Coping with Cirrhosis: A Family's Struggle for Hope and Care
Cirrhosis ~ Helpless Family Members Hello Dr. Lee, My brother is only 45 years old and has developed cirrhosis due to excessive smoking and drinking, along with long-term night shift work. He is currently hospitalized and has been there for a month. In the first few days of his...
Dr. Li Xuanshu reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, based on the information provided in the letter, your brother's liver cirrhosis has become quite severe. It is unclear whether your brother has hepatitis B or C, in addition to his smoking and drinking habits. Cirrhosis is a slow inflammatory process, so reaching this...[Read More] Coping with Cirrhosis: A Family's Struggle for Hope and Care
Is Interferon Treatment Necessary for Chronic Hepatitis C?
Is interferon therapy really necessary? I called the hospital to inquire about my hepatitis C viral load report. The hospital confirmed that I have hepatitis C, with a viral load of only 42,000. The doctor recommended that I start interferon treatment. My GPT levels have consiste...
Dr. Li Xuanshu reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the current treatment for hepatitis C is quite effective, achieving a success rate of about 50% to 70%. If the infection duration is short, the treatment effectiveness can even reach up to 80%, which is considered good. However, as you mentioned in your letter, the medicat...[Read More] Is Interferon Treatment Necessary for Chronic Hepatitis C?
Should You Get Interferon Treatment for Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Should interferon be administered? My liver enzymes have been above 200 for about 10 months. The liver biopsy showed an inflammation score of 2. The doctor said it qualifies for insurance coverage. Do I really need to start interferon treatment? I'm feeling very uncertain. C...
Dr. Li Xuanshu reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, are you infected with Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C? Regardless of which type, your levels are quite high. If you meet the criteria for health insurance coverage, it is advisable to pursue treatment. You mentioned that you are concerned, but I'm not sure what specific is...[Read More] Should You Get Interferon Treatment for Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Managing Severe Body Pain After Taking Belarac: Effective Relief Strategies
After taking Beloc, I am experiencing severe muscle and joint pain throughout my body. Are there any methods to alleviate this? Dr. Li: Hello! Thank you for your response to my inquiry on June 30. I started taking Belak (Baclofen) on June 27. About 4 to 5 days later, I began expe...
Dr. Li Xuanshu reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello Yy, While Belac is mentioned to potentially cause side effects such as headaches, fatigue, diarrhea, and indigestion, the actual incidence of these symptoms is quite low. Currently, among patients receiving treatment with Belac, very few have reported any discomfort. Regar...[Read More] Managing Severe Body Pain After Taking Belarac: Effective Relief Strategies
Is a High HBV DNA Level of 15 Million Serious for My Health?
A HBV DNA level of over 15 million copies is considered very high and indicates a significant viral load. This can suggest active hepatitis B infection and may require further evaluation and management by a healthcare professional? Hello Dr. Li: I am 47 years old and have been a ...
Dr. Li Xuanshu reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello Yy, 1. In your letter, you mentioned that your HBV DNA is over 15 million (is the unit IU/ml or copies/ml?). When assessing HBV DNA, it is important to evaluate the unit of measurement. Regardless of the unit, a level of over 15 million indicates a very high viral load. Ad...[Read More] Is a High HBV DNA Level of 15 Million Serious for My Health?
Understanding the Risks of Hepatitis in Families with Liver Disease History
A GPT index exceeding 1000 may indicate a severe liver condition, such as acute hepatitis. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis? Hello Doctor: My family has a history of liver disease that has persisted for four generations. Alm...
Dr. Li Xuanshu reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
1. Indeed, if the hepatitis is caused by fatty liver, the use of干安 (干安 is likely a medication name, please provide the English name for accurate translation) would be ineffective. 2. Is your E antigen positive or negative? Do you have E antibodies? If your E antigen is positive,...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Hepatitis in Families with Liver Disease History
Understanding Liver Coma: Causes, Risks, and Transplant Options
Hepatic coma My sister is currently in Canada. Last week, she mentioned that her eyes were yellow and her urine was also yellow. On the 23rd, she felt unwell and was taken to the emergency room. The doctors have diagnosed her with gallstones and hepatic encephalopathy. She is abo...
