Long-Term Use of Mebever and Catilon: Risks and Side Effects Explained
Long-term use of Mebeverine and Catilon? Hello, doctor. I have been suffering from irritable bowel syndrome for a long time, so I have been taking related medications, with the most common ones being Mebeverine and Catilon. I would like to know if long-term use (continuously for ...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. Anonymous, regarding the medication you mentioned taking long-term, there are currently no specific side effects. However, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) cannot be cured. If your symptoms improve, you may consider discontinuing the medication or reducing the dosage. You...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Mebever and Catilon: Risks and Side Effects Explained
Understanding Nighttime Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Woke up at night due to abdominal pain? Two days ago, I woke up around 3 AM due to abdominal pain. I was lying flat on my back at the time, and the pain felt localized in the upper abdomen. It slightly eased when I turned onto my side. Before sleeping, I had a sensation of bloati...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
You can start by adjusting your diet and observing whether the stool color returns to normal. If you continue to experience black stools, bloating, or abdominal pain, it is recommended to visit a gastroenterology clinic for examination. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Changes in Stool Shape: What Does It Mean for Your Health?
Stool becomes thin? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have noticed that my stools are sometimes not well-formed and seem to be thinner (though I don't remember how they looked before). Today, my stool is quite thin, and I am unsure if it resembles what is referred to online as "...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
You may continue to monitor your condition, but if you still experience discomfort, please visit the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology outpatient clinic. If you have already undergone examinations, it is advisable to consult your attending physician in person. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Changes in Stool Shape: What Does It Mean for Your Health?
Understanding Pink Toilet Water: Is It a Sign of Internal Hemorrhoids?
Stool issues with pink-colored toilet water? Today, on February 28th, I went to the bathroom twice. The first time, I had a normal bowel movement with yellow, formed stool. However, during the second visit, I urgently needed to go, and although the stool was yellow and formed, th...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
It is recommended to visit the colorectal surgery outpatient clinic for examination. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Pink Toilet Water: Is It a Sign of Internal Hemorrhoids?
Possible Causes of Cloudy Stool Without Diarrhea: A Gastrointestinal Perspective
Bowel issues If you notice that your stool has become watery and cloudy, it could be due to several reasons, even if you are not experiencing diarrhea. Possible causes may include dietary changes, dehydration, or the presence of undigested food. Additionally, it could indicate an...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Further observation is recommended. If there are any concerns, please visit the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology outpatient clinic. Thank you.[Read More] Possible Causes of Cloudy Stool Without Diarrhea: A Gastrointestinal Perspective
How Long Are Fecal Occult Blood Test Results Valid?
What is the validity period for fecal occult blood test results? Hello doctor, I would like to ask how often a fecal occult blood test should be done. I had one done in the middle of last year, and the result was negative, indicating no issues. Currently, I feel that my stool see...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
You can schedule an appointment with the gastroenterology department for a detailed examination.[Read More] How Long Are Fecal Occult Blood Test Results Valid?
Blood After Bowel Movements: Causes and When to Seek Help
Bleeding after bowel movements? Doctor, hello. Recently, I've noticed blood after having a bowel movement. When I wipe with toilet paper, there's a significant amount of blood. My stools are about the size of a 50-cent coin, and I go about every two days, experiencing b...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to follow up with the colorectal department for another endoscopy at Changhua Hospital to monitor your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Blood After Bowel Movements: Causes and When to Seek Help
Can I Drink Vitamin C Effervescent Tablets with Acid Reflux?
Can I take vitamin C effervescent tablets if I have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? I have undergone a gastroscopy and there was slight mucosal abrasion. Biopsy and Helicobacter pylori tests were normal, but I occasionally feel a mild sensation of something stuck in my th...
Dr. Luo Yining Reply:
Caffeinated beverages, whole milk, and sweets can exacerbate symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), so it is advisable to avoid drinking milk tea. If you want to supplement with vitamin C, it is recommended to take effervescent tablets after meals.[Read More] Can I Drink Vitamin C Effervescent Tablets with Acid Reflux?
Follow-Up Guidelines for Benign Colon Polyp Removal: Timing and Recommendations
Follow-up after colon polypectomy? Hello, doctor. I had a colonoscopy two years ago where two polyps were removed. If the removed colon polyps were benign and approximately 0.5 cm in size, how long should I wait for the next follow-up examination (2-3 years or 3-5 years)? Thank y...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
In Taiwan, it can be done in a shorter time frame, while in the United States, it typically takes 3 to 5 years.[Read More] Follow-Up Guidelines for Benign Colon Polyp Removal: Timing and Recommendations
Sudden Changes in Bowel Habits: When to Seek Further Gastrointestinal Evaluation
Sudden changes in bowel habits with no abnormalities found upon examination? Hello, doctor. I have a bowel movement once a day. Since the end of January this year, I have noticed that my stool has become softer and wetter than before. Previously, my stools were more formed, resem...
