Can Weak Congenital Health Be Improved Through Lifestyle Changes?
Can congenital weakness be improved through postnatal interventions? I have been weak and sickly since childhood, with very poor physical stamina, and I tend to gain weight easily. Even a short jog leaves me breathless, and I feel very uncomfortable while gasping for air (I do no...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
(APOT and AGPT should refer to SGOT and SGPT.) Congenital deficiencies can certainly be improved over time, including both physical weakness and intellectual capacity. However, I must draw your attention to your abnormal liver function, which may indicate the early or recovery ph...[Read More] Can Weak Congenital Health Be Improved Through Lifestyle Changes?
Understanding Issues Faced by Hepatitis B Carriers: Symptoms and Concerns
Issues related to Hepatitis B carriers? Hello Doctor: I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Throughout my education from college to graduate school, my health check results have consistently shown slightly elevated liver enzyme levels, although not significantly high. My most recent che...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, discomfort in the upper right abdomen is a common symptom among patients with liver diseases. It is important to have an ultrasound every six months to a year (preferably with a qualified hepatobiliary specialist). Additionally, rest and diet are crucial; ensure adequate s...[Read More] Understanding Issues Faced by Hepatitis B Carriers: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment Options and Healthcare Access in Taiwan
Regarding hepatitis B issues? Hello, I am a carrier of hepatitis B. I regularly undergo follow-up examinations. I have a few questions I would like to ask: 1. Currently, there is a strengthened chronic hepatitis B treatment pilot program under the National Health Insurance. Wha...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Chronic hepatitis B carriers with GPT > 200 for more than six months and HBeAg positive are eligible to participate. 2. Entecavir can suppress the virus but cannot eliminate it; however, it may lead to a conversion of HBeAg from positive to negative. Interfero...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment Options and Healthcare Access in Taiwan
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Impacts of Alcoholic Hepatitis and Monitoring Guidelines
Regarding Hepatitis B carriers? Hello. I have been a carrier of hepatitis B for 6.7 years. I undergo blood tests or ultrasounds every six months, and most results are normal, but occasionally there are 1 or 2 exceptions. The most recent report indicated "alcoholic hepatitis&...
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
Hello! The r.GT57 is slightly elevated, which may be due to excessive alcohol consumption. Additionally, conditions such as acute hepatitis and liver tumors can also cause an increase. It is advisable to conduct a blood test for alpha-fetoprotein (α-FP) and perform a liver ultras...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Impacts of Alcoholic Hepatitis and Monitoring Guidelines
Preventing Hepatitis B Transmission to Newborns: Essential Guidelines
Hepatitis B prevention Doctor, I have a hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and my wife does not. If we have a child, will I vertically transmit the virus to the baby? Should the baby receive hepatitis B immunoglobulin within 24 hours of birth? How should the vaccination be adminis...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, the direct source of infection for a newborn is limited to the mother. If the mother is not a carrier and has no B-type infection, there is no need for immunoglobulin; the baby should receive the vaccine as usual. However, if the mother has never been infected (i.e., HBsAg...[Read More] Preventing Hepatitis B Transmission to Newborns: Essential Guidelines
Understanding Simultaneous Positive Results for HBsAg and Anti-HBs in Hepatitis B
Confusion??? Dear Dr. Lee, I recently received my blood test results, which indicated that I am positive for Hepatitis B: HBsAg positive, anti-HBs positive, and e-antigen positive. I was informed that I have high infectiousness due to being e-antigen positive. However, I am conf...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Your test report is as follows: HBsAg(+) Anti-HBs(+) HBeAg(+). The interpretation of this report is as follows: A positive HBsAg indicates that you are infected with the hepatitis B virus, and since HBeAg is also positive, you have a high level of infectivity. The presence of Ant...[Read More] Understanding Simultaneous Positive Results for HBsAg and Anti-HBs in Hepatitis B
