Understanding Oral Anaerobic Bacteria: Causes and Treatment Options
Oral anaerobic bacteria I have a problem with bad breath and suspect it may be caused by an oral or gastrointestinal infection with anaerobic bacteria or facultative anaerobes. Which department should I visit or what tests should I undergo? Thank you.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: If you have an unpleasant odor in your mouth, you may consult the following specialties and their associated causes: 1. Dentistry => Periodontal disease, cavities 2. Hepatology => Chronic liver disease (Hepatitis B/C) 3. Nutrition Department => Dietary inta...[Read More] Understanding Oral Anaerobic Bacteria: Causes and Treatment Options
Where to Seek Help for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Taiwan?
If you suspect you have chronic fatigue syndrome, you can consult a primary care physician or a specialist in internal medicine. Additionally, you may consider seeing a rheumatologist or an infectious disease specialist, as they often have experience in diagnosing and managing th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, here are a few suggestions. 1. Hepatitis B requires close monitoring, with liver function tests every three months and abdominal ultrasounds every six months. Liver issues can also cause fatigue, so please do not take this lightly. Therefore, cons...[Read More] Where to Seek Help for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Taiwan?
Understanding Methylprednisolone: Effects on Liver Enzymes and Potassium Levels
Regarding steroids? Currently, due to vasculitis, I have been using methylprednisolone for three weeks. The initial dosage was an injection twice a day (30 mg each time), administered for three consecutive days, then reduced to half the dosage for another three days, followed by ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: Long-term use of steroids can lead to obesity and fatty liver, which may result in a mild increase in GOT (AST) and GPT (ALT) levels. However, it is essential to rule out the possibility of hepatitis B and C. Additionally, this may cause mild hypokalemia and an increase in...[Read More] Understanding Methylprednisolone: Effects on Liver Enzymes and Potassium Levels
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Concerns and Next Steps
SGOT: 22, SGPT: 43 On September 21, my health check report indicated that my GOT is 22 and GPT is 43. I do not have Hepatitis B or C. Although my levels are only slightly above the standard values by 3, I am still quite worried. Today, I visited a traditional Chinese medicine doc...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
There are many reasons for elevated liver function tests, with common causes including viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and drug-induced hepatitis. Based on your levels, it does not appear to be viral hepatitis (acute hepatitis A or E can likely be ruled...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Concerns and Next Steps
Understanding Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers: Key Concerns
The liver is enlarged and coarse in patients with chronic hepatitis B? I am 36 years old and a carrier of hepatitis B. My liver function and fetal protein levels are normal. In June of this year, I had an ultrasound examination, and the doctor mentioned that the surface of my liv...
Dr. Sun Yizhen Reply:
Regarding the above issue, being a carrier does not necessarily lead to fibrosis, and fibrosis does not always progress continuously, making it difficult to predict how long it will take to harden. Fibrosis may be a remnant of past inflammatory repair, but it can also be part of ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers: Key Concerns
Managing High Triglycerides and Liver Health: A Guide for Families
Triglyceride issues I would like to ask about my mother, who is 57 years old. She has been experiencing high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and over the past six months, her liver enzymes have also been abnormal. However, blood tests have ruled out hepatitis. The doctor men...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: High blood lipids can lead to fatty liver and abnormal liver function. Simply reducing the intake of sweets, avoiding alcohol, and minimizing fried foods, along with increasing physical activity and consuming more fish and fruits and vegetables, can lead to improvement. It...[Read More] Managing High Triglycerides and Liver Health: A Guide for Families
Managing Chronic Hepatitis B with Abnormal Liver Function: Key Considerations
Chronic hepatitis B carrier with abnormal liver function? Hello, doctor. I am a carrier of vertical transmission hepatitis B and have been monitoring my liver function annually since childhood, which has always been normal. This year, on May 20, my AST was 43, ALT was 918, and on...
