Managing Pancreatic Cysts: Alternatives to Surgery for Duct Obstruction
Pancreatic pseudocyst leading to acute pancreatitis? 1. My husband recently experienced upper abdominal distension and fever, and he went to the emergency department for evaluation. He was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and was hospitalized for further examination. An MRI reve...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A gastroenterologist specializing in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) can assess whether medical treatment is feasible (however, it may be limited to drainage or aspiration, as definitiv...[Read More] Managing Pancreatic Cysts: Alternatives to Surgery for Duct Obstruction
Managing Rectal Bleeding: Tips for Constipation and Hemorrhoids
Rectal bleeding Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing constipation and have noticed quite a bit of blood in my stool. Recently, I've been eating more vegetables and taking digestive enzymes, which have helped reduce my constipation, and I am having bowel movements daily. Ho...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Typically, hemorrhoids are treated with topical ointments or suppositories, and oral medications have limited effectiveness. However, if there is persistent bleeding, it is advisable to consult a colorectal or gastroenterology specialist, as the bleeding may not solely be ...[Read More] Managing Rectal Bleeding: Tips for Constipation and Hemorrhoids
Does Dupin 5mg Affect GPT Levels in Liver Function Tests?
The GPT index is too high? Will taking Dupin 5mg affect the GPT levels in blood tests?
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If there is no overdose, it should not cause liver inflammation. You can visit a gastroenterologist for a detailed examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Does Dupin 5mg Affect GPT Levels in Liver Function Tests?
Understanding Blood in Stool: Should You Worry About Your Digestive Health?
Bowel movement issues Hello Doctor: I had a health check-up in August of this year, and my stool occult blood test was normal. Recently, I have been eating cherry tomatoes until three days ago when I stopped. Today, when I went to the bathroom, I noticed that the stool had a dark...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If the symptoms do not reappear after discontinuing tomatoes, there is no need to worry too much. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Should You Worry About Your Digestive Health?
Understanding Stool Shape Variations: Is It Normal?
Bowel issues: irregular shape? Passing long, normal stools along with small, pellet-like stools can indicate a change in bowel habits. While the presence of both types of stools may not be inherently abnormal, it could suggest issues such as dehydration, dietary changes, or poten...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Having hard, pellet-like stools is indicative of constipation. It is advisable to increase fluid intake and incorporate an appropriate amount of fruits and vegetables into your diet. If this occurs occasionally, it should not be considered a "change in stool pattern.&...[Read More] Understanding Stool Shape Variations: Is It Normal?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Diarrhea, Bowel Sounds, and Concerns
Diarrhea, borborygmi, gastrointestinal issues? Hello Doctor, I am 20 years old, 186 cm tall, and weigh around 77-80 kg. I would like to ask about my recent gastrointestinal issues. I have been experiencing alternating diarrhea and normal bowel movements, and sometimes my stools a...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The likelihood of colon cancer at the age of 20 is low. You can monitor changes in your stool and avoid irritating foods, caffeinated beverages, and fruits with high water content. If there is still no improvement, you may consider a colonoscopy. Changhua Hospital cares ab...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Diarrhea, Bowel Sounds, and Concerns
Understanding Pancreatic Issues from Abdominal Ultrasound Results
Abdominal ultrasound issues - pancreatic problems? Hello Doctor: I had an abdominal ultrasound, and part of the report states: PANCREAS: echogenic pancreas, head/tail: poor resolution, body: normal. During the procedure, the doctor mentioned that the pancreas appeared to be somew...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The echogenic pancreas shows poor resolution in the head and tail, while the body appears normal. This means that only the body of the pancreas is visible, and the head and tail are obscured by intestinal gas. Fatty pancreas is similar to fatty liver, which requires weight...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Issues from Abdominal Ultrasound Results
Can Freezing Kill Pork Tapeworms and Their Eggs? Expert Insights
Pork tapeworm I am a bit concerned after eating what I suspect was undercooked pork. I would like to ask the doctor if the larvae and eggs of the pork tapeworm can be killed through freezing. If so, how long should the pork be frozen?
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Freezing at -5°C for three days, -24°C for one day, or cooking at temperatures above 65.5°C can effectively kill parasites. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Can Freezing Kill Pork Tapeworms and Their Eggs? Expert Insights
Should You Take Nankang Weili Zan Before or After Meals?
Nanguang Weili Zan should be taken before meals? Hello Dr. Tsai, I have gastroesophageal reflux disease, and the doctor prescribed me Nankang Gastric Relief to be taken twice a day. The medication bag and the Nankang product leaflet state to take it after breakfast and dinner, bu...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It can be taken before or after meals. However, since it is a medication that suppresses gastric acid secretion, taking it before meals aims to achieve the suppressive effect before food enters the stomach. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Should You Take Nankang Weili Zan Before or After Meals?
