Where to Get Hepatitis Vaccination as a College Student?
Hepatitis vaccination? I am a college student. Six months ago, the campus health center informed me that I tested negative for hepatitis B and C and recommended that I get vaccinated. However, I haven't gone yet. Where should I go to get vaccinated? Thank you.
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Any public hospital offers vaccinations; please arrange for a consultation with a hepatobiliary specialist.[Read More] Where to Get Hepatitis Vaccination as a College Student?
Understanding Trichuris Infection: Treatment and Prevention Guide
Regarding gastrointestinal whipworm infection? My family's caregiver has recently been diagnosed with an infection of whipworm (Trichuris trichiura). What medication should I give her? Is this a treatable condition? What are the modes of transmission? Do general hospitals ha...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
Whipworm infects the human colon and can release up to 5,000 eggs daily. However, it must grow in the soil for 3 weeks before it can infect others again. Treatment can include Vermox (mebendazole) 100 mg twice daily for 3 days, but this medication is not recommended for children ...[Read More] Understanding Trichuris Infection: Treatment and Prevention Guide
Understanding Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels in Hepatitis B Patients
Hepatitis B & Fetal Protein I started experiencing abnormal GPT levels between 30-40 (normal value 35 U/L) since June 2000, with fetal protein at 2.9 ng/ml (normal value 25 ng/ml). The e-antigen was negative; e-antibody was positive; core antibody was positive. However, on De...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
As a carrier of hepatitis B, you only need to undergo ultrasound and tests for GOT, GPT, and AFP every 3 to 6 months (performed by a gastroenterologist), and you do not need to take medication at this time.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels in Hepatitis B Patients
Understanding Gallbladder Sludge: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Gallstones Hello Doctor: Recently, I had an ultrasound, and the doctor mentioned that I have sand in my gallbladder. He advised me to drink more water, but I am a bit worried. Why do I have sand in my gallbladder? Could this condition lead to other health issues? I have a history...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
Gallstones may form from the accumulation of gallbladder sludge over a long period of time. The treatment for gallstones is different from that for urinary stones, and there is no direct relationship between the two. Please have a gastroenterologist perform an ultrasound every si...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Sludge: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Understanding Good vs. Bad Cholesterol: What You Need to Know
Good and bad cholesterol? My mother went to the hospital for a cholesterol check. The doctor said there are good and bad cholesterols, and that my mother's bad cholesterol is close to 100. For a normal person, the bad cholesterol level is about 150. The doctor advised her to...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
Good cholesterol refers to HDL, which should ideally be above 35 mg/dL, while bad cholesterol refers to LDL, which should ideally be below 130 mg/dL. To increase good cholesterol, it is beneficial to consume more deep-sea fish oil, while bad cholesterol can be reduced through reg...[Read More] Understanding Good vs. Bad Cholesterol: What You Need to Know
Common Questions About Hepatitis B Vaccine: Answers from a Doctor
Please ask any questions related to the hepatitis B vaccine! Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask the following questions: 1. It is said that the optimal location for vaccine injection is the center of the deltoid muscle in the upper arm. However, when I received my first dose o...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
1. Vaccines are more effective when injected into the arm, while injections into the shoulder area may be less effective, but they are not necessarily ineffective. You can check for antibody formation after the injection. 2. There have been similar concerns in Europe and the Un...[Read More] Common Questions About Hepatitis B Vaccine: Answers from a Doctor
Common Questions About Hepatitis B Vaccine: Dosage, Timing, and Safety
Please ask questions related to the hepatitis B vaccine? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. It is said that the best location for administering the adult hepatitis B vaccine is in the center of the deltoid muscle in the upper arm. However, I rec...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
1. Vaccines are more effective when injected into the arm, while injections into the shoulder area may be less effective, but they are not necessarily ineffective. You can check for antibody formation after the injection. 2. There is no difference. 3. There have been similar ...[Read More] Common Questions About Hepatitis B Vaccine: Dosage, Timing, and Safety
Recent Statistics on Liver Disease Mortality Rates in Taiwan
Please provide the content you would like I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
The incidence of liver cancer varies significantly around the world (Table 1), but it is recognized as one of the most common malignant tumors in humans. In Taiwan, the incidence of liver cancer remains alarmingly high. According to statistics from the Department of Health, in 19...[Read More] Recent Statistics on Liver Disease Mortality Rates in Taiwan
Understanding Uric Acid Levels: Diet and Gout Risk Factors Explained
Uric acid My husband had a blood test a few days ago, and the report showed his uric acid level is 7.0 (with the normal upper limit being 7.0). I would like to ask: 1. Does he need further testing, or can we manage this with dietary control (he enjoys eating meat and barbecued fo...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
Gout has arrived with winter, and many people eagerly anticipate the snowfall, hoping to go to the mountains to enjoy the snow and build snowmen. However, some individuals worry that their painful old ailment, "gout," may strike again. Regardless of social status, the i...[Read More] Understanding Uric Acid Levels: Diet and Gout Risk Factors Explained
Severe Back Pain: Understanding Nighttime Discomfort and Possible Causes
Excruciating back pain? I would like to inquire about back pain (approximately located at the back, between the ribs) that is very painful (to the point of being unbearable) and occurs mainly at night. The individual has a history of ovarian tumor removal, and I wonder if this is...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
There are many causes of back pain, ranging from the simplest and most common, which is muscular and nerve pain, to more serious conditions such as stones or tumors (for example, chronic back pain could be a sign of colon cancer with bone metastasis) or severe back pain due to ao...[Read More] Severe Back Pain: Understanding Nighttime Discomfort and Possible Causes
Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Management
