Understanding Hepatitis B: When to Test for Viral DNA and Consider Treatment
Hepatitis B treatment The e-antigen has been positive for many years; GPT is elevated to twice the normal value. Should viral DNA be tested? Is medication necessary?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. According to the current consensus on the treatment of hepatitis B, patients with ALT levels that remain normal or slightly elevated (less than 2 times the normal value) are not recommended for treatment, but should be monitored with follow-up examinations every 3 to ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: When to Test for Viral DNA and Consider Treatment
Understanding Elevated GGT Levels: Implications and Concerns
Re-evaluating abnormal aminoacyl transferase levels? I apologize for asking you again about the abnormality of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Recently, during a health check at my company, my GGT level was found to be abnormal at 104. However, the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) le...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. The hepatic hemangioma is 0.6 cm in size, which is small, but it requires monitoring. The ultrasound shows typical characteristics of the hemangioma. Due to the small size of the tumor, ultrasound is a better tool for follow-up. Generally, clinical guidelines recommen...[Read More] Understanding Elevated GGT Levels: Implications and Concerns
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Causes, Risks, and Management Tips
Hepatic hemangioma My mother (60 years old) underwent a CT scan of the liver, which revealed two hepatic hemangiomas measuring 4.4 cm and 4.2 cm. I would like to ask the doctor: 1. What are the causes of hepatic hemangiomas? 2. Will they continue to grow? Is there a risk of ruptu...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. Hepatic hemangiomas are tumors formed by abnormal proliferation of blood vessels within the liver, with unknown etiology. Some are congenital, while others may be related to female hormones. 2. Hepatic hemangiomas grow very slowly, and may not increase in size at all. Genera...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Causes, Risks, and Management Tips
Understanding Persistent High Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
The GPT index remains consistently high? The health check revealed that liver enzyme levels have consistently been above 200. I have undergone a self-paid liver examination package, which showed no hepatitis A, B, or C; I have antibodies for hepatitis B, no alcoholic liver diseas...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a leading cause of chronic hepatitis in Western countries, second only to viral hepatitis, and is highly associated with metabolic syndrome, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance...[Read More] Understanding Persistent High Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Post-Gallbladder Surgery: Essential Dietary Guidelines for Recovery
Dietary Issues After Gallbladder Removal A few days ago, I had surgery for gallstones. The doctor only advised me to avoid greasy foods and to eat lighter meals in the future. What exactly does "lighter" mean? Can I eat any type of fruit? Am I not allowed to eat seafood...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello! The function of the gallbladder is to store bile, so even after gallbladder removal, bile secretion is not affected, as bile is produced by the liver. However, in the early postoperative period, gastrointestinal function has not fully recovered, making it difficult to dige...[Read More] Post-Gallbladder Surgery: Essential Dietary Guidelines for Recovery
Detoxification: Impact of Sleep on Liver and Kidney Health
Detoxification? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask a few questions. 1. Does long-term sleep deprivation (around six months) lead to poor detoxification of the liver or kidneys? 2. If detoxification is impaired, can it cause hair loss on the scalp? 3. How can one restore the ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, 1. Generally speaking, staying up late is not a direct cause of liver or kidney problems; however, individuals with liver or kidney issues should avoid staying up late. 2. From a Western medical perspective, there seems to be no definitive correlation between detoxifica...[Read More] Detoxification: Impact of Sleep on Liver and Kidney Health
Understanding Abnormal Glutamyl Transferase Levels: Causes and Concerns
Abnormalities of transaminases? Hello, I recently had a health check-up at my company and my results showed an abnormal level of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) at 104. The other results were as follows: GTP: 18, SGOT: 23, direct bilirubin (D-BIL): 0.2, total bilirubin (T-BIL): ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) can be found in biliary epithelial cells, hepatocytes, and other tissues such as the kidneys, pancreas, and small intestine. GGT, also known as the alcohol index, can be used to assess alcoholic hepatitis. Additionally, if alkaline phosphat...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Glutamyl Transferase Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Liver Health: Common Questions and Answers
Many questions? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask you some questions. Today, I was approached on the street to fill out a questionnaire and also had some indices measured. My blood pressure and heart function are normal, but my body fat percentage is at 10%. I heard that the nor...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, A-K. 1. I'm not sure what tests you are undergoing, but commonly available tests may measure body fat percentage or fat mass. Body composition can be divided into fat and non-fat components (including bones, muscles, organs, and connective tissues). Fat is an import...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Common Questions and Answers
Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Regarding upper abdominal pain? I would like to ask about the severe pain I frequently experience in my upper right abdomen. Sometimes it occurs in the morning when I wake up, and other times it happens at night when I'm about to sleep. This has been going on for quite some ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, there are many causes of upper abdominal pain, including gastrointestinal issues, inflammation, ulcers, erosion, or functional reasons. Additionally, liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic diseases may also be involved, as well as referred pain from other organs. If the pain p...[Read More] Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Managing Mid-Stage Cirrhosis: Symptoms, Diet, and Care for Patients
I'm sorry, but I need more Hello, I have some questions regarding cirrhosis. Currently, the physician has diagnosed it as moderate cirrhosis, with complications including ascites and elevated bilirubin levels. These symptoms are not experienced by me but by my child at home,...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. The patient has cirrhosis with ascites and jaundice. If the patient is unable to communicate, it is important to monitor the amount of ascites by measuring abdominal girth, tracking weight daily, and observing urine output. General management of ascites includes fluid and sodi...[Read More] Managing Mid-Stage Cirrhosis: Symptoms, Diet, and Care for Patients
