Q&A with Top Doctors

Can early-stage cirrhosis of the liver be cured?

In general, under certain conditions, early-stage cirrhosis may be curable.

If early cirrhosis receives timely and proper treatment, the cure rate can reach more than 60% to 70%. The key lies in early detection, identifying the cause, and implementing targeted interventions. If caused by medications, discontinuing the liver-damaging drugs promptly and receiving appropriate treatment may lead to recovery; for alcoholic cirrhosis, strict abstinence from alcohol combined with treatment may control or even reverse the condition; during the mild liver fibrosis stage, before severe cirrhosis develops, antiviral and antifibrotic treatments might reverse the disease progression.

Regarding viral cirrhosis, without antiviral therapy and with continuous viral replication, severe liver cell damage makes complete recovery difficult. However, antiviral treatment can control the disease and delay its progression; for more severe cases or those that have progressed to decompensated cirrhosis, cure becomes more challenging, and the treatment goal shifts toward controlling the condition, slowing progression, and improving quality of life.

Patients diagnosed with cirrhosis at an early stage and receiving active treatment generally have a relatively favorable prognosis. Some patients may maintain a stable condition for a long time with preserved quality of life. However, it is important to note that cirrhosis is a chronic progressive disease; even with effective early control, lifelong monitoring and management are necessary to prevent recurrence or disease progression.

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Dr. Gao Jun
May 28, 2025
Can patients with fatty liver disease eat meat?

In general, patients with fatty liver disease can eat meat, but should consume it in moderation.

The core cause of fatty liver disease is excessive caloric intake leading to fat accumulation in the liver; therefore, meat consumption should be included within daily total calorie control. When choosing meats, lean cuts should be prioritized, such as chicken breast and beef tenderloin, which are relatively low in fat and rich in protein, helping to meet the body's nutritional needs.

It is recommended to pair meat with vegetables high in dietary fiber, such as broccoli, spinach, and celery, which can delay fat absorption and reduce post-meal fluctuations in blood sugar and lipid levels. Consuming meat in moderate amounts either daily or every other day is advised, avoiding large quantities in a single meal. Alongside dietary adjustments, patients with fatty liver disease should also engage in appropriate physical exercise and have regular liver function check-ups. If necessary, medication should be used under a doctor's guidance to achieve comprehensive disease management.

Patients with fatty liver disease can consume meat in moderation, but should pay attention to selecting lean cuts, controlling cooking methods and portion sizes, and appropriately combining meat with other foods. If you have any concerns or discomfort, it is recommended to promptly consult a healthcare professional or dietitian for advice.

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Dr. Gao Jun
May 28, 2025
Is it okay to squeeze pimples on the temples?

In general, it is not recommended to squeeze pimples appearing on the temples by oneself.

The temple area is located at the edge of the dangerous triangle of the face; squeezing may cause bacteria to travel backward into the bloodstream, leading to intracranial infections, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. Localized infections can worsen and potentially develop into cysts or nodular acne, leaving permanent scars. Skin tissue damage after squeezing may trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or atrophic scarring, which are difficult to repair. Squeezing also stimulates the sebaceous glands, worsening pore blockage and potentially causing acne recurrence or spreading to surrounding areas.

Proper management includes maintaining facial cleanliness and using gentle, non-irritating facial cleansers; avoiding high-sugar and high-fat foods, and maintaining regular sleep patterns and a healthy mindset. Topical medications containing ingredients such as salicylic acid and phenoxyethanol can help reduce inflammation and promote epidermal cell metabolism.

During treatment, maintaining facial cleanliness and avoiding squeezing pimples are important. At the same time, attention should also be given to adjusting sleep patterns and dietary habits, ensuring adequate sleep and eating a light diet, while avoiding excessive consumption of oily and spicy foods to reduce acne occurrence.

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Dr. Liu Wenmin
May 28, 2025
Does staying up late but getting sufficient sleep harm the liver?

In general, staying up late but still getting sufficient sleep may still cause a certain degree of damage to the liver. Although adequate sleep duration can partially alleviate the negative effects caused by staying up late, the impacts of late-night activities on the liver's biological clock, metabolic functions, and repair capabilities cannot be ignored.

The liver possesses an independent biological clock system that participates in regulating physiological functions such as glucose and lipid metabolism, detoxification, and protein synthesis. Staying up late can disrupt the liver's circadian rhythm, leading to metabolic disorders. At night, the liver should naturally reduce the activity of gluconeogenesis; however, staying up late might cause this process to remain active, increasing the risk of blood glucose fluctuations and fat accumulation.

Staying up late may reduce the activity of lipoprotein lipase, leading to elevated blood lipid levels and increasing the risk of fatty liver disease. Late-night habits may also trigger insulin resistance, resulting in increased blood glucose levels, which over time could potentially induce non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The liver is a primary metabolic organ in the human body, responsible for detoxification, protein synthesis, and energy storage.

Therefore, even with sufficient sleep, frequent late-night activities remain an unhealthy lifestyle choice, potentially posing long-term risks to the health of the liver and other organs. It is recommended to maintain a regular sleep-wake schedule as much as possible and avoid unnecessary late nights to promote overall health.

