Understanding Stomach Pain and Bloating: Is It Cancer or Something Else?
Stomach pain, bloating, and chest pain? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing bloating, stomach pain, and chest tightness for a month due to antibiotics (hunger-related stomach pain, bloating after meals). My bowel movements are normal in color. I underwent an endoscopy, and th...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If you have undergone an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, there is no need to worry about stomach cancer, as most stomach cancers do not cause pain. It may be necessary to adjust your diet and emotions; sometimes, autonomic nervous system disorders and sympathetic nervous...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Pain and Bloating: Is It Cancer or Something Else?
Understanding Rectal Discomfort: Hemorrhoids vs. Colon Cancer Concerns
Bowel issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about a recent feeling of heaviness in my anus. I have a history of hemorrhoids, and with the upcoming exams, I've been staying up late frequently. I also have a habit of using my phone while having a bowel movement. My stools f...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. At the age of 17, the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer is low. 2. You can consult a gastroenterologist or a proctologist for evaluation. A colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or anoscopy may be performed. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Rectal Discomfort: Hemorrhoids vs. Colon Cancer Concerns
Alternatives to Biotase for Improving Digestive Health and Weight Gain
Medications to improve poor gastrointestinal function? Hello Dr. Tsai, thank you for your response. My weight is already on the low side, with a BMI of only 17.1. Although I am in good health, I am still too thin, so I hope to gain weight. I am currently taking medication for irr...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: I won't specifically recommend any medications or probiotics. It's important to pay attention to balanced nutrition and engage in moderate exercise. Gaining weight is not necessarily the goal. Sometimes weight gain can lead to an increase in body fat, which can b...[Read More] Alternatives to Biotase for Improving Digestive Health and Weight Gain
Understanding Bowel Issues: Constipation and Diarrhea Cycles Explained
Bowel movement issues Hello doctor, for the past two years, I've been experiencing a cycle of constipation for several days a week, followed by a day of diarrhea, and then back to constipation. During constipation, I often feel like there is a large stool stuck in my rectum,...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: You may try increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, as well as fluids, while also reducing the consumption of irritant foods such as fried and spicy foods. If there is no improvement, you can consult a gastroenterologist for medication to assist with bowel movemen...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Constipation and Diarrhea Cycles Explained
Medications to Enhance Gastrointestinal Absorption and Manage Diarrhea
Medications to improve poor gastrointestinal function? Hello, doctor. Are there any medications to improve poor gastrointestinal absorption? My constitution makes it difficult for me to gain weight, and my health check-up (including metabolism) came back normal. I also had an end...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Being healthy is what matters, not just gaining weight. Besides probiotics, medications for irritable bowel syndrome can also reduce the frequency of diarrhea, and you can ask a clinician to prescribe them. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Medications to Enhance Gastrointestinal Absorption and Manage Diarrhea
Managing Helicobacter Pylori Treatment: Diet and Medication Concerns
Helicobacter pylori medications and diet? 1. Currently, you are being treated for Helicobacter pylori, and you are experiencing a bitter taste in your mouth as a side effect of the medication. Is it acceptable to consume sugar (hawthorn cake) three hours after taking the medicati...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. Yes. 2. After rolling it, once the alcohol evaporates, it should be fine. 3. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Managing Helicobacter Pylori Treatment: Diet and Medication Concerns
Is It Possible to Have Colon Cancer? Understanding Your Symptoms and Concerns
Is it possible to have colorectal cancer? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing irregular bowel movements; sometimes I go more than three times a day, and other times I have difficulty passing stool. When I do, it is usually in a soft, cylindrical shape but not hard. Recently, I...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It may not necessarily be colorectal cancer; it's important to maintain a regular diet and lifestyle. If you notice any abnormalities in your stool, it is advisable to first test for fecal occult blood. The likelihood of gastric ulcers is certainly higher than that of...[Read More] Is It Possible to Have Colon Cancer? Understanding Your Symptoms and Concerns
How to Differentiate Between GERD and LPR: Symptoms and Treatments
Gastroesophageal reflux or laryngopharyngeal reflux? Hello Doctor, I recently had an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and the results showed that my gastroesophageal junction is slightly open with inflammation graded between A and B. I am currently taking Panzolec, which only su...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Gastroesophageal reflux can cause different symptoms such as epigastric pain, a burning sensation in the chest, and a feeling of a foreign body in the throat, depending on the height of the reflux and individual sensitivity. The treatment methods are generally the same; ho...[Read More] How to Differentiate Between GERD and LPR: Symptoms and Treatments
Understanding Green Stool: Causes, Symptoms, and Cancer Concerns
Green stool Recently, I have been experiencing occasional bloating, and sometimes when I inhale and exhale, I can hear a "gurgling" sound from inside, but it usually resolves quickly. Just now, I had a large bowel movement that was brown with quite a bit of green mixed ...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The likelihood of developing stomach cancer at the age of 12 is extremely low, so there is no need to worry excessively. Having mucus in the stool or gurgling sounds during bowel movements is generally considered normal, unless there is blood in the stool or severe crampin...[Read More] Understanding Green Stool: Causes, Symptoms, and Cancer Concerns
Can People with Stomach Ulcers Drink Ensure Nutritional Supplements?
Can individuals with gastric ulcers consume Ensure Plus nutritional supplement? Can individuals with gastric ulcers consume Ensure Plus nutritional supplement?