Understanding Discomfort in the Upper Right Abdomen: Causes and Next Steps
What could be the causes of discomfort in the right upper abdomen? Recently, I often feel a strange sensation in my upper right abdomen (just below the chest, within the rib cage). It doesn't feel like pain or nausea; it's more like a feeling of pressure. I'm not v...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, your symptoms are similar to those experienced by many carriers of Hepatitis B. Generally, it could be due to fatty liver or other causes that may be affecting the nerves. I recommend that you visit a hepatobiliary department at a hospital for an ultrasound to rule out any...[Read More] Understanding Discomfort in the Upper Right Abdomen: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Hepatitis B: Impacts on Liver Health and Dietary Considerations
Hepatitis B Hello Dr. Tsai: If a patient has undergone a liver biopsy due to hepatitis B and is now immune, does this indicate that there has been significant damage to liver function (such as fibrosis or hepatitis)? If so, aside from regular follow-ups every six months, what spe...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, the immune response after a liver biopsy only indicates that the patient's liver function or liver inflammation was abnormal during that period; it does not necessarily imply severe fibrosis or irreversible damage. For patients with liver disease, we usually recommend...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Impacts on Liver Health and Dietary Considerations
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What SGOT and SGPT Levels Mean
Elevated liver enzymes? Hello, I would like to ask a question. If a health check report shows elevated levels of SGOT (AST) at 42 and SGPT (ALT) at 101, what does this indicate about liver health, and how should one pay attention to and manage this situation? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
Hello, the liver function indices GOT 42 and GPT 101 may have the following possible causes: 1. Chronic hepatitis, including known hepatitis B and C. 2. Fatty liver: liver function may be abnormally elevated but can also be normal; such indices usually indicate a more benign chan...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What SGOT and SGPT Levels Mean
Understanding Liver Health: Questions After Acute Hepatitis Diagnosis
Questions about the liver? Last year, I experienced suspected acute hepatitis, with GOT and GPT levels reaching as high as 2000. This is true. 1. I would like to ask if this poses any problems for me and whether there could be other complications. 2. If I become ill again, could ...
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
Hello, 1. In cases of acute hepatitis, liver function abnormalities may rise to GOT/GPT levels above 2000. If subsequent tests show normalization, it indicates that the acute hepatitis has resolved; however, it may progress to chronic hepatitis or may have fully healed. This is...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Questions After Acute Hepatitis Diagnosis
Can Alkaline Ionized Water Help with High Uric Acid and Hepatitis B?
Alkaline ionized water I have high uric acid levels. I've heard that drinking alkaline ionized water can help improve this condition. However, I also have hepatitis B and I'm not sure if it's safe for me to drink it.
Dr. Xie Yonghui Reply:
You have a condition of hyperuricemia, which can lead to gout in severe cases. In addition to medication, treatment for gout should include dietary modifications (a low-purine diet) and adequate hydration. It is generally recommended to drink at least 2000cc of water daily to aid...[Read More] Can Alkaline Ionized Water Help with High Uric Acid and Hepatitis B?
What Does an Elevated SGPT Level Mean for Your Liver Health?
What problem does my liver have? I received my health check report from college, and my liver function test showed that my SGPT level is 54, which exceeds the normal range of 5-42. What does this indicate? I generally have a regular routine, do not smoke or drink alcohol, and usu...
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
Hello, the liver function test (commonly measured by GPT) shows an elevation of 54. Possible causes include: 1. Chronic hepatitis B or C 2. Fatty liver (caused by obesity, high blood lipids, etc.) 3. Other infections, such as a cold 4. Issues with the gallbladder or bile ducts 5....[Read More] What Does an Elevated SGPT Level Mean for Your Liver Health?
