Others, Gastroenterology and Hepatology FAQ - Page 15

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Can Hepatitis B Antibodies Indicate Infectiousness? Key Insights

Is there still a risk of transmission after the production of antibodies against hepatitis B? Thank you, Dr. Hsu, for your professional response. However, I still have some doubts. About a year and a half ago, I had my liver function tested, and at that time, my liver function wa...


Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! If the information is correct, your previous letter mentioned that both your hepatitis B surface antigen and surface antibody are positive. This means that you cannot be ruled out as a hepatitis B carrier, indicating that you may still be a hepatitis B carrier. Normal live...

[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Antibodies Indicate Infectiousness? Key Insights


Long-Term Effects of Bulimia on Gastrointestinal Health: Risks of Stomach Cancer

Previous bad habits I used to have a habit of purging some of the food I consumed because I wanted to lose weight. This has been going on for a long time, about two to three years. Recently, I came across some articles that suggest this behavior may increase the risk of stomach c...


Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: I'm not sure where you found the article, but I have not come across any journals or textbooks that report vomiting as a cause of stomach cancer. However, I still recommend that you minimize such behavior to avoid potential complications such as metabolic alkalosis, e...

[Read More] Long-Term Effects of Bulimia on Gastrointestinal Health: Risks of Stomach Cancer


Chronic Bloating: Understanding Causes and Effective Solutions

Chronic bloating? Hello Doctor: For the past two to three years, I have been experiencing intermittent bloating issues. I have seen many doctors and taken various medications, but none have provided a cure. Over the past six months, regardless of whether it is morning or evening,...


Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, if your bloating symptoms are severe, persistent, and causing you significant distress, I recommend undergoing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, abdominal ultrasound, and blood tests to rule out any potential pathological conditions. Otherwise, frequently worrying about...

[Read More] Chronic Bloating: Understanding Causes and Effective Solutions


How to Lower High Bilirubin Levels for Better Health?

Elevated bilirubin levels? I was diagnosed with hepatitis C in October, and while my levels are still normal, my bilirubin is elevated, which has prevented me from obtaining insurance. Is there a way to lower bilirubin levels? Thank you!


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Elevated jaundice indicates an increase in bilirubin levels in the blood, which can be caused by hemolysis, acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, bile duct obstruction, among others. Treatment methods vary depending on the underlying cause. 2. Hepatitis ...

[Read More] How to Lower High Bilirubin Levels for Better Health?


Essential Tips for Managing Hepatitis B: Diet and Transmission Risks

If you have hepatitis B, here are some important considerations and dietary recommendations: 1. **Regular Monitoring**: It is crucial to have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor liver function and viral load. 2. **Medication Adherence**: If prescribed ant...


Dr. Li Zhengqi Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ting: 1) Patients with hepatitis B should maintain a regular lifestyle, avoiding staying up late and excessive fatigue. They should limit the intake of overly processed, soaked, moldy, or charred foods. Most importantly, they should have regular follow-ups with a gas...

[Read More] Essential Tips for Managing Hepatitis B: Diet and Transmission Risks


Understanding Hyperechoic Nodules: When to Seek Further Testing?

What is a hyperrechoic nodule? Ultrasound examination revealed two hyperechoic nodules, one old (0.7 cm) and one newly detected (2 cm). AFP level is 2.6. A request was made for a CT scan, but the physician stated it was unnecessary and that monitoring is sufficient. Should I seek...


Dr. Li Zhengqi Reply:
A hyperechoic nodule refers to a finding on ultrasound examination that appears brighter than the surrounding liver parenchyma. The causes are numerous, including intrahepatic bile duct stones, vascular wall calcification, hepatic hemangiomas, and even early-stage liver tumors, a...

[Read More] Understanding Hyperechoic Nodules: When to Seek Further Testing?


Understanding Symptoms: Is It Hemorrhoids or Something Else?

I would like to ask if my symptoms are indicative of a boil? Hello, Dr. Lin. I would like to ask... Recently, I have been experiencing pain during bowel movements, specifically a tearing sensation when the stool passes through the anus. Additionally, I often notice some blood whe...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Response: Hello, 1. Anal pain with bleeding, sometimes accompanied by itching, may indicate hemorrhoids, but differential diagnoses include anal fissures, anal abscesses, anal dermatitis or infections, ulcerative colitis, proctitis, and tumors. 2. If it is indeed hemorrhoids,...

[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Is It Hemorrhoids or Something Else?


Understanding Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention Tips

Diverticulitis Hello Dr. Lin, I previously had diverticulitis and received treatment at the hospital. Since then, I haven't experienced any pain, so I haven't returned for follow-up visits. However, recently I've started to feel pain in my lower right abdomen aga...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Pain in the lower right abdomen has many differential diagnoses, including diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, appendicitis, urinary stones, and muscle strain, among others. 2. If diverticula are present, it is important to be aware of complications s...

[Read More] Understanding Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention Tips


Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

Right upper quadrant pain? Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I started experiencing pain in the upper right abdomen (just below the rib cage). I visited a small clinic where the physician performed a simple ultrasound but did not indicate any specific issues. Now, the pain has shifte...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Response: Hello, 1. Differential diagnoses for right upper quadrant pain include a. renal and urinary tract stones, b. gastrointestinal inflammation or ulcers, c. liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic diseases, d. neuropathic pain, among others. 2. If the pain does not improve, it i...

[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help


Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission: Can Kissing Spread the Virus?

Transmission routes of Hepatitis B? Hello Doctor: I have been diagnosed as a "healthy carrier of hepatitis B." Can I transmit the virus to my girlfriend through kissing? Additionally, I came across a report that I am unsure was answered by a doctor or posted by a random...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. In the first scenario, saliva can be infectious. If a person is infected with Hepatitis B and the virus is replicating, it is possible to transmit the virus to others if it comes into contact with an open wound. 2. This issue is debated regarding the effectiv...

[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission: Can Kissing Spread the Virus?


Understanding Gallstones: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Gallstones Recently, I went for a health check-up with my husband, and the doctor performed an abdominal ultrasound and X-ray, which revealed that I have gallstones. This made me realize why I often feel fatigued, have headaches, and generally have lower energy levels than others...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, the exact cause of gallstone formation is still not fully understood. Women, individuals with obesity, those with cirrhosis, and patients with hemolytic diseases are at a higher risk. Approximately 20-40% of patients with gallstones experience symptoms, which include upper...

[Read More] Understanding Gallstones: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options


Does PPC 900mg Really Lower Liver Enzymes? Exploring Its Effectiveness

PPC!? Recently, my family bought PPC 900mg, and I've heard that it can help lower liver enzyme levels. Is this true? Thank you!


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. An increase in liver enzymes requires investigation into the causes, which may include viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, fatty liver disease, or drug-induced liver injury. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment. 2. Phosphatidyl...

[Read More] Does PPC 900mg Really Lower Liver Enzymes? Exploring Its Effectiveness


Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions

Discomfort and occasional pain in the upper right abdomen..? Hello, I have recently started preparing for my graduate school entrance exam, and since a major exam two years ago, I've been experiencing occasional discomfort and pain in my upper right abdomen, mostly when lyin...


Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, the most common cause of pain in the upper right abdomen is liver and gallbladder disorders. Other possibilities include duodenal ulcers, right kidney issues, and colon diseases. However, based on your description, it seems more like functional dyspepsia. I recommend that ...

[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions


Understanding Elevated Jaundice Levels in Liver Cirrhosis Patients

Abnormal bilirubin levels? Hello doctor, my father went to the hospital last week for an examination and was found to have cirrhosis with a bilirubin level of 18. The attending physician mentioned that the normal value is 1.1, but after a series of tests, no bile duct obstruction...


Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, a bilirubin level of 18 may indicate possible causes such as bile duct obstruction, hepatitis (viral, alcoholic, drug-induced, autoimmune), tumors, sepsis, or hereditary diseases, among others. If none of these conditions are present and it is determined to be solely due t...

