Understanding HBsAg Levels and Hepatitis B Virus Infection Risks
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) Hello Doctor, my husband had a health check-up over a month ago and was found to have a Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) level of 0.12 IU/ml. The physician's overall assessment indicates that there is a Hepatitis B virus in his body and...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. A positive HBsAg indicates an infection with the hepatitis B virus. Testing for IgM anti-HBc can determine if it is an acute hepatitis B infection. If HBsAg remains positive after six months and HBsAb is negative, it indicates chronic hepatitis B. 2. Hepatitis B is ...[Read More] Understanding HBsAg Levels and Hepatitis B Virus Infection Risks
Understanding Hepatitis B: Do You Need a Booster Vaccine?
Questions regarding Hepatitis B? Hello Doctor, I was born in 1984 and I am currently 30 years old. Since 2007, I have been undergoing regular health check-ups every year. I would like to inquire about hepatitis B because my test reports regarding hepatitis B antibodies have been ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, it is speculated that this is related to insufficient levels of hepatitis B antibodies. Since the levels are borderline, sometimes the test results are positive and sometimes negative. In this situation, it is simply a matter of insufficient concentration, and receiving on...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Do You Need a Booster Vaccine?
Understanding Liver Health: Efficacy of Liverall and Other Treatments for Fatty Liver
Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? Hello, Doctor! Recently, during a health check-up, my liver function index was tested (normal range: 33-55) and the result came out to be 177. After visiting the outpatient clinic, hepatitis B and C were rule...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is not recommended to take over-the-counter medications during an outbreak of hepatitis until the cause is determined. The doctor will provide appropriate treatment, and it is advised not to rely on folk remedies or take medications indiscriminately. The treatment for f...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Efficacy of Liverall and Other Treatments for Fatty Liver
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: Vaccine Response and Risks
Regarding Hepatitis B antibodies Hello, Dr. Tsai. I would like to ask you a question. I received the hepatitis B vaccine when I was young, but I remember that during a health check in fifth grade, I tested negative for antibodies. About three years ago, I went to a family medicin...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Adolescents are often found to have lost their hepatitis B antibodies during health check-ups. This occurs because the immune memory generated by the hepatitis B vaccine administered at birth gradually fades due to the immune system not being stimulated by viral antigens o...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: Vaccine Response and Risks
Understanding Right Upper Quadrant Pain: Causes and Concerns
Right upper quadrant tenderness? Hello doctor, I previously inquired about hepatitis B and will promptly return for a follow-up. However, I am really scared about the tenderness; is it very serious?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Liver lesions often do not cause pain, but it is advisable to have an ultrasound to rule out any possibilities. We will also check for gallstones that may be causing discomfort. There is no need to worry too much, but please schedule an outpatient appointment as soon...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Quadrant Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Right upper quadrant tenderness? Hello doctor, recently I have occasionally experienced slight pain when pressing on my upper right abdomen upon waking up. It's not a constant pain, just a mild sensation when pressed. I am a carrier of hepatitis B, but I haven't gone fo...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: It is time for your (regular) follow-up appointment to check up and discuss with the physician the schedule for your annual follow-ups. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Symptoms of Hepatitis B and C: Rash, Fatigue, and Swelling Explained
Symptoms of hepatitis Infection with hepatitis B or C can present with various symptoms. Common symptoms include fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. While rashes are not typical symptoms of hepatitis B or C infections, some in...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 70% of acute hepatitis cases present without any obvious symptoms, while the remaining patients exhibit non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, poor appetite, abdominal bloating, and mild drowsiness. Some may report symptoms similar to those of a cold, and it is usually onl...[Read More] Symptoms of Hepatitis B and C: Rash, Fatigue, and Swelling Explained
Could Irregular Sleep and Alcohol Affect My Liver Antibodies?
Insufficient liver antibodies? Irregular sleep patterns and a reversed day-night cycle, along with a history of frequent alcohol consumption, could indeed contribute to your current difficulty in waking up after sleeping. Additionally, if your high school health check indicated i...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Fatigue or drowsiness may be related to the liver, but it is essential to undergo blood tests to confirm any liver function abnormalities. If liver function is normal, then fatigue or drowsiness is likely not related to the liver. Additionally, insufficient antibodies like...[Read More] Could Irregular Sleep and Alcohol Affect My Liver Antibodies?
Can You Get an Ultrasound for Fatigue Without Liver Inflammation?
Abdominal ultrasound? Hello doctor, I have a problem with easy fatigue, usually feeling tired 3 to 4 hours after getting up. Each time I check my GPT and GOT levels, they are normal. I have received the hepatitis B vaccine. I would like to have an abdominal ultrasound to check fo...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, abnormal liver function is related to your fatigue. If liver function is normal, your fatigue may be due to other factors, such as anemia, among others. If necessary, other reports should be reviewed. A small number of inactive liver cirrhosis cases may...[Read More] Can You Get an Ultrasound for Fatigue Without Liver Inflammation?