Dr. Sun Yizhen Reply:
Hello, you can visit the Gastroenterology and Hepatology outpatient clinic for an actual assessment by a physician, who will then provide recommendations. Thank you![Read More] Managing Chronic Hepatitis B with Abnormal Liver Function: Key Considerations
Managing Gout in Hepatitis B Carriers: Safety of Benzbromarone
Patients with hepatitis B who require treatment for gout should be carefully managed to avoid potential drug interactions and complications. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate medication options that are safe and I am a carrier of hepatitis B and hav...
Dr. Yang Weishun Reply:
The likelihood of benzbromarone causing fulminant hepatitis is low, with some scholars estimating an incidence of approximately one case per 17,000 people. However, if you have concerns about the medication, there are alternative drugs available. It's important to note that ...[Read More] Managing Gout in Hepatitis B Carriers: Safety of Benzbromarone
Should You Start Antiviral Treatment for Hepatitis B with Normal Liver Function?
Liver function and liver ultrasound are normal, but there was one instance where the viral load exceeded 10,000 copies. Should medication be taken? Hello Dr. Hsiao: I am a 53-year-old male. I was diagnosed as a carrier of Hepatitis B in 1982, and I have been under follow-up for a...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
According to the current expert consensus, if liver function is normal, antiviral medications are only required if cirrhosis or severe liver fibrosis is present along with a viral load exceeding 10,000 copies/ml. The use of antiviral medications is primarily divided into two diff...[Read More] Should You Start Antiviral Treatment for Hepatitis B with Normal Liver Function?
Understanding Hormonal Imbalance: Acne and Its Underlying Causes
Endocrine disorder? Hello, doctor. I've been struggling with acne since high school and have seen many dermatologists and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, using countless topical treatments. Recently, since September of last year, my condition has worsened (staphy...
Dr. Sun Yizhen Reply:
Hello, Xiao Shi: Please visit the dermatology outpatient clinic for evaluation and treatment. Hepatitis B is not necessarily related to acne, but you should still follow your gastroenterologist's advice for regular follow-up and examinations.[Read More] Understanding Hormonal Imbalance: Acne and Its Underlying Causes
Understanding Fatty Liver Disease in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
excuse me? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you some professional questions. I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have regular follow-up examinations every six months. My liver function tests, including GOT, GPT, HBeAg, and bilirubin levels, are all normal. However, I have been di...
Dr. Sun Yizhen Reply:
Based on your description, your current liver condition is as follows: 1. Chronic Hepatitis B carrier 2. Fatty liver. The severe aspect of Hepatitis B should be regularly monitored at a gastroenterology outpatient clinic, where a clinician will determine if treatment is necessary...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver Disease in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Understanding Urine Color Changes After Acute Hepatitis: Kidney Health Concerns
Liver disease, urine, kidney issues? Hello Doctor, I am 28 years old. A month ago, I was in the acute phase of hepatitis B, with liver enzymes exceeding 2000, but they have now approached normal levels, with values of 40 and 60. I am currently taking Betaloc. My daily routine is ...
Dr. Yang Weishun Reply:
Dear Mr. TT, Indeed, the color of urine is related to the amount of water you drink and your urine output. In cases of diabetes insipidus, the urine output is often greater than the amount of water consumed, with at least 3000 cc of urine produced in a day being a consideration ...[Read More] Understanding Urine Color Changes After Acute Hepatitis: Kidney Health Concerns
Can You Get HIV or Hepatitis from a Barber's Razor?
Will this lead to an HIV infection? Dear Doctor, when I went to get a haircut, the barber used a razor to shave the sideburns after cutting my hair. Although I did not see any visible bleeding, I am worried about the possibility of infection if the previous customer had HIV or he...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: According to past statistics in our country, prior to the initiation of hepatitis B vaccination, the rate of exposure to hepatitis B infection was approximately 25% to 30% in preschool-aged children; about 50% to 60% in individuals aged 10 to 20 years; around 80% in those ...[Read More] Can You Get HIV or Hepatitis from a Barber's Razor?
Understanding Positive Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and GPT Levels: Next Steps
Hepatitis B surface antigen is positive, GPT - 116? Dear Dr. Sun, Hello! My question is as per the subject. Could you please explain my current situation regarding this matter? Do I need to arrange for immediate treatment, or are there other options? Thanks a lot! Note: 1. If ...