Understanding Chronic Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Insights from a Specialist
Inquiry Consultation Hello Dr. Tsai, I would like to ask you a question. On a certain day at the end of 2017, after consuming citrus fruits, I experienced two symptoms that evening. One symptom was a feeling of fullness and tightness in my lower right abdomen, occasionally accom...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The symptoms you are experiencing may simply be a result of food irritating the gastrointestinal tract, leading to increased gastrointestinal motility. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Insights from a Specialist
Understanding Uneven Stool Color: Is It Normal?
Uneven stool color issue? Hello Dr. Tsai, I would like to ask you about something. I keep a record of my bowel movements, and I often notice that the first half of the stool is a normal brown or dark yellow-brown color, while the second half is yellow to light yellow or close to ...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The color of the stool in the front section may be darker because it contains less water compared to the wetter stool in the back section. This is a normal phenomenon and does not require excessive concern. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Uneven Stool Color: Is It Normal?
Understanding Esophageal Lipomas: Symptoms, Risks, and Follow-Up Care
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Issues Hello, doctor. I had an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at the clinic over two months ago, and the physician mentioned that a mass suspected to be a lipoma was found at the distal end of the esophagus. He also indicated that it is likely not eso...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Usually, leiomyomas are more common and are benign lesions. It is recommended to undergo further endoscopic ultrasound examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Lipomas: Symptoms, Risks, and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Dark Brown Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
The stool color is darker than usual? Hello Doctor, I have been waking up with stomach pain this week, and then I have to have a bowel movement. The stools are somewhat fragmented and short, not very complete long shapes, but they are all brown in color. Yesterday, I decided to t...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Black or red indicates bleeding. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Dark Brown Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Two Weeks of Watery Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns
Diarrhea for two weeks? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about having diarrhea for two weeks. What could this symptom indicate?
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Avoid irritating foods, and if you experience fever and abdominal pain, seek medical attention. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Two Weeks of Watery Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Rectal Issues: Causes of Constipation and Hemorrhoids
Anal issues Hello Dr. Tsai, thank you for seeing me. Recently, for the past three weeks, I have been experiencing a sensation of constipation, where I feel like my stool is stuck and it takes me over 20 minutes to have a bowel movement, unlike before when it would come out easily...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The external hemorrhoids near the anal area may be caused by recent constipation, which has led to increased pressure. You can consult a gastroenterologist or a colorectal specialist at Changhua Hospital to address your health concerns. Dr. Cai Anshun.[Read More] Understanding Rectal Issues: Causes of Constipation and Hemorrhoids
Can I Undergo an Endoscopy with a Mouth Ulcer?
Gastrointestinal endoscopy issues? Hello Doctor: I have a scheduled gastroscopy on October 11, but I accidentally bit my mouth yesterday, resulting in an oral ulcer. Can I still proceed with the gastroscopy under these circumstances? Thank you for your assistance, Doctor!
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Yes, it does not affect Changhua Hospital's concern for your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Can I Undergo an Endoscopy with a Mouth Ulcer?
Understanding Thin Stools: Is It a Sign of Gut Issues?
The stool is often quite thin? I have a daily bowel movement habit, and I underwent a colonoscopy a few months ago, which showed no significant issues. However, I would like to ask why my stool is often thin (though sometimes it appears normal). Could there be any intestinal abno...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If you have recently undergone a colonoscopy and confirmed that there are no tumors, it is possible that the stool itself is softer and takes on the shape of the anus as it exits. There is likely no need to be overly concerned. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr...[Read More] Understanding Thin Stools: Is It a Sign of Gut Issues?
Understanding Stomach Discomfort: Causes and Concerns About Gastric Cancer
Stomach discomfort? Hello, doctor. I've been experiencing some discomfort in my stomach for the past two to three weeks, especially when I'm on an empty stomach. I often feel a warm sensation in my stomach and occasionally have stomach pain. I would like to know what mi...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Generally speaking, the symptoms you described are more likely caused by gastric acid, while stomach cancer is less likely to present symptoms. If you still have concerns, you may want to consult a gastroenterologist to see if an endoscopy is necessary. Additionally, it is...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Discomfort: Causes and Concerns About Gastric Cancer
Can Taking Medications on an Empty Stomach Cause Issues?
Take the medication before meals? Hello, doctor. I am experiencing discomfort in my stomach and have come for a consultation. Currently, I am taking Dobecon, Dialicon, Unstop, and Gaslon. I usually do not have breakfast, but the instructions for these medications indicate that th...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: These medications themselves do not harm the stomach, so it is acceptable to take them on an empty stomach. However, for pain relievers, it is recommended to take them after meals. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Can Taking Medications on an Empty Stomach Cause Issues?
Understanding Persistent Right Lower Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Concerns
Prolonged bloating in the lower right abdomen? Hello Doctor, I apologize for interrupting you during your busy schedule! Around May and June of this year, I suddenly noticed that lightly tapping my right lower abdomen (the area next to the navel down to the lower abdomen) produc...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. The left and right colon are not completely symmetrical, so they will not be exactly the same on both sides. 2. If menstrual symptoms are more severe, it may be necessary to consider gynecological issues such as endometriomas. Additionally, it could simply be irritable ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Right Lower Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Concerns