Understanding GOT and GPT: Normal Ranges and Implications for Health
GOT (Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase), also known as AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), and GPT (Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase), also known as ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase), are enzymes found in the liver and other tissues. Normal reference ranges for these enzymes can va...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Mild elevation of GOT and GPT in biochemical blood tests indicates the presence of hepatitis; however, the clinical significance and severity must be determined through ultrasound examination and the presence of hepatitis B virus infection.[Read More] Understanding GOT and GPT: Normal Ranges and Implications for Health
Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment, Diet, and Lifestyle Tips
Hepatitis B Hello Dr. Yang: I am a carrier of Hepatitis B. I would like to know if I need treatment for this condition. What should I pay attention to in my diet and daily life? How should I take care of myself? I have undergone several examinations, but my doctors have not menti...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Important Information for Hepatitis Survival The causes of hepatitis include viral, drug-induced, alcoholic, and autoimmune types. Viral hepatitis is classified into types A, B, C, D, E, and G. The progression of the disease often follows the sequence: hepatitis >> cirrhos...[Read More] Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment, Diet, and Lifestyle Tips
Differences and Similarities Between Hepatitis A and B Explained
What are the similarities and differences between Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B? Dear Dr. Yang: What are the similarities and differences between Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B?
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Comparison of Hepatitis Viruses: A, B, C, D, E, G Transmission Routes: Oral, Blood, Body Fluids, Blood, Body Fluids, Blood, Body Fluids, Oral, Blood, Body Fluids Chronicity: No, Yes, Yes, Yes, No, Yes Causes Cirrhosis: No, Yes, Yes, Yes, No, ? Carcinogenic: No, Yes, Yes, No, ...[Read More] Differences and Similarities Between Hepatitis A and B Explained
Can Mothers with Hepatitis B Breastfeed? Key Considerations for Newborns
Can a mother with dual-positive hepatitis B breastfeed? Hello Dr. Yang, I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been regularly checking my liver function every six months. My liver function tests, which were originally over 300, have now decreased to around 30 to 40. However, the...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
You have active hepatitis that can lead to cirrhosis, and there are medications available for treatment. Please seek treatment at our outpatient clinic as soon as possible. 1. You can breastfeed. 2. If your child becomes infected, they may become a carrier and develop liver disea...[Read More] Can Mothers with Hepatitis B Breastfeed? Key Considerations for Newborns
Dietary Considerations for Hepatitis B Carriers During Pregnancy
Hepatitis B carrier Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask if hepatitis B carriers should avoid eating peanut butter to prevent aflatoxin infection and inflammation? What dietary precautions should be taken? Additionally, I am currently 23 weeks pregnant, and my recent blood tests s...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
1. Yes, you should consume more high-protein foods and avoid foods that are high in fats. 2. Being HBsAg positive indicates that you have a higher infectiousness; please administer immunoglobulin within 24 hours of the child's birth. There are antiviral medications availab...[Read More] Dietary Considerations for Hepatitis B Carriers During Pregnancy
Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Treatment Options and Symptoms Explained
Hepatitis B carrier Hello, Dr. Yang: I would like to ask. My wife is a foreign bride (from Vietnam). Previously, she had a health check in Vietnam, and her liver showed elevated positive indices. After returning to Taiwan, we recently had her blood tested, and the report indicate...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
1. He is currently a possible carrier of hepatitis B; please have an ultrasound examination every three months. 2. There are currently many medications available for treating hepatitis B; please do not trust folk remedies. 3. Carriers of hepatitis B and C indicate that the he...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Treatment Options and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Liver Nodules: What You Need to Know About Your Health
There are small bubbles on the liver? I have no symptoms, but during an ultrasound examination, the doctor found small bubbles on my liver and is unsure if there is a connection. I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Please provide some advice on diet and management, and whether further...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Most liver cysts (hepatic cysts) are benign, but since you are a carrier of hepatitis B, it is important to remain vigilant. You should have ultrasound examinations, liver function tests, and alpha-fetoprotein tests every 4 to 6 months. If any issues arise, please consult a gastr...[Read More] Understanding Liver Nodules: What You Need to Know About Your Health
What to Do If Your HBsAg Test Is Positive: A Guide for Families
HBsAg (Hepatitis The health check results from a month ago showed a positive reaction for HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen). My mother is also a carrier of Hepatitis B. What should I be aware of?
