Understanding Asymmetrical Abdomen: Fat Distribution or Liver Concerns?
The right upper abdomen is larger than the left upper abdomen? Hello, Doctor. I am currently overweight, weighing 100 kg. A few years ago, I noticed that the appearance of my abdomen, specifically the upper right quadrant (below the chest), is more protruded than the upper left q...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If there are any issues with the liver, it is best to consult a clinical physician. Uneven fat distribution refers to the description of the liver observed in ultrasound and does not cause left-right imbalance. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Asymmetrical Abdomen: Fat Distribution or Liver Concerns?
Do I Need Further Testing for Positive Hepatitis B Surface Antigen?
Positive reaction for Hepatitis B virus surface antigen? Hello: 1. During a health check, liver function tests were normal (106/10/06). 2. However, a blood donation screening showed a positive reaction for Hepatitis B surface antigen (106/11/13). Should I go to the gastroenterolo...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. You need to complete the full set of hepatitis B tests first, and then we will plan follow-up treatment based on the results. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Do I Need Further Testing for Positive Hepatitis B Surface Antigen?
Understanding Low Titer Anti-HBs: Implications for Hepatitis B Resistance
Low-titer hepatitis B antibodies, do they provide resistance against the hepatitis B virus? Hello: Recently, during a health check, tests for HBsAg and Anti-HBs [5.13; <10(-), >10(+)] were both negative, so I went to the hospital to receive the hepatitis B vaccine, but I wa...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. A blood serum test is sufficient. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Low Titer Anti-HBs: Implications for Hepatitis B Resistance
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Gastrointestinal, liver, and biliary system? Doctor: (Li He) I started experiencing symptoms from early Monday morning, including vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and loss of appetite. My intestines have been churning non-stop, and I've lost weight. I've known since childh...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Please follow a light diet with low oil, low meat, and small portions. Additionally, return to the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for medication adjustment. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Understanding Your Liver Biopsy Report: Key Insights on Hepatitis Types and Staging
Pathological Examination Report of Hepatitis Hello, Doctor. I recently underwent a liver biopsy at the hospital. After the examination, the physician only informed me of the presence of liver inflammation and recommended changes to my lifestyle, along with prescribing some liver-...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Mild steatosis and steatohepatitis (grade 1/3, stage 1/4). The report indicates: it is Grade 1 fatty infiltration and Grade 1 fibrosis, both of which are classified as mild. 2. Whether it is caused by hepatitis B or C depends on the blood test results. Fatty liver can a...[Read More] Understanding Your Liver Biopsy Report: Key Insights on Hepatitis Types and Staging
Understanding High Viral Load Despite Negative e Antigen in Hepatitis B Patients
e antigen negative Hello, Doctor. I have hepatitis B. Previously, my liver inflammation caused my AST and ALT levels to exceed a thousand, with a viral load of over a million and positive e-antigen. An ultrasound showed a 0.6 cm nodule. After taking Baraclude, my e-antigen turned...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, some patients with hepatitis B virus may undergo mutations to evade the immune system and relieve pressure, leading to the disappearance of the e-antigen, which allows the virus to continue replicating and causing liver inflammation. It is recommended that antiviral medica...[Read More] Understanding High Viral Load Despite Negative e Antigen in Hepatitis B Patients
Medication Concerns for Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: A Guide
Medication issues Hello Dr. Tsai. I am a carrier of hepatitis B and experienced acute hepatitis last year. I am currently taking Baraclude (entecavir) 0.5 mg. I have been on antihypertensive medication, including 80 mg of Amlodipine and 2.5 mg of Bisoprolol daily. Last week, I al...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Please be aware that during the initial phase of taking lipid-lowering medications, there may be some discomfort. Other medications should not have any impact. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Medication Concerns for Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: A Guide
Understanding Liver Ultrasound Discrepancies: Your Questions Answered
Questions about liver ultrasound? Hello Doctor: I have been diagnosed with hepatitis B and have been monitoring my liver function for about four years, with liver enzyme levels consistently below 80. In March of this year, I self-paid for Hepcludex treatment, and by May, my viral...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It is advisable to discuss the details of your condition with your attending physician. Further examinations may not be necessary, but follow-up is required. If you still have concerns, a liver biopsy may be considered. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Since...[Read More] Understanding Liver Ultrasound Discrepancies: Your Questions Answered
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What Do High AST and ALT Levels Mean?
I am puzzled that my blood test results show liver enzyme levels that are 5 to 6 times higher than the normal reference range? On November 16, my mother went for a blood test. The report came back with several abnormal liver function results: SGOT (AST) was 226, and SGPT (ALT) wa...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, please cooperate with the physician to determine if you have hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or drug-induced hepatitis. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What Do High AST and ALT Levels Mean?
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Levels: Do You Still Have Immunity?
Hepatitis B antibody testing Hello, doctor. During my high school health check, my anti-HBs result was negative, so I received an additional dose of the vaccine. On July 4, 2015, I had my antibody levels tested again, and my anti-HBs value was 47.33. It has been two years since t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, the concentration of hepatitis B antibodies may decrease over time, but the immune memory remains. If there is a viral infection, antibodies should be produced again automatically, so there is no need to worry. Healthcare professionals recommend maintaining a concentration...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Levels: Do You Still Have Immunity?
Understanding Hepatitis C: Treatment Options and Testing for Family Health
Hepatitis C 1. My mother is 60 years old and recently discovered through a health check that she has over 6 million hepatitis C virus (HCV) copies. She is currently undergoing blood tests for genotyping. Are there any insurance-covered treatment options available for the latest t...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. The GPT level is above the standard value, but there is no cirrhosis, and interferon treatment is acceptable. Additionally, for chronic hepatitis C with cirrhosis and no decompensated liver function, full oral antiviral treatment for hepatitis C is acceptable. 2. You ma...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C: Treatment Options and Testing for Family Health
Can Hepatitis Be Transmitted Through Contact with Blister Fluid?
Can the fluid from a blister that comes into contact with a wound transmit hepatitis? Hello Doctor: I came into contact with another person's burn blister fluid (fresh, which I accidentally burst) on November 9th, and I have a paper cut on my hand that is about half a centim...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. First, please confirm whether the patient has hepatitis C, and then follow up as necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Can Hepatitis Be Transmitted Through Contact with Blister Fluid?
Should You Seek Further Testing After Normal Liver Biopsy Results?
The liver biopsy results are normal. Is there a need for further testing? Hello Doctor, In the past two years, I have found that my liver enzyme levels are elevated, with ALT ranging from 116 to 337, AST from 47 to 142, and GGT from 133 to 208. Each time I have been tested, my ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if you still have concerns, you can bring your complete medical records to a medical center. You may first monitor your liver function changes over the next 3 to 6 months, and if there is no improvement, then visit the medical center. Changhua Hospital cares about your hea...[Read More] Should You Seek Further Testing After Normal Liver Biopsy Results?
Understanding Positive Hepatitis B Test Results: Key Insights and Concerns
Hepatitis B testing issues? Hello Doctor, I am currently studying abroad. When I arrived here, I underwent a rapid screening for Hepatitis B, and the result was positive. I need to schedule another appointment with a local hospital for further testing. About two years ago, I rece...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. For patients who are positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), vaccination may not be effective, and they may not produce antibodies. Please confirm your hepatitis B carrier status and antibody levels with your physician. Changhua Hospital cares about your hea...[Read More] Understanding Positive Hepatitis B Test Results: Key Insights and Concerns
Understanding Hepatitis B: What to Do After a Positive Surface Antigen Test
Could you please provide more details about the issue related to hepatitis B? Hello, I would like to ask about my situation. I tested negative for hepatitis B at the age of 32. Now, at 36, I came into contact with unknown blood on September 10 and got tested on September 13. Eigh...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) indicates an infection with Hepatitis B. It is important to monitor for any symptoms of hepatitis, as there is still a 1% risk of fulminant hepatitis in cases of acute Hepatitis B infection, so one should not be complacen...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: What to Do After a Positive Surface Antigen Test
Should You See a Doctor for Mild Liver Function Abnormalities?
Abnormal liver function detected during school health examination? SGOT 20, SGPT 42.3 (slightly elevated), Hepatitis B surface antigen negative, Hepatitis B surface antibody negative. Due to being in the third year of junior high school and staying up late, should I visit an inte...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: GPT 42.3 is only slightly elevated, so there is no need to worry too much. You can return to the clinic for a follow-up blood test in three months. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for Mild Liver Function Abnormalities?
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Transmission Risks
Vaccine booster shot Hello doctor, five years ago during a health check, I had antibodies for Hepatitis B, but in October this year, the test showed that I no longer have antibodies (the value is only 2, and the doctor said it needs to be at least 10). I received a booster shot o...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if you need to come into contact with a carrier of hepatitis B, it is recommended to maintain a high concentration of hepatitis B antibodies for safety. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Transmission Risks
Essential Liver Health Checks: Preventing Silent Liver Diseases
Prevention of Liver Disease Hello, doctor. I have heard that the liver can endure a lot even when it is diseased, which is why it is referred to as a "silent organ." What regular tests should be done to prevent liver issues?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if you have hepatitis B or C, you should be monitored every six months. For the general public over the age of 40, you can undergo an adult health check every three years. If any abnormalities are found, further examination will be necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about ...[Read More] Essential Liver Health Checks: Preventing Silent Liver Diseases
Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Hepatitis B testing status I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have regular follow-ups. Today, I had blood tests done with the following results: - 2017/10/03 AST/GOT (aspartate aminotransferase) 25 U/L (normal range: 8-38) - 2017/10/03 ALT/GPT (alanine aminotransferase) 24 U/L (...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, based on your description, you have antibodies against Hepatitis B, indicating that the infection has completely resolved. If you have liver cirrhosis, close monitoring is still necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shih-Tien[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Navigating Unstable Liver Enzymes: Treatment Dilemmas for Chronic Hepatitis B
Persistent abnormal liver function tests without meeting the criteria for medication intervention? Hello doctor, I am a carrier of hepatitis B and I am about 40 years old. For the past 5 to 6 years, I have been regularly undergoing blood tests every three months. My ALT levels fl...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, this is a strategy mandated by the National Health Insurance Administration. There is no right or wrong; it depends on the discussion between the physician and the patient. If there is significant fibrosis, a biopsy may be considered to confirm whether cirrhosis is present...[Read More] Navigating Unstable Liver Enzymes: Treatment Dilemmas for Chronic Hepatitis B