Managing Appetite Loss and Anemia During Interferon Treatment
Issues related to interferon injection? Hello Doctor: My father is 73 years old and has hepatitis C and Sjögren's syndrome. He has been undergoing interferon treatment for nearly three months as advised by his physician. Due to severe anemia, he has been self-administering i...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Lin: Generally, physicians will prescribe prokinetic agents to assist with digestion. Additionally, a high-nutrition, high-calorie liquid diet can provide support. You may discuss this further with a nutritionist or case manager. Changhua Hospital cares about your healt...[Read More] Managing Appetite Loss and Anemia During Interferon Treatment
Managing Liver Health: Addressing Fatty Liver and Cholesterol Concerns
Dumbbell body examination Hello, I have been a carrier of hepatitis C for a long time, and I have not undergone treatment due to concerns about the side effects. My AST levels are normal, and my ALT levels are mostly below 60. However, I have fatty liver and high cholesterol. I g...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Fatty liver and high cholesterol require long-term dietary weight control and exercise to see results. The use of cholesterol-lowering medications must be evaluated before use. 2. Prolonged fasting can lead to the production of ketones. 3. For chronic hepatitis C and ab...[Read More] Managing Liver Health: Addressing Fatty Liver and Cholesterol Concerns
Can Dried Blood Transmit Hepatitis C? Understanding the Risks
Dried blood Doctor, can dried blood still transmit hepatitis C?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids, with possible routes including needle stick injuries, sharing needles, tattoos, eyebrow tattoos, and intimate contact. Generally, dried blood is not considered infectious. Wishing you peace, health, and well-being...[Read More] Can Dried Blood Transmit Hepatitis C? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Elevated Amylase and Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Health check-up value inquiry 2 Hello, doctor. I am the one from the previous message regarding elevated amylase and total bilirubin levels. I later underwent an abdominal ultrasound examination of the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, and part of the pancreas, and there were ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. Amylase can be monitored. 2. Sometimes the use of certain medications or exposure to chemical agents can also cause elevated bilirubin levels; follow-up is sufficient, and there are currently no treatment recommendations. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Ch...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Amylase and Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Cryoglobulinemia in Patients with Hepatitis C
Issues related to cryoglobulinemia? Hello Doctor: My father is 72 years old. He was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome and hepatitis C by a rheumatologist over ten years ago and has been on regular medication. Recently, his liver function test showed an AST level of 53, cryog...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Miss Lin, if the ultrasound shows fibrosis and there are no other significant chronic diseases, and your activity level is still good, it is worth trying. However, be cautious of side effects and reduce or discontinue the medication if necessary. We hope for a chance of a c...[Read More] Understanding Cryoglobulinemia in Patients with Hepatitis C
Can Hepatitis C Be Transmitted Through Kissing? Understanding the Risks
Transmission of Hepatitis C Is it possible for a couple to transmit Hepatitis C through normal kissing (without any mouth sores or bleeding)? Can the virus in saliva be transmitted through cavities in my mouth? I haven't kissed her since mid-last year, and I had normal GOT, ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The risk of transmission is low if there is no wound and direct contact with blood. To determine whether there is an infection with Hepatitis C, it is necessary to test for Anti-HCV antibodies. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Can Hepatitis C Be Transmitted Through Kissing? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Complications in Liver Cancer Patients: A Case Study
Grandma has liver cancer and was admitted to the intensive care unit due to a urinary tract infection? Hello! My grandmother was diagnosed with stage II liver cancer at the end of June this year (she has a history of hepatitis C, diabetes <controlled with medication>, and h...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: My grandmother has diabetes and chronic hepatitis C, and after undergoing embolization treatment for liver cancer, if the liver function of chronic hepatitis patients deteriorates, possible manifestations include the onset or worsening of jaundice, low serum albumin levels...[Read More] Understanding Complications in Liver Cancer Patients: A Case Study
Can Fatty Liver Disease Be Reversed with Diet and Exercise?
The issue of fatty liver disease? Hello Dr. Chen: I have mild fatty liver. Can I improve my condition with increased exercise and dietary control? Is it possible for fatty liver to completely resolve and heal? I have seen reports indicating that fatty liver can potentially lead t...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of fatty liver. Excluding alcoholic, hepatitis C, and drug-induced factors, most others are related to metabolism and diet. Fatty liver may progress to fibrosis and cirrhosis, but the likelihood is very low. Wishing you health, Dr. Chen Chih-Feng, Tao...[Read More] Can Fatty Liver Disease Be Reversed with Diet and Exercise?
Can You Get Hepatitis C from Contaminated Food? Testing Window Explained
Food contaminated with the hepatitis C virus? Is it possible to contract hepatitis C by consuming food contaminated with the hepatitis C virus (that has been left at home for a day)? How long is the window period for testing for hepatitis C?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through blood and bodily fluids, rather than through food. The window period for Hepatitis C is approximately several months before antibodies to the virus appear. Wishing you health, Dr. Chen Chih-Feng, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of ...[Read More] Can You Get Hepatitis C from Contaminated Food? Testing Window Explained
Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Loved One
Abdominal pain Hello, my mother has abdominal swelling (54 years old). We always thought it was just a protruding abdomen or stomach. She is about 158 cm tall and weighs between 55-60 kg, which is not considered overweight, but her abdomen is quite noticeably large. In the past f...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended to monitor liver function, as hepatitis can present with gastrointestinal symptoms. 2. Bloating, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, dizziness, and hypertension have many differential diagnoses; it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist o...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Loved One
Can You Develop Liver Cancer Without Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B and Liver Cancer Hello, doctor: May I ask if it is possible to develop liver cancer without having hepatitis B? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The risk factors for liver cancer include: 1. Hepatitis B 2. Hepatitis C 3. Liver cirrhosis 4. Family history, etc. Therefore, the absence of Hepatitis B does not mean one will not develop liver cancer. Wishing you health, Dr. Chen Qi-Feng, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of ...[Read More] Can You Develop Liver Cancer Without Hepatitis B?
