Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: Do You Need to Worry?
Hepatitis antibodies At the beginning of this year, I had a one-night stand with someone who is a carrier of hepatitis B. In December of last year, I underwent a health check-up, which showed that my hepatitis B surface antigen was negative (-) and my hepatitis B surface antibody...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Having antibodies means there is immunity and a reduced risk of infection; however, if the antibody titer is too low, it can indeed diminish the protective effect of the antibodies. If you are unsure whether your antibody titer is sufficient, you can visit a gastroenterolo...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: Do You Need to Worry?
Understanding Liver Issues: Insights from Ultrasound Reports and Symptoms
Liver issues? Hello Dr. Tsai! I would like your help reviewing my abdominal ultrasound reports from two different hospitals, thank you. **First Report:** - Spleen Index: 7.18 × 3.75 cm - CBD: 0.63 cm - Portal vein: 1.05 cm - Normal liver size, bright and heterogeneous parenchyma...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. According to the report you provided, the liver appears to be only fibrotic, with no signs of cirrhosis. Additionally, your platelet count is 241,000; individuals with cirrhosis typically have platelet counts below the normal range (169,000). 2. Chronic anemia can i...[Read More] Understanding Liver Issues: Insights from Ultrasound Reports and Symptoms
Understanding Liver Issues: Could It Be Cancer or Benign Tumors?
Liver problems Hello Doctor: On January 23, I had a blood test, and the results showed GOP 153 and GPT 382 with no hepatitis B. The fetal protein levels were normal. Today, an abdominal ultrasound was performed, and the doctor noted two small black spots, which led to a CT scan. ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: You should trust the conclusions drawn by clinical physicians based on ultrasound and computed tomography diagnoses. Please return for regular follow-up examinations. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Liver Issues: Could It Be Cancer or Benign Tumors?
Understanding Liver Function Abnormalities After Emergency Contraceptive Use
Liver dysfunction Hello Doctor, I took emergency contraceptive pills on December 9, which I bought at a pharmacy. Later, I visited an obstetrician-gynecologist for insurance purposes, and the doctor prescribed me another dose of emergency contraceptive pills, two pills to be take...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Liver enzymes may be affected by lack of sleep, medications, and food, and are not necessarily caused by emergency contraceptive pills. 2. As long as liver cells are not continuously damaged, the enzyme levels can return to normal quickly. Changhua Hospital cares about ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Abnormalities After Emergency Contraceptive Use
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions
Liver dysfunction Hello Doctor: I visited the clinic due to onychomycosis and had blood tests done to facilitate more effective medication treatment. The results showed my GOT at 42 and GPT at 87. The doctor at the clinic said I have severe fatty liver disease! However, I am unsu...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, it is quite common for psychiatric medications to cause obesity and fatty liver. We need to discuss the possibility of changing your medication and managing your caloric intake. Changhua Hospital is concerned about your health. Best regards, Chen Shih-Dian.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions
Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels in Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers
A carrier of hepatitis B would like to inquire about the issue of elevated total bilirubin (TBIL 2.1 mg/dL)? Hello Dr. Chen, I am 40 years old and a carrier of Hepatitis B. I would like to inquire about the issue of elevated total bilirubin (TBIL 2.1 mg/dL). I have been regularl...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It is likely that your elevated bilirubin levels are due to your individual bilirubin metabolism, which poses no harm to your health. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels in Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers
Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Mucus in stool Previously, I noticed some mucus in my stool, and the color of the mucus was similar to that of the stool. Later, the amount of mucus decreased, but recently it has returned to the previous level. I have undergone a fecal occult blood test, which came back normal. ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The colonic mucosa naturally secretes mucus. You can increase your fluid intake, consume more fruits and vegetables, ensure that your stool is not too hard, and have daily bowel movements. This should help reduce the presence of mucus. Changhua Hospital cares about your he...[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes of Blood During Constipation
What could be the reason for having a small amount of blood at the front of the stool when straining during constipation? What could be the cause of having a small amount of blood on the front end of my stool when I strain during constipation? A few days ago, after not having a b...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Blood after a bowel movement, with normal stool color, is mostly caused by anal fissures or hemorrhoids. However, there are also rare possibilities of polyps, tumors, or chronic inflammation. If the situation persists, you may consider consulting a gastroenterologist or a ...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes of Blood During Constipation
Understanding Bowel Movements: Normal Patterns and Concerns
Bowel movement issues I had a bowel movement in the morning without eating breakfast (the stool was normal in amount and shape), and before lunch, I had another bowel movement, but it was very small and thin. Is this leftover stool that wasn't fully cleared from my intestine...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It is likely that your colon motility is faster than normal. If necessary, a fecal occult blood test can be performed. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Movements: Normal Patterns and Concerns
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: When to Seek Further Testing
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello Doctor, I have recently been experiencing discomfort and bloating in my abdomen, especially when fasting (around 3-5 PM). Eating helps alleviate the discomfort slightly. Additionally, I occasionally notice mucus and blood in my stool. About six ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, you only need to monitor your symptoms or undergo a fecal occult blood test. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and Concerns
