Living with Hepatitis B: Tips for Carriers on Diet and Transmission Risks
Hepatitis B healthy carrier? As a carrier of hepatitis B, what should I pay attention to in my daily life and diet? Can a hepatitis B carrier transmit the virus to others? Thank you for your response!
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, 1. Individuals who are healthy carriers of Hepatitis B do not require special care but should undergo regular monitoring, maintain a balanced diet, and have a regular daily routine. In terms of diet, they should minimize the intake of foods containing artificial additive...[Read More] Living with Hepatitis B: Tips for Carriers on Diet and Transmission Risks
Understanding Liver Function Tests: Interpreting GOT, GPT, and Bilirubin Levels
I'm not sure what it means? Hello: My liver enzyme levels were originally very high, but for some reason, in my most recent blood test, the values decreased. My GOT was 48, and I forgot the GPT value. This time, only one tube of blood was drawn, whereas in the past, three tu...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, may I ask if you are a hepatitis B patient or have any other type of hepatitis? Generally speaking, in cases of chronic hepatitis, liver enzyme levels (GOT and GPT) can fluctuate; they may be high at times and low at others, and they will not remain constant. Typically, fo...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: Interpreting GOT, GPT, and Bilirubin Levels
Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Gastrointestinal Care
I have been experiencing bloody stools for a year, and I have undergone thorough examinations? Hello Doctor: Around February 2004, I experienced occasional rectal bleeding (sometimes once a week, sometimes every 2-3 weeks, or even twice a week, with no consistent pattern). I went...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, it is common for patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding to undergo a colonoscopy without identifying the source of the bleeding. It could be due to hemorrhoidal bleeding or bleeding from small vessels that may not be visible after hemostasis. If you continue to expe...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Gastrointestinal Care
How Long Should I Take Dryan? Concerns About Duration and Resistance
How long can one take Ganoderma? Hello, I previously had a GGT of over 300 and a GPT of over 500. I have been taking Daclatasvir for 3.5 months now. Currently, my GGT is normal and my GPT is 36, which is just slightly above the standard of 35. I feel like I'm almost back to ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, the treatment for hepatitis B is not solely based on the levels of GOT and GPT; it also requires monitoring the status of e-antigen/antibody and whether the HBV viral load (HBV-DNA) has been measured. The goals of treatment include normalizing liver enzymes (GOT, GPT) and ...[Read More] How Long Should I Take Dryan? Concerns About Duration and Resistance
Understanding Liver MRI Interpretations: Key Questions for Your Doctor
How can I inquire about the interpretation of a liver MRI? Dear Dr. Chen, Thank you for your previous candid and detailed responses to my questions on November 16 regarding "liver tumors" and December 29 about "cells that look different from the surrounding ones.&...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, if you wish to have your case reviewed by a more experienced specialist, I recommend visiting the hepatobiliary department at a medical center, such as Professor Yang Pei-Ming or Professor Huang Kuan-Tang at National Taiwan University, or Professor Wu Chao-Ching at Taipei ...[Read More] Understanding Liver MRI Interpretations: Key Questions for Your Doctor
Understanding Hepatitis A, B, and C: Interpreting Test Results and Immunity
Hepatitis A, B, and C? 1. For Hepatitis A, if an individual has been infected and shows protective immunity, the laboratory report will typically indicate the presence of IgG antibodies against Hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV IgG). This means that even if they have been infected, the...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello! 1. To determine if you have immunity to Hepatitis A, you only need to check for the presence of Hepatitis A antibodies (IgG anti-HAV). A positive result indicates that you have immunity and will not be infected. 2. Your second question is quite vague; it only mentions Hepa...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis A, B, and C: Interpreting Test Results and Immunity
Understanding Hepatitis B Carrier Status and Its Implications for Health
Could you please provide more context or complete your question regarding hepatitis B carriers? I previously had two hepatitis B tests six months apart, both showing positive for surface antigen. However, my GOT, GPT, AFP, and abdominal ultrasound results were normal. The doctor ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. You are confirmed to be a carrier of hepatitis B (chronic hepatitis B), as both surface antigen tests have been positive for more than six months. However, being e-antigen negative indicates that you are a less infectious carrier. 2. If fatty liver is severe,...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Carrier Status and Its Implications for Health
Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Is My Partner Infected?
Is there still hepatitis B present? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you about my boyfriend, who is 32 years old and has a habit of smoking and drinking alcohol. During his health check-up, his HBsAg was negative, HBsAb was positive, and HBcAb was positive. What do these test ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, these hepatitis indicators show that your boyfriend has had a past infection with hepatitis B, but he has recovered and developed surface antibodies (HBsAb), which means he has immunity and is not contagious to others. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Zhi-Ping, Internal Medicine.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Is My Partner Infected?