Understanding Hepatitis B Testing Costs and Military Service Eligibility in Taiwan
Regarding hepatitis B? Could you please tell me the cost of a hepatitis B test at your hospital? I tested positive several years ago and have not had a follow-up test since. Is it necessary to have the hepatitis B test done more than once to determine if one is infected? Addition...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Taiwan has a universal health insurance system, where the payment standards for each examination are set by the National Health Insurance Administration, and all hospitals follow the same guidelines. The differences lie in the specific tests ordered and the methods used. For inst...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Testing Costs and Military Service Eligibility in Taiwan
Understanding Hydronephrosis: Kidney Size Discrepancy and Future Function
Hydronephrosis I experienced hydronephrosis on one side due to a partial obstruction of the ureter on September 17. Under the care of a urologist, I underwent laparoscopic surgery to remove the obstructed segment. During a follow-up visit on October 23, an ultrasound revealed a n...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question... The size of the kidneys should be similar on both sides, except in cases of congenital atrophy of one kidney or due to vascular disease, kidney stones, edema, or inflammation that may cause atrophy of one kidney. The function of the atrophie...[Read More] Understanding Hydronephrosis: Kidney Size Discrepancy and Future Function
Understanding Hepatitis B and Allergic Reactions: What You Need to Know
Hepatitis B and Allergies Hello, my hepatitis B test shows positive for surface antigen and negative for surface antibodies. What does this mean? Additionally, since the beginning of this year, I have suddenly developed allergic reactions to many foods, especially alcoholic bever...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Your hepatitis B test results indicate that you are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus, which means your body is unable to completely eliminate the virus. As a result, you may spread hepatitis B, especially to close family members living with you. Please consult a gastroen...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B and Allergic Reactions: What You Need to Know
Understanding Rough Liver Surface: Implications and Next Steps
Rough surface of the liver? I underwent an ultrasound examination which showed a rough liver surface, but my liver function tests were normal. The doctor ordered additional blood tests to check "if my immune system is attacking my liver," but those results also came bac...
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
1. The ultrasound examination shows a rough liver surface, which may indicate the presence of parenchymal liver disease. However, due to the subjective nature of the operator's assessment, this does not necessarily imply a problem. It is essential to consider other laborator...[Read More] Understanding Rough Liver Surface: Implications and Next Steps
Understanding Positive HBsAb Results: What It Means for Your Liver Health
Regarding HBsAb (Hepatitis B surface antibody) Doctor! I have a question! After my health check-up, my Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) test came back positive. What does HBsAb mean, and does a positive result indicate that I have liver problems? I apologize for taking up you...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello: HBsAb, which is the antibody for hepatitis B, is protective. Therefore, if your HBsAb is positive, it indicates that although you have had hepatitis B, you have recovered, so there is no need to worry. Sincerely, Dr. Tsai Tsung-Long, Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroe...[Read More] Understanding Positive HBsAb Results: What It Means for Your Liver Health
Understanding Leg Indentation: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
It will indent when pressed? Hello, doctor. My mother is 41 years old, weighs 60 kg, and is 165 cm tall. She has a history of chronic gastritis and allergic rhinitis, and she often suffers from migraines. In recent months, she has noticed that when she presses down on her calves,...
Dr. Chen Fuquan Reply:
Dear Mr. Ku, As you mentioned, your aunt has been experiencing noticeable edema in her lower legs and feelings of fatigue over the past few months. I have a few questions regarding her condition: 1. **Liver Issues**: Has your aunt been a carrier of Hepatitis B or C for many yea...[Read More] Understanding Leg Indentation: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Can I Donate Blood as a Hepatitis B Carrier?
Can I donate blood? Hello, doctor. Since you are a member of the Hemodialysis Medical Association, I would like to ask you a question. I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Despite this, my health is generally good, and I often think about donating blood. However, I am concerned about t...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
According to the regulations of blood donation centers, individuals who are carriers of hepatitis B are not allowed to donate blood, as they can transmit the infection to others.[Read More] Can I Donate Blood as a Hepatitis B Carrier?
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Hepatitis B Treatment Options and Concerns
Abnormal liver function Hello Dr. Chen, I have some questions regarding my hepatitis issue. Recently, I had a liver function test (GOT and GPT) at a local hospital, and the doctor found that my liver function is poor, with my levels being quite high, around 270. I am a carrier of...
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
1. There are specific criteria for antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis B; please consult the Department of Hepatology at our hospital, Dr. Huang Mao-Sen, Dr. Chang Yu-Ting, or Dr. Liang Chia-Te. 2. Chronic hepatitis B does not pose an immediate life-threatening risk; it is i...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Hepatitis B Treatment Options and Concerns