Understanding Elevated ALT Levels in Blood Donation: Common Concerns
Blood Donation Center Report Will there be errors in the tests at the blood donation center? I have a normal routine, I'm not taking any medication, and I consume Ganoderma from Grape King every day. However, when I went to donate blood, they said my ALT levels were elevated...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Elevated ALT levels indicate liver inflammation, which can have various causes (including medication-induced, fatty liver, hepatitis B/C, etc.). You may visit a hepatobiliary clinic for further examination. Consuming reishi mushrooms is only for health maintenance and...[Read More] Understanding Elevated ALT Levels in Blood Donation: Common Concerns
Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Liver, Gallbladder, or Nerves?
Dull and distended sensation next to the lower right rib cage? Hello Doctor: In May of this year, I began to feel a sense of heaviness and bloating near the bottom of my rib cage, sometimes just below the lowest rib (which I believe is the rib junction). Therefore, in mid-May, I ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, liver inflammation can lead to abnormal liver function, which may cause a feeling of discomfort or bloating in the upper abdomen; however, in fact, 70% of hepatitis cases are asymptomatic. Additionally, elevated liver enzymes are one thing, but the most important factor is...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Liver, Gallbladder, or Nerves?
Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Insights
There is a feeling of heaviness in the right upper abdomen? Hello Dr. Chen: I have been feeling a dull sensation in the upper right quadrant of my abdomen, which I can't quite describe as pain, but it feels swollen and uncomfortable. I am 176 cm tall and weigh 90 kg, and I d...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, discomfort in the upper right abdomen, if accompanied by acid reflux and belching, may indicate a duodenal issue. If it is accompanied by bloating and difficulty with bowel movements, it may suggest a problem with the colon. Wishing you good health. Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoy...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Insights
Managing Elevated Liver Enzymes: Key Questions and Insights for Caregivers
Regarding issues related to elevated liver enzymes? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask a question regarding my mother, who has had abnormal liver function for over 10 years and has been regularly monitored through blood tests. This year's health check results showed: AST: 65...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: There is no specific medication for fatty liver. A GPT level of 80 can use liver-protective medications covered by health insurance, but the effects are not significant. Weight loss is the most important factor, along with monitoring changes in GPT levels. Patients a...[Read More] Managing Elevated Liver Enzymes: Key Questions and Insights for Caregivers
Understanding Hepatitis B: Test Results and Dietary Considerations
Hepatitis B issues 1. Since the age of 18, the individual has been identified as a carrier of hepatitis B. Recent tests show blood report values of GOT/GPT at 25/28, alpha-fetoprotein at 0.98, e-antigen antibody as Reactive, HBeAg S/CO value at 0.317, and HBeAg interpretation as ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Sir: 1. You are likely a healthy carrier of Hepatitis B, with normal liver function and low viral load (e-antigen negative), but you still need to be monitored. 2. Generally, there is no need to test for Hepatitis C viral load. 3. You can maintain a normal diet and sho...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Test Results and Dietary Considerations
Are E Antigen and Antibody Tests Covered by Insurance for Hepatitis B?
excuse me? I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been regularly undergoing ultrasound examinations as well as tests for GOT, GPT, and AFP. It's time for my health check-up again, and this time I would like to ask the doctor to test for HBeAg and anti-HBe. I would like to kn...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Generally, at the same hospital, a test will be conducted first. If the E antigen is positive, follow-up testing will be done in 3-6 months to check if it has turned negative. This is covered by insurance. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Are E Antigen and Antibody Tests Covered by Insurance for Hepatitis B?
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Antibody Testing for Your Children
Regarding the hepatitis B vaccine? Hello Doctor: My son, born in 1989, received the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. However, when he was 16 years old in 2005, he was tested and found to have no antibodies, so he received an additional three doses of the vaccine. Now at 22 years old...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, after receiving the vaccine, antibodies may diminish after ten years. A booster dose can be administered; if memory cells for the immune antibodies are still present, one dose will restore the antibodies. If they do not restore, three doses will be required. For my eldest ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Antibody Testing for Your Children
Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Findings: Should I Be Concerned?
Abdominal ultrasound inquiries? Hello Dr. Chen, I recently had a health check-up, and the physician informed me that the abdominal ultrasound showed small white spots in the liver, measuring approximately 0.38 cm. Since I have hepatitis B, I am quite concerned. I asked the ultras...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: The white spots are mostly due to calcification or benign tumors (hemangiomas), but regular follow-up is still necessary. After some time, the follow-up interval can be extended; just regular ultrasound examinations are sufficient. Changhua Hospital cares about your h...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Findings: Should I Be Concerned?
Impact of Night Shifts on Liver Metabolism in Hepatitis B Patients
Does working night shifts affect liver metabolism? Hello, doctor. I am a carrier of hepatitis B. About four years ago, my GPT levels were over 600. Following my doctor's advice, I took Tenofovir for more than two years and then stopped the medication. At that time, I had jus...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Belarck has good long-term safety, but there are contraceptive considerations. As long as the virus is well-controlled, working night shifts is not a major issue, but it should not be done for an extended period to avoid impacting immune function. Changhua Hospital ca...[Read More] Impact of Night Shifts on Liver Metabolism in Hepatitis B Patients
Understanding Hepatitis B e Antigen and Antibody Testing: Do You Need Further Tests?
What is the issue regarding hepatitis B e antigen antibodies? As a carrier of hepatitis B, my health check results show GOT 25 IU/L (normal range 5-40 IU/L), GPT 29 IU/L (normal range 5-40 IU/L), r-GT 21 U/L (normal range 10-71 U/L), AFP 4.70 ng/mL (normal range 0-20 ng/mL), and ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, if the e antigen is negative, the e antibody is usually positive, unless there is an error in the testing or the concentration falls within the gray zone. Best wishes, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B e Antigen and Antibody Testing: Do You Need Further Tests?
Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: When to Start Treatment and Testing
Could you please specify your question regarding hepatitis B? I am a carrier of hepatitis B, which was detected during a blood test when I was 18 years old in high school. Now I am 27. There have been a few instances where my liver enzymes spiked to 4 to 5 times the normal level,...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: The e antigen and viral load can represent the "virulence" of the virus, which may increase the chances of future outbreaks or long-term complications such as liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. However, despite advancements in medical technology, there is stil...[Read More] Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: When to Start Treatment and Testing
Understanding Liver Health: Concerns About Hepatitis and STD Risks
Liver examination status? On April 25, I had a kiss and intimate relationship with my ex-girlfriend, and I am concerned about the possibility of sexually transmitted infections, including hepatitis B and C. On April 19, during a company health check, my liver enzyme levels were s...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, having antibodies for hepatitis B means you will not be re-infected. You have not been infected with hepatitis C. Abnormal liver function requires an abdominal ultrasound for further evaluation of the cause, but it has been confirmed that it is not related to hepatitis B o...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Concerns About Hepatitis and STD Risks
Concerns About Cross-Contamination During Dental X-Ray Procedures
excuse me? Hello Doctor, I apologize for seeking your advice. If an X-ray bite block comes into contact with residual blood or saliva from a previous patient on the X-ray machine, is there a risk of contracting hepatitis or HIV? After having a dental implant and stitches, I was b...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, if the blood has dried for a while, it should not be infectious. In the future, if you encounter this situation, you can ask the staff to wipe it away with alcohol wipes. Best wishes, Dr. Chen Chih-Feng, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Concerns About Cross-Contamination During Dental X-Ray Procedures
Essential Liver Health Checkups for Hepatitis B Carriers
Liver health checkup? Hello Doctor: I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Due to my work schedule, I often stay up late and wake up late. Recently, I have been feeling fatigued and experiencing chest tightness. I would like to undergo a liver health check, including liver function tests...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Most general hospitals offer this examination, but please refer to the original hepatitis B report. The registration fee and National Health Insurance coverage at our hospital is approximately NT$290. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Essential Liver Health Checkups for Hepatitis B Carriers
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Absence: When to Seek Further Testing
Hepatitis B antibodies I underwent a school entrance health examination, which indicated that I had no antibodies. I subsequently had blood tests after receiving three doses of the vaccine, but still showed no antibodies. After waiting another six months and getting tested again,...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, approximately 10-15% of individuals who receive the hepatitis B vaccine are unable to produce antibodies. If an individual fails to produce antibodies, it is likely due to their own physiological characteristics, and administering additional doses of the vaccine is unlikel...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Absence: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Liver Nodules: When to Worry About Cancer Risk
Liver nodule measuring 1.2 cm? My husband started experiencing hepatitis B inflammation in 2002 (at the age of 36), with significantly elevated ALT and AST levels. He was hospitalized three times in 2003 due to persistently high levels. At the end of 2003, he began taking Hepatit...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Sorry for the late reply! 1. Roughness indicates fibrosis; if necessary, a liver biopsy can be performed for assessment. 2. Viral treatment requires a long-term commitment, ideally over three years, and may need to be extended to new therapies if necessary. If medica...[Read More] Understanding Liver Nodules: When to Worry About Cancer Risk
Understanding Blood Test Results: Insights on Hepatitis B and Liver Health
Blood test report Hello Doctor, I have a hemangioma in my liver measuring 2.4 cm (it was 1 cm when discovered). On February 27 of this year, I tested for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and alpha-fetoprotein. On April 12, I had an abdominal ultrasound, and the doctor did not inform me ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, please visit the hepatobiliary department for further examination. Any single test may have discrepancies, especially when the concentration values are in the borderline range. Wishing you health, Dr. Chen Qi-Feng, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Insights on Hepatitis B and Liver Health
Should I Consider Antiviral Medication for Chronic Hepatitis B?
Should I use antiviral medication for hepatitis B? I am 26 years old. I became a carrier of hepatitis B during high school, and neither of my parents are carriers. I have regular liver examinations every six months (ultrasound, GOT, GPT, AFP, but I haven't done the e-antigen...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Xiao De: Currently, treatment is not recommended, but you may consider testing for e-antigen (+/- self-paid hepatitis B viral load) for documentation and follow-up. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Should I Consider Antiviral Medication for Chronic Hepatitis B?
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes After First Hepatitis B Interferon Injection
Long-acting interferon for hepatitis B (forwarded from the director's mailbox) I have tested positive for hepatitis B with SGPT at 109 and SGOT at 47. After consulting with a doctor at the hospital, I was advised to undergo treatment with long-acting interferon for hepatitis...
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Hello, having sufficient trust and a good doctor-patient relationship is very important for the treatment of chronic Hepatitis B. Any questions before, during, or after treatment should be directed to your physician. Lack of sufficient trust leading to unauthorized discontinuatio...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes After First Hepatitis B Interferon Injection
Understanding the Benefits of Pearl Grass for Liver Health
What are the benefits of pearl grass? I have been a carrier of hepatitis B for over ten years and have regular blood tests and ultrasounds every year, all of which have returned normal results. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with a hepatic hemangioma, but the doctor said it onl...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. For a hepatitis B carrier with currently normal liver function and no signs of cirrhosis, according to the current treatment guidelines, no antiviral medication is needed. It is important to protect the liver by avoiding excessive fatigue and being cautious with medic...[Read More] Understanding the Benefits of Pearl Grass for Liver Health