Identifying Worm-Like Objects in Stool: Possible Parasite Concerns
There are thread-like substances in the stool? Hello, recently after having a bowel movement, I noticed a linear object about 8-10 centimeters long, which is the same color as my stool and somewhat resembles a rubber band. I have observed this twice in the past two weeks. Could t...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
A stool examination can determine if there is a parasitic infection.[Read More] Identifying Worm-Like Objects in Stool: Possible Parasite Concerns
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Hemorrhoidal bleeding Dear Dr. Tsai, I have reviewed the frequently asked questions regarding rectal bleeding, and while my situation is somewhat similar, there are still differences, so I would like to seek your advice. I have been experiencing rectal bleeding for about a week ...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
Hemorrhoids refer to the presence of blood in the stool or a positive fecal occult blood test. The causes may include gastrointestinal bleeding, tumors, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, or acute infectious enteritis, among others. The differential diagnosis and treatment involve... Wh...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Rectal Bleeding After Painkillers: Hemorrhoids or More?
Every time I take painkillers, I notice blood in my stool? Hello, I used to experience rectal bleeding after taking painkillers. Later, I consulted a proctologist who diagnosed me with internal hemorrhoids and prescribed topical medication for me. After some time, I didn't h...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Rectal bleeding can be caused by excessive straining during bowel movements or relaxation of the vascular tissue in the anal area, leading to anal fissures or hemorrhoids. It may also indicate colorectal cancer or the presence of polyps. Patients often experience significant pain...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding After Painkillers: Hemorrhoids or More?
Understanding Skin Issues: Persistent Folliculitis and Allergic Reactions
excuse me? I have a few questions for the doctor. I would like some guidance... Recently, my health has been a bit strange. I used to rarely experience folliculitis, but now I am having frequent outbreaks all over my body, especially on my chest. They are not healing easily and a...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
It is advisable to consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment of folliculitis, which is a skin condition characterized by inflammation of the hair follicles due to bacterial infection, often recurring. It can occur in any area with hair follicles, commonly affec...[Read More] Understanding Skin Issues: Persistent Folliculitis and Allergic Reactions
Understanding Umbilical Discharge: Causes and Concerns
Umbilical discharge or pus from the navel? Can peritonitis cause pus to drain from the navel? What diseases can lead to pus drainage from the navel? My mother has been hospitalized for four days, receiving IV fluids, anti-inflammatory injections, and antibiotics, yet her navel co...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
It is likely not peritonitis. In addition to local wound care for the umbilical discharge, antibiotic treatment is also necessary. Please seek medical attention from a surgeon.[Read More] Understanding Umbilical Discharge: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Weak Positive Hepatitis B Antibody Results: What You Need to Know
Hepatitis B antibodies Hello, Vice President Tsai. Two years ago, I had a health check-up at Taipei Hospital, where the result for Hepatitis B antibodies was positive. However, I recently went to another health check-up center, and the result was weakly positive (51 IU/L). Is thi...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
This is a normal phenomenon observed during health check-ups at Taipei Hospital. The positive reaction for hepatitis B antibodies is a qualitative test result, while other health check centers conduct quantitative tests. A weak positive result is acceptable. Hepatitis B Overvie...[Read More] Understanding Weak Positive Hepatitis B Antibody Results: What You Need to Know
Can Sharing Ointments Spread Hepatitis B? Understanding the Risks
Can sharing ointments transmit hepatitis B? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if sharing ointments like "Wanjin Oil" or other creams can transmit Hepatitis B? Our company is dealing with a flea infestation, and my colleagues have been bitten quite badly. Three of us hav...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Sharing ointments or other topical medications does not transmit Hepatitis B. The primary mode of transmission for Hepatitis B is through blood, which is why it was historically referred to as "serum hepatitis." Other bodily fluids, including tears, semen, and saliva, c...[Read More] Can Sharing Ointments Spread Hepatitis B? Understanding the Risks
Is Your Stomach Pain a Sign of Gallbladder Issues?
