Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission: Myths and Facts
Concerns about Hepatitis B transmission? Hello doctor! I have a friend who says he is a carrier of hepatitis B and that he was infected perinatally. However, he claims that he will not transmit the virus to others. Is there any truth to this statement, or am I misunderstanding so...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Blood can still transmit infections (hence, blood donation is not allowed), while food does not transmit infections.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission: Myths and Facts
Is It Safe for Elderly with Hepatitis B to Get the COVID Vaccine?
I would like to inquire whether my health condition is suitable for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? Hello, doctor. I have an elderly female relative at home who is nearly eighty years old and has hepatitis B. She often develops rashes, and I am unsure if this is related to liver ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The contraindications for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine include allergies to vaccine components. Vaccination should be avoided during acute infections. Individuals with unstable chronic diseases or those who are significantly underweight should not receive the vaccine. Ol...[Read More] Is It Safe for Elderly with Hepatitis B to Get the COVID Vaccine?
Do I Need to Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine as a Carrier?
Inquiry about Hepatitis B? Hello, doctor! My recent health check-up showed that I tested positive for Hepatitis B core antibodies, and my Hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs) level is 7.6 mIU/ml. The report indicates that I am a carrier of Hepatitis B, but my Hepatitis B surfa...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please bring the report to the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for confirmation. In principle, it is not recommended for non-medical personnel to receive a booster shot.[Read More] Do I Need to Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine as a Carrier?
Understanding CT Reports of Liver Tumors: Key Insights and Next Steps
Liver Tumor CT Report I apologize for the inconvenience. My mother recently had an ultrasound that revealed a 2.5 cm hypoechoic nodule and moderate fatty liver, with no evidence of hepatitis B or C. However, my father has a history of biliary tract cancer. Subsequently, she under...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Ultrasound may have individual variations, but a CT scan can often provide a definitive diagnosis, so please rest assured. However, it is still important to monitor for any changes.[Read More] Understanding CT Reports of Liver Tumors: Key Insights and Next Steps
Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Abnormal liver function tests? In July, blood tests revealed abnormalities in blood sugar, liver enzymes, and cholesterol. The cholesterol issue had been noted since high school health checks, and the physician later believed it to be hereditary (as my mother also has this issue)...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. If other causes are excluded, be cautious of the side effects of lipid-lowering medications. 2. No, it won't. 3. It shouldn't either.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Managing Liver Fibrosis: Essential Steps for B Hepatitis Carriers
Liver fibrosis issues? Hello, doctor. I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been regularly monitored at a gastroenterology clinic, undergoing liver function tests and abdominal ultrasounds every six months. In recent years, all my tests have shown no abnormalities. Last month, d...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Maintaining a regular lifestyle and diet, along with monitoring changes in the condition and managing it with medication, can lead to a positive future![Read More] Managing Liver Fibrosis: Essential Steps for B Hepatitis Carriers
Vaccination Guidance for Patients with Congenital Biliary Atresia
Congenital biliary atresia vaccination administration? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about congenital biliary atresia. I have experienced jaundice due to fever. Would you recommend getting the AZ or Moderna vaccine?
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Vivi: Currently, there is no data suggesting which vaccine to administer, so it is recommended to consult your physician. However, it is generally advised for patients with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or liver cirrhosis to receive vaccination. Director Cai Jin-ji, Department ...[Read More] Vaccination Guidance for Patients with Congenital Biliary Atresia
Assessing COVID-19 Vaccine Suitability for Patients with Liver Issues
Drug side effects Hello, Dr. Chen! I have been experiencing painless and itchy red spots, rashes, or bruises on my skin every 1 to 3 months. I have been following up with a hematologist every six months, and my platelet count is between 70,000 and 80,000. I am also a carrier of h...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There is no evidence suggesting that it should not be administered.[Read More] Assessing COVID-19 Vaccine Suitability for Patients with Liver Issues
Can Hepatitis B Virus Survive in Sweat? Understanding Transmission Risks
Hepatitis B transmission issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if the sweat of a person with hepatitis B contains the hepatitis B virus. Can sweat transmit hepatitis B? If I accidentally come into contact with the sweat of a hepatitis B patient, can I contract hepatitis B? I...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Infection can only occur if the wound comes into direct contact with the patient's blood or through sexual contact. Sweat does not transmit the infection. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Virus Survive in Sweat? Understanding Transmission Risks
Long-Term Hepatitis B Treatment: Reducing Liver Cancer Risk
Hepatitis B medication issues? Hello doctor, my liver function and fetal protein levels are normal, but due to my high viral load, the doctor has suggested that I pay out of pocket for medication. If economic considerations are not an issue, is it possible to use medication for a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Theoretically, it is possible to reduce liver cancer, but there is still no substantial long-term human clinical trial evidence to prove its effectiveness.[Read More] Long-Term Hepatitis B Treatment: Reducing Liver Cancer Risk
Consulting on Herbal Remedies for Hepatitis B Symptoms
