Chronic Abdominal Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Relief
Chronic abdominal pain with bowel sounds? I have been experiencing sudden and persistent abdominal pain for about three months, with pain occurring nearly every day. The intensity varies between severe pain and a more tolerable discomfort. Sometimes, the pain feels like sharp, st...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Borborygmi may be caused by rapid intestinal motility combined with the accumulation of gas in the intestines. If there is a history of abdominal surgery, there may be mild intestinal adhesions. If there is no surgical history, it is important to first check if the diet co...[Read More] Chronic Abdominal Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Relief
Is It IBS or a More Serious Gastrointestinal Issue?
Is it irritable bowel syndrome or a more serious gastrointestinal issue? Hello Dr. Tsai, I have always had digestive issues and often experience bloating. Recently, in the past month, I have had about three episodes of cramping pain in my lower left abdomen. Yesterday afternoon,...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: This symptom seems more like constipation. I can prescribe some stool softeners and probiotics for you. I also recommend increasing your fluid intake and consuming more fruits and vegetables to see if your symptoms improve. Regarding the presence of blood streaks, please m...[Read More] Is It IBS or a More Serious Gastrointestinal Issue?
Understanding Bloating and Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Further Testing
Gastrointestinal bloating issues Hello, doctor. Last week, I suddenly experienced persistent sharp pain and bloating in my lower abdomen on both sides. I did not have diarrhea or vomiting. The next day, I went to the emergency room, and it happened to be the morning my menstrual ...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: After gastroenteritis, there will be a recovery period lasting from several days to a few weeks, which varies from person to person and depends on the severity of the gastroenteritis. A light diet is recommended, and it is advisable to monitor your condition for 2-3 weeks....[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Further Testing
Is Diarrhea Normal After Antibiotics? When to Seek Medical Advice
Loose stool issues? Hello, doctor! Recently, I went to the hospital due to throat inflammation, and the doctor prescribed me antibiotics (Fleming 1g) and anti-inflammatory medication. The day after taking the antibiotics, my stool became loose, although the frequency is the same ...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: After finishing the medication, you can observe the situation or consider supplementing with probiotics, as the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut may be disrupted by oral antibiotics. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Is Diarrhea Normal After Antibiotics? When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Stomach Discomfort: Symptoms and Relief for Gastritis
Stomach discomfort? Hello, Dr. Tsai. I am the junior high school student who had gastritis last time. I took a more cautious approach and underwent an endoscopy and ultrasound. The doctor confirmed that it is gastritis. After taking medication, the bloating and loss of appetite a...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Try to avoid applying external pressure to the abdomen. Under natural conditions, the gastrointestinal tract already contains air, so there is no need to be overly concerned about whether it is distended or not. As long as the abdomen feels soft to the touch, there is no n...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Discomfort: Symptoms and Relief for Gastritis
Managing Hemorrhoids During Fertility Treatments: Essential Tips and Advice
During the preconception period, how should mixed hemorrhoids be managed? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing intermittent issues with hemorrhoids for many years, primarily noticing them when there is blood in my stool. However, in the past six months, I am not sure if it is ...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Hemorrhoids can be managed with warm baths, topical ointments, or suppositories, and it is not always necessary to take medication. Additionally, avoid prolonged sitting or standing, and increase your intake of fruits and vegetables to stay hydrated and prevent constipatio...[Read More] Managing Hemorrhoids During Fertility Treatments: Essential Tips and Advice
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: When to Seek Medical Attention
Rectal bleeding Recently, I have experienced bleeding after bowel movements. The amount of blood is quite significant, turning the entire toilet bright red. After using the restroom, I also feel slight pain in the anal area, and I can feel a small lump when I touch it. I have bee...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello Ms. A, based on your description, it seems to be an external hemorrhoid. You may want to consult with a colorectal surgeon to evaluate whether treatment is necessary. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Symptoms of Colon Cancer: What You Need to Know
Symptoms of colorectal cancer? During high school, I often experienced blood in my stool (the stool was very hard and the blood was bright red). After starting college, my sleep schedule and diet became irregular. Recently, over the past month, I've been experiencing frequen...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Colorectal cancer does not have specific symptoms; certain symptoms are merely indicative. It is important to pay attention to whether your diet is balanced, and if you are getting enough hydration and fiber. If necessary, you may consult a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hos...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms of Colon Cancer: What You Need to Know
Intermittent Right Abdominal Pain: Is It Just Eating Too Fast?
Pain on the right side of the abdomen near the navel, resembling cramping? Sometimes after eating, there is a cramp-like pain on the right side of the abdomen near the navel, which is intermittent. It improves with pressure or rest and has been occurring for a long time. Could th...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It is advisable not to eat too quickly or too much, as this may cause symptoms related to gastric motility or spasms. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Intermittent Right Abdominal Pain: Is It Just Eating Too Fast?
