digestion? If digestion is poor, does that mean I am not ...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
If you can still see the food you ate in your stool, it indicates poor digestion, which can certainly affect nutrient absorption. It is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for a thorough examination to determine which organ may be malfunctioning, such as the stomach, small ...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Why Your Stool Reflects What You Eat
Understanding Gallstones: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Gallstones Hello, doctor: Sometimes I feel pain in my upper abdomen and right upper quadrant, and I also experience occasional pain in my back and shoulders. This situation worsens when I stay up late. Could this be gallstones?
Dr. Liang Jiade Reply:
Hello, pain in the upper abdomen and right upper quadrant can be related to several organs (such as the liver, gallbladder, duodenum, pancreas, etc.). A detailed inquiry into the medical history and symptoms is necessary for proper assessment. If you wish to confirm the presence ...[Read More] Understanding Gallstones: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding Pancreatitis: The Link Between Gallstones and Digestive Health
Pancreatitis Why are individuals with gallstones more prone to developing pancreatitis? What impact does pancreatitis have on the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the human body?
Dr. Zhang Yuting Reply:
Individuals with bile duct stones or gallbladder stones may experience cholangitis or pancreatitis if the stones become lodged at the ampulla of Vater. There are several hypotheses regarding the pathogenic mechanisms involved. The pancreas has both endocrine and exocrine function...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatitis: The Link Between Gallstones and Digestive Health
Understanding Pancreatic Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Pancreatic tumor Dear Dr. Zhang Yuting, Hello! I would like to briefly summarize my medical history for your reference. 1. Hepatitis B (maternal transmission) 2. Car accident (fractured jaw, surgery performed) 3. Uterine fibroids (surgically removed approximately 0.6 kg) 4. Ch...
Dr. Zhang Yuting Reply:
Your issue is quite complex, and based on your description, the most likely problem is a chronic pancreatic neck tumor. There are several possibilities regarding your pancreatic neck tumor: one is that it is a malignant tumor (as chronic pancreatitis is a high-risk factor for pan...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Stomach Distension: Causes and When to Seek Help
Stomach discomfort and pain? In early March of this year, I experienced stomach pain, which resolved after taking medication, so I did not undergo a detailed examination. Recently, if I eat too much, my stomach feels very bloated, and sometimes it persists throughout the night, r...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello: The most likely diagnosis is gastritis, but gastric ulcers and other gastric lesions cannot be ruled out. Therefore, if symptoms do not resolve after a few days of medication, it is advisable to undergo further examination, with the first choice being an upper gastrointest...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Distension: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Glucosidase and Pepsin: Key Digestive Enzymes Explained
Glucosidase and pepsin? Glucosidase is found in the salivary glands and the pancreas. Its biochemical marker in the body is related to carbohydrate digestion and absorption. Pepsin, on the other hand, is produced in the stomach and its biochemical marker is associated with protei...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
1. α-glucosidase is an enzyme located at the brush border of the small intestine, primarily responsible for hydrolyzing polysaccharides into absorbable monosaccharides. 2. Pepsin is formed from pepsinogen in an acidic environment (pH < 3.5), with pepsinogen being secreted by t...[Read More] Understanding Glucosidase and Pepsin: Key Digestive Enzymes Explained
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns in the Upper Right Quadrant
Abdominal pain Hello, Director Su. Recently, I have been experiencing pain in my abdomen, about 10 centimeters above my navel, around 11 AM or between 4 and 5 PM. The pain also occurs while I am working on the computer. Could you please advise me on which organ is located in that...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
The organ causing your pain could possibly be the duodenum, the pylorus of the stomach, or the pancreas. Further examination by a physician is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns in the Upper Right Quadrant
Understanding Stomach Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Stomach pain Hello Doctor: Recently, I had a cold and couldn't eat, so I took medication without eating for about two weeks. As a result, I developed gastritis, experiencing bloating and stomach pain. Initially, the pain was due to hunger, but after eating, I felt bloated, a...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
If your symptoms of bloating and stomach pain persist, it is best to undergo an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis, so that the physician can provide appropriate treatment.[Read More] Understanding Stomach Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Further Help
Abdominal pain Hello Doctor, my father has been experiencing abdominal pain when moving or lightly pressing on his abdomen for the past few days. When he is still, he feels a vague discomfort. However, his bowel movements and appetite are normal. He previously visited a small cli...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello! The question you asked is quite complex and covers a wide range of issues. First, there are many diseases related to the abdomen, and abdominal pain can involve various organs. Therefore, you need to specify the location of the pain and whether there is a fever. Typically,...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Further Help
Should I Get an Abdominal CT Scan? Expert Insights on Safety and Necessity
Hello, doctor? Hello Doctor, this is Kangkang, who asked a question before. My stool test results came back normal, and the flat X-ray examination was also normal. The doctor said that if I am still worried, I could opt for a self-paid abdominal CT scan. Do you think it is necess...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello, Kang: The greatest advantage of abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans lies in their ability to detect tumors in abdominal organs, particularly in the retroperitoneal area (such as the pancreas and its head). This can compensate for the inadequacies and limitations of ot...[Read More] Should I Get an Abdominal CT Scan? Expert Insights on Safety and Necessity
Understanding Stomach Ulcers: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and When to Get an Endoscopy
About gastric ulcers? Hello Dr. Yang, in June of this year, I experienced hunger-type abdominal pain, and at the beginning of July, I had tarry stools. I was diagnosed with gastric and duodenal ulcers and was hospitalized for treatment. Since then, I have been on medication, but ...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello! In general, over 90% of peptic ulcers heal after three months of treatment with ulcer medications. Therefore, if you are still experiencing symptoms such as excessive gastric acid and left upper abdominal tenderness, it is important to consider whether there are still issu...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Ulcers: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and When to Get an Endoscopy
Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Gastroenterology Care
Do you have back pain? Hello Doctor, my father has been experiencing abdominal discomfort recently. According to his description, the pain starts near the epigastric area, close to the stomach, and sometimes the pain shifts to the left side of the abdomen. Occasionally, he also e...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, please schedule a detailed examination with a gastroenterologist. Wishing you good health![Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Gastroenterology Care
Understanding Jaundice: How to Improve Liver Function and Reduce Symptoms
Liver function The occurrence of jaundice in the human body is related to liver function. Is there a way to reduce jaundice?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There are many causes of jaundice in women, including congenital metabolic disorders, hemolysis, gallstones, biliary obstruction, acute and chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, drug-induced and alcoholic hepatitis, and even malignant tumors of the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas,...[Read More] Understanding Jaundice: How to Improve Liver Function and Reduce Symptoms