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 Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase Levels: What You Need to Know
Elevated alkaline phosphatase levels? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you a question regarding my recent urine and blood test results. The liver function tests showed the following: - Total Protein: 7.5 g/dL (Reference range: 6.0-8.2 g/dL) - Albumin: 4.43 g/dL (Reference ...
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
Hello, elevated alkaline phosphatase levels can have many causes, such as acute hepatitis, liver tumors, hemolytic anemia, bone disorders, and bile duct obstruction. Therefore, it is recommended to seek further evaluation at an internal medicine outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Complex Symptoms: Seeking Clarity on Multiple Health Issues
Please clarify? Hello, Doctor. I learned from the internet that online consultations are available here, so I took the liberty to seek your advice and express my highest respect for your dedication to helping others. I have been troubled by several symptoms for a long time, but d...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
You have a family history of thyroid disease and exhibit some symptoms consistent with hyperthyroidism (such as goiter, exophthalmos, and weight loss). Thyroid function needs to be evaluated, and it would also be advisable to check for diabetes. You may consider seeing a speciali...[Read More] Understanding Complex Symptoms: Seeking Clarity on Multiple Health Issues
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 Green Stool: Causes and Concerns for Adults
Regarding green stool? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about something. For the past two days, I have been experiencing green stools and I also feel very tired every day. I read online that sometimes infants have green stools due to the ingredients in formula milk, and I recent...
Dr. Chen Jingwen 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, and possibly dark green infant formulas that contain high iron content. 3. Bile pigments: Conditions that secrete more bile pigments ...[Read More] Understanding Green Stool: Causes and Concerns for Adults
Managing Elevated Liver Fat: Dietary Tips and Supplements for Improvement
Slightly elevated liver fat? Hello, Doctor: I usually take zinc supplements regularly, and I recently found out during a health check that my liver fat levels are slightly elevated. I would like to ask if this is related to my vitamin intake. The physician at the testing center a...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, fatty liver is generally diagnosed using ultrasound. It is typically caused by excessive fat accumulation in the liver, which can be classified into pathological and physiological responses. Pathological fatty liver is caused by other diseases such as hepatitis, alcohol co...[Read More] Managing Elevated Liver Fat: Dietary Tips and Supplements for Improvement
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
Understanding Nausea: Is It a Sign of Gastrointestinal Issues?
Often feel nauseous? Doctor, I used to never feel nauseous when eating, and I'm not pregnant. However, in recent months, I've occasionally felt nauseous after eating, and sometimes I even vomit. I'm not sure if it's because I've eaten food that wasn'...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Persistent nausea or vomiting should prompt consideration of hepatitis, gastrointestinal ulcers, bacterial or parasitic infections in the intestines, food allergies, the use of specific medications, chronic alcoholism, and prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy due to cancer. If...[Read More] Understanding Nausea: Is It a Sign of Gastrointestinal Issues?