Understanding Digestive Discomfort: Constipation, Hemorrhoids, and More
Gastrointestinal discomfort symptoms? Hello Dr. Chen, I am 22 years old and have been experiencing habitual constipation since I was 17.8 years old. I often go 3 to 4 days, or even a week, without feeling the urge to have a bowel movement. I have previously tried sitting on the ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, regarding your difficulty with bowel movements, it is advisable to increase your intake of fiber-rich foods, drink plenty of water, and make lifestyle adjustments to reduce stress and busyness. The small protrusions near the anal area could be polyps, but they may also be ...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Discomfort: Constipation, Hemorrhoids, and More
Understanding Hepatitis B: Causes, Risks, and What You Need to Know
Hepatitis B? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask what hepatitis B is. I had a health check-up when I started school this year, and the report indicated that I have hepatitis B. I heard my brother mention that he was also diagnosed with hepatitis B during his military health examin...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver caused by the Hepatitis B virus infection in the human body. Some individuals may experience recurrent liver inflammation, while others may have the virus remain dormant in their bodies, becoming healthy carriers. The transmissio...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Causes, Risks, and What You Need to Know
Understanding Chronic Constipation: Causes, Treatments, and Solutions
Chronic constipation I have had a habit of constipation since I was 15 years old, but this symptom only started in October of this year. I didn't have this issue before, and now I find it difficult to have a bowel movement. I have taken three different medications (including...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, constipation is indeed a frustrating issue. Some cases are simply caused by poor dietary and bowel habits, while others may indicate underlying gastrointestinal problems. Chronic constipation can sometimes remain unexplained despite numerous tests, and may be classified as...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Constipation: Causes, Treatments, and Solutions
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
I have symptoms of significant bleeding? Hello, doctor. I am a 19-year-old college student. Recently, I have been experiencing blood in my stool frequently, sometimes a lot, resembling urine in flow, and at other times just a small amount on the toilet paper. Sometimes I see bloo...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
If there is blood in the stool and significant bleeding, it is important to see a gastroenterologist for an examination as soon as possible. The causes may include hemorrhoids, colorectal cancer, or colonic ulcers, among others, and should not be taken lightly. Otherwise, it coul...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Struggling with Digestive Issues: Seeking Solutions for Gut Health
Gastrointestinal issues? I have always had gastrointestinal issues, with loose stools and a frequent urge to use the restroom. I have visited many hospitals and have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The medications prescribed have not been effective. I also hav...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, if both the colon examination (such as colonoscopy and barium enema) are normal, but you still experience frequent bowel irregularities (diarrhea or constipation, or alternating between the two) along with abdominal pain, and these symptoms have occurred for a quarter of t...[Read More] Struggling with Digestive Issues: Seeking Solutions for Gut Health
Vertical Transmission of Hepatitis C: Risks for Newborns from Infected Mothers
Hepatitis C Is there a possibility for a mother who is a carrier of hepatitis C to transmit the virus to her newborn through vertical transmission, and what is the probability of this occurring?
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Long-term research data on hepatitis C indicates that hepatitis C is not easily transmitted to newborns during the delivery process.[Read More] Vertical Transmission of Hepatitis C: Risks for Newborns from Infected Mothers
Essential Tests for Liver Cancer: What You Need to Know
What tests are needed for liver cancer? Hello, doctor. I recently saw in the news that some young people have passed away from liver cancer, and since I have a history of hepatitis B, I am a bit worried and would like to get checked. I have a few questions: 1. What tests are req...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. If you have hepatitis B, liver cancer screening should include a medical history review, physical examination, blood tests, and an ultrasound examination. You should consult a hepatologist or gastroenterologist. Regarding costs, health insurance can cover it, b...[Read More] Essential Tests for Liver Cancer: What You Need to Know
Understanding Diarrhea with Blood: Possible Causes and Concerns
I would like to ask a question about diarrhea? I would like to consult Dr. Su regarding my condition. This week, I have been experiencing continuous diarrhea. For the first two to three days, it wasn't too severe, but it has become increasingly frequent. When I wipe with toi...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
If diarrhea is severe, it may lead to the presence of blood and mucus in the stool due to intestinal inflammation. If you experience this symptom, you should consult a gastroenterologist to identify the underlying cause, as there are many types of colitis, including bacterial ent...[Read More] Understanding Diarrhea with Blood: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: What You Need to Know Before Donating Blood
Elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels? The physician recently donated blood and was informed by the nurse that his previous blood donation records indicated liver function indices were close to "elevated," specifically mentioning a value of "43,"...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, there are two types of serum transaminases: AST and ALT. ALT is more specific to the liver, and it is possible that the abnormal value you encountered during blood donation was ALT. This indicates liver dysfunction and the presence of liver inflammation. I'm not sure ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: What You Need to Know Before Donating Blood
Can You Transmit Hepatitis B If You Have Antibodies?
Hepatitis B I was tested for hepatitis B antibodies over a decade ago. Am I contagious to others?
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, I would like to clarify which "Hepatitis B antibody" you are referring to. If it is the surface antibody (anti-HBs), it indicates that you have been infected in the past and have recovered, which means you have immunity and are not contagious to others. However, ...[Read More] Can You Transmit Hepatitis B If You Have Antibodies?
Can Supplements Help Patients with Hepatitis C? Dietary Tips and Advice
About Hepatitis C Hello Dr. Chen: My father has hepatitis C. May I ask if he can take some supplements, such as reishi mushroom, etc.? I would like to buy some health foods to improve his overall health. Some people say that those with hepatitis C should not take supplements, whi...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, regarding patients with chronic hepatitis C or B, there are generally no specific supplements recommended. It is important to maintain a balanced diet, have a regular lifestyle, avoid excessive fatigue, refrain from alcohol consumption, and avoid taking medications indiscr...[Read More] Can Supplements Help Patients with Hepatitis C? Dietary Tips and Advice
Understanding Digestive Issues: Frequent Hunger, Diarrhea, and Weight Concerns
Hunger, eating, diarrhea, frequent bowel movements without end? Hello Doctor, I am a 21-year-old male student. First, I would like to mention that I have an allergic constitution (many doctors have said this). I often experience nasal allergies, such as a runny nose and nasal con...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
1. Frequent hunger indicates rapid gastrointestinal digestion or the presence of gastritis. 2. Increased frequency and volume of bowel movements suggest a functional disorder of the colon. 3. Experiencing diarrhea after overeating, drinking milk on an empty stomach, or during per...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Frequent Hunger, Diarrhea, and Weight Concerns