Understanding Sudden Lipase Spikes After Acute Pancreatitis
Lip levels suddenly exceed the normal range? Hello, doctor. I was hospitalized last week due to acute pancreatitis, and my lipase level was 119 upon admission. However, it suddenly spiked to 500 before my discharge, which caused me to stay an additional two days. A follow-up bloo...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Lipase may be elevated during pancreatitis. The rise occurs more slowly but remains abnormal for a longer duration. Symptoms are the primary focus, and laboratory tests are only for reference. Amylase and lipase are digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas. When the panc...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Lipase Spikes After Acute Pancreatitis
Understanding Your Ultrasound Report: Insights on Fatty Liver Diagnosis
Examination report issues? Hello Doctor, I had an abdominal ultrasound last month, and the doctor mentioned that everything was normal at the time. However, after checking the National Health Insurance app, it indicated fatty liver. The report is as follows: Sonar Findings: - L...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
For mild fatty liver, if overweight, implement a diet and weight loss plan.[Read More] Understanding Your Ultrasound Report: Insights on Fatty Liver Diagnosis
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Fatty Liver and Gallbladder Issues
Physical discomfort? I have fatty liver disease and multiple gallbladder polyps, the largest being 0.52 cm, as well as a 1.50 cm cyst on my left kidney and a 0.52 cm kidney stone. This morning, I chose to eat cereal for breakfast to improve my health, but since then, I have felt ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Based on the distribution of organs in the upper left abdomen, it is more likely to be related to gastric discomfort. Additionally, the junction of the transverse colon and descending colon, the left kidney, and the pancreas could also be involved. If the pain worsens, ple...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Fatty Liver and Gallbladder Issues
Persistent Pain Near Ribs: Understanding Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Persistent pain near the ribs? At the beginning of the month, I was diagnosed with pancreatitis at the hospital after blood tests indicated inflammation. However, it has been a month, and there has been no improvement. I have been trying to maintain a light diet, but the pain in ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 31-year-old female is experiencing persistent pain near the rib cage. She has a history of pancreatitis, which can be commonly caused by factors such as alcohol consumption, gallstones, bile duct stones, autoimmune diseases, hypertriglyceridemia, and certain medications....[Read More] Persistent Pain Near Ribs: Understanding Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Choosing Between Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography and Endoscopic Ultrasound for Biliary Issues
Biliary and pancreatic examination I would like to ask the doctor which method is more suitable for examining biliary and pancreatic issues: 1. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or 2. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)? What are the major differences between the two?...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is primarily used to diagnose the dilation or narrowing of the bile duct/pancreatic duct, as well as to identify any intraductal tumors. It can also be used to remove stones from the bile duct. 2. Endoscopic Ultrasou...[Read More] Choosing Between Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography and Endoscopic Ultrasound for Biliary Issues
Understanding Oily Residue on Toilet Paper After Bowel Movements
Wiping after a bowel movement with toilet paper shows signs of oil? After each bowel movement, when I throw the toilet paper used for wiping into the water, I notice some oily strands floating on the surface. However, before throwing in the toilet paper, I don't see any oil ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is advisable to monitor the situation further, as most cases are caused by excessive intake of high-fat foods. Additionally, if the issue persists for a long time, it may be necessary to consider whether there are problems with the gallbladder or pancreas that are preve...[Read More] Understanding Oily Residue on Toilet Paper After Bowel Movements
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Diagnostic Approaches
Right-sided abdominal pain inquiry? Hello Dr. Tsai, I would like to ask you a more detailed question. I appreciate your response. Last year, I experienced discomfort about 3 to 4 times in the same area (right lower abdomen to the pelvic region, with soreness, bloating, and a feel...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: To diagnose Crohn's disease, an endoscopy with biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Whether it is Crohn's disease also requires the clinical judgment of a physician, who will arrange for further examinations. It cannot be diagnosed solely by CT or MRI. C...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Diagnostic Approaches
Understanding Gallstones and Gastrointestinal Issues: A Patient's Journey
Intestinal dryness or gallstones? Hello doctor, I have a question that I hope you can patiently listen to. Over the past six months, I have seen four or five gastroenterologists and undergone various tests including gastroscopy, ultrasound, colonoscopy, X-rays, fecal occult blood...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. If it is related to the pancreas, issues should be detectable in previous imaging studies such as a CT scan. 2. Symptoms caused by gallstones typically occur after eating a large or fatty meal, or as abdominal bloating and pain 2-3 hours post-meal. Irritable bowel syndr...[Read More] Understanding Gallstones and Gastrointestinal Issues: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancreas Tests for Digestive Issues
Eating too much oily food can lead to diarrhea (check the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas systems)? Hello, doctor. Thank you for your response. You mentioned that we can check the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas system. Is this a standard examination available at all gastroente...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: You can visit the Gastroenterology and Hepatology department, where the physician will assess and arrange appropriate examinations. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancreas Tests for Digestive Issues
Understanding Pancreatic Health: Normal Ultrasound and Blood Test Results
Pancreatic ultrasound and blood draw? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask about my recent abdominal ultrasound and blood tests conducted in the gastroenterology department. My blood tests for CA19-9 and CEA were both normal, and the abdominal ultrasound showed no abnormalities in ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, pancreatic cancer is associated with several risk factors such as family history, chronic cholangitis, chronic pancreatitis, and biliary cystic diseases. Inflammation of the bile and pancreas is related to alcohol consumption and gallstones. Currently, if examinations are ...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Health: Normal Ultrasound and Blood Test Results
Understanding Upper Abdominal Discomfort After Eating: Causes and Solutions
A problem with the stomach? The issue is that after eating an apple and an orange on an empty stomach in the morning, I then consumed three meat buns. Within less than half an hour, I began to experience bloating and some dull pain in my upper abdomen. I thought a walk would help...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: A 43-year-old male experienced abdominal bloating and pain after eating too much and too quickly, followed by cold sweats and vomiting. The next day, he had diarrhea, which could indicate gastroenteritis, but also possibly cholecystitis or pancreatitis. Two weeks later, he...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Discomfort After Eating: Causes and Solutions
Managing Digestive Issues: Tips for Handling Greasy Foods
Eating too much greasy food can easily cause diarrhea? Hello, my gastrointestinal health has deteriorated over the past few years. Whenever I eat something too greasy, I experience diarrhea. Are there any medications that can help treat this condition? For example, something I ca...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you consume too much oily food, it can lead to diarrhea. The best approach is to avoid eating excessively oily foods. You may consider visiting a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialist to check if there are any issues with your liver, gallbladder, or pancreas. Ch...[Read More] Managing Digestive Issues: Tips for Handling Greasy Foods
CT vs MRI: Which Imaging is Best for Abdominal Diagnosis?
Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for abdominal diagnosis? I would like to ask, since I have already undergone gastroscopy, ultrasound, and colonoscopy, but the discomfort in my upper abdomen has not improved, if I want to pay out of pocket for advance...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you are examining solid organs, a CT scan of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys/adrenal glands, ovaries, and uterus will suffice. However, if you need to reconstruct images of the pancreatic duct or bile duct, an MRI is required. Of course, any lesions vi...[Read More] CT vs MRI: Which Imaging is Best for Abdominal Diagnosis?
Persistent Discomfort in the Upper Right Abdomen: Causes and Next Steps
Persistent discomfort in the right upper abdomen? For the past two months, I have been experiencing a tight, burning sensation in the upper right part of my abdomen (approximately from just above the navel to just below the lower rib margin). At the end of last month, I had an ab...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, since you have already undergone abdominal ultrasound, gastroscopy, and colonoscopy, most diseases in the right upper abdomen can be diagnosed. You may want to review your dietary habits to see if they are contributing to your gastric discomfort, such as the consumption of...[Read More] Persistent Discomfort in the Upper Right Abdomen: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Upper abdominal pain Hello, Doctor. I have been experiencing abdominal pain since 2019. I had a CT scan, and the doctor said everything was fine. I have a history of gastric ulcers, and this year, I've been having persistent abdominal pain, severe bloating, loss of appetite,...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Upper abdominal pain requires differential diagnosis to identify the cause, which may include gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and diseases of the gallbladder, pancreas, and liver, as well as abdominal cavity disorders. In the case of a history of gastric ulcers, in additi...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Is It Related to Pancreatic Issues?
What is upper abdominal pain? Hello doctor, I am 170 cm tall and weigh 62 kg. I do not smoke or drink alcohol. I would like to ask about my ongoing issues with gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers. I do not have Helicobacter pylori, but I have been treating my ulcers for a long tim...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Mr. Hong: I would like to know how long it has been since you started losing weight. I recommend discussing your situation with your physician to hear their advice and how to proceed. Director Cai Jin-ji, Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Is It Related to Pancreatic Issues?
Understanding Left Rib Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Recently, I have been experiencing a subtle pain in the left lower rib area for about three weeks? For the past three weeks, there has been a subtle pain in the left lower rib area. Duration: Approximately three weeks Location: Near the lower left rib, not quite on the side C...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please see the gastroenterology outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Left Rib Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Chronic Nighttime Stomach Pain and Back Discomfort: Seeking Relief
Frequent nighttime stomach pain accompanied by back pain? I often experience stomach pain accompanied by back pain at night, and the pain lasts for about 10 hours until the next day, making it impossible to sleep. After seeing a doctor and undergoing tests, no Helicobacter pylori...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: In addition to medication, it is important to review and improve dietary habits and lifestyle factors that may contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If the issue is not related to the stomach, we should also rule out problems with the liver, gallbladder, pa...[Read More] Chronic Nighttime Stomach Pain and Back Discomfort: Seeking Relief
Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain: Symptoms, Concerns, and Diagnosis
Chronic abdominal pain Hello, doctor. At the end of July, I experienced nighttime lower abdominal pain, followed by severe diarrhea the next day, which was watery. After seeing a doctor, my symptoms improved, but in August, I started having intermittent cramping. At the end of Au...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The diagnosis should be irritable bowel syndrome. Reduce oil and dairy intake, minimize stress, and continue to monitor the situation. If necessary, a fecal occult blood test may be performed.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain: Symptoms, Concerns, and Diagnosis
Understanding Occasional Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Occasional pain in the lower left abdomen? Hello, I have been experiencing occasional pain in my lower left abdomen for the past two months. I have already undergone a uterine examination with no issues, and a fecal occult blood test showed no abnormalities (as stated by the doct...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Dear Jochi, Without your other medical reports, it is difficult to assess the possibility of gastrointestinal cancer based on the information you provided and to recommend specific tests. I suggest discussing this with your physician. Sincerely, Director Cai Jinji Departm...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps