Understanding Liver Health: Preventing Cancer, Cirrhosis, and Jaundice
Liver Hello, Doctor: I apologize for the interruption. I would like to ask you about liver issues. 1. Liver cancer is one of the top ten causes of death. I read a section in "Preventing Liver Cancer" that states: "Preventing Chronic Hepatitis": vaccination a...
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
1. Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through blood, so sharing needles or using the same razor that causes cuts and bleeding can transmit these viruses if blood enters another person's wound. Additionally, drug users sharing needles and tattooing can also lead to transmissio...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Preventing Cancer, Cirrhosis, and Jaundice
Understanding Hepatitis B: Risks, Prevention, and Family Considerations
Hepatitis B Hello Doctor: I would like to ask some questions regarding hepatitis B. About a year ago, I had a check-up at the hospital to see if I had antibodies for hepatitis B. Since I was vaccinated as a child (I am now 20 years old), the results showed that I had both surface...
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
If you have both Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibodies, there may be a testing error or an acute infection, and you should retest to confirm the diagnosis. 1. If the Hepatitis B surface antigen is positive and your boyfriend has the same condition, then there is no risk of m...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Risks, Prevention, and Family Considerations
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Treatment and Risks Explained
Hemangioma of the liver Hello, my uncle (43 years old) had a health check-up and was found to have three hemangiomas on his liver. The doctors in China said they would only treat him if the tumors grow to five centimeters. I would like to ask if this condition is a type of liver ...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Hemangiomas on ultrasound (sonography) typically present with high echogenicity in 80% of cases. However, if the patient has a history of hepatitis B or C, the presence of a liver tumor should not be assumed to be a benign hemangioma, as this could lead to a misjudgment of the co...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Treatment and Risks Explained
Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted Through Shared Food?
Is Hepatitis B contagious? Dear Doctor: I am someone who is preparing to get pregnant. However, recently my new colleague has hepatitis B, and she has shared a bowl of noodles with me more than once. After I found out, I became very worried. Other colleagues have told me that hep...
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
Answer: Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through blood, with transmission routes including blood transfusions, sharing needles among drug users, inadequate sterilization of surgical and dental instruments, tattooing, and sharing toothbrushes that may cause bleeding. Additiona...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted Through Shared Food?
Understanding Green Stool: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Green stool Hello Dr. Hong, I have been experiencing light gray-brown colored stools for about a week, which have a medicinal odor. After that, I had light green stools for about three days, and currently, I have been passing dark green stools for the past three days, which sti...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Dear Miss Chen: 1. The ultrasound of the liver should be performed every 4-6 months, rather than every 6-12 months for hepatitis B carriers, along with checking for GPT and AFP levels. 2. The color of stool is primarily a mixture of bile, metabolic byproducts from the intestines...[Read More] Understanding Green Stool: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Can Saliva Transmit Hepatitis B? Understanding the Risks
Can it be transmitted through saliva? If my girlfriend is a carrier of hepatitis B and both of our mouths have sores, is there a risk of transmission?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through serum routes, including vertical transmission from mother to child (occurring during childbirth), sexual transmission, and sharing of needles (such as in drug injection or unclean needles). Oral...[Read More] Can Saliva Transmit Hepatitis B? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Muscle Pain: Causes Beyond Exercise and Infections
Muscle soreness Hello Dr. Lee: I have recently been experiencing generalized muscle soreness, particularly in the back and chest area. I do not have a fever, and I suspect that I might have contracted SARS; however, the doctor did not perform any diagnosis and concluded that it i...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Muscle soreness is actually a very common symptom. Based on your description, it really doesn't seem to resemble the manifestation of SARS. If there is no fever or other accompanying symptoms, it may be best to monitor the situation for now.[Read More] Understanding Muscle Pain: Causes Beyond Exercise and Infections
Understanding Hyperthyroidism and Its Risks: A Family Health Concern
Hyperthyroidism Doctor: Hello! My husband's brother passed away in early April due to cholecystitis and hyperthyroidism, despite resuscitation efforts for only two hours. He was a carrier of hepatitis B. A few days before his death, he had a fever. My husband has the same co...
Dr. Tang Jieru Reply:
Hello Joanna: Chronic hepatitis B is a lifelong condition, and current medical treatments cannot eliminate the virus from the body. The best approach is to have regular monitoring. I recommend that your husband undergo blood tests and ultrasound examinations every six months, so ...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism and Its Risks: A Family Health Concern
Living with Advanced Liver Cancer: Seeking Hope and Treatment Options
Liver cancer Hello: I am a carrier of liver cancer (inherited from my mother since childhood). I have undergone radiation therapy and taken a certain medication that was once banned (all treatments were at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital). My condition has now worsened to ...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
I am sorry to hear about your illness, but I must inform you of this fact: liver cancer remains one of the top three causes of death among both men and women in our country. The causes of liver cancer primarily stem from complications following infections with hepatitis B or C vi...[Read More] Living with Advanced Liver Cancer: Seeking Hope and Treatment Options
Understanding Swollen Lymph Nodes: Causes and Related Symptoms
Cervical lymph nodes There is swelling above the clavicle in the area of the lymph nodes in my neck, which is slightly painful when pressed. What could be the cause of this? Additionally, I have been experiencing frequent hair loss, acne, and easy fatigue. Are these symptoms rela...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Jojo: 1. Common causes of lymphadenopathy in the head include tuberculosis and lymphoma, and a biopsy is necessary for confirmation (please consult an otolaryngologist). 2. Hepatitis B carriers may experience fatigue; it is recommended to undergo liver function tests for mo...[Read More] Understanding Swollen Lymph Nodes: Causes and Related Symptoms
Understanding Chronic Fatigue: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Always feeling fatigued? Hello Dr. Kuo, I have been feeling fatigued for the past few years, and it has severely affected my daily work and life. I feel drowsy and lack energy every day. Today, I went to the hospital in Taoyuan for a blood test, and the results showed that I have...
