Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Testing and Vaccination Requirements
Hepatitis B antibodies? Recently, the school arranged for liver function tests, and the results indicated that I have no immunity against hepatitis B. The report noted: "Further testing for hepatitis B core antibodies is required. If positive for hepatitis B core antibodies,...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. If the core antibody test is negative and there is no Hepatitis B surface antigen, it indicates that there has been no past infection with Hepatitis B, and without antibodies, vaccination can be administered to produce antibodies. If the core antibody is positive but ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Testing and Vaccination Requirements
Understanding the Effects of Hepatitis A Vaccine on Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers
Hepatitis A vaccine Doctor: Hello! I would like to ask if a chronic hepatitis B carrier experiences any side effects from receiving the hepatitis A vaccine, such as adverse effects on the liver or an increased risk of contracting hepatitis A from the vaccine. For example, there i...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Cynthia Chiang: There is no harm; on the contrary, it offers protective benefits and is a recommended preventive measure. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding the Effects of Hepatitis A Vaccine on Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers
Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Myths, Risks, and Family Implications
Questions from Hepatitis B carriers? Is it true that a person who is a carrier of hepatitis B will never be able to clear the virus and be cured for life? It seems that people tend to avoid individuals with this condition, believing that being a carrier will "definitely"...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, Dr. Dai: 1. A hepatitis B carrier is defined as HBsAg positive and HBsAb negative. The term "carrier recovery" refers to the conversion of HBsAg to negative and HBsAb to positive. The spontaneous seroconversion rate is generally low, so hepatitis B carriers requ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Myths, Risks, and Family Implications
Important Considerations for Allergy Medications in Hepatitis B Patients
What should patients with hepatitis B pay attention to when using antihistamines? Hello, I have been a carrier of hepatitis B for over a decade. This year, my tests showed GOT 79 and GPT 101 for the first time. My doctor has prescribed liver-protecting medication for me. Addition...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, everyone metabolizes and reacts to medications differently, so it is not possible to confirm whether the antihistamine you are taking may harm your liver; regular monitoring is necessary. How long have you been taking the antihistamine? Did you use it before the blood test...[Read More] Important Considerations for Allergy Medications in Hepatitis B Patients
Understanding the Effects of Hepatitis A Vaccine on Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers
Hepatitis A vaccine Doctor: Hello! I would like to ask if a chronic carrier of hepatitis B will experience any side effects from receiving the hepatitis A vaccine, such as worsening liver condition or an increased risk of contracting hepatitis A. For example, the oral polio vacci...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello Cynthia: The reported side effects of the hepatitis A vaccine are very mild, including headache, discomfort, vomiting, fever, nausea, and systemic reactions, with an incidence rate of approximately 0.8% to 12.8%. These side effects typically resolve on their own, and allerg...[Read More] Understanding the Effects of Hepatitis A Vaccine on Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers
Understanding Liver Toxins: What You Need to Know About Hepatitis B Treatment
The term "hepatotoxin" is used to refer to substances that are toxic to the liver? Hello Dr. Chen: I recently had a liver function test and was found to have hepatitis B, with the doctor stating that my liver toxin levels are in the tens of millions, indicating that the...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Ou: Your question is quite complex. It is recommended that you visit the "Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment Foundation" to read relevant information and discuss it in detail with your physician. In brief, hepatotoxins refer to the viral load of hepatitis ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Toxins: What You Need to Know About Hepatitis B Treatment
Understanding Elevated Liver Function Tests: Causes and Concerns
Abnormal liver function tests? Hello, Doctor. Last week, I had a liver function test, and the results showed elevated liver enzymes: AST: 162, ALT: 220, ALP: 79. I would like to ask if these values are very concerning, especially since I just completed my postpartum confinement p...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, your liver enzyme levels are elevated, indicating inflammation, and you need to be closely monitored and get plenty of rest. There are many reasons for changes in liver function related to Hepatitis B, such as fatigue, other viral infections, alcohol consumption, medicatio...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Function Tests: Causes and Concerns
Can Pregnant Women Safely Undergo Abdominal Ultrasound for Hepatitis B?
