High Liver Enzymes Without Symptoms: Navigating B Hepatitis Management
There is no feeling of fatigue or jaundice, but liver enzyme levels are as high as 400 to 500? Hello Dr. Chen, I was healthy during my childhood, but during a health check in college, I discovered that I am a carrier of hepatitis B. However, for several years afterward, my lifes...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Ting: Please follow up on <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/36392">#36392</a>; regarding the changes in liver function and E antigen. If necessary, Tenofovir (a type of hepatitis B virus suppressor) is more suitable for use in pregnant patients, ...[Read More] High Liver Enzymes Without Symptoms: Navigating B Hepatitis Management
Managing Mid-Stage Cirrhosis: Symptoms, Diet, and Care for Patients
I'm sorry, but I need more Hello, I have some questions regarding cirrhosis. Currently, the physician has diagnosed it as moderate cirrhosis, with complications including ascites and elevated bilirubin levels. These symptoms are not experienced by me but by my child at home,...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. The patient has cirrhosis with ascites and jaundice. If the patient is unable to communicate, it is important to monitor the amount of ascites by measuring abdominal girth, tracking weight daily, and observing urine output. General management of ascites includes fluid and sodi...[Read More] Managing Mid-Stage Cirrhosis: Symptoms, Diet, and Care for Patients
How to Lower Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: A Guide
Elevated total bilirubin? Hello Doctor, last year my total bilirubin was 1.6, and this year it has increased to 2.1. Could you please advise me on how to lower it? Thank you.
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. When bilirubin levels rise above normal, it is essential to identify the underlying cause for appropriate treatment. It is important to determine whether the increase is primarily due to indirect (unconjugated) or direct (conjugated) bilirubin. Common differential dia...[Read More] How to Lower Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: A Guide
Understanding Early Signs and Dietary Tips for Cirrhosis Management
Cirrhosis What should a physician's attention be focused on during the early stages of cirrhosis? What dietary considerations should be taken into account? What symptoms may present with this condition? Is there a possibility for complete recovery from this disease? If not, ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Early-stage cirrhosis patients often have no symptoms and normal liver function. There are no specific dietary restrictions, but it is recommended to consume more natural foods, avoid foods with chemical additives, eat nutritious foods, refrain from alcohol and smokin...[Read More] Understanding Early Signs and Dietary Tips for Cirrhosis Management
Can Late Pregnancy Trigger Acute Hepatitis? Insights and Cases
Can hepatitis occur in the late stages of pregnancy? Hello Dr. Lin: My beloved one was 32 weeks pregnant and developed acute hepatitis, and unfortunately, she became an angel mother just 5 days after an emergency cesarean section. I need assistance (medical consultation) on the...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. In the late stage of pregnancy, acute hepatitis can present with a more complex condition. I have limited experience and cannot provide specific examples. 2. Generally, in the pathophysiology of acute hepatitis, the levels of AST (GOT) and ALT (GPT) rise first, follo...[Read More] Can Late Pregnancy Trigger Acute Hepatitis? Insights and Cases
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Concerns for B Hepatitis Carriers
Gallbladder polyps Dr. Lin: I apologize for bothering you again. I had an abdominal ultrasound last week, which showed a 0.37 cm gallbladder polyp, and I am a carrier of hepatitis B. In your response on July 14, you mentioned that the ultrasound indicated "cholesterol or ade...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Generally, cholesterol polyps are brighter, more regular, and multiple. Your polyp is small, regular, but not very bright. Currently, only one is observed, and it does not appear malignant at this time, but it needs to be monitored. It is generally recommended to remo...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Concerns for B Hepatitis Carriers
Understanding the Risks of Hepatitis in Families with Liver Disease History
A GPT index exceeding 1000 may indicate a severe liver condition, such as acute hepatitis. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis? Hello Doctor: My family has a history of liver disease that has persisted for four generations. Alm...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
1. Indeed, if the hepatitis is caused by fatty liver, the use of干安 (干安 is likely a medication name, please provide the English name for accurate translation) would be ineffective. 2. Is your E antigen positive or negative? Do you have E antibodies? If your E antigen is positive,...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Hepatitis in Families with Liver Disease History
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Key Questions and Concerns
Am I considered a severe carrier of hepatitis B? Hello Doctor: First, I would like to share my family's medical history: My mother was once your patient and passed away at 55 due to severe jaundice, ascites, and cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B. My grandmother also died from ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! 1. To qualify for health insurance coverage, you need to have an e-antigen report. I'm not sure if you have been tested for this, as well as for Hepatitis C and Hepatitis D. Since your GPT level is above 200, if the e-antigen is positive and Hepatitis C and D infectio...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Key Questions and Concerns
Why Is My Liver Function Getting Worse Despite Taking Hepatic Medications?
Taking Hepatoprotective agents can lead to an increase in GPT levels and bilirubin instead of a decrease? Hello Doctor: I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Recently, my liver function tests showed abnormal results, with a GPT level as high as 377, and a bilirubin level of 0.8. Followi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Crystal: This is your first time using Gan An Neng, and it's rare to develop resistance so soon (usually it appears after more than 9 months). Please be patient and cooperate with your physician. Additionally, a bilirubin level of 1.1 is not high; jaundice is typic...[Read More] Why Is My Liver Function Getting Worse Despite Taking Hepatic Medications?
