Understanding Abdominal Pain: Is It Muscle Strain or Digestive Issues?
Abdominal palpation causes pain? Hello doctor, I have pain in my abdomen, specifically in the area about 3 centimeters above my navel on both sides. When I engage my abdominal muscles, I experience pain upon pressing, but if I relax, there is still some discomfort, though it'...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It could be anything, but if the pain occurs when changing positions, it is more likely to be muscle inflammation. You can start with local heat application and observe the symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Is It Muscle Strain or Digestive Issues?
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Insights into Liver and Gastrointestinal Issues
Abdominal pain Hello doctor, I just experienced pain again in the triangular area below my ribcage. I noticed that the sensation is different from before. Previously, it was a sudden, very sharp pain with some intensity. Now, it feels like a faint, very sharp pain without any int...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Pay attention to posture, apply local protection and heat therapy, and seek medical attention if necessary.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Insights into Liver and Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Bowel Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Bowel dysfunction Hello, doctor. I am 20 years old and have mild internal hemorrhoids. A few days ago, during a bowel movement, I passed something that looked like solidified white glue, which was layered but dispersed. You suspect it might be related to bowel dysfunction. I woul...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It should be colonic mucus, which is still normal. The general recommendation is to maintain regular bowel movements and not to suppress them.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Morning Abdominal Discomfort: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Morning abdominal "pain" issue? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing abdominal discomfort for a long time (about 3-4 years). Often, when I wake up in the morning, I feel pain around the area approximately three fingerbreadths to the left of my navel. This pain is not ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There should be no major issues with the gastrointestinal tract, and it can be monitored further. The likelihood of neuropathic pain is also low.[Read More] Morning Abdominal Discomfort: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Understanding Hepatitis B Risks: Can You Get Infected from Baked Goods?
Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about issues related to hepatitis B. Thank you! Doctor, I have a colleague who is a carrier of hepatitis B. Recently, they enthusiastically made baked cookies and shared them with everyone. At that time, I didn't pay much attention and ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The chances are very low, so there is no need to worry. Since 1990, universal vaccination for newborns has been implemented, so they should have received the vaccinations.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Risks: Can You Get Infected from Baked Goods?
Understanding Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Remedies
Upper abdominal discomfort or pain? In the middle of the night, I suddenly experienced a feeling of pressure and discomfort in my upper abdomen, but it wasn't very painful—just a dull ache that gradually lessened, allowing me to fall back asleep. A few hours later, I was awa...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
It is advisable to observe whether dietary factors are causing the discomfort. If the pain persists, please seek medical attention promptly. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Remedies
Understanding Bowel Issues: Incomplete Evacuation and Residual Stool
Bowel-related issues? Recently, I've been experiencing a situation where a small amount of stool comes out when I squat or exert pressure on my abdomen after having a bowel movement. The stool is normal and not hard, but when I flush with water, some residual stool comes out...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may be a bowel dysfunction, and it is also necessary to rule out any rectal structural issues. A rectal examination or a fecal occult blood test may be required.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Incomplete Evacuation and Residual Stool
Risks of Eating Undercooked Pork Liver: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Eating undercooked pig liver? Hello, doctor. My family and I are very concerned, so I would like to ask you about something. If we consume pork liver soup and accidentally eat undercooked pork liver, which even exudes a bit of blood when pressed, is there a chance of contracting ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Currently, there are still very few cases of this kind in Taiwan, but please continue to monitor for any symptoms.[Read More] Risks of Eating Undercooked Pork Liver: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding Slime-Like Stool: Causes and Concerns After Sushi
Bowel-related issues? Hello, doctor. I am 20 years old, and today I ate a lot of sashimi. During my bowel movement, I passed a solid that resembled slime and had a membranous texture. What could this be? Is it related to eating sashimi? Could it be mucus accumulation or something...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there is no abdominal pain or diarrhea, further observation is sufficient.[Read More] Understanding Slime-Like Stool: Causes and Concerns After Sushi
Understanding the Timeline of GERD and Barrett's Esophagus Development
The timeline for the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and the formation of Barrett's esophagus? I started experiencing allergic rhinitis issues two to three years ago, occasionally feeling a sensation of a foreign body in my throat. I initially thought t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Long-term symptoms of reflux combined with smoking and alcohol consumption are more likely to be associated with Barrett's esophagus. If there are concerns, an upper endoscopy can be performed for confirmation.[Read More] Understanding the Timeline of GERD and Barrett's Esophagus Development
Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Is It Organ or Nerve Related?
