Understanding Hypoglycemia: Symptoms, Causes, and Necessary Tests
Hypoglycemia Hello Dr. Chen: I have chronic hepatitis type B, kidney stones, a history of gallstones, and symptoms of hypoglycemia (tremors, palpitations, night sweats, dizziness, and weakness in the limbs) that have been intermittent for several years. However, the episodes have...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, I would like to know if you have checked your blood sugar levels during your symptoms to confirm if they were indeed low? Have you ever undergone gastric surgery? Do your symptoms occur after fasting for a long time or after eating? Do your symptoms improve after consuming...[Read More] Understanding Hypoglycemia: Symptoms, Causes, and Necessary Tests
Understanding Acute Hepatitis: A Guide for Families Facing Liver Challenges
Please provide information about fulminant hepatitis? My father is currently 60 years old and has autoimmune disease and is a carrier of hepatitis B. Two years ago, he experienced polymyositis due to autoimmune issues and has been on long-term steroid treatment (three pills). He ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, currently your father's condition seems to be characterized by ongoing liver function failure, with persistent jaundice and abnormal coagulation function, showing no significant improvement. The current treatments (such as diuretics, plasma transfusions, and ammonia r...[Read More] Understanding Acute Hepatitis: A Guide for Families Facing Liver Challenges
Choosing the Best Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B: Interferon vs. New Oral Antivirals
Regarding interferon therapy? Hello: I have been undergoing treatment for hepatitis B for over three years. Initially, I was treated with interferon, and there was a period when my AST and ALT levels dropped to normal (although the e-antigen remained positive, and the viral load ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Recently, your GPT index has increased. Besides Danazol, long-acting interferons are also one of the treatment options. However, they are currently not covered by health insurance and must be paid for out-of-pocket. The efficacy of both treatments is quite similar, but for...[Read More] Choosing the Best Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B: Interferon vs. New Oral Antivirals
Understanding Hepatitis B Carrier Status and Its Implications for Health
Could you please provide more context or complete your question regarding hepatitis B carriers? I previously had two hepatitis B tests six months apart, both showing positive for surface antigen. However, my GOT, GPT, AFP, and abdominal ultrasound results were normal. The doctor ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. You are confirmed to be a carrier of hepatitis B (chronic hepatitis B), as both surface antigen tests have been positive for more than six months. However, being e-antigen negative indicates that you are a less infectious carrier. 2. If fatty liver is severe,...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Carrier Status and Its Implications for Health
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Right lower abdominal pain? Hello Doctor: In March of this year, I noticed pain in my lower right abdomen, but it was not significant, so I didn't pay much attention to it. Recently, over the past month or two, the pain has become more pronounced, with a specific point that ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. It may be advisable to perform an abdominal ultrasound to check for any abnormal lesions outside the intestines or to assess if there is abnormal thickening of the intestinal wall. If necessary, a colonoscopy can also be performed to check for mucosal inflammat...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Risks, Size Guidelines, and Dietary Impact
Gallbladder polyp During a liver ultrasound examination at the hospital, a 0.4 cm polyp was unexpectedly found in the gallbladder. What issues could this cause? At what size should it be removed? What are the possible causes? Can dietary changes help it disappear? Additionally, m...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, regarding gallbladder polyps, the exact reason why they develop is currently unexplained, but some individuals do form them. Generally, polyps smaller than 1 centimeter are considered benign. Regular abdominal ultrasounds (approximately every six months to a year) are reco...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Risks, Size Guidelines, and Dietary Impact
Nighttime Hepatitis B Testing: Frequency, Costs, and Essential Exams
Night examination Does your hospital offer various tests for hepatitis B at night, such as fetal protein and abdominal ultrasound? How often should I return for follow-up appointments? What other tests are needed for hepatitis B? What are the costs for these tests? Thank you.
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Our foundation does not have a medical department, so we do not offer outpatient services. You can go to a medical facility that provides evening consultations for testing; all the items you mentioned will be available for examination. As for how long until a follow-up app...[Read More] Nighttime Hepatitis B Testing: Frequency, Costs, and Essential Exams
Understanding Abdominal Cysts: Concerns for Elderly Patients with Comorbidities
Abdominal cyst? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask for your advice regarding my mother, who is 75 years old. She has suffered a stroke on her right side and has diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease, which have severely affected her health. Two years ago, she underwent surg...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, after surgery, weakness of the abdominal wall muscles may lead to local hernia formation. Some individuals may experience a unilateral protrusion in the abdominal area similar to your mother's condition. It is essential to rule out any internal growths, and both abdom...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Cysts: Concerns for Elderly Patients with Comorbidities
Understanding Digestive Discomfort: Is It Liver or Gastrointestinal Issues?
Could you please specify the gastrointestinal issues you are inquiring about? I have recently been feeling a sense of heaviness in my abdomen, especially after meals, which is quite pronounced (although it's not pain, it feels uncomfortable). I often hear gurgling sounds fro...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, 1. These symptoms are likely related to gastrointestinal issues, resembling indigestion or irritable bowel syndrome. It is advisable to relax, avoid excessive stress, and steer clear of tobacco, alcohol, and spicy foods. If discomfort persists, a medical evaluation is re...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Discomfort: Is It Liver or Gastrointestinal Issues?
