Can Colds Raise Liver Enzyme Levels After Hepatitis B Vaccine?
Liver function tests (LFTs) Dear Dr. Yang: Can a cold cause elevated liver enzymes? What symptoms might occur 15 days after receiving the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine? What should I be aware of?
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Some colds can cause elevated liver enzymes, and certain cold viruses may lead to liver dysfunction. Most individuals who receive the hepatitis B vaccine remain asymptomatic.[Read More] Can Colds Raise Liver Enzyme Levels After Hepatitis B Vaccine?
Dietary Guidelines for Diabetic Patients with Liver Issues
Diet for Individuals with Diabetes and Liver Issues Hello Doctor: My father is currently 60 years old and has diabetes and hepatitis B, along with signs of liver cirrhosis. What should he pay attention to in his daily diet? How should he combine his meals? Thank you.
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Patients with hepatitis B complicated by cirrhosis and diabetes should have regular follow-ups in the hepatology and gastroenterology outpatient clinic. Patients with cirrhosis and ascites require a low-sodium diet, while diabetic patients should consult a nutritionist.[Read More] Dietary Guidelines for Diabetic Patients with Liver Issues
Dietary Guidelines for Managing Diabetes and Liver Issues in Seniors
Dietary Issues Related to Diabetes and Liver Problems Hello doctor, my father is sixty years old and has diabetes and hepatitis B, along with signs of liver cirrhosis. What dietary issues should we pay attention to? How should we best combine his diet? Thank you.
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Patients with hepatitis B complicated by cirrhosis and diabetes should have regular follow-ups in the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology clinic. Patients with cirrhosis and ascites require a low-sodium diet, while diabetic patients should consult with a nutritionist.[Read More] Dietary Guidelines for Managing Diabetes and Liver Issues in Seniors
Can You Get Hepatitis B Vaccination If You Already Have It?
Hepatitis B Hello: I would like to ask if I can still receive the hepatitis B vaccine even though I already have hepatitis B. If so, how long will it take to develop antibodies? Can I go directly to the county hospital's hepatobiliary department for the injection?
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Patients with existing hepatitis B infection do not need to receive the vaccine. Only those who do not have hepatitis B antigens and antibodies need to get the hepatitis B vaccine. A total of three doses are required, which can be administered directly at a public hospital's...[Read More] Can You Get Hepatitis B Vaccination If You Already Have It?
Understanding Intestinal Obstruction: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Intestinal obstruction Initially, there was difficulty in bowel movements, and after about a month, there has been an inability to pass stool or gas, along with frequent bloating. Currently, the patient is afraid to eat, fearing that gas will accumulate in the intestines. An endo...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Colonoscopy can sometimes cause pain and result in unsuccessful examinations due to individual variations in the curvature of the colon. In such cases, a non-direct colon imaging method may be employed. This method is less painful and has a higher success rate; however, it has th...[Read More] Understanding Intestinal Obstruction: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Does Irregular Work Schedule Affect Liver Health?
Does an irregular lifestyle affect the liver? Hello, doctor. Working night shifts frequently and having a disrupted day-night cycle, does it have an impact on the liver?
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
For liver function assessment, it is necessary to identify the underlying causes, such as the presence of viruses, alcohol consumption, and drug-induced hepatitis. Therefore, I recommend that you undergo blood tests to check for hepatitis B and C virus infections. If positive, yo...[Read More] Does Irregular Work Schedule Affect Liver Health?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Symptoms and Remedies
Gastrointestinal issues Recently, I've been experiencing persistent discomfort in my stomach, which is accompanied by overall weakness, especially when I'm fasting. Eating something helps a bit, but the discomfort returns shortly after. Sometimes, when I touch my stomac...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
You may be experiencing autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and you might need to adjust to external stressors. Additionally, hepatitis B requires regular monitoring, and a notable aspect of your condition is that antacids are ineffective.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Symptoms and Remedies
Understanding Nausea: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
I feel nauseous? Hello Doctor: I have been feeling nauseous frequently over the past few months, and it has become more severe in the last week or two. My appetite has decreased, and I feel nauseous throughout the day. Additionally, I often experience discomfort in my chest when ...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
I suggest you first visit the psychosomatic medicine clinic to check for the possibility of pregnancy, as early pregnancy can also cause nausea and vomiting.[Read More] Understanding Nausea: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Dry Mouth and Bad Breath: Liver and Digestive Health Issues
Dry mouth and bad breath? I have been working night shifts for a long time, which means I usually go to bed after 2 AM. Recently, I have noticed a decline in my health; I often feel weak all over, experience dizziness, and have worsening headaches. Additionally, I have been suffe...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Your condition may involve insomnia along with endocrine disorders, so it is likely not a liver disease. However, you can go to the hospital for GOT and GPT tests. Improving your insomnia is the best approach. From my own experience, traditional Chinese medicine treatment can be ...[Read More] Understanding Dry Mouth and Bad Breath: Liver and Digestive Health Issues
Understanding Positive Hepatitis B Test Results: What You Need to Know
Hepatitis B? My friend had a health check-up at school, and I saw that in the section for Hepatitis B, it mentioned "if positive reaction." I'm not sure what this means.
