Understanding the Benefits of Pearl Grass for Liver Health
What are the benefits of pearl grass? I have been a carrier of hepatitis B for over ten years and have regular blood tests and ultrasounds every year, all of which have returned normal results. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with a hepatic hemangioma, but the doctor said it onl...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. For a hepatitis B carrier with currently normal liver function and no signs of cirrhosis, according to the current treatment guidelines, no antiviral medication is needed. It is important to protect the liver by avoiding excessive fatigue and being cautious with medic...[Read More] Understanding the Benefits of Pearl Grass for Liver Health
Can Men Taking Liver Medication Safely Conceive?
Can a male take liver medication and still conceive? Hello Doctor: I have been taking Hepatic Function Plus and Liver An-Neng (both at the same time) for over two years. Will this have any impact on the fetus if I become pregnant? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: There is no direct evidence to indicate that it is safe, so it is not recommended to use medication during pregnancy to avoid the risk of teratogenic effects. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Can Men Taking Liver Medication Safely Conceive?
Understanding Colonoscopy: Pain Management and Allergy Concerns
Colonoscopy Hello Dr. Chen, thank you for your detailed explanation about hepatic hemangiomas previously. I would like to ask you another question. Due to long-term constipation, I have recently experienced rectal bleeding and fatigue, and I am about to undergo a colonoscopy. I h...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. In general hospitals, painless colonoscopy is performed in the operating room under the supervision of an anesthesiologist, while standard colonoscopy is conducted in the endoscopy suite. Therefore, it is necessary to make a decision in advance regarding the procedure...[Read More] Understanding Colonoscopy: Pain Management and Allergy Concerns
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Monitoring, Risks, and Insurance Implications
Hepatic hemangioma Hello Dr. Chen, I had an abdominal ultrasound in 2003 that revealed a 1 cm hepatic hemangioma, which increased to 1.5 cm last year. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. Besides abdominal ultrasound, should I also have blood tests for Hepatitis B, H...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, 1. Hepatic hemangiomas typically present differently on abdominal ultrasound compared to liver cancer. If there are concerns, testing for hepatitis B and C, as well as alpha-fetoprotein, is reasonable. Once it is confirmed that there is no hepatitis B or C, it is not nec...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Monitoring, Risks, and Insurance Implications
Understanding Elevated Blood Ammonia Levels: Causes, Symptoms, and Testing
Blood ammonia I have alcoholic hepatitis, coronary artery disease, a minor stroke, and gallstones. Recently, I went to the emergency room due to abdominal bloating, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Blood tests showed my serum ammonia level was 130. The doctor informed me tha...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, elevated ammonia levels are toxic to the brain. Normally, ammonia is produced from protein metabolism. However, the human body has a urea cycle system to eliminate ammonia. In children with congenital metabolic disorders, this can lead to hyperammonemia, which may present ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Blood Ammonia Levels: Causes, Symptoms, and Testing
Managing Cirrhosis: Treatment Options for Low Platelet Count Before Surgery
Cirrhosis Hello Dr. Chen: My aunt (age 62) has hepatitis C and cirrhosis. She has experienced symptoms such as hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, esophageal varices, and hematemesis. Currently, she is receiving blood transfusions and platelet transfusions. She was originally schedu...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsiao-Chu, Splenic artery embolization can lead to necrosis and atrophy of the spleen, but it may have side effects such as fever and pain. Prophylactic antibiotics and patient-controlled analgesia (out-of-pocket expense) can be used, but the appropriateness of these m...[Read More] Managing Cirrhosis: Treatment Options for Low Platelet Count Before Surgery
Should You See a Doctor for Liver and Kidney Scan Results?
Do I need to see a doctor? The CT scan report of your father indicates: Apical fibrosis in both lungs; otherwise, the remaining lung is clear. There are left renal stones, a calcified spot in the liver, calcification of the coronary arteries, and a small cyst on the spleen. Shoul...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, Lungs: There may be fibrosis due to pneumonia, often a result of scarring from old pulmonary tuberculosis. Kidneys: Right kidney stone; if symptomatic, seek care from a urologist. Liver: Calcifications may also indicate intrahepatic stones; if asymptomatic, no treatm...[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for Liver and Kidney Scan Results?
