Important Considerations for Allergy Medications in Hepatitis B Patients
What should patients with hepatitis B pay attention to when using antihistamines? Hello, I have been a carrier of hepatitis B for over a decade. This year, my tests showed GOT 79 and GPT 101 for the first time. My doctor has prescribed liver-protecting medication for me. Addition...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, everyone metabolizes and reacts to medications differently, so it is not possible to confirm whether the antihistamine you are taking may harm your liver; regular monitoring is necessary. How long have you been taking the antihistamine? Did you use it before the blood test...[Read More] Important Considerations for Allergy Medications in Hepatitis B Patients
Understanding Active Hepatitis B: Treatment Options and Next Steps
Hepatitis B carriers are actively infected with the virus? A 31-year-old male, originally a carrier of hepatitis B, discovered during a health check that his liver enzymes were excessively high, ranging from 400 to nearly 500. Further testing at a larger hospital revealed a very ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello Jenny! 1. According to the doctor, 640 million → there was no unit provided for the test result. If the unit is copies/mL, then the viral load is very high. 2. A biopsy is recommended before treatment → Is interferon therapy suggested? If so, your physician may want to a...[Read More] Understanding Active Hepatitis B: Treatment Options and Next Steps
How Much Aflatoxin Exposure Can Lead to Liver Cancer?
How much aflatoxin does one need to consume to develop liver cancer? Dear Dr. Hsu, I have undergone abdominal ultrasound examinations by two different physicians. The doctor at the Tzu Chi Douliu Clinic reported a small dark shadow and noted that the spleen appears larger than u...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, since you do not have hepatitis B or C, the likelihood of malignant tumors is low. However, if you are still concerned, a CT scan can be arranged for further evaluation. I'm not sure about the size of the small dark spot that was seen on the original ultrasound; somet...[Read More] How Much Aflatoxin Exposure Can Lead to Liver Cancer?
How Liver Issues Can Affect Your Skin Health: Understanding the Connection
Liver issues Hello, doctor! I would like to ask if liver problems can affect the skin. Recently, I've been experiencing itching in my limbs without realizing it, and I tend to scratch. Is there a connection? Thank you!
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, skin itching and poor skin condition are not necessarily related to the liver. Do you notice any rash accompanying the itching? It is advisable to consult a dermatologist for an evaluation.[Read More] How Liver Issues Can Affect Your Skin Health: Understanding the Connection
Do I Really Need to Combine Gan An and Gan Shi Neng for Hepatitis B Treatment?
In the hepatitis B testing program, do Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and antiviral medications like entecavir (ETV) need to be taken together? I have participated in a clinical trial and completed a course of Daclatasvir. After the treatment, both antibodies and antigens test...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, indeed, this has been a significant expense over time. However, due to the current regulations of the National Health Insurance system, there will not be any policy relaxations in the short term. Currently, some research reports indicate that the combined use of Dexamethas...[Read More] Do I Really Need to Combine Gan An and Gan Shi Neng for Hepatitis B Treatment?
