Should You Take Tenofovir for HBsAg Positive, e Negative Mutant Hepatitis B?
Should I take Tenofovir if I am HBsAg positive and have an e-negative mutant type? Hello! I am a long-term carrier of hepatitis B. Over the past year, my liver enzyme levels have been elevated, with GOT ranging from 40 to 80 and GPT from 80 to 180. I have been undergoing regular ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. For hepatitis B carriers with elevated liver enzymes, it is important to first investigate the underlying causes of liver function elevation. Hepatitis B virus, alcohol abuse, fatty liver, and medications can all contribute to increased enzyme levels. 2. The ...[Read More] Should You Take Tenofovir for HBsAg Positive, e Negative Mutant Hepatitis B?
Understanding Rectal Prolapse: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
There is something unusual about my anus? Hello doctor, in the past few days I suddenly noticed that my anus seems to be protruding a bit, and the area around the anus is swollen. It hurts a lot whenever the sphincter contracts, which is causing me daily inconvenience. Could this...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, it is possible that what you described is due to excessive stress, which can lead to conditions such as rectal prolapse, ulcers, and anal fissures. Additionally, if you are experiencing difficulties with bowel movements or hard stools, I recommend temporarily avoiding acti...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Prolapse: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Blood Stains on Toilet Paper: Should You Worry About Hemorrhoids?
There are bloodstains on the toilet paper? Hello Dr. Chen: Every time I use the restroom, I notice a small amount of blood on the toilet paper when I wipe. It feels like a minor skin tear; there isn't a lot of blood, and there are no blood stools, just a little bit. When I s...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, your symptoms may indicate an issue near the anus, such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Please first check if there are any lumps or protrusions around the anal area. Additionally, observe if you are experiencing difficulty or straining during bowel movements, or if your ...[Read More] Blood Stains on Toilet Paper: Should You Worry About Hemorrhoids?
Understanding Duodenal Ulcers: Treatment and Dietary Considerations
Duodenal ulcer Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about my condition. About a month ago, I underwent an endoscopy, and the results showed gastric inflammation and a duodenal ulcer without H. pylori. The doctor mentioned that the ulcer is not severe. At that time, my symptoms ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, Takepron does not neutralize stomach acid but rather inhibits gastric acid secretion. Other similar medications, such as Nexium (esomeprazole) and Pantoloc (pantoprazole), have the same effect and can strongly suppress gastric acid secretion. Gastric acid is a crucial fact...[Read More] Understanding Duodenal Ulcers: Treatment and Dietary Considerations
Effective Treatments and Dietary Tips for Excess Stomach Acid
Excess stomach acid If I have excessive stomach acid, how should I treat my frequent stomach pain? The doctor said I have excessive stomach acid, and I would like to know the methods for a complete cure. What should I avoid eating, and what foods are better for me? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, I recommend that you undergo an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to check for peptic ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If these conditions are diagnosed, taking medication for a period of time can lead to improvement. However, stomach pain often arises from...[Read More] Effective Treatments and Dietary Tips for Excess Stomach Acid
Understanding Lack of Antibody Response After Hepatitis B Vaccination
If antibodies are not produced after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if I received three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine around my first year of high school and then followed up to find no antibody response, and later received another three...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, some individuals are unable to generate antibodies from the current hepatitis B vaccine, which are referred to as non-responders. If there is still no antibody response after two or three doses, further vaccination is not recommended. However, it is important to monitor fo...[Read More] Understanding Lack of Antibody Response After Hepatitis B Vaccination
Understanding Milk Intolerance: Symptoms and Gastrointestinal Health
Cannot drink milk? Doctor, I cannot drink milk in the morning; if I do, I either have diarrhea or feel nauseous, and my stomach becomes very uncomfortable. However, after noon, if I drink milk, I mostly just experience diarrhea without feeling nauseous. After a few episodes of ac...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, you may be experiencing lactose intolerance, which is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme that breaks down lactose in the intestines, leading to malabsorption and diarrhea. It is recommended that you avoid dairy products, including fresh milk, milk powder, and cheese. Alt...[Read More] Understanding Milk Intolerance: Symptoms and Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Persistently Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Insights
Liver enzyme levels have consistently been elevated? Hello Doctor: I am 26 years old, and I have had normal health check-ups before university. However, since my university entrance examination, my liver enzymes GPT and GOT have been slightly elevated above normal values. Since t...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the common reasons for elevated AST (GOT) and ALT (GPT) levels include hepatitis B and C, drug-induced fatty liver, and autoimmune diseases. A small portion of cases may have unknown causes not related to the currently known hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, E). If the liver ...[Read More] Understanding Persistently Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Insights
Concerns About Potential Mistakes in Hepatitis B Vaccination
Regarding issues related to errors in administering the hepatitis B vaccine? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a question. I currently live in the United States and am receiving the hepatitis B vaccine. However, due to a language barrier, I suspect that the healthcare personnel ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Receiving an additional dose of the hepatitis B vaccine is not harmful; it simply increases the exposure of your immune cells (such as lymphocytes) to the hepatitis B antigens, thereby stimulating the production of antibodies. This is why a three-dose series is recommended...[Read More] Concerns About Potential Mistakes in Hepatitis B Vaccination
Understanding Liver Function Tests: Interpreting GOT, GPT, and Bilirubin Levels
I'm not sure what it means? Hello: My liver enzyme levels were originally very high, but for some reason, in my most recent blood test, the values decreased. My GOT was 48, and I forgot the GPT value. This time, only one tube of blood was drawn, whereas in the past, three tu...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, may I ask if you are a hepatitis B patient or have any other type of hepatitis? Generally speaking, in cases of chronic hepatitis, liver enzyme levels (GOT and GPT) can fluctuate; they may be high at times and low at others, and they will not remain constant. Typically, fo...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: Interpreting GOT, GPT, and Bilirubin Levels