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
This indicates that you are infected with the hepatitis B virus. Patients with this condition have a high risk of developing liver cancer, so please undergo an ultrasound examination every three months.[Read More] Understanding Positive Hepatitis B Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Insights for Expats in South Africa
Issues related to the stomach? I am an expatriate living in South Africa. My mother has been experiencing gastrointestinal issues for the past few years. Initially, I thought it was due to her discomfort living abroad, which caused her stress. She often feels as if there is a sto...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
I recommend scheduling an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to determine if there are any ulcers or other lesions.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Insights for Expats in South Africa
Managing Liver Hemangiomas: Treatment Options and Risks Explained
Regarding hepatic hemangiomas! I would like to ask about my mother, who was diagnosed with a hemangioma in her liver five years ago. Since it is benign, she has been undergoing follow-up examinations every six months. Over the past five years, the hemangioma has grown to nearly 5...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
I recommend getting an MRI to determine whether it is indeed a hemangioma. Hemangiomas rarely transform into malignant tumors, so I suggest not considering surgical removal at this time.[Read More] Managing Liver Hemangiomas: Treatment Options and Risks Explained
Are Birth Control Pills Safe for Long-Term Use in Acne Treatment?
Is long-term use of contraceptive pills or menstrual regulation medications for treating acne harmful to the liver or kidneys, or does it have other side effects? My skin is very oily and prone to acne. Recently, I visited a dermatology clinic, and the doctor recommended taking h...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hepatitis B carriers not only have the potential to transmit the virus to others, but the virus can also remain dormant within liver cells, potentially leading to chronic hepatitis, which may progress to cirrhosis and ultimately liver cancer. Therefore, due to the possibility of ...[Read More] Are Birth Control Pills Safe for Long-Term Use in Acne Treatment?
Managing Hepatitis B and Membranous Nephropathy: Treatment Insights
Hepatitis B (e antigen positive) + membranous nephropathy? Hello, I have been a carrier of Hepatitis B for over ten years, and for the past year, I have been troubled by membranous nephropathy (as confirmed by biopsy). My lab results are as follows: total cholesterol: 268, BUN: 1...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
In your case, there are two possibilities. First, you may have two conditions, specifically both hepatitis B and nephritis, which is a relatively common scenario. The second possibility is that your nephritis is being affected by hepatitis B. In this situation, treating hepatitis...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis B and Membranous Nephropathy: Treatment Insights
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccine: Coverage, Costs, and Dosage
Hepatitis B vaccine 1. Is it possible to use health insurance for the hepatitis B vaccine? 2. If paying out of pocket, what is the cost? 3. How many doses should be administered?
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
1. No, but the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns is free. 2. Approximately 200 to 350 NTD. 3. It should be administered in three separate doses, achieving a success rate of over 90%.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccine: Coverage, Costs, and Dosage
Hospitals in Tainan for Chronic Hepatitis B Treatment: Options and Coverage
Hospitals for the treatment of Hepatitis B? In Tainan, there are several hospitals and clinics that provide treatment for chronic hepatitis B. The typical treatment duration can vary depending on the specific medication and individual patient factors, but it often lasts from seve...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
1. You can visit the National Cheng Kung University Hospital for a consultation, or you can go to the Tainan City Hospital. 2. Some medications are covered by health insurance, while others are not.[Read More] Hospitals in Tainan for Chronic Hepatitis B Treatment: Options and Coverage
Understanding Dark Green Stool: What It Could Mean for Your Health
My stool color is dark green? I have a record of three gastroscopies, and my most recent stool color is dark green (as seen on toilet paper). The previous two gastroscopies revealed issues with gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers, but this time the stool color is something I haven...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Black or non-yellow stool may indicate poor internal health. I don't believe it is related to gastric ulcers. Drinking yogurt can help improve internal health. Additionally, if there are genuine concerns about colon issues, a colonoscopy can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Dark Green Stool: What It Could Mean for Your Health
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Concerns When Squatting
Bleeding occurs when squatting? Hello! I would like to ask you a question. My husband experiences significant fresh blood from the anus when squatting, about twice a month, and it is not painful. This mostly occurs at night. Is this an issue related to the intestines or the anus?...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
This is a minor symptom, but it may be hiding a significant issue, such as colorectal cancer. Please undergo a quick and simple sigmoidoscopy examination.[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Concerns When Squatting
Understanding Muscle Cramps: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Muscle cramp? Hello, doctor! Since after the Lunar New Year, I sometimes experience muscle cramps when performing certain movements (for example, reaching out to grab something). The cramps start from the front of my shoulder (around the joint where the arm bone connects) and rad...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
It is recommended to see an orthopedic specialist or a rehabilitation physician.[Read More] Understanding Muscle Cramps: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: Key Insights and Information
Please ask your question? What is Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis?
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
This is commonly known as Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. Due to the pancreatic tumors in these patients, there is excessive gastric acid secretion, which can lead to severe ulcers and diarrhea; however, this condition is rarely diagnosed in patients.[Read More] Understanding Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: Key Insights and Information