Understanding Positive Hepatitis B Antigen with Negative Antibody Results
Antigen positive but antibody negative? Hello Dr. Hsu: During my health check-up last year, I found that my Hepatitis B surface antigen was positive but the antibody was negative, and my GPT was slightly elevated at 39. The doctor suggested a follow-up in six months, indicating i...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, last year's test report indicated that you were infected with hepatitis B, but it could not confirm whether it was acute or chronic. Therefore, it was recommended to follow up in six months. However, this month's blood test report only mentioned that the core ant...[Read More] Understanding Positive Hepatitis B Antigen with Negative Antibody Results
Understanding Hepatitis B: Key Questions for Patients and Management
Issues related to Hepatitis B? Hello, Dr. Hsu: About four years ago, I was diagnosed with hepatitis B, and the doctor told me that I am a healthy carrier, and I only need to return for check-ups every six months. I would like to ask a few questions: 1. I only know that my surfa...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
1. The definition of a healthy carrier is someone who is infected with hepatitis B but has normal liver function tests and ultrasound results. 2. Your SGPT level is 53, which is slightly elevated, indicating mild inflammation; therefore, close monitoring is necessary, but current...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Key Questions for Patients and Management
Understanding Liver Cancer: Risks, Treatments, and Complications
Liver cancer Hello Dr. Hsu, I have some questions regarding my elderly family member (female) who has liver cancer (with tumors approximately 3 cm in size located on the right side and center of the abdomen), cirrhosis, hepatitis C, esophageal varices, thrombocytopenia (platele...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the case is quite complex and requires a review of detailed medical history to make a clear assessment. Has a physician suggested electrotherapy?[Read More] Understanding Liver Cancer: Risks, Treatments, and Complications
Understanding Liver Health: Addressing Abdominal Discomfort and Concerns
Regarding issues related to the "liver" and "abdominal discomfort." Hello, Dr. Hsu. I would like to ask you a few questions and provide some context first. For the past four to five days, I have been experiencing some discomfort in the upper abdomen, particula...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! The symptoms mentioned in the letter are not related to the liver. Since you do not have hepatitis B, it is likely that you do not have hepatitis C either (I'm not sure if you have been tested?). The probability of developing liver cancer is very low; however, if you ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Addressing Abdominal Discomfort and Concerns
Managing Unexpected Pregnancy While on Medication: Risks and Options
Can D&C treat unintended pregnancy? Dr. Hsu: Hello, my pre-treatment GOT/GPT levels were 120/64. After taking Danazol for four months, my liver enzymes have returned to normal at 19/17, but the E antigen remains positive. I have been on medication for over a year now, and it ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello Ms. Liu! After inquiring with the pharmaceutical company, there is limited safety data regarding the use of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) during human pregnancy. In reproductive studies conducted on animals, there is no evidence indicating that Ganoderma lucidum has t...[Read More] Managing Unexpected Pregnancy While on Medication: Risks and Options
Understanding the Side Effects of Hepatitis Ling Injection: What You Need to Know
What side effects should be noted for Hepatitis B (Liver) injection? I previously wrote to you: Hello Doctor... I had an index of over 300 and took Gan An Neng for more than a year, during which my HBeAg turned negative. After taking it for another six months, I stopped the medic...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! The medications mentioned from mainland China do not have clear evidence regarding their effectiveness, so I cannot provide appropriate recommendations. Generally, the efficacy of Tenofovir or Entecavir is significantly better than that of Adefovir, so one should not assum...[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects of Hepatitis Ling Injection: What You Need to Know
Do Liver Transplants Require Matching Blood Types?
Is it necessary for a liver transplant to have the same blood type? Is it necessary to have the same blood type for a liver transplant? If I need a liver transplant in the future, since I am type O and my wife is type B, and her entire family has hepatitis B, only my wife and chi...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! If you need a liver transplant, you can only receive type O blood. In principle, it's best to have the same blood type for a liver transplant to reduce the risk of rejection. However, type O blood can be donated to others, but individuals with type O blood can only re...[Read More] Do Liver Transplants Require Matching Blood Types?
Should I Take Liver An Neng and Liver Shi Neng Together or Choose Beileke?
Is it better to take Hepanone and Hepanorm together, or should I take Belek? Hello Doctor, I apologize for writing you so many letters. Previously, my e-antigen was over 300, and I took Tenofovir for more than a year, during which my e-antigen turned negative. After taking it for...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Some studies have confirmed that taking both together can reduce the likelihood of developing drug resistance in liver function. However, as you mentioned, cost is a significant consideration. When you referred to medications from mainland China, what specifically were you...[Read More] Should I Take Liver An Neng and Liver Shi Neng Together or Choose Beileke?
