Hepatitis B, Gastroenterology and Hepatology FAQ

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Can You Take Cialis with Hepatitis B and Normal Liver Function?

Can a person with hepatitis B take Cialis? If liver function is normal, is it safe to take Cialis 5mg, or is it not recommended?


Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Mr. Hsiao-Hsiang: Cialis is primarily metabolized by the liver. The condition of hepatitis B and the liver should be assessed through blood tests and ultrasound. Normal liver enzyme levels do not necessarily indicate that there are no issues. It is recommended to first conf...

[Read More] Can You Take Cialis with Hepatitis B and Normal Liver Function?


Needle Stick Injury: Should I Get HBIG After Exposure?

Needle-related issues? Hello, doctor. I am a healthcare professional. Recently, while handling sharp instruments, I accidentally sustained a needle stick injury. The source patient has no systemic diseases and is negative for Hepatitis B and C. My health check report from 2022 sh...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
In both theory and practice, there is no need to administer HBIG; monitoring is sufficient.

[Read More] Needle Stick Injury: Should I Get HBIG After Exposure?


Concerns for Hepatitis B Carriers: Creatinine Levels and Diet

Concerns about creatinine levels and diet in hepatitis B carriers? Hello Doctor, I am a carrier of hepatitis B and currently taking the antiviral medication Hepatitis B Stable. I have regular follow-up appointments for check-ups. This time, my blood test report shows a creatinine...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. Consultation with a nephrologist may be necessary for evaluation and dosage adjustment. 2. Pain medications may have an impact; consider discontinuing or switching to acetaminophen. 3. A generally normal and balanced diet is sufficient.

[Read More] Concerns for Hepatitis B Carriers: Creatinine Levels and Diet


Can You Get Hepatitis B from Sharing a Straw with an Infected Person?

A wound comes into contact with the saliva of a hepatitis B patient? Hello, doctor. A few days ago, I accidentally bit my mouth and caused an ulcer. Today, I accidentally took a sip from a drink that a hepatitis B patient had used (with the same straw). Can my wound come into con...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The chances are slim, and since you were vaccinated against hepatitis B at birth, you should still have some immune memory to provide protection.

[Read More] Can You Get Hepatitis B from Sharing a Straw with an Infected Person?


Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Results: What You Need to Know

Issues related to abdominal ultrasound? About a year ago, I visited a hospital's hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department due to stomach discomfort. The doctor arranged for an ultrasound and endoscopy. During the follow-up appointment, the doctor only mentioned that I h...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There should be no special findings, but please monitor for any signs of hepatitis B or liver function.

[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Results: What You Need to Know


Understanding Esophageal Varices and Liver Cirrhosis: Key Insights for Patients

Esophageal varices caused by liver cirrhosis? Hello Doctor, my father is 61 years old and is a carrier of Hepatitis B. He has been taking Baraclude for about 2-3 years and has a history of excessive alcohol consumption. After experiencing his first episode of esophageal variceal ...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. It varies by individual, and there are also differences among physicians. 2. Medication and regular endoscopy are recommended, along with minimizing activities that increase abdominal pressure (such as lifting heavy objects). 3. Blood tests and ultrasound are necessary, an...

[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Varices and Liver Cirrhosis: Key Insights for Patients


Understanding the Hepatitis B Vaccine Schedule and Antibody Response

Hepatitis B vaccination schedule? Hello, doctor... I would like to ask about the need for a hepatitis B antibody test due to work requirements. I found that both the hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody were negative. The company recommended administering the hepatitis B vacc...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
The interval between the second and third doses can be between 4 to 6 months. Please remember to get the third dose. Wishing you good health!

[Read More] Understanding the Hepatitis B Vaccine Schedule and Antibody Response


Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Insights on Liver and Muscle Health

Blood test values Hello, Doctor. I have a few questions regarding some lab results: 1. My lactate level is 28 (normal range: 4.5-19.8), which is elevated, and my pyruvate level is 0.98 (normal range: 0.18-0.89), which is also slightly high. Additionally, my lactate dehydrogenase...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. This issue has not been studied, I apologize. 2. Low GOT/GPT levels are still considered acceptable; if too thin, one can increase protein intake and engage in strength training to build muscle.

[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Insights on Liver and Muscle Health


Understanding Hepatitis B Risks: Can You Get Infected from Baked Goods?

Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about issues related to hepatitis B. Thank you! Doctor, I have a colleague who is a carrier of hepatitis B. Recently, they enthusiastically made baked cookies and shared them with everyone. At that time, I didn't pay much attention and ...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The chances are very low, so there is no need to worry. Since 1990, universal vaccination for newborns has been implemented, so they should have received the vaccinations.

[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Risks: Can You Get Infected from Baked Goods?


Infection Risks of Sharing Utensils with Hepatitis B Carriers: A Dental Perspective

The risk of infection when sharing utensils and food with the children of a hepatitis B carrier in the presence of non-bleeding oral wounds? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if there is a possibility of infection when sharing utensils and food with the child of a hepatitis B ca...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
In principle, the likelihood of infection as described is very low (almost impossible). If a person has received the hepatitis B vaccine at birth and has developed antibodies, there is even less reason for concern.

[Read More] Infection Risks of Sharing Utensils with Hepatitis B Carriers: A Dental Perspective


Concerns About Blood Tests: Infection Risks and Protein Levels Explained

Blood draw and globulin, alkaline phosphatase? Hello, Doctor: (1) Last time, I consulted you regarding case number <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/206612">#206612</a>. I apologize for any unclear expression on my part and would like to ask again. I went...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. Trust the test results from the hospital. 2. White blood cell counts can naturally fluctuate. 3. If the results are normal, there is no need to worry.

