Is a High HBV DNA Level of 15 Million Serious for My Health?
A HBV DNA level of over 15 million copies is considered very high and indicates a significant viral load. This can suggest active hepatitis B infection and may require further evaluation and management by a healthcare professional? Hello Dr. Li: I am 47 years old and have been a ...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello Yy, 1. In your letter, you mentioned that your HBV DNA is over 15 million (is the unit IU/ml or copies/ml?). When assessing HBV DNA, it is important to evaluate the unit of measurement. Regardless of the unit, a level of over 15 million indicates a very high viral load. Ad...[Read More] Is a High HBV DNA Level of 15 Million Serious for My Health?
Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission and Vaccination: Key Questions Answered
Hepatitis B issues Hello Dr. Lin: (1) What is the probability of transmitting Hepatitis B through saliva and semen? (2) If a person has developed antibodies against Hepatitis B, can they be assured that they will not be infected regardless of contact with a Hepatitis B carrier? (...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, Xiao Dou: 1. In patients with hepatitis B, the virus HBV-DNA can be detected in saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions, indicating sexual transmission. According to foreign literature, the transmission rate among heterosexuals is approximately 39%, particularly among those...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission and Vaccination: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Abnormal liver function tests? Hello Dr. Lin: I just received the results of my military service physical examination from the city office today. It states that my liver enzyme levels are elevated, with SGOT at 58 and SGPT at 84. I checked online, and the normal range is consider...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello A-Min, Although the standard values for GOT and GPT may vary slightly from one hospital to another, they generally do not differ significantly. In our hospital, the standard values for GOT and GPT are below 40. A GPT level of 84 indicates an abnormal liver index, suggesti...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Is There a Cure for Liver Fibrosis? Understanding Treatment Options
Is there medication for liver fibrosis? Dear Doctor, After reading your work, I have gained a better understanding of liver diseases. However, I still have some concerns after my recent consultations, and I would like to ask a few questions: Family medical history: I am a carri...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello Homa! Based on the information in your letter, your medical history is less than six months, but given your current condition of acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B, it is indeed necessary to initiate medication to suppress inflammation. However, since it has been l...[Read More] Is There a Cure for Liver Fibrosis? Understanding Treatment Options
Eligibility for Health Insurance Coverage of Daanan for Chronic Hepatitis B
How to apply for Gan An Neng health insurance benefits? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if a patient with chronic hepatitis B, whose liver function tests show an ALT value greater than five times the normal limit and has a positive e-antigen, but has not been under medical care...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, the National Health Insurance Administration requires a six-month medical history. Therefore, you currently need to pay out of pocket. However, you can consult with your physician to see if you can register for National Health Insurance after meeting the six-month requirem...[Read More] Eligibility for Health Insurance Coverage of Daanan for Chronic Hepatitis B
How Hepatitis B Carriers Can Prevent Transmission to Others
Hepatitis B carriers should take the following precautions to avoid transmitting the virus to others: Hello Dr. Lin: I am a carrier of hepatitis B. How can I avoid transmitting the virus to others? What measures should I take to protect my wife (or girlfriend) and children from i...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, Xiao Dou. 1. The transmission route of Hepatitis B is through bodily fluids, including blood, saliva, and semen. It is important to be cautious with personal items that may come into contact with your blood, such as razors and toothbrushes; it is advisable not to share t...[Read More] How Hepatitis B Carriers Can Prevent Transmission to Others
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Key Questions and Concerns
Am I considered a severe carrier of hepatitis B? Hello Doctor: First, I would like to share my family's medical history: My mother was once your patient and passed away at 55 due to severe jaundice, ascites, and cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B. My grandmother also died from ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! 1. To qualify for health insurance coverage, you need to have an e-antigen report. I'm not sure if you have been tested for this, as well as for Hepatitis C and Hepatitis D. Since your GPT level is above 200, if the e-antigen is positive and Hepatitis C and D infectio...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Key Questions and Concerns
Are Liver Protectants Effective for Treating Hepatitis B?
Are liver protectants considered therapeutic medications? Is the liver-protective agent Silymarin 150mg (Livorin) a treatment for hepatitis B? How long can I take Gan An before developing drug resistance? Currently, my doctor has prescribed Gan An for me. Can I seek a second opin...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello! 1. No, this is just an amino acid supplement that only provides nutritional support for liver cells affected by hepatitis, helping to repair the cells, but it does not have any therapeutic effect on hepatitis B. 2. The probability of developing drug resistance after using ...[Read More] Are Liver Protectants Effective for Treating Hepatitis B?
Can Hair Loss Treatments Like Finasteride Affect My Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B and medications for treating male pattern baldness? Hello, doctor. I have hepatitis B and am currently under regular follow-up at a provincial hospital. My current condition includes fatty liver, but everything else is normal. I would like to ask if it is appropriate ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello Linus, regarding medications like Linopirdine and Boscalid, literature reports associated side effects include impacts on sexual function, effects on PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) levels, and cases of elevated liver enzymes, particularly in patients who consume alcohol, a...[Read More] Can Hair Loss Treatments Like Finasteride Affect My Hepatitis B?
