Understanding Liver Health: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Hepatitis C Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask you about my previous symptoms of frequent fatigue and slightly yellowing of the sclera. I had a blood test done, but I don't quite understand the results, so I would like to consult you regarding the following issues: - WBC (...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello! You have two issues. The first is chronic hepatitis C (HCV Ab positive) with significant liver inflammation (AST 101, ALT 221). You should seek medical attention at a large hospital's hepatology department as soon as possible, as you may require specific antiviral tre...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Risks and Family History Explained
Hepatitis B Dear Doctor, hello! What exactly is a "hepatitis B carrier"? Both of my parents died of liver cancer, and my mother seems to be a carrier of hepatitis B. Does this mean I am at a higher risk of getting it? Also, my lifestyle is not very good, as I tend to sl...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello! In Taiwan, there are approximately three million carriers of hepatitis B. The term "hepatitis B carrier" refers to individuals who have the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), which typically does not disappear throughout their lifetime. Hepatitis B patients can...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Risks and Family History Explained
Understanding the Connection Between Acute Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis
Acute gastroenteritis vs. acute hepatitis (fulminant hepatitis) I apologize for any inconvenience, but I have some questions to ask you. Since liver cancer is one of the top ten causes of death in our country, are there any instruments available for early detection? Also, does ha...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello! Hepatitis B or C is a risk factor for liver cancer. Therefore, if you are a chronic hepatitis B or C patient, you must undergo regular blood tests and abdominal ultrasound examinations. Only abdominal ultrasound can detect small liver cancers (approximately 0.5 cm or large...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Acute Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis
Understanding Yellow Eyes: Possible Causes and Liver Health Tips
Yellowing of the eyes? Hello, Doctor. I am preparing for graduate school entrance exams this year, so I have been going to bed around midnight or even past 1 AM lately. As a result, I often feel sleepy during the day. My classmate mentioned that my eyes look a bit yellow, and whe...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello! Although liver disease is a significant health issue in the country, approximately 1 in 5 people are affected by liver disease, with the vast majority having hepatitis B or C. Therefore, if you do not have hepatitis B or C and are not a heavy drinker, your liver should be ...[Read More] Understanding Yellow Eyes: Possible Causes and Liver Health Tips
Can You Get Hepatitis B Again After Recovering and Having Antibodies?
Hepatitis B Hello Doctor: I have a question to ask. I am not a carrier of hepatitis B; I had hepatitis B when I was in elementary school and have developed antibodies against it. However, I will soon have the opportunity to visit a friend's house, and my friend informed me t...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
If you have antibodies for hepatitis B, you will not be reinfected with hepatitis B.[Read More] Can You Get Hepatitis B Again After Recovering and Having Antibodies?
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B and C Treatment Costs in Taiwan
Chronic hepatitis B and C treatment..? Hello Dr. Chang: I understand that the National Health Insurance Administration has recently started to cover treatments with interferon and other medications for eligible patients with chronic hepatitis B and C, and that the treatment needs...
Dr. Zhang Yuting Reply:
Cost-related inquiries cannot be answered by the physician; please consult the administrative department of the hospital where you are receiving treatment.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B and C Treatment Costs in Taiwan
Understanding Liver Tumor Concerns: A Guide for Hepatitis B Carriers
excuse me? Hello Dr. Liang: I am a freshman in college and a carrier of hepatitis B (vertically transmitted). In my recent ultrasound and CT scan, a mass approximately 3 cm in size, suspected to be a tumor, was found. However, my blood tests showed alpha-fetoprotein at 1.2, liver...
Dr. Liang Jiade Reply:
Hello, during your ultrasound and CT scan, a suspicious mass was found. Tumors in the liver can be classified into two main categories: benign and malignant. Benign tumors include hemangiomas, focal nodular hyperplasia, adenomas, hyperplastic nodules, and focal steatosis, among o...[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumor Concerns: A Guide for Hepatitis B Carriers
Understanding Liver Ultrasound Results: Is Surface Hardening a Sign of Cirrhosis?
The ultrasound of the liver shows surface sclerosis? Dear Dr. Liang: Recently, my brother has been experiencing fatigue, nausea upon waking up in the morning, and dizziness. His sclera sometimes appears yellowish. He visited the Veterans General Hospital, where the doctor perform...
Dr. Liang Jiade Reply:
Hello: If there is jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), further investigation is necessary to determine the cause (such as issues with the bile ducts, gallbladder, liver, etc.) in order to treat the underlying condition. Additionally, the diagnosis of cirrhosis must be conf...[Read More] Understanding Liver Ultrasound Results: Is Surface Hardening a Sign of Cirrhosis?
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Antibody Response
Hepatitis B Hello: I heard from my teacher that some people do not produce antibodies even after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine. I was vaccinated as a child, but my recent health check report showed a positive reaction. Should I get vaccinated again? Is there a specific time w...
Dr. Zhang Yuting Reply:
The serological tests for hepatitis B include surface antigen (HBsAg) and surface antibody (Anti-HBs). I am not sure which of your results is positive. If you have received the vaccine, typically, Anti-HBs would be positive. If Anti-HBs is positive, there is no need for further v...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Antibody Response
Understanding Liver Function Issues: Hepatitis B and C Concerns Explained
Liver function issues Hello Dr. Su, I went to the laboratory for testing. The results show Hepatitis B surface antigen [0.66 negative] [antibody +], with GOT 49 and GPT 77. Does this mean I am infected with Hepatitis B, or do I have antibodies? Is there no need for further vaccin...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
Your hepatitis B antibody test is positive, indicating that you have been infected with hepatitis B and have developed antibodies. There is no need for further hepatitis B vaccinations. However, your liver function is abnormal, and you need to consult a physician for diagnosis an...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Issues: Hepatitis B and C Concerns Explained
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccine Antibody Levels: What You Need to Know
Hepatitis B vaccine Hello, I received three doses of the vaccine seven years ago. Six months later, I was tested and found to have antibodies, but now during my recent check-up, it was reported that I have no antibodies. I would like to ask the doctor about this issue! 1. Is it p...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello: The antibodies generated after vaccination may diminish over time, or the initial antibody response right after vaccination may not be very high. Of course, the sensitivity of testing for hepatitis B antibodies can vary between hospitals, which may lead to different result...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccine Antibody Levels: What You Need to Know
Excessive Sleep and Fatigue: Is It Related to Hepatitis B?