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Timing, Efficacy, and Safety Concerns
Hepatitis B vaccine Doctor, I received the first and second doses of the hepatitis B vaccine only three weeks apart. Will this affect the vaccine's efficacy? I was tested six months ago and found to have neither hepatitis B nor antibodies. I received the vaccine a month ago,...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. The hepatitis B vaccine schedule consists of the first dose followed by the second dose one month later, and the second dose followed by the third dose five months later. To confirm the effectiveness of the vaccination, antibody testing can be performed after t...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Timing, Efficacy, and Safety Concerns
Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Gastrointestinal Care
I have been experiencing bloody stools for a year, and I have undergone thorough examinations? Hello Doctor: Around February 2004, I experienced occasional rectal bleeding (sometimes once a week, sometimes every 2-3 weeks, or even twice a week, with no consistent pattern). I went...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, it is common for patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding to undergo a colonoscopy without identifying the source of the bleeding. It could be due to hemorrhoidal bleeding or bleeding from small vessels that may not be visible after hemostasis. If you continue to expe...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Gastrointestinal Care
Understanding Persistent Hiccups: Causes and Solutions
Persistent hiccups? Doctor, I often hiccup, and even a long time after I've eaten, I still experience loud hiccups. What could be the reason for this? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, hiccups and belching are usually caused by gastric distension, excessive gas, or digestive issues such as abnormal peristalsis. It is advisable to avoid carbonated beverages, refrain from consuming irritating foods (such as spicy foods), limit chewing gum (which can introd...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Hiccups: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Bile Reflux After Gallbladder Removal: Causes and Effects
Gastrointestinal bleeding. Bile reflux? Hello, doctor. I underwent gallbladder removal surgery over a year ago, but I have been experiencing intermittent pain under my right rib for the past year. In February, I had an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which revealed erosive gast...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, bile reflux refers to the condition where bile, which is normally directed towards the intestines, flows back into the stomach from the duodenum, potentially causing gastritis. This typically indicates a lack of coordination in gastric and intestinal motility and is unrela...[Read More] Understanding Bile Reflux After Gallbladder Removal: Causes and Effects
Understanding Duodenal Ulcers: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Concerns
Duodenal ulcer Two years ago, I was diagnosed with a duodenal ulcer through an endoscopy. The ulcer was quite extensive, and the doctor said it was serious. I took Western medicine for about four to five months, and since I did not experience any discomfort or pain in the lower r...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, pain in the lower right abdomen is generally not indicative of a peptic ulcer; it is usually related to intestinal issues. You may want to visit an internal medicine or gastroenterology clinic for evaluation. Duodenal ulcers are also not caused by bloating leading to frequ...[Read More] Understanding Duodenal Ulcers: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Concerns
Understanding Intestinal Adhesions: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Intestinal Adhesions? The causes, symptoms, and treatment methods for intestinal adhesions are as follows: **Causes:** Intestinal adhesions are often caused by previous abdominal surgeries, infections, or inflammation in the abdominal cavity. O...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, intestinal adhesions are caused by abdominal surgery and can occur between the intestines themselves or between the intestines and the peritoneum. They can develop from one week after surgery to even several decades later. Adhesions may not always present symptoms, but the...[Read More] Understanding Intestinal Adhesions: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Liver Health: Long-term Effects of Medication and Monitoring
Could you please provide more details about the liver issues? 1. Long-term use of Ganciclovir can have side effects. It may affect other organs, including the kidneys. 2. Since your liver function has returned to normal but the E antigen has not yet turned negative, it is advis...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, generally speaking, there are no significant side effects from the treatment, and it does not affect other organs. The e-antigen has not turned negative (treatment should continue), liver function tests are normal, and the treatment goal has not yet been achieved (the e-an...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Long-term Effects of Medication and Monitoring
How Long Should I Take Dryan? Concerns About Duration and Resistance
How long can one take Ganoderma? Hello, I previously had a GGT of over 300 and a GPT of over 500. I have been taking Daclatasvir for 3.5 months now. Currently, my GGT is normal and my GPT is 36, which is just slightly above the standard of 35. I feel like I'm almost back to ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the treatment for hepatitis B is not solely based on the levels of GOT and GPT; it also requires monitoring the status of e-antigen/antibody and whether the HBV viral load (HBV-DNA) has been measured. The goals of treatment include normalizing liver enzymes (GOT, GPT) and ...[Read More] How Long Should I Take Dryan? Concerns About Duration and Resistance
Understanding Intestinal Perforation: Symptoms and Management
The issue of intestinal perforation? Hello Dr. Chen, I previously inquired about my mother's intestinal perforation issue. Thank you for your response. My mother is currently no longer experiencing fever, but she has discomfort in her legs. Could this be related to a viral i...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, regarding the colon perforation, if there is no fever, abdominal pain, or tenderness, it should have improved, and progressive feeding may be allowed, but this should still be determined by the attending physician. As for the discomfort in the legs and possible viral infec...[Read More] Understanding Intestinal Perforation: Symptoms and Management
Understanding Hepatitis B: Risks, Vaccination, and Health Monitoring
Hepatitis B carrier (1) Doctor, my boyfriend is a carrier of hepatitis B. I have had deep kisses and sexual intercourse with him, but I was vaccinated against hepatitis B when I was a child. Later, I had my antibody levels checked, and the doctor recommended another vaccination f...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, (1) Hepatitis B can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. Although the transmission rate between spouses is not high, it is best to have antibodies to reduce the risk of infection. (2) A. Fatty liver can be classified by severity through ultrasound....[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Risks, Vaccination, and Health Monitoring