Impact of Night Shifts on Hepatitis B Carriers: Health Tips and Insights
Night shifts and Hepatitis B? Hello, I am a carrier of hepatitis B, and my liver function tests are within the normal range. During my last check-up, the doctor mentioned that I am a healthy carrier, but it is best to monitor my condition every six months. Recently, my company re...
Dr. Liang Jiade reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, in principle, it is recommended to follow up on hepatitis B every six months. Of course, staying up late and working night shifts can still put a strain on the liver, so please pay special attention to your diet and rest. In addition to the regular six-month follow-up, if ...[Read More] Impact of Night Shifts on Hepatitis B Carriers: Health Tips and Insights
Should I Get a Full Health Check or Directly Treat Possible Hepatitis C?
You should either undergo a health check-up or go directly to the hospital for a consultation? About 1 to 2 years ago, I donated blood and found out that my hepatitis C surface antibody test result was "under re-examination." I didn't pay much attention to it at th...
Dr. Liang Jiade reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if the hepatitis C antibody (with surface antibody being for hepatitis B) is positive, it indicates that there has been an infection with hepatitis C. The majority of infected patients will develop chronic hepatitis C; therefore, it is recommended to have regular follow-up...[Read More] Should I Get a Full Health Check or Directly Treat Possible Hepatitis C?
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis: Symptoms, Risks, and Dietary Management
Chronic hepatitis The hospital liver function tests show ALT 56, AST 48, and GPT 91, with HBsAg and Anti-HCV both normal. Does this indicate chronic hepatitis? Is there a possibility that this could be a precursor to liver cancer? Can chronic hepatitis be cured? I've heard t...
Dr. Liang Jiade reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, AST = GOT and ALT = GPT. There are many reasons for elevated liver function indices, including viral and bacterial infections, medication use, obesity, and lack of sleep, among others. However, a temporary increase does not necessarily indicate chronic hepatitis, nor can i...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis: Symptoms, Risks, and Dietary Management
Effective Treatments for Hepatitis B: Vaccines and Immunoglobulin Use
What is the treatment for hepatitis B? Hello, doctor. What is the treatment for hepatitis B? Also, if someone already has hepatitis B, can they receive the hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin to improve their condition? Thank you for your response.
Dr. Liang Jiade reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if you have hepatitis B, you need to be tested to determine if there is active hepatitis before deciding on medication treatment. Currently, the available treatment options in the country include Lamivudine, Adefovir, and interferon injection therapy. As for whether treatm...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Hepatitis B: Vaccines and Immunoglobulin Use
Managing Bowel Narrowing After Cancer Treatment: Tips and Solutions
Intestinal constriction My mother underwent surgery for rectal cancer seven years ago, and she started receiving radiation therapy and chemotherapy last year. Recently, she has been experiencing abdominal distension, cramping, and difficulty with bowel movements. Last week, she w...
Dr. Liang Jiade reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, patients who have undergone surgical radiation therapy often experience intestinal adhesions. Conditions such as bowel stricture and intestinal obstruction, as well as radiation enteritis, can occur. It is advisable to maintain regular bowel habits to prevent constipation ...[Read More] Managing Bowel Narrowing After Cancer Treatment: Tips and Solutions
What to Do If You Have Chronic Hepatitis B: A Guide
I have hepatitis B! What should I do? I would like to ask the doctor… is there hereditary hepatitis B? I have had hepatitis B since I was a child, but I have never seen a doctor. What could happen? Are there any important things to pay attention to?
Dr. Liang Jiade reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the transmission of hepatitis B can be categorized into vertical transmission and acquired transmission (mostly through blood). Since you have had hepatitis B since childhood, it is very likely that it was transmitted vertically from your mother. It is recommended to (1) r...[Read More] What to Do If You Have Chronic Hepatitis B: A Guide
Understanding Hepatitis B: Risks, Transmission, and Prevention for Your Family
Please feel free to ask your question? Dr. Liang: May I ask... I am a carrier of hepatitis B... If I engage in sexual activity, will my partner be infected by me? Also, will my child be born with hepatitis B? What methods are available to prevent my child from having hepatitis B?
