Managing Stomach Issues: Insights on Medication and Gastrointestinal Health
Medication Consultation for Gastrointestinal Issues Hello Doctor: Over a year ago, I experienced discomfort in my stomach and was diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori, for which I underwent eradication therapy and confirmed successful treatment. However, since then, I have frequent...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. If there is no improvement, you can return for a consultation, where the physician will assess whether a colonoscopy is necessary or if you should consider a self-paid colonoscopy as part of an advanced health check-up. 2. Taking gastric medication for a year and a half...[Read More] Managing Stomach Issues: Insights on Medication and Gastrointestinal Health
Can People with Digestive Issues Eat Potatoes Without Worsening Diarrhea?
Can people with poor gastrointestinal health and a tendency to diarrhea eat potatoes? Hello, I would like to ask a question. I have seen articles online stating that eating potatoes can help with diarrhea, while others claim that potatoes can cause diarrhea. What is the truth? Ca...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Depending on individual constitution, it may vary; you can give it a try, but if it causes diarrhea, please refrain from using it. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Can People with Digestive Issues Eat Potatoes Without Worsening Diarrhea?
Understanding Black Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
The color of the stool is black? A few days ago, my stool was normal, but today it suddenly appeared black, oval, elongated, and somewhat shiny, with a bit of blood. There was no pain during the bowel movement. Doctor, could this be a symptom of a gastric ulcer? Also, I have been...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If you are experiencing black stools, the likelihood of bleeding is quite high. It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist, or if the amount is significant, it is advisable to visit the emergency department at Changhua Hospital to ensure your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shu...[Read More] Understanding Black Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Post-Meal Throat Spasms: Are They Linked to GERD and Bloating?
Feeling a sensation of tightness or constriction in the throat after eating? Hello Doctor, I am 36 years old with a smoking history of 16 years. Four years ago, I started experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). My most recent gastro...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Bloating or gastroesophageal reflux may be possible. It is recommended to maintain a light diet, reduce smoking, alcohol consumption, and betel nut, and to avoid spicy foods. Additionally, try not to eat too quickly or to overeat. If there is no improvement, it is advisabl...[Read More] Post-Meal Throat Spasms: Are They Linked to GERD and Bloating?
Dealing with Stomach Issues: When to Use Laxatives After Diarrhea
Food poisoning Hello doctor, a few days ago I had an upset stomach, with severe pain in my stomach and abdomen, and I was experiencing diarrhea. I later went to see a doctor, and after taking anti-diarrheal medication and other treatments, my symptoms have improved, but I still h...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If there is no diarrhea, it is recommended to stop taking anti-diarrheal medication and there is no need to continue using laxatives. It is advised to stick to a light diet or clear liquid foods, and once the intestinal symptoms improve, you can gradually reintroduce other...[Read More] Dealing with Stomach Issues: When to Use Laxatives After Diarrhea
Understanding Blood in Stool: Possible Causes and Concerns
Diarrhea with blood? Hello doctor, two days ago around noon, I experienced lower abdominal pain and went to the bathroom. After finishing, I noticed blood, which was bright red. Even after that, I still felt an unusual tightness in my lower abdomen. Five hours later, I had anothe...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A bacterial infection can also cause bloody diarrhea, and it does not necessarily indicate cancer. 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 Blood in Stool: Possible Causes and Concerns
Interpreting Your Gastrointestinal Test Results: What Trace Blood Means
Interpretation of Test Results Report Hello Dr. Tsai, I would like to ask about my previous blood test results, where all eight parameters were within normal ranges. The routine stool examination showed that only the O.B. (occult blood) test was trace positive, while RBC and othe...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist and perform a fecal occult blood test (FOBT), as it is less likely to be affected. Alternatively, further examinations can be conducted. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Interpreting Your Gastrointestinal Test Results: What Trace Blood Means
Understanding Palmar Erythema: Is It a Sign of Liver Disease?
Palmar erythema Is the erythema in the size of a palm on the thenar eminence indicative of palmar erythema?
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The likelihood of allergies is higher. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Palmar Erythema: Is It a Sign of Liver Disease?
Understanding Hepatitis C Infection Risks: Common Questions Answered
Hepatitis C infection Hello, doctor. I have a few questions regarding potential exposure to hepatitis C virus (HCV) through contaminated blood on my shoes. 1. If my foot gets wet from blood seeping through the shoe, is it possible to get infected through the small gaps in my to...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The condition you described does not pose a risk for hepatitis C infection. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Infection Risks: Common Questions Answered
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention
Gastrointestinal issues Hello doctor, for the past three to four days, I've suddenly felt some bloating in my stomach and abdomen. I've noticed an increase in burping and flatulence, and my stomach makes gurgling noises. My bowel movements have also decreased (from one ...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Generally speaking, if a colonoscopy shows no polyps, it is recommended to follow up in three years. However, if there are still significant changes in bowel habits, a physician should reassess whether further follow-up is necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your heal...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Discomfort: Diverticulitis Insights
Please provide the content you would like to have translated into English? Dear Dr. Tsai, Thank you very much for your response and guidance in article #185848. My previous inquiry was regarding a feeling of fullness and occasional sharp pain in my lower right abdomen, which has...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. In terms of location, diverticulitis is also one of the differential diagnoses. 2. Feces can potentially get trapped in the diverticula of the colon. 3. If feces are trapped in the diverticulum and are tightly lodged, it may lead to diverticulitis. Drinking plenty of wa...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Discomfort: Diverticulitis Insights
Does Long-Term COOCHIL Use Affect Nutrient Absorption and Cause Malnutrition?
