Should You Test for Hepatitis B Antibodies After Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Hepatitis antibodies Six months ago, my liver enzymes elevated to over 90, and after treatment prescribed by Dr. Yun, they decreased to the 40s. I had an ultrasound examination at the internal medicine department, and the doctor said everything was fine. Blood tests also showed n...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, there are several types of antigens and antibodies for hepatitis B. The presence of the surface antigen indicates an active infection and carrier status, while the presence of the surface antibody indicates a past infection that has resolved, providing lifelong immunity. T...[Read More] Should You Test for Hepatitis B Antibodies After Elevated Liver Enzymes?
How to Monitor and Diagnose Liver Hemangiomas: Essential Guidelines
How should hepatic hemangiomas be monitored? 1. During my abdominal ultrasound examination, a suspected 1 cm hemangioma was found in my liver. What kind of tests should I undergo to confirm that it is a hemangioma and not a malignant tumor? 2. If it is confirmed to be a hemangi...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. To confirm with 100% certainty, surgical removal and histopathological examination are necessary; otherwise, it cannot be confirmed. However, if the examining physician suspects a benign hemangioma, they would not recommend surgery but would first check for (1)...[Read More] How to Monitor and Diagnose Liver Hemangiomas: Essential Guidelines
Understanding Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) in Liver Function Tests
Liver function tests I am a carrier of hepatitis B, and in my recent test report, there is a marker called carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). I would like to know what CEA is.
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, CEA stands for carcinoembryonic antigen, which is a tumor marker for adenocarcinoma. It is typically produced by tissues such as the colon, stomach, pancreas, and lungs. If adenocarcinoma is present, CEA levels in the blood may be abnormally elevated (smokers and elderly i...[Read More] Understanding Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) in Liver Function Tests
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: What You Need to Know
Abnormal liver function? I recently received my health check report from school, and it indicates that I have abnormal liver function. I'm not quite sure what that means, so I would like to ask for clarification. My S.G.O.T (AST) is <100> and my S.G.P.T (ALT) is <12...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, your SGOT is 100 and SGPT is 127, indicating inflammation in the liver (normal levels are typically around 35-40 or lower). However, your report suggests receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine, which implies that you likely do not have Hepatitis B. Further testing is necessary ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: What You Need to Know
Understanding Dry Mouth: Causes and Connections to Liver Health
Dry and rough mouth? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a question. Every time I sleep, my mouth is always very dry and uncomfortable, just like the advertisements say - dry and bitter mouth! This is especially severe in the morning when I wake up. Could this be caused by my liver...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, dryness in the mouth is not necessarily solely caused by liver issues. Some individuals may experience insufficient saliva production, and people with diabetes are also prone to dry mouth. Additionally, sleeping with an open mouth or snoring can contribute to this conditio...[Read More] Understanding Dry Mouth: Causes and Connections to Liver Health
Managing Hepatitis B Treatment: Concerns About Medication Effects and Digestive Health
Hello, how can I assist you today? Hello Doctor, 1. I am undergoing treatment for hepatitis B, and my doctor has prescribed me Hepa-Merz, Prometin, Topaal, Kascoal, and Canlin. I am concerned whether taking these medications for a long time could harm other organs. I am particu...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
1. The medication you are taking has minimal effects on the stomach and kidneys. 2. If you are still experiencing bloating after three months of medication, it may be due to incomplete recovery of the liver or possibly an issue with the stomach. You should consult a gastroenterol...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis B Treatment: Concerns About Medication Effects and Digestive Health
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: What Do GOT and GPT Levels Mean?
Could you please clarify your question regarding GOT and GPT? I would like to ask the doctor, recently during a full body check-up, I had abnormal liver function results with values of GOT 41 and GPT 73. At first, I didn't understand what these values meant! Later, since it ...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello! GOT (Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase) is an enzyme present in the body, not only in the liver, but also in muscles, the heart, and red blood cells. However, GPT (Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase) is predominantly found in the liver, so the assessment of liver inflammati...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: What Do GOT and GPT Levels Mean?
Seeking Expert Advice on Chronic Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver Treatment
Please consult Dr. Hsu? Hello Dr. Hsu, I am a carrier of Hepatitis B and have moderate fatty liver. I started taking "Gan An Neng" a year and a half ago. During the treatment, my GOT and GPT levels mostly remained below 100, and my e-antigen has always been positive. T...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, Xiaomei! 1. If interferon cannot suppress the virus and inflammation persists, then interferon would not be a viable option. If inflammation continues, you might consider interferon therapy. However, is it possible that your inflammation is influenced by other factors? Do ...[Read More] Seeking Expert Advice on Chronic Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver Treatment
Managing Hepatitis B Carriers: Follow-Up Care and Ultrasound Insights
Hepatitis B carrier You need to have a follow-up abdominal ultrasound after three months and return for a check-up in two months. It has been found that you have a vascular tumor. I would like to ask Dr. Chen what steps I should take next.
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, the hepatitis B carrier has been found to have intrahepatic nodules, suspected to be hemangiomas. It is advisable to check the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in the blood to see if they are elevated. If the results are abnormal, there is still a possibility of hepatocellul...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis B Carriers: Follow-Up Care and Ultrasound Insights
Understanding Your Health Check Results: What Do They Mean?
Questions about the test report? The health check conducted in each township includes a stool test. The results for colorectal cancer screening are unclear. The Hepatitis B surface antigen is negative, while the Hepatitis C test is positive. Could you please help me understand wh...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, I don't understand your question. What tests were performed? Blood tests? Colon cancer marker tests? If the CEA level for colon cancer is 3, that is considered normal. Which test report is showing negative/positive results? Please review the report carefully, and if y...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Results: What Do They Mean?
