Liver, Gastroenterology and Hepatology FAQ - Page 37

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Urgent Help Needed: Managing Severe Acute Hepatitis B Symptoms

Acute Hepatitis B Emergency Hello Dr. Chen, I have not been previously diagnosed with hepatitis B or C. On October 17, I visited a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology clinic due to fatigue and jaundice. Blood tests showed GOT: 2000, GPT: 4000, T-bil: 10.7, HBsAg: 1801, Anti-HBc I...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Lee, 1. When starting the medication, the antiviral effect has not fully suppressed the virus yet, so there may still be a short-term upward trend. It is advisable to be hospitalized for close observation. Changing the medication may not have a significant effect, but a...

[Read More] Urgent Help Needed: Managing Severe Acute Hepatitis B Symptoms


Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns

Elevated liver enzymes? My health report shows that all other items are normal, but my liver enzyme levels indicate GOT at 60 and GPT at 17 (normal). I do not have a history of substance abuse or alcoholism. 1. Is a GOT level of 60 considered very high? 2. I stayed up late for ...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, GPT primarily refers to a marker released into the bloodstream after the destruction of liver cells. However, GOT can be found not only in liver cells but also in other tissues such as the heart, skeletal muscle, blood cells, kidney cells, and certain tumor cells. Therefor...

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


Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know

Liver enzyme levels are elevated? Previously, during my enrollment check, my BMI was normal with no obesity issues. My liver enzyme levels were GOT at 31 and GPT at 63, which are above the normal range. The recommendation was to have regular check-ups and to reduce late-night act...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Lin: It is recommended to maintain a regular lifestyle, control weight to prevent increase, rule out drug-induced hepatitis, and recheck liver function in 2-3 months. Additionally, please rule out hepatitis C and undergo an ultrasound examination. Changhua Hospital car...

[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know


Understanding Elevated Liver Function Tests During Pregnancy

Liver function SGPT (Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Trans Hello, doctor. I recently had a health check-up and received the results yesterday. I found that my white blood cell count is over 13,700, SGPT is 108, triglycerides are 373, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is 131, and total chole...


Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, during pregnancy, if dyslipidemia occurs, it is important to first rule out the presence of proteinuria. As for liver function abnormalities, the underlying cause should be investigated. White blood cell counts are less specific and can be monitored further. Sincerely, Dr....

[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Function Tests During Pregnancy


Understanding Frequent Bloating: When to Seek Gastrointestinal Care

Frequent bloating in the stomach? Frequent bloating in the stomach can be addressed by visiting a general clinic, where the doctor may prescribe medication and recommend a lighter diet due to poor digestion and infrequent bowel movements. This could indeed be a contributing facto...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) In principle, liver function is not related to gastrointestinal function; however, severe hepatitis may cause symptoms such as upper abdominal distension and nausea/vomiting. (2) The causal relationship can be more reasonably stated that constipation and retained stool...

[Read More] Understanding Frequent Bloating: When to Seek Gastrointestinal Care


Understanding Bloating and Constipation: Is It a Digestive or Liver Issue?

Constipation! Bloating! I experience bloating for several days each time, and sometimes I feel nauseous, but I can't burp it out, and I haven't had much bowel movement. I visited a general clinic, and the doctor prescribed medication for bloating and stomach issues, adv...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) In principle, liver function is not related to gastrointestinal function; however, severe hepatitis may cause symptoms such as upper abdominal distension and nausea/vomiting. (2) The causal relationship can be more reasonably stated as constipation and fecal retention ...

[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Constipation: Is It a Digestive or Liver Issue?


Understanding Elevated SGOT and SGPT Levels: Causes and Concerns

SGOT (Serum Glutamic-Oxaloac Hello doctor, I would like to ask why my SGOT is 99 and SGPT is 156, which are quite high. My pulse is also very fast at 110. Could you please advise me? Thank you!