[Read More] Concerns About Blood Tests: Infection Risks and Protein Levels Explained


Is a Slightly Elevated AFP and a 0.6 cm Nodule Indicative of Liver Cancer?

An elevated AFP level of 13 and a 0.6 cm nodule may raise concerns for liver cancer, but further evaluation is necessary. It is important to consider additional factors such as imaging studies (like ultrasound, CT, or MRI) and possibly a biopsy to determine the nature of the nodu...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Risk factors for liver cancer include individuals with chronic hepatitis (such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and autoimmune liver diseases), a family history of liver cancer, cirrhosis, alcohol consumption, obesity with metabolic liver disease, and certain environmental factors su...

[Read More] Is a Slightly Elevated AFP and a 0.6 cm Nodule Indicative of Liver Cancer?


Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: A Guide for Hepatitis B Carriers

Abnormal liver function tests? Hello, Deputy Director: I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been undergoing regular follow-ups every six months. I also have fatty liver and have not been taking antiviral medication. My ALT (GPT) levels have fluctuated around 40-45 for a long ti...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is advisable to measure the hepatitis B virus load and assess the discussion on whether to initiate antiviral treatment for viral control (not a cure).

[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: A Guide for Hepatitis B Carriers


Understanding Hepatitis B: Infectious Risks and Recovery Insights

Hepatitis B transmission issues? Hello Dr. Chen, I was recently hospitalized due to illness and underwent a hepatitis B test. It was found that my HBs Ag is 0 (Nonreactive) but my HBc IgG is 5.46 (Reactive). Currently, my GOT/GPT levels are both 28. The doctor informed me that I ...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
In Taiwan, a significant proportion of the middle-aged and elderly population has been exposed to the hepatitis B virus, with most having developed antibodies and exhibiting no infectiousness. However, about 10-20% are chronic carriers of hepatitis B, often remaining carriers for...

[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Infectious Risks and Recovery Insights


Understanding Your Health Check Report: What Does a Negative Hepatitis B Result Mean?

I have difficulty understanding the content of the health examination report regarding Hepatitis B, so I would like to consult a physician? Hello, doctor. I saw on my health check report that the Hepatitis B antigen is negative (<0.05) and the Hepatitis B antibody is blank. I ...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
The hepatitis B antigen test result: Negative indicates that there is currently no hepatitis B infection and that you are not a carrier of the virus. The absence of hepatitis B antibodies may suggest that this test was not performed. Since July 1986, Taiwan has implemented a comp...

[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: What Does a Negative Hepatitis B Result Mean?


Can Prolonged Exposure of Blood Draw Needles Lead to Contamination?

Will a blood draw needle that is exposed to the air for too long become contaminated? Hello, doctor: Two weeks ago, I went to a private laboratory for a blood draw. The technician opened the needle cap and was preparing to draw blood, but due to discussions about other tests and ...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There should be no contamination (there have been no reports of it), so please rest assured.

[Read More] Can Prolonged Exposure of Blood Draw Needles Lead to Contamination?


Could This Shadow Be a Tumor? Understanding Liver Lesions and Concerns

Is it a tumor? Hello Doctor: My mother has hepatitis B and undergoes regular check-ups. Last year, an ultrasound revealed a shadow approximately 1 cm in size. The doctor urgently arranged for a CT scan, which showed no abnormalities. Three months later, a follow-up ultrasound at ...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Ultrasound is only a preliminary examination to identify potential lesions. To rule out false positives, further CT or MRI scans are necessary. However, there are limitations in clearly visualizing early-stage tumors, especially those smaller than 1 centimeter. Therefore, please ...

[Read More] Could This Shadow Be a Tumor? Understanding Liver Lesions and Concerns


Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission Risks in Daily Life

Regarding the transmission of hepatitis B while on medication? My mother has hepatitis B and is undergoing regular treatment. I would like to ask if sharing meals with her (without using serving utensils) poses a risk of transmission, especially since I often have mouth ulcers. I...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
In principle, hepatitis B is not easily transmitted through diet. Additionally, if the patient is already on antiviral medication, the risk of transmission to others is significantly reduced.

[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission Risks in Daily Life


Understanding CT Scan Results: Insights on Liver Tumors and HCC

Computed Tomography Interpretation A female patient, non-smoker and non-drinker, with no history of hepatitis B or C, has undergone health check-ups in 2013, 2018, and 2022. She has three hemangiomas in the liver that are being monitored regularly. On February 19 of this year, sh...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If liver biopsy has confirmed the diagnosis, proceed with surgery as soon as possible. If a liver biopsy has not yet been performed, discuss the treatment plan with the attending physician. Liver cancer can still occur (though very rarely) in the general population without hepati...

[Read More] Understanding CT Scan Results: Insights on Liver Tumors and HCC


Can You Get Hepatitis B, C, or HIV from Touching Blood-Stained Cotton?

Hepatitis B and C transmission issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if there is a chance of being infected with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or HIV if I have dry, peeling, and cracked skin on my hands (which has scabbed over) and I accidentally touched a cotton ball with blood...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The chances are slim but cannot be guaranteed (the blood source attributes should be unknown); gloves should still be worn in the future.

[Read More] Can You Get Hepatitis B, C, or HIV from Touching Blood-Stained Cotton?


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