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Dr. Gao Jun
May 28, 2025
Can patients with hepatitis B drink alcohol?

In general, patients with hepatitis B should not consume alcohol.

Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus. Alcohol is primarily metabolized in the liver, and drinking can cause multiple types of liver damage in patients with hepatitis B, worsening the condition and increasing the risk of complications. Alcohol directly harms liver cells, leading to increased liver inflammation and fibrosis, and raising the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. The liver of a hepatitis B patient is already damaged by the viral infection, and alcohol consumption further aggravates this damage, causing the condition to deteriorate.

Treatment for hepatitis B typically includes antiviral medications and liver-protective drugs. Alcohol consumption may interfere with the metabolism and effectiveness of these medications, reducing treatment efficacy. Hepatitis B patients are already prone to complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer, and alcohol intake further increases the risk of developing these complications. In addition, alcohol consumption may impair immune system function, making it easier for the hepatitis B virus to replicate and spread. Drinking may also increase the risk of other health problems such as cardiovascular disease and pancreatitis, and may increase the likelihood of injuries, violence, and traffic accidents after drinking.

To protect the liver, patients with hepatitis B should completely abstain from alcohol consumption. They should also follow medical advice for standardized antiviral treatment and regular follow-up monitoring to control disease progression and improve quality of life. Additionally, healthy lifestyle habits such as a balanced diet, moderate exercise, avoiding smoking and exposure to toxic substances can also help reduce the burden on the liver and promote liver health.

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Dr. Gao Jun
May 28, 2025
Is hepatitis B contagious?

In general, hepatitis B is a contagious disease mainly caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which spreads from person to person through specific transmission routes. Primary modes of HBV transmission include bloodborne transmission, mother-to-child transmission, sexual contact transmission, close contact transmission, and iatrogenic transmission.

Bloodborne transmission can occur via transfusion of blood or blood products contaminated with the hepatitis B virus, or through the use of inadequately sterilized syringes, acupuncture needles, dental instruments, endoscopes, and similar devices. Additionally, sharing personal hygiene items such as razors and toothbrushes may also lead to HBV transmission if there is any skin damage. Mother-to-child transmission refers to the possibility of an infected mother transmitting the virus to her newborn during childbirth or through breast milk. Mother-to-child transmission is one of the major routes of HBV spread and mainly includes intrauterine infection, perinatal transmission, and postpartum transmission.

Sexual contact transmission refers to the possibility of transmitting the hepatitis B virus through unprotected sexual activity. If one sexual partner has hepatitis B, the virus may be transmitted to the other partner. Using condoms can effectively reduce the risk of infection, and sexual partners should receive hepatitis B vaccination. Household members or close contacts may contract the virus through sharing toothbrushes, razors, and other personal items. In cases of broken skin or mucous membranes, such as oral ulcers or skin wounds, contact with bodily fluids containing HBV may also lead to infection. During medical procedures, inadequate sterilization of medical instruments—such as surgical tools, dental instruments, and endoscopes—if contaminated with HBV, may transmit the virus to patients.

Key measures for preventing hepatitis B include receiving the hepatitis B vaccine, avoiding unnecessary blood transfusions and injections, practicing safe sex, and maintaining good personal hygiene. For individuals already infected with HBV, regular liver function monitoring is recommended, and antiviral treatment should be administered under a doctor's guidance to control disease progression.

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Dr. Gao Jun
May 28, 2025
Can patients with hepatitis B donate blood?

Under normal circumstances, hepatitis B refers to hepatitis B viral infection, and individuals with hepatitis B viral infection are not allowed to donate blood.

Hepatitis B is a contagious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The blood of individuals infected with HBV contains the virus. If a person with hepatitis B donates blood, the HBV present in their blood may be transmitted to the recipient through blood transfusion, leading to HBV infection in the recipient. Once HBV enters the body, it replicates extensively in the liver, attacks liver cells, causes damage to hepatocytes, triggers an inflammatory response, and significantly impairs normal liver function. Long-term HBV infection can progress to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer, posing a serious threat to the recipient's health.

The blood of blood donors must undergo strict screening tests, including testing for hepatitis B virus (HBV). If the test results show that the donor is positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), it indicates the presence of HBV in the donor's body, and the individual is not eligible to donate blood regardless of whether liver function is normal. Although blood testing technology can screen donors effectively, blood donation regulations directly exclude individuals with hepatitis B to prevent risk at the source. This is because the virus may not be accurately detected during the testing window period, and once transmitted to the recipient, it can still cause infection.

To ensure the safety and health of blood recipients, individuals with hepatitis B should avoid donating blood. At the same time, hepatitis B patients should actively seek treatment and management to reduce liver damage caused by the virus and prevent further disease progression. Additionally, family members and close contacts of hepatitis B patients should also take precautions and receive timely vaccination to reduce the risk of infection.

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Dr. Gao Jun
May 28, 2025
Are gallstones and bile duct stones serious?

Generally, the severity of hepatobiliary calculi needs to be determined based on the location and size of the stones, as well as whether they have caused complications.

