Understanding Pediatric Urticaria: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Pediatric Urticaria Urticaria, commonly known as hives, can be caused by various factors, including allergic reactions, infections, stress, and certain medications. The severity of symptoms can vary from mild itching and redness to more severe reactions, such as angioedema or ana...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Dear Mr. Ke, (1) Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is characterized by raised, itchy red welts that often have distinct snake-like borders, with a central area that may fade. The size of the welts can vary, and many people have experienced urticaria at some point. (2) The cau...[Read More] Understanding Pediatric Urticaria: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Understanding Hepatitis and Cirrhosis: Severity, Treatment, and Causes
Hepatitis. Liver Cirrhosis? Is this symptom serious? If it's just in the early stages, should it be treatable? Is this symptom related to diet, or is it due to something else?
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
In the early stages, liver cirrhosis may not present any symptoms, and liver function tests may appear normal. Diagnosis of liver cirrhosis can be made through liver function tests and abdominal ultrasound. The causes of liver cirrhosis include: 1. Chronic hepatitis B. 2. Chr...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis and Cirrhosis: Severity, Treatment, and Causes
Understanding Liver and Biliary Tumors: A Patient's Guide to Diagnosis and Care
Summary of Hepatobiliary Tumors Hello Dr. Lee, our family is really unfamiliar with medical issues. I have compiled the summary of my mother's condition and diagnosis from her recent visit to the clinic over the past 2-3 days, and I hope you can help us interpret it. Thank y...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
AST and ALT are referred to as liver function indices. Your results are 162 and 66, respectively, with normal values typically being less than 40. Elevated levels indicate the presence of hepatitis. Since both HBsAg and anti-HCV tests are negative, I interpret this as non-B and n...[Read More] Understanding Liver and Biliary Tumors: A Patient's Guide to Diagnosis and Care
Essential Daily Tips for Managing Hepatitis C in Your Life
Hepatitis C What should be taken into consideration in daily life for individuals with hepatitis C?
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
Diet: 1. A fresh, light, natural, and balanced diet is best. Artificial additives such as colorings, spices, and preservatives can burden the liver, so it's advisable to avoid excessive intake. Some patients with severe hepatitis may experience nausea and loss of appetite, m...[Read More] Essential Daily Tips for Managing Hepatitis C in Your Life
How Long Can Hepatitis B Virus Survive Outside the Body?
How long can the hepatitis B virus survive outside the body? If saliva from a person with highly infectious hepatitis B comes into contact with clothing during a conversation, is there a possibility of transmission to others? How long can the hepatitis B virus survive outside the...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
Hello Linlin~~ Hepatitis B virus is transmitted through body fluids, primarily via blood transfusions, sexual contact, sharing needles, and needlestick injuries. It is not transmitted through respiratory droplets or food. Hepatitis B is very difficult to survive outside the body;...[Read More] How Long Can Hepatitis B Virus Survive Outside the Body?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing and Vaccination Guidance
Hepatitis B Over a year ago, I underwent a school health check, and I was informed that I had no antibodies and needed to get vaccinated. However, I missed the vaccination due to a cold. Now, after some time has passed, I would like to know which department I should visit. Should...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Please schedule an appointment with either Family Medicine or Gastroenterology. First, perform a blood test to check for the presence of antibodies. If antibodies are not present, then proceed with the administration of the Hepatitis B vaccine.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing and Vaccination Guidance
Managing Multiple Chronic Conditions: Risks and Treatments for Your Mother
Multiple chronic diseases Hello Dr. Chen, My mother is 56 years old and has elevated uric acid levels, hypertension, and an allergic constitution. She has been experiencing long-term bone pain, which has now evolved into pain and stiffness in the joints of her hands. She is a he...
Dr. Chen Baoli Reply:
Hello, Xiaoyu: From your description, I would like to highlight a few points: 1. Soy isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen, serve as an alternative to traditional hormone therapy for the prevention of osteoporosis. However, the actual safe dosage has not been established. There...[Read More] Managing Multiple Chronic Conditions: Risks and Treatments for Your Mother
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Antibody Testing for Students
Hepatitis B vaccination administration Hello, Dr. Hsiao! The child was born in 1988 and received four doses of the hepatitis vaccine according to government policy at that time. This year, due to enrollment in a dental program abroad, a hepatitis B antibody test was conducted, wh...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
1. It is possible to receive the hepatitis B vaccine again. 2. Not necessarily; the hepatitis B vaccine can produce antibodies in over 95% of recipients, but it is not 100%. 3. After completing the three-dose series, antibody testing should be conducted 3 to 6 months later. I...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Antibody Testing for Students
Understanding Bruising and Pain: Possible Causes and Diagnosis
Bruise Hello, I would like to ask about the large area on the front of my calves that looks like a bruise. I also often experience pain all over my body, and it hurts when touched. I feel like I suddenly gained more than 5 kilograms. I went to see a doctor in Taipei for six month...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, frequent bruising on the body may indicate a coagulation disorder. It is advisable to consult a hematologist to check your platelet count and perform coagulation tests (PT, PTT, or bleeding time), as well as to assess liver and kidney function...[Read More] Understanding Bruising and Pain: Possible Causes and Diagnosis
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: A College Student's Guide
"Health report shows abnormal liver function. Please help me, doctor!" I am a college student this year! Our school conducted a health check for us freshmen! After waiting for two months, the report came out! It indicated that I have abnormal liver function with GPT (al...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
According to the examination, you have hepatitis. Common causes of hepatitis include viral hepatitis, drug-induced hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, and fatty liver, which can lead to liver function abnormalities. The first step is to rule out viral hepatitis, specifically acute h...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: A College Student's Guide
How to Get Vaccinated for Hepatitis B After Losing Antibodies
How to administer the hepatitis B vaccine? I recently had a health check-up and found that my hepatitis B antibodies have disappeared. What should I do to get vaccinated?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question. 1. In Taiwan's vaccination policy, the hepatitis B vaccine is administered in three doses: the first dose is given at birth, the second dose at two months, and the third dose at six months. The government covers the cost for infants, whil...[Read More] How to Get Vaccinated for Hepatitis B After Losing Antibodies
Sudden Darkening of Lips: Possible Causes and Health Concerns
Sudden darkening of the lips..? Hello doctor, today while I was taking a shower, I suddenly noticed that my lips have turned dark. My friends also noticed that my lips have become much darker. I spend most of my time indoors and only go out at night, so I rarely get sun exposure....
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, a change in facial or lip color to black is indeed a significant warning sign regarding your health. There are many potential causes, so I recommend that you visit a gastroenterology clinic as soon as possible for an examination to seek early diagnosis of any underlying co...[Read More] Sudden Darkening of Lips: Possible Causes and Health Concerns
Understanding Hepatitis B Immunity: Antibodies, Antigens, and Lifelong Protection
Hepatitis B Hello Doctor, I would like to ask: I previously underwent a hepatitis B test, and the results showed hepatitis B surface antigen (-), antibodies (+), and hepatitis B e antigen (-). Does this mean that I have had hepatitis B and have lifelong immunity, so I will not ge...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
1. A positive Anti-HBs (Hepatitis B surface antibody) indicates that an individual has either been infected with Hepatitis B or has received the Hepatitis B vaccine. Generally, this confers lifelong immunity. Hepatitis B is transmitted through body fluids (such as blood and genit...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Immunity: Antibodies, Antigens, and Lifelong Protection
Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted Through Saliva? Understanding Antibody Longevity
Is hepatitis B transmissible through saliva? Is hepatitis B transmissible through saliva? Can hepatitis B antibodies disappear over time and lead to reinfection? Are there lifelong hepatitis B antibodies?
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
Transmission routes of Hepatitis B: 1. Vertical transmission - If a mother is a carrier of Hepatitis B, she may transmit the virus to the fetus before or during delivery. 2. Horizontal transmission - Hepatitis B can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, injections, ear ...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted Through Saliva? Understanding Antibody Longevity
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Essential Tests and Recommendations
Liver dysfunction Hello, doctor... This month I suddenly feel extremely fatigued, and during most of my working hours, I often feel very sleepy. Additionally, my previous health check indicated abnormal liver function... Therefore, I would like to undergo further tests to confirm...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
The standard tests for abnormal liver function include liver biochemical function tests, which consist of AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase). These are the most basic tests. If there are abnormalities in these function indices, further testing for...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Essential Tests and Recommendations
Understanding Normal Blood and Urine Test Values: A Guide for Patients
One question from the health examination form? Doctor: Hello, I previously underwent a comprehensive physical examination at your hospital due to military service. What are the normal values for white blood cells and urine specific gravity? (My white blood cell count is 10.1; uri...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. According to the reference values listed by our laboratory, the normal range for white blood cells is 4,800 to 10,800 cells/ml, and the normal range for urine specific gravity is 1.005 to 1.030. The test values you provided are still withi...[Read More] Understanding Normal Blood and Urine Test Values: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Why No Antibodies?
No antibodies? 1. Every time I undergo a physical examination, both the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) and Hepatitis B surface antibody tests come back negative, which rules out the possibility of a Hepatitis B infection. However, I have received approximately five doses of ...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
1. The injection site for adults should be the deltoid muscle of the arm, while for children, it should be the lateral thigh; injections should not be administered in the buttocks, as this may affect immune response. The vaccination schedule is at 0, 1, and 6 months. The immune r...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Why No Antibodies?
Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Next Steps
Hepatitis B Hello Dr. Tsai: I would like to ask about the difference between being a carrier of hepatitis B and being a hepatitis B carrier. Which one can be cured? I have been tested before and it was determined that I am a hepatitis B carrier. However, I have heard that it can ...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, generally, hepatitis B is difficult to cure, unless it is contracted after the age of 15, in which case there is a chance of recovery. Typically, being a carrier means it lasts a lifetime, unless new medications become available in the future. However, it is important to h...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Next Steps
How to Lower Elevated Liver Function Tests: Expert Advice
Liver function Doctor, my liver function levels keep rising. What should I do? Please advise me on how to lower my liver function indices.
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
First, it is essential to differentiate the types of hepatitis; hepatitis is primarily classified into viral hepatitis, drug-induced hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, and fatty liver disease, among others. The first step is to confirm whether there is viral hepatitis, as hepatitis ...[Read More] How to Lower Elevated Liver Function Tests: Expert Advice
Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What It Means to Be a Carrier
Hepatitis B Test Report Hello, Dr. Tsai. Two years ago, I had a blood test for hepatitis B, and the report indicated that I had surface antibodies for hepatitis B. Recently, I had another blood test at a different hospital, and for hepatitis B, they only tested HBsAg (-), HBeAg (...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, a positive HBsAg indicates the presence of hepatitis B, while a negative result indicates the opposite. A positive HBsAb means that hepatitis B has resolved; however, in a small number of patients, both markers may be present, which could indicate a spe...[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What It Means to Be a Carrier