Liver enzyme levels, Gastroenterology and Hepatology FAQ

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Can You Take Cialis with Hepatitis B and Normal Liver Function?

Can a person with hepatitis B take Cialis? If liver function is normal, is it safe to take Cialis 5mg, or is it not recommended?


Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Mr. Hsiao-Hsiang: Cialis is primarily metabolized by the liver. The condition of hepatitis B and the liver should be assessed through blood tests and ultrasound. Normal liver enzyme levels do not necessarily indicate that there are no issues. It is recommended to first conf...

[Read More] Can You Take Cialis with Hepatitis B and Normal Liver Function?


Emergency Surgery for Acute Cholecystitis: Navigating High Liver Enzymes

The emergency physician arranged for an urgent surgical operation? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to inquire about the following narrative: A patient presented to the emergency department late at night with abdominal pain. Blood tests revealed elevated liver enzymes, and a CT s...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If the liver function tests are significantly elevated, anesthesia or surgery may not be advisable. Please discuss the details with your attending physician.

[Read More] Emergency Surgery for Acute Cholecystitis: Navigating High Liver Enzymes


Do You Need Hospitalization for Biliary Stent Removal?

Is hospitalization required for the removal of a biliary stent? Due to bile duct obstruction caused by gallstones, liver enzyme levels have risen. Jaundice has been addressed by placing a biliary stent to relieve the obstruction caused by the gallstones. The gallbladder is schedu...


Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
The number of days required for hospitalization observation varies depending on each individual's recovery condition and medical needs. It is advisable to consult your attending physician for more information. Thank you.

[Read More] Do You Need Hospitalization for Biliary Stent Removal?


Managing Elevated Liver Function: Concerns and Dietary Strategies

Liver function indices are not decreasing significantly? I am a carrier of hepatitis B, and recently my liver enzyme levels have risen to 185. I have been taking Bixikang for a month, taking it before each meal, but my enzyme levels have only decreased by 10. My doctor mentioned ...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There are no liver-protective medications covered by health insurance available for exchange; if willing, you can pay out of pocket for hepatitis B antiviral medication for 3 years or more. Regular food has no significant impact, but it is advisable to avoid traditional Chinese m...

[Read More] Managing Elevated Liver Function: Concerns and Dietary Strategies


Understanding Fatty Liver: Is It the Same as Cirrhosis or Hepatitis?

I have fatty liver disease? I was diagnosed with severe fatty liver during a recent health check-up. Does this mean I have cirrhosis or hepatitis? Can appropriate exercise help eliminate this condition? I've been experiencing bloating and frequent burping lately; is this rel...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, cirrhosis indicates severe liver fibrosis, which may lead to impaired liver function. In severe cases, symptoms may include jaundice, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and bleeding from esophageal varices. Fatty liver disease is characterized by the accumulation of triglyce...

[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Is It the Same as Cirrhosis or Hepatitis?


Understanding Fatty Liver: Is It Linked to Cirrhosis or Hepatitis?

I have fatty liver disease? I was diagnosed with severe fatty liver during a recent health check-up. Does this mean I have cirrhosis or hepatitis? Can appropriate exercise help eliminate it? I've been experiencing bloating and frequent burping lately; is this related?


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, cirrhosis indicates severe liver fibrosis, which may impair liver function. In severe cases, symptoms such as jaundice, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and esophageal variceal bleeding may occur. Fatty liver disease is characterized by the accumulation of triglycerides in...

[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Is It Linked to Cirrhosis or Hepatitis?


Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns

Abnormal liver function tests? Hello, doctor. I have always had a high body weight. In July of this year, I had a blood test that revealed abnormal liver enzyme levels (AST 69 / ALT 147 / GGT 155). The doctor suspected that this might be related to the fact that I had chickenpox ...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Fatty liver disease, drug-induced/alcoholic hepatitis, and even autoimmune hepatitis are possible conditions that require diagnosis and treatment by a hepatologist. Dietary changes, exercise, weight loss, and abstaining from alcohol are initial steps that can be taken independent...

[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns


Understanding Fatty Liver: Causes, Risks, and Dietary Solutions

Fatty liver disease issues? Hello Doctor, I have abnormal liver enzyme levels from a blood test: GOT=30 and GPT=52 (with normal values being below 40). My previous blood tests were normal, and this time it is abnormal. The doctor arranged for me to have an ultrasound, which indic...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Severe fatty liver disease (high liver fat content) can lead to liver inflammation (i.e., steatohepatitis), and over time (over several decades), there is a risk of cirrhosis (which can be assessed through out-of-pocket fibrosis markers) and an increased likelihood of developing ...

[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Causes, Risks, and Dietary Solutions


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


Understanding Liver Pain and Yellowing Eyes After Alcohol Abuse

Dull pain in the liver area and yellowing of the sclera? Hello! I have been a long-term alcoholic for about 7 to 8 years, starting with red wine, then whiskey, and later consuming approximately 250 to 300 cc of 58% sorghum liquor each night (I have a habit of drinking until I fal...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It would still be reassuring to go to the hospital for an ultrasound examination.

[Read More] Understanding Liver Pain and Yellowing Eyes After Alcohol Abuse


Managing Hepatitis B Treatment Challenges: A Family's Journey

Hepatitis B treatment issues? Dear Vice President, Our family does not carry the virus but lacks antibodies. My father (51 years old) was diagnosed with hepatitis B on April 19. To keep it brief, my question is that the doctor mentioned on that day that my father's liver en...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The symptoms initially do not seem to be clearly related to elevated liver function. However, it is advised to monitor for hepatitis B with an ultrasound every six months, and if liver function abnormalities occur, monthly follow-ups may be necessary. Additionally, allergy medica...