I feel that I have a longer sleep duration? Hello doctor, I feel that I need more sleep than average to feel rested and I easily get fatigued. Is this related to hepatitis B?
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello! More than 70% of hepatitis patients are asymptomatic. They often experience prolonged sleep and fatigue, which can have various causes. To determine if it is related to hepatitis B, a blood test is necessary. In fact, even mild liver inflammation often presents no symptoms...[Read More] Excessive Sleep and Fatigue: Is It Related to Hepatitis B?
Understanding Liver Nodules: Causes, Concerns, and Health Tips
Liver nodule Recently, during a health check-up, an ultrasound examination revealed a liver nodule. I am unfamiliar with this term. What is a liver nodule, what causes this condition, and how can I maintain liver health in my daily life? Thank you!
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello: Liver nodules are localized lesions found in the liver during abdominal ultrasound, varying in number from one to several. They are actually a type of liver tumor, but liver nodules are usually benign. The exact cause of their formation is unclear, and they typically do no...[Read More] Understanding Liver Nodules: Causes, Concerns, and Health Tips
Understanding Hepatitis B Surface Antibodies: Key Insights for Patients
Hepatitis B issues What is Hepatitis B surface antibody?
Dr. Zhang Yuting Reply:
What you are asking about is the Hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs), which is the antibody produced by the body in response to the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Generally, individuals who have not been infected with Hepatitis B will develop Anti-HBs after receiving th...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Surface Antibodies: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: Causes and Concerns for Liver Health
Liver enzyme issues? Hello, Dr. Tsai. Recently, I had to report to a new company and underwent a medical examination at a hospital, where my ALT level was found to be 124. However, tests for hepatitis B and C were negative. Following the doctor's instructions, I took medicat...
Dr. Cai Junyan Reply:
Hello Wade: Dr. Tsai Jun-Yan has been very busy recently, so the director of the health education department is responding on his behalf. In addition to hepatitis B and C, there are also hepatitis A and other types caused by viruses, autoimmune conditions, and medications. It is ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: Causes and Concerns for Liver Health
Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing, Treatment, and Coverage Options
I would like to have a health check-up? Hello, I discovered that I have hepatitis B when I donated blood six years ago. I would like to undergo further testing; how should I proceed? I heard that in October, health insurance covers the costs for hepatitis B. What treatment option...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello: Hepatitis B is classified into three stages: healthy carriers (where liver inflammation markers, such as GPT, remain within normal limits), chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Healthy carriers do not require treatment but should be monitored regularly, as they remain at high...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing, Treatment, and Coverage Options
Understanding Pancreatic Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Pancreatic tumor Dear Dr. Zhang Yuting, Hello! I would like to briefly summarize my medical history for your reference. 1. Hepatitis B (maternal transmission) 2. Car accident (fractured jaw, surgery performed) 3. Uterine fibroids (surgically removed approximately 0.6 kg) 4. Ch...
Dr. Zhang Yuting Reply:
Your issue is quite complex, and based on your description, the most likely problem is a chronic pancreatic neck tumor. There are several possibilities regarding your pancreatic neck tumor: one is that it is a malignant tumor (as chronic pancreatitis is a high-risk factor for pan...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Can You Combine Liver Function Tests and Ultrasound in One Visit?
Liver function test issues? Can liver function tests (AST, ALT) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ultrasound be checked together at the same time? Is it covered by insurance or is it out-of-pocket?
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
For patients with chronic hepatitis B or C, we recommend checking GOT and GPT every 3 to 6 months, and performing fetal protein tests and abdominal ultrasounds every six months. These tests are covered by health insurance, and you only need to pay 20% of the examination fee, with...[Read More] Can You Combine Liver Function Tests and Ultrasound in One Visit?
Essential Liver Health Checks: Importance, Costs, and Local Resources
Liver organ examination Hello, Dr. Tsai. Recently, I saw my uncle collapse due to liver disease, which made me feel anxious. Currently, I work in law enforcement, and my lifestyle and diet are irregular. I have never had my liver checked before. Before undergoing liver function t...
Dr. Cai Junyan Reply:
Dear Mr. Tsai: You should first go to the hospital to check for chronic hepatitis. It is best to consult a qualified hepatologist or gastroenterologist. The examination should include liver function tests, hepatitis B and C virus antigen and antibody tests, and liver ultrasound...[Read More] Essential Liver Health Checks: Importance, Costs, and Local Resources
Can Beer Yeast Be Safe for Liver and Stomach Issues?
Can individuals with liver and stomach issues consume brewer's yeast? Hello! I would like to ask you, my brother is a healthy carrier of hepatitis B. Is it safe for him to consume brewer's yeast? Additionally, my father often experiences acid reflux, but his health chec...
Dr. Cai Junyan Reply:
Hello Ivor: The components of brewer's yeast include amino acids, proteins, B vitamins, and minerals. Its primary function is to supplement nutrients that may be insufficient in daily intake, and it does not have any specific therapeutic effects on chronic hepatitis or gastr...[Read More] Can Beer Yeast Be Safe for Liver and Stomach Issues?