Managing Gastritis: Symptoms, Diet, and Healing Time for Teens
What should I do for gastritis? Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you. I am currently in the third year of junior high and preparing for the entrance exam. Last Monday (February 1st), I had a normal lunch, but suddenly I couldn't eat dinner. By the evening of February...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: (1) Removing the causes of gastritis and taking medication will quickly alleviate symptoms. (2) Avoid overly acidic or hard fruits. (3) Maintain a balanced diet and avoid tea, coffee, spicy foods, fried foods, and high-fat, high-protein foods. (4) It is likely caused by ex...[Read More] Managing Gastritis: Symptoms, Diet, and Healing Time for Teens
Understanding Anal Pain: Possible Causes and Remedies for Your Symptoms
Anal fissure? Hemorrhoids? Gastroenteritis? There is no constipation; I remember having bowel movements a few days ago, but recently my stools have been somewhat "sticky and soft." I have difficulty passing stools completely, and my anus does not feel clean after wiping...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: (1) Both anal fissures and hemorrhoids are possible. (2) It is possible. (3) You can continue using it. (4) Avoid hot and spicy foods, and increase your intake of water and fiber to prevent hard stools. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Anal Pain: Possible Causes and Remedies for Your Symptoms
Understanding Bloating, Belching, and Rib Pain: A Teen's Health Journey
Belching, diarrhea, and pain in both sides of the rib cage? Hello, doctor. I am currently a sophomore in high school. Since starting high school, my body has experienced many issues that were not common before. The story begins in May 2020, during the second midterm exams. I sudd...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Do not eat late-night snacks before bed, avoid eating too quickly, and do not bend over, lie face down, or lie flat after eating. Try to consume easily digestible foods, and you may consider taking probiotics, which could help improve your condition. If there is still no i...[Read More] Understanding Bloating, Belching, and Rib Pain: A Teen's Health Journey
Understanding Incomplete Bowel Movements: When to Seek Medical Advice
Incomplete bowel evacuation? Hello Doctor, for the past few days (about a week), I have been experiencing the sensation of needing to have a bowel movement even after I have just finished. I usually go twice, but sometimes I also have a bowel movement at night, and I do pass stoo...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Individual hard stools may indicate constipation, and symptoms such as the presence of blood or the need to have a bowel movement more than twice could also be related to constipation. It is advisable to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables and stay hydrated. If t...[Read More] Understanding Incomplete Bowel Movements: When to Seek Medical Advice
Persistent Stomach Pain and Throat Inflammation: Seeking Medical Advice
Stomach pain, throat inflammation? Hello, Doctor. On January 25th, I visited an ENT specialist due to stomach pain, mild diarrhea, and a sore throat with inflammation and redness. After taking the three-day medication prescribed by the doctor, my condition improved slightly, but ...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If we exclude the possibility of a cold, gastroesophageal reflux can also cause pharyngitis, chest tightness, and upper abdominal pain. You may consult a gastroenterologist for an evaluation to determine if it is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, if there is...[Read More] Persistent Stomach Pain and Throat Inflammation: Seeking Medical Advice
Understanding Granular Stool: When to Seek Gastrointestinal Evaluation
Bowel movement with granules? In recent months, my bowel movements have mostly been pellet-like, not dry or hard, and the process is not painful (though I do have to exert some effort). The frequency is about twice a day to once every two days, and I often feel like I haven'...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If you are unable to have a bowel movement, it should not be a major concern, but it is recommended to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, as it may not be sufficient. If there is no improvement, you may want to consult a gastroenterologist for an evaluation to ...[Read More] Understanding Granular Stool: When to Seek Gastrointestinal Evaluation
Does Eating Starch and Protein Together Delay Digestion Time?
Digestive time issues? I would like to ask the doctor about information I found online stating that consuming starch and protein together may delay digestion time. For example, if eating rice takes about 1 hour to digest and fish also takes around 60 minutes, does that mean if I ...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: As the size of food bolus increases, insufficient chewing, or the consumption of high-fat/high-protein foods can prolong gastric emptying time. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Does Eating Starch and Protein Together Delay Digestion Time?
Understanding Digestion: Factors Affecting Gastric Emptying Time
Digestive issues related to food? 1. I would like to ask the doctor, if I consume the same food but at half the usual amount, will the gastric emptying time approximately decrease by half? 2. Regarding the information online that refined starches take about one hour for gastric...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The gastric emptying time can vary depending on individual constitution and the type of food consumed. For example, individuals with diabetes or chronic illnesses, as well as those who are bedridden, may experience altered gastric emptying times. Changhua Hospital cares ab...[Read More] Understanding Digestion: Factors Affecting Gastric Emptying Time
Left Lower Abdominal Pain During Exercise: Causes and Concerns
Pain in the lower left abdomen during walking or exercise, along with occasional sensations of gas moving through the lower left abdomen, raises concerns about potential underlying issues. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation to ...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If we do not consider issues related to the abdominal wall muscles, the organs in the left lower abdomen include the colon and the urinary system. Additionally, it is important to rule out the possibility of a hernia. You may consult a gastroenterologist and a urologist to...[Read More] Left Lower Abdominal Pain During Exercise: Causes and Concerns
Post-Bariatric Surgery: Managing Worsened Acid Reflux Symptoms
After undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has worsened? Hello Doctor, I have a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurring about 3-4 times a week. Recently, I underwent gastric sleeve surgery due to morbid obesity, and it has...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It may be more helpful to consult with the surgeon who performed your operation, as they are likely to have a better understanding of your condition. In addition to the types of food, the quantity of food consumed is also important, as the stomach's capacity is reduce...[Read More] Post-Bariatric Surgery: Managing Worsened Acid Reflux Symptoms
Understanding Rusty Smelling Stool: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Rusty-smelling stool? Hello Doctor: This morning, I only had a small bowel movement, and the stool was brown in color. However, when I wiped, I noticed a bit of what looked like black stool mixed with mucus. Later, during lunch, I had a more complete bowel movement, but it had a ...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Checking for occult blood in the stool can help determine if there is any bleeding, eliminating the need for further speculation. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Rusty Smelling Stool: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues