Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Confusion Over Standard Values and Next Steps
What should I do? Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to ask you again. Are the standard values different for various instruments used to test for hepatitis B? My hepatitis B surface antigen value is 0.09, which is positive, and my surface antibody is 5.34, which is negative. According t...
Dr. Li Yongming reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Please have your blood tested for hepatitis B surface antigen again in six months, or you may opt for a self-paid test to check for the presence of hepatitis B DNA virus in your blood (approximately NT$2000 per test) to clarify that there is no virus in your bloodstream. Theoreti...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Confusion Over Standard Values and Next Steps
Understanding Hepatitis B: Interpreting Your Test Results and Next Steps
I'm sorry, but I need more context to provide an appropriate response. Could you please provide more details about your situation? I tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen with a value of 0.09. The hepatitis B surface antibody was 5.34, which is considered negative....
Dr. Li Yongming reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Regarding your test results, there may be a laboratory error (which is why the surface antigen is less than 1.0, indicating a negative reference value). Based on experience, it seems you may have insufficient antibody response after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine (with ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Interpreting Your Test Results and Next Steps
Pregnancy and Blood in Stool: Understanding Risks and Concerns
Since the beginning of the pregnancy until now, there has been continuous blood in the stool for eight months? I am currently eight months pregnant! Ever since I discovered my pregnancy, I have been experiencing blood in my stool. The blood is dark red and sticks to the outside o...
Dr. Li Yongming reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Gastrointestinal motility is affected by the increased secretion of hormones, particularly progesterone, which can lead to slowed gastrointestinal motility and reduced tension. The speed of food transport may be slower than before pregnancy, resulting in prolonged gastric emptyin...[Read More] Pregnancy and Blood in Stool: Understanding Risks and Concerns
Understanding Stool Shape: What Changes in Consistency Mean for Your Health
The issue of stool diameter? Hello, doctor... I previously had an anal fissure and currently have internal hemorrhoids. Recently, I've been paying more attention to the shape and size of my stools, and I've noticed that sometimes my stools are very thin. Sometimes the f...
Dr. Li Yongming reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The thickness and consistency of stool are related to the fiber and water content in food, as well as the body's ability to absorb water in the intestines. However, there is no specific size that defines normal stool. If all stools are thin, it may be an early sign of colore...[Read More] Understanding Stool Shape: What Changes in Consistency Mean for Your Health
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Interpreting Your Brother's Test Results
Liver fibrosis elastography test Hello Doctor: I would like to provide my brother's test report. He didn't ask the doctor about his condition while at the hospital, and he hasn't made any significant dietary changes since returning home. Could you please let me kno...
Dr. Li Yongming reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The liver fibrosis elastography test you mentioned is currently not covered by health insurance. Since it is an out-of-pocket expense, please schedule an outpatient visit for the performing physician to explain it to you. There is a certain correlation between liver fibrosis elas...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Interpreting Your Brother's Test Results
Understanding Unidentified Liver Lesions in Fatty Liver Patients
An unknown foreign object has developed on the surface of the liver? Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to ask about my father who is 61 years old. He was recently diagnosed with fatty liver (with normal liver enzymes), but there is a 1 cm unidentified mass on the surface of his liver. ...
Dr. Li Yongming reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
In clinical practice, the diagnosis of "fatty liver" refers to the condition where the weight of fat (primarily triglycerides) accumulated in the liver exceeds 5% of the total liver weight, or when more than 10% of liver cells in a liver tissue biopsy exhibit fatty vacu...[Read More] Understanding Unidentified Liver Lesions in Fatty Liver Patients
Understanding Frequent Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
I have been wanting to have a bowel movement? Over the past month, I have been having bowel movements more than three times a day. Sometimes the stools are thin and short with some strands, and at times they are shapeless. Shortly after finishing, I still feel the urge to go to t...
