Understanding High Triglycerides and Fatty Diarrhea: What You Need to Know
Recently, there have been elevated levels of triglycerides and fatty liver? Hello Doctor, Recently, I'm not sure if it's due to my own excessive stress or if there's a real issue with my body, but I've been experiencing fatty diarrhea for four consecutive da...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr./Ms. L, steatorrhea refers to watery stools that have a layer of floating oil on top, commonly seen in patients with chronic pancreatitis. A stool test would show a positive fat reaction. If the above conditions are met, it should be classified as steatorrhea. At 21 year...[Read More] Understanding High Triglycerides and Fatty Diarrhea: What You Need to Know
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Stress-Induced Bloating and Its Effects
Nervousness can cause abdominal bloating and pain? Hello Dr. Lin: Recently, I often feel abdominal bloating and pain, especially when I am under significant psychological stress. The discomfort is primarily located in the intestinal area and usually resolves on its own after abou...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Psychological factors can affect physiology; individuals who are anxious are more likely to experience sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity, increased gastric acid secretion, or indigestion. 2. Physiological indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastroenteritis...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Stress-Induced Bloating and Its Effects
Understanding High Amylase Levels: What Do They Indicate for Your Health?
Abnormal levels of amylase can indicate various medical conditions. Elevated amylase levels are often associated with pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. Other potential causes of increased amylase include salivary gland disorders, such as mumps or salivary gland...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Upper abdominal pain, elevated amylase levels, especially if they exceed ten thousand, should raise suspicion for acute pancreatitis. However, this condition is rarely seen in patients undergoing routine check-ups, as they typically experience severe pain that necessitates...[Read More] Understanding High Amylase Levels: What Do They Indicate for Your Health?
Understanding Risks of Endoscopic Procedures for Gallstones
Dear Doctor, Dear Dr. Yang: My grandfather currently has a problem with gallstones. If he undergoes an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for examination, are there any potential complications?
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello, Miss: The risks associated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) include bleeding, perforation, as well as pancreatitis or cholangitis, with an incidence rate of approximately 1-2 per 1000 procedures. If the operator lacks sufficient experience, the co...[Read More] Understanding Risks of Endoscopic Procedures for Gallstones
Understanding Stomach Issues: Causes of Inflammation and Bowel Changes
Gastric issues? Hello Doctor: I previously consulted a physician and underwent an endoscopy, during which the doctor indicated that I have gastritis and prescribed medication that I have been taking. However, since experiencing discomfort in my stomach, my bowel movements have no...
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Hello, discomfort in the stomach can have many causes. You have already undergone an endoscopy to rule out peptic ulcers, but some conditions may not be visible through an endoscopy, such as Helicobacter pylori infection, gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional dyspepsia, or ...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Issues: Causes of Inflammation and Bowel Changes
Understanding Risks and Treatment Options for Elderly Patients with Gallstones
Risks of Gallstone Removal in the Elderly Hello, Doctor. My mother is 91 years old and has had gallstones for 30 years without any issues. A month ago, one of the stones lodged in the pancreatic duct, causing pancreatitis, and she was hospitalized for a week before returning home...
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Your mother is likely suffering from gallstones and choledocholithiasis complicated by pancreatitis. The physician's recommendation is to follow the standard treatment protocol, which includes endoscopic papillotomy and stone extraction, as it is necessary. The risks involve...[Read More] Understanding Risks and Treatment Options for Elderly Patients with Gallstones
Understanding Gallstones: Treatment Options and Health Implications
Gallstones Hello, doctor. I recently went to the hospital due to upper abdominal pain and was diagnosed with gallstones. The doctor suggested that if the pain persists, I should consider gallbladder removal. The doctor also prescribed medication for gallstones, but mentioned that...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. The gallbladder serves to store, concentrate, and excrete bile. After gallbladder removal, liver cells continue to secrete bile, but it cannot be stored. If excessive fatty foods are consumed, it may sometimes lead to malabsorption of fats. A minority of individuals may still ...[Read More] Understanding Gallstones: Treatment Options and Health Implications
Pros and Cons of Spleen Embolization vs. Splenectomy for Hepatitis C
Splenic embolization or splenectomy? Hello Doctor: My mother needs to undergo interferon treatment for hepatitis C, but due to splenomegaly, her platelet count is too low. Therefore, the doctor has suggested either splenic embolization or splenectomy. I would like to inquire abou...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. Splenic embolization is a procedure used to treat hypersplenism, which can lead to an increase in total white blood cell count and platelet count, as well as a reduction in portal hypertension and improvement in liver function. Compared to splenectomy, this procedure preserves...[Read More] Pros and Cons of Spleen Embolization vs. Splenectomy for Hepatitis C
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 Acute Pancreatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Management Tips
Acute pancreatitis Hello, Dr. Liu! I recently experienced an acute pancreatitis episode and was hospitalized for 10 days before being discharged. The doctors could not determine the cause. I do not drink alcohol and have no gallstones. I was vomiting and had diarrhea, and the abd...
