Understanding Pancreatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks of Recurrence
Pancreatitis issues Hello, doctor. My father experienced severe abdominal pain about 5.6 years ago and went to the emergency room, where he was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. At that time, his enzyme levels were over 10,000, but he did not want to be hospitalized and went hom...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. The pancreatic inflammation index usually refers to amylase or lipase levels that rise to more than three times the normal value. 2. Alcohol consumption is the primary cause; additionally, the presence of gallstones (some of which may be small and not visible on a CT sc...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks of Recurrence
Concerns About Colon Health: Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Worried about having a colorectal disease? Hello doctor, I haven't been paying much attention to my health, so I'm not sure about the ongoing situation. Three days ago, I noticed fresh blood (a small amount) when wiping after a bowel movement. Since then, I've been...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The likelihood of having a mole or anal fissure is relatively high. If there is no improvement, you may consider consulting a gastroenterologist or a colorectal specialist at Changhua Hospital to address your health concerns. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Concerns About Colon Health: Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Should You Get Another Endoscopy for Persistent Stomach Pain?
Should I undergo another gastroscopy after experiencing recurrent stomach pain for over a year? Hello Doctor: A year ago, I underwent an endoscopy due to stomach pain, which revealed the presence of bile reflux. I have been taking antacids, but my stomach pain has not improved. F...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If you need to take medication or arrange for examinations, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist to discuss with the physician and assess the necessity. In terms of daily life, you can start by adjusting your diet: reduce the intake of tea, coffee, spicy foods, ...[Read More] Should You Get Another Endoscopy for Persistent Stomach Pain?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: GERD, H. Pylori, and Medication Concerns
Gastrointestinal issues I would like to ask the doctor... Previously, I was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Helicobacter pylori infection. I was prescribed medication, including antibiotics and a medication called rabeprazole, which is supposed to be tak...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It is correct that stomach medication should be taken before meals. As for why the doctor changed the timing, there may be a specific reason for it; you can ask him during your follow-up visit. If you have started feeling unwell again with nausea, dizziness, and loss of ap...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: GERD, H. Pylori, and Medication Concerns
Understanding Sudden Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Left lower abdominal pain? Hello Doctor, for the past two weeks, I have been experiencing sudden pain in my lower left abdomen at least once a day, near the side of my waist. The pain feels like a sudden stabbing sensation and lasts anywhere from 1-2 seconds to 5-6 seconds. It oc...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Constipation can cause bloating in the intestines, and kidney stones that have dropped into the ureter may also present similar symptoms. Whether a colonoscopy is necessary can be assessed by a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Blood in Stool: Is It a Sign of Allergies or Rectal Issues?
Blood-streaked stool? It was discovered that diarrhea only occurs after consuming a large amount of milk. I went to the hospital once and was told I had an anal fissure. Later, I found that consuming a lot of dairy products was the cause of this situation. The next day, I was com...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If you experience diarrhea every time you consume milk or dairy products, it is possible that you have lactose intolerance. It is advisable to avoid drinking milk, as the occurrence of diarrhea may harm the intestinal lining. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. ...[Read More] Blood in Stool: Is It a Sign of Allergies or Rectal Issues?
Understanding Abdominal Bloating and Incomplete Bowel Movements
Abdominal distension, feeling unclean? Hello, doctor. After 8 PM, my abdomen becomes very bloated, even if I eat very little at night. This causes me to have a fear of food and prevents me from going out, significantly affecting my life. This has been ongoing for about two years....
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If you feel bloated, you can consult a gastroenterologist and get an X-ray to objectively determine if there is indeed bloating or incomplete bowel evacuation. Since you weigh only in the 30-kilogram range, you are quite thin, so a distended abdomen does not necessarily in...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Bloating and Incomplete Bowel Movements
Understanding Acid Reflux: Causes, Symptoms, and Management Tips
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Hello, Dr. Tsai... In mid-September, I underwent an endoscopy due to bloating and belching, which revealed grade A gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and chronic gastritis. An ultrasound examination was normal. I have been taking antacid...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If there are conditions such as rapid movements, being underweight or overweight, or emotional stress, similar symptoms may occur. It is advisable to examine various factors and discuss them in detail with your attending physician. Changhua Hospital cares about your health...[Read More] Understanding Acid Reflux: Causes, Symptoms, and Management Tips
Understanding Helicobacter Pylori: Treatment and Follow-Up Questions
Helicobacter pylori Dear Doctor, I previously experienced discomfort in my stomach and underwent an endoscopy at the hospital. The doctor diagnosed me with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Helicobacter pylori infection. I was prescribed antibiotics and a medication ca...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: You can determine whether the eradication was successful through a carbon-13 breath test or a stool antigen test for Helicobacter pylori. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Helicobacter Pylori: Treatment and Follow-Up Questions
Understanding Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Concerns, and Diagnosis
Questions related to diverticulitis? Hello Doctor, I discovered in my company's health check report in January 2019 that I had a positive fecal occult blood test with a level of 200. However, I did not undergo a colonoscopy and later went abroad. Prior to this, I had never e...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. If the pain subsides after a bowel movement or lasts only for a brief moment, there is usually no need for excessive concern; typically, if there is a problem, the pain would persist. 2. Bloating or fecal impaction can also present similar symptoms. 3. The presence of r...[Read More] Understanding Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Concerns, and Diagnosis
