Managing Hepatitis C: What to Do After Diagnosis
How to cope with hepatitis C? My mother, who is in her sixties, was tested at a health clinic and found to have a hepatitis C index of 5. The clinic only advised her to return for a follow-up test in five weeks. Should we just wait for that?
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
Currently, there is a new treatment for hepatitis C that involves a combination therapy of long-acting interferon and antiviral medications. Generally, treatment is considered for individuals under 65 years of age who have persistent liver function abnormalities for more than six...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis C: What to Do After Diagnosis
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 Alkaline Phosphatase Levels: What You Need to Know
Alkaline phosphatase in the blood Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you: I recently received the results of a health check-up conducted by my company, and yesterday I found that the blood test results included "alkaline phosphatase." Could you please explain what this ...
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Hello, alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme found in the body, primarily in the liver and biliary system, bones, small intestine, and placenta. If you are pregnant, elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase can occur due to liver and biliary system disorders (such as bile duct obstruc...[Read More] Understanding Alkaline Phosphatase Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes of Early Satiety and Nausea
Gastrointestinal issues Doctor, I have a question. Recently, during breakfast and lunch, I feel full halfway through my meal, which is not my usual appetite. If I try to continue eating, I start to feel nauseous. Dinner is more normal, but occasionally I also experience this feel...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, your symptoms may indicate a peptic ulcer or other conditions such as hepatitis or nephritis. A thorough evaluation of additional symptoms is necessary for an accurate diagnosis. I recommend consulting a gastroenterologist for further assessment. Sincer...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes of Early Satiety and Nausea
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
Why Do Liver Enzyme Levels Vary Between Different Hospitals?
Liver function tests show two values in one day? I would like to ask about my uncle, who had liver issues and went to the hospital for tests. Initially, he had tests done at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, but later, feeling uneasy, he returned to Taipei and had another set of tests at...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
The standard values for liver function tests (AST or ALT) vary between laboratories. Generally, the normal upper limit for these tests is around 40 IU/L, but this can differ from one lab to another; for instance, our hospital's upper limit is 37 IU/L. When considering the si...[Read More] Why Do Liver Enzyme Levels Vary Between Different Hospitals?
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
Understanding the Risks: Smoking, Drinking, and Liver Health Concerns
I'm not sure what kind of illness I have? Dr. Hsiao: Due to long-term smoking (one pack a day) and drinking alcohol (with every meal), my current health condition is not very good. In September 2022, I experienced hematemesis, a high fever lasting three to four days, and jau...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
The diagnosis of cirrhosis can be made through imaging studies such as ultrasound and computed tomography. A simple abdominal ultrasound can diagnose cirrhosis, while jaundice and abnormal liver function tests cannot differentiate between cirrhosis and severe alcoholic hepatitis,...[Read More] Understanding the Risks: Smoking, Drinking, and Liver Health Concerns
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
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
Does Hepatitis Vaccine Cause Significant Increase in GOT Levels?
Does receiving the hepatitis vaccine cause a significant increase in GOT levels? Dear Dr. Hong, I received my second dose of the hepatitis vaccine in March of this year, and this month my GOT level increased dramatically from 18 in January to 160. Does receiving the hepatitis vac...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Hello Ms. Angelica: It is uncommon to develop hepatitis after vaccination; however, if there is a concurrent infection with hepatitis C, A, or B, or if it is caused by other factors such as medication or excessive fatigue, please visit the outpatient clinic for further examinatio...[Read More] Does Hepatitis Vaccine Cause Significant Increase in GOT Levels?
Understanding Dark Green Stool: Symptoms and Possible Health Issues
Dark green stool? In the past couple of days, I have been experiencing large, yellowish stools with a hint of dark green, and they feel somewhat oily. Additionally, I have had some fecal leakage, as sometimes my underwear is stained yellow. When I wipe my bottom with toilet paper...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
Possible causes of green stools: 1. Food: Such as consuming a lot of dark-colored fruits and vegetables. 2. Medications: Such as iron supplements, which may cause dark green stools. 3. Bile pigments: Conditions such as acute or chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and chol...[Read More] Understanding Dark Green Stool: Symptoms and Possible Health Issues
Understanding Right Upper Abdomen and Flank Pain: When to Seek Help
Pain in the right upper abdomen and flank? Hello, I have a history of fatty liver disease and experience varying degrees of pain in my right abdomen, located around the right rib cage. Sometimes the pain extends to my lower back, and in severe cases, it causes pain and numbness i...
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
Hello, possible causes: 1. Fatty liver disease, which is mostly asymptomatic, with very few individuals experiencing mild discomfort in the upper abdomen or under the ribs. 2. Right kidney issues: such as ureteral or kidney stones, tumors, inflammation, or hydronephrosis. 3. Live...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdomen and Flank Pain: When to Seek Help