Deciding Whether to Resume Medication After Stopping: A Liver Health Dilemma
What should I do if my condition relapsed after stopping Danazol after a year and a half of use? Hello doctor... I previously had an index over 300 and took antiviral medication for more than a year, during which my e-antigen turned negative. After taking the medication for anoth...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Indeed, this situation can be quite distressing. Your physician's perspective is not incorrect; while inflammation may decrease, the current assessment suggests a higher likelihood of ongoing inflammation. Additionally, although your E antigen is negative, your GPT le...[Read More] Deciding Whether to Resume Medication After Stopping: A Liver Health Dilemma
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis C: Expert Insights from Dr. Hsu
Could you please provide more context or information regarding your question for Dr. Hsu? Dear Dr. Hsu, Hello! You are an authority in the field of liver disease research in our country, and I sincerely appreciate your responses. I apologize for continuously asking you questions...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! 1. I have never heard such a statement. 2. It is possible for it to disappear, but there is no specific timeline for its disappearance. In Taiwan, there is approximately a 70% chance that an infection with Hepatitis C will progress to chronic Hepatitis C. 3. There is still...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis C: Expert Insights from Dr. Hsu
Understanding Hepatitis C: Risks, Transmission, and Recovery Insights
Hepatitis C issues Hello, Doctor: I apologize for asking you again about hepatitis C issues: 1. If hepatitis C is not contracted through blood transfusion (for example, due to improperly sterilized injection equipment in medical facilities), is the likelihood of it progressing to...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! 1. There is no such statement. 2. Having antibodies for hepatitis C but a negative HCV RNA test indicates that there is no active hepatitis C infection, making it unlikely to transmit to others. 3. It will not happen. 4. This possibility cannot be ruled out.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C: Risks, Transmission, and Recovery Insights
Understanding Left Abdominal Swelling: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Abdominal distension? Recently, I have been experiencing a peculiar sensation in my left abdomen, where it feels slightly swollen for a second or two, but there is no pain. This occurs about one to three times a day. After researching online, I found that one of the complications...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! The symptoms mentioned in the letter are quite vague. If the pain lasts only one or two seconds, it is probably not what you would refer to as cirrhosis. However, if you are still concerned, it is best to consult a gastroenterologist. Do you have jaundice? Is your liver fu...[Read More] Understanding Left Abdominal Swelling: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Essential Tests for Hepatitis B Carriers: A Complete Guide
What tests should be conducted for hepatitis B carriers? I have been a carrier since birth due to my mother and am planning to go to the hospital for a check-up (this is my first time proactively seeking an examination). What specific tests should I request from the doctor to ens...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! You should at least know your e antigen, e antibody, GOT (AST), GPT (ALT), AFP, and abdominal ultrasound results.[Read More] Essential Tests for Hepatitis B Carriers: A Complete Guide
Dietary Guidelines for Managing Chronic Hepatitis: Recipes and Tips
Diet for Chronic Hepatitis Hello! I have chronic hepatitis, and my liver enzyme levels are over 600. I hope the doctor can provide some recipes, as I am hesitant to eat outside and don't know what to cook.
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Basically, chronic hepatitis does not require a special diet. According to nutritionists, the main focus should be on a balanced diet, emphasizing fresh and light foods.[Read More] Dietary Guidelines for Managing Chronic Hepatitis: Recipes and Tips
Understanding Hepatitis C: Questions on Diagnosis, Transmission, and Treatment
Hepatitis C-related issues Hello Doctor: My husband donated blood about ten years ago, and afterward, the blood donation center sent a notification stating that my husband tested positive for hepatitis C surface antibodies. Since then, my husband has consistently had GOT and GPT ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, Doctor: My husband donated blood about ten years ago, and afterward, the blood donation center sent a notification stating that he tested positive for hepatitis C surface antibodies. Since then, his GOT and GPT levels have consistently been around 20. He does not smoke or ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C: Questions on Diagnosis, Transmission, and Treatment