Dr. Liang Jiade reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, hepatitis B carriers can potentially transmit the virus through sexual intercourse, although the rate is very low. If the partner has antibodies against hepatitis B, transmission will not occur. Before having a child, it is essential to further check for the presence of th...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Risks, Transmission, and Prevention for Your Family
Managing Liver Health: Alternatives to Hepatoprotective Medications
Liver An-Neng Hello, doctor! Last October, my liver enzyme levels were GOT 139 and GPT 293, and I visited the hospital (I am a carrier of Hepatitis B). The doctor recommended taking Liv52, and I have been taking it since then. However, Liv52 is not covered by health insurance, an...
Dr. Liang Jiade reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, (1) Is Hepatitis B medication covered by health insurance? Currently, under specific conditions, health insurance does provide coverage. There are other medications for Hepatitis B, but they are only used in special circumstances, and health insurance has not yet provided ...[Read More] Managing Liver Health: Alternatives to Hepatoprotective Medications
Understanding Digestive Issues: Frequent Bowel Movements and Abdominal Pain
Gastrointestinal tract I feel the urge to have a bowel movement about 10 minutes after finishing each meal. My stools are very loose and watery. Even after having a bowel movement, I still experience abdominal pain. Could you please advise me on what can be done to treat this? Is...
Dr. Liang Jiade reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, typically after a meal, the normal bodily reflexes will stimulate gastrointestinal peristalsis. This can also lead to a sensation of urgency to defecate. If you experience any abnormalities in your bowel movements, please visit a hospital for a thorough examination to dete...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Frequent Bowel Movements and Abdominal Pain
Post-Colon Surgery: Understanding Abdominal Bloating and Adhesions
Intestine Hello, I would like to ask you about an intestinal issue. I underwent a total colectomy four months ago, and I still occasionally experience a feeling of abdominal bloating. Is it possible that this is due to intestinal adhesions? Thank you for your response.
Dr. Liang Jiade reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, before answering your question, it is important to know the reason for your surgery, the type of procedure, and many other related symptoms to make a better assessment. If you are experiencing mild abdominal bloating, it does not necessarily indicate intestinal adhesions; ...[Read More] Post-Colon Surgery: Understanding Abdominal Bloating and Adhesions
Understanding Gallstones: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Gallstones Hello, doctor: Sometimes I feel pain in my upper abdomen and right upper quadrant, and I also experience occasional pain in my back and shoulders. This situation worsens when I stay up late. Could this be gallstones?
Dr. Liang Jiade reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, pain in the upper abdomen and right upper quadrant can be related to several organs (such as the liver, gallbladder, duodenum, pancreas, etc.). A detailed inquiry into the medical history and symptoms is necessary for proper assessment. If you wish to confirm the presence ...[Read More] Understanding Gallstones: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Remedies
Lower abdominal pain? Hello Dr. Liang: Recently, I have been experiencing a slight pain in the lower abdomen on the left side, especially noticeable in the morning when I wake up. However, after drinking water, the discomfort improves significantly. Could you please explain what ...
Dr. Liang Jiade reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, there is occasional mild pain in the lower abdomen below the waist, which is usually related to gastrointestinal or gynecological issues. It is essential to consider factors such as diet, bowel habits, and menstrual cycle to make a proper assessment. Based on your descript...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Remedies
Understanding Elevated Transaminase Levels: Implications for Liver Health
Elevated serum transaminases? I recently went to donate blood and received a test report indicating that my serum transaminase levels are elevated. Does this mean that my liver function is impaired? What further tests should I undergo? P.S. I've been feeling fatigued lately,...
Dr. Liang Jiade reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, serum transaminases are just one of the indicators of liver function. An elevation in these values indicates inflammation of the liver or damage to liver cells. There are many potential causes, such as viral hepatitis, alcohol consumption, lack of sleep, infections, and me...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Transaminase Levels: Implications for Liver Health
Understanding Frequent Gastritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
There is a gurgling sound in the lower left side of the stomach, often associated with chronic gastritis? Hello Dr. Yang, My situation is as follows: Every time I experience stomach pain, it is due to inflammation, with a very high frequency and severe pain. Before each episode ...
