Understanding Hepatitis B: Transmission Risks and Vaccine Efficacy
Could you please provide the content you would like me to translate? I have been infected with hepatitis B for over 2 years. My surface antigen is still positive, and last week my E antigen test was negative. Does this mean I am completely non-infectious to others? If I receive t...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello! Your test results show that the e antigen is negative, which indicates that the viral activity is low and the infectiousness is relatively low, making it less likely to transmit to others. You are already a hepatitis B patient, and receiving the vaccine will be ineffective...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Transmission Risks and Vaccine Efficacy
Understanding Fatty Liver: Causes, Concerns, and Management Tips
Liver issues? Hello Doctor: Since I enrolled last year, my liver enzyme levels have been over a hundred during my physical examination. Later, I visited Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for a consultation, where I underwent blood tests and an abdominal ultrasound. The doctor d...
Dr. Liang Jiade Reply:
Hello, there are many causes of abnormal liver function, including viral infections (hepatitis A to E), bacterial infections, medications, staying up late, fatty liver, autoimmune diseases, and more. Additionally, long-term exposure to certain chemicals (such as fluorinated compo...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Causes, Concerns, and Management Tips
Understanding Persistent Bloating and Belching: Causes and Solutions
Bloating + belching + extreme discomfort..? Hello Doctor: After reviewing the information from other inquirers, it seems that most people's burping issues are due to gastrointestinal motility problems or indigestion. I would like to ask if my condition is similar... My situa...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello: Based on your symptoms of frequent belching and abdominal bloating, along with mild inflammation observed during the gastroscopy, your condition appears to lean more towards functional dyspepsia rather than an organic disease. This situation is often related to emotions an...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Bloating and Belching: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Liver Biopsy Risks and Emotional Support for Families
Liver and stomach Dear Dr. Yang, My child recently attended a class reunion dinner and felt unwell the next day, prompting an immediate visit to the emergency room. Initially, we thought it was just food poisoning, but the doctor informed us that the examination revealed stomach...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello! There are many causes of gastrointestinal discomfort, and hepatitis is one of them. Your son's blood test results show a liver inflammation index (GPT) of 323. If this data is accurate, it indicates a moderate level of liver inflammation. There are many causes of hepa...[Read More] Understanding Liver Biopsy Risks and Emotional Support for Families
Understanding the Connection Between Acute Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis
Acute gastroenteritis vs. acute hepatitis (fulminant hepatitis) I apologize for any inconvenience, but I have some questions to ask you. Since liver cancer is one of the top ten causes of death in our country, are there any instruments available for early detection? Also, does ha...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello! Hepatitis B or C is a risk factor for liver cancer. Therefore, if you are a chronic hepatitis B or C patient, you must undergo regular blood tests and abdominal ultrasound examinations. Only abdominal ultrasound can detect small liver cancers (approximately 0.5 cm or large...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Acute Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis
Do I Need Surgery for a 0.5cm Gallstone? Dietary Control Options
0.5 cm gallstone I recently went to the hospital for a health check-up and an abdominal ultrasound revealed a 0.5 cm gallstone. Do I need to have surgery to remove it, or can I manage it with dietary control? I have not experienced any discomfort so far. Thank you for your respon...
Dr. Liang Jiade Reply:
Hello, asymptomatic gallstones generally only require regular monitoring and do not necessitate immediate surgery. If you experience abdominal pain, please visit a hospital to check if it is related to gallstones, and then decide whether surgical treatment is necessary.[Read More] Do I Need Surgery for a 0.5cm Gallstone? Dietary Control Options
Understanding Helicobacter Pylori and Its Impact on Digestive Health
Helicobacter pylori Hello doctor, I previously underwent gastroscopy and abdominal ultrasound examinations, which confirmed that I have a peptic ulcer and also tested positive for Helicobacter pylori. Before the examinations, I frequently coughed up blood, and I am still experien...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
Hemoptysis refers to blood that is coughed up from the respiratory tract, indicating that the underlying issue is likely within the airways. Therefore, further examination such as a chest X-ray or bronchoscopy should be conducted. Hematemesis, on the other hand, pertains to blood...[Read More] Understanding Helicobacter Pylori and Its Impact on Digestive Health
Chronic Appendicitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Chronic appendicitis? Three weeks ago, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which revealed some inflammation in my stomach and the presence of Helicobacter pylori. After that, I took a one-week course of a "triple therapy" to eradicate the bacteria. A few da...
Dr. Liang Jiade Reply:
Based on your description, the pain upon pressing the lower right abdomen is likely due to localized abnormal intestinal peristalsis. It is also possible that it is caused by the use of antibacterial antibiotics, which typically resolves in a short period. The chronic appendiciti...[Read More] Chronic Appendicitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Hepatitis C Diagnosis and Treatment Options: A Patient's Guide
How to diagnose Hepatitis C? My father visited your hospital due to abdominal pain and discomfort. Blood tests revealed he has Hepatitis C, with GOT at 120 and GPT at 150. An abdominal ultrasound was performed, and he was prescribed medication. On November 11, his GOT decreased t...
Dr. Zhang Yuting Reply:
Currently, the diagnosis of hepatitis C is performed using serological tests, which measure whether the patient has antibodies against the hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV antibodies). However, patients who test positive for antibodies do not necessarily have protective immunity, nor ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Diagnosis and Treatment Options: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Liver Nodules: Causes, Concerns, and Health Tips
Liver nodule Recently, during a health check-up, an ultrasound examination revealed a liver nodule. I am unfamiliar with this term. What is a liver nodule, what causes this condition, and how can I maintain liver health in my daily life? Thank you!
