Understanding Left Abdominal Swelling: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Abdominal distension? Recently, I have been experiencing a peculiar sensation in my left abdomen, where it feels slightly swollen for a second or two, but there is no pain. This occurs about one to three times a day. After researching online, I found that one of the complications...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The symptoms mentioned in the letter are quite vague. If the pain lasts only one or two seconds, it is probably not what you would refer to as cirrhosis. However, if you are still concerned, it is best to consult a gastroenterologist. Do you have jaundice? Is your liver fu...[Read More] Understanding Left Abdominal Swelling: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding Liver Cirrhosis: Normal Bilirubin Levels Explained
Cirrhosis Hello, Director Chen; my father has cirrhosis, and his recent bilirubin level was 1.9. Is this normal? What is the typical normal range?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, SHE: The bilirubin level is slightly elevated, which often reflects the severity of liver cirrhosis. However, it is necessary to consider other indices for a comprehensive assessment and to manage treatment accordingly. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidi...[Read More] Understanding Liver Cirrhosis: Normal Bilirubin Levels Explained
Can Interferon Reduce Liver Cancer Recurrence After Surgery?
Regarding post-operative care for liver cancer? Hello Doctor: Can interferon reduce the recurrence rate of liver cancer (caused by hepatitis C)? Is it suitable to administer injections post-surgery for patients with Child-Pugh Class B cirrhosis? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Wimmie: Although interferon has been shown to reduce the recurrence rate of small hepatocellular carcinoma, it has many side effects and is not yet widely used for patients with Child-Pugh class B or higher liver cirrhosis. Please discuss the benefits and risks with your ph...[Read More] Can Interferon Reduce Liver Cancer Recurrence After Surgery?
Understanding Fluctuating Bilirubin Levels in Liver Failure Patients
Bilirubin levels fluctuate? Hello Doctor, my father has been hospitalized for over a month due to liver failure. During this time, his liver enzymes have decreased from over 600 to just over 200. However, his bilirubin levels have been fluctuating, at one point rising to 25. Desp...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Vicky: I cannot provide you with a definitive answer, but it is advisable to avoid the use of traditional Chinese medicine or herbal remedies, and to patiently support the recovery of liver function (which depends on the underlying cause). If necessary, consider a liver...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuating Bilirubin Levels in Liver Failure Patients
Long-Term Liver Function Abnormalities: Risks and Management for Hepatitis B Carriers
Chronic liver dysfunction Hello doctor, I would like to ask a question. I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been undergoing liver examinations every year. For the past 2 to 3 years, my liver function tests have shown slightly elevated levels, ranging from 40 to 65. Both alpha-...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Although you have inflammation, the degree is relatively mild. Generally, the cause of this inflammation is likely related to your fatty liver, as inflammation caused by the hepatitis B virus typically presents with higher levels. Therefore, you might want to start with we...[Read More] Long-Term Liver Function Abnormalities: Risks and Management for Hepatitis B Carriers
Understanding Your Liver Function Test Results: What They Mean for You
Liver function index issues? Hello Doctor: Today I received the test report from the Foundation for Liver Cancer Prevention and Treatment, and the results are as follows: Hepatitis B surface antigen: + Hepatitis B surface antibody: + Hepatitis C antibody: - AST (GOT): 36 ALT (GPT...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. A positive surface antigen (HBsAg positive) indicates the presence of the hepatitis B virus in the body, meaning you are a carrier of hepatitis B. If you recover, you will develop hepatitis B antibodies, resulting in a positive HBsAb and a negative HBsAg. It is recomm...[Read More] Understanding Your Liver Function Test Results: What They Mean for You
Managing Moderate to Severe Liver Cirrhosis: A Caregiver's Guide
Moderate to severe liver cirrhosis, please help..? My mother went to the emergency room at the beginning of last month due to persistent diarrhea. She has been diagnosed with early-stage cirrhosis two to three years ago, and recently she seems to have frequent bloating and ascite...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! 1. Based on the information in the letter, your mother has developed ascites, indicating that she has moderate to severe cirrhosis. In this condition, the current approach can only focus on symptom management and close monitoring. 2. The purpose of a liver biopsy is to ass...[Read More] Managing Moderate to Severe Liver Cirrhosis: A Caregiver's Guide
Understanding Alcohol's Impact on Liver Health: A Guide for Busy Professionals
ALCOHOL Dr. Li: Hello, I am a normal office worker, slim, and I previously visited Chang Gung Memorial Hospital due to discomfort, where an ultrasound examination revealed a 4 cm mass on my liver. However, due to the distance, I switched to a nearby hospital, where the ultrasound...