Dr. Li Xuanshu reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Although it is unclear what caused your sister's acute liver failure, based on the information in the letter, liver transplantation must be considered. We strongly recommend consulting with a physician in Canada regarding the possible causes of your sister's cond...[Read More] Understanding Liver Coma: Causes, Risks, and Transplant Options
Do I Need Medication for My Hepatitis B Treatment?
Inquiry about Hepatitis B treatment? Hello: My GOT is 72, GPT is 134, AFP is 2.3, HBeAg is positive at 272, and HBV is 100,000,000. Do I need to undergo medication treatment?
Dr. Li Xuanshu reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, I suggest that you should seek treatment.[Read More] Do I Need Medication for My Hepatitis B Treatment?
Understanding Healthy Carriers of Hepatitis B: What You Need to Know
Hepatitis B I apologize for the oversight. My hepatitis B test results show positive for hepatitis B surface antigen and negative for hepatitis B surface antibody. After confirming the information from the previous issue, it is clear that I am a carrier of hepatitis B. However, m...
Dr. Li Xuanshu reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if you are a carrier of hepatitis B but your liver inflammation markers are normal and an ultrasound examination is also normal, you can be classified as an inactive carrier of the virus. Currently, the term "healthy carrier" is less encouraged.[Read More] Understanding Healthy Carriers of Hepatitis B: What You Need to Know
Understanding Hepatitis B: Are You a Carrier of the Virus?
Am I a carrier of a disease? My hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is positive; is it positive or negative? Also, my liver function tests show aspartate aminotransferase (AST) at 20.00 (10-42 IU/L) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at 12.00 (10-40 IU/L). What does this mean? It...
Dr. Li Xuanshu reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, your question is unclear. Is the surface antigen positive or negative? Are the surface antibodies positive or negative? These two factors are very important; only by clarifying them can we determine if you are a carrier of hepatitis B. The latter two refer to liver inflamm...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Are You a Carrier of the Virus?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Risks, Recovery, and Health Check Guidance
Hepatitis B This year, I just started high school (vocational), and during a health check at school (conducted by Taichung Hospital), I found out that I have hepatitis B. Is it possible for hepatitis B to heal? Or if I don't test positive for hepatitis B after six months, ca...
Dr. Li Xuanshu reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Currently, there are no medications available that can completely eliminate hepatitis B, so once infected, the likelihood of becoming a lifelong carrier is quite high. There are no specific regulations on what time to go to bed, and there is no evidence to suggest that staying up...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Risks, Recovery, and Health Check Guidance
Understanding Active Hepatitis B Infection: A Guide for Patients
The original hepatitis B carrier currently has a very active viral infection? A 31-year-old male, who is a carrier of hepatitis B, underwent a health check and found that his liver enzymes were elevated, reaching nearly 500. Further tests at a larger hospital confirmed that he is...
Dr. Li Xuanshu reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello Jenny! 1. According to the doctor, 640 million → without the testing unit attached, if the unit is copies/mL, then the viral load is very high. 2. A biopsy is needed before treatment → is it recommended to undergo interferon therapy? If so, your physician may want to app...[Read More] Understanding Active Hepatitis B Infection: A Guide for Patients
Starting Treatment for Hepatitis B Carriers: First Steps and Resources
How to start treatment for hepatitis B carriers? I have been aware that I am a carrier of hepatitis B for several years. I recently heard that there are medications available for treatment, but what is the first step to start the treatment? I live in Keelung; where can I find pla...