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
A positive HBsAg test indicates that you have been infected with the hepatitis B virus, and your mother is no exception. Next, you should test your liver enzyme levels, specifically ALT (GPT) and AST (GOT), to check for the presence of active hepatitis. If the values are within t...[Read More] What to Do If Your HBsAg Test Is Positive: A Guide for Families
When Is a Liver Biopsy Necessary? Understanding Risks and Costs
Liver biopsy When is a liver biopsy necessary? Is it required if the hepatitis B e-antigen is positive? I have heard that blood tests and ultrasounds (which I have been doing regularly) do not necessarily indicate that the liver is free of problems, and that there is a high proba...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Liver biopsy is only necessary for undiagnosed liver diseases such as liver tumors or non-B and C hepatitis. The risk is low, but physicians do not perform liver biopsies lightly unless absolutely necessary. This procedure is covered by health insurance. Normal levels of GOT (AST...[Read More] When Is a Liver Biopsy Necessary? Understanding Risks and Costs
Understanding Hepatitis C: Risks and Precautions for Pregnancy
Hepatitis C Hello! I would like to ask, my husband has hepatitis C, and he undergoes regular check-ups every six months (blood tests and ultrasounds). If we plan to have a child, I am concerned about whether I or the child could be infected, and if there are any other precautions...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Hepatitis C is the second most prevalent liver disease in Taiwan, following Hepatitis B. Approximately half of patients with Hepatitis C have a history of blood transfusions; other possible routes of infection include the use of unclean needles, acupuncture, tattoos, and ear pier...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C: Risks and Precautions for Pregnancy
Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Health Implications and Pregnancy Concerns
Hepatitis B carrier Three years ago, I was diagnosed with hepatitis B through a blood test, and in September of the 89th year, I had a blood test for the E antigen, which indicated that I do not have hepatitis B. However, in June of the 89th year, I underwent a premarital health ...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
As a carrier of hepatitis B, the severity of your liver disease needs to be assessed through tests such as GOT, GPT, and ultrasound examinations. There are various methods for weight loss, and obesity is primarily related to genetics, with a smaller portion influenced by dietary ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Health Implications and Pregnancy Concerns
Comparing Acute Hepatitis A and B: Similarities and Differences
Similarities and Differences Between Acute Hepatitis A and B Similarities: 1. Both are viral infections that affect the liver. 2. Both can cause similar symptoms, such as fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. 3. Both can be diagnosed through blood tests that d...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Both hepatitis A and B can present with acute episodes; however, hepatitis A does not progress to chronic infection, while a small percentage of hepatitis B cases may develop into chronic infections. Acute hepatitis B can potentially be more severe than hepatitis A. After recover...[Read More] Comparing Acute Hepatitis A and B: Similarities and Differences
Essential Blood Tests for Hepatitis B Carriers: A Guide
Hepatitis B Dear Dr. Yang: I am a healthy carrier of hepatitis B and would like to have my liver function tested every three months. What specific tests should I include? Besides large hospitals, where else can I get these tests done? Also, what is serum alpha-fetoprotein?
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Please follow up every 3 to 6 months with a liver ultrasound and monitor the serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, commonly known as the liver cancer marker, for patients in specific high-risk groups. This long-term monitoring can be conducted at any gastroenterology and hepatolo...[Read More] Essential Blood Tests for Hepatitis B Carriers: A Guide
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Key Questions and Answers
Hepatitis B-related issues? Dear Dr. Yang, I discovered an abnormal result in my hepatitis B screening during a health check-up. The results are as follows: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) - Positive; Hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs) - Negative. The doctor informed me...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Antigens refer to foreign or internal pathogens or substances that trigger the production of antibodies in an organism. HBsAb (Hepatitis B surface antibody) is an antibody produced by the body in response to the invasion of an antigen; it is a type of immunoglobulin. For example,...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Key Questions and Answers
Understanding Hepatitis B: Prevention and Vaccination for Children in Taiwan
Hepatitis B The prevalence of hepatitis B among the population causes considerable concern. Children who stay and eat outside often may have received the vaccine in childhood, but does this guarantee they will never contract hepatitis B? What preventive measures should be taken? ...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
The hepatitis B vaccine is effective for ten years. If your child is over 10 years old, please have their blood tested for HBsAg and HBsAb to determine if they still have immunity against hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is not easily transmitted through food, but the incidence of liver ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Prevention and Vaccination for Children in Taiwan
What to Do If You Test Positive for Hepatitis B in School?
Hepatitis B During a school health examination, it was discovered that I am infected with hepatitis B. HBeAg is positive. Please advise me on what to do. Thank you!
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
The presence of e-antigen positivity indicates that the virus is replicating quite actively, resulting in high infectivity. Conversely, e-antibody positivity suggests that the viral activity has significantly decreased, and the infectivity is lower (although it is still infectiou...[Read More] What to Do If You Test Positive for Hepatitis B in School?
Managing Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver: Treatment and Lifestyle Tips
Internal Medicine Hello Dr. Yang: I have hepatitis B and fatty liver. What treatment should I undergo, and what dietary and lifestyle considerations should I keep in mind? Thank you.
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Typically, liver function tests, alpha-fetoprotein levels, and abdominal ultrasounds are performed every six months to prevent progression from hepatitis to cirrhosis, according to Dr. Yang Guojun, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist.[Read More] Managing Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver: Treatment and Lifestyle Tips
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Risks, Monitoring, and Treatment Options
Chronic Hepatitis B I am currently 40 years old and have been living with chronic hepatitis B for nearly 20 years. My most recent blood tests and ultrasound results are as follows: fatty liver, EAG/EAB: -/+, AST/ALT: 36/58, AFP: -, HBsAg: +. The doctor said that I do not need med...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Liver cancer has a widely varying incidence rate around the world, 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, malignant tumors ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Risks, Monitoring, and Treatment Options
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Liver Function Concerns
Hepatitis B I received the hepatitis B vaccine (four doses) during elementary school, but later blood tests showed no antibodies. I then received three additional doses, and recently, I had another blood test that again showed no antibodies. I received one more shot; should I con...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
You should not receive the vaccine again, primarily because you may have already been infected with hepatitis B. It is recommended that you visit our clinic, Internal Medicine, Room 5, to see Dr. Yang Guojun, who previously served as a research physician in the Gastroenterology a...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Liver Function Concerns
Understanding Elevated GPT Levels: Causes, Implications, and Next Steps
The GPT index is too high? I had a health check-up at the health center, and my GPT (ALT) level was as high as 90. What does this mean? How is this index calculated? What could be causing this phenomenon? What should I do? What kind of tests should I undergo? Please reply promptl...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
GPT and GOT are enzymes, translated as transaminases. Under normal circumstances, they are present in organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. However, both are commonly indicative of liver inflammation, which is why we refer to them as "hepatitis indices." Normall...[Read More] Understanding Elevated GPT Levels: Causes, Implications, and Next Steps