Liver, Gastroenterology and Hepatology FAQ

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...

Is This Report Indicating Liver Fibrosis? Understanding Your Results

Is this liver fibrosis? Hello Dr. Chen, does this report indicate liver fibrosis? I have hepatitis B!!! ................................................................ The liver size is normal, the parenchyma is heterogeneous, the surface is smooth, and the vascular system is no...

Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Yes, but it is not objective and does not differentiate between mild and severe cases. If necessary, a liver fibrosis device (or a health insurance-covered liver biopsy) can be used for objective assessment.

Impact of Night Shift Work on Liver Health: Risks and Solutions

Hello, doctor. I have a question regarding night shift work? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if long-term disruption of the day-night cycle is harmful to the liver, or if there are any compensatory measures. Due to economic pressures, I have a job that requires me to work from...

Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
No hepatitis B and it is acceptable not to switch between day and night shifts. Annual health check-ups for workers should be conducted for monitoring.

Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Results: Key Concerns for Hepatitis B Patients

Questions related to abdominal ultrasound examination? Hello Doctor, I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Today, during my health check-up, I had an abdominal ultrasound. The doctor indicated that there are some white spots on the liver surface, with one larger spot measuring 0.6 cm. I...

Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
It is recommended to closely monitor and only perform a biopsy if there is a suspicion of malignancy, as small lesions may not be adequately sampled. Pancreatic and hepatic cysts are generally benign. If they are not too large or causing compression or complications, monitoring i...

Understanding Pancreatic Tumors: Diagnosis, Treatment Options, and Risks

Pancreatic tumor Dear Dr. Lin, In July, my husband underwent a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan originally intended to monitor his lungs, but it unexpectedly revealed a pancreatic tumor approximately 3.2 cm in size with low density. We promptly returned to the thoracic s...

Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
A cyst in the body of the pancreas larger than three centimeters may sometimes be difficult to identify on imaging. An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has been arranged, and it does not communicate with the bile duct. There are no nodules within the tumor, leaning towards a serous cy...

Understanding Abnormal CA19-9 Levels: Next Steps for Patients

Abnormal CA 19-9 levels, inquiry about follow-up consultation methods? Hello Doctor, About three weeks ago, I went to the hospital for a self-paid health checkup. Due to my menstrual period, I first underwent abdominal/pelvic/breast ultrasound, and a week later, I completed blo...

Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
CA 19-9 cannot be used for diagnosis due to a very high rate of false positives; its interpretation depends on the individual physician's perspective. The principle is that if there are no specific tumors found during health screenings, one can feel reassured. It would be ad...

Understanding Brown and Yellow Cloudy Urine: Causes and Concerns

Cloudy tea-colored urine? Hello Doctor, I have recently noticed brown and yellow urine during urination. When I observe it in the toilet, the brown and yellow urine appears to be mixed together, and I am a bit worried that it might indicate a serious issue, such as pancreatic can...

Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The chances are slim, so there's no need to worry. Drink plenty of water and continue to monitor the color. You can also check if the whites of the eyes have turned yellow.

Understanding Positive HCV Antibody Results: Key Questions Answered

Hepatitis C testing issues? Hello Doctor: I recently wanted to donate blood, and I was informed by the blood donation center that my hepatitis C antibody (Anti-HCV) test result from a year ago was positive. The blood donation center then conducted a retest, and after a year, the ...

Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Previously infected with hepatitis C, has naturally healed/cleared the hepatitis C virus, currently does not have hepatitis C, only has lifelong (weak) positive antibodies.

Understanding Low GPT and GOT Levels: Causes and Implications for Liver Health

GPT levels are below normal and are decreasing further? In May of this year, my GPT level was 11 IU/L, and in August, it was 9 IU/L, with a GOT level of 14 IU/L. Previously, my GPT and GOT levels were normal. I started taking Enteric-Coated Aspirin 100 mg (Aspirin) once a day sin...

Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Hello, it is not possible to make a judgment based solely on the values you provided. Please return for a follow-up appointment. For any inquiries regarding medication, please contact the prescribing physician. Thank you.

Understanding Palmar Erythema: Is It a Sign of Liver Issues?

Suspected palmar erythema? For more than a year, I have noticed redness in the palms of my hands, particularly in the hypothenar area. However, my blood tests every three months have been normal, and my abdominal ultrasound has also shown no issues. I am still very concerned and ...

Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is unlikely to be caused by liver disease; you can take a photo with your mobile phone and provide it for the dermatologist's diagnosis if necessary.

Understanding Fatty Liver: Severity, Management, and Treatment Options

Fatty liver disease issues? Hello, I would like to ask about my blood test results. My GOT levels are 60 and 123. Would you consider this to be mild or moderate? How can I improve this? Would increasing exercise and losing weight help return my levels to normal? Would taking Schi...

Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
First, exclude hepatitis B and C. Reduce caloric intake by 10%, specifically by decreasing starches/carbohydrates. Increased physical activity is beneficial and can help prevent weight regain. There are no foods that specifically aid in weight loss or fatty liver; only a low-calo...

Do I Really Need Hepatitis B Medication? Understanding Treatment Options

Questions about hepatitis B medication? Hello, I was diagnosed as a carrier of hepatitis B during a health check at the age of 18. Five months ago, at a nearby clinic, the doctor informed me that I qualified for hepatitis B medication under the national health insurance, so I sta...

Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If ultrasound indicates severe liver cirrhosis/fibrosis, please discuss with your physician.

Understanding Your Abdominal Ultrasound Results: Key Insights for Liver Health

Inquiry about abdominal ultrasound results? Hello Doctor, I recently had some tests done, including an ultrasound. The doctor had prescribed medication for my condition. Are there any important points to note regarding the ultrasound results? Thank you. Blood test results: GOT...

Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A 0.5 cm lymph node located outside the liver in the abdominal cavity can generally be monitored with follow-up.

Understanding Low Amylase Levels: Impacts and Management

Low amylase levels Hello, during my health check-up, it was found that my amylase level is low; the normal range is 29-103, and mine is 19. An abdominal ultrasound showed mild fatty liver, but the report did not recommend any follow-up at the hospital. Could you please explain wh...

Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
It is recommended to bring your health check report to a consultation with a family medicine or gastroenterology clinic. Thank you.

Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission Risks and Prevention Strategies

Hepatitis B-related issues Hello, Doctor. I recently learned that a family member is a carrier of hepatitis B. I haven't had a health check-up in over a year and I'm not aware of the viral load or other conditions; I only know that I have fatty liver. However, I do not ...

Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Hepatitis B is transmitted through the entry of blood or bodily fluids containing the Hepatitis B virus into the body via the skin or mucous membranes. Transmission routes include blood transfusions, injections, hemodialysis, acupuncture, tattoos, eyebrow tattoos, ear pier...

Does Hepatitis C Treatment Affect Glomerular Filtration Rate?

Does hepatitis C treatment affect the glomerular filtration rate? My father is 75 years old and has three high conditions, which are currently managed with medication. He started taking Epclusa for hepatitis C on July 5th of this year. Before starting the medication, his glomerul...

Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Will hepatitis C treatment medications affect glomerular filtration rate? According to the prescribing information for Epclusa, no dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with any degree of renal impairment, including those requiring dialysis. The medications may slightly aff...

Is It Normal for Stool to Turn Gray After Taking Shufuda Powder?

Shufuda Oral Suspension Powder Is it normal for bowel movements to turn gray after taking the anti-diarrheal powder, Shufudazhi? I've only been eating white toast and boiled eggs for the past few days due to diarrhea, and I'm unsure if this is related. Thank you.

Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. Medications can help form the stool. 2. If the stool turns grayish-white, it is advisable to monitor the situation. If the gastroenteritis improves but the stool remains grayish-white, it may indicate potential liver or biliary issues, and further examination is necessary. Wis...

Understanding Digestive Issues: When to Seek Help for Bowel Problems

Bowel issues? Hello Doctor, I am an eighteen-year-old high school student. I have been experiencing gastrointestinal issues, often feeling bloated and having abdominal sounds. Sometimes I suffer from constipation, while at other times my stools are loose. Recently, I have noticed...

Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Mr. Weng: It is recommended that you go to the hospital for an in-person evaluation and treatment by a physician. Director Cai JinjI of the Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology at Nantou Hospital.

Understanding Barrett's Esophagus: Treatment Options and Expert Guidance

Please advise on the active treatment options for Barrett's esophagus? Dear Dr. Chen, I am a 41-year-old male, 174 cm tall and weighing 90 kg. My past medical history includes peptic ulcer disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Currently, I have moderate fatty liver disease,...

Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is recommended to start medication and follow up with an endoscopy in one year, and then consider endoscopic treatment if necessary. In Taiwan, this is not commonly practiced; patients must go to a medical center for a complete preoperative evaluation, and decisions will be ma...

Understanding Hepatitis B Risks and Vaccination After Needle Exposure

Risk of Hepatitis B Infection Hello, doctor. My relative is a patient with hepatitis B and diabetes. While assisting with blood sugar testing, I accidentally got slightly pricked by a needle. However, my previous health check report indicated that I no longer have antibodies. I w...

Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
The symptoms of infection are related to age, individual health conditions, and the degree of liver inflammation. It is recommended to seek medical evaluation and undergo blood tests; the doctor will provide a more specific assessment. Thank you.

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