Understanding Colorectal Tumors: What to Do When Diagnosis is Unclear
There is a tumor in the colon? Hello Dr. Chang, I have a question I would like to ask you. My grandmother went to the hospital due to stomach discomfort and had an X-ray done. Later, a black spot was found on her liver. Then, a CT scan revealed a tumor the size of an egg locate...
Dr. Zhang Siyuan Reply:
To Julia: I can roughly understand your grandmother's and family's thoughts. What is important now is that before performing a biopsy to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant, all necessary non-invasive imaging studies should be completed. Therefore, it may...[Read More] Understanding Colorectal Tumors: What to Do When Diagnosis is Unclear
Managing Severe Body Pain After Taking Belarac: Effective Relief Strategies
After taking Beloc, I am experiencing severe muscle and joint pain throughout my body. Are there any methods to alleviate this? Dr. Li: Hello! Thank you for your response to my inquiry on June 30. I started taking Belak (Baclofen) on June 27. About 4 to 5 days later, I began expe...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello Yy, While Belac is mentioned to potentially cause side effects such as headaches, fatigue, diarrhea, and indigestion, the actual incidence of these symptoms is quite low. Currently, among patients receiving treatment with Belac, very few have reported any discomfort. Regar...[Read More] Managing Severe Body Pain After Taking Belarac: Effective Relief Strategies
Choosing Between Daanan and Belac: Expert Advice for Chronic Hepatitis
Should I take Belviq or Qsymia? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with chronic hepatitis and seizures. My doctor has recommended that I purchase Tenofovir (干安能) out of pocket, and I have been taking the medication for three months. Before starting the medication: GOT 485, GPT 1079, AF...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, Homa! The probability of developing drug resistance to entecavir is indeed higher, with an average resistance rate of about 15% after one year of use. If entecavir resistance occurs, it is necessary to use tenofovir in combination with entecavir, or to use 1.0 mg of lamivu...[Read More] Choosing Between Daanan and Belac: Expert Advice for Chronic Hepatitis
Is a High HBV DNA Level of 15 Million Serious for My Health?
A HBV DNA level of over 15 million copies is considered very high and indicates a significant viral load. This can suggest active hepatitis B infection and may require further evaluation and management by a healthcare professional? Hello Dr. Li: I am 47 years old and have been a ...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello Yy, 1. In your letter, you mentioned that your HBV DNA is over 15 million (is the unit IU/ml or copies/ml?). When assessing HBV DNA, it is important to evaluate the unit of measurement. Regardless of the unit, a level of over 15 million indicates a very high viral load. Ad...[Read More] Is a High HBV DNA Level of 15 Million Serious for My Health?
Understanding Bile Duct Inflammation and Its Complications After Surgery
Cholangitis The patient underwent liver and gallbladder removal one year ago and is currently hospitalized for cholangitis, receiving treatment with fourth-generation antibiotics. However, they have experienced severe generalized seizures (possible stroke), abdominal distension, ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Ah-Hui, The issue is too complex; please discuss it in detail with your attending physician. I believe the doctor will do their best to clarify the problem and provide prompt treatment. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Sincerely, Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Bile Duct Inflammation and Its Complications After Surgery
Pros and Cons of Spleen Embolization vs. Splenectomy for Hepatitis C
Splenic embolization or splenectomy? Hello Doctor: My mother needs to undergo interferon treatment for hepatitis C, but due to splenomegaly, her platelet count is too low. Therefore, the doctor has suggested either splenic embolization or splenectomy. I would like to inquire abou...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. Splenic embolization is a procedure used to treat hypersplenism, which can lead to an increase in total white blood cell count and platelet count, as well as a reduction in portal hypertension and improvement in liver function. Compared to splenectomy, this procedure preserves...[Read More] Pros and Cons of Spleen Embolization vs. Splenectomy for Hepatitis C
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Abnormal liver function tests? Hello Dr. Lin: I just received the results of my military service physical examination from the city office today. It states that my liver enzyme levels are elevated, with SGOT at 58 and SGPT at 84. I checked online, and the normal range is consider...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello A-Min, Although the standard values for GOT and GPT may vary slightly from one hospital to another, they generally do not differ significantly. In our hospital, the standard values for GOT and GPT are below 40. A GPT level of 84 indicates an abnormal liver index, suggesti...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Is There a Cure for Liver Fibrosis? Understanding Treatment Options
Is there medication for liver fibrosis? Dear Doctor, After reading your work, I have gained a better understanding of liver diseases. However, I still have some concerns after my recent consultations, and I would like to ask a few questions: Family medical history: I am a carri...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello Homa! Based on the information in your letter, your medical history is less than six months, but given your current condition of acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B, it is indeed necessary to initiate medication to suppress inflammation. However, since it has been l...[Read More] Is There a Cure for Liver Fibrosis? Understanding Treatment Options
Understanding Liver Blisters: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
excuse me? Why does the liver develop blisters? What are the causes? What are the symptoms of blisters on the liver? Can it cause fever or instability?
