Can You Get Hepatitis B or C from Drinking Contaminated Beverages?
Hepatitis transmission issues? Hello, doctor: If I have a small ulcer in my mouth and I accidentally drink a small sip of a beverage that has been consumed by someone with hepatitis B or C, is there a risk of being infected with hepatitis B or C?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The chances are slim, but please remain cautious. Many young people in our country have already received the hepatitis B vaccine. Hepatitis C is relatively less contagious and is unlikely to be transmitted through beverages.[Read More] Can You Get Hepatitis B or C from Drinking Contaminated Beverages?
Should I Consider Paying for Hepatitis B Medication?
Do I need to actively pay for medication out of pocket? I took the antiviral medication Entecavir (0.5 mg) covered by the National Health Insurance for three years, from April 2015 to April 2018. During the treatment period, both my viral load and liver function showed significan...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The health insurance regulations for hepatitis B in Taiwan comply with world standard guidelines, so there is no need to worry about temporarily stopping medication. The key point is that regular monitoring is necessary (which can be time-consuming for working individuals) to det...[Read More] Should I Consider Paying for Hepatitis B Medication?
Understanding Elevated GPT and Indirect Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Elevated GPT/indirect bilirubin slightly elevated? Over the past 10 years of regular health check-ups, my GPT/GOT/total bilirubin levels have all been within normal ranges, with GPT/GOT between 10-20. In August 2018, total bilirubin was first noted at 1.8 (with GPT/GOT around 20 ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The condition is somewhat different from others, but still poses no danger. It is recommended to continue monitoring at the same healthcare facility. Maintain a normal diet and avoid exposure to toxic volatile substances. Referral to a medical center should only be made if necess...[Read More] Understanding Elevated GPT and Indirect Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Do I Still Need Regular Liver Function Tests After Recovering from Hepatitis B?
Question 2 after Hepatitis B testing? Hello Doctor: I previously inquired about my hepatitis B test results, and you mentioned that I have "had hepatitis B, have recovered and developed antibodies, and have lifelong immunity." I would like to ask if this means that I no...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Yes.[Read More] Do I Still Need Regular Liver Function Tests After Recovering from Hepatitis B?
Confusion Over Hepatitis B Test Results: Which Doctor Is Right?
Issues related to Hepatitis B testing? Hello Dr. Chen, I went to a hospital in Chiayi to get tested for hepatitis B, and the results showed HBsAg negative and HBeAg negative. The doctor said I do not have hepatitis B. However, I went to another hospital for testing and the resul...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
It is correct that you have had hepatitis B, have recovered, and developed antibodies, providing you with lifelong immunity.[Read More] Confusion Over Hepatitis B Test Results: Which Doctor Is Right?
Can You Get Hepatitis B from Ear Piercing? Understanding the Risks
Ear piercing // Hepatitis B Recently, I received a hepatitis B vaccination, and my blood test report shows that I have antibodies. I would like to ask... I went to get my ears pierced, and the staff wore gloves; however, they did not change gloves after piercing the previous cust...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
In principle, individuals with antibodies will not be infected.[Read More] Can You Get Hepatitis B from Ear Piercing? Understanding the Risks
Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted Through Contaminated Dental Tools?
Can hepatitis B be transmitted? Hello Doctor, I am a new dental assistant. Today, after disinfecting the instruments used on a hepatitis B patient, I placed them in the sterilization autoclave. However, I touched the instruments without gloves and then handled other items. I woul...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Thank you for your question! Hepatitis B is a bloodborne infectious disease that can be transmitted through contaminated blood entering wounds or through skin penetration. Additionally, individuals born after 1984 have received the Hepatitis B vaccine, and many already have antib...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted Through Contaminated Dental Tools?
Understanding Milk Thistle in Liver Health: Benefits and Concerns
Regarding the ingredients of Silymarin liver protection capsules: Milk Thistle? Hello, doctor. I have some questions regarding Silymarin liver protection capsules. Question 1: I have hepatitis B and would like to know if this product containing milk thistle can be taken long-te...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, Hepatitis B is a viral hepatitis, and it is important to protect the liver by avoiding staying up late, not taking medications indiscriminately, and undergoing regular follow-ups. Currently, there are oral antiviral medications and long-acting interferon injections avail...[Read More] Understanding Milk Thistle in Liver Health: Benefits and Concerns
Can You Get Hepatitis B from Kissing and Touching Pimples?
Hepatitis B saliva coming into contact with acne? I would like to ask the doctor, I have positive results for both Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody. My Hepatitis B surface antigen level is 411.21 and the antibody level is 28.41. If I kissed my girlfriend on the neck and s...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
There is no risk of infection. Vaccination requires completing a schedule of three doses, after which it takes some time to develop antibodies.[Read More] Can You Get Hepatitis B from Kissing and Touching Pimples?
Understanding Liver Issues: High GPT Levels and Lifestyle Factors
Liver issues? Today, when I went to the hospital to check my lab results, my blood test showed a GPT level of 102, and I forgot the GOT value, but it was also above the normal range. The doctor mentioned that it is unlikely that this is solely due to lack of sleep. However, I do ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Based on the reported symptoms, the likelihood of fatty liver causing liver function abnormalities is high, indicating fatty liver disease. Elevated liver function tests can lead to fatigue, but this is not absolute.[Read More] Understanding Liver Issues: High GPT Levels and Lifestyle Factors
Understanding the Coexistence of Hepatitis B Surface Antibodies and Antigens
The presence of both hepatitis B surface antibodies and antigens simultaneously? Hello Dr. Tsai, I previously asked you the following question regarding your explanation: "The presence of both hepatitis B surface antibodies and surface antigens typically indicates the presen...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello! Yes! Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding the Coexistence of Hepatitis B Surface Antibodies and Antigens
Can You Get Hepatitis B from Dried Blood on Surfaces?
Can dried blood transmit hepatitis B? Hello, doctor. I have read several reports stating that the hepatitis B virus can survive for a long time, even in dried blood, where it can remain viable for up to seven days. Does this mean that if my wound comes into contact with dried blo...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Theoretically, infection is certainly possible, but this issue also involves the viral load and the duration of exposure.[Read More] Can You Get Hepatitis B from Dried Blood on Surfaces?
Understanding Liver Tumors: Ultrasound Findings and Next Steps
Ultrasound detected a liver tumor? Hello Doctor: I have never had an abdominal ultrasound before, but today I underwent one and found that I have mild fatty liver and a 2 cm tumor. The doctor initially believes it to be benign and mentioned that blood tests are needed. I would li...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Based on the current information provided, it is not possible to make a determination. If blood tests show positive for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or elevated tumor markers, you would be considered at high risk, and further evaluation with a CT scan or MRI is recommended. C...[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumors: Ultrasound Findings and Next Steps
Understanding Liver Shadows: What Your Ultrasound Results Mean
Ultrasound liver shadowing Hello, I am a 36-year-old female with hepatitis B. I gave birth a year ago, and six months later, a liver shadow was detected, which the doctor believed to be a hemangioma measuring 0.8 cm. Recently, during a follow-up, in addition to the 0.8 cm shadow,...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 36-year-old female patient has been advised by her physician to undergo an MRI for differential diagnosis of a possible liver tumor shadow. MRI is more sensitive than CT scans for diagnosing hemangiomas. However, if the tumor is smaller than one centimeter, it can be cha...[Read More] Understanding Liver Shadows: What Your Ultrasound Results Mean
Understanding the Coexistence of Hepatitis B Surface Antibodies and Antigens
The presence of both hepatitis B surface antibodies and antigens simultaneously? Hello, doctor. I previously read an article on this site where a physician mentioned that individuals with hepatitis B surface antibodies can resist different subtypes of the hepatitis B virus. Howev...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: This situation typically involves non-neutralizing antibodies, which are equivalent to carriers without antibodies. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding the Coexistence of Hepatitis B Surface Antibodies and Antigens
Understanding Liver Tumor Diagnosis: Next Steps and Evaluation Methods
Liver tumor differentiation Hello Doctor, I would like to ask, if a check-up reveals a tumor approximately 2 centimeters in size, and the type is still unclear, should I follow up with a hepatobiliary specialist or a surgeon? Additionally, the doctor mentioned to observe for thre...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: You can visit the gastroenterology and hepatobiliary department. If you are considered low risk (without hepatitis B/C, family history, or past history of tumors), you can follow your physician's recommendation for a three-month follow-up. If there are any changes, a ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumor Diagnosis: Next Steps and Evaluation Methods
Gallbladder Issues: Is Surgery Necessary for Patients with Liver Concerns?
Gallbladder issues Last week, I had a follow-up examination, and my ALKP level was 379, with a normal range being 320. The doctor mentioned that the ultrasound showed a lot of gallstones and thickening of the gallbladder wall, and recommended cholecystectomy. Given my current con...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if there is no improvement with monitoring, it is recommended to proceed with excision to prevent potential future changes. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Gallbladder Issues: Is Surgery Necessary for Patients with Liver Concerns?
Understanding Hepatitis C Window Period and Screening Necessity
Request for assistance: The necessity of screening and the window period for Hepatitis C? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about the window period and assessment for Hepatitis C. My previous job involved specimen collection at an external laboratory. Since the specimens were...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. There is no longer any concern about being infected with Hepatitis C, so please rest assured. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Window Period and Screening Necessity
Understanding Elevated GPT Levels: Causes and Next Steps for Liver Health
Elevated liver enzymes? Hello Doctor: I have regular health check-ups, but my GPT levels have consistently been abnormal, ranging from 50 to 80, while my GOT levels are normal. An ultrasound examination showed mild fatty liver. There are no other abnormalities, and I do not drink...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Based solely on the ultrasound results, fatty liver can potentially lead to liver inflammation. 2. It is recommended to maintain a light diet, control weight, engage in moderate exercise, and avoid using unproven remedies. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated GPT Levels: Causes and Next Steps for Liver Health
Understanding Liver Hypoechoic Nodules: Causes and Risk Factors Explained
Hypoechoic liver nodule Hello Doctor: My boyfriend, who is 29 years old and works a fixed night shift, was found to have a hypoechoic nodule measuring 0.7 cm in the liver (S5) during a health check ultrasound at his company. I am very worried after reading articles online about h...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if there is no history of hepatitis B or other illnesses, you can be reassured. However, it is still recommended to have regular follow-ups every 3 to 6 months for comparison. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Liver Hypoechoic Nodules: Causes and Risk Factors Explained