What to Do If Your Total Cholesterol Is Too Low?
What should I do if my total cholesterol is low? After the school health check report was released, it indicated that my total cholesterol is low (124 mg/dL), while the normal range is 140-230 mg/dL. Since it did not specify my HDL or LDL levels, nor my triglycerides... My height...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, having lower cholesterol levels in the blood generally does not pose significant issues. However, high cholesterol is a concern as it increases the risk of atherosclerosis over time, which can lead to serious complications such as heart disease and stroke. If you are worri...[Read More] What to Do If Your Total Cholesterol Is Too Low?
Can Surgery Treat Gastroparesis? Understanding Your Options
Can gastroparesis be treated with surgery? I previously underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and the doctor mentioned that I have gastroparesis. After that, I didn't go back for follow-up and switched to traditional Chinese medicine. However, after a while, I still...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, there is currently no conclusion on whether gastroparesis is related to vomiting, inability to gain weight, or upper abdominal pain, so surgery is not recommended. I would like to know your height and weight; if you are eating a lot but still not gaining weight, it may be ...[Read More] Can Surgery Treat Gastroparesis? Understanding Your Options
Severe Fatty Liver Detected: Essential Tests and Recovery Tips
Ultrasound revealed severe fatty liver disease? I weigh 127 kg and am 183 cm tall. I love drinking alcohol, smoke a pack of cigarettes a day, and work rotating shifts. My triglycerides are at 220, and my bad cholesterol is at 210. Both GOT and GPT levels are as high as 200. An ul...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Mr. Fatty: 1. Please confirm whether you have Hepatitis B or C. 2. Abstaining from alcohol is the top priority; please ensure compliance. 3. Controlling blood lipids (and blood sugar) aids in the treatment of fatty liver; please visit the Metabolism Clinic. 4. Severe ...[Read More] Severe Fatty Liver Detected: Essential Tests and Recovery Tips
Understanding Your Digestive Issues: Gallbladder, Liver, and Stomach Concerns
I don't know what disease it is? Hello Doctor, I have been troubled by a persistent issue for a long time, and I kindly ask for your guidance. About two years ago, I started experiencing stomach pain and have been receiving treatment at a clinic, with symptoms fluctuating b...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! 1. Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter is too relaxed, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. There are many factors that can trigger this symptom, including high stress, obesity, and certain medications. A gastroscopy can ...[Read More] Understanding Your Digestive Issues: Gallbladder, Liver, and Stomach Concerns
Understanding Oily Stools: Causes and Solutions for Liver Health Issues
Oily stools? Hello: I have been a carrier of hepatitis B for over a decade. In April of this year, I experienced an acute episode, with my GPT reaching 1000. The doctor mentioned grade A cirrhosis. Since May, I have been taking Danazol, Milk Thistle, and traditional Chinese medic...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, after we ingest lipids, bile produced by the liver is needed to emulsify the lipids, and pancreatic lipase is required for digestion, while the normal intestinal mucosa is responsible for the absorption of lipids. If there is an issue with any of these organs, it may lead ...[Read More] Understanding Oily Stools: Causes and Solutions for Liver Health Issues
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Is It Related to Weight Loss or Heart Issues?
Stomach pain issues? Dear Doctor, I have a problem that has been bothering me for several months, and I would like to ask for your advice. I started a weight loss regimen about two to three years ago, during which I typically ate only one meal a day. As a result, I often felt ex...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, the symptoms you described are more indicative of a peptic ulcer or gastritis (stomach pain when fasting) rather than heart disease. If the symptoms do not improve, consider visiting a cardiologist. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Is It Related to Weight Loss or Heart Issues?
Unidentified White Substance Floating on Stool: What Does It Mean?
There is a white unidentified substance on the water's surface? Recently, I have been dieting and exercising regularly, and although I am eating less, my bowel movements are normal. However, I notice some white, unidentified substances floating on the surface of the water, s...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, if the stool is yellow and there are no discomfort symptoms, but there are white objects floating on the surface of the water, it may be due to poor fat absorption caused by medication or residue from certain food products or drugs. If you have been taking medications or w...[Read More] Unidentified White Substance Floating on Stool: What Does It Mean?