Understanding Liver Shadows: Are They Always a Cause for Concern?
There is a shadow in the liver? I would like to ask about my sister-in-law (27 years old). She recently had a health check-up at a medical center, and an ultrasound revealed a shadow approximately 2 cm in size. However, she does not have hepatitis B or C, and her liver function i...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Miss Xiao Qi, Most liver cancers are caused by hepatitis B or C. Ultrasound can provide an initial differentiation, but regular monitoring of changes is still necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Sincerely, Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Liver Shadows: Are They Always a Cause for Concern?
Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Abnormalities: What to Do Next?
Abdominal ultrasound abnormalities? Hello~~~ Because my company has scheduled an annual health check, my liver function and Helicobacter pylori test results are normal. However, the hospital informed me that there are abnormalities in my abdominal ultrasound, and I have recently ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Miss Pi: If the liver ultrasound shows only "mild hepatic parenchymal changes" and liver function is normal without hepatitis B or C, there are generally no significant issues. However, it is still advisable to consult a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialis...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Abnormalities: What to Do Next?
Understanding Liver Explosion: Symptoms and Related Conditions
Regarding liver issues? Hello Dr. Chen, could you please tell me what the symptoms of liver explosion are? Is liver explosion also referred to as acute liver failure?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, acute liver failure (often referred to informally as "explosive liver failure," though this term is not used in medical terminology) refers to a rapid deterioration of liver function due to any cause, leading to hepatic encephalopathy within 8 weeks of onset. Sym...[Read More] Understanding Liver Explosion: Symptoms and Related Conditions
Understanding Liver Cysts: Dietary Considerations and Patient Care
Please help me solve this with the doctor? Hello, Doctor. I am Xiao Li. I would like to ask you about a patient with blisters on the liver. What should they pay attention to, and can they consume dairy products? Please respond as soon as you see this. Thank you.
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Dear Si-Ting, Hepatic cysts are typically discovered incidentally and are benign in nature. Clinically, they usually do not present any symptoms unless they become large enough to compress adjacent organs, which may lead to symptoms. Complications such as cyst rupture or infecti...[Read More] Understanding Liver Cysts: Dietary Considerations and Patient Care
Coping with Cirrhosis: A Family's Struggle for Hope and Care
Cirrhosis ~ Helpless Family Members Hello Dr. Lee, My brother is only 45 years old and has developed cirrhosis due to excessive smoking and drinking, along with long-term night shift work. He is currently hospitalized and has been there for a month. In the first few days of his...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello, based on the information provided in the letter, your brother's liver cirrhosis has become quite severe. It is unclear whether your brother has hepatitis B or C, in addition to his smoking and drinking habits. Cirrhosis is a slow inflammatory process, so reaching this...[Read More] Coping with Cirrhosis: A Family's Struggle for Hope and Care
Understanding Elevated GGT Levels: Implications and Concerns
Re-evaluating abnormal aminoacyl transferase levels? I apologize for asking you again about the abnormality of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Recently, during a health check at my company, my GGT level was found to be abnormal at 104. However, the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) le...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. The hepatic hemangioma is 0.6 cm in size, which is small, but it requires monitoring. The ultrasound shows typical characteristics of the hemangioma. Due to the small size of the tumor, ultrasound is a better tool for follow-up. Generally, clinical guidelines recommen...[Read More] Understanding Elevated GGT Levels: Implications and Concerns
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Causes, Risks, and Management Tips