Is this symptom gastric pain or cholecystitis? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing stomach pain for the past ten years. I have undergone an endoscopy, which only showed redness in the gastric mucosa. However, my stomach pain has not improved, and medication has not alleviated ...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The symptoms of gastric ulcers are as follows: (1) Pain below the sternum due to gastric acid irritating the ulcer, which patients may experience as a persistent, recurrent pain two hours after meals or when fasting. (2) Relief of pain after meals: Patients often feel a reduction...[Read More] Is Your Stomach Pain a Sign of Gallbladder Issues?
Blood in Stool: Understanding Gastrointestinal Health Concerns
Blood in the stool? I have been experiencing gastrointestinal issues for over two months. My recent health check report indicated that everything is normal except for elevated total bilirubin levels (CEA is normal). However, this afternoon, I noticed blood in my stool; the blood ...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Blood in the stool, when accompanied by no anal pain, is mostly due to hemorrhoidal bleeding. If blood in the stool causes anal pain, it is likely due to anal fissures. Occasional blood in the stool should raise concerns about hemorrhoids first, followed by tumors (polyps or canc...[Read More] Blood in Stool: Understanding Gastrointestinal Health Concerns
Managing Dizziness and Falls in Elderly Patients with Hypertension
Hypertension. Mild cardiac edema..? Dear Deputy Director: My mother, in her seventies, frequently experiences dizziness and has fallen (she has hypertension and mild cardiac enlargement, which are managed with medication, but she still often feels dizzy and falls). What are the c...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
When you see a doctor for "dizziness," it refers to a sensation of lightheadedness, dullness in the head, and visual disturbances, but not to the extent of feeling like the world is spinning. This is often caused by internal medical conditions. On the other hand, "...[Read More] Managing Dizziness and Falls in Elderly Patients with Hypertension
Possible Causes of Stomach Bloating and Navel Pain in Your Boyfriend
Stomach My boyfriend has been experiencing bloating in his stomach for the past couple of days, and he vomits whenever he eats. What could be causing this issue? Additionally, last week he mentioned having pain around his navel. Could there be a correlation between these symptoms...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Immediately take her to see a doctor for an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to check for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers. Diet for patients with peptic ulcers and gastritis: A bland diet is a non-irritating diet that is low in fiber, easy to digest, an...[Read More] Possible Causes of Stomach Bloating and Navel Pain in Your Boyfriend
Understanding Bowel Issues: Irregular Stools and Abdominal Discomfort
Issues related to bowel movements? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have noticed some abnormalities during bowel movements and would like to consult you: 1. For about two months, my stools have been irregular in shape (they no longer form the typical cylindrical shape and sometimes rese...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
It may be Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): The following relevant information is provided: Clinically, Irritable Bowel Syndrome can present with three main types of symptoms: (1) Chronic intermittent diarrhea, which generally occurs without abdominal pain. Diarrhea often happens i...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Irregular Stools and Abdominal Discomfort
Understanding Stomach Ulcers: Causes, Treatments, and Pain Management
Gastrointestinal issues Last month, I underwent an endoscopy, and the result was a gastric ulcer. The doctor prescribed me Lanpo Capsules 30mg. I feel that taking this medication sometimes causes pain, and sometimes it doesn't, but recently it has been consistently painful. ...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
See a doctor as soon as possible: Lanpo indications: gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, in combination with antibiotic treatment for Helicobacter pylori-related peptic ulcers. Lanpo action: inhibits gastric acid se...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Ulcers: Causes, Treatments, and Pain Management
Chronic Cough: Understanding Causes and Management in Gastroenterology