Pain in the left upper abdomen with tenderness upon palpation? Hello, there is localized pain in the left upper abdomen (about 9 cm from the navel) when pressing on the abdomen, with a width of approximately three fingers. It feels dull when not pressed, but it hurts when pressur...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Ultrasound is sufficient; however, gastroscopy may also be considered.[Read More] Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Is It Organ or Nerve Related?
Understanding Tumor Markers: CA 19-9 and Gastrointestinal Health
Tumor markers Hello, on May 25th, I had a check-up with a colorectal specialist due to blood in my stool, and the cause of the bleeding was identified as an anal fissure. I also requested a colonoscopy, which is scheduled for June 14th. On May 25th, I had blood tests and an X-ray...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The accuracy of CA 19-9 is low (with many false positives), making it unsuitable for screening or diagnosis; it should only be used for postoperative monitoring, so there is no need to worry at this time. You can proceed with the endoscopy first and then schedule an appointment w...[Read More] Understanding Tumor Markers: CA 19-9 and Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Is It Related to the Pancreas?
Upper abdominal pain, abdominal ultrasound concerns? Hello Doctor, over the past year, I have occasionally experienced pain in the upper abdomen, particularly in the left upper quadrant. There is usually a specific point that is painful when pressed, and sometimes it seems to be ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Pain in the upper left abdomen is more commonly associated with issues related to gastric acid. Pancreatic problems are less likely unless there is a history of long-term alcohol consumption or hypertriglyceridemia. If the symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a gas...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Is It Related to the Pancreas?
Timing and Guidelines for Taking Medications: Key Considerations
Issues with Medication Timing Hello, Doctor. 1. I would like to ask if the timing for taking medication before meals needs to be fixed. For example, is it acceptable to take medication 30 minutes before breakfast and 1 hour before lunch? The pharmacist mentioned that both 30 mi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If it is taken once a day, it can be changed to a fixed schedule of taking it before lunch.[Read More] Timing and Guidelines for Taking Medications: Key Considerations
Two Weeks of Diarrhea: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Diarrhea for two weeks? Hello Doctor: I am 41 years old, with a height of 159.3 cm and a weight of 51.2 kg. This month, I switched to a night shift from 19:00 to 07:00. I have a regular habit of having a bowel movement once a day, typically 1-2 hours after finishing work. Since s...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
If there are more than three bowel movements per day and the stools are watery and unformed, it is referred to as diarrhea. If it persists for more than four weeks, it is classified as chronic diarrhea. There are many potential causes of diarrhea, including infections, medication...[Read More] Two Weeks of Diarrhea: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Concerns About Endoscopy and Anticoagulant Use: What You Should Know
Nasal-gastric endoscopy issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about the esophagogastroduodenoscopy and Helicobacter pylori test I had on May 21. In April, I experienced recurrent chest tightness and pain, and after consulting several cardiologists and pulmonologists with no i...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Miss Hsiao-Lü: I am unsure which anticoagulant medication you are taking, so I recommend consulting your cardiologist to see if it may affect your examination or coagulation function. If you stop the anticoagulant medication on April 30 and have the examination on May 21, i...[Read More] Concerns About Endoscopy and Anticoagulant Use: What You Should Know
Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Occasional discomfort in the right upper abdomen? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing occasional discomfort in my upper right abdomen for the past 3 to 4 months. The discomfort is located approximately at the junction of the upper right abdomen and the rib cage, and it feels l...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Some individuals may experience similar discomfort, which could be related to peristaltic digestion. Dietary adjustments and medication can help manage the symptoms, and long-term follow-up will likely lead to improvement, so please rest assured.[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Elevated Amylase Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Amylase Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I had a blood test, and yesterday the report showed that my amylase level is slightly elevated (normal range is 28-100 U/L), with my result being 107 U/L. Could this possibly indicate hyperamylasemia? I am quite worried. If it is a possibilit...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A level above 500 is when there is a real concern; if there are no symptoms, there is no need to worry.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Amylase Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Gas Interference in Abdominal Ultrasound Imaging
Gas in abdominal ultrasound? The abdominal ultrasound report indicates that the pancreas is "partially masked by gas," which means that the presence of gas is obstructing a clear view of the pancreas. This does not specifically indicate any problems with the pancreas it...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Yes, the pancreas can be obscured by gastrointestinal air.[Read More] Understanding Gas Interference in Abdominal Ultrasound Imaging
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues After Cryptosporidiosis Infection
Inquiries related to excretion issues? On April 17, I experienced severe diarrhea. On May 2, due to persistent wiping of stool with mucus, I sought medical attention at Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Blood tests indicated an infection with Cryptosporidiosis, while stool tests ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Sorry, there is no experience in treating this infection. Please discuss with the attending physician.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues After Cryptosporidiosis Infection