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Hello, doctor. I have abdominal pain that varies in location; sometimes it's below or above my navel. At times, it feels strange and is hard to describe. The frequency of my bowel movements varies; sometimes I go once, twice, or multiple times ...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
Your physician's diagnosis is correct; this condition cannot be cured. Therefore, it is important to avoid triggering factors such as tension, stress, or consuming overly stimulating foods. Regularly consuming probiotics, such as yogurt, may help reduce the frequency of epis...[Read More] Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Management
Understanding Mouth Ulcers: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Mouth ulcer I have been experiencing mouth ulcers frequently for the past few years, and there is also a foul odor. However, as long as I drink plenty of water, I can avoid getting mouth sores. I'm not sure what the cause is; my family says it's due to excessive heat in...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
Mouth ulcers are a matter of constitution and can recur. However, using oral ointments can help them heal within one to three days. Taking traditional Chinese medicine may not improve the condition, but since you frequently consume Chinese herbal medicine, it is advisable to chec...[Read More] Understanding Mouth Ulcers: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Insights for Office Workers
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello! I am an office worker and spend most of my time sitting in the office. I have low physical activity, and my Hepatitis B surface antigen is positive, while the e antigen is negative. My weight and height are 70 kg and 173 cm, respectively. I smo...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
1. Your condition may involve hepatitis B, fatty liver, duodenal ulcer, and irritable bowel syndrome, along with renal insufficiency. Please start by losing weight, quitting smoking, and undergoing triple therapy for the treatment of the duodenal ulcer. 2. The presence of hepat...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Insights for Office Workers
Understanding Hepatitis B: Symptoms, Treatment, and Liver Health Concerns
Hepatitis B I am a carrier of hepatitis B, but I have never experienced any symptoms of hepatitis. I have always had a poor appearance and high levels of irritability. In recent years, I have felt pressure in the area near my liver, and I feel discomfort when sleeping on my left ...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
After taking Lamivudine for three months, if your GOT and GPT levels are still so high, please consider other causes of your hepatitis. You should visit our clinic for further investigation, as you may not need to continue taking liver protection medication.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Symptoms, Treatment, and Liver Health Concerns
Managing Hormone Use and Liver Function in Menopausal Women
Hormone Use and Liver Function Dear Dr. Yang, My mother is 58 years old and has a history of diabetes, fatty liver disease, and impaired liver function. Recently, due to her liver issues, her doctor recommended discontinuing hormone therapy, which has left her struggling with me...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
It is recommended to continue hormone therapy. As for fatty liver and hepatitis, treatment should be sought at our clinic.[Read More] Managing Hormone Use and Liver Function in Menopausal Women
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Do You Need a Booster?
Hepatitis B vaccine I received the hepatitis B vaccine 7 years ago, and in a recent test, my HBsAg was negative and Anti-HBs was negative. Does this indicate that the antibodies have disappeared? Is the hepatitis B vaccine considered lifelong immunity? Do I need to get revaccinat...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
The protection from the hepatitis B vaccine lasts approximately ten years on average. In your case, the effectiveness has diminished, so receiving another dose of the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Do You Need a Booster?
Understanding GOT and GPT: Normal Ranges and Implications for Health
GOT (Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase), also known as AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), and GPT (Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase), also known as ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase), are enzymes found in the liver and other tissues. Normal reference ranges for these enzymes can va...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
Mild elevation of GOT and GPT in biochemical blood tests indicates the presence of hepatitis; however, the clinical significance and severity must be determined through ultrasound examination and the presence of hepatitis B virus infection.[Read More] Understanding GOT and GPT: Normal Ranges and Implications for Health
Managing Hereditary Hemolytic Anemia: Key Considerations and Care Tips
Hemolytic anemia Hello, my boyfriend has hereditary hemolytic anemia. What should I pay attention to? He has splenomegaly and jaundice; how can I help him monitor these conditions? Will this disease lead to liver problems in the future? Should I provide him with special nutrition...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
Hemolytic anemia can lead to jaundice and gallstones, and may also cause splenomegaly. Although it is not a liver disease, it can result in night sweats, which may indicate sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity. It is advisable to perform imaging studies of the adrenal glands.[Read More] Managing Hereditary Hemolytic Anemia: Key Considerations and Care Tips
Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment, Diet, and Lifestyle Tips
Hepatitis B Hello Dr. Yang: I am a carrier of Hepatitis B. I would like to know if I need treatment for this condition. What should I pay attention to in my diet and daily life? How should I take care of myself? I have undergone several examinations, but my doctors have not menti...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
Important Information for Hepatitis Survival The causes of hepatitis include viral, drug-induced, alcoholic, and autoimmune types. Viral hepatitis is classified into types A, B, C, D, E, and G. The progression of the disease often follows the sequence: hepatitis >> cirrhos...[Read More] Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment, Diet, and Lifestyle Tips
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Concerns
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor: Recently, I noticed a noticeable bulge around my navel, about the size of a palm, when lying flat. I had an X-ray, which suggested possible gastric distension, but I have not experienced any burping since then. The X-ray of my intestines show...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
It may be a colorectal disease; please undergo a colonoscopy.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Concerns