Understanding Sudden Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Sudden pain in the upper abdomen? Two days ago, I experienced a dull pain in my upper abdomen and back. The pain intensifies when I walk or stand, making it difficult to stand upright, but it gradually eases when I sit or lie down. My usual routine involves going to bed around mi...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Please consider an evaluation by a gastroenterologist to assess for any potential gastric issues. It is recommended to maintain a regular and portion-controlled diet, avoid late-night eating, and steer clear of irritant foods. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr....[Read More] Understanding Sudden Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Can Brewer's Yeast Cause Auto-Brewery Syndrome? Understanding Gastrointestinal Effects
Brewer's yeast Could you please clarify if taking Wakamoto has improved gastrointestinal symptoms? However, the brewer's yeast included is dried and does not specify whether it contains live or dead bacteria. Is it medically possible for live bacteria consumed to lead t...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: This situation is quite rare, unless you have not consumed alcohol, but alcohol components are detected in your body (blood/breath). Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Can Brewer's Yeast Cause Auto-Brewery Syndrome? Understanding Gastrointestinal Effects
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Insights on Weight Loss and Pain
Gastrointestinal issues consultation~ Recently, I went to the emergency room due to stomach pain (accompanied by cold sweats, but no fever). After measuring my temperature, blood tests, and X-rays, all the results came back normal. I was given a painkiller, and while waiting for ...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: You may have gastrointestinal issues, possibly gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or an ulcer. It is recommended to undergo further examination with an endoscopy. Additionally, significant weight loss is defined as a decrease of 10% of your original weight ...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Insights on Weight Loss and Pain
Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Hello, Doctor: Earlier this year, I underwent an endoscopy due to symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The esophagus showed some discoloration, but it wasn't severe, so I didn't pay much attention to it. Last month, ...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The burning sensation is likely related to issues with stomach acid production. As for whether it may be accompanied by other problems, adjustments to medication, diet, body posture, mental stress (including insomnia), or constipation, as well as gastrointestinal motility ...[Read More] Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding GERD: When to Seek Medical Help for Breathing Issues
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Hello Doctor, I previously had an experience with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but recently I've been feeling short of breath after meals, even when I haven't eaten too much. I also experience burping. I would like to as...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Please avoid tea, coffee, spicy foods, fried foods, high-fat and high-protein foods, smoking, and drinking alcohol. Do not overeat. If there is no improvement, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding GERD: When to Seek Medical Help for Breathing Issues
Understanding Indigestion: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Discomfort
Dyspepsia? 1. I ate grapefruit yesterday, and this morning I noticed fruit particles in my stool. 2. I haven't eaten much, but my abdomen feels bloated. However, I still feel like I can eat more and do not feel full.
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. If the fruit segments are not chewed thoroughly, this will happen. 2. Once the segments of the pomelo are fully digested, there will be an improvement. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Indigestion: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Discomfort
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Is It IBS After Antibiotics?
Gastrointestinal issues Since taking amoxicillin for two weeks last year, I have been experiencing irregular abdominal sounds and bloating. I had similar issues before, but the frequency has increased significantly; it used to happen once every two to three months, but now it occ...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It may be due to antibiotics that there are slight changes in your gut bacteria. You might consider taking probiotics for a period of time to see if there is any improvement. If there is no improvement, you can consult a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about yo...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Is It IBS After Antibiotics?
Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: What You Need to Know
Bowel issues Hello Doctor, I am 20 years old. I was recently diagnosed with diverticulitis and have been taking antibiotics for four days, three times a day after meals. Over the past few days, I sometimes wake up in the morning and have a bowel movement, and then feel the urge t...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The formation of stool in the front and back segments is considered a normal phenomenon, as the moisture in the latter part of the stool has not been fully absorbed. Additionally, once the diverticulitis has healed, it is recommended to undergo a colonoscopy at Changhua Ho...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: What You Need to Know
Understanding Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Diverticulitis Hello Doctor, I am 20 years old. Recently, I visited a doctor due to mild pain in my lower left abdomen and diarrhea. I underwent an abdominal ultrasound and blood tests. The doctor informed me that I have a diverticulum in my intestine, which is inflamed, but the ...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Indeed, diverticulitis has a higher incidence in older individuals, but it is not impossible for it to occur in someone in their 20s. As for the diagnostic method, a CT scan is more accurate. It is recommended to undergo a colonoscopy after the diverticulitis has healed. C...[Read More] Understanding Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Stomach Pain: Could It Be an Ulcer or Just Inflammation?
Gastric ulcer issues? Hello, doctor. A while ago, after eating something very spicy, I started to feel discomfort in my stomach. Sometimes my stomach feels bloated after meals, and I have a lot of gas. Recently, I've also experienced some dull pain, mostly in the upper right...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Your symptoms may be indicative of a gastric ulcer, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or a duodenal ulcer. It is advisable to avoid spicy foods, as well as tea, coffee, fried foods, high-fat and high-protein foods, sweets, and acidic foods. Additionally, d...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Pain: Could It Be an Ulcer or Just Inflammation?