Understanding Liver Issues: Insights on Rough Liver, Nodules, and Fatigue
Liver problems? Dear Dr. Tsai, I apologize for bothering you again. My liver is rough, and my spleen is slightly enlarged. The surface antigen is negative, the surface antibody is positive, and the core antibody is positive. I have not been vaccinated, and I have developed antib...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) With aging or fatty liver disease, fibrosis may occur. (2) Liver nodules can be benign or malignant. (3) If you are experiencing fatigue, you should evaluate the quality of your sleep and whether your work is too strenuous; it is not solely related to liver issues. (4)...[Read More] Understanding Liver Issues: Insights on Rough Liver, Nodules, and Fatigue
Do I Need Antiviral Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B?
Do we need antiviral medication? Hello, Doctor! Several years ago, I was infected with hepatitis B, and at that time, I tested positive for antibodies and did not require treatment. Recently, an ultrasound revealed that my liver is rough, my spleen is enlarged, and I am experien...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. 1. If liver function is normal, there is currently no need to check for viral DNA. 2. Splenomegaly or coarse liver texture can be discussed with gastroenterology and hematology specialists for management strategies. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shi...[Read More] Do I Need Antiviral Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B?
Understanding Hepatitis B and C Transmission Risks and Precautions
Regarding the transmission of hepatitis B and C? My sister has a good friend who recently discovered that she has hepatitis, but it's uncertain whether it's hepatitis B or C. They have been sharing a bar of soap while showering, and sometimes use it to wash intimate clo...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. First, please confirm whether you have hepatitis B antibodies; if you do, you will not be at risk of infection. Additionally, hepatitis B and C are primarily transmitted through direct contact with the infected person's wounds and blood, so there is no need to w...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B and C Transmission Risks and Precautions
Can I Complete My Hepatitis B Vaccine During Pregnancy?
Hepatitis B vaccination administration Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask if I can continue with the administration of the third dose of the hepatitis B vaccine. I have already completed the first two doses, with the third dose scheduled for March 28, 2016. However, I am current...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Based on the current information, it is possible.[Read More] Can I Complete My Hepatitis B Vaccine During Pregnancy?
Understanding Liver Health: Do You Need Fibrosis Testing for Hepatitis B?
Is it cirrhosis? Hello, doctor. I recently had an abdominal ultrasound that showed my liver is enlarged. Subsequent blood tests indicated that my Hepatitis B surface antigen is negative, but my surface antibody and core antibody are positive. I have never been vaccinated, so it s...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A negative hepatitis B surface antigen means that there is no hepatitis B virus carrier status, and there is no need for any medication. There is a significant difference between liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, so there is no need to be overly concerned about cirrhosis. As f...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Do You Need Fibrosis Testing for Hepatitis B?
Can You Breastfeed While Taking Hepatitis B Medication?
Can I breastfeed while taking Sibutramine? Dear Doctor: I have been taking ETV (Entecavir) for over a year, and my e-antigen has turned negative. I am currently pregnant and continuing treatment. Is it safe to breastfeed? Are there any clinical cases of breastfeeding while on thi...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. Continuing antiviral medication during pregnancy and monitoring viral load is also a preventive measure. 2. The baby should receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. 3. Mothers with hepatitis B can breastfeed. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Can You Breastfeed While Taking Hepatitis B Medication?
Understanding the Risks of Cancer Related to Jaundice Symptoms
Is the risk of cancer high? Hello, doctor. I researched some symptoms of jaundice in adults. In this stage, hepatitis is the primary cause of jaundice, especially chronic hepatitis B and C. Some patients may progress to cirrhosis or develop liver cancer, which can severely affect...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to monitor the changes in the indices. If the jaundice is caused by diseases of the pancreas, bile ducts, or liver, the indices will gradually increase. At that time, a physician will evaluate what kind of examinations should be arranged. You should also ...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Cancer Related to Jaundice Symptoms
Accidental Needle Stick from Child: Risks After First Hepatitis B Vaccine
I was accidentally pricked by a used needle that a child had used, but I just received my first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a question. I am a dental assistant, and yesterday, on the evening of the 17th, after the doctor finished seeing a 2...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. You should have received the hepatitis B vaccine when you were young, so the chances of infection are very low, so there is no need to worry. You can wait until one month after completing the booster vaccination to check for the presence of antibodies. Changhua Hospi...[Read More] Accidental Needle Stick from Child: Risks After First Hepatitis B Vaccine
Understanding Hepatitis B: Dietary Concerns and Symptoms Explained
Inquiry about Hepatitis B状况? Hello doctor, I am a carrier of hepatitis B. A few years ago, due to dietary reasons, I had elevated liver enzymes during a health check in Taiwan and was found to have some fibrosis in my liver. After treatment with interferon, my liver enzymes retur...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Sir: 1. Eating pork liver in moderation is not harmful, so there is no need to worry. 2. Tonsillitis can be caused by either bacterial or viral infections. It often requires the use of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and antipyretics. There may be some side ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Dietary Concerns and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Inconsistent Hepatitis B Test Results: What You Need to Know
The results of hepatitis B testing vary? During middle school, I had a blood test that showed positive for hepatitis B surface antigen and negative for antibodies. However, when I was tested again in my first year of high school, the results showed negative for both hepatitis B s...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Lu: The antigen concentration may decrease day by day and eventually become undetectable, but there may still be a very small amount of virus hidden. It is advisable to regularly visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for follow-up examinations. Changhua Hospital ...[Read More] Understanding Inconsistent Hepatitis B Test Results: What You Need to Know