About abdominal ultrasound? Hello Dr. Lin: I would like to ask about abdominal ultrasound examinations. If a patient is already pregnant, can they still undergo regular abdominal ultrasounds for hepatitis B? Will this have any impact? Should the examinations be postponed?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, it is safe to perform an abdominal ultrasound for hepatitis B during pregnancy. This procedure is similar to the ultrasounds conducted for routine prenatal check-ups and does not need to be postponed. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Taoyuan Hospital, ...[Read More] Can Pregnant Women Safely Undergo Abdominal Ultrasound for Hepatitis B?
Understanding Active Hepatitis B: Treatment Options and Next Steps
Hepatitis B carriers are actively infected with the virus? A 31-year-old male, originally a carrier of hepatitis B, discovered during a health check that his liver enzymes were excessively high, ranging from 400 to nearly 500. Further testing at a larger hospital revealed a very ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello Jenny! 1. According to the doctor, 640 million → there was no unit provided for the test result. If the unit is copies/mL, then the viral load is very high. 2. A biopsy is recommended before treatment → Is interferon therapy suggested? If so, your physician may want to a...[Read More] Understanding Active Hepatitis B: Treatment Options and Next Steps
Understanding Active Hepatitis B Infection: A Guide for Patients
The original hepatitis B carrier currently has a very active viral infection? A 31-year-old male, who is a carrier of hepatitis B, underwent a health check and found that his liver enzymes were elevated, reaching nearly 500. Further tests at a larger hospital confirmed that he is...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello Jenny! 1. According to the doctor, 640 million → without the testing unit attached, if the unit is copies/mL, then the viral load is very high. 2. A biopsy is needed before treatment → is it recommended to undergo interferon therapy? If so, your physician may want to app...[Read More] Understanding Active Hepatitis B Infection: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Active Hepatitis B Infection: A Guide for Patients
The hepatitis B virus infection is currently very active among carriers? A 31-year-old male, who is a carrier of hepatitis B, discovered during a health check that his liver enzyme levels were excessively high, ranging from 400 to nearly 500. Further tests at a larger hospital re...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello Jenny! 1. According to the doctor, 640 million → without the unit of measurement attached, if the unit is copies/mL, then the viral load is very high. 2. A biopsy is recommended before treatment → Is interferon therapy suggested? If so, your physician may want to apply f...[Read More] Understanding Active Hepatitis B Infection: A Guide for Patients
How Much Aflatoxin Exposure Can Lead to Liver Cancer?
How much aflatoxin does one need to consume to develop liver cancer? Dear Dr. Hsu, I have undergone abdominal ultrasound examinations by two different physicians. The doctor at the Tzu Chi Douliu Clinic reported a small dark shadow and noted that the spleen appears larger than u...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, since you do not have hepatitis B or C, the likelihood of malignant tumors is low. However, if you are still concerned, a CT scan can be arranged for further evaluation. I'm not sure about the size of the small dark spot that was seen on the original ultrasound; somet...[Read More] How Much Aflatoxin Exposure Can Lead to Liver Cancer?
Starting Treatment for Hepatitis B Carriers: First Steps and Resources
How to start treatment for hepatitis B carriers? I have been aware that I am a carrier of hepatitis B for several years. I recently heard that there are medications available for treatment, but what is the first step to start the treatment? I live in Keelung; where can I find pla...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello, please visit a medical facility that has a hepatobiliary department for your convenience. Your condition needs to be evaluated by a physician, who can provide appropriate recommendations for treatment if necessary.[Read More] Starting Treatment for Hepatitis B Carriers: First Steps and Resources
Managing Alcohol and Sleep Medication: A Guide for Liver Health
Both the liver and kidneys can be harmed; excessive alcohol or strong medications can cause damage? Hello Dr. Chen, I am 155 cm tall and weigh 43 kg. I have been drinking for about 15 years and smoking for 25 years. I have a history of hospitalization for alcoholic liver disease ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. SILK: It is recommended that you first visit the psychiatric outpatient clinic to gradually reduce your dosage. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Managing Alcohol and Sleep Medication: A Guide for Liver Health
Essential Tips for Managing Hepatitis B and Supporting Liver Health
Regarding Hepatitis B? Hello, I would like to ask: besides regular monitoring and adequate rest for hepatitis B, what else should be noted? Are there specific foods that can help support liver health? Thank you!