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to seek medical examination. Possible causes for elevated liver function include viral hepatitis, infections, and medications. Causes for increased heart rate may include anxiety, fever, infections, bleeding, and endocrine issues. It is advised to consult...

[Read More] Understanding Elevated SGOT and SGPT Levels: Causes and Concerns


Understanding Right Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Next Steps

Right-sided abdominal distension, dry mouth, and halitosis? Hello Doctor, I am 19 years old and have been experiencing bloating on the right side of my abdomen for the past three weeks. I have visited both a small clinic and a large hospital, where I underwent an ultrasound. They...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The upper right abdomen approximately contains the liver, gallbladder, pylorus of the stomach, duodenum, kidneys, and the hepatic flexure of the colon. If the ultrasound examination shows no issues, it can rule out kidney stones, gallstones, and liver masses (but cannot ex...

[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Next Steps


Understanding Fatty Liver: Can It Really Elevate Liver Enzymes to 200?

Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? Hello Dr. Tsai: I would like to provide the following information for your reference: 1. SGOT: 79 (normal range: 8-38 U/L) SGPT: 214 (normal range: 4-40 U/L) Ultrasound examination: Moderate fatty l...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can cause inflammation that may exceed 200. In addition to medication, it is essential to control caloric intake and increase physical activity. As for autoimmune hepatitis, blood tests are required to confirm the presence of specific au...

[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Can It Really Elevate Liver Enzymes to 200?


Understanding Abnormal Liver Test Results: What Do They Mean?

The health examination report shows abnormalities? Hello Dr. Chen, I recently had a health check-up at the hospital, and the report showed that my Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg, EIA) test result was 0.341, which is NEGATIVE. The reference value is also NEGATIVE. However, the...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: There is no problem; you are not a carrier of hepatitis B, but you also do not have hepatitis B antibodies. It is possible that the hepatitis B vaccine you received at birth has become undetectable as you aged. Currently, there is no requirement for non-healthcare pe...

[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Test Results: What Do They Mean?


Vitamin B Complex and Liver Health: Risks and Benefits for Hepatitis B Carriers

Issues with taking multivitamins for Hepatitis B? (1) As a carrier of hepatitis B, supplementing with B vitamins may support liver health and repair, but it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice. (2) Many commercially available B-complex vita...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Huang: 1. B vitamins are generally considered health supplements, but there is no evidence that they aid in liver repair. 2. B vitamins are water-soluble, and excess amounts are simply excreted in urine, posing no significant harm. 3. Vitamin A, on the other hand, can a...

[Read More] Vitamin B Complex and Liver Health: Risks and Benefits for Hepatitis B Carriers


Long-Term Use of Silymarin for Liver Health: Benefits and Risks

Liver protection supplements issues? (1) I previously had abnormal liver function (GPT 70), and my doctor prescribed Kojar (Silymarin) capsules. After three months, my liver function returned to normal, and the medication was discontinued. Over the past few years, my liver enzyme...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Lin: 1. If there is a clinical need for Silymarin, it can be taken long-term without any reported significant side effects, but its effectiveness is not guaranteed. According to health insurance regulations, treatment must be discontinued if there is no improvement. 2. ...

[Read More] Long-Term Use of Silymarin for Liver Health: Benefits and Risks


How to Lower GOT and GPT Levels: Tips for Liver Health

GOT 48, GPT 71? Hello Dr. Chen, my liver enzyme levels are GOT 48 and GPT 71. I do not have hepatitis B or C. I am being treated at Asia University Hospital. I previously took medication for hyperthyroidism for about a year, but I am now well and no longer need to take it. My uri...


Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, aside from hepatitis B and C, another cause of abnormal liver function is fatty liver... Of course, there are also other less common causes. Therefore, it is essential to rely on abdominal ultrasound and some blood tests for diagnosis. If it is indeed fatty liver, the meta...