How Hepatitis B Carriers Can Prevent Transmission to Partners
Hepatitis B Hello Dr. Chen: What should a carrier of hepatitis B pay attention to in order to avoid transmitting the virus to their girlfriend? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Tom: 1. Use condoms. 2. Your girlfriend should receive the hepatitis B vaccine. 3. If you have severe hepatitis B, undergo treatment for the hepatitis B virus. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] How Hepatitis B Carriers Can Prevent Transmission to Partners
Managing Hepatitis B: Medication, Herbal Remedies, and Dietary Advice
Issues related to medication for Hepatitis B? Hello Dr. Chen: I am a carrier of hepatitis B. In March of this year, I had a check-up, and my GOT was 51 and GPT was 84. The doctor said the levels were a bit high and asked me to return for a follow-up in three months, without presc...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mrs. Huang, Your GPT84 level is approximately twice the normal value, so it is important to monitor any changes closely. If it continues to rise and does not decrease for more than three months, antiviral treatment may be considered. Oral health supplements can be taken as...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis B: Medication, Herbal Remedies, and Dietary Advice
Understanding Liver Function Changes: Is It Early Cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis Dear Dr. Chen, Here are my liver function test results from the past six months: - September 5, 1996: GOT: 47, GPT: 629 - October 25, 1996: GOT: 43, GPT: 60 - January 28, 1997: GOT: 20, GPT: 33, AFP: 3.28, TBIL: 0.99 - March 6, 1997: GOT: 21, GPT: 30 I have undergone...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Miss Hsiao-Wen, As long as you confirm that there is no hepatitis B or C, adjust your diet, control your weight, avoid taking medications that can harm the liver, and have your liver function checked every three months, you should be fine. Changhua Hospital cares about you...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Changes: Is It Early Cirrhosis?
Why Is My Liver Function Getting Worse Despite Taking Hepatic Medications?
Taking Hepatoprotective agents can lead to an increase in GPT levels and bilirubin instead of a decrease? Hello Doctor: I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Recently, my liver function tests showed abnormal results, with a GPT level as high as 377, and a bilirubin level of 0.8. Followi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Crystal: This is your first time using Gan An Neng, and it's rare to develop resistance so soon (usually it appears after more than 9 months). Please be patient and cooperate with your physician. Additionally, a bilirubin level of 1.1 is not high; jaundice is typic...[Read More] Why Is My Liver Function Getting Worse Despite Taking Hepatic Medications?
Do I Need Medication for My Hepatitis B Treatment?
Inquiry about Hepatitis B treatment? Hello: My GOT is 72, GPT is 134, AFP is 2.3, HBeAg is positive at 272, and HBV is 100,000,000. Do I need to undergo medication treatment?
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello, I suggest that you should seek treatment.[Read More] Do I Need Medication for My Hepatitis B Treatment?
Understanding Constipation: Solutions and Health Check Recommendations
Constipation Hello, I am a 20-year-old female. I have been experiencing constipation for a long time, and my lower abdomen is quite large, resembling a pregnant belly, and I have difficulty passing stool. What can I do to resolve this issue? (I am 150 cm tall and weigh 41 kg.) Sh...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, Xiaoling. 1. Given your age, the constipation may be related to gastrointestinal functional issues. It is recommended to drink plenty of water, increase fiber intake, and develop a daily bowel habit. If there is no improvement, please consult a physician for appropriate ...[Read More] Understanding Constipation: Solutions and Health Check Recommendations
Understanding the Timing and Efficacy of Hepatitis B Vaccination
The schedule for administering the three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine is as follows: the first dose is given at birth, the second dose is administered one month after the first dose, and the third dose Hello, doctor. During a blood donation, the report showed that I tested po...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, the description in your letter is quite vague. I suggest you ask the physician at the hospital for clarification on what is meant by not having hepatitis B. Specifically, inquire whether it refers to being free of hepatitis B virus carriers or if you have surface antibodie...[Read More] Understanding the Timing and Efficacy of Hepatitis B Vaccination
Understanding Healthy Carriers of Hepatitis B: What You Need to Know
Hepatitis B I apologize for the oversight. My hepatitis B test results show positive for hepatitis B surface antigen and negative for hepatitis B surface antibody. After confirming the information from the previous issue, it is clear that I am a carrier of hepatitis B. However, m...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello, if you are a carrier of hepatitis B but your liver inflammation markers are normal and an ultrasound examination is also normal, you can be classified as an inactive carrier of the virus. Currently, the term "healthy carrier" is less encouraged.[Read More] Understanding Healthy Carriers of Hepatitis B: What You Need to Know
Understanding Liver Virus Index: Key Questions and Health Implications
What is the liver virus index? 1. What is the liver virus index? Does it refer to the levels of AST (GOT) and ALT (GPT)? The doctor mentioned that this test is only available at National Taiwan University Hospital and New Taipei City Hospital. 2. What happens if a person with no...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, 1. The hepatitis B virus load test is referred to as HBV DNA. GOT and GPT are indicators of liver inflammation and are different tests from the viral load. 2. The HBV DNA test is indeed not available at every testing facility. 3. If there is no liver cirrhosis and the HBV ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Virus Index: Key Questions and Health Implications
Understanding Hepatitis B: Are You a Carrier of the Virus?
Am I a carrier of a disease? My hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is positive; is it positive or negative? Also, my liver function tests show aspartate aminotransferase (AST) at 20.00 (10-42 IU/L) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at 12.00 (10-40 IU/L). What does this mean? It...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello, your question is unclear. Is the surface antigen positive or negative? Are the surface antibodies positive or negative? These two factors are very important; only by clarifying them can we determine if you are a carrier of hepatitis B. The latter two refer to liver inflamm...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Are You a Carrier of the Virus?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Risks, Recovery, and Health Check Guidance
Hepatitis B This year, I just started high school (vocational), and during a health check at school (conducted by Taichung Hospital), I found out that I have hepatitis B. Is it possible for hepatitis B to heal? Or if I don't test positive for hepatitis B after six months, ca...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Currently, there are no medications available that can completely eliminate hepatitis B, so once infected, the likelihood of becoming a lifelong carrier is quite high. There are no specific regulations on what time to go to bed, and there is no evidence to suggest that staying up...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Risks, Recovery, and Health Check Guidance