I would like to inquire about the use of traditional Chinese medicine for hepatitis B? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with hepatitis B. I previously took Entecavir, and after the viral load was effectively reduced, my primary physician advised me to stop the medication. After stopp...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Being a carrier of hepatitis B does not necessarily mean you cannot take traditional Chinese medicine; however, it is recommended that you consult a qualified Chinese medicine practitioner for a prescription. The medications you mentioned are classified as patent medicines...[Read More] Consulting on Herbal Remedies for Hepatitis B Symptoms
Understanding Liver Nodules: Insights for Concerned Families
Hepatic adenoma Hello Doctor, my mother is 60 years old. She was diagnosed with stage 1A gastric cancer in August 2018 and underwent surgical treatment. Since then, she has been undergoing annual check-ups. In July 2020, an abdominal CT scan revealed a small nodule in the liver. ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please follow up or refer the imaging to a radiologist to determine if additional examinations are needed.[Read More] Understanding Liver Nodules: Insights for Concerned Families
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: SGOT and SGPT Insights
Liver function tests (LFTs) Hello Doctor: Recent health check reports indicate abnormal liver function with SGOT: 45 U/L and SGPT: 45 U/L. What could be the issue or what recommendations do you have? Is there a need for immediate medical attention, re-examination, or treatment? T...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Check for hepatitis B and perform an ultrasound. If it is only fatty liver, then lose weight for 1 to 2 months before following up with blood tests.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: SGOT and SGPT Insights
Understanding Long-Term Bloating: When to Seek Medical Advice
Chronic bloating Hello Doctor, I am 23 years old and have been experiencing bloating and pain on the left side of my abdomen near the navel for the past four years. Sometimes I also have pain in the upper left abdomen. I visited a major hospital for examination, and during an ult...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, A 23-year-old female presents with abdominal bloating, left upper abdominal pain, and a history of esophageal reflux with gastric mucosal erosion. In addition to gastrointestinal disorders, differential diagnoses should also consider liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic di...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Bloating: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Long-term Bloating: When to Seek Medical Attention
Chronic bloating Hello doctor, I am 23 years old. Four years ago, I started experiencing bloating and pain on the left side of my abdomen near the navel, and sometimes pain in the upper left abdomen. I went to a large hospital for examination, and during an ultrasound, a hepatic ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: A 23-year-old female presents with abdominal bloating, left upper quadrant pain, and a history of esophageal reflux with gastric erosion. In addition to gastrointestinal disorders, differential diagnoses should also consider liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic diseases. The...[Read More] Understanding Long-term Bloating: When to Seek Medical Attention
Is a Cholesterol Level of 254 mg/dL Dangerous? Doctor's Advice
Cholesterol level of 254, no need for medication? Hello, Dr. Chang. I have had hepatitis B since I was about 12 years old. Recently, while I was abroad, I experienced some discomfort, such as slight swelling and pain on the left side of my neck and muscle discomfort in my left sh...
Dr. Zhang Kebin Reply:
Dear Ms. Wang, You have had hepatitis B since the age of 12. Recently, while abroad, you experienced discomfort, such as mild swelling and pain on the left side of your neck and muscle discomfort in your left shoulder, prompting you to seek medical attention and request blood te...[Read More] Is a Cholesterol Level of 254 mg/dL Dangerous? Doctor's Advice
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Levels and Infection Risk
Hepatitis B antibody concentration Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if there are antibodies present for hepatitis B, regardless of the concentration, does that mean one will not contract hepatitis B?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Yes, if the hepatitis B antigen is negative.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Levels and Infection Risk
Understanding White Stool: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
White stool Hello Dr. Lin, I noticed white stools when I had a bowel movement on Monday (April 12). After researching online, I found that the symptoms related to my condition could be gallstones and hepatitis. A few years ago, I had an abdominal ultrasound for hepatitis B and w...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Normal stool is yellow, while white stool is often caused by the inability of bile to flow, which can be due to liver, gallbladder, or pancreatic diseases. Common causes include bile duct obstruction. If bile duct obstruction is suspected, there may also be symptoms such a...[Read More] Understanding White Stool: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission Risks and Vaccination for Family Members
Family member with hepatitis B? If a family member living together has hepatitis B but is unaware of their exact status, is there a risk of transmission if we share dishes during meals without using serving utensils? If they may have been vaccinated in the past, what blood tests ...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello, Miss Xiao Yuan. Q: If we dine together without using serving utensils and share a dish, is there a risk of transmission? A: Hepatitis B is transmitted through bodily fluids and blood, so the likelihood of transmission during a meal is almost zero. Q: What blood marke...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission Risks and Vaccination for Family Members
Vaccination Concerns for Hepatitis B: What You Need to Know
Vaccination Issues I want to get vaccinated because my mother has hepatitis B, but she doesn't know if she is a carrier or has been infected. She has forgotten due to her age, but her liver function tests are normal. Additionally, my grandfather had liver cancer, and my fath...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there is no exposure risk (such as for healthcare workers), there is no need for such proactive testing or booster shots (both of which are out-of-pocket expenses).[Read More] Vaccination Concerns for Hepatitis B: What You Need to Know