Dr. Guo Conghuai Reply:
Hello Mr. Elton: Blood tests should not indicate fatty liver; it is typically diagnosed through ultrasound. High blood lipids usually do not cause fatigue; it is advisable to address lifestyle stressors. The causes of fatty liver include alcohol consumption, obesity, and lack of ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Fatigue: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Understanding Negative Hepatitis B Antigen Results: What Does It Mean?
Hepatitis B Hello Dr. Tseng: I have undergone testing for hepatitis B, and the report indicates that the hepatitis B antigen is negative. I would like to ask if this means I am infected with hepatitis B. If I am, what should I do? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questi...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
The hepatitis B surface antibody is negative, which can indicate two scenarios. One scenario is that the hepatitis B antibody is also negative, indicating that you have never been infected with hepatitis B and are suitable for receiving the hepatitis B vaccine. The other scenario...[Read More] Understanding Negative Hepatitis B Antigen Results: What Does It Mean?
Understanding Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels in Hepatitis B Patients
Hepatitis B & Fetal Protein I started experiencing abnormal GPT levels between 30-40 (normal value 35 U/L) since June 2000, with fetal protein at 2.9 ng/ml (normal value 25 ng/ml). The e-antigen was negative; e-antibody was positive; core antibody was positive. However, on De...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
As a carrier of hepatitis B, you only need to undergo ultrasound and tests for GOT, GPT, and AFP every 3 to 6 months (performed by a gastroenterologist), and you do not need to take medication at this time.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels in Hepatitis B Patients
Common Questions About Hepatitis B Vaccine: Answers from a Doctor
Please ask any questions related to the hepatitis B vaccine! Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask the following questions: 1. It is said that the optimal location for vaccine injection is the center of the deltoid muscle in the upper arm. However, when I received my first dose o...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
1. Vaccines are more effective when injected into the arm, while injections into the shoulder area may be less effective, but they are not necessarily ineffective. You can check for antibody formation after the injection. 2. There have been similar concerns in Europe and the Un...[Read More] Common Questions About Hepatitis B Vaccine: Answers from a Doctor
Common Questions About Hepatitis B Vaccine: Dosage, Timing, and Safety
Please ask questions related to the hepatitis B vaccine? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. It is said that the best location for administering the adult hepatitis B vaccine is in the center of the deltoid muscle in the upper arm. However, I rec...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
1. Vaccines are more effective when injected into the arm, while injections into the shoulder area may be less effective, but they are not necessarily ineffective. You can check for antibody formation after the injection. 2. There is no difference. 3. There have been similar ...[Read More] Common Questions About Hepatitis B Vaccine: Dosage, Timing, and Safety
Recent Statistics on Liver Disease Mortality Rates in Taiwan
Please provide the content you would like I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
The incidence of liver cancer varies significantly around the world (Table 1), but it is recognized as one of the most common malignant tumors in humans. In Taiwan, the incidence of liver cancer remains alarmingly high. According to statistics from the Department of Health, in 19...[Read More] Recent Statistics on Liver Disease Mortality Rates in Taiwan
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Management Options
Liver Hello: My liver function (G.P.T) is 49, while the normal value is 30. I have no infection with hepatitis B or C. Why is my liver function index elevated? Do I need medication to control it?
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
In Taiwan, the most common causes of hepatitis are hepatitis B and C. However, other factors such as alcohol abuse, medications, and excessive work can also lead to abnormal liver function. In your case, there is no need for medication; instead, you should focus on getting plenty...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Management Options
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Insights for Office Workers
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello! I am an office worker and spend most of my time sitting in the office. I have low physical activity, and my Hepatitis B surface antigen is positive, while the e antigen is negative. My weight and height are 70 kg and 173 cm, respectively. I smo...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
1. Your condition may involve hepatitis B, fatty liver, duodenal ulcer, and irritable bowel syndrome, along with renal insufficiency. Please start by losing weight, quitting smoking, and undergoing triple therapy for the treatment of the duodenal ulcer. 2. The presence of hepat...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Insights for Office Workers
Understanding Hepatitis B: Symptoms, Treatment, and Liver Health Concerns
Hepatitis B I am a carrier of hepatitis B, but I have never experienced any symptoms of hepatitis. I have always had a poor appearance and high levels of irritability. In recent years, I have felt pressure in the area near my liver, and I feel discomfort when sleeping on my left ...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
After taking Lamivudine for three months, if your GOT and GPT levels are still so high, please consider other causes of your hepatitis. You should visit our clinic for further investigation, as you may not need to continue taking liver protection medication.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Symptoms, Treatment, and Liver Health Concerns
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Do You Need a Booster?
Hepatitis B vaccine I received the hepatitis B vaccine 7 years ago, and in a recent test, my HBsAg was negative and Anti-HBs was negative. Does this indicate that the antibodies have disappeared? Is the hepatitis B vaccine considered lifelong immunity? Do I need to get revaccinat...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
The protection from the hepatitis B vaccine lasts approximately ten years on average. In your case, the effectiveness has diminished, so receiving another dose of the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Do You Need a Booster?