Managing Hepatitis C: Treatment Decisions and Lifestyle Adjustments
Regarding Hepatitis C? Hello Doctor: 1. My mother started interferon treatment for hepatitis C in February of this year, and she has completed six months of the treatment. We initially planned to continue with the second half of the treatment, but due to financial reasons, we h...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, A-Jie! 1. The current standard treatment for hepatitis C covered by Taiwan's National Health Insurance is six months. However, for patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C, the medical community previously believed that a one-year treatment (i.e., 48 weeks) was necessar...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis C: Treatment Decisions and Lifestyle Adjustments
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Antibody Absence and Next Steps
Hepatitis B vaccine issues? Hello Dr. Hsu, I would like to ask you about the issue of hepatitis B vaccination. Recently, after a company health check, it was found that the results showed no hepatitis B surface antibodies (I also went to the Veterans General Hospital for a check-...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! 1. This situation is quite common and can occur in two scenarios. The first is that most people do not get tested for antibody production after receiving vaccinations in childhood, so it is possible that despite being vaccinated, due to individual variations in physiolog...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Antibody Absence and Next Steps
Understanding Gallstones: Treatment Options and Health Implications
Gallstones Hello, doctor. I recently went to the hospital due to upper abdominal pain and was diagnosed with gallstones. The doctor suggested that if the pain persists, I should consider gallbladder removal. The doctor also prescribed medication for gallstones, but mentioned that...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. The gallbladder serves to store, concentrate, and excrete bile. After gallbladder removal, liver cells continue to secrete bile, but it cannot be stored. If excessive fatty foods are consumed, it may sometimes lead to malabsorption of fats. A minority of individuals may still ...[Read More] Understanding Gallstones: Treatment Options and Health Implications
How to Lower Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: A Guide
Elevated total bilirubin? Hello Doctor, last year my total bilirubin was 1.6, and this year it has increased to 2.1. Could you please advise me on how to lower it? Thank you.
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. When bilirubin levels rise above normal, it is essential to identify the underlying cause for appropriate treatment. It is important to determine whether the increase is primarily due to indirect (unconjugated) or direct (conjugated) bilirubin. Common differential dia...[Read More] How to Lower Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: A Guide
Understanding Early Signs and Dietary Tips for Cirrhosis Management
Cirrhosis What should a physician's attention be focused on during the early stages of cirrhosis? What dietary considerations should be taken into account? What symptoms may present with this condition? Is there a possibility for complete recovery from this disease? If not, ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Early-stage cirrhosis patients often have no symptoms and normal liver function. There are no specific dietary restrictions, but it is recommended to consume more natural foods, avoid foods with chemical additives, eat nutritious foods, refrain from alcohol and smokin...[Read More] Understanding Early Signs and Dietary Tips for Cirrhosis Management
Understanding CMV Virus Impact on Liver Health: Insights and Prevention
CMV virus attacks the liver? Dear Dr. Hsu, Hello! I would like to ask you about the impact of the CMV virus on the liver. In 2006, my daughter, during her final year at the University of Otago Dental School in New Zealand, suddenly developed a fever. She took Panadol to reduce t...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, Mr. Huang! CMV stands for cytomegalovirus, which is a typical herpesvirus. It is widely prevalent in the population and usually presents as a latent infection. The virus can remain dormant in the body for life and typically does not pose a problem in individuals with good ...[Read More] Understanding CMV Virus Impact on Liver Health: Insights and Prevention
Understanding Hepatitis B: Is Normal Liver Function Enough?
Hepatitis B I would like to ask if having normal liver function test results means that my Hepatitis B status is also normal? Is there a correlation between normal liver function and Hepatitis B, or do I need to go to the hospital for further testing? Thank you.
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, normal liver function indicates that there is currently no inflammation in the liver. To check for hepatitis B, it is necessary to test for HBsAg and HBsAb in the blood. Most carriers of hepatitis B are asymptomatic. Liver enzyme levels may be normal, but carriers need lif...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Is Normal Liver Function Enough?
Can Late Pregnancy Trigger Acute Hepatitis? Insights and Cases
Can hepatitis occur in the late stages of pregnancy? Hello Dr. Lin: My beloved one was 32 weeks pregnant and developed acute hepatitis, and unfortunately, she became an angel mother just 5 days after an emergency cesarean section. I need assistance (medical consultation) on the...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. In the late stage of pregnancy, acute hepatitis can present with a more complex condition. I have limited experience and cannot provide specific examples. 2. Generally, in the pathophysiology of acute hepatitis, the levels of AST (GOT) and ALT (GPT) rise first, follo...[Read More] Can Late Pregnancy Trigger Acute Hepatitis? Insights and Cases
Understanding Hepatitis: Who is Safe from Infection?
Liver disease Hepatitis is commonly referred to as "big goat" and "small goat," which are colloquial terms for different types of hepatitis. Generally, individuals who have been vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, as well as those who practice safe hygiene a...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, Zeng Yongjun. In fact, in medicine, there is no such terminology as "big three yang" or "small three yang." Are you referring to hepatitis B? If so, hepatitis B can still be transmitted to others. If you are a hepatitis B carrier and your blood tests po...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis: Who is Safe from Infection?
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Concerns for B Hepatitis Carriers
Gallbladder polyps Dr. Lin: I apologize for bothering you again. I had an abdominal ultrasound last week, which showed a 0.37 cm gallbladder polyp, and I am a carrier of hepatitis B. In your response on July 14, you mentioned that the ultrasound indicated "cholesterol or ade...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Generally, cholesterol polyps are brighter, more regular, and multiple. Your polyp is small, regular, but not very bright. Currently, only one is observed, and it does not appear malignant at this time, but it needs to be monitored. It is generally recommended to remo...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Concerns for B Hepatitis Carriers