[Read More] Understanding Elevated Jaundice Levels in Liver Cirrhosis Patients


Understanding Human Blastocystis: Infection Risks and Treatment Insights

What is human microsporidia (or human microsporidian parasites)? Dr. Yuan: Hello! A friend of mine recently applied for a foreign worker to enter the country, and during the health check, it was discovered that the worker has human blastocystis (or human blastocyst cysts) and was...


Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, Blastocystis hominis is a common protozoan that resides in the intestines. Some researchers do not consider it pathogenic, while others believe it may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. The mode of transmission is not very clear, but it may be related to ...

[Read More] Understanding Human Blastocystis: Infection Risks and Treatment Insights


Managing Digestive Issues During Pregnancy: Tips for Expecting Mothers

How should pregnant women take care of their gastrointestinal health? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a question. I have a history of frequent diarrhea even before pregnancy, and I experienced diarrhea during the first three months of my pregnancy as well, but it stopped afterw...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, currently, medication treatment is not suitable during pregnancy. Irritable bowel syndrome is related to psychological and dietary factors. It is recommended to stay relaxed and not to worry too much. Avoid binge eating and adopt a moderate, low-fat diet. Refrain from cons...

[Read More] Managing Digestive Issues During Pregnancy: Tips for Expecting Mothers


Do You Need a Hepatitis B Booster After Childhood Vaccination?

Hepatitis B If a person has received the hepatitis B vaccine during childhood, it is generally not necessary to receive another dose, as the vaccine provides long-lasting immunity. However, it is advisable to check antibody levels to confirm immunity, especially for individuals a...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. It is necessary to check for HBsAb; if there are no antibodies, vaccination is not required. If there are no carriers and no antibodies, vaccination can be administered. 2. Hepatitis B is transmitted through bodily fluids, and individuals who are HBeAg positive h...

[Read More] Do You Need a Hepatitis B Booster After Childhood Vaccination?


Persistent Urge to Defecate: Understanding Gastrointestinal Concerns

Persistent urge to defecate regardless of whether bowel movements have occurred? Hello, Doctor: I am a 26-year-old male, 172 cm tall and weighing 93 kg. My occupation primarily involves mental activities, and I have a sedentary lifestyle, especially in front of the computer, with...


Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, if you have the urge to defecate but cannot, it may be necessary to consider rectal inflammation, foreign bodies in the rectum, external pressure on the rectum, or sensitivity of the nerves. I recommend moderate exercise, drinking plenty of water, and increasing your intak...

[Read More] Persistent Urge to Defecate: Understanding Gastrointestinal Concerns


Chronic Stomach Pain: Seeking Answers Beyond Endoscopy and Ultrasound

Chronic stomach pain? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a long-term issue for about six to seven years. Due to my busy work schedule, I often ate irregularly or sometimes not at all. Subsequently, I began to have symptoms similar to acid reflux. The symptoms are not characte...


Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, the initial symptom of burning in the chest is caused by gastric acid reflux into the esophagus. At this time, using proton pump inhibitors typically results in significant improvement. The size of the ulcer does not necessarily correlate with the symptoms of upper abdomin...

[Read More] Chronic Stomach Pain: Seeking Answers Beyond Endoscopy and Ultrasound


Understanding Frequent Gas and Bloating: Gastrointestinal Insights

Frequent flatulence and belching? Hello Doctor: I often experience bloating, but usually, I just need to burp to relieve it. However, my bowel movements are not very regular (every 2 to 3 days). In recent years, I have been particularly gassy; in the past, I would only pass gas w...


Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, passing gas is a normal physiological response. However, excessive gas can be related to dietary components, eating habits, and bowel habits. For instance, consuming a lot of high-fiber foods, particularly root vegetables, can lead to gas production because fiber is indige...

[Read More] Understanding Frequent Gas and Bloating: Gastrointestinal Insights


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