Health Concerns: Can Lint from Wipes Contaminate Food and Drinks?
Gastroenterology and Hepatology 1. The fibers that may have floated or fallen from the wet wipes or cloth could potentially land in your colleagues' open cups or food, especially given the proximity of your seating arrangements. However, the likelihood of this happening depe...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: What you are describing is likely what is referred to as dust, which consists of suspended particles in the air. The gastrointestinal tract should be of less concern; rather, the respiratory tract is more affected, especially in individuals with allergic tendencies, as sym...[Read More] Health Concerns: Can Lint from Wipes Contaminate Food and Drinks?
Understanding Black Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Black stool Hello Doctor, I am 20 years old. Recently, I have had black stools for two consecutive days. Yesterday, the stool was dark brown, close to black, and today it is considered black. Neither day was the entire stool completely black; yesterday's was half black and h...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A stool occult blood test can determine if there is any bleeding. Black stools, on the other hand, should raise concerns about upper gastrointestinal issues. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Black Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Mixed Stool Types: Causes and Concerns for Digestive Health
Stool that is half formed and half loose, either in clumps or mushy consistency? Hello Doctor, I have a regular bowel movement every morning, but for the past week, I have been experiencing a change where I first pass a narrow stool followed by softer, clumpy, or mushy stools. Th...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It is normal for the front part of the stool to be formed while the back part is unformed, as the latter may not have been fully absorbed by the colon. However, it could also indicate irritable bowel syndrome or excessive consumption of irritating foods. You may consider c...[Read More] Understanding Mixed Stool Types: Causes and Concerns for Digestive Health
Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: When to Seek Medical Advice
Bowel issues Hello Doctor, I am 20 years old. My normal bowel movement frequency was once every three days. Since mid-September, due to gastroenteritis, I only had one or two bowel movements in two weeks (because I could hardly eat). At the beginning of October, I took traditiona...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Your symptoms seem to have appeared after an episode of gastroenteritis, and they are not necessarily indicative of cancer. You can adjust your diet by reducing high-fat and high-protein foods while your intestines heal. If there is no improvement, you may want to consult ...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Changes in Stool Shape: Should You Worry About Cancer?
Stool shape Hello doctor, in the past month, I have noticed that my stools are smaller and shorter, and I feel like I am not completely emptying my bowels. Sometimes I also experience itching around the anus. Could this be a symptom of cancer?
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It is recommended to consume more fruits and vegetables to increase dietary fiber intake. If there is no improvement, you may consider visiting a gastroenterologist for further examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Changes in Stool Shape: Should You Worry About Cancer?
Understanding Stool Thickness: When to Worry About Your Bowel Movements
Stool diameter Is stool that is approximately the thickness of a marker considered thin? How thin does stool need to be to be considered thin enough to warrant attention and further examination? Sometimes I pass stool that is about the size of a whiteboard marker, and it is quite...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A change in stool caliber to a thinner shape is a non-specific manifestation among the many symptoms of colorectal cancer. Additionally, in clinical practice, if there is narrowing of the colonic lumen, diarrhea is the most common presentation rather than a change in stool...[Read More] Understanding Stool Thickness: When to Worry About Your Bowel Movements
Managing Chronic Gastritis and Reflux: Symptoms and Solutions
Gastrointestinal issues After undergoing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, chronic gastritis, Helicobacter pylori infection, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were diagnosed. Two days ago, I completed a triple therapy regimen. While taking the medication, I experience...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It may be a side effect of the medication, as some can cause diarrhea or increased bowel motility, leading to a feeling of nausea. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Managing Chronic Gastritis and Reflux: Symptoms and Solutions
Concerns About Red Sediment in Stool: What You Need to Know
I would like to inquire about the symptoms of fecal sedimentation? Tonight at 8 PM, after having a bowel movement, I forgot to flush and only noticed it around 11:30 PM. When I was about to flush, I saw a layer of red sediment around the stool. Since the toilet itself is red, I c...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It may be more accurate to observe under a white toilet bowl. There's no need to worry too much for now. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Concerns About Red Sediment in Stool: What You Need to Know
Understanding Polyps: Are They Likely Benign or Malignant?
Colorectal cancer Hello Doctor, I had a fecal occult blood test a month ago, and the result was negative. Yesterday, I underwent a colonoscopy, and the doctor found a polyp measuring nearly 0.5 cm, which was removed. However, I was told to return in a week to discuss the results....
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Most small polyps are benign and do not require concern. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Polyps: Are They Likely Benign or Malignant?
Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Mucus in stool In the past couple of months, my bowel habits have changed significantly. I have been experiencing an increased frequency of bowel movements throughout the day, and I often have difficulty controlling the urge to defecate. Frequently, I find that before I can reach...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If you have already undergone gastroscopy and colonoscopy, it indicates that there are no intrinsic organ issues, and the most likely cause is a functional problem. Adjustments may need to be made regarding dietary and lifestyle habits. If symptoms persist, it may be neces...[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: When to See a Gastroenterologist
Lower abdominal pain? Hello doctor, I have recently been experiencing occasional abdominal pain that is not localized; sometimes it is in the lower left, sometimes in the lower right, or around the navel. There are no specific tender points, and occasionally I feel a brief crampi...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The location of abdominal pain is often variable and is mostly related to intestinal issues, as the intestines have the widest distribution in the abdomen. It may be advisable to first avoid irritating foods or consider any past abdominal surgeries that could lead to adhes...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: When to See a Gastroenterologist
Persistent Chest Pain After Duodenal Ulcer Treatment: What to Know
After one month of treatment for duodenal ulcers, experiencing persistent chest tightness and heart pain? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my condition. Previously, I experienced chest tightness and heart pain, and after undergoing an endoscopy, I was diagnosed with ...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: In addition to medication, dietary changes may also be necessary. Please consider if you have any of the following conditions: consuming tea, coffee, soda, eating chocolate, sweets, glutinous rice products, high-fat/high-protein foods, habitually overeating, smoking, drink...[Read More] Persistent Chest Pain After Duodenal Ulcer Treatment: What to Know
Could Your Chest Pain Be Related to GERD? Understanding the Symptoms
Could it be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing chest tightness and pain for the past six months. When I visit the hospital, the pain lasts for a few minutes and then subsides, but there have been times when it lasted for several hours. ...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If you have already consulted a cardiologist, it is recommended to undergo an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to rule out the possibility of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Additionally, lung issues should also be monitored by a pulmonologist. Furthermore, it is advised ...[Read More] Could Your Chest Pain Be Related to GERD? Understanding the Symptoms
How to Collect Stool Samples During Diarrhea: Tips for Patients
How to collect stool samples for diarrhea with watery stools? I have been experiencing diarrhea for a week. When I eat, my stools are powdery (sinking to the bottom, yellow-brown), and when I don't eat (for an entire day), I have watery stools (yellow liquid). I consulted a ...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, Miss Violet. You can use a bedpan or a basin, and then transfer the sample into the container provided by the hospital. If your symptoms do not improve, you may return for a follow-up appointment to discuss with your physician whether a change in medication is necessary. T...[Read More] How to Collect Stool Samples During Diarrhea: Tips for Patients
Managing Upper Abdominal Bloating After Duodenal Ulcer Treatment
Upper abdominal bloating Hello doctor, I have had a duodenal ulcer since February. After taking medication, I felt bloated in my upper abdomen. Later, I was tested and found to have Helicobacter pylori. After completing the treatment, I went for a follow-up check, and the doctor ...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello Mr. Leo, you may want to discuss further with your doctor or consider re-evaluating whether the eradication of Helicobacter pylori was successful, as this could make it easier to improve your symptoms. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Upper Abdominal Bloating After Duodenal Ulcer Treatment
Understanding Weight Loss and Management in GERD Patients
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Hello, Doctor. At the beginning of August, I started experiencing discomfort in my stomach, frequent bloating, and even vomiting. In September, I began adjusting my eating habits. By early October, after undergoing an endoscopy, I was diagno...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello Ms. H, 1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) does not typically cause weight loss; however, since you are overweight, assessing solely based on weight loss is not advisable. 2. You may consult a weight management specialist to create a structured plan for 'healt...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss and Management in GERD Patients
Understanding Dark Brown Stool: Is It a Sign of Gastrointestinal Issues?
Stool color The stool is dark brown; should I be concerned about this? The only foods consumed were traditional Chinese medicine and a bit of purple rice. I'm worried it might be gastrointestinal bleeding.
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, Miss 55. Black stools that resemble ink can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding. If you are concerned about gastrointestinal bleeding, you may want to consult a gastroenterologist to discuss your symptoms and arrange for further examination. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Dark Brown Stool: Is It a Sign of Gastrointestinal Issues?
Changes in Bowel Habits After Gastroenteritis: What You Should Know
Bowel movement frequency Hello Doctor, I am 20 years old. My usual bowel movement frequency was about once every three days, taking one to two minutes, with stool thickness exceeding that of a banana. Around September 15 of this year, I experienced vomiting at night and was taken...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: After gastroenteritis, there may be a period of time when the stool consistency and frequency differ from usual, so there is no need to worry excessively. It is important to maintain a light diet and avoid high-fat and high-protein foods. Changhua Hospital cares about your...[Read More] Changes in Bowel Habits After Gastroenteritis: What You Should Know
Understanding Abdominal Issues: Symptoms and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Distress
Abdominal issues? I have experienced 1-2 episodes of gastric spasms in the past, which required emergency medical attention. I also frequently have bloating and mild constipation. Last Monday, I went to see a doctor due to stomach discomfort accompanied by fever (the doctor diagn...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: You mentioned that a fever refers to a body temperature exceeding 38 degrees Celsius. If so, these symptoms may arise from this condition. It is advisable to avoid tea, coffee, spicy foods, fried foods, high-fat, and high-protein foods, and to maintain a light diet. If sym...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Issues: Symptoms and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Distress
Managing Nausea and Vomiting in Post-Operative Ulcer Patients: A Guide
For patients with gastric ulcers who experience recurrent nausea and vomiting after discharge from the hospital, it is important to follow these management strategies: 1. **Dietary Modifications**: Encourage a bland diet that is easy to digest. Avoid spicy, acidic, or fatty food...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. If a gastroscopy has been performed and a diagnosis of peptic ulcer has been confirmed, generally, medication treatment should provide relief. If there is still no improvement, it may be necessary to investigate other causes, such as issues with bowel movements, liver, ...[Read More] Managing Nausea and Vomiting in Post-Operative Ulcer Patients: A Guide