Gastrointestinal issues (1) I would like to ask the doctor, I have been experiencing irregular bowel movements for about six months. Sometimes my stools are pellet-like, and other times they are watery. Last week, I noticed this issue and visited a clinic for a stool test, which ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
It is likely a functional gastrointestinal disorder. It is recommended to have a diet low in oil, low in dairy, and low in irritating foods. If symptoms persist, at least consider a colon X-ray to rule out any organic lesions.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and Concerns
Understanding Bloating, Gas, and Stomach Pain After Eating
Experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort with excessive flatulence, bloating, and stomach pain? Hello Doctor, I had gastroesophageal reflux last October. Recently, for the past month, I have been experiencing bloating after eating, followed by excessive flatulence with a foul odo...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you have been taking medication for a long time without improvement, and have not undergone an endoscopy or ultrasound, you should seek medical attention. A physician can assess the necessity of these examinations. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-...[Read More] Understanding Bloating, Gas, and Stomach Pain After Eating
Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Worry About Your Symptoms
Bowel issues Hello doctor, I have been experiencing irregular bowel movements for the past three months, with my stools being either pellet-like or watery. After visiting a clinic and taking medication, my stools improved and became more formed. However, this morning, I had a for...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. The formation of stool in the front part and the unformed stool in the back part is due to the fact that the water content in the latter part of the stool has not been fully absorbed by the colon, so there is no need to worry too much. 2. No impact. Changhua Hospital ca...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Worry About Your Symptoms
Understanding Chronic Bloating: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Discomfort
Frequent bloating discomfort? Hello doctor, since the second half of last year, I've been experiencing frequent bloating and poor digestion. Sometimes my stool contains food remnants. Initially, I consulted a doctor and took medication, which seemed to help, but once I stopp...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The symptoms have not been completely resolved. I'm not sure if you have undergone a fecal occult blood test. If the location you described is caused by the same issue, it could be related to the distribution in the colon, either on the left or right side, or it may i...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Bloating: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Discomfort
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Concerns
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor: I have been struggling with constipation since childhood, and my intake of fruits and vegetables has been insufficient. Two years ago, I started using health supplements (like enzymes) to help with bowel movements, and I have been able to hav...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It cannot be concluded that these symptoms indicate colorectal cancer. After certain acute gastroenteritis episodes, there may be a temporary change in bowel habits that requires time to recover. If there is no improvement, you may consult a gastroenterologist at Changhua ...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Concerns
Will Vaccination After Hepatitis B Recovery Cause Side Effects?
Having hepatitis B antibodies and receiving three doses of the vaccine may lead to some side effects, although they are generally mild. Common side effects can include soreness at the injection site, fatigue, headache, and mild fever. Serious side effects are rare. It is advisabl...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The hepatitis B vaccine is made from viral gene fragments and does not contain live virus, so it does not affect the human body unless there is an allergy. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Will Vaccination After Hepatitis B Recovery Cause Side Effects?
Do Nursing Students Need a Complete Hepatitis B Vaccine Series?
Hepatitis B vaccination? Hello, doctor. I am a nursing student and I will be going for my internship in mid-February. In 2013, I received a booster vaccine at school, but my recent blood test shows that I no longer have antibodies. Do I need to receive three doses of the vaccine?...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Some individuals exhibit a strong antibody response after receiving the first dose, while others may not produce antibodies at all, and some may only show a very weak antibody response. This can vary from person to person. However, if all three doses are completed, those w...[Read More] Do Nursing Students Need a Complete Hepatitis B Vaccine Series?
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Causes and Concerns
Liver dysfunction Hello, doctor. I had an examination at the hospital in early December, and my GPT level was abnormal while my GOT level was normal. The normal value is below 47, and mine was 50. I am obese, and I stayed up late the night before the blood test. Could this be rel...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, it appears you have fatty liver, which is also caused by obesity. Please manage your caloric intake. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Solutions for IBS
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask: I belong to the type that gets easily anxious, and recently over the past two to three days, I have been experiencing difficulty passing gas (I usually don't pass gas much). My appetite is poor; I am eating, but in s...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. You have a general understanding of your issues. It is important to relax and reduce your stress. You may consider using anxiolytic medication. Additionally, a stool occult blood test can be performed. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Solutions for IBS
Understanding Constipation and Blood in Stool: When to Seek Help
Bowel issues? I have a severe constipation issue that often worsens due to improper food choices. Currently, I am taking traditional Chinese medicine for treatment. Recently, I had a major exam and did not visit my traditional Chinese medicine practitioner on time. I have a histo...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, ma'am. Please start by using a stool softener to treat your internal hemorrhoids, and then monitor your condition. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Constipation and Blood in Stool: When to Seek Help