Understanding Liver Coma: Causes, Risks, and Transplant Options
Hepatic coma My sister is currently in Canada. Last week, she mentioned that her eyes were yellow and her urine was also yellow. On the 23rd, she felt unwell and was taken to the emergency room. The doctors have diagnosed her with gallstones and hepatic encephalopathy. She is abo...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello! Although it is unclear what caused your sister's acute liver failure, based on the information in the letter, liver transplantation must be considered. We strongly recommend consulting with a physician in Canada regarding the possible causes of your sister's cond...[Read More] Understanding Liver Coma: Causes, Risks, and Transplant Options
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Nausea: When to Seek Emergency Care
Experiencing abdominal pain and bloating, followed by vomiting everything that was eaten? Could an online doctor please help me? Whenever I eat too much, I experience pain in my upper right abdomen and soreness in my right back, which lasts for 2 to 3 hours before gradually subsi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Ms. Sanny, It is recommended that you cooperate with your physician to undergo necessary examinations and treatments, and consider whether your liver function and menstrual cycle are normal. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Sincerely, Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Nausea: When to Seek Emergency Care
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Bloating, Gas, and Their Links to Hypertension
Gastrointestinal issues I'm sorry, I have a question to ask. I often experience bloating and frequent flatulence. I have high blood pressure and often suffer from insomnia. Are these related? Thank you. Which department should I consult?
Dr. Zhang Siyuan Reply:
To Ah Fang: It seems that your hypertension and insomnia have significantly impacted your life, but whether they are related to bloating and excessive gas requires further evaluation. If there is a strong correlation, common causes may include metabolic syndrome associated with h...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Bloating, Gas, and Their Links to Hypertension
Managing Hepatitis B: Medication, Herbal Remedies, and Dietary Advice
Issues related to medication for Hepatitis B? Hello Dr. Chen: I am a carrier of hepatitis B. In March of this year, I had a check-up, and my GOT was 51 and GPT was 84. The doctor said the levels were a bit high and asked me to return for a follow-up in three months, without presc...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mrs. Huang, Your GPT84 level is approximately twice the normal value, so it is important to monitor any changes closely. If it continues to rise and does not decrease for more than three months, antiviral treatment may be considered. Oral health supplements can be taken as...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis B: Medication, Herbal Remedies, and Dietary Advice
Understanding Liver Function Changes: Is It Early Cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis Dear Dr. Chen, Here are my liver function test results from the past six months: - September 5, 1996: GOT: 47, GPT: 629 - October 25, 1996: GOT: 43, GPT: 60 - January 28, 1997: GOT: 20, GPT: 33, AFP: 3.28, TBIL: 0.99 - March 6, 1997: GOT: 21, GPT: 30 I have undergone...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Miss Hsiao-Wen, As long as you confirm that there is no hepatitis B or C, adjust your diet, control your weight, avoid taking medications that can harm the liver, and have your liver function checked every three months, you should be fine. Changhua Hospital cares about you...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Changes: Is It Early Cirrhosis?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: GERD, Symptoms, and Cancer Concerns
Physical discomfort? During the Lunar New Year, I overate and have been experiencing persistent burping. Initially, I felt a sour taste coming up with the burps, but it later developed into a burning sensation in my chest. I consulted a doctor who diagnosed me with gastroesophage...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Web7: Your symptoms are primarily related to gastrointestinal dysfunction and are not associated with colorectal cancer (considering your young age, absence of blood in stool, and lack of family history). With patience in taking medication and adjusting your lifestyle s...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: GERD, Symptoms, and Cancer Concerns
Why Is My Liver Function Getting Worse Despite Taking Hepatic Medications?
Taking Hepatoprotective agents can lead to an increase in GPT levels and bilirubin instead of a decrease? Hello Doctor: I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Recently, my liver function tests showed abnormal results, with a GPT level as high as 377, and a bilirubin level of 0.8. Followi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Crystal: This is your first time using Gan An Neng, and it's rare to develop resistance so soon (usually it appears after more than 9 months). Please be patient and cooperate with your physician. Additionally, a bilirubin level of 1.1 is not high; jaundice is typic...[Read More] Why Is My Liver Function Getting Worse Despite Taking Hepatic Medications?
Understanding Bad Breath: Could H. Pylori Be the Culprit?
Helicobacter pylori 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, the odor persists, and people are hesitant to talk to me, which is difficult to address. I am onl...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, Xiao Bai. 1. Issues with the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, and metabolic disorders can all lead to halitosis. 2. Helicobacter pylori can cause gastritis and duodenal ulcers, and some individuals may experience bad breath as a result. 3. Testing f...[Read More] Understanding Bad Breath: Could H. Pylori Be the Culprit?
Understanding Bad Breath: Causes, Solutions, and Medical Insights
Halitosis Hello Doctor, I have been troubled by a persistent issue for the past five years: I suffer from halitosis. Regardless of whether I brush my teeth or not, the odor remains, and people are hesitant to talk to me, which is difficult to address. I am only 28 years old, do...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen: If there are no oral issues, you can test for Helicobacter pylori (blood test costs about 300 NTD), followed by eradication treatment (approximately over 2000 NTD). Gastroenterology clinics offer this service, but it may not necessarily eliminate bad breath. Chang...[Read More] Understanding Bad Breath: Causes, Solutions, and Medical Insights
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Treatment Options
Hepatic hemangioma If a tumor has been found on the liver and initial tests suggest it is a benign tumor (hemangioma), should I undergo further testing to confirm that it is indeed a hemangioma, or should I follow the doctor's recommendation to return for follow-up every thr...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Ms. May, Hepatic hemangiomas are quite common, and physicians should have the experience to diagnose them. As long as you continue with regular follow-ups, if there are any changes, the physician will advise whether surgery is necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Treatment Options
Understanding Dark Green Stool: Is It a Sign of Liver Issues?
