Can Liver Cirrhosis Cause Excessive Salivation and Fatigue?
Does cirrhosis cause drooling? I would like to ask the doctor about my father, who has been suffering from chronic liver cirrhosis. Recently, he has noticed that he feels weaker when walking, is more easily fatigued, feels more sleepy, and has been experiencing involuntary drooli...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Moderate to severe liver cirrhosis can sometimes lead to complications such as hepatic encephalopathy, where patients may experience fatigue, drowsiness, or altered consciousness. If there is drooling due to altered consciousness, it is important to return for an evaluatio...[Read More] Can Liver Cirrhosis Cause Excessive Salivation and Fatigue?
Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: Is It a Sign of Liver Cirrhosis?
Preliminary Signs of Liver Cirrhosis During my last blood donation, the test report showed that my ALT level was elevated at 115, while the normal range is below 40. I'm only 20 years old, so how could it be so high? I don't frequently stay up late or drink alcohol! Is ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of abnormal liver function. Blood donation generally excludes hepatitis B and C, and further tests are needed to determine the cause. Wishing you peace and health. Dr. Chen Qi-Feng, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of He...[Read More] Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: Is It a Sign of Liver Cirrhosis?
Understanding Cirrhosis: What Diagnostic Tools Are Available?
Cirrhosis, with a rough surface of the liver? Hello, Doctor. Can you please answer me? I have been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, and the surface of my liver is very rough. I have undergone ultrasound examinations for over ten years, and there has been no improvement. I have rec...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Patients with liver cirrhosis must continue to receive follow-up treatment. Blood tests and abdominal ultrasounds should be performed every three months. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chen Chi-Feng, Taoyuan Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Cirrhosis: What Diagnostic Tools Are Available?
Understanding Rising AFP Levels in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Hepatitis B carrier with an abnormal rise in AFP to 588? Hello Doctor: I am a carrier of hepatitis B. My current status is as follows: AST 23, ALT 28, AFP 583. I have undergone abdominal ultrasound, CT, and MRI, but the reason for the continuous increase in AFP remains unclear. M...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Elevated AFP levels are commonly caused by chronic hepatitis, acute hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Tumors that frequently secrete AFP include pancreatic tumors, gastric tumors, colorectal tumors, and bronchial tumors, as well as pregnancy in women and tes...[Read More] Understanding Rising AFP Levels in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Can My Father Undergo Liver Transplant Surgery with Advanced Cirrhosis?
Liver transplantation surgery My father is currently in the end stage of liver cirrhosis with elevated ammonia levels and altered consciousness. He is hospitalized at your facility. Is it possible for him to undergo a liver transplant?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Ade. Please discuss with your family and the attending physician whether it is appropriate and your willingness to donate a liver. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Can My Father Undergo Liver Transplant Surgery with Advanced Cirrhosis?
Understanding Strong Ammonia Smell in Urine and Stool: Is It Liver Disease?
excuse me? The presence of a strong ammonia smell in urine and feces can be attributed to several factors. One common cause is dehydration, which can concentrate waste products in the urine, leading to a more pungent odor. Additionally, a high-protein diet can also result in incr...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, it is not scientifically objective to judge based on taste. If you have specific symptoms, please seek medical attention for a diagnosis from a physician to confirm your condition. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Strong Ammonia Smell in Urine and Stool: Is It Liver Disease?
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 Complications of Cirrhosis: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Complications of Liver Cirrhosis The patient has been in the intensive care unit for a month due to bleeding from liver cirrhosis. They are now in a coma, reliant on a ventilator, and have developed sepsis. Is there still a chance for recovery? Should invasive treatments be pursu...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Patients with liver cirrhosis may experience deterioration of liver function and even multiple organ failure due to gastrointestinal bleeding and sepsis. It is advisable for family members to discuss the condition with the intensivist in the intensive care unit to explore ...[Read More] Understanding Complications of Cirrhosis: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Understanding Fatty Liver: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Fatty liver disease issues? Doctor: Hello! I recently had a blood test and found that my liver enzymes were elevated (normal range 0-55), with my value being 57. I later went to the hospital for further examination and discovered that I have fatty liver disease. Can you tell me i...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Hazards: (1) Fatty liver, which refers to the accumulation of fat in the liver, particularly triglycerides; (2) Fatty liver disease, which indicates fat accumulation in the liver leading to inflammation; (3) Fatty liver fibrosis/fatty liver cirrhosis, where prolonged fat a...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Managing Cholestatic Liver Cirrhosis Due to Bile Duct Stones
Biliary stone-induced cholestatic liver cirrhosis? The patient is a 51-year-old female. Her current condition includes intrahepatic bile duct and gallbladder stones, along with obstructive biliary cirrhosis (with over 75% fibrosis in the left liver and a 20% enlargement of the ri...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Minjhang, your issue is more complex and requires imaging assessment. Therefore, please discuss your medical plan with your gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Managing Cholestatic Liver Cirrhosis Due to Bile Duct Stones
Understanding Hepatitis B Treatment: The Role of GOT, GPT, and Viral Load
Treatment for Hepatitis B Hello Dr. Chen! Is there a positive correlation between GOT, GPT, and viral load? For patients with hepatitis B, which is more important when considering treatment? If both GOT and GPT are normal but the viral load is high, should treatment be initiated?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Lai, There is no positive correlation between GOT/GPT levels and viral load; however, both factors need to be considered when initiating treatment. Therefore, the National Health Insurance Administration has established guidelines that allow for the commencement of an...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Treatment: The Role of GOT, GPT, and Viral Load
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Interpreting Your Brother's Test Results
Liver fibrosis elastography test Hello Doctor: I would like to provide my brother's test report. He didn't ask the doctor about his condition while at the hospital, and he hasn't made any significant dietary changes since returning home. Could you please let me kno...