Dr. Li Xuanshu reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, please visit a medical facility that has a hepatobiliary department for your convenience. Your condition needs to be evaluated by a physician, who can provide appropriate recommendations for treatment if necessary.[Read More] Starting Treatment for Hepatitis B Carriers: First Steps and Resources
Essential Tips for Managing Hepatitis B and Supporting Liver Health
Regarding Hepatitis B? Hello, I would like to ask: besides regular monitoring and adequate rest for hepatitis B, what else should be noted? Are there specific foods that can help support liver health? Thank you!
Dr. Li Xuanshu reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, there is no specific food that has therapeutic effects on the liver, so a balanced diet is sufficient. It is important to avoid smoking and alcohol, and to refrain from taking medications indiscriminately, such as herbal remedies, supplements, and health products.[Read More] Essential Tips for Managing Hepatitis B and Supporting Liver Health
Understanding Your HBV DNA Levels: Implications for Infection and Monitoring
What does the value of HBV DNA represent? Hello Dr. Lee: I was diagnosed with hepatitis B around the age of 10. I recently had some tests done at the hospital, but I still have some questions I would like to ask you. Below are the results from my blood tests: HBsAg is positive at...
Dr. Li Xuanshu reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, 1. The letter mentions that your HBV DNA is over 10,000, but since there are no units provided, it's not possible to determine whether your viral load is high or low. 2. However, even if your viral load is very high, since your GOT is 28 IU/L and GPT is 30 IU/L, w...[Read More] Understanding Your HBV DNA Levels: Implications for Infection and Monitoring
Is There a Cure for Hepatitis B? Treatment Options and Insurance Coverage Explained
Is there a specific treatment for hepatitis B currently available? Is there a specific treatment for hepatitis B currently available? Does health insurance cover it? What are the conditions for coverage? If it is not covered by health insurance, what are the out-of-pocket costs?
Dr. Li Xuanshu reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Currently, there are medications available to treat hepatitis B, but they cannot eliminate the carrier state of hepatitis B. It's important to clarify this concept. The available medications include Tenofovir (TDF), Entecavir (ETV), and Interferon, which are covered b...[Read More] Is There a Cure for Hepatitis B? Treatment Options and Insurance Coverage Explained
Understanding Hepatitis C Treatment: Key Questions and Considerations
Treatment for Hepatitis C Hello Dr. Lee, I have a few questions I would like to ask: 1. After about six months of testing, I have been diagnosed with hepatitis C (the doctor only mentioned a value of 205, so it's unclear whether it's acute or chronic). My first liver ...
Dr. Li Xuanshu reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! The current treatment principle for hepatitis C is that liver inflammation, indicated by GPT levels, exceeds twice the upper limit of normal values (the National Health Insurance Administration also requires a liver biopsy). The current condition can still be monitored, bu...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Treatment: Key Questions and Considerations
Can Hepatitis B Carriers Drink Alcohol in Moderation?
Can individuals with chronic hepatitis B drink alcohol in moderation? Hello, my husband is a chronic carrier of hepatitis B. It is well known that individuals with hepatitis B should avoid alcohol consumption. However, my husband enjoys having a drink or two, such as red wine or ...
Dr. Li Xuanshu reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! It's best to avoid drinking if possible, but if not, it's recommended to drink in moderation. Generally speaking, determining what constitutes a moderate amount can be challenging, as each person's definition of moderation varies.[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Carriers Drink Alcohol in Moderation?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Health: Key Tests and Insights
Accessibility test Test, no need to pay attention.
Dr. Li Xuanshu reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
I'm sorry, but it seems that the text you provided is[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Health: Key Tests and Insights
Essential Liver Care Tips for Night Shift Workers: Nutrition Guide
Liver maintenance? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask: for those who work long night shifts, how can they maintain liver health? What dietary choices should they make to ensure proper nutrition?
Dr. Li Xuanshu reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! There aren't any specific maintenance methods. The liver is most vulnerable to damage from external substances such as medications or alcohol. Maintaining a regular lifestyle and engaging in appropriate exercise is important, and even when working night shifts, gettin...[Read More] Essential Liver Care Tips for Night Shift Workers: Nutrition Guide