Asymptomatic hepatobiliary stones are usually not severe, but if the stones lead to secondary infections, biliary obstruction, or malignancy, the condition may worsen. Gallbladder stones without symptoms generally carry a low risk; however, if the stones are large or repeatedly cause inflammation, they may become lodged and obstruct the cystic duct, leading to acute cholecystitis, empyema of the gallbladder, gangrene, or even perforation, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. Intrahepatic bile duct stones may not cause obvious symptoms in the early stages, but as the stones grow, they may cause biliary obstruction and bile stasis, leading to atrophy of the drained liver segments, infection, or malignant transformation of the bile duct. If the stones pass into the extrahepatic bile duct, they may block the common bile duct or pancreatic duct orifice, inducing acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis or biliary pancreatitis, potentially resulting in shock or even death.

The severity of hepatobiliary stones mainly depends on their risk of complications. Patients without symptoms require regular monitoring, while those experiencing pain, jaundice, fever, or other symptoms should seek timely medical evaluation. Gallbladder stones without symptoms can usually be managed conservatively; however, common bile duct stones require high vigilance, as they may cause obstructive jaundice, biliary infection, or pancreatitis, necessitating early intervention. In addition, long-term presence of stones may increase the risk of malignancy, particularly intrahepatic bile duct stones, which are more closely associated with cholangiocarcinoma.

Regarding treatment, asymptomatic small stones can be managed through observation and monitoring, while symptomatic stones require specific treatment options such as medication, endoscopic therapy, or surgery based on individual circumstances. For example, common bile duct stones can be removed via ERCP, while laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common choice for recurrent gallbladder stones. For prevention, maintaining a healthy diet, controlling body weight, and regular作息 (作息 should be replaced with an appropriate English term like "rest patterns" or "lifestyle habits") are recommended to reduce the risk of stone formation.

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Dr. Gao Jun
May 28, 2025
Can Wind Oil Essence treat toothache?

Under normal circumstances, Fengyoujing (a topical analgesic) cannot cure toothaches, but may temporarily relieve transient, mild dental pain.

The ingredients in Fengyoujing, such as camphor and menthol, have cooling, pain-relieving, and anti-itch properties. They can temporarily alleviate pain caused by local inflammatory reactions; thus, they may provide temporary relief from toothaches. However, Fengyoujing does not target specific underlying causes and has limited effectiveness on persistent toothaches caused by chronic conditions such as dental caries or periodontitis.

For severe toothaches caused by conditions like acute pulpitis or pericoronitis of wisdom teeth, Fengyoujing may not provide effective pain relief and might even exacerbate pain symptoms due to drug irritation. Individuals with allergic constitutions may experience allergic reactions, such as skin itching, after using Fengyoujing. Prolonged use of Fengyoujing may cause damage to the oral mucosa or trigger allergic reactions. For some patients with toothaches, using Fengyoujing might irritate the oral mucosa, worsening inflammation or causing new oral problems.

Although some ingredients in Fengyoujing may alleviate symptoms of toothache to a certain extent, such relief is usually temporary and cannot cure the underlying cause of the pain. When experiencing dental pain, it is recommended to promptly consult a dentist for a thorough examination and diagnosis to identify the cause and receive targeted treatment. While waiting for medical care, cold compresses may be applied to reduce swelling and pain, consumption of hard or hot foods should be avoided, and good oral hygiene should be maintained.

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Dr. Liu Chao
May 28, 2025
Can I apply ice after having a tooth pulled?

In general, it is acceptable to apply ice after tooth extraction, and cold compresses are recommended as an early post-extraction management approach.

After tooth extraction, the gums and surrounding tissues may experience an inflammatory response, resulting in swelling. Ice application can constrict blood vessels, reduce blood flow to the extraction site, and thus alleviate swelling. Cold therapy can also reduce the sensitivity of nerve endings, diminish the transmission of pain signals, and thereby relieve post-extraction discomfort. By constricting blood vessels, ice application can also help control bleeding at the extraction site, assisting in the formation and stabilization of the blood clot.

The optimal time for ice application is within the first 24 hours after the extraction. Each session should last approximately 15–20 minutes, followed by a rest period of 20–30 minutes to avoid skin frostbite caused by prolonged exposure. Depending on individual conditions, ice compresses may be appropriately repeated during the first few days after the extraction. Use an ice pack or cold compress patch, ensuring the surface of the ice pack is clean and free of sharp objects to prevent skin injuries. Wrap the ice pack in a towel before applying it to avoid direct skin contact and prevent frostbite. Gently place the ice pack on the outside of the cheek corresponding to the extraction site without applying pressure. Although ice application can help alleviate symptoms, it cannot completely replace professional medical treatment and advice. Therefore, after tooth extraction, it is still important to consult your dentist promptly and follow medical instructions for post-operative care and medication to ensure proper oral recovery.

In addition to applying ice, maintaining good oral hygiene is also important. However, avoid brushing or rinsing too vigorously on the first day after extraction, as this may disturb the formation of the blood clot. If persistent severe pain, excessive bleeding, or other unusual symptoms occur after tooth extraction, contact your dentist or visit the clinic promptly.

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Dr. Liu Chao
May 28, 2025