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello: Liver nodules are localized lesions found in the liver during abdominal ultrasound, varying in number from one to several. They are actually a type of liver tumor, but liver nodules are usually benign. The exact cause of their formation is unclear, and they typically do no...[Read More] Understanding Liver Nodules: Causes, Concerns, and Health Tips
Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing, Treatment, and Coverage Options
I would like to have a health check-up? Hello, I discovered that I have hepatitis B when I donated blood six years ago. I would like to undergo further testing; how should I proceed? I heard that in October, health insurance covers the costs for hepatitis B. What treatment option...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello: Hepatitis B is classified into three stages: healthy carriers (where liver inflammation markers, such as GPT, remain within normal limits), chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Healthy carriers do not require treatment but should be monitored regularly, as they remain at high...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing, Treatment, and Coverage Options
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: What You Need to Know After an Ultrasound
About the liver? Hello Dr. Chang, I had an abdominal ultrasound during my health check-up and was informed that there are white spots on my liver, indicating fibrosis. What should I do?
Dr. Zhang Yuting Reply:
There are many possibilities for the hyperechoic spots observed on ultrasound, with common causes being hemangiomas or calcifications, or hepatic blood vessels. However, further blood tests are needed for confirmation. If you have concerns, please consult a gastroenterologist or ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: What You Need to Know After an Ultrasound
Understanding Stomach Distension: Causes and When to Seek Help
Stomach discomfort and pain? In early March of this year, I experienced stomach pain, which resolved after taking medication, so I did not undergo a detailed examination. Recently, if I eat too much, my stomach feels very bloated, and sometimes it persists throughout the night, r...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello: The most likely diagnosis is gastritis, but gastric ulcers and other gastric lesions cannot be ruled out. Therefore, if symptoms do not resolve after a few days of medication, it is advisable to undergo further examination, with the first choice being an upper gastrointest...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Distension: Causes and When to Seek Help
Can You Combine Liver Function Tests and Ultrasound in One Visit?
Liver function test issues? Can liver function tests (AST, ALT) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ultrasound be checked together at the same time? Is it covered by insurance or is it out-of-pocket?
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
For patients with chronic hepatitis B or C, we recommend checking GOT and GPT every 3 to 6 months, and performing fetal protein tests and abdominal ultrasounds every six months. These tests are covered by health insurance, and you only need to pay 20% of the examination fee, with...[Read More] Can You Combine Liver Function Tests and Ultrasound in One Visit?
Managing Chronic Persistent Hepatitis: Key Considerations and Risks
Chronic persistent hepatitis Hello Dr. Yang, 20 years ago (when I was 18) I had a hepatitis examination when I started college. The doctor diagnosed me with "chronic persistent hepatitis" and advised me to pay attention to my health. I had regular check-ups during my 6-...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello: Hepatitis B is divided into three stages. The first stage is healthy carriers, where the liver inflammation markers are within normal ranges, and medication is not required. However, regular blood tests and ultrasounds are necessary, as the risk of liver cancer remains hig...[Read More] Managing Chronic Persistent Hepatitis: Key Considerations and Risks
Is My Liver in Trouble? Understanding Symptoms and Risks
Is there something wrong with my liver? Hello Doctor: I have had a drinking habit for nearly 20 years. I was involved in a car accident in 1994, which resulted in a ruptured liver. I have had follow-up visits since then, and everything was normal. However, my last follow-up visit...
Dr. Cai Junyan Reply:
Dear Mr. Zheng: Your symptoms are very similar to an outbreak of hepatitis. It is best to go to the hospital for a blood test to check your liver function and to undergo an abdominal ultrasound to determine whether it is alcoholic hepatitis or hepatitis A, B, or C. Chronic hepati...[Read More] Is My Liver in Trouble? Understanding Symptoms and Risks
Understanding Stomach Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Stomach pain Hello Doctor: Recently, I had a cold and couldn't eat, so I took medication without eating for about two weeks. As a result, I developed gastritis, experiencing bloating and stomach pain. Initially, the pain was due to hunger, but after eating, I felt bloated, a...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
If your symptoms of bloating and stomach pain persist, it is best to undergo an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis, so that the physician can provide appropriate treatment.[Read More] Understanding Stomach Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain: Possible Liver Issues Explained
Pain in the right upper quadrant? Hello: Recently, I have been experiencing severe pain in my upper right abdomen, which sometimes radiates to my back. I am unsure if this is related to a liver issue or if it is simply abdominal pain. Additionally, I have not been feeling well me...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello! Severe pain in the upper right abdomen that radiates to the back often suggests gallstones, while other possible causes include duodenal ulcers, kidney stones, or colorectal lesions. The liver has nerve endings on its surface, but there are no nerve distributions within it...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain: Possible Liver Issues Explained
Understanding CT Scans: Safety, Procedure, and Risks Explained
What is a computed tomography (CT) scan? My father has abnormal liver function with a fatty liver index of 3375. An abdominal ultrasound performed at the hospital showed fluid on the liver surface and abnormalities. The doctor recommended a CT scan. Due to the current SARS outbre...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello: A computed tomography (CT) scan is a type of radiological examination that involves performing a circumferential scan of the abdominal organs approximately every 0.8 centimeters, creating an image that examines the body from the head down to the feet. The procedure itself ...[Read More] Understanding CT Scans: Safety, Procedure, and Risks Explained
Understanding Yellow Oily Stool: Causes and Gastrointestinal Concerns
Why do I keep experiencing oily stools? I haven't had a bowel movement in the past few days, but I've been passing deep yellow oily fluid. I'm unsure what issue my gastrointestinal system might be experiencing.
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello: Passing deep yellow oily stools usually indicates a problem with the digestion of fats in the intestines, with the most common cause being enteritis. There are many potential causes of enteritis, including viruses and bacteria, and it is important to consider whether other...[Read More] Understanding Yellow Oily Stool: Causes and Gastrointestinal Concerns