Can You Get Hepatitis B After Vaccination? Understanding Risks and Testing
After receiving the hepatitis B vaccine, can one still contract hepatitis B? Hello Doctor: I received the hepatitis B vaccine when I was in elementary school, and my liver function tests were normal during my vocational school health check. Two years ago, my blood donation report...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Elevated liver function does not necessarily indicate that you have hepatitis B. The letter mentioned that you have received the hepatitis B vaccine, but it is unclear whether you were tested afterward to see if you developed surface antibodies. If you did, that means you ...[Read More] Can You Get Hepatitis B After Vaccination? Understanding Risks and Testing
Understanding Hepatitis B: Concerns, Treatments, and Lifestyle Tips
Urgent question!! Hepatitis B~~ Hello, Dr. Hsu. I was diagnosed with hepatitis B about a year or two ago. Since then, I have been regularly getting blood tests and taking medication (I also take a multivitamin). However, my test results have continued to rise each time. Two days ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The letter only mentioned that you have hepatitis B but did not specify your current condition. Which specific test results are you referring to that have been rising? The doctor's advice to rest more does not necessarily indicate that your condition is serious; you m...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Concerns, Treatments, and Lifestyle Tips
Essential Tests for Liver Cancer: What You Need to Know
What tests are needed for liver cancer? Hello, doctor. I recently saw in the news that some young people have passed away from liver cancer, and since I have a history of hepatitis B, I am a bit worried and would like to get checked. I have a few questions: 1. What tests are req...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. If you have hepatitis B, liver cancer screening should include a medical history review, physical examination, blood tests, and an ultrasound examination. You should consult a hepatologist or gastroenterologist. Regarding costs, health insurance can cover it, b...[Read More] Essential Tests for Liver Cancer: What You Need to Know
Understanding Gastroenteritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Advice
About gastroenteritis? Due to excessive late nights, I have been experiencing diarrhea for the past 4.5 days. I visited a doctor two days ago, and they diagnosed me with gastroenteritis. I have been taking anti-diarrheal medication and stomach medicine for the past two to three d...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. If you have had diarrhea for 4 to 5 days and are experiencing bleeding, it is necessary to seek medical attention for further examination. 2. Hepatitis B is not related to gastroenteritis. 3. Alcohol can harm the liver, and greasy foods and dairy products may...[Read More] Understanding Gastroenteritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Advice
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: G.O.T and G.P.T Explained
Liver enzymes G.O.T (Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase) and G.P.T (Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase Hello, I have been feeling fatigued frequently and have a bitter taste in my mouth. My sister, who is a pharmacist, suggested that I get my liver function checked. After the tests...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, the normal range for liver enzymes GOT and GPT is generally below 40. Your GPT level of 154 is approximately 3 to 4 times elevated, which is not extremely high, but it is important to understand the underlying cause (such as whether there is hepatitis B or C, or fatty live...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: G.O.T and G.P.T Explained
Understanding Upper Abdominal Discomfort and Pain in Hepatitis B Patients
Abdomen Hello doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing discomfort in the upper middle part of my abdomen, and there is a sharp pain under the left side of my rib cage. I also have hepatitis B, and I'm unsure what the issue might be. Thank you.
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, the pain in the upper abdomen and left upper abdomen is more likely related to gastric issues, such as a gastric ulcer. Do you experience increased pain when hungry or a feeling of bloating after meals? Hepatitis B does carry a higher risk of liver cancer, but the liver an...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Discomfort and Pain in Hepatitis B Patients
Impact of Cold and Emergency Contraceptive Medications on Liver Enzyme Levels
Liver enzymes I recently went to the hospital for a check-up and found that my ALT was 85 and AST was 58. I subsequently underwent testing for hepatitis B, which returned normal and negative results. The night before the test (approximately 12 hours prior), I took two cold medica...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
Taking two cold medications and contraceptive pills should not have an impact on liver function.[Read More] Impact of Cold and Emergency Contraceptive Medications on Liver Enzyme Levels
Understanding Liver Function Tests: Insights for Patients with Hepatitis B
Liver function tests Hello Dr. Lee, I have hepatitis B, so I have a habit of regularly checking my liver function, approximately every six months. Last week, I went to the hospital for a liver function test, and the results showed GOT (88) and GPT (59), which are higher than th...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello! You have hepatitis B, and it is essential to have regular follow-ups. Your liver function tests are slightly elevated, so close monitoring is even more important. Some individuals naturally have lower white blood cell counts, which may be due to their constitution. Whether...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: Insights for Patients with Hepatitis B
Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: What You Need to Know Before Donating Blood
Elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels? The physician recently donated blood and was informed by the nurse that his previous blood donation records indicated liver function indices were close to "elevated," specifically mentioning a value of "43,"...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, there are two types of serum transaminases: AST and ALT. ALT is more specific to the liver, and it is possible that the abnormal value you encountered during blood donation was ALT. This indicates liver dysfunction and the presence of liver inflammation. I'm not sure ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: What You Need to Know Before Donating Blood
Understanding Hepatitis B: Treatment, Relapse Risks, and Medication Access
Could you please provide more details about the liver issues? 1. I am currently taking Hepatitis B medication, and my doctor mentioned that I would need to take it for about two years. However, due to military service, it is difficult for me to pick up my medication on time. What...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
The relapse rate after recovery from hepatitis B treatment is approximately 35%. It is advisable to avoid excessive fatigue and alcohol consumption.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Treatment, Relapse Risks, and Medication Access