Dr. Li Yongming reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, I will answer your inquiry in two parts. First, the gastroscopy has revealed the presence of Helicobacter pylori, so I recommend that you undergo a triple therapy regimen to eradicate the Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium has been shown to be highly associated with gastr...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Baraclude for Chronic Hepatitis B Treatment: Key Concerns and Insights
The treatment for hepatitis B is Baraclude? Dear Doctor, I hope this message finds you well. I previously asked you several questions regarding the treatment of hepatitis B, and I now have a few more concerns that I would like to outline below: 1. I have been taking Baraclude (...
Dr. Li Yongming reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
You have raised many excellent questions, many of which are still intriguing topics in medical research. The mechanism of action of the drug "Baraclude" (entecavir) is to inhibit the further replication of the hepatitis B virus, thereby achieving therapeutic effects. Th...[Read More] Understanding Baraclude for Chronic Hepatitis B Treatment: Key Concerns and Insights
Struggling with Stomach Medications: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
Taking stomach medication is not effective? Taking stomach medication for the same condition is not effective.
Dr. Li Yongming reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
According to statistics from the National Health Insurance Administration, over 2 billion antacids (commonly referred to as stomach medications) are claimed in Taiwan each year, with an average of more than 100 antacid tablets used per person annually. In the OTC (over-the-counte...[Read More] Struggling with Stomach Medications: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Reflux Esophagitis: Symptoms and Treatment Insights
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Doctor, I apologize. A few days ago, I went to a nearby hospital for an examination and had an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The doctor said I have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is mild. I would like to ask if this condit...
Dr. Li Yongming reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined according to the "Montreal definition" as the condition where gastric contents flow back into the esophagus, causing symptoms or injury to the esophagus, leading to discomfort or complications. Most patients exper...[Read More] Understanding Reflux Esophagitis: Symptoms and Treatment Insights
Understanding Colonoscopy Concerns: Symptoms, Anxiety, and Digestive Health
Colonoscopy-related issues? Hello, doctor. I am scheduled for a colonoscopy on Tuesday, but I do not have any symptoms. Recently, I had been experiencing diarrhea, and the doctor suggested that I consider a colonoscopy. I was hesitant at first, but I decided to go ahead with it, ...
Dr. Li Yongming reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello. The early symptoms of colorectal cancer are quite subtle and generally include: 1. Blood in the stool or black stools 2. Changes in bowel habits without obvious reasons (such as persistent constipation or diarrhea) 3. Weight loss 4. Abdominal cramping or colonic pain 5. A ...[Read More] Understanding Colonoscopy Concerns: Symptoms, Anxiety, and Digestive Health
Understanding the Link Between Stool Changes and Colon Cancer Risks
Colorectal cancer Hello Doctor, my stool has been flat, thin, and short for a year. Could this be a sign of colorectal cancer? I only recently learned that this could indicate colorectal cancer. Thank you! Mr. Chen 0935-519-552
Dr. Li Yongming reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Dangerous symptoms of colorectal cancer include changes in bowel habits, changes in stool shape, mucus in stool, blood in stool or blood-streaked stool, urgency, abdominal pain, anemia, loss of appetite, weight loss, and symptoms of metastasis to other organs (such as bone pain, ...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Stool Changes and Colon Cancer Risks
Understanding Elevated Serum Transaminases: Causes and Solutions
Serum transaminases The blood donation center report indicates that my serum transaminase level is 93, which is elevated. However, I went to bed around 2 AM the night before donating blood. What are the effects of elevated transaminase levels on the body, and how can I improve th...
Dr. Li Yongming reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The measurement of serum transaminases (GPT, GOT) is used to assess whether liver cells are damaged. Normal serum transaminase levels are generally below 40 units. There are many causes for elevated serum ALT levels, primarily including alcohol abuse, medication use, intense exer...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Serum Transaminases: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Rectal Pressure: Is It a Sign of Colon Cancer?
Regarding urgency and tenesmus? Hello Doctor: For the past month, I have been experiencing a sensation of wanting to have a bowel movement even after I have finished, but I am unable to pass anything. The main issue is that after each bowel movement, I feel a tight, full sensatio...
