Understanding Your Pre-Marital Health Checkup Results: Key Insights
Report issues? Hello, doctor. Last week, my boyfriend and I went for a premarital health check-up. Today, I went to pick up the report, but it was only handwritten, and I couldn't understand some of the indices (previously, at another hospital, I received values to compare a...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello Ruby, 1. Your test results (female) show abnormal levels of red blood cells and white blood cells in the urine, with a normal range being 0-5/HPF, which may indicate a urinary tract infection that requires follow-up. In your blood tests, the levels of red blood cells, whit...[Read More] Understanding Your Pre-Marital Health Checkup Results: Key Insights
Can Liver Diseases Spread Through Saliva or Shared Nail Clippers?
excuse me? Is liver disease contagious through saliva? Also, can Hepatitis B be transmitted by using the same nail clippers?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Lai: Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through bodily fluids. While there is a low possibility of transmission through saliva, it is primarily transmitted through blood. Theoretically, nail clippers with blood could pose a risk of transmission, but there has been no doc...[Read More] Can Liver Diseases Spread Through Saliva or Shared Nail Clippers?
Exploring Alternatives: Understanding Liver and Gastrointestinal Issues
Options Beyond Medical Treatment Hello Dr. Chen, I am 155 cm tall and two years ago I weighed 47 kg, but now I weigh 43 kg. I have severe back pain (possibly due to prolonged sitting at the computer) and edema (my legs swell during the week and my eyelids swell on weekends). I ha...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Ms. LS: Please visit the Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology to assess your condition and receive further treatment. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Sincerely, Chen Shidian.[Read More] Exploring Alternatives: Understanding Liver and Gastrointestinal Issues
How Liver Issues Can Affect Your Skin Health: Understanding the Connection
Liver issues Hello, doctor! I would like to ask if liver problems can affect the skin. Recently, I've been experiencing itching in my limbs without realizing it, and I tend to scratch. Is there a connection? Thank you!
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, skin itching and poor skin condition are not necessarily related to the liver. Do you notice any rash accompanying the itching? It is advisable to consult a dermatologist for an evaluation.[Read More] How Liver Issues Can Affect Your Skin Health: Understanding the Connection
What to Do If Your Liver Enzymes Are Elevated: A Guide for Families
What to do if liver enzymes are elevated? Hello, doctor. Last week, my mother went to get her blood drawn, and the results showed GOT: 57, GPT: 62, and GGT: 72, which are elevated. Since my mother goes by herself, we don't know what the doctor told her. All we know is that s...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Miss Jia Jia: Please accompany your mother to the gastroenterology follow-up appointment to inquire about the cause. Elevated GOT/GPT levels are quite common among the population. If it's due to hepatitis B, there are medications available for management, so please avo...[Read More] What to Do If Your Liver Enzymes Are Elevated: A Guide for Families
Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels: What Could It Mean for Your Health?
The fetal protein index is slightly elevated? Hello, doctor. Last month during my company's health check-up, my alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was 13 (the hospital's normal range is below 10.9). My liver function tests were normal. Last week, I went for a follow-up, and ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Fetal protein is a protein that appears in fetal serum and disappears after birth. The causes of elevated fetal protein levels include pregnancy, hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, germ cell tumors, testicular cancer, and other reproductive and urinary system tumors. For ...[Read More] Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels: What Could It Mean for Your Health?
Do I Really Need to Combine Gan An and Gan Shi Neng for Hepatitis B Treatment?
In the hepatitis B testing program, do Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and antiviral medications like entecavir (ETV) need to be taken together? I have participated in a clinical trial and completed a course of Daclatasvir. After the treatment, both antibodies and antigens test...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, indeed, this has been a significant expense over time. However, due to the current regulations of the National Health Insurance system, there will not be any policy relaxations in the short term. Currently, some research reports indicate that the combined use of Dexamethas...[Read More] Do I Really Need to Combine Gan An and Gan Shi Neng for Hepatitis B Treatment?
Understanding Elevated Fetal Protein Levels: What You Need to Know
Elevated fetal protein index? My husband recently had a health check at his company, which revealed an elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level of 65. He then went to the Gastroenterology Department at Tri-Service General Hospital for further evaluation, where his AFP level was aga...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The causes of elevated fetal protein levels include hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, or other tumors such as germ cell tumors and testicular inflammation, as well as pregnancy. Generally, if the fetal protein level exceeds 400, liver cancer should be suspected. In your ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Fetal Protein Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Hepatitis B: Key Questions for Patients and Management
Issues related to Hepatitis B? Hello, Dr. Hsu: About four years ago, I was diagnosed with hepatitis B, and the doctor told me that I am a healthy carrier, and I only need to return for check-ups every six months. I would like to ask a few questions: 1. I only know that my surfa...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
1. The definition of a healthy carrier is someone who is infected with hepatitis B but has normal liver function tests and ultrasound results. 2. Your SGPT level is 53, which is slightly elevated, indicating mild inflammation; therefore, close monitoring is necessary, but current...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Key Questions for Patients and Management
Understanding Liver Cancer: Risks, Treatments, and Complications
Liver cancer Hello Dr. Hsu, I have some questions regarding my elderly family member (female) who has liver cancer (with tumors approximately 3 cm in size located on the right side and center of the abdomen), cirrhosis, hepatitis C, esophageal varices, thrombocytopenia (platele...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, the case is quite complex and requires a review of detailed medical history to make a clear assessment. Has a physician suggested electrotherapy?[Read More] Understanding Liver Cancer: Risks, Treatments, and Complications
Is Reishi Mushroom Effective for Fatty Liver? Expert Insights and Check-Up Recommendations