[Read More] How to Lower GOT and GPT Levels: Tips for Liver Health


Understanding Hepatitis B Monitoring: Key Questions and Insights

Hepatitis B testing issues? Hello Doctor, I am a carrier of Hepatitis B with e-antibody, and my viral load has been measured at a maximum of 300. I have been undergoing regular follow-up examinations. Previously, my liver enzyme levels (GPT) fluctuated frequently, reaching a maxi...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Huang: (1) Nodules smaller than 1 cm are often difficult to characterize and are generally referred to as nodules. Regular follow-up is recommended. (2) Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels may fluctuate slightly. If there is a continuous increase, caution is advised. (3) The...

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Chronic Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions Explained

Persistent diarrhea? Hello, doctor... I have been suffering from chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain for a long time. In early February 2015, I underwent a comprehensive health check-up, which included stool tests, endoscopy, abdominal ultrasound, and blood tests. They informed m...


Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, the diagnosis should be irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is recommended to follow a low-fat, low-dairy, and non-irritating gentle diet, manage stress and anxiety, and seek medical treatment with medication if necessary. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Attending Physician, ...

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Understanding Stomach and Pancreatic Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer? Dear Doctor, 1. Recently, I have experienced a loss of appetite and had black stools for two days. I went to the hospital for an endoscopy, and the doctor said I have an ulcer. I was prescribed medication. During the endoscopy, the doctor also ...


Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, your condition is ulcer bleeding, and treatment will require a certain duration. If symptoms do not improve after treatment, an abdominal ultrasound can be arranged to assess the condition of the pancreas and liver. Staying up late does not cause liver cancer. Sincerely, D...

[Read More] Understanding Stomach and Pancreatic Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment


Understanding Liver Tumor Treatment Options for Elderly Patients

Liver tumor treatment Dear Director Chen, My father is 85 years old and has been drinking alcohol since his youth, but he has never reached the level of alcoholism. His daily routine has been normal. In early July, he was hospitalized due to abdominal pain, and a CT scan reveale...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: 1. If cholangiocarcinoma has metastasized or invaded the gallbladder, the prognosis is poor. 2. Electrocautery is used for treating solitary small tumors; however, this patient is not suitable for electrocautery due to tumor invasion of the gallbladder and hepatic ...

[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumor Treatment Options for Elderly Patients


Should You Get a Booster for Hepatitis B Vaccine After Exposure?

Is it necessary to receive a booster dose of the hepatitis B vaccine? Hello Doctor: I am 34 years old. During my health check in 2012, my Hepatitis B surface antigen was negative, and my Hepatitis B surface antibody was positive (concentration 23.18 mIU/mL). However, in March of ...


Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Shuiyue, based on your description, you are eligible to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. It seems that your immune cells are not continuously secreting antibodies, which is a normal physiological regulation (the body does not keep producing antibodies unnecessarily; instead,...

[Read More] Should You Get a Booster for Hepatitis B Vaccine After Exposure?


Understanding Liver Health: Prescription Medications and Fatty Liver Treatment

Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? Hello, Doctor: 1. May I ask if the hospital has prescription medications for Livin (肝利能)? (http://www.fda.gov.tw/MLMS/H0001D.aspx?Type=Lic&LicId=01045845) 2. I would like to inquire, the medication inf...


Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Mr. Chang, whether each hospital has this medication depends on their inventory, so it is necessary to inquire. Additionally, the first step in treating fatty liver is lifestyle management, which includes increasing physical activity and dietary control to maintain a healthy...

[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Prescription Medications and Fatty Liver Treatment


Understanding Hepatitis C Treatment Options and Liver Health Supplements

Questions about Hepatitis C? I currently have hepatitis C and I regularly monitor my condition every six months, with normal results. I would like to know if I can receive treatment to cure it, and if so, can I use heparin? How many treatments are covered by the National Health I...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. The treatment for hepatitis C currently primarily involves long-acting interferon and ribavirin to eliminate the hepatitis C virus. Patients must have the hepatitis C virus present and not have severe cirrhosis to be eligible for treatment. 2. Currently, the National...

[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Treatment Options and Liver Health Supplements


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