Dr. Luo Yining Reply:
According to the Bristol Stool Scale, stool can be classified into seven types, with types three and four being the ideal stool forms. Type three stool is sausage-shaped but has cracks on the surface (similar to the bowel habits you described in the past), while your current bowe...[Read More] Sudden Changes in Bowel Habits: When to Seek Further Gastrointestinal Evaluation
Understanding Fundic Gland Polyps: What You Need to Know After Your Endoscopy
Fundic gland polyp Hello Doctor: I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy last week and found a gastric polyp approximately 1 cm in size. This week, I received the report indicating it is a fundic gland polyp. The report states: MICROSCOPIC DESCRIPTION: The section shows a...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
This report indicates gastric fundic gland polyps, with no intestinal metaplasia, no Helicobacter pylori, no cellular atypia, and no malignancy. You can rest assured. Please follow up as per medical advice. Wishing you good health![Read More] Understanding Fundic Gland Polyps: What You Need to Know After Your Endoscopy
Understanding Digestive Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Gastrointestinal issues Since the start of last school year (September), I have been experiencing mild pain on the sides of my abdomen and in the four corners. At that time, my bowel movements were not very smooth, and the doctor diagnosed me with constipation, advising me to dri...
Dr. Luo Yining Reply:
If symptoms persist or worsen despite adjustments in lifestyle and dietary habits, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician or a pediatric gastroenterologist for further evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Soft Stool: Parasite Infection or Medication Side Effects?
Parasitic infectious diarrhea Hello, Dr. Luo. In April 2021, I experienced a mental health crisis and, in an attempt to avoid being forcibly taken to the hospital by my family, I hid in a public restroom at a temple. During that time, I completely lost my rationality and felt ext...
Dr. Luo Yining Reply:
Most intestinal parasites enter the human body through the oral route. Poor dietary or hygiene practices, such as consuming raw or undercooked food, drinking unclean water, and failing to wash hands before eating or after using the restroom, can lead to the ingestion of parasite ...[Read More] Understanding Soft Stool: Parasite Infection or Medication Side Effects?
Understanding Stomach Ulcers: Severity, Symptoms, and Treatment Insights
Follow-up on gastric ulcers? Hello Dr. Luo: I have been experiencing severe stomach pain occasionally over the past few months, and my appetite has significantly decreased. A few days ago, I underwent an endoscopy, and the doctor, mixing Mandarin and Taiwanese, explained to my fa...
Dr. Luo Yining Reply:
Regarding your question, since I haven't seen the images from the endoscopy, I can only explain based on your description. If you still have doubts, you may consult the physician who performed the endoscopy. Firstly, normal gastric mucosa appears as a beautiful pink color un...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Ulcers: Severity, Symptoms, and Treatment Insights
Persistent Gas and Bloating While Sitting: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Frequent flatulence while sitting for extended periods? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing these symptoms for about three years now. Whenever I sit at school, I often feel the urge to pass gas, burp, and my stomach feels bloated. These occurrences happen very frequently. Ini...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It's just normal flatulence; you can reduce the intake of gas-producing foods in your daily diet.[Read More] Persistent Gas and Bloating While Sitting: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Elevated Amylase Levels: Causes and Concerns
Amylase levels cannot be reduced? Hello, Doctor. On March 5th, I accidentally consumed spoiled glutinous rice balls (which had been refrigerated for about a week). That evening, around 10 PM, I had fast food fried chicken for dinner and then went to bed. The next day, March 6th, ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The pancreas shows only mild inflammation; the numbers are for reference and should not be a cause for concern. A light diet is recommended, and follow-up appointments should be scheduled as planned.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Amylase Levels: Causes and Concerns
Left Abdominal Pain Near Belly Button: Symptoms and Possible Causes
Occasionally experiencing pain when pressing on the left side of the abdomen near the navel, having yellowish stools with visible black particles resembling vegetable remnants, and a persistent urge to have a bowel movement? Hello doctor, today I noticed that pressing on the left...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It's just symptoms caused by peristalsis, so there's no need to worry.[Read More] Left Abdominal Pain Near Belly Button: Symptoms and Possible Causes
Do All Patients with Stomach Ulcers Need Biopsies?
Questions related to gastric ulcer biopsy? Last week, I had an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and the doctor mentioned that I have a mild gastric ulcer, but he said a biopsy is needed for confirmation. I would like to ask if it is common for patients with gastric ulcers to req...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A convenient biopsy will be performed to obtain approximately 0.5 cm of gastric mucosal tissue for pathological examination.[Read More] Do All Patients with Stomach Ulcers Need Biopsies?
Understanding Stomach Polyps: Are They Always Benign?
The issue of gastric polyps? Hello Doctor: Last week, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and the doctor mentioned that I have a polyp approximately 1 cm in size, which is benign and has been removed. Can you confirm that it is indeed benign? Is there a possibility t...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Most gastric polyps are benign. If they are too large, or if there are complications such as ulceration, bleeding, or obstruction, appropriate management is required. The physician has provided the necessary treatment. It is advised not to worry too much. Follow-up in the outpati...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Polyps: Are They Always Benign?
Understanding Constipation: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Health
Constipation issues? Hello Doctor, I have been struggling with constipation for the past two months. My bowel movements occur approximately every three days, and they are usually hard and difficult to pass. In terms of diet, I have been eating very healthily during these two mont...
Dr. Luo Yining Reply:
There are many factors that can trigger constipation, including insufficient intake of fiber and water, prolonged sitting, changes in environment, medication use, structural abnormalities of the colon, or endocrine disorders, among others. Any persistent changes in bowel habits, ...[Read More] Understanding Constipation: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Health