Bowel issues Hello Dr. Chang: I have noticed a small portion of dark green in my stool (very light) that returned to normal color after about 2-3 days. This has been happening for approximately three weeks. I had an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at Chi Mei Medical Center in Ta...
Dr. Zhang Siyuan Reply:
Dear Mr. Chiu, The reason for black or dark green stools is primarily due to gastrointestinal bleeding. The difference is that black, tarry stools indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding, where the blood interacts with gastric juices and undergoes changes before being expelled ...[Read More] Understanding Dark Green Stool: Is It a Sign of Liver Issues?
Understanding Healthy Carriers of Hepatitis B: What You Need to Know
Hepatitis B I apologize for the oversight. My hepatitis B test results show positive for hepatitis B surface antigen and negative for hepatitis B surface antibody. After confirming the information from the previous issue, it is clear that I am a carrier of hepatitis B. However, m...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello, if you are a carrier of hepatitis B but your liver inflammation markers are normal and an ultrasound examination is also normal, you can be classified as an inactive carrier of the virus. Currently, the term "healthy carrier" is less encouraged.[Read More] Understanding Healthy Carriers of Hepatitis B: What You Need to Know
Understanding Liver Virus Index: Key Questions and Health Implications
What is the liver virus index? 1. What is the liver virus index? Does it refer to the levels of AST (GOT) and ALT (GPT)? The doctor mentioned that this test is only available at National Taiwan University Hospital and New Taipei City Hospital. 2. What happens if a person with no...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, 1. The hepatitis B virus load test is referred to as HBV DNA. GOT and GPT are indicators of liver inflammation and are different tests from the viral load. 2. The HBV DNA test is indeed not available at every testing facility. 3. If there is no liver cirrhosis and the HBV ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Virus Index: Key Questions and Health Implications
Understanding Hepatitis B: Are You a Carrier of the Virus?
Am I a carrier of a disease? My hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is positive; is it positive or negative? Also, my liver function tests show aspartate aminotransferase (AST) at 20.00 (10-42 IU/L) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at 12.00 (10-40 IU/L). What does this mean? It...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello, your question is unclear. Is the surface antigen positive or negative? Are the surface antibodies positive or negative? These two factors are very important; only by clarifying them can we determine if you are a carrier of hepatitis B. The latter two refer to liver inflamm...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Are You a Carrier of the Virus?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Risks, Recovery, and Health Check Guidance
Hepatitis B This year, I just started high school (vocational), and during a health check at school (conducted by Taichung Hospital), I found out that I have hepatitis B. Is it possible for hepatitis B to heal? Or if I don't test positive for hepatitis B after six months, ca...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Currently, there are no medications available that can completely eliminate hepatitis B, so once infected, the likelihood of becoming a lifelong carrier is quite high. There are no specific regulations on what time to go to bed, and there is no evidence to suggest that staying up...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Risks, Recovery, and Health Check Guidance
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Testing and Vaccination Requirements
Hepatitis B antibodies? Recently, the school arranged for liver function tests, and the results indicated that I have no immunity against hepatitis B. The report noted: "Further testing for hepatitis B core antibodies is required. If positive for hepatitis B core antibodies,...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. If the core antibody test is negative and there is no Hepatitis B surface antigen, it indicates that there has been no past infection with Hepatitis B, and without antibodies, vaccination can be administered to produce antibodies. If the core antibody is positive but ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Testing and Vaccination Requirements
Understanding High RGT Levels: Implications and Management Strategies
What happens if RGT is too high? Recently, I participated in a family health check organized by the health bureau, and my health report indicated an RGT index as high as 172, which led to the insurance company denying coverage. What is the significance of the RGT index? Last year...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! γ-GT, or gamma-glutamyl transferase, is an enzyme predominantly found in the kidneys, liver, pancreas, serum, blood cells, and bile ducts. It is particularly sensitive to alcohol consumption, making it useful for screening for alcoholic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, or abnor...[Read More] Understanding High RGT Levels: Implications and Management Strategies
Understanding the Effects of Hepatitis A Vaccine on Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers
Hepatitis A vaccine Doctor: Hello! I would like to ask if a chronic hepatitis B carrier experiences any side effects from receiving the hepatitis A vaccine, such as adverse effects on the liver or an increased risk of contracting hepatitis A from the vaccine. For example, there i...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Cynthia Chiang: There is no harm; on the contrary, it offers protective benefits and is a recommended preventive measure. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding the Effects of Hepatitis A Vaccine on Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Causes, Risks, and Solutions
Liver dysfunction Hello Doctor, I recently had a health checkup at school and found that my liver function is somewhat problematic with GOT at 39 and GPT at 90. My family has a history of liver diseases, and I also tend to stay up late. 1. I would like to ask if there are medic...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, Student Lin. 1. When liver function is abnormal, it is important to identify the cause and provide targeted treatment rather than simply controlling the values with medication. In cases of viral hepatitis, types B and C can easily become chronic and require monitoring. C...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Causes, Risks, and Solutions
Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Myths, Risks, and Family Implications
Questions from Hepatitis B carriers? Is it true that a person who is a carrier of hepatitis B will never be able to clear the virus and be cured for life? It seems that people tend to avoid individuals with this condition, believing that being a carrier will "definitely"...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, Dr. Dai: 1. A hepatitis B carrier is defined as HBsAg positive and HBsAb negative. The term "carrier recovery" refers to the conversion of HBsAg to negative and HBsAb to positive. The spontaneous seroconversion rate is generally low, so hepatitis B carriers requ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Myths, Risks, and Family Implications