Understanding Your Digestive Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Diarrhea can be caused by consuming contaminated food or may be due to other underlying issues? On Tuesday afternoon, I bought a cup of coffee at the hospital, and the staff there also drank it without any issues. That evening, I had the same meal as my family, and they were fine...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there are no specific symptoms, it is recommended to have a light diet in small amounts along with hydration, primarily focusing on carbohydrates, and then monitor the situation.[Read More] Understanding Your Digestive Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Unexpected Changes in Bowel Habits: What Does It Mean?
Bowel movements suddenly become very regular? I have had irritable bowel syndrome since I was 15, often alternating between diarrhea and constipation, sometimes going a week without a bowel movement. Two months ago, after recovering from viral gastroenteritis, my bowel movements ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If the changes lead to a more normal state, there should be no need for excessive concern. It is important to maintain normalcy, which may require paying more attention to diet and lifestyle, ensuring adequate hydration, fiber intake, exercise, and appropriately managing s...[Read More] Unexpected Changes in Bowel Habits: What Does It Mean?
Understanding Digestive Issues: Yellow Liquid in Stool and Abdominal Pain
Bowel-related issues? Doctor, I have been experiencing bloating and pain in the upper right quadrant of my abdomen after eating for the past six months. Additionally, I have noticed yellow liquid slowly leaking from my stool, which causes the toilet water to turn yellow. Is this ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: In the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, issues related to the biliary tract or peptic ulcers should be considered. Additionally, the colon also bends from the ascending colon to the transverse colon in this area. Due to the involvement of multiple organs, it is recomme...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Yellow Liquid in Stool and Abdominal Pain
Low Alkaline Phosphatase: Impact of Birth Control Pills on Liver Health?
Low alkaline phosphatase levels? Hello, Doctor. I recently had a health check-up, and the report indicated that my alkaline phosphatase levels are low. I have been taking oral contraceptives, and I would like to know if the medication could be affecting this value. Is it putting ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There is no need to worry about being slightly low.[Read More] Low Alkaline Phosphatase: Impact of Birth Control Pills on Liver Health?
Sudden Severe Abdominal Pain: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
Severe abdominal pain? Hello, doctor. This morning, while I was lying in bed, I suddenly experienced severe abdominal pain (I was lying on my side at the time), accompanied by loud bowel sounds and a slight urge to use the restroom. After using the restroom, I felt somewhat bette...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is a strong peristaltic bowel movement response, which is classified as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is recommended to adjust to a regular lifestyle, reduce the intake of greasy foods and dairy products, and manage emotional stress.[Read More] Sudden Severe Abdominal Pain: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Elevated Bilirubin and Cholesterol Levels: Next Steps for Diagnosis
Elevated levels of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and total cholesterol? Hello, doctor. I recently completed a health check-up, and the results that exceeded the normal range include total bilirubin at 2.88, direct bilirubin at 0.57, total cholesterol at 246, and urine showin...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Abnormal values (with normal ultrasound) are likely due to individual constitution and do not pose a long-term health risk; monitoring is sufficient. Cholesterol can be managed through diet and medication. Pain management can be addressed by consulting a pain specialist or a fami...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Bilirubin and Cholesterol Levels: Next Steps for Diagnosis
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Gas: Causes and When to Seek Help
Left lower abdominal gas? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about a recent issue I've been experiencing. For some time now, I've been feeling gas in my lower left abdomen, sometimes accompanied by sounds or bowel sounds. I can clearly feel gas passing through the intest...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Normal flatulence is expected; a negative stool test allows for monitoring of symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Gas: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: When to Seek Medical Advice
Bowel habit issues? Hello, doctor. I was studying in Taipei for a while, and during that time, I would go to the bathroom about every 2-3 days, with bowel movements mostly normal, ranging from type 3 to type 5 on the Bristol Stool Chart. There was only one instance of occasional ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet, chew food thoroughly, take a walk after meals, and then observe.[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Recurrent hematochezia? Two weeks ago, I started experiencing blood in my stool, and there was blood on the toilet paper when I wiped. I went to the hospital for an examination, and after the doctor performed a digital rectal exam, he said there was no bleeding from the rectum an...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. VC, please complete the colonoscopy to confirm that there are no tumors or other bleeding phenomena. The majority of bleeding causes are still internal hemorrhoids or anal fissures.[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Understanding Bowel Issues: Is It Constipation or Something Else?
Bowel issues Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been having daily bowel movements, but I still feel the urge to go even after I finish. When I sit on the toilet, I can't seem to pass anything more. The color of my stool appears normal, and there are no signs of it becoming thin...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello, Chen A-Lun. Based on your description, it seems you may be experiencing mild constipation. You can try drinking more water, increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, and exercising more to see if your condition improves. If the symptoms persist, it is advisable to c...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Is It Constipation or Something Else?