Dr. Li Yongming Reply:
The liver fibrosis elastography test you mentioned is currently not covered by health insurance. Since it is an out-of-pocket expense, please schedule an outpatient visit for the performing physician to explain it to you. There is a certain correlation between liver fibrosis elas...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Interpreting Your Brother's Test Results
Managing Ascites in Cirrhosis: Finding Relief for Your Loved One
Cirrhosis with refractory ascites? My father has cirrhosis and has to go to the hospital every week to have ascitic fluid drained, with at least 3000 to 4000 cc being removed each time. However, no matter how much fluid is drained, his abdomen remains distended and unchanged in s...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Miss Yueyue, in the case of end-stage liver cirrhosis (with poor response to diuretics), liver transplantation should be considered for long-term stability. Additionally, a medical center can place a stent in the hepatic blood vessels to reduce hepatic blood flow pressure, ...[Read More] Managing Ascites in Cirrhosis: Finding Relief for Your Loved One
Should I Immediately Self-Pay for Baraclude Treatment?
Is it necessary to immediately pay out of pocket for Belviq? Dear Dr. Lin, I previously self-paid for Hepa-Merz and did not develop any drug resistance, but after stopping the medication for about a year, I experienced a relapse. Currently, my GOT/GPT levels are (64/101 on Augus...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Currently, liver enzyme levels are elevated, and viral load is high, indicating liver inflammation. It is advised to avoid excessive fatigue and to investigate the causes of liver inflammation. Treatment for hepatitis B, including oral antiviral medications or long-ac...[Read More] Should I Immediately Self-Pay for Baraclude Treatment?
Understanding Spontaneous Peritonitis in Cirrhosis Patients
Peritonitis caused by liver cirrhosis? Hello Dr. Chen, I have been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, which is caused by fatty liver disease. I have been undergoing regular check-ups at the hospital for the past six months. Due to the accumulation of fluid, the situation has improve...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello: In patients with cirrhosis and ascites, intestinal bacteria can penetrate the intestinal wall and gradually enter the ascitic fluid, proliferating and causing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. It is advised to limit the intake of raw foods and manage ascites to reduce the...[Read More] Understanding Spontaneous Peritonitis in Cirrhosis Patients
Managing Liver Cirrhosis: Safe Medications and Dietary Tips
Cirrhosis and related issues? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for asking the following questions here. I currently have hypertension, hyperlipidemia, high cholesterol, and cirrhosis. The medications I am taking include Mavik (I have stopped taking Fenofibrate; can I still take it?), C...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Li: Most medications are metabolized in the liver, and the dosage should be adjusted based on liver function. You can discuss this with your psychiatrist or a hepatologist/gastroenterologist. The same applies to blood pressure and lipid medications. Changhua Hospital ca...[Read More] Managing Liver Cirrhosis: Safe Medications and Dietary Tips
Understanding Hepatic Encephalopathy: Causes, Risks, and Recovery Tips
Cirrhotic coma My father is in the early stages of liver cirrhosis and was recently discharged from the hospital due to edema in his legs, which required him to use a cane for walking. After a period of treatment and with the physician's approval, he was discharged to rest a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: In cases of cirrhosis, blood with high ammonia levels cannot be metabolized and detoxified by the liver, leading to circulation throughout the body and brain, which can affect consciousness and even cause coma. Please reduce protein intake (as metabolism produces amm...[Read More] Understanding Hepatic Encephalopathy: Causes, Risks, and Recovery Tips
Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: When to Start Treatment and Testing
Could you please specify your question regarding hepatitis B? I am a carrier of hepatitis B, which was detected during a blood test when I was 18 years old in high school. Now I am 27. There have been a few instances where my liver enzymes spiked to 4 to 5 times the normal level,...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: The e antigen and viral load can represent the "virulence" of the virus, which may increase the chances of future outbreaks or long-term complications such as liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. However, despite advancements in medical technology, there is stil...[Read More] Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: When to Start Treatment and Testing
Understanding Causes and Precautions for Gastric Bleeding: A Guide
Gastrointestinal bleeding Gastric bleeding can be caused by several factors, including peptic ulcers, gastritis, esophageal varices, and certain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other potential causes include tumors, stress-related mucosal diseas...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, the symptoms of upper gastrointestinal bleeding include black stools, vomiting blood, vomiting coffee-ground-like material, dizziness, palpitations, and shock. Common causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding include peptic ulcers (duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers), esophag...[Read More] Understanding Causes and Precautions for Gastric Bleeding: A Guide
Managing Liver Cirrhosis and Alcohol Withdrawal in Older Adults
Cirrhosis and Alcohol Abstinence My father is 62 years old and has been drinking alcohol daily for the past 5 to 6 years. When he doesn't drink or consumes a smaller amount, he experiences severe tremors. He has undergone MRI, EEG, and blood tests, and the doctor has informe...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Miffy: In cases of cirrhosis combined with alcohol withdrawal, during the acute phase (within 2-3 days of withdrawal), sedatives and vitamin therapy are required, followed by a gradual tapering of medication. Long-term, psychiatric support for alcohol cessation (group therapy) is...[Read More] Managing Liver Cirrhosis and Alcohol Withdrawal in Older Adults