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 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
Understanding Hepatitis C: Symptoms, Causes, and Recovery Insights
Symptoms? Dr. Lin... The previous report indicated that I tested positive for Hepatitis C virus antibodies (retesting required). It also mentioned that if marked positive, blood donation is not permitted. The normal result is negative, and the retesting is required when I intend ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. A positive antibody test for the hepatitis C virus indicates a past infection with hepatitis C, and approximately 80% of individuals will develop chronic hepatitis. 2. Staying up late does not cause hepatitis C infection; hepatitis C is caused by infection with the h...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C: Symptoms, Causes, and Recovery Insights
Understanding Liver Function Tests: Normal Results with Elevated Bilirubin Levels
Liver function tests? Doctor, I received my lab results today: G.O.P = 21, G.P.T = 31, and albumin = 4.4, all of which are normal. I am a carrier of hepatitis B, but why is my total bilirubin level 1.88 under these normal conditions? What could be the reason for this? What should...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. (1) Hepatitis B carriers should undergo regular monitoring of GOT, GPT, AFP, and abdominal ultrasound. (2) Elevated total bilirubin can be attributed to three main causes: 1. Excessive destruction of red blood cells leading to the release of too much hemoglobin; 2. Liver dysfu...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: Normal Results with Elevated Bilirubin Levels
Understanding Liver Tumor Treatment Options: Surgery, Biopsy, and More
Treatment of liver tumors? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask about my aunt. She is experiencing swelling and pain under her right rib cage, along with noticeable jaundice. After undergoing an abdominal ultrasound at the hospital, the results showed tumors in both lobes of her...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Ms. Hsiao-Pei, 1. If imaging studies and blood tests cannot confirm the tumor classification, a liver biopsy is necessary (but should be performed with caution). 2. After understanding the tumor classification and staging, treatment options will be recommended based on medi...[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumor Treatment Options: Surgery, Biopsy, and More
Understanding Liver Health: Addressing Abdominal Discomfort and Concerns
Regarding issues related to the "liver" and "abdominal discomfort." Hello, Dr. Hsu. I would like to ask you a few questions and provide some context first. For the past four to five days, I have been experiencing some discomfort in the upper abdomen, particula...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The symptoms mentioned in the letter are not related to the liver. Since you do not have hepatitis B, it is likely that you do not have hepatitis C either (I'm not sure if you have been tested?). The probability of developing liver cancer is very low; however, if you ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Addressing Abdominal Discomfort and Concerns
Understanding Ascites: Causes, Implications, and Treatment Options
The effects of ascites on the body? My father is 56 years old. In 1993, a tumor was discovered in his liver, and he has been receiving follow-up treatment at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Chiayi, including embolization therapy five to six times. Since the end of March this year...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: In the advanced stages of cirrhosis (and liver cancer), ascites may occur, requiring long-term diuretic therapy along with restrictions on fluid and salt intake. If liver function (such as ascites or jaundice) continues to deteriorate, then transarterial embolization...[Read More] Understanding Ascites: Causes, Implications, and Treatment Options
How to Address Elevated Bilirubin Levels for Clearer Eyes
Hyperbilirubinemia Hello doctor, over the past year, I have been preparing for graduate school and have experienced long-term insomnia, which has caused my eyes to appear slightly greenish-yellow. I underwent tests and found out that I have elevated bilirubin levels, which is cau...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Seek medical attention as soon as possible. The physician will determine the cause of jaundice through the patient's medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and various imaging studies. This will lead to further treatment. Jaundice is an abnormal condition in whi...[Read More] How to Address Elevated Bilirubin Levels for Clearer Eyes
Understanding Liver Regeneration with Entecavir in Cirrhosis Patients
Regarding the liver regeneration function associated with the use of "Belac" (Bepotastine besilate)? Dear Dr. Chen, I have purchased your book and would like to consult you regarding my father, who is 60 years old and has related health issues. Two years ago, he was ho...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello: My father has cirrhosis and underwent embolization two years ago. After that, the embolized area was surgically removed. He has been developing tumors every six months, which have been treated with alcohol injections. In October 2006, with the physician's permission, ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Regeneration with Entecavir in Cirrhosis Patients
Can Hepatitis C Be Fatal? Understanding Risks and Testing Options
Can hepatitis C be fatal? Doctor Lin, I currently work at a hair salon. The other day, a client mentioned that she has hepatitis C. She also undergoes regular monitoring. While I was washing her hair and rinsing, I noticed a small, pinhole-sized wound that was bleeding just a lit...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. Hepatitis C can be transmitted through blood. There is a possibility of infection if there is contact between wounds or if a wound comes into contact with blood from a person infected with Hepatitis C, but infection is not guaranteed. The incubation period for Hepatitis C is b...[Read More] Can Hepatitis C Be Fatal? Understanding Risks and Testing Options
Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Remedies
Elevated bilirubin levels? I recently underwent some tests, and my direct bilirubin level is 0.56, with a normal range of 0-0.5, and my total bilirubin level is 1.5, with a normal range of 0.2-1.4, both of which are elevated. My complexion and the whites of my eyes appear yellowi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Ce: A bilirubin level of 2-3 mg/dL or higher is needed to observe jaundice, so there is no need to worry too much. Slightly elevated levels are often due to genetic factors and do not pose a health risk. You may consider having it rechecked in 1-3 months. Changhua Hospi...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Remedies