Coughing Hello, I have been experiencing a persistent cough almost every day since I had a cold two years ago. I underwent a chest X-ray and pulmonary function tests at Mackay Memorial Hospital last year, and the results were normal. I have a mild dry cough occasionally, but when...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Persistent coughing warrants a chest X-ray and consultation with a physician to rule out diseases such as tuberculosis and lung cancer, as early detection is crucial. There is a common saying: "The general store is worried about cooking at noon, the land is worried about lea...[Read More] Chronic Cough: Understanding Causes and Management in Gastroenterology
Understanding the Benefits of Red Sweet Potato Leaf Soup for Hypertension
Dietary Management of Hypertension Dr. Hollo Tsai: 1. My mother's blood pressure has been close to 200 for many years, approximately ten years, and she is currently 53 years old. 2. She recently started taking antihypertensive medication - Prazosin, but she is afraid to meas...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
Dr. Andy Sun's Dietary Therapy for Hypertension to Prevent Stroke Hypertension is a common chronic disease in Taiwan, with early symptoms typically including dizziness, headaches, palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, and fatigue. The appearance of later symptoms d...[Read More] Understanding the Benefits of Red Sweet Potato Leaf Soup for Hypertension
Understanding Lipomas: When to Worry About Pain and New Growths
Lipoma There is a pre-existing lipoma on the left posterior side of the lower back, approximately 2 cm in diameter, which has been present for over a decade. It causes slight pain when compressed, but its size has remained unchanged, and its color is normal skin tone. In the past...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
Lipomas are quite common benign tumors located in the subcutaneous tissue, composed of fat. Typically, lipomas are surrounded by a thin fibrous capsule that separates them from the surrounding normal tissue. However, sometimes this fibrous layer may be absent, making it difficult...[Read More] Understanding Lipomas: When to Worry About Pain and New Growths
Understanding Loss of Appetite: Insights for Busy Professionals
Loss of appetite Hello Dr. Tsai, I am a busy working professional who has been drinking alcohol for many years. For the past six months, I have been experiencing a loss of appetite, and alcohol has become difficult to consume. I often feel nauseous, and around noon, I experience ...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The term "appetite" refers to the physiological need to eat. When this need diminishes or even disappears, it is referred to as loss of appetite. Simply put, it means a lack of desire to eat. So, who is more likely to experience loss of appetite? Generally, office worke...[Read More] Understanding Loss of Appetite: Insights for Busy Professionals
Understanding Belching and Sour Taste: When to Seek Medical Attention
Belching Hello, Deputy Director. I am asking this question on behalf of my mother: My mother often complains that whenever she drinks sweet beverages (such as soy milk or rice milk), she immediately experiences belching, and the taste has a sour flavor. This symptom has persisted...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Immediately take her to see a doctor for an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to check for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers. Diet for patients with peptic ulcers and gastritis: A bland diet is a non-irritating diet that is low in fiber, easy to digest, an...[Read More] Understanding Belching and Sour Taste: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues After Heart Surgery: When to Seek Help
Hello? Dear Vice Dean Tsai, My father underwent a cardiac catheterization procedure recently and has been experiencing frequent abdominal bloating, which has led him to eat very little. He hasn't had a bowel movement for the past two days, and today while trying to defecate...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
If it is not gastric bleeding, immediate consultation with a colorectal surgeon is necessary, as the bleeding may be caused by hemorrhoids. A sigmoidoscopy can provide answers. Below is information related to gastric bleeding: Symptoms may include the presence of blood in vomit ...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues After Heart Surgery: When to Seek Help
How Soon After Appendectomy Can You Resume Intense Exercise?
How long after an appendectomy can one engage in vigorous exercise? Hello Dr. Tsai, I had an emergency appendectomy in mid-May this year, and the doctor said it went very smoothly with successful wound closure. After resting for a week, I returned to school. For the first three ...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The pain receptors in the human body are free nerve endings. When an injury occurs, it results in cell damage, which releases certain substances that stimulate the free nerve endings, leading to the sensation of pain. Additionally, the sensitivity to pain around the wound increas...[Read More] How Soon After Appendectomy Can You Resume Intense Exercise?