Dr. Li Yongming reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, your symptoms may be warning signs of colorectal polyps or cancer. The "irritable bowel syndrome" mentioned in the text may also present similar symptoms; however, these symptoms typically improve or lessen after a bowel movement. A better recommendation is to sc...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Pressure: Is It a Sign of Colon Cancer?
Struggling with Incomplete Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Inability to fully evacuate bowel movements? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing persistent issues with incomplete bowel movements. I have a bowel movement in the morning, and then about an hour later, I feel the urge again, followed by another bowel movement around noon. Some...
Dr. Li Yongming reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Your symptoms may be more indicative of issues related to the anus or rectum. It is recommended that you increase your fiber intake to enhance stool bulk and improve stool formation, which may help with more effective bowel movements. If necessary, please consult a gastroenterolo...[Read More] Struggling with Incomplete Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Duodenal Ulcer Treatment and Managing Symptoms
Treatment of Duodenal Ulcer Hello Doctor, I recently underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy due to discomfort in my stomach, and the doctor mentioned that I have a mild duodenal ulcer without Helicobacter pylori infection. I was prescribed Pantoprazole for two months. In t...
Dr. Li Yongming reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Nexium (esomeprazole) belongs to the class of proton pump inhibitors and is currently the strongest antacid approved by the Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare. Commonly used proton pump inhibitors include Pantoloc (pantoprazole), Nexium (esomeprazole), Pariet (rabeprazole), an...[Read More] Understanding Duodenal Ulcer Treatment and Managing Symptoms
Understanding e-Antigen Negative Hepatitis B: Risks and Treatment Options
Hepatitis B patients who are e-antigen negative? Hello Doctor: In 2006, I tested negative for HBeAg and positive for HBeAb, and I originally thought I was a low viral load hepatitis B patient. However, my recent tests showed GPT=77, GOT=31, AFP=4.5, and HBV DNA=250,000 IU/mL. The...
Dr. Li Yongming reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, you are a very diligent patient. I will first address your questions in order, and then provide the current health insurance regulations and personal recommendations regarding your situation. First, the e antigen in wild-type chronic hepatitis B virus is indeed an indica...[Read More] Understanding e-Antigen Negative Hepatitis B: Risks and Treatment Options
Is Severe Pain Below the Nipple Related to Liver or Stomach Issues?
Is the pain below the nipple when taking a deep breath related to the liver? What are some issues concerning the stomach and liver? Hello Dr. Lee: I would like to ask some questions regarding my stomach and liver. I have been a carrier of hepatitis B for over ten years, and I hav...
Dr. Li Yongming reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Doctors cannot accurately diagnose the source of a patient's pain based solely on its location; otherwise, there would be no need for ultrasound, endoscopy, or X-rays! You may suspect that you have a stomach or liver condition but are reluctant to undergo further testing. Wi...[Read More] Is Severe Pain Below the Nipple Related to Liver or Stomach Issues?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: From Blood in Urine to Digestive Disturbances
Regarding gastrointestinal issues..? Hello, doctor! About a month ago, I noticed blood in my urine. I went to see a urologist, but the X-ray did not show anything at that time. The doctor suspected it might be a case of kidney stones. Later, the doctor arranged for a contrast ima...
Dr. Li Yongming reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, let's start by analyzing "hematuria." There are many causes for hematuria, with the most common being urinary tract stones, which have an incidence rate of 15% in the population, particularly affecting individuals aged 30 to 50, with a male-to-female ratio o...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: From Blood in Urine to Digestive Disturbances
Overcoming Anal Sphincter Tension and Weakness: Tips for Relief
The discomfort of tightness and weakness in the anal sphincter? Hello Dr. Lee, for the past six months, I have been suffering from "tightness and weakness of the anal sphincter" during bowel movements. To describe it, it's like trying to push open a door with one h...
Dr. Li Yongming reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, are you referring to the sensation of urgency to defecate but being unable to do so? This is what traditional Chinese medicine describes as "interior urgency with a feeling of heaviness." Conditions such as colorectal polyps or tumors occurring in the sigmoid col...[Read More] Overcoming Anal Sphincter Tension and Weakness: Tips for Relief