Dr. Liang Jiade reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The first thing to clarify is whether the location of your abdominal pain is truly in the stomach. There are many organs in the upper abdomen. If you experience severe pain accompanied by a hard abdomen that hurts when pressed, and if the intense pain turns into a more uniform an...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Gastritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Impact of Elevated Triglycerides and Low MCV on Health
Elevated triglycerides can have several impacts on our health. High levels of triglycerides are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke. They can also contribute to the development of pancreatitis, which is inflammation of ...
Dr. Liang Jiade reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Triglycerides are a type of blood fat, and elevated levels can more easily lead to atherosclerosis, which can cause various health issues such as cardiovascular blockages (angina, myocardial infarction) and cerebrovascular blockages (stroke). A smaller mean corpuscular volume may...[Read More] Impact of Elevated Triglycerides and Low MCV on Health
Understanding Chronic Liver Cancer: Symptoms, Severity, and Treatment Options
Chronic liver cancer Chronic liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a type of cancer that originates in the liver, often developing in individuals with chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis B or C infection, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease. Symptoms...
Dr. Liang Jiade reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Liver cancer is inherently a chronic disease. Typically, there are no symptoms in the early stages. In the advanced stages, symptoms such as jaundice, liver failure, and ascites may occur. The treatment for liver cancer must be determined based on factors such as tumor size, numb...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Liver Cancer: Symptoms, Severity, and Treatment Options
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns After Dysentery
Blood in the stool? I contracted dysentery (Shigella) two months ago, experiencing fever and bloody stools. I was subsequently hospitalized and discharged after three days. The carrier state persisted for over a month, and stool tests returned to normal after two weeks. However, ...
Dr. Liang Jiade reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Generally, Shigella infections are less likely to result in persistent carriage after treatment. However, if there are still ongoing symptoms such as blood and mucus in the stool, it is recommended to conduct further stool examinations and bacterial cultures. Additionally, a colo...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns After Dysentery
Post-Liver Transplant Health Concerns: Understanding Recovery Challenges
Post-liver transplantation condition Hello, Dr. Liang! My husband's older brother (approximately 53 years old) was a patient with end-stage liver cirrhosis. He underwent a liver transplant at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in December of last year, and his recovery post...
Dr. Liang Jiade reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
After a liver transplant, it is important to monitor whether the transplanted liver is functioning properly and to be aware of the risk of rejection. Your brother is currently experiencing weight loss and abdominal distension, which raises concerns about whether his liver functio...[Read More] Post-Liver Transplant Health Concerns: Understanding Recovery Challenges
Managing Elevated Liver Enzymes: Herbal vs. Western Medicine for Hepatitis B
Liver function tests (LFTs) Hello, doctor. I have hepatitis B, and my liver function tests show elevated levels: GOT 147.1 and GPT 351.7. What medication should I take? Traditional Chinese medicine or Western medicine? Also, what should I pay attention to? Thank you.
Dr. Liang Jiade reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
First, check if the liver dysfunction is caused by hepatitis B before deciding on the treatment. During liver dysfunction, it is important to rest as much as possible and avoid staying up late or consuming foods and medications that may affect the liver.[Read More] Managing Elevated Liver Enzymes: Herbal vs. Western Medicine for Hepatitis B
Dietary Guidelines and Care Tips After Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Gastrointestinal bleeding Hello Dr. Liang, I would like to ask about my husband. He discovered that his stool was black yesterday, and this morning he went to Nantou Provincial Hospital's emergency department due to gastrointestinal bleeding. What dietary considerations sh...
Dr. Liang Jiade reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
There are many causes of gastrointestinal bleeding, and it is essential to determine the underlying reason first. It is advisable to wait until the bleeding has stopped before resuming eating. Try to avoid irritant foods (such as tobacco, alcohol, very hot foods, spicy foods, etc...[Read More] Dietary Guidelines and Care Tips After Gastrointestinal Bleeding