Dr. Li Zhengqi Reply:
Hello, 1. If there are abnormalities in the ultrasound examination, it is important to first determine if there is a history of chronic hepatitis, including whether there is a carrier status for hepatitis B or C. Relevant tumor markers should also be tested. If the findings are...[Read More] Understanding Alcohol's Impact on Liver Health: A Guide for Busy Professionals
Impact of High Protein Diet on Liver Health: What You Need to Know
High protein and the liver? I was found to have hepatitis B during my military physical examination, which exempted me from service. Recently, I want to start weight training and build muscle, and I'm considering purchasing whey protein. I've heard that consuming high p...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, if there is liver cirrhosis and poor liver function, consuming high protein may lead to an increase in the metabolites of protein → ammonia. However, ammonia does not cause an increase in liver enzyme levels. Sincerely, Dr. Yuan Hong-Dao, Internal Medicine.[Read More] Impact of High Protein Diet on Liver Health: What You Need to Know
Understanding Elevated Jaundice Levels in Liver Cirrhosis Patients
Abnormal bilirubin levels? Hello doctor, my father went to the hospital last week for an examination and was found to have cirrhosis with a bilirubin level of 18. The attending physician mentioned that the normal value is 1.1, but after a series of tests, no bile duct obstruction...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, a bilirubin level of 18 may indicate possible causes such as bile duct obstruction, hepatitis (viral, alcoholic, drug-induced, autoimmune), tumors, sepsis, or hereditary diseases, among others. If none of these conditions are present and it is determined to be solely due t...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Jaundice Levels in Liver Cirrhosis Patients
Understanding Esophageal Varices: Risks, Treatments, and Hospitalization Needs
Esophageal varices? Hello: My boss's father has a history of diabetes and liver cirrhosis. Recently, he was diagnosed with esophageal varices. The doctor recommended using an endoscope for removal... I'm not quite sure what "removal" means in this context. Wha...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello! One of the complications of cirrhosis is esophageal varices. The walls of these varices are different from normal blood vessel walls; they are more fragile and prone to rupture. Once they rupture, it can easily lead to massive bleeding, which can sometimes be life-threaten...[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Varices: Risks, Treatments, and Hospitalization Needs
Essential Care Tips for Managing Mild Cirrhosis and Low Platelets
What should be noted in liver cirrhosis? Dear Dr. Yuan, My father has been suffering from mild cirrhosis for nearly two years. He has been undergoing regular liver check-ups, and sometimes his liver function tests show abnormal results. Recently, during an ultrasound, the gallbl...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, there are several reasons why the gallbladder may not be visible during an abdominal ultrasound: 1. The patient may have undergone gallbladder removal surgery (or other abdominal surgeries that involved gallbladder removal). 2. The patient may not be fasting; after eating,...[Read More] Essential Care Tips for Managing Mild Cirrhosis and Low Platelets
Understanding Hepatitis B/C Treatment Options in Taiwan's Healthcare System
Hospitals offering hepatitis B/C testing? 1. Is it better to visit a hospital that participates in the hepatitis B/C pilot program if I have hepatitis? 2. What is the difference between hospitals that participate in the hepatitis B/C pilot program and those that do not? 3. Ar...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! I'm not clear on what is meant by B/C hepatitis trial hospitals. The hepatitis mentioned in the letter refers to which type of hepatitis? However, you can address all your questions to the hepatobiliary department at the hospital, where a specialist can conduct a deta...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B/C Treatment Options in Taiwan's Healthcare System
Essential Tips for Managing Early-Stage Liver Cirrhosis
What should be noted in the early stages of liver cirrhosis? I have a friend who is only 21 years old. He says he has early-stage cirrhosis. What should he pay attention to in his daily life? What is a hepatotropic virus, and what effects can it cause? What should he be cautious ...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello! Although your friend has early-stage cirrhosis, the severity of the condition and the current status have not been described in detail, making it difficult to provide appropriate advice. However, regular follow-up is essential. It is important to maintain a routine lifesty...[Read More] Essential Tips for Managing Early-Stage Liver Cirrhosis
Preventing Liver Cirrhosis: Essential Tips for Hepatitis B Carriers
Hepatitis B I am a carrier of hepatitis B. I currently work the night shift at a convenience store, and I try to make up for sleep during the day. I do not smoke or drink alcohol. What should I do to prevent liver cirrhosis? What are the regular check-up items I should undergo?