Dr. Liu Nanshan Reply:
Vomiting and diarrhea, diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. No history of alcohol consumption and no gallstones, which is rare. It is necessary to refer to blood test results such as amylase or lipase, and possibly a CT scan for confirmation.[Read More] Understanding Acute Pancreatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Management Tips
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 Chronic Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Suspected intestinal inflammation? Hello Dr. Lin: My symptoms include occasional sharp pain on the right side of my abdomen near the navel. I previously consulted a gastroenterologist who suggested it might be small intestine inflammation, but this happens frequently! Could it be...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. Pain located to the right of the navel may have several possible causes, including gastroenteritis, intestinal disorders, pancreatitis, and tumors. If the pain is persistent, it is important to investigate the underlying cause, as conditions such as small intestine inflammatio...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Oily Stools: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Oily stools I consulted a doctor a few days ago due to diarrhea, which improved the next day but changed to soft stools and clay-colored oil. I also noticed oil being expelled with gas. The doctor diagnosed me with enteritis, but after two days of medication, there has been no im...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Abnormal fat absorption can lead to fatty stools. Small intestine diseases (such as infections, malabsorption, or lymphatic obstruction) or pancreatic diseases (such as pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer) can cause excessive fat in the stool. If the amount is significant an...[Read More] Understanding Oily Stools: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Managing Gallstones: What You Need to Know About Treatment Options
What should I do about gallstones? Hello Dr. Liu, I have been experiencing (suspected) stomach pain for many years due to work-related stress and irregular eating habits. About ten years ago, I suddenly had upper abdominal pain that radiated to my back, and each episode lasted at...
Dr. Liu Nanshan Reply:
Although upper abdominal pain is more indicative of a gastric or duodenal ulcer, your symptoms radiating to the back suggest that it may be caused by gallstones or cholecystitis. Additionally, duodenal ulcers are more common in younger individuals, so your gastric ulcer is likely...[Read More] Managing Gallstones: What You Need to Know About Treatment Options
Concerns About Frequent Diarrhea: Is Alcohol the Culprit?
May I ask the doctor? Hello, Dr. Lin. I would like to ask you about my father. He often has diarrhea. Could it be related to his drinking? I have told him to see a doctor, but he refuses. He drinks at least three times a week and almost has diarrhea every day. I am really worried...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Alcohol is irritating and can cause gastrointestinal damage. Long-term alcohol consumption can lead to hepatitis, cirrhosis, chronic pancreatitis, malabsorption of nutrients, electrolyte imbalances, diarrhea, and other issues. 2. It is best to limit alcohol intake and a...[Read More] Concerns About Frequent Diarrhea: Is Alcohol the Culprit?
Accurate Diagnosis Methods for Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Disorders
Methods for diagnosing gastrointestinal, liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic diseases? 1. Dr. Yuan, what tests can provide the most accurate diagnosis for pancreatic diseases, especially chronic pancreatitis? Is MRI reliable? 2. What is a small bowel endoscope? Is a small bowel en...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, 1. For chronic pancreatitis, the most sensitive test should be the assessment of exocrine function (such as the secretin stimulation test). However, due to the time-consuming nature of the test and the limited number of patients who require it, almost all hospitals do no...[Read More] Accurate Diagnosis Methods for Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Disorders
Understanding Oily Flatulence: Causes and When to Seek Help
Passing gas with an oily substance? Hello. Recently, I have been experiencing frequent wet flatulence, and the discharge appears yellow and oily (only liquid, no solid). If I accidentally pass gas while urinating, there is a layer of yellow, oil-like substance floating on the sur...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello: Oily stools are usually caused by incomplete digestion and absorption of fats after ingestion, leading to their excretion in the feces. Clinically, this can occur due to insufficient secretion of lipase from the pancreas (such as in chronic pancreatitis), or due to malabso...[Read More] Understanding Oily Flatulence: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Stomach Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Stomach pain? Doctor, I would like to ask you! If I have stomach pain that radiates to the area next to my heart, what could be the cause? Moreover, the pain has lasted for several days! What does this indicate? Thank you!
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, the most common conditions may include gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gallstones, heart or lung diseases, pancreatitis, or musculoskeletal issues. If the pain is severe, please seek medical attention promptly for evaluation by a ph...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Symptoms of High Triglycerides and Effective Improvement Strategies
What are the symptoms of high triglycerides and how can they be improved? Elevated triglyceride levels can lead to various symptoms and health issues. Common symptoms may include: 1. Abdominal pain 2. Nausea 3. Fatigue 4. Pancreatitis (in severe cases) To improve high triglycer...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Elevated triglycerides are a type of hyperlipidemia, which can lead to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Triglyceride levels greater than 1000 mg/dL can trigger acute pancreatitis. 2. Treatment options: a. Lifestyle modifications - including dietary c...[Read More] Symptoms of High Triglycerides and Effective Improvement Strategies
Understanding Gallstones: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Gallstones Recently, I went for a health check-up with my husband, and the doctor performed an abdominal ultrasound and X-ray, which revealed that I have gallstones. This made me realize why I often feel fatigued, have headaches, and generally have lower energy levels than others...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, the exact cause of gallstone formation is still not fully understood. Women, individuals with obesity, those with cirrhosis, and patients with hemolytic diseases are at a higher risk. Approximately 20-40% of patients with gallstones experience symptoms, which include upper...[Read More] Understanding Gallstones: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options