Does long-term use of COOCHIL medication lead to poor gastrointestinal absorption? Hello, doctor. I have diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, and my doctor prescribed me COOCHIL, which has been very effective. I have been taking it for about six months and continue to g...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Intestinal peristalsis should not be too fast or too slow, as both conditions can affect digestive function. If medication causes constipation or slows down peristalsis, it is advisable to discontinue or reduce the dosage as needed. Changhua Hospital cares about your healt...[Read More] Does Long-Term COOCHIL Use Affect Nutrient Absorption and Cause Malnutrition?
Probiotic Use Leading to Mucus Discharge: Is It Gut Imbalance?
After taking probiotics, I often experience mucus discharge from my rectum? Several months ago, I started taking a probiotic supplement due to irregular bowel movements. Initially, it helped with my constipation, but after taking it daily for 2 to 3 weeks, I began experiencing co...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: In addition to taking probiotics, it is also important to consume adequate fiber. If there is no improvement, you may want to consult a gastroenterologist to arrange for a stool examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Probiotic Use Leading to Mucus Discharge: Is It Gut Imbalance?
Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: When to See a Gastroenterologist
Chronic diarrhea? Hello doctor, for the past four to five days, I have been having bowel movements three to four times a day, and they are mostly loose and watery. A few times, there has been some mucus. Sometimes I feel the urge to go, but after sitting on the toilet for a while...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It is recommended to follow a light diet. If there is no improvement, you may consult a gastroenterologist to address the diarrhea issue. If there is bleeding during wiping, you can use water or moist wipes. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: When to See a Gastroenterologist
Blood in Stool: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Blood in the stool? In the past few days, due to the typhoon, I haven't gone out to buy food and have only eaten poached chicken at home, without any vegetables or fruits. As a result, I haven't had a bowel movement for two days. When I finally did have a bowel movement...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Occasional bleeding is most likely due to conditions such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures. If bleeding occurs repeatedly, it is important to be cautious. You should consult a gastroenterologist or a colorectal specialist for further evaluation. Changhua Hospital cares abou...[Read More] Blood in Stool: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: Symptoms, Concerns, and Treatments
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Hello, doctor. About three weeks ago, I started experiencing symptoms suggestive of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). My current condition is that I burp continuously right after meals and often feel the urge to burp after eating. I al...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. Hiccups are caused by contractions of the diaphragm; some may be related to nerve compression issues, while others may be due to pressure on the diaphragm. If there are problems, a thorough examination by a clinical physician is necessary to identify the cause. 2. Dizzi...[Read More] Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: Symptoms, Concerns, and Treatments
Understanding Digestive Issues: Abdominal Pain and Stool Changes
Bowel issues I have been experiencing abdominal pain recently, which is intermittent and has been ongoing for four to five days. I'm not sure if it could be due to poor digestion. I've been taking antacids, and my stool has been brown with a consistency similar to porri...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The location of abdominal pain can indicate different possibilities. Given the presence of diarrhea, the likelihood of gastroenteritis is very high. Be sure to stay hydrated. If diarrhea and abdominal pain persist without improvement, or if you develop a fever, it is advis...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Abdominal Pain and Stool Changes
Should You Consider Adhesion Prevention Surgery After Intestinal Blockage?
Intestinal Adhesion Surgery In December 2014, I underwent surgery for intestinal obstruction caused by adhesions, during which my appendix was also removed (my first surgery). Recently, in August 2022, I experienced abdominal pain and was unable to pass gas or stool, leading me t...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: My suggestion is to first pay attention to your dietary habits, and only consider surgery if the adhesions become severe. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Should You Consider Adhesion Prevention Surgery After Intestinal Blockage?
Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Could It Be Mild Constipation?
Left lower abdominal tenderness? Hello Doctor: I have recently noticed tenderness in my lower left abdomen. When I press on it, I can hear bowel sounds, but it doesn't hurt when I'm not pressing. I have been having bowel movements in the past few days, but they feel lik...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The pain in the lower left abdomen may be related to the colon or the urinary system, and in females, it could also involve the ovaries. Pay attention to whether there is any fecal impaction, as constipation is not the only cause, and consuming spicy foods can also irritat...[Read More] Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Could It Be Mild Constipation?
Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Could It Be Mild Constipation?
Left lower abdominal tenderness? Hello Doctor: I have recently noticed tenderness in my lower left abdomen. When I press on it, I can hear intestinal sounds, but it doesn't hurt when I'm not pressing. I have been having bowel movements in the past few days, but they fee...
Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The pain in the lower left abdomen may be related to the colon or the urinary system, and in females, it could also involve the ovaries. Pay attention to whether there is any fecal impaction, as constipation is not the only cause, and consuming spicy foods can also irritat...[Read More] Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Could It Be Mild Constipation?