Hepatic hemangioma My mother (60 years old) underwent a CT scan of the liver, which revealed two hepatic hemangiomas measuring 4.4 cm and 4.2 cm. I would like to ask the doctor: 1. What are the causes of hepatic hemangiomas? 2. Will they continue to grow? Is there a risk of ruptu...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. Hepatic hemangiomas are tumors formed by abnormal proliferation of blood vessels within the liver, with unknown etiology. Some are congenital, while others may be related to female hormones. 2. Hepatic hemangiomas grow very slowly, and may not increase in size at all. Genera...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Causes, Risks, and Management Tips
Managing Mid-Stage Cirrhosis: Symptoms, Diet, and Care for Patients
I'm sorry, but I need more Hello, I have some questions regarding cirrhosis. Currently, the physician has diagnosed it as moderate cirrhosis, with complications including ascites and elevated bilirubin levels. These symptoms are not experienced by me but by my child at home,...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. The patient has cirrhosis with ascites and jaundice. If the patient is unable to communicate, it is important to monitor the amount of ascites by measuring abdominal girth, tracking weight daily, and observing urine output. General management of ascites includes fluid and sodi...[Read More] Managing Mid-Stage Cirrhosis: Symptoms, Diet, and Care for Patients
Understanding Early Signs and Dietary Tips for Cirrhosis Management
Cirrhosis What should a physician's attention be focused on during the early stages of cirrhosis? What dietary considerations should be taken into account? What symptoms may present with this condition? Is there a possibility for complete recovery from this disease? If not, ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Early-stage cirrhosis patients often have no symptoms and normal liver function. There are no specific dietary restrictions, but it is recommended to consume more natural foods, avoid foods with chemical additives, eat nutritious foods, refrain from alcohol and smokin...[Read More] Understanding Early Signs and Dietary Tips for Cirrhosis Management
Is a High HBV DNA Level of 15 Million Serious for My Health?
A HBV DNA level of over 15 million copies is considered very high and indicates a significant viral load. This can suggest active hepatitis B infection and may require further evaluation and management by a healthcare professional? Hello Dr. Li: I am 47 years old and have been a ...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello Yy, 1. In your letter, you mentioned that your HBV DNA is over 15 million (is the unit IU/ml or copies/ml?). When assessing HBV DNA, it is important to evaluate the unit of measurement. Regardless of the unit, a level of over 15 million indicates a very high viral load. Ad...[Read More] Is a High HBV DNA Level of 15 Million Serious for My Health?
Understanding Liver Blisters: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
excuse me? Why does the liver develop blisters? What are the causes? What are the symptoms of blisters on the liver? Can it cause fever or instability?
Dr. Zhang Siyuan Reply:
To A-mei: The true causes of some hepatic cysts are unknown (mostly congenital), while others may be due to parasitic infections or tumor-related cystic changes. If they are large enough, they can cause pain in the right upper abdomen. If they exert pressure within the abdominal ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Blisters: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
Understanding Liver Coma: Causes, Risks, and Transplant Options
Hepatic coma My sister is currently in Canada. Last week, she mentioned that her eyes were yellow and her urine was also yellow. On the 23rd, she felt unwell and was taken to the emergency room. The doctors have diagnosed her with gallstones and hepatic encephalopathy. She is abo...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello! Although it is unclear what caused your sister's acute liver failure, based on the information in the letter, liver transplantation must be considered. We strongly recommend consulting with a physician in Canada regarding the possible causes of your sister's cond...[Read More] Understanding Liver Coma: Causes, Risks, and Transplant Options
Why Is My Liver Function Getting Worse Despite Taking Hepatic Medications?
Taking Hepatoprotective agents can lead to an increase in GPT levels and bilirubin instead of a decrease? Hello Doctor: I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Recently, my liver function tests showed abnormal results, with a GPT level as high as 377, and a bilirubin level of 0.8. Followi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Crystal: This is your first time using Gan An Neng, and it's rare to develop resistance so soon (usually it appears after more than 9 months). Please be patient and cooperate with your physician. Additionally, a bilirubin level of 1.1 is not high; jaundice is typic...[Read More] Why Is My Liver Function Getting Worse Despite Taking Hepatic Medications?