Is reishi mushroom effective for treating fatty liver disease? Hello, my father has liver issues and I've heard that reishi mushrooms are effective. I would like to seek professional advice on this matter. Additionally, could you please tell me how often a 50-year-old person...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Huang Chih-Chieh, 1. There is no evidence that reishi mushroom can treat fatty liver disease. 2. The primary step in managing fatty liver disease is to rule out hepatitis B/C, alcoholic liver disease, and drug-induced liver injury. After that, the focus should be on con...[Read More] Is Reishi Mushroom Effective for Fatty Liver? Expert Insights and Check-Up Recommendations
Understanding Digestive Discomfort: Causes of Abdominal Pain and Gas Issues
Difficulty passing gas? Hello, I would like to ask the following questions: 1. I have been experiencing pain about 3-4 fingerbreadths above my navel and in my left abdomen 2-3 times within the past week. What organs are located in this area? What could be the possible causes of...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. The organs associated with your pain include the stomach, small intestine, pancreas, and transverse colon. Pain in this area may be related to gastrointestinal diseases (including gastritis, esophagitis, peptic ulcers, tumors, and polyps), liver, gallbladder, and panc...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Discomfort: Causes of Abdominal Pain and Gas Issues
Understanding Liver Damage: Causes of Bubbles and Persistent Fever in Alcoholics
I'm sorry, but I need the content you would like me Hello, I have a question... My uncle, who is 44 years old, has been a long-term alcohol consumer. About 1-2 months ago, he experienced abdominal pain and vomited bright red blood. He was diagnosed by a physician with mild c...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Miss Hsiao Mi: Due to the need for a personal ultrasound examination, it is not possible to determine the source of the bubbles (or cysts?). If you continue to have a high fever, you should return to the emergency department for further evaluation, and if necessary, a CT sc...[Read More] Understanding Liver Damage: Causes of Bubbles and Persistent Fever in Alcoholics
Understanding Elevated GPT Levels: Liver Health Concerns and Next Steps
Elevated GPT levels? Hello Dr. Lin, I recently had a blood test that showed a GPT level of 47 and a white blood cell count of 3.6. I was diagnosed with hepatitis B during high school. Due to high work stress, I don’t have time for a lunch break, and I feel very tired when I get ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Patients with hepatitis B are advised to have regular follow-ups, including liver function tests, alpha-fetoprotein levels, and abdominal ultrasound. There are many causes of skin itching, and liver dysfunction can sometimes present with itching symptoms. Taoyuan General H...[Read More] Understanding Elevated GPT Levels: Liver Health Concerns and Next Steps
Grayish-White Stool After Medication: What You Need to Know
The occurrence of grayish-white stools after taking medication? Hello, I have been experiencing stomach pain frequently at night, so I visited the gastroenterology department at the provincial hospital yesterday. The doctor mentioned that it might be due to long-term gastric muco...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Wnu: Please visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic as soon as possible to check your liver function (to see if there is any noticeable yellowing in the sclera of your eyes). Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Sincerely, Chen Shidian.[Read More] Grayish-White Stool After Medication: What You Need to Know
Non-Invasive Methods for Testing Helicobacter Pylori in Stomach Ulcers
Methods for testing Helicobacter pylori in gastric ulcers? Hello, Dr. Chen! I would like to inquire about the methods for testing Helicobacter pylori related to gastric ulcers. Does your hospital offer a non-invasive test, specifically the "Carbon-13 Urea Breath Test"? ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Lin: We have noted your concerns, but the application must comply with health insurance regulations and be in accordance with liver function. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Non-Invasive Methods for Testing Helicobacter Pylori in Stomach Ulcers
Understanding Pain Below the Rib Cage: Possible Causes and Concerns
Pain under the rib cage? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing some pain below my rib cage (approximately 4-5 centimeters below the xiphoid process). I have a history of duodenal ulcers, but the ulcer has already healed. I'm not sure what might be causing this issue. Could ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, pain below the sternum may include differential diagnoses such as neuralgia, esophageal, gastric, and duodenal diseases, as well as liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic disorders. Duodenal ulcers can sometimes recur and are associated with Helicobacter pylori; if not eradica...[Read More] Understanding Pain Below the Rib Cage: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Liver Function Tests: Normal Results with Elevated Bilirubin Levels
Liver function tests? Doctor, I received my lab results today: G.O.P = 21, G.P.T = 31, and albumin = 4.4, all of which are normal. I am a carrier of hepatitis B, but why is my total bilirubin level 1.88 under these normal conditions? What could be the reason for this? What should...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. (1) Hepatitis B carriers should undergo regular monitoring of GOT, GPT, AFP, and abdominal ultrasound. (2) Elevated total bilirubin can be attributed to three main causes: 1. Excessive destruction of red blood cells leading to the release of too much hemoglobin; 2. Liver dysfu...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: Normal Results with Elevated Bilirubin Levels
Understanding Military Health Exams: Analyzing Mediterranean Anemia and Alternatives
Military Service Physical Examination Hello, I am from Miaoli. I underwent a health examination at your hospital on March 29, 2007. I have received my examination report, and my physical status is classified as reserve service category B. The overall assessment indicates Mediterr...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The determination of physical fitness is decided by the military service office. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact the military service office. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Military Health Exams: Analyzing Mediterranean Anemia and Alternatives
Understanding Bowel Noises: Causes and Related Gastrointestinal Issues
Stomach discomfort? I have been experiencing discomfort in my stomach for a period of time. There is no pain, but I often have diarrhea, and sometimes I feel slightly nauseous. I previously had an ultrasound, and the doctor explained that there is a phenomenon of fluid in the int...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a syndrome characterized by abnormal bowel function, manifesting as abdominal pain and discomfort related to bowel movements, without any organic disease. Patients with IBS have a colon that is more sensitive to certain stimuli, such ...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Noises: Causes and Related Gastrointestinal Issues