Understanding Chronic Stomach Issues: A Guide for Concerned Partners
Hello, doctor... I would like to ask why my husband's stomach condition is so difficult to treat? Hello Doctor, I apologize for bothering you with my concerns. We are a lesbian couple who have been together for four years, currently both working in the Hsinchu Science Park,...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
1. Gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers can be completely cured and may not recur. However, if they remain untreated, they can eventually lead to obstruction in the duodenum. 2. Whether a gastric ulcer can transform into gastric cancer can only be confirmed through pathological e...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Stomach Issues: A Guide for Concerned Partners
Persistent Liver Enzyme Levels: Exploring Further Treatment Options
Liver enzymes have not been decreasing? Hello, doctor. My aunt's liver enzyme levels have not been decreasing. She has tried various methods, including medication and dietary control. What other options are available now? Should we conduct further tests to identify the under...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
If liver enzyme levels do not decrease, it may indicate fatty liver disease. Therefore, it is necessary to check if triglyceride levels are elevated and whether there is an issue with overweight. Additionally, an abdominal ultrasound should be performed to confirm the diagnosis.[Read More] Persistent Liver Enzyme Levels: Exploring Further Treatment Options
Understanding Normal Cells That Look Different from Surrounding Cells in Liver Health
What are "normal cells that look different from their surroundings"? Thank you, Dr. Chen, for your detailed explanation last time, which helped me understand better. However, I have some questions and would like to ask for your clarification. Thank you! Regarding fatty...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. I believe that the physician thinks it is normal; the localized appearance may differ due to the presence of a non-fatty area. You should discuss this with him, as I cannot draw any conclusions without seeing the images. 2. Each examination has its limitation...[Read More] Understanding Normal Cells That Look Different from Surrounding Cells in Liver Health
Understanding Hepatitis B: Causes, Risks, and What You Need to Know
Hepatitis B? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask what hepatitis B is. I had a health check-up when I started school this year, and the report indicated that I have hepatitis B. I heard my brother mention that he was also diagnosed with hepatitis B during his military health examin...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver caused by the Hepatitis B virus infection in the human body. Some individuals may experience recurrent liver inflammation, while others may have the virus remain dormant in their bodies, becoming healthy carriers. The transmissio...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Causes, Risks, and What You Need to Know
High Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
During pregnancy, elevated levels of Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) may occur? Hello Doctor, my wife is 18 weeks pregnant with twins. During a company health check at 15 weeks, her AFP level was found to be elevated at 112 (normal range is 0-13.4), while her SGOT and SGPT levels were no...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! It is normal for pregnancy to cause an increase in fetal protein levels, as this is a typical phenomenon during pregnancy. Moreover, the physician has tested GOT and GPT, and both are within the normal range, so there is no need to be overly concerned. The doctor recommend...[Read More] High Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Understanding Liver Tumors: Key Questions and Diagnostic Insights
Please provide information regarding "liver tumors." Hepatitis C with fatty liver. AFT: 4.3, GOP: 74, GPT: 156. A month ago, ultrasound examinations at two hospitals revealed a low-echo tumor approximately one centimeter in size. A CT scan was arranged (only performed a...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, you have hepatitis C but do not have cirrhosis, which generally means a lower risk of liver cancer. An abdominal ultrasound shows fatty liver, but there is a 1 cm shadow that cannot be confirmed as a true lesion or merely a non-fatty area. 1. The localized non-fatty area...[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumors: Key Questions and Diagnostic Insights
How to Monitor and Diagnose Liver Hemangiomas: Essential Guidelines
How should hepatic hemangiomas be monitored? 1. During my abdominal ultrasound examination, a suspected 1 cm hemangioma was found in my liver. What kind of tests should I undergo to confirm that it is a hemangioma and not a malignant tumor? 2. If it is confirmed to be a hemangi...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. To confirm with 100% certainty, surgical removal and histopathological examination are necessary; otherwise, it cannot be confirmed. However, if the examining physician suspects a benign hemangioma, they would not recommend surgery but would first check for (1)...[Read More] How to Monitor and Diagnose Liver Hemangiomas: Essential Guidelines
Understanding Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) in Liver Function Tests
Liver function tests I am a carrier of hepatitis B, and in my recent test report, there is a marker called carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). I would like to know what CEA is.
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, CEA stands for carcinoembryonic antigen, which is a tumor marker for adenocarcinoma. It is typically produced by tissues such as the colon, stomach, pancreas, and lungs. If adenocarcinoma is present, CEA levels in the blood may be abnormally elevated (smokers and elderly i...[Read More] Understanding Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) in Liver Function Tests
Which Specialist Should I See for Gallbladder and Digestive Issues?
I'm not sure which department to visit? Hello Dr. Chen, I apologize for taking up your time, but I have a question I would like to ask you. Recently, I visited the hospital due to discomfort in my abdomen. After an X-ray, the doctor found no abnormalities in my lower back, ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. On the X-ray, the area below the right breast corresponds to the liver and gallbladder region. The presence of a white shadow in this area raises the possibility of gallstones. Have you informed your previous physician about this? If you need to follow up, plea...[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for Gallbladder and Digestive Issues?
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: What You Need to Know
Abnormal liver function? I recently received my health check report from school, and it indicates that I have abnormal liver function. I'm not quite sure what that means, so I would like to ask for clarification. My S.G.O.T (AST) is <100> and my S.G.P.T (ALT) is <12...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, your SGOT is 100 and SGPT is 127, indicating inflammation in the liver (normal levels are typically around 35-40 or lower). However, your report suggests receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine, which implies that you likely do not have Hepatitis B. Further testing is necessary ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: What You Need to Know
Managing Hepatitis B Carriers: Follow-Up Care and Ultrasound Insights
Hepatitis B carrier You need to have a follow-up abdominal ultrasound after three months and return for a check-up in two months. It has been found that you have a vascular tumor. I would like to ask Dr. Chen what steps I should take next.
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, the hepatitis B carrier has been found to have intrahepatic nodules, suspected to be hemangiomas. It is advisable to check the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in the blood to see if they are elevated. If the results are abnormal, there is still a possibility of hepatocellul...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis B Carriers: Follow-Up Care and Ultrasound Insights