Understanding Unusual Bowel Movements: When to Seek Medical Advice
Bowel issues Hello Doctor, In the past week, I have noticed an increase in my food intake, and I find myself going to the bathroom 4-6 times a day. I often feel the urge to go again shortly after finishing a bowel movement. Before each bowel movement, I tend to pass gas repeate...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Softer stools may become narrower when passing through the anal canal due to compression. Hemorrhoids could also lead to this outcome, and it is not necessarily a tumor. You might consider dietary adjustments (reducing irritant foods). If the issue persists, you should con...[Read More] Understanding Unusual Bowel Movements: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Mild Gastroesophageal Reflux: Symptoms and Concerns
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing intermittent chest tightness. I have undergone many tests, and both my heart and chest cavity are normal. After that, I had an endoscopy and was diagnosed with mild gastroesophageal reflux disease (GER...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: In addition to medication, it is important to pay attention to dietary and lifestyle adjustments. Avoid tea (black tea/green tea/milk tea), coffee, spicy foods, fried foods, high-fat foods, and sweets. Additionally, being underweight or overweight, constipation, and rapid ...[Read More] Understanding Mild Gastroesophageal Reflux: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Abnormal Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Digestive Health
Bowel issues Hello doctor, I am 26 years old. Two months ago, I started experiencing diarrhea (loose stools) almost every day. In January, my stools became somewhat formed, but they were mostly loose and in small pieces, occasionally long but still thin and soft (about the width ...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Softer stools may be compressed and become narrower when passing through the anus. Hemorrhoids could also lead to this outcome, and it is not necessarily a tumor. You might consider dietary adjustments (reducing irritating foods). If the issue persists, you should consult ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Digestive Health
Understanding White Mucus in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Bowel issues Hello, doctor: In the past month, I have noticed small clumps of white substance in my stool once or twice, which looks somewhat like soggy toilet paper and a bit like cotton. However, my bowel movements have been normal. Could this be mucus, or is there another reas...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: This description strongly indicates a specific condition. If it is just mucus, it may be considered a normal situation. However, if there are still concerns, you can consult a gastroenterologist to arrange for a stool examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health....[Read More] Understanding White Mucus in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Digestive Issues: Can Tomato Scrambled Eggs Cause Diarrhea?
Abdominal issues. Bowel problems? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if eating too much scrambled eggs with tomatoes can cause diarrhea. I've been feeling some discomfort in my abdomen recently. This morning, when I had a bowel movement, I noticed that my stool contained tom...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If there is no family history of early-onset colorectal cancer, there is no need to worry too much. If changes in stool patterns or frequency are due to certain dietary factors, it is generally not a concern. If you still have questions, you can return for a follow-up visi...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Can Tomato Scrambled Eggs Cause Diarrhea?
Can Cold Symptoms and Medication Cause Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Is it possible for a cold and medication to cause an elevation in liver enzymes? Hello Doctor, I had a blood test at the hospital the day before yesterday and found that the following liver-related indices were elevated: SGOT: 20 (reference range 5-34), DGOT: 39 (reference range ...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If GOT/GPT levels are within the normal range, there is no need to worry too much. Elevated ALP levels may indicate conditions such as biliary obstruction or bone disorders. Additionally, normal occurrences include pregnancy and adolescence. You may consider following up w...[Read More] Can Cold Symptoms and Medication Cause Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Do Medications Affect Your Upcoming Endoscopy and Colonoscopy?
Medications for Peptic Ulcers Thank you for your previous response, doctor. I have scheduled an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy for February 28. I have been taking these three medications for three months (from the end of January to the end of April). Will this a...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: You can continue taking it without interruption. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Do Medications Affect Your Upcoming Endoscopy and Colonoscopy?
Understanding Noisy Stomach Sounds While Lying Down: Causes and Solutions
When lying down, my stomach keeps making noises? I have two recent concerns that I would like to ask the doctor about. Thank you very much for your help. 1. At night, when I lie down to sleep, my stomach keeps making loud noises. I didn't eat much for dinner and didn't...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It may be caused by rapid intestinal peristalsis. If there is no cramping, it is generally not a concern. However, if cramping occurs along with a sense of urgency and discomfort, you may want to consult a gastroenterologist for medication adjustment. Changhua Hospital car...[Read More] Understanding Noisy Stomach Sounds While Lying Down: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Unexplained Stomach Pulsations: When to Seek Help
The stomach is fluttering but not painful? Recently, I have been experiencing a sensation of my stomach "jumping" throughout the day, located in the lower center of my left chest. The sensation is quite strong, and I can feel it distinctly, differing from my heart rate....
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Generally, the stomach may experience spasms, but it should not have continuous rhythmic pulsations. If there are regular pulsating movements, it may be necessary to have an evaluation by a cardiologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Stomach Pulsations: When to Seek Help
Effective Medications for Managing Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms
Medications for Peptic Ulcer Disease Last June, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and the results were normal, but there was slight enlargement of the cardia and mild gastroesophageal reflux. It was advised to change my dietary habits. However, in mid-January of th...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. Yes, it can alleviate the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); however, in addition to medication, dietary and emotional changes are also necessary. It is recommended to avoid tea (black tea/green tea/milk tea), coffee, spicy foods, fried foods, high-fat ...[Read More] Effective Medications for Managing Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms
Managing Inflammation-Induced Constipation and Abdominal Bloating
Gastroenteritis If constipation is caused by inflammation and you are experiencing incomplete bowel movements along with abdominal bloating, what should you do? What should you pay attention to?
