Understanding Gastroenteritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and When to Seek Help
Gastroenteritis Hello! I am a 27-year-old female and often experience a dull pain in my abdomen, bloating, and a slight feeling of nausea. I frequently burp (especially when I'm hungry), and my bowel movements usually occur 2-3 times a week, with the longest gap being 6 days...
Dr. Cai Zonglong reply Internal Medicine
Hello, I believe you may have a problem with constipation. To improve this, it is advisable to drink plenty of water and consume a high-fiber diet while reducing low-residue foods. Additionally, drinking a large glass of cold whole milk in the morning can be very effective. If th...[Read More] Understanding Gastroenteritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Four Days of Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns
Diarrhea for four consecutive days? I would like to ask the doctor: I have been experiencing diarrhea for the past four days. The diarrhea is watery and mixed with some soft stools (not formed). The color of the stool on the toilet paper is yellow, but the stool in the toilet is ...
Dr. Cai Zonglong reply Internal Medicine
Response: Hello, there are many causes of diarrhea. Common causes include gastroenteritis (which can be transmitted through food or droplets), medications, certain foods (such as milk), stress, and endocrine issues. If there is no severe abdominal pain, fever, or blood in the sto...[Read More] Understanding Four Days of Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Remedies
Occasionally, there is cramping pain in the lower left abdomen? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing occasional sharp pain in my lower left abdomen when I cough, breathe, or exert pressure on my abdomen (I have had similar symptoms in the past). My appetite is genera...
Dr. Cai Zonglong reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the pain you are experiencing may be due to neuropathic pain or local muscle spasms. It is advisable not to overeat, avoid vigorous exercise after meals, and wear loose-fitting clothing. If the symptoms persist, you should consult a gynecologist and a gastroenterologist. T...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Remedies
Understanding the Causes of Nausea: When to Seek Medical Help
There are several reasons for nausea, including gastrointestinal issues, infections, motion sickness, medication side effects, hormonal changes, and psychological factors such as anxiety or stress. It can also Doctor: May I ask you about a recent experience? I've been feelin...
Dr. Cai Zonglong reply Internal Medicine
Hello, there are many causes for nausea. In addition to gastrointestinal issues, problems with the kidneys or brain can also lead to feelings of nausea. Based on what you've described, from a gastroenterological perspective, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more l...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Nausea: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Right Side Discomfort: When to See a Specialist
Discomfort on the right side? Dr. Tsai: After consulting you about the pressure sensation in my right upper abdomen (what could be the cause of discomfort in the right upper abdomen on 12/28), I have noticed that the discomfort has spread to my right flank, lower back, and right ...
Dr. Cai Zonglong reply Internal Medicine
Hello, based on your symptoms and examination, it is unlikely that there is a problem with your liver. However, it would be more accurate to perform a blood test to check liver function. Additionally, your symptoms may be caused by your daily work or lifestyle habits, which may n...[Read More] Understanding Right Side Discomfort: When to See a Specialist
Understanding Stomach Cramps: Causes and Dietary Recommendations
About gastric colic? What are the causes of gastric cramps? Additionally, what types of food, such as fruits or beverages, are better for gastric cramps? Thank you for your assistance!
Dr. Cai Zonglong reply Internal Medicine
Hello, gastric cramps are generally caused by gastric spasms, which can result from various factors such as inflammation, ulcers, or mucosal erosion. Rapid relief is not always easy to achieve; you might try consuming soda crackers, bread, or warm milk. However, it is advisable t...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Cramps: Causes and Dietary Recommendations
Understanding Unusual Stool Colors and Consistency: What It Means for Your Health
The color of stool? I have a question. The color of my stool seems unusual; it is half dark and half light. Additionally, my stool is not solid and has holes in it, resembling a honeycomb. What could be the reason for this?
Dr. Cai Zonglong reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the dark color of your stool may be due to it staying in the colon for a longer period, resulting in increased water absorption. Therefore, I encourage you to drink more water. Additionally, the presence of holes in the stool may indicate abnormal fermentation, so I recomm...[Read More] Understanding Unusual Stool Colors and Consistency: What It Means for Your Health
Understanding Kidney Function Tests: Interpreting Abnormal Results
Kidney function tests I recently received my health check report. Kidney examination: BUN=13 is normal, but creatinine=2.4 indicates an abnormal condition. Gallbladder examination: total bilirubin (T-bil)=1.6 is abnormal, while direct bilirubin (d-bil)=0.3 is normal. Urinalysis: ...
Dr. Cai Zonglong reply Internal Medicine
Hello, a creatinine level of 2.4 indicates abnormal kidney function. There are many causes for kidney dysfunction, but your normal urine test results help rule out glomerulