What to Do If You Test Positive for Hepatitis B in School?
Hepatitis B During a school health examination, it was discovered that I am infected with hepatitis B. HBeAg is positive. Please advise me on what to do. Thank you!
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
The presence of e-antigen positivity indicates that the virus is replicating quite actively, resulting in high infectivity. Conversely, e-antibody positivity suggests that the viral activity has significantly decreased, and the infectivity is lower (although it is still infectiou...[Read More] What to Do If You Test Positive for Hepatitis B in School?
Is It Normal to Smell Alcohol in Your Breath After Exercise?
Alcohol breath Is it normal to have a faint alcohol smell on my breath after intense exercise or when I am very tired?
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
If you have no prior experience with this consultation and have consumed alcohol, please get a blood test to check for liver disease.[Read More] Is It Normal to Smell Alcohol in Your Breath After Exercise?
Frequent Flatulence: Causes, Concerns, and Dietary Solutions
Frequent flatulence? I have been attending night classes for a year now, and after finishing work and having dinner, I go to class. Recently, I have noticed that I am passing gas very easily, especially in the evenings. I eat something at every meal, but regardless of what I eat,...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
If you have an unhealthy gut environment, you can regularly consume lactic acid bacteria (such as Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus, Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidobacterium breve) and Bifidobacterium (through fermentation for intestinal cleansing), which is found in yogu...[Read More] Frequent Flatulence: Causes, Concerns, and Dietary Solutions
Managing Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver: Treatment and Lifestyle Tips
Internal Medicine Hello Dr. Yang: I have hepatitis B and fatty liver. What treatment should I undergo, and what dietary and lifestyle considerations should I keep in mind? Thank you.
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
Typically, liver function tests, alpha-fetoprotein levels, and abdominal ultrasounds are performed every six months to prevent progression from hepatitis to cirrhosis, according to Dr. Yang Guojun, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist.[Read More] Managing Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver: Treatment and Lifestyle Tips
Can Thyroid Function Return After Treatment? Understanding Recurrence Risks
Will hyperthyroidism relapse after treatment? After a period of medication management, the levels of T3 and T4 have returned to normal in a patient with hyperthyroidism. However, the patient occasionally experiences episodes of rapid heartbeat. It has been some time since the pat...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
Please consult the endocrinology and metabolism outpatient clinic for the answers you need.[Read More] Can Thyroid Function Return After Treatment? Understanding Recurrence Risks
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea: Is It IBS?
Abdominal pain and diarrhea? Hello Dr. Yang: I often experience acute abdominal pain and diarrhea after lunch or dinner, mostly after lunch. I wonder if this could be irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This condition presents symptoms similar to those mentioned above. It is characterized by its distinct features, making diagnosis straightforward but treatment challenging. The underlying causes remain unclear, and patients often experience recurre...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea: Is It IBS?
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Risks, Monitoring, and Treatment Options
Chronic Hepatitis B I am currently 40 years old and have been living with chronic hepatitis B for nearly 20 years. My most recent blood tests and ultrasound results are as follows: fatty liver, EAG/EAB: -/+, AST/ALT: 36/58, AFP: -, HBsAg: +. The doctor said that I do not need med...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
Liver cancer has a widely varying incidence rate around the world, 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, malignant tumors ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Risks, Monitoring, and Treatment Options
Understanding Colon Polyps: When Surgery is Necessary and What to Consider
Intestinal polyps Two years ago, I was diagnosed with polyps in my intestines in Taiwan. I have been experiencing constipation and diarrhea. Recently, I mentioned this issue to my doctor, and the doctor here in the U.S. recommended that I undergo surgery to remove the polyps imme...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
Polyps: Polyps are protrusions on the intestinal wall formed by abnormal proliferation of the epithelium. Polyps can generally be classified into hyperplastic polyps and adenomatous polyps, with only adenomatous polyps having the potential to undergo malignant transformation. The...[Read More] Understanding Colon Polyps: When Surgery is Necessary and What to Consider
Understanding Frequent Bowel Movements and Mucus: Diagnosis and Treatment
Gastrointestinal tract Frequent bowel movements several times a day, accompanied by mucus and a sensation of incomplete evacuation, may indicate a condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). If taking a medication like "Chaoqi" ...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
You may have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which can present symptoms similar to those mentioned above. This condition has distinct characteristics; it is easy to diagnose but difficult to treat, and the underlying causes remain unclear. Patients often experience recurrent symp...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Bowel Movements and Mucus: Diagnosis and Treatment
Identifying the Causes of Occult Blood in Stool: A Guide
Fecal occult blood? After testing positive for occult blood in two stool samples, I underwent an upper endoscopy, and the doctor noted inflammation. I then had a colonoscopy, but the endoscope only reached 80 centimeters with no abnormalities observed. How can I identify the caus...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
You can schedule a small bowel imaging study to investigate any lesions or bleeding in this segment of the intestine. Please visit our outpatient internal medicine clinic, Room 5, with Dr. Yang Guojun, who previously served as a research physician in the Gastroenterology and Hepa...[Read More] Identifying the Causes of Occult Blood in Stool: A Guide
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Liver Function Concerns
Hepatitis B I received the hepatitis B vaccine (four doses) during elementary school, but later blood tests showed no antibodies. I then received three additional doses, and recently, I had another blood test that again showed no antibodies. I received one more shot; should I con...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
You should not receive the vaccine again, primarily because you may have already been infected with hepatitis B. It is recommended that you visit our clinic, Internal Medicine, Room 5, to see Dr. Yang Guojun, who previously served as a research physician in the Gastroenterology a...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Liver Function Concerns
Effective Management and Care for Hepatitis C: Key Insights and Tips
Treatment and Care for Hepatitis C Dear Dr. Yang, For a 56-year-old patient newly diagnosed with Hepatitis C, can taking liver protection supplements effectively control or even cure the condition? What lifestyle and dietary precautions should be taken?
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
Is the liver medication you are currently taking effective? Please come to our clinic for treatment at Internal Medicine 5, Dr. Yang Guojun, who previously served as a research physician in the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at National Taiwan University Hospital (...[Read More] Effective Management and Care for Hepatitis C: Key Insights and Tips
Is Interferon Effective for Chronic Fatigue and Enlarged Spleen in Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C Frequent fatigue and splenomegaly, along with a diagnosis of hepatitis C, raises concerns about the effectiveness of interferon therapy. Interferon can be effective in treating hepatitis C, but the response varies among individuals. It is important to consult with a h...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
Combination therapy for hepatitis C, involving interferon and antiviral medications, can achieve an effectiveness of approximately 70%.[Read More] Is Interferon Effective for Chronic Fatigue and Enlarged Spleen in Hepatitis C?
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
Rectum Sometimes after a bowel movement, there is blood when wiping, especially noticeable after a few days without a bowel movement. In the past, it was a small amount of non-bright red blood, but there have been a few instances of bright red blood the size of a fifty-cent coin....
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
This is a case of lower gastrointestinal bleeding; please visit the internal medicine department, Clinic 5, to identify the cause.[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention Tips
Hypotension Does low blood pressure cause stroke? What are the symptoms of low blood pressure? How can low blood pressure be prevented?
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
Some women are born with low blood pressure, which should not have any clinical significance. If there are any concerns, please visit the internal medicine clinic, Room 5, for an examination.[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention Tips
Understanding Causes and Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can arise from various factors, including: 1. **Gut Motility Issues**: Abnormalities in the movement of the intestines can lead to symptoms. 2. **Visceral Hypersensitivity**: Increased sensitivity of the intestines to stimuli can cause pain and dis...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) accounts for 40% of outpatient visits. This condition has three main characteristics: 1. Recurrent episodes, 2. Patients have seen many doctors without improvement, 3. Patients have undergone numerous tests (such as gastroscopy and ultrasound) that ...[Read More] Understanding Causes and Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Dietary Tips for Managing Fatty Liver Disease: Causes and Precautions
Fatty liver disease What dietary considerations should be taken into account for someone diagnosed with fatty liver disease? How is fatty liver disease formed?
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
Fatty liver, in simple terms, means that the liver is "oily." This indicates that there is an accumulation of fat within liver cells. In Taiwan, approximately one-third of adults have fatty liver. Common causes of fatty liver include obesity, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, e...[Read More] Dietary Tips for Managing Fatty Liver Disease: Causes and Precautions
Understanding Yellowing of the Eyes: Causes and Diagnostic Tests
Gastrointestinal tract I recently noticed that the lower part of the white of my eye has a yellowish tint. Could you please tell me what disease this might indicate? Additionally, what can a stool test reveal about potential diseases? Thank you.
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
Dr. Yang Guojun responded: Yellowing of the eyes may indicate liver disease. You can visit the outpatient internal medicine clinic for blood tests and ultrasound examinations.[Read More] Understanding Yellowing of the Eyes: Causes and Diagnostic Tests
Patient Rights in Healthcare: Accessing Medical Records and Treatment
Patient Rights in Healthcare My father recently sought consultation at the gastroenterology department due to black stools. After the physician arranged for an endoscopy, it was confirmed that he had gastrointestinal bleeding and a duodenal ulcer. He was advised to be hospitalize...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
Dr. Yang Guojun responded: The principle of medication under the National Health Insurance is based on the patient's condition. You can take a copy of your report to another hospital or general clinic to obtain the medication. Losec is typically only necessary for a duration...[Read More] Patient Rights in Healthcare: Accessing Medical Records and Treatment
Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Do Antibodies Indicate Infection?
What is a hepatitis B carrier? Does having antibodies from a previous infection count? Am I also a carrier?
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
A positive hepatitis B surface antibody indicates the ability to resist hepatitis B infection, while a positive hepatitis B surface antigen indicates the ability to transmit hepatitis B or that the individual is a patient with hepatitis B. If you need further clarification about ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Do Antibodies Indicate Infection?