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Yes. Please avoid tea (black/green/milk tea), coffee, smoking, alcohol, fried foods, spicy foods, sweets, chocolate, etc., for the time being. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Can People with Stomach Ulcers Drink Ensure Nutritional Supplements?
Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Further Gastrointestinal Evaluation
Abdominal tenderness and distension? For the past two weeks, I have been experiencing a bloating and pain sensation above my navel. Sometimes the discomfort is more on the left side, sometimes on the right, but mostly it is directly above. Initially, I had some mild diarrhea, but...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Based on your description, it sounds like you may be experiencing discomfort due to acute gastroenteritis. It is advisable to start with a light diet and avoid overeating. If there is no improvement, we can consider an endoscopy. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. ...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Further Gastrointestinal Evaluation
Understanding Recent Changes in Bowel Habits: When to Seek Medical Advice
In the past week, I have mostly been experiencing watery stools when going to the bathroom? 1. For about a week and a few days, I have been experiencing mostly watery stools, occasionally having softer, ribbon-like stools. Previously, I would usually have bowel movements around n...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It may be necessary to review your diet for any irritant foods, alcohol consumption, betel nut chewing, caffeinated beverages, or high-water-content fruits. Additionally, I'm not sure if you have previously been diagnosed with COVID-19, as some individuals who have ha...[Read More] Understanding Recent Changes in Bowel Habits: When to Seek Medical Advice
How Does the Body Handle Excess Stomach Acid?
Excess stomach acid can lead to several physiological responses in the body. The body may attempt to neutralize the excess acid through the secretion of bicarbonate from the pancreas. Additionally, the stomach may reduce acid production over time as a compensatory mechanism. Howe...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Stomach acid does not erode the body; it only causes esophagitis if it refluxes into the esophagus. Gastric juice, along with food, is released into the small intestine, where it is neutralized by the alkaline intestinal fluid. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr...[Read More] How Does the Body Handle Excess Stomach Acid?
Changes in Bowel Habits: When to Consider a Colonoscopy?
Changes in bowel habits Hello, doctor. Previously, I would have a bowel movement every 2-3 days, sometimes normal and sometimes with diarrhea. Even when I felt discomfort in my abdomen, it would usually disappear after I had a bowel movement. About a month ago, I started feeling ...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Since there are no significant changes in bowel habits and if there is no family history of colorectal cancer, you can first test for fecal occult blood. If there are any issues, then consider a colonoscopy. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Changes in Bowel Habits: When to Consider a Colonoscopy?
Understanding Unusual Anal Discharge: When to Seek Medical Advice
Anal discharge Hello Doctor, I recently noticed that I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night with some discharge on my pad (which is different from gynecological discharge), and it even leaks onto my underwear. The location is near the anal area, and my underwear has a wet...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Intestinal mucus or vaginal-urethral discharge is possible, and there is no need to worry excessively. If you still have concerns, you can consult a gastroenterologist or a colorectal specialist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Unusual Anal Discharge: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Changes in Bowel Movements: From Formed to Diarrhea
Formed stool at the front followed by diarrhea at the back? Hello, doctor. During my midterm exam today, I suddenly experienced intermittent cramping in my abdomen. I hurriedly submitted my exam and went to the restroom. At first, I had to exert some effort to pass my stool, but ...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Sudden changes may be influenced by emotions or food and cannot yet be classified as a change in bowel habits. If it persists, you may consider consulting a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bowel Movements: From Formed to Diarrhea
Understanding Sudden Left Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Pain in the left abdomen that feels like an electric shock? Hello, doctor. After undergoing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy on Thursday (results: mild gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux), I started experiencing a sudden electric shock-like sensation in my left abdomen on F...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The sensation of being shocked is typically associated with nerve activity. If there is no improvement, you may consider consulting a gastroenterologist or neurologist at Changhua Hospital to address your health concerns. Dr. Cai Anshun.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Left Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Abdominal Petechiae: Causes and Treatment Options
Regarding multiple petechiae in the abdomen? Hello Doctor, I recently had an endoscopy, and the doctor mentioned that there are many small bleeding points in my stomach, as well as a hiatal hernia. I asked the doctor if these small bleeding points are serious, and he said he thin...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: You may be dealing with hemorrhagic gastritis, which could be a result of excessive gastric acid. Medication and dietary changes (such as avoiding spicy foods) can help improve the condition. If you have a mild hiatal hernia, it may be caused by being underweight, so pleas...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Petechiae: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Left Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Left abdominal tenderness on palpation? Hello, doctor. Around the evening of October 28, I noticed pain in the area below my left rib cage, approximately two fingers' width, slightly towards the middle. This area is located diagonally below the left rib and diagonally above ...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If there are issues with the internal organs, discomfort should be felt without the need for pressure. Localized tenderness, rebound tenderness after applying pressure, or the presence of a palpable mass are indicators of concern. If these symptoms are not present, there i...[Read More] Understanding Left Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Changes in Bowel Movements: From Formed to Diarrhea
Formed stool at the front followed by diarrhea at the back? Hello, doctor. During my midterm exam today, I suddenly experienced intermittent cramping in my abdomen. I hurriedly submitted my exam and went to the restroom. At first, I had to exert a bit to pass my stool, but then i...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If it is just an occasional occurrence, there is no need to worry excessively; it may be influenced by irritating foods or mental stress. If there are persistent changes in bowel habits that differ from the past, you should consult a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital c...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bowel Movements: From Formed to Diarrhea