Dr. Zhang Siyuan Reply:
To A-mei: The true causes of some hepatic cysts are unknown (mostly congenital), while others may be due to parasitic infections or tumor-related cystic changes. If they are large enough, they can cause pain in the right upper abdomen. If they exert pressure within the abdominal ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Blisters: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
Eligibility for Health Insurance Coverage of Daanan for Chronic Hepatitis B
How to apply for Gan An Neng health insurance benefits? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if a patient with chronic hepatitis B, whose liver function tests show an ALT value greater than five times the normal limit and has a positive e-antigen, but has not been under medical care...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, the National Health Insurance Administration requires a six-month medical history. Therefore, you currently need to pay out of pocket. However, you can consult with your physician to see if you can register for National Health Insurance after meeting the six-month requirem...[Read More] Eligibility for Health Insurance Coverage of Daanan for Chronic Hepatitis B
Persistent Bad Breath: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
Distress Hello Doctor: I have been troubled by a frustrating issue for the past five years; I have a problem with halitosis. Regardless of whether I brush my teeth or not, my breath is always foul, and people are hesitant to talk to me, which is difficult to address. I am only 28...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen, Halitosis is a bothersome issue that can persist even with good oral hygiene, and despite not smoking or drinking alcohol. It is advisable to avoid irritant foods such as garlic, as some cases of halitosis are related to anaerobic bacteria in the oral cavity. The ...[Read More] Persistent Bad Breath: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Oily Stools: Causes and Dietary Impacts
Questions about bowel movements? Recently, I have been experiencing oily stools during bowel movements and also when passing gas. I haven't taken any other medications, such as detox or weight loss drugs. Could eating spicy foods cause this? I've only been eating curry ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, Xiao Pei. The presence of oil in your stool can be related to several causes associated with malabsorption. Possible reasons include: 1. Consuming excessively fatty foods leading to poor absorption; 2. Gastrointestinal inflammation resulting in malabsorption; 3. Liver, gal...[Read More] Understanding Oily Stools: Causes and Dietary Impacts
Understanding Appendicitis: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
About appendicitis? Doctor, I experience pain when I press on my lower right abdomen, but it doesn't hurt when I release the pressure, and I don't have any other discomfort. Could this be appendicitis? Which type of clinic should I go to for an examination?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, Aliao. 1. In addition to abdominal pain, acute appendicitis typically presents with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and loss of appetite. The abdominal pain may initially be located in the upper abdomen and then gradually shift to the right lower quadrant. 2. There a...[Read More] Understanding Appendicitis: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
When Should I Stop Taking Danazol for My Liver Condition?
Should I stop taking my medication for dry eye? Hello Doctor: My physician recommended that I take Entecavir. I have been taking expired Entecavir for 15 days, and my GPT levels have decreased from 1120 to 230 within two weeks. Currently, my e-antigen is positive, and my antibody...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, is the method of taking Gan An Neng mentioned in the letter recommended by a physician? I haven't heard of this treatment approach before. Did the doctor suggest stopping the medication after 30 days? So far, the use of Gan An Neng should be at least one year, with th...[Read More] When Should I Stop Taking Danazol for My Liver Condition?
Managing Hepatitis C and Hyperthyroidism: Key Considerations for Patients
Hepatitis C + Hyperthyroidism Hello, earlier this year during my health check-up, I was diagnosed with hepatitis C and hyperthyroidism. I am currently undergoing treatment for hyperthyroidism, which has been ongoing for about three months. For hepatitis C, my family medicine doct...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello Cheng! 1. There is indeed a condition of hyperthyroidism, and if interferon treatment is administered, it may worsen the condition. It is recommended to achieve ideal control before proceeding with treatment. 2. As for the extent to which control is needed, this should be d...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis C and Hyperthyroidism: Key Considerations for Patients
Understanding the Risks of Hepatitis in Families with Liver Disease History
A GPT index exceeding 1000 may indicate a severe liver condition, such as acute hepatitis. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis? Hello Doctor: My family has a history of liver disease that has persisted for four generations. Alm...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
1. Indeed, if the hepatitis is caused by fatty liver, the use of干安 (干安 is likely a medication name, please provide the English name for accurate translation) would be ineffective. 2. Is your E antigen positive or negative? Do you have E antibodies? If your E antigen is positive,...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Hepatitis in Families with Liver Disease History
Understanding Persistent Bad Breath: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Halitosis Hello Doctor: I have been troubled by a persistent issue for the past five years; I have a problem with halitosis. Regardless of whether I brush my teeth or not, the odor remains strong, and people are hesitant to talk to me, which is difficult to address. I am only 28 ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen: We still recommend discussing your halitosis issue with a dentist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Persistent Bad Breath: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Key Questions and Concerns
Am I considered a severe carrier of hepatitis B? Hello Doctor: First, I would like to share my family's medical history: My mother was once your patient and passed away at 55 due to severe jaundice, ascites, and cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B. My grandmother also died from ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! 1. To qualify for health insurance coverage, you need to have an e-antigen report. I'm not sure if you have been tested for this, as well as for Hepatitis C and Hepatitis D. Since your GPT level is above 200, if the e-antigen is positive and Hepatitis C and D infectio...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Key Questions and Concerns
Are Liver Protectants Effective for Treating Hepatitis B?
Are liver protectants considered therapeutic medications? Is the liver-protective agent Silymarin 150mg (Livorin) a treatment for hepatitis B? How long can I take Gan An before developing drug resistance? Currently, my doctor has prescribed Gan An for me. Can I seek a second opin...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello! 1. No, this is just an amino acid supplement that only provides nutritional support for liver cells affected by hepatitis, helping to repair the cells, but it does not have any therapeutic effect on hepatitis B. 2. The probability of developing drug resistance after using ...[Read More] Are Liver Protectants Effective for Treating Hepatitis B?
Can Hair Loss Treatments Like Finasteride Affect My Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B and medications for treating male pattern baldness? Hello, doctor. I have hepatitis B and am currently under regular follow-up at a provincial hospital. My current condition includes fatty liver, but everything else is normal. I would like to ask if it is appropriate ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello Linus, regarding medications like Linopirdine and Boscalid, literature reports associated side effects include impacts on sexual function, effects on PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) levels, and cases of elevated liver enzymes, particularly in patients who consume alcohol, a...[Read More] Can Hair Loss Treatments Like Finasteride Affect My Hepatitis B?