Dr. Sun Yizhen Reply:
It is recommended that you bring your recent examination reports to the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for consultation.[Read More] Understanding Positive Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and GPT Levels: Next Steps
Long-Term Medication: Risks, Kidney Health, and Dietary Tips
The medication I am taking? Hello: Thank you for your clarification. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. What is the reason that long-term medication use may lead to dialysis? 2. I am currently taking PROZAC and ZOPICLONE, both of which are medications that need to ...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
1. Long-term medication use may lead to dialysis; what are the reasons for this? The mechanisms by which drugs can impair kidney function include several factors. First, medications can alter the pressure of glomerular perfusion, such as certain antihypertensive drugs or non-ster...[Read More] Long-Term Medication: Risks, Kidney Health, and Dietary Tips
Managing High Albumin and Liver Enzymes: Dietary Tips for Better Health
Biochemical test issues? Hello doctor, I have undergone a health check-up. In the biochemical tests over the past 2-3 years, my albumin level was 5.8, which is slightly high, and my GOT was 40 and GPT was 59, both of which are elevated. I would like to know what I should pay atte...
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
It is best to first determine whether there is chronic viral hepatitis or fatty liver to identify the cause of elevated liver enzymes, and then treat accordingly. If it is viral hepatitis, dietary changes may have limited benefits, but if it is fatty liver, one should avoid high-...[Read More] Managing High Albumin and Liver Enzymes: Dietary Tips for Better Health
Unexplained Swelling in Legs: Causes and When to Seek Help
Unexplained edema? Hello, doctor: My mother is currently 51 years old and has a history of hypertension. She has been taking medication regularly to control her blood pressure. However, for the past two weeks, she has been experiencing swelling in both legs, and when pressed, the...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei Reply:
Hello! The main causes of bilateral leg edema include the following: 1. Renal origin: This includes nephrotic syndrome and chronic kidney failure. Urinalysis should be performed to check for proteinuria, and blood tests to assess kidney function are necessary. 2. Hepatic origin: ...[Read More] Unexplained Swelling in Legs: Causes and When to Seek Help
Managing Hyperthyroidism and Vitiligo: Key Questions and Concerns
Hyperthyroidism with vitiligo? Hello, I have been undergoing treatment for hyperthyroidism for about three months now. Currently, my medication regimen includes: two tablets of antithyroid medication in the morning and evening, and one tablet of a heart rate control medication in...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: Vitiligo and hyperthyroidism are often associated with autoimmune reactions, but vitiligo is not caused by hyperthyroidism, and it is not expected that vitiligo will resolve after the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Interferon treatment for hepatitis C can sometimes lead to ...[Read More] Managing Hyperthyroidism and Vitiligo: Key Questions and Concerns
Should You Consider Liver Biopsy and Antiviral Treatment for Hepatitis B?
Treatment for Hepatitis B with Medications Last year, I discovered that my liver function test showed GPT at 100, with positive E antigen. Three months later, follow-up revealed GPT at 60, and E antigen remained positive. Over the next year, GPT fluctuated between 50 and 70. This...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following recommendations: In accordance with health insurance and clinical principles, if Hepatitis B persists for more than six months or Hepatitis C for more than three months,...[Read More] Should You Consider Liver Biopsy and Antiviral Treatment for Hepatitis B?
Am I at Risk of Contracting Hepatitis B After Exposure?
Will I be infected with hepatitis B? Hello Doctor: Last week, I went to the hospital to check my hepatitis B antibodies, and the doctor said I have a level of 370. These past few days, I think I may have come into contact with the blood of someone with hepatitis B. I would like t...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
Hepatitis B antibodies provide protection against infection with the Hepatitis B virus. You should be more concerned about Hepatitis C, HIV, and other bloodborne diseases, and it is advisable to get tested for those. There is no need for a booster shot of the Hepatitis B vaccine,...[Read More] Am I at Risk of Contracting Hepatitis B After Exposure?