[Read More] Managing Hepatitis B Treatment Challenges: A Family's Journey


Managing Fatty Liver and Gastrointestinal Issues: Your Questions Answered

Inquiry and consultation? Hello Doctor: I had a liver ultrasound today. I have been associated with the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department since many years ago due to elevated liver enzymes. In my younger days, I often stayed up late and had a penchant for sweet foods ...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, fatty liver refers to the accumulation of fat in liver cells, which may sometimes cause fluctuations in liver enzyme levels, but typically involves minimal liver fibrosis. Once it progresses to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the liver may exhibit inflammation or fib...

[Read More] Managing Fatty Liver and Gastrointestinal Issues: Your Questions Answered


Understanding Liver Function Abnormalities: Cholesterol and Other Causes

Liver dysfunction As per your inquiry, GPT is 90, GOT is 95, total cholesterol is 209, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is 136. Six months ago, an abdominal ultrasound showed that fatty liver had resolved. At that time, you weighed 67 kg, and now you weigh 73 kg, whi...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Weight gain can significantly affect fatty liver disease. Cholesterol levels do not necessarily impact fatty liver. Additionally, be cautious with the use of lipid-lowering medications, as they may cause an increase in liver function tests in a small number of individuals.

[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Abnormalities: Cholesterol and Other Causes


Understanding Early Cirrhosis: Autoimmune Liver Disease Insights and Management

Liver issues - Cirrhosis Hello Doctor, two years ago during a health check-up, fetal alpha-fetoprotein was found to be 13.8, and both GOT and GPT levels were elevated. An ultrasound indicated that the liver appeared enlarged, suggesting liver fibrosis. Blood tests ruled out hepat...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Your situation is quite unique; there is significant individual variation in autoimmune hepatitis, and medication regimens can differ accordingly. Therefore, it is essential to tailor the treatment to your specific condition. Please discuss this further with your attending physic...

[Read More] Understanding Early Cirrhosis: Autoimmune Liver Disease Insights and Management


Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Impact of Intense Exercise

Elevated liver function tests? Hello, Vice Dean Chen. A few days ago, during a health check at a certain hospital, I received a phone call notifying me that my liver enzyme levels were elevated, with a value of 107. I usually do not stay up too late, going to bed around 10 or 11 ...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Intense exercise (such as running a marathon) can indeed lead to an increase in GOT levels, while the impact on GPT is relatively minor. The elevation in GOT levels is due to the release of this enzyme from muscle tissue and is not related to liver function. Resting and rehydrati...

[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Impact of Intense Exercise


Understanding Cytomegalovirus Infection and Its Impact on Liver Health

Hepatitis diagnosed with cytomegalovirus? Approximately when I first entered the workforce, I experienced persistent low-grade fevers for over a month, which led to hepatitis. During that time, I would easily fall asleep due to fatigue. I recall being diagnosed with a cytomegalov...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Currently, there are no specific preventive treatments. Maintaining a normal daily routine, keeping up immunity, practicing good hand hygiene, and being cautious about sexual contact transmission are sufficient.

[Read More] Understanding Cytomegalovirus Infection and Its Impact on Liver Health


Understanding Fever Symptoms in Acute and Drug-Induced Hepatitis

Drug-induced hepatitis Hello, doctor! I would like to inquire whether acute hepatitis and drug-induced hepatitis commonly present with fever as a symptom. My father recently had regular blood tests at a major hospital's hematology department. Four days before his follow-up a...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
First, a thorough examination of imaging studies and blood cultures should be conducted at the hospital to understand the relationship between the hepatitis and fever.

[Read More] Understanding Fever Symptoms in Acute and Drug-Induced Hepatitis


Understanding Mild Yellowing of the Eyes: Is It a Sign of Liver Issues?

Slightly yellow sclera? Hello doctor, I recently had blood tests and my liver enzyme levels were at 150. The urine test showed normal bilirubin levels, but a few days later, I noticed that the whites of my eyes were slightly yellow, although not very noticeable. Could this be rel...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is possible; please return for a follow-up appointment to check the bilirubin levels.

[Read More] Understanding Mild Yellowing of the Eyes: Is It a Sign of Liver Issues?


Managing Fatty Liver and GERD: A Patient's Journey to Health

I have a question I would like to ask the doctor? Hello Doctor: I have had abnormal liver function since 2003. I do not smoke, drink alcohol, or chew betel nut, but I have always loved sugary drinks. In the past, I also frequently stayed up late, and I only exercised during physi...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. For those prone to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it is advisable to pay attention to diet by reducing coffee intake, and limiting chocolate, spicy foods, and high-fat foods. 2. Helicobacter pylori is associated with chronic gastritis, gastrointestinal ulce...

[Read More] Managing Fatty Liver and GERD: A Patient's Journey to Health


Understanding Elevated GPT and Indirect Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns

Elevated GPT/indirect bilirubin slightly elevated? Over the past 10 years of regular health check-ups, my GPT/GOT/total bilirubin levels have all been within normal ranges, with GPT/GOT between 10-20. In August 2018, total bilirubin was first noted at 1.8 (with GPT/GOT around 20 ...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The condition is somewhat different from others, but still poses no danger. It is recommended to continue monitoring at the same healthcare facility. Maintain a normal diet and avoid exposure to toxic volatile substances. Referral to a medical center should only be made if necess...

[Read More] Understanding Elevated GPT and Indirect Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns


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