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, drinking enough water, exercising, and taking probiotics can help address constipation issues. With no fecal impaction, bloating should improve. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Managing Inflammation-Induced Constipation and Abdominal Bloating
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Rectal bleeding Hello, doctor. I usually have a bowel movement every two to three days, but I have noticed that there has been bleeding during my last three bowel movements. The blood in my stool is separate and bright red. When I wipe with toilet paper, it resembles menstrual bl...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The likelihood of cancer is low at the age of 18 with blood in the stool. It is important to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and to stay adequately hydrated. If there is still unusual bleeding, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist or a colorectal specialis...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Morning Stomach Pain: Understanding Your First Meal Discomfort
Experiencing stomach pain after the first meal upon waking up? Hello, doctor. After I eat the first few bites of my first meal each day upon waking up, I experience strong contractions in my stomach, to the point where it causes me to bend over in pain. However, the duration of t...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If you have a habit of eating before bedtime, it is advisable to avoid it as much as possible. This could potentially lead to gastritis or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or it may simply indicate a more sensitive stomach. If symptoms persist, you may consider unde...[Read More] Morning Stomach Pain: Understanding Your First Meal Discomfort
Dietary Adjustments for Managing Barrett's Esophagus and Duodenal Strictures
Barrett's esophagus I have Barrett's esophagus and a narrow duodenum, making it difficult for food to pass down. I'm unsure how to adjust my diet.
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The duodenum is too narrow; I'm not sure how the diagnosis was made. If there is a stricture, it may be necessary to address the narrowing issue first (surgery, etc.). Additionally, you can consume finely chopped foods, or if the narrowing is not severe, you can chew ...[Read More] Dietary Adjustments for Managing Barrett's Esophagus and Duodenal Strictures
Understanding Variations in Stool Consistency: When to Seek Help
The stool is mushy at the end? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing issues related to my bowel movements and would like to ask for your advice. I typically have a bowel movement once a day, but the amount can vary. Sometimes, when I sit for a longer period, the amount is great...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It is normal for the latter part of the stool to be softer, which may result in softer or thinner stools, and in some cases, it may even appear pasty. If the stool occult blood test is normal, there is no need to worry too much. However, if you are at high risk (for exampl...[Read More] Understanding Variations in Stool Consistency: When to Seek Help
Understanding Mucus in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
The amount of mucus in the stool? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've noticed that there seems to be an increased amount of mucus in my stool when I go to the bathroom. Approximately 30-50% of the surface of the stool is covered with mucus, which sometimes appears whitish but most...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The presence of mucus in the stool is generally considered a normal phenomenon. However, if 30-50% of the surface of the stool shows mucus, it may be excessive. You should consult a gastroenterologist to evaluate whether an endoscopy is necessary. Changhua Hospital cares a...[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Anal Tightness and Swelling After Constipation Issues
Swelling and tightness in the anus after a bowel movement? I have been experiencing long-term constipation, which has caused me to strain significantly during bowel movements. Over time (more than a year), I have noticed that my anus feels very tight, to the point where I can...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: You can consult a colorectal specialist to check for any signs of anal warts. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Anal Tightness and Swelling After Constipation Issues
Persistent Stomach Pain and Bloating: When Medications Fail
Stomach pain and bloating that do not improve with medication? Hello, doctor. I've been experiencing gastrointestinal bloating and stomach pain for two months. I underwent an endoscopy, and the doctor diagnosed me with gastric erosion and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GER...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: In addition to medication, dietary habits are also very important. Beverages such as tea (black/green/milk tea), coffee, smoking, alcohol, fried foods, spicy foods, sweets, and chocolate can have an impact. Avoid late-night snacks, eat until satisfied without lying down, r...[Read More] Persistent Stomach Pain and Bloating: When Medications Fail
Understanding Lower Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Lower abdominal discomfort or pain? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about a situation I've been experiencing. After a bowel movement (which was somewhat loose), I suddenly had abdominal pain and diarrhea about an hour later. Since then, I've had a persistent dull...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Your issue may need to be addressed by first resolving constipation or fecal impaction. As for whether there is intestinal inflammation or a tumor, a clinical physician may need to evaluate the possibility of inflammation or a tumor after treating the constipation, and the...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Chronic Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Dietary Solutions
Persistent abdominal pain in the lower left quadrant? I have been experiencing sudden pain in my lower left abdomen, about three fingerbreadths below the navel, for the past two months. The pain is not sharp but is quite severe, making it difficult to stand (lying down does not h...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: In addition to considering issues related to the colon, left lower abdominal pain should also take into account gynecological problems, urinary tract issues, or the possibility of a hernia. It seems that you have already made good adjustments to your diet and lifestyle. Ad...[Read More] Chronic Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Dietary Solutions