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, in addition to sufficient sleep and rest, maintaining a balanced diet, consuming fresh foods, avoiding alcohol, and refraining from taking medications indiscriminately are important measures for liver protection. If liver function tests (GOT, GPT) are normal, it indicates ...[Read More] Preventing Liver Cirrhosis: Essential Tips for Hepatitis B Carriers
Understanding Hepatitis C: Herbal Remedies and Liver Health Concerns
Hepatitis C Hello Doctor: My father has hepatitis C, Sjögren's syndrome, and moderate fatty liver. An ultrasound examination showed that his liver is slightly coarse. He has been checking his liver function every three months, with both GOT and GPT levels around 50. However,...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! This is possible, and in clinical practice, there are often cases where many people are unaware of the effects of herbal medicine and take them on their own. Since each individual metabolizes drugs differently, it is possible that this medication may not be suitable for yo...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C: Herbal Remedies and Liver Health Concerns
Understanding Cirrhosis: Symptoms, Dietary Tips, and Supplements
Cirrhosis My father has been suffering from liver cirrhosis for many years, and it has been under control. However, recently I noticed that his face has become dark, and I'm unsure why this is happening. Additionally, how can he prevent complications from the disease? What f...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello! The letter mentions whether "darkening of the face" is related to liver cirrhosis. Based on the information in the letter, it is not possible to assess this; darkening of the face is not necessarily related to liver cirrhosis. I wonder if your father has had his ...[Read More] Understanding Cirrhosis: Symptoms, Dietary Tips, and Supplements
How to Check for Liver Cirrhosis: Blood Tests and More
Cirrhosis of the liver To check liver function, blood tests are commonly performed. A routine blood test can provide initial information about liver health, including liver enzyme levels. However, additional tests may be necessary for a comprehensive evaluation, such as imaging s...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello! The most comprehensive liver examination, in addition to blood tests, should ideally include an abdominal ultrasound. It is recommended that you first consult a hepatobiliary specialist to explain your purpose, and the doctor will assess which tests you need to undergo.[Read More] How to Check for Liver Cirrhosis: Blood Tests and More
Is Frequent Bloating Related to Liver Issues or Gastrointestinal Problems?
Is it related to the liver? Hello Dr. Chen: I often experience belching, especially in the morning after waking up, after meals, when changing positions from sitting to standing, and when switching from lying on my right side to my left side. I frequently have belching. Is this r...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, bloating is often caused by gastrointestinal indigestion or abnormal peristalsis. Patients with hepatitis or cirrhosis may also experience loss of appetite and indigestion. However, it is essential to undergo some physical examinations, along with blood tests, ultrasound, ...[Read More] Is Frequent Bloating Related to Liver Issues or Gastrointestinal Problems?
Understanding Liver Health: Red Palms and Pregnancy Concerns
Liver issues? I have a few questions: 1. I heard that if there are red spots on the palms, it indicates liver problems. Is this true? 2. I am currently three months pregnant and have developed red spots, which makes me very worried. If there is indeed a problem, should I go to an...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, patients with liver cirrhosis often exhibit a condition known as palmar erythema, characterized by redness around the palms. However, not everyone with red palms has liver cirrhosis; some may have familial or other causes. Given that your father passed away from liver canc...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Red Palms and Pregnancy Concerns