Risk of Parasite Infection from Using Raw Meat Tongs on Cooked Meat
Using tongs that have been in contact with raw pork to handle cooked meat poses a risk of parasitic infection? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I went to a barbecue restaurant with friends. I made sure to use separate tongs for raw and cooked meat, but my friend later didn't pay at...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The current risk remains low; however, such behavior is unsanitary and not recommended.[Read More] Risk of Parasite Infection from Using Raw Meat Tongs on Cooked Meat
Understanding Stomach Ulcer Treatment: Duration and Medication Insights
Gastric ulcer medication Hello, I had an endoscopy last time and was diagnosed with a gastric ulcer. The doctor said I need to take the medication "Omeprazole" for four months. Do I really need to take the medication for four months to heal?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
The treatment course for gastric ulcers varies depending on the underlying causes (such as the use of analgesics or Helicobacter pylori infection) and the size of the ulcer. Pharmacological treatment typically involves the use of proton pump inhibitors, which can improve symptoms...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Ulcer Treatment: Duration and Medication Insights
Chronic Diarrhea: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Persistent diarrhea Hello doctor, I have been experiencing chronic diarrhea for over a month, often occurring after meals, with stools that are soft or mushy. My appetite has decreased somewhat, but I can still eat. I'm not sure if this is related to the hot weather or if it...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Dear Mr. Anonymous: It is recommended that you seek medical examination to determine your condition, which will allow for further diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Cai Jin-ji, Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Chronic Diarrhea: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Can You Take Cialis with Hepatitis B and Normal Liver Function?
Can a person with hepatitis B take Cialis? If liver function is normal, is it safe to take Cialis 5mg, or is it not recommended?
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Mr. Hsiao-Hsiang: Cialis is primarily metabolized by the liver. The condition of hepatitis B and the liver should be assessed through blood tests and ultrasound. Normal liver enzyme levels do not necessarily indicate that there are no issues. It is recommended to first conf...[Read More] Can You Take Cialis with Hepatitis B and Normal Liver Function?
Understanding Post-Medication Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
Feeling bloated and experiencing belching after taking medication? Hello Doctor: About a week ago, I had lymphadenitis and received treatment with antibiotics. Before taking my last dose, I was eating chocolate and had swallowed a piece just before I needed to take my medication....
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If symptoms persist, you may visit a gastroenterology clinic and avoid hard or hot foods initially.[Read More] Understanding Post-Medication Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Morning Bowel Issues: Anxiety and Digestive Health
Bowel movement issues? For the past two months, due to work, I sometimes have to wake up very early for morning shifts. After having breakfast, about half an hour to an hour later, I always feel the urge to have a bowel movement. Most of the time, it is soft stools or diarrhea, a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Food can stimulate normal peristaltic reflexes, and when combined with stress and anxiety, it can lead to increased frequency of bowel movements or diarrhea.[Read More] Understanding Morning Bowel Issues: Anxiety and Digestive Health
Needle Stick Injury: Should I Get HBIG After Exposure?
Needle-related issues? Hello, doctor. I am a healthcare professional. Recently, while handling sharp instruments, I accidentally sustained a needle stick injury. The source patient has no systemic diseases and is negative for Hepatitis B and C. My health check report from 2022 sh...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
In both theory and practice, there is no need to administer HBIG; monitoring is sufficient.[Read More] Needle Stick Injury: Should I Get HBIG After Exposure?
Concerns for Hepatitis B Carriers: Creatinine Levels and Diet
Concerns about creatinine levels and diet in hepatitis B carriers? Hello Doctor, I am a carrier of hepatitis B and currently taking the antiviral medication Hepatitis B Stable. I have regular follow-up appointments for check-ups. This time, my blood test report shows a creatinine...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. Consultation with a nephrologist may be necessary for evaluation and dosage adjustment. 2. Pain medications may have an impact; consider discontinuing or switching to acetaminophen. 3. A generally normal and balanced diet is sufficient.[Read More] Concerns for Hepatitis B Carriers: Creatinine Levels and Diet
Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Muscle Strain or Need for Medical Attention?
Left lower abdominal tenderness? Pain in the lower left abdomen when exerting pressure or straining has persisted for 3-4 days, but bowel movements and urination are currently normal. Could this be a muscle strain, or should I seek consultation in a specific medical specialty? Th...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If it is related to a specific posture or movement (such as lifting, turning, or bending), it may be a strain, which can typically be initially treated at a family medicine clinic.[Read More] Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Muscle Strain or Need for Medical Attention?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Managing Hunger and Discomfort
Gastrointestinal issues Hello, doctor. I weigh 48 kg and am 170 cm tall. Due to work reasons, my sleep schedule is irregular, but I do have a consistent sleep pattern. About two weeks ago, I started feeling hungry every day. This hunger is tolerable, and eating provides some sens...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Hello, I'm not quite clear on what you mean by feeling hungry in your stomach every day. At what time and under what circumstances does this occur? If you have already sought medical attention, I recommend consulting your attending physician in person for clearer insights an...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Managing Hunger and Discomfort