Enhancing Interferon Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B with Baraclude
The efficacy of interferon combined with Bevacizumab? Hello, Doctor. I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been regularly undergoing ultrasound and blood tests for a long time. However, since November of last year, my liver enzyme levels have been rising to over 200, and my surf...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Sir: Q1 Combination therapy is a recommendation based on professional experience, and while it is not inappropriate, there are currently no definitive human trial results to support it. Therefore, it is unclear what the best combination would be. Q2 There will be no re...[Read More] Enhancing Interferon Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B with Baraclude
Understanding Liver Health: Addressing Concerns About Fibrosis and Hepatitis
Liver issues? Hello doctor, I tested negative for Hepatitis B surface antigen, positive for surface antibodies, and positive for core antibodies. My antibodies were not produced by vaccination. My Hepatitis C level is 0.07. My outpatient doctor mentioned that my liver is rough, i...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Hepatitis B surface antigen negative and surface antibody positive: This indicates that there is no Hepatitis B carrier status and that immunity is present. (2) Core antibody positive: This signifies a past infection with Hepatitis B, but the individual has since recov...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Addressing Concerns About Fibrosis and Hepatitis
Essential Health Checks for Men with Hepatitis B: What to Know
Men who want to check for liver issues should undergo the following health examinations at a hospital: 1. **Liver Function Tests (LFTs)** - These blood tests measure the levels of liver enzymes, bilirubin, and proteins to assess liver health. 2. **Hepatitis Screening** - Tests f...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Please complete the follow-up examination for Hepatitis B, and the attending physician will determine whether additional tests are needed (such as fecal occult blood, blood glucose, thyroid function, etc.). Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Essential Health Checks for Men with Hepatitis B: What to Know
Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What They Mean for You
Hepatitis B testing issues? Hello doctor, I am currently 37 years old. I received the hepatitis B vaccine at the age of 17. In 2011, my surface antibody was still positive, and the surface antigen was negative. In 2013, during a company health check, it was found that HBsAg was n...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: The surface antibodies should be positive, and there should be no issues. Other data may have false positives, so there is no need for further investigation at this time. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What They Mean for You
Understanding Liver Health: Insights on Hepatitis B and Fibrosis
Liver issues? Hello doctor, I had an abdominal ultrasound that showed hepatomegaly, and I immediately tested for Hepatitis B and C. The results for Hepatitis B were negative for surface antigen, positive for surface antibody, and positive for core antibody. For Hepatitis C, the s...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: The ultrasound report is based on subjective judgment, so there is no need to worry about the term "coarse." If possible, a follow-up in a year would be sufficient. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Insights on Hepatitis B and Fibrosis
Understanding Elevated Urobilinogen Levels: Causes and Concerns
Elevated levels of urobilinogen? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my recent urinalysis, which showed elevated urobilinogen levels, while bilirubin was negative and all other parameters were normal. I am concerned about potential liver inflammation. Six days later, I had te...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: There should be no problem; it is normal for bilirubin levels to occasionally rise in healthy individuals, and monitoring is sufficient. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Elevated Urobilinogen Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Diagnosis, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Liver fibrosis Dr. Tsai, I’m troubled again. You mentioned that I should check the severity of fibrosis to see if I need to pay out of pocket for a Fibroscan, but my doctor said it’s not necessary. Should I still get tested for Hepatitis B virus DNA? Currently, my Hepatitis B sur...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1) Fibroscan can quantify fibrosis data, but its clinical application is relatively uncommon. Generally, ultrasound compares the texture of the liver with that of the spleen, allowing physicians to make subjective judgments, which is more commonly used in clinical practice...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Diagnosis, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Understanding the Risks of Reactivation in Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers
Questions about asymptomatic carriers? Hello Dr. Tsai, I have been a carrier of hepatitis B since I was in my specialty training. I found out during a health check at work when I was about 27 years old that my HBeAg was negative. I have also had two or three HBV viral load tests,...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) The activation of hepatitis B virus is usually associated with a decline in immune function, such as excessive fatigue, or the use of corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, undergoing chemotherapy, alcohol consumption, etc. In some cases, the activation may occur for unk...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Reactivation in Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Testing for Hepatitis and Treatment Options
Liver issues? Hello doctor, I had an abdominal ultrasound that revealed liver fibrosis. The doctor asked me to test for Hepatitis B virus surface antigen, which was negative at 0.00, and Hepatitis C antibody, which was negative at 0.07. Does this mean I do not have Hepatitis B or...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Hepatitis B core antibody is used to determine whether there has been a past infection with hepatitis B that did not progress to chronic carrier status. Hepatitis B surface antibody is used to assess current immunity against the hepatitis B virus. (2) Liver fibrosis ne...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Testing for Hepatitis and Treatment Options
Understanding Liver Cancer Treatment Options and Follow-Up Care
Treatment options for liver cancer? Dear Dr. Chen, My father underwent surgery for gastroesophageal junction cancer (stage III) in November 2015. After the surgery, he had a follow-up positron emission tomography (PET) scan to monitor his recovery, which revealed two liver tumor...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
If a series of follow-ups consistently shows a liver tumor that remains unchanged in size, it is likely benign. However, if it was not detected in previous examinations and is a recent finding, especially in the presence of hepatitis B or C, the likelihood of it being liver cance...[Read More] Understanding Liver Cancer Treatment Options and Follow-Up Care