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: What Your Test Results Mean
Hepatitis B antibodies Hello Doctor: Six months ago, I had a blood test for hepatitis B antibodies, and the results showed that both the surface antigen (HepAg) and surface antibody (HepAb) were negative. Since my partner is a carrier of hepatitis B, I completed three doses of th...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Those who have surface antibodies are almost unlikely to have surface antigens, so there is no need to worry. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: What Your Test Results Mean
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Test Results: A Guide to ALKP and Protein Ratios
Questions about health check-up reports? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my health check report: 1. My ALKP value is 30 (the reference range provided in the report is 32-91 IU/L). Generally, a high ALKP level is considered unfavorable; what issues could arise from a low...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: ALKP is below the normal range, no need to worry. Protein level is 4.5, and globulin is 2.1, which are normal; the ratio does not need to be considered (a low ratio is more significant). Wishing you peace and health. Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Hospital...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Test Results: A Guide to ALKP and Protein Ratios
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccine Booster and Antibody Testing
Issues Related to Hepatitis B Vaccination Hello, Doctor. I am currently 30 years old and living abroad. I received the hepatitis B vaccine in Taiwan when I was a child, but I no longer have antibodies. The doctor here mentioned that the vaccine requires three doses: the first and...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Ms. Chang, 1. For those receiving booster vaccinations, a follow-up check can typically be done one month later. 2. For individuals who do not produce antibodies after the booster and are not healthcare workers, it is no longer recommended to administer additional vaccine...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccine Booster and Antibody Testing
Risk of Hepatitis B and C Infection from Haircut Blood Exposure
Hepatitis B and C infection issues? I would like to ask, today I went for a haircut, and because I had a pimple on the back of my neck, the barber accidentally broke it open with the electric clippers while trimming my hair, causing it to bleed. If the clippers had come into cont...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: In theory, it is possible, but the likelihood is low. After the use of instruments, whether the blood contamination remains infectious after a period of time is a concern. Wishing you safety and health. Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan General Hospit...[Read More] Risk of Hepatitis B and C Infection from Haircut Blood Exposure
Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: Blood in Stool and Enlarged Spleen
Questions Regarding Health Checkup Results Hello Doctor, I participated in the company employee health check and the result of the fecal occult blood test (quantitative method) was 50 ng/ml, which is significantly higher than the reference value of 12 ng/ml. I have a habit of tak...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. Lycopene should not cause a positive fecal occult blood test. 2. A positive fecal occult blood test can occur due to any bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. 3. The likelihood of a false positive for splenomegaly in abdominal ultrasound is ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: Blood in Stool and Enlarged Spleen
Understanding Elevated r-GT Levels: Causes and Next Steps for Patients
Elevated levels of r-GT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) index? Hello Doctor, my sGOT and sGPT levels are normal, and my liver cancer screening results are also normal. However, my r-GT levels are slightly elevated, exceeding the reference values in the test report. An abdominal ultr...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: 1. Elevated rGT levels in some individuals may be of unknown origin, but it is still recommended to monitor for 6-12 months. 2. For individuals with no hepatitis B surface antigen and no antibodies, if they are not healthcare workers or do not have close relatives wit...[Read More] Understanding Elevated r-GT Levels: Causes and Next Steps for Patients
Understanding Hepatitis B and Cholesterol Levels in College Health Checks
Please provide the health check data? Dear Director Chen, Regarding my daughter's university entrance health examination, the following data is noted: - Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) → Negative - Hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs) → Positive - Hepatitis B core ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Mrs. Lin: As you mentioned, the hepatitis B antibodies should be a result of effective vaccination. The lower cholesterol content should not pose any health risks. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B and Cholesterol Levels in College Health Checks
Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: Causes and Next Steps
Regarding abnormal liver enzyme levels? Hello Doctor, At the end of February, my school conducted a health check, and the results showed abnormal liver enzyme levels, with GOT at 38 and GPT at 92. In April, I had a follow-up blood test, and my GOT decreased to 82. The healthcar...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: The effectiveness of medication for fatty liver is not very good; long-term control of diet and weight is necessary for improvement. Please continue to make an effort and follow up. If there is no family history of hepatitis B or if you are not involved in the health...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Levels: Do You Have an Infection?
Hepatitis B antibodies Hello Dr. Chen: I would like to ask if the following values indicate that I have been infected with Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B surface antigen = 0.05 IU/ml and Hepatitis B surface antibody = 2.28 mIU/ml. Additionally, what are the reference values that defi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Huang: The hepatitis B test typically uses 1.0 as the cutoff value, so you should not be a carrier of hepatitis B. If necessary, you can visit a hepatobiliary specialty clinic for further confirmation. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Levels: Do You Have an Infection?
Managing High Jaundice Levels in Liver Tumors and Lymphoma
The jaundice index is excessively high in a patient with lymphatic cancer and liver tumors? My father has a liver tumor, lymphoma, and hepatitis B, and he is experiencing high levels of jaundice. The doctor has mentioned that there are currently no medications available for treat...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: First, we need to confirm the primary cause of the jaundice and treat it accordingly. If necessary, we may consider plasmapheresis, but it would be out-of-pocket and carries certain risks. Changhua Hospital is concerned about your health. Sincerely, Chen Shih-Tien.[Read More] Managing High Jaundice Levels in Liver Tumors and Lymphoma
Understanding Fatty Liver: High GPT and R-GT Levels Explained
Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? Hello Doctor: I would like to provide the following information for your reference: 1. Height: 171 cm, Weight: 82 kg. Liver function tests: - GOT: 78 (reference value 0-40) - GPT: 200 (reference value 0-...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. Chang, based on the information you provided, your liver enzyme levels indicate signs of hepatitis. In Taiwan, common causes include hepatitis B/C infections, alcoholic hepatitis, and fatty liver disease. However, based on the information provided, hepatitis B/C infecti...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: High GPT and R-GT Levels Explained