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello, there is no specific food that has therapeutic effects on the liver, so a balanced diet is sufficient. It is important to avoid smoking and alcohol, and to refrain from taking medications indiscriminately, such as herbal remedies, supplements, and health products.[Read More] Essential Tips for Managing Hepatitis B and Supporting Liver Health
Understanding Alcoholic Hepatitis: Symptoms, Risks, and Next Steps
Alcoholic hepatitis Hello, I underwent a liver function test at a laboratory in early September for insurance purposes. The normal range is 78, but mine was over 400. Does this mean I have alcoholic hepatitis (I drink alcohol daily and stay up late)? I would like to know what alc...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Lin: Please visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic and refrain from alcohol consumption. An assessment for liver fibrosis and hepatitis B/C is necessary (if not absolutely unavoidable, you should also refrain from drinking alcohol for two consecutive days each week...[Read More] Understanding Alcoholic Hepatitis: Symptoms, Risks, and Next Steps
Understanding Your Pre-Marital Health Checkup Results: Key Insights
Report issues? Hello, doctor. Last week, my boyfriend and I went for a premarital health check-up. Today, I went to pick up the report, but it was only handwritten, and I couldn't understand some of the indices (previously, at another hospital, I received values to compare a...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello Ruby, 1. Your test results (female) show abnormal levels of red blood cells and white blood cells in the urine, with a normal range being 0-5/HPF, which may indicate a urinary tract infection that requires follow-up. In your blood tests, the levels of red blood cells, whit...[Read More] Understanding Your Pre-Marital Health Checkup Results: Key Insights
Understanding Hepatitis B: Can You Recover and Test Negative?
Hepatitis B Last year, during the company health check-up, I was first diagnosed with a positive HBsAg for hepatitis B at 3.1. This year, I went to Kaohsiung Municipal Hospital to see a gastroenterologist for a blood test, and they said I do not have hepatitis B, and the ultrasou...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello Lili, The significance of hepatitis B markers is as follows: 1. If HBsAg is positive and HBsAb (anti-S antibody) is negative, the individual is a carrier. They may not exhibit symptoms but should be monitored regularly, as they are at high risk for cirrhosis and hepatocel...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Can You Recover and Test Negative?
Can Liver Diseases Spread Through Saliva or Shared Nail Clippers?
excuse me? Is liver disease contagious through saliva? Also, can Hepatitis B be transmitted by using the same nail clippers?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Lai: Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through bodily fluids. While there is a low possibility of transmission through saliva, it is primarily transmitted through blood. Theoretically, nail clippers with blood could pose a risk of transmission, but there has been no doc...[Read More] Can Liver Diseases Spread Through Saliva or Shared Nail Clippers?
What to Do If Your Liver Enzymes Are Elevated: A Guide for Families
What to do if liver enzymes are elevated? Hello, doctor. Last week, my mother went to get her blood drawn, and the results showed GOT: 57, GPT: 62, and GGT: 72, which are elevated. Since my mother goes by herself, we don't know what the doctor told her. All we know is that s...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Miss Jia Jia: Please accompany your mother to the gastroenterology follow-up appointment to inquire about the cause. Elevated GOT/GPT levels are quite common among the population. If it's due to hepatitis B, there are medications available for management, so please avo...[Read More] What to Do If Your Liver Enzymes Are Elevated: A Guide for Families