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 Liver Function: Tips for Weight Loss and Health Improvement
Liver function I had an ultrasound examination, and Dr. Chang Weiren said my condition is quite serious. He advised me to lose weight and eat less. Doctor, I have a question: why am I unable to lose weight? My body just won't shed the pounds. Also, is it possible for me to r...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
The core issue of weight loss lies in calorie intake. For a normally active male, the daily caloric requirement is approximately 25-30 calories per kilogram. A typical bento meal from a convenience store like 7-11 usually contains over 700 calories. Eating only two bento meals a ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function: Tips for Weight Loss and Health Improvement
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 Gallium-67 Scans: Risks and Differences from CT Imaging
excuse me? 1. Will undergoing a Gallium-67 whole body tumor scan have any adverse effects on the body in the future? Additionally, what are the differences between a Ga-67 tumor scan and a CT scan? 2. I have been experiencing persistent lymphadenopathy in the head and neck regio...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Gallium-67 (Ga-67) binds to transferrin in the blood and accumulates in areas of inflammation, infection, or tumors. The radiation dose used for detecting inflammation or infection is 3-5 mCi (millicuries, where 1 mCi = 1000 microcuries), while the dose for tumor detection is 5-1...[Read More] Understanding Gallium-67 Scans: Risks and Differences from CT Imaging
Understanding Symptoms: Swelling, Headaches, and Insomnia in Adults
Generalized edema, headache (dizziness), insomnia, etc? Hello, my mother is 43 years old and has been feeling unwell lately, experiencing symptoms such as insomnia, headaches (dizziness), and sometimes waking up in the morning with generalized edema. During a previous health chec...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
There are many causes of edema, including common kidney diseases (renal failure, nephrotic syndrome), heart diseases (heart failure), liver diseases (cirrhosis), endocrine disorders (hypothyroidism, hyperadrenalism, menstruation), systemic malnutrition, poor blood circulation, an...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Swelling, Headaches, and Insomnia in Adults
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Seafood-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
Gastrointestinal issues? I used to eat seafood without any issues, but recently, after consuming certain seafood items like squid and shellfish, I've been experiencing nausea and vomiting. Is this a stomach problem?
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, the causes of nausea and vomiting can be quite varied, ranging from central nervous system issues to diabetes and kidney disease. If the reaction is only to seafood, it may be a neural reflex. However, if vomiting occurs with most foods, liver function or gastrointestinal ...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Seafood-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
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?
Best Hospitals in Kaohsiung for Comprehensive Bad Breath Diagnosis
Please recommend hospitals in Kaohsiung? Hello Doctor: I have been struggling with halitosis for a long time. I have visited multiple dental clinics, several ENT specialists, and even consulted traditional Chinese medicine. My gastroscopy and liver function tests came back normal...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
You can visit the Department of Family Medicine at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital.[Read More] Best Hospitals in Kaohsiung for Comprehensive Bad Breath Diagnosis
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 Right Side Discomfort: When to See a Specialist
Discomfort on the right side? Dr. Tsai: After consulting you about the pressure sensation in my right upper abdomen (what could be the cause of discomfort in the right upper abdomen on 12/28), I have noticed that the discomfort has spread to my right flank, lower back, and right ...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms and examination, it is unlikely that there is a problem with your liver. However, it would be more accurate to perform a blood test to check liver function. Additionally, your symptoms may be caused by your daily work or lifestyle habits, which may n...[Read More] Understanding Right Side Discomfort: When to See a Specialist
Understanding Kidney Function Tests: Interpreting Abnormal Results
Kidney function tests I recently received my health check report. Kidney examination: BUN=13 is normal, but creatinine=2.4 indicates an abnormal condition. Gallbladder examination: total bilirubin (T-bil)=1.6 is abnormal, while direct bilirubin (d-bil)=0.3 is normal. Urinalysis: ...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, a creatinine level of 2.4 indicates abnormal kidney function. There are many causes for kidney dysfunction, but your normal urine test results help rule out glomerulonephritis and interstitial nephritis. The remaining differential diagnoses primarily include: 1. Residual r...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function Tests: Interpreting Abnormal Results
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
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?
Long-Term Antibiotic Use for Acne: Risks and Alternatives Explained
Symptom consultation Hello Doctor: I have been troubled by acne since puberty. During my student years, I didn't pay much attention to it, and occasionally taking medication worked well, but once I stopped, my face would break out again. Recently, I have been in continuous t...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
The causes of acne are mostly related to individual constitution, so it is advisable to consult a dermatologist for improvement. As for the long-term use of tetracycline antibiotics, the side effects may include allergic reactions, dental development abnormalities such as discolo...[Read More] Long-Term Antibiotic Use for Acne: Risks and Alternatives Explained
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 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