Understanding HBsAg Levels and Their Implications for Liver Health
HBsAg - Hepatitis B surface antigen Hello, doctor. May I ask if HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) can change? I previously had acute hepatitis, but my liver enzyme levels are now approaching normal (GOT: 40, GPT: 60). However, the report shows that HBsAg is positive at 4318. Wh...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: A positive HBsAg indicates that you are a carrier of hepatitis B (have hepatitis B). Please also test for HBeAg and follow up with a gastroenterologist to determine whether antiviral medication is needed. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding HBsAg Levels and Their Implications for Liver Health
Understanding the Connection Between Liver Cysts, Gallstones, and Weight Loss
Liver cysts, gallstones, and weight loss? Hello Dr. Chen: My mother has lost about 6 kilograms in weight over the past three months. The ultrasound report from her senior health check-up shows: 1. a small cyst on the liver, and 2. gallstones. The doctor said to follow up in six m...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: You may visit the Metabolism Department or the Oncology Department to check for any other underlying causes. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Liver Cysts, Gallstones, and Weight Loss
Understanding the Connection Between Hepatitis B and Acne: Key Concerns
Hepatitis B and Acne Issues Hello Doctor, about a month ago, I was in the acute phase of hepatitis B, with liver enzyme levels exceeding 2000 and bilirubin levels around 9. The doctor said I am currently recovering well. During my follow-up visit two weeks ago, my liver enzyme le...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Ultrasound can be used to check for any abnormalities in the liver and gallbladder, as well as the presence of ascites. It is generally recommended to follow up every six months to a year for chronic hepatitis, and every three to six months for cirrhosis. The frequenc...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Hepatitis B and Acne: Key Concerns
Understanding Fatty Liver: AST, ALT, and Dietary Recommendations
Fatty liver disease Hello Doctor, I would like to ask if the AST and ALT liver function tests are what is commonly referred to as GOT and GPT? Last week, my blood test results were 63 and 108. The doctor mentioned that I have fatty liver (without hepatitis B or C and no history o...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Sir: 1. AST = GOT; ALT = GPT. 2. The main treatment for fatty liver is weight loss and exercise; certain diabetes medications can also be helpful, primarily due to metabolic syndrome. Liver-protective medications and clam extract have limited benefits. 3. Ultrasound ha...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: AST, ALT, and Dietary Recommendations
Understanding Blood in Vomit: Causes and When to Seek Help
Vomiting with blood? Feeling bloated after eating too much at night and then inducing vomiting can be concerning, especially if you noticed blood in the vomit. The presence of blood, even if it was only in one instance, could indicate a potential issue such as irritation or damag...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, vomiting or severe vomiting, such as after excessive alcohol consumption, can cause injury to the gastric and esophageal mucosa, leading to bleeding. The most common injury is a tear at the esophagogastric junction, which is usually minor and can heal on its own. However, ...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Vomit: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Abdominal and Back Pain: A Guide to Gastrointestinal Issues
Abdominal pain and lower back pain? I'm sorry, doctor, but I don't have an email address and I'm wondering if I can use my MSN account instead. I have been experiencing symptoms for many years, and even though I used to have severe pain during my menstrual periods,...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, you are experiencing left abdominal pain, lower back pain, or abdominal pain that occurs whether you eat or not. You have undergone some examinations that showed no issues. It is recommended to follow up with a gastroenterology outpatient clinic, where the physician will c...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal and Back Pain: A Guide to Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Liver Cysts and Gallbladder Polyps: When to Seek Treatment
Liver cysts At the Health Examination Center of China Medical University, the ultrasound results revealed: 1. Gallbladder polyp (0.3 cm) 2. Liver cyst (0.75 cm). I found online that gallbladder polyps are generally considered benign if they are asymptomatic and less than 1 cm, an...
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Hello, both gallbladder polyps and liver cysts are benign. As long as you have annual ultrasound follow-ups, surgery is not necessary. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Liu Li-Kuang, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Liver Cysts and Gallbladder Polyps: When to Seek Treatment
Exploring the Health Benefits of Artichokes for Liver Health
Artichoke Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you if there are any relevant studies or clinical research reports regarding artichokes in medicine and their impact on health. What benefits do artichokes have for liver diseases and liver protection? Since my father is a carrier of ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, I apologize for the inconvenience. Since artichoke is classified as a traditional Chinese medicine, please consult a specialist in traditional Chinese medicine. Dr. Lin Ming-Hui from the Taoyuan Hospital of the Health Department will respond on behalf. Wishing you good hea...[Read More] Exploring the Health Benefits of Artichokes for Liver Health
Why Does Viral Load Increase After Successful Interferon Treatment for Hepatitis B?
Why does the viral load increase significantly after interferon treatment, even after the HBeAg becomes negative? Dear Dr. Lin, I am a carrier of hepatitis B with positive e-antigen (transmitted from my mother). I discovered in mid-2008 that my liver began to show signs of infla...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. In patients with hepatitis B, after six months of interferon treatment, the rate of e-antigen seroconversion is approximately 30%. The rate of HBV-DNA < 5 x 10^5 copies/ml and normal ALT levels is about 24%. The benefits of interferon treatment include no developme...[Read More] Why Does Viral Load Increase After Successful Interferon Treatment for Hepatitis B?
Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain: Symptoms and Causes
Regarding abdominal pain? Doctor, I have been experiencing abdominal pain for nearly a week. Initially, the pain was not severe, but in the past few days, I have been feeling intense pain upon waking, to the point where I cannot turn over. The pain is located in the upper right a...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, the differential diagnoses for right upper abdominal pain include gastrointestinal inflammation, ulcers, or functional disorders, liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic diseases, pleuritis, and neuralgia. If the pain persists for a week without improvement, it is advisable to ...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain: Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Concerns, Treatment, and Next Steps
Liver fibrosis Hello, doctor: Recently, my mother was diagnosed with liver fibrosis at the hospital. However, we are still waiting for the blood test results to evaluate further. A few days later, when my mother returned for a follow-up, the doctor told her that since it is only ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, to address liver fibrosis, it is essential to identify the underlying cause in order to provide appropriate treatment. Currently, there are no medications that can immediately improve fibrosis. Common causes include chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C, autoimmune liver diseas...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Concerns, Treatment, and Next Steps
Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing and Precautions for Your Family
Hepatitis B antibody testing in children? Hello Dr. Chen: I was diagnosed with hepatitis B 17 years ago during a blood donation. Does having hepatitis B mean that I am a carrier? Can it be transmitted to those who share meals with me, or to my spouse or children? Over the past fe...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: 1. Having hepatitis B means you are a carrier. 2. If you are a carrier, you need to be monitored every six months. 3. Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids, not through food or drink. 4. Children can be tested first, and they can also undergo sch...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing and Precautions for Your Family
Why Liver Function Tests Increased After Taking Liver An-Neng?
Taking Liver An can lead to an increase in liver enzyme levels instead of a decrease? Hello Doctor: My husband is a carrier of hepatitis B without antibodies. In August of this year, his liver enzymes GOT and GPT were nearly 200. Upon retesting the same day, they decreased by abo...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Please visit the "Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology Specialty Hospital Outpatient Clinic" immediately (bringing all your blood test results). Gan An Neng is no longer recommended as a first-line treatment! Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Sh...[Read More] Why Liver Function Tests Increased After Taking Liver An-Neng?
Does Poor Quality RO Water Impact Liver Health and Cause Disease?
Water intake issues Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you about the drinking water produced by a household reverse osmosis (RO) water purifier (or other types of water purifiers). If the quality of the filter is poor or if it is not replaced regularly, could the water it filt...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, contaminated water generally affects the digestive system, leading to conditions such as gastritis, enteritis, and bacterial gastroenteritis. If the quality of the filter is poor or if it is not replaced regularly, it can easily promote the growth of bacteria. This message...[Read More] Does Poor Quality RO Water Impact Liver Health and Cause Disease?
Managing Hepatitis B: Nutritional Supplements and Liver Health
Care for Hepatitis B Carriers Hello, doctor. I am a carrier of hepatitis B and currently have check-ups every six months at a clinic near my home to monitor my GOT/GPT levels and undergo ultrasound examinations. Recently, my GPT level was slightly elevated (100), but the doctor m...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Nutritional supplements can be made in Taiwan and should be natural as long as they are not too expensive, but their effectiveness may be poor. For hepatitis B, liver-protective medications can be prescribed as long as there are abnormalities in liver function. Changh...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis B: Nutritional Supplements and Liver Health
Understanding the Costs of Radiofrequency Ablation for Liver Cancer Treatment
Liver cancer My father has undergone embolization twice and recently had a third procedure, which unfortunately was unsuccessful. The doctor mentioned that he needs to undergo electrocautery. I have heard that the costs are not cheap; could you please explain how the expenses are...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The National Health Insurance provides coverage for a type of umbrella-shaped electrosurgical needle, but it is not very effective. On the other hand, the commonly used straight needle is not covered by the insurance and costs around 40,000 NTD. However, it can be sterilized and ...[Read More] Understanding the Costs of Radiofrequency Ablation for Liver Cancer Treatment
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Monitoring, Risks, and Insurance Implications
Hepatic hemangioma Hello Dr. Chen, I had an abdominal ultrasound in 2003 that revealed a 1 cm hepatic hemangioma, which increased to 1.5 cm last year. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. Besides abdominal ultrasound, should I also have blood tests for Hepatitis B, H...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, 1. Hepatic hemangiomas typically present differently on abdominal ultrasound compared to liver cancer. If there are concerns, testing for hepatitis B and C, as well as alpha-fetoprotein, is reasonable. Once it is confirmed that there is no hepatitis B or C, it is not nec...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Monitoring, Risks, and Insurance Implications
Struggling with Sleep and Bloating: Insights from a Gastroenterologist
Hello, Dr. Chen! Dr. Chen: I haven't been sleeping well for the past few days. I can't seem to fall asleep, so I thought it might be too hot and tried using the air conditioning, but it didn't help. I lie down at midnight and it takes me 1 to 2 hours to fall asleep...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: You can adjust your diet and manage stress levels, and if necessary, take gastrointestinal medications. Liver function tests should be conducted if needed. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Struggling with Sleep and Bloating: Insights from a Gastroenterologist
Managing Medication for Hepatitis B Carriers with Kidney Issues
Medication issues Hello Dr. Chen: I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been diagnosed with glomerulonephritis. I am currently taking "Losacar (ARB) 50mg/tab" and "Forflow 400mg/tab" to manage my high urinary protein levels. I would like to ask if it is safe ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Ropivacaine is not suitable for patients with hepatitis (during an episode). Please discuss with your physician/pharmacist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Managing Medication for Hepatitis B Carriers with Kidney Issues
Understanding Multiple Ulcers in the Stomach and Duodenum: Symptoms and Treatment
Multiple ulcers of the stomach and duodenum? Hello doctor, I recently visited my usual clinic due to discomfort in my throat. This same symptom has occurred two to three times over the past 1 to 2 years. The doctor suggested I undergo an endoscopy because he suspected gastroesoph...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Generally speaking, the symptoms and examination results described should not indicate a serious illness. The effectiveness of medication treatment should be satisfactory. Ulcers do not always cause pain (about 1 in 5 cases), and as long as you complete the medication...[Read More] Understanding Multiple Ulcers in the Stomach and Duodenum: Symptoms and Treatment