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 Bloating and Nausea: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Bloating later accompanied by nausea? Hello Doctor, I often experience bloating issues, and I frequently need to burp after meals to feel more comfortable. If I can't burp on my own, I take antacids to help release the gas from my stomach. Recently, over the past month, in a...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, bloating is generally caused by abnormal gastrointestinal motility, leading to unusual sensations in the stomach. If accompanied by anemia, weight loss, or progressively worsening symptoms, it is advisable to undergo an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to rule out the poss...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Nausea: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Colonoscopy: Risks, Pain Levels, and Hospital Options
Colonoscopy Dear Dr. Yuan, I apologize for interrupting your valuable time. I would like to inquire about undergoing a colonoscopy: (1) Does the painless colonoscopy include anesthesia and does it carry higher risks such as bowel perforation? Which hospitals offer this procedure...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Anesthesia itself carries certain risks, such as respiratory depression, allergic reactions, and potential cardiovascular side effects. However, as long as there is proper evaluation and monitoring by a physician, it is generally considered safe. While anesthes...[Read More] Understanding Colonoscopy: Risks, Pain Levels, and Hospital Options
Impact of High Protein Diet on Liver Health: What You Need to Know
High protein and the liver? I was found to have hepatitis B during my military physical examination, which exempted me from service. Recently, I want to start weight training and build muscle, and I'm considering purchasing whey protein. I've heard that consuming high p...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, if there is liver cirrhosis and poor liver function, consuming high protein may lead to an increase in the metabolites of protein → ammonia. However, ammonia does not cause an increase in liver enzyme levels. Sincerely, Dr. Yuan Hong-Dao, Internal Medicine.[Read More] Impact of High Protein Diet on Liver Health: What You Need to Know
Understanding Recent Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology
I have been experiencing frequent diarrhea lately? Hello, I have been experiencing symptoms for about a week. During this time, I had a fever once, and I have been having diarrhea, which usually occurs in the morning or at night. When it happens, I need to go to the bathroom 2 to...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, the possible causes could be enteritis, dietary factors, or irritable bowel syndrome. It is recommended to maintain a light diet, drink plenty of water, and limit beverages, including milk and caffeinated drinks. If symptoms persist, or if there is weight loss or ascites, ...[Read More] Understanding Recent Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology
Managing High Triglycerides and Liver Health: A Guide for Patients
Triglycerides Hello doctor, my question is that after a health check, I found my triglycerides to be 800, SGPT (ALT) 40, SGOT 41, and SGPT 61. What should I do? I have also been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome and fatty liver. Will taking Diane (Diane-35) or blood sugar-...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, if your liver enzymes are elevated due to fatty liver (assuming there is no hepatitis B or C, alcohol consumption, other medications, or biliary diseases), then treatment should focus on fatty liver. Common causes of fatty liver include obesity, diabetes, alcohol consumpti...[Read More] Managing High Triglycerides and Liver Health: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Discomfort and occasional pain in the upper right abdomen..? Hello, I have recently started preparing for my graduate school entrance exam, and since a major exam two years ago, I've been experiencing occasional discomfort and pain in my upper right abdomen, mostly when lyin...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, the most common cause of pain in the upper right abdomen is liver and gallbladder disorders. Other possibilities include duodenal ulcers, right kidney issues, and colon diseases. However, based on your description, it seems more like functional dyspepsia. I recommend that ...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Elevated SGPT Levels: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
My SGPT (Serum Gl I would like to ask the doctor about my health check-up last year. My SGPT was 40, and the report indicated that the normal range is (5-35 U/L), so I am slightly elevated. What are the implications of having elevated SGPT? My SGOT was 21. I often stay up late an...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Reply: (Due to Dr. Lin's vacation, Dr. Chen Zhi-Ping is responding) Hello, elevated SGPT levels indicate mild liver dysfunction, which may be related to chronic hepatitis (such as hepatitis B or C, or alcohol-related issues). It could also be associated with excessive fatigu...[Read More] Understanding Elevated SGPT Levels: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Questions Regarding Examinations After Rectal Bleeding Hello Doctor: I am 23 years old and have no family history of colorectal cancer. On July 9th, I noticed blood in my stool, which was yellow and the blood was bright red. Although there was no bleeding the following day, I was...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, the presence of blood in your stool on July 9 could be due to hemorrhoidal bleeding or mucosal bleeding caused by hard stools. If you have already undergone a sigmoidoscopy and no significant lesions were found, there is no need for excessive concern. If you are not experi...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Digestive Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Constipation and Diarrhea
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello, Doctor: I have been suffering from chronic constipation for many years. However, I have not improved because I dislike drinking water. Since the summer vacation began, I have been experiencing diarrhea almost every day, or I have difficulty pas...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, I would like to know if you are experiencing any symptoms such as fever, weight loss, or blood in your stool. If none of these symptoms are present, it may be irritable bowel syndrome. However, if you have any of the aforementioned symptoms, or if your abdominal discomfort...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Constipation and Diarrhea
Managing Co-Infection of Hepatitis B and C: Treatment and Home Care Tips
Treatment and Home Adjustment for Concurrent Hepatitis B and C Infection Hello Doctor: 1. If a patient is confirmed to have both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, it is said that the treatment approach for Hepatitis C (using interferon and antiviral medications) may be more effectiv...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Co-infection with hepatitis B and C is more complex to treat because there is an interaction between the two viruses; one may suppress the other. Treating one virus may lead to the suppression or activation of the other. The specific circumstances under which t...[Read More] Managing Co-Infection of Hepatitis B and C: Treatment and Home Care Tips
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes, Concerns, and Care Tips
Liver enzyme issues? Hello Doctor: My liver enzyme levels over the past two years have shown GOT around 60-70 and GPT around 150-200. I previously had an ultrasound, and the doctor mentioned that I have fatty liver, but there are no signs of hepatitis A, B, or C. I would like to ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! 1. It is possible that fatty liver could cause liver enzymes to reach 200. I'm not sure if you are overweight, if you do not exercise, or if you have a habit of drinking alcohol, or if you have other chronic diseases. Any of these factors could contribute to elevated ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes, Concerns, and Care Tips
Understanding Fatty Liver: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Management
Fatty liver disease Hello Doctor: In October of last year (93rd year), my health check report showed liver function indices SGOT: 42, SGPT: 98, HBsAg: negative, HBsAb: positive. A nearby clinic's scanning physician indicated that I have mild fatty liver. Since then, I have b...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, abnormal liver function tests can be caused by several factors, including hepatitis B and C, as well as fatty liver disease. Other potential causes include medications, alcohol consumption, biliary issues, autoimmune hepatitis, and hereditary metabolic disorders. I would l...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Management