Understanding Hepatitis C: Inheritance Risks and Testing Insights
Family history of hepatitis concerns? Hello, Doctor. My father and mother were recently diagnosed with hepatitis C during their health check-ups, and their liver enzyme levels are abnormal. I would like to ask, although hepatitis C is transmitted through blood, is there a possibi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Yikun, 1. The chance of mother-to-child transmission is approximately 5%. Most cases occur when the mother's viral load is very high. 2. We agree to self-pay for testing for hepatitis A, B, and C / antibodies. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Chen Sh...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C: Inheritance Risks and Testing Insights
Can Hepatitis C Patients Experience Fever? Understanding the Connection
Can patients with hepatitis C develop a fever? Hello Dr. Chen: My mother is a hepatitis C patient. Her condition is currently stable, and she has completed her last medication (chronic prescription). The doctor informed her that she could follow up in the outpatient clinic in six...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, cases of chronic hepatitis C rarely present with fever. As for treatment, it involves either the use of liver support supplements or antiviral therapy (interferon treatment combined with oral ribavirin). If liver function is normal, follow-up should be ...[Read More] Can Hepatitis C Patients Experience Fever? Understanding the Connection
Understanding Liver Health: Do Ultrasound Results Guarantee No Issues?
Liver problems..? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about liver issues. If a liver ultrasound shows normal results for hepatitis A, B, C, or other liver diseases, does that mean the liver is normal and there are no problems?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A healthy liver must have: (1) normal liver enzymes (AST/ALT); (2) normal liver parenchyma on ultrasound (no fibrosis/no cirrhosis/no fatty liver); (3) no chronic hepatitis (such as hepatitis B/hepatitis C/autoimmune hepatitis/copper or iron deposition, etc.). Changhua Hos...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Do Ultrasound Results Guarantee No Issues?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Interpreting Your Test Results and Next Steps
I'm sorry, but I need more context to provide an appropriate response. Could you please provide more details about your situation? I tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen with a value of 0.09. The hepatitis B surface antibody was 5.34, which is considered negative....
Dr. Li Yongming Reply:
Hello: Regarding your test results, there may be a laboratory error (which is why the surface antigen is less than 1.0, indicating a negative reference value). Based on experience, it seems you may have insufficient antibody response after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine (with ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Interpreting Your Test Results and Next Steps
Understanding Liver Surface Irregularities: When to Seek Further Ultrasound Evaluation
Ultrasound examination Hello Dr. Yang! I previously had an ultrasound examination, and the doctor mentioned that the surface of my liver is rough. What does this indicate? Is there a need for further follow-up examinations?
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr./Ms. Yang: The term "coarse surface of the liver" refers to the appearance of the liver seen on ultrasound, which has a rough texture. This is a descriptive term used in ultrasound findings. If you do not have hepatitis B or hepatitis C, it is mostly just a phe...[Read More] Understanding Liver Surface Irregularities: When to Seek Further Ultrasound Evaluation
Safe Sleep Medications for Hepatitis C Carriers: A Guide for Seniors
Hepatitis C carriers Hello Doctor: I am inquiring on behalf of a woman in her 60s who is a carrier of hepatitis C and is allergic to Western medications. What type of sedative is suitable for a hepatitis C carrier?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: If liver function is normal in patients with hepatitis C, the impact of medication on the liver may not need to be considered, unless there are abnormalities in liver function or if liver function abnormalities occur after medication use. In such cases, it is advisable to ...[Read More] Safe Sleep Medications for Hepatitis C Carriers: A Guide for Seniors
How to Check for Pancreatic Issues: A Guide for Patients
Pancreatic issues Hello Doctor: My mother is 65 years old and has hepatitis C and Sjögren's syndrome. She is on regular medication. Since my uncle passed away from pancreatic cancer a few years ago, I would like to ask which department she should see for a pancreatic examina...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss Lin. 1. The primary examination for the pancreas is an ultrasound (gastroenterology). If you are regularly monitoring your liver function tests, the ultrasound will also be performed at the same time. However, the pancreas can sometimes be obscured by the stomach or...[Read More] How to Check for Pancreatic Issues: A Guide for Patients
Understanding the Connection Between Chronic Hepatitis C and Eczema
Hepatitis C and eczema? Hello, my mother has hepatitis C and eczema (which has not healed for over ten years). I would like to ask the doctor a few questions: 1. Regarding the eczema, she has been seeing a dermatologist for many years and has been using medications prescribed by ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: In chronic hepatitis, theoretically, the skin may be more prone to itching, but eczema is not necessarily related to hepatitis. The treatment for Hepatitis C typically involves general liver-protective medications, which have limited effectiveness and mainly assist in live...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Chronic Hepatitis C and Eczema
Can You Catch Hepatitis C from Contact with Infected Urine?
Accidentally coming into contact with the urine of a patient with hepatitis C, is there a risk of infection? 1. Last week, I accidentally came into contact with my father-in-law's urine; he is a hepatitis C patient. Can he transmit hepatitis C to me? 2. If the previous blo...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Hepatitis C is generally not transmitted through urine, nor is it transmitted through the blood draw procedures mentioned above. After being infected with Hepatitis C, it usually takes several months to develop antibodies. It is recommended to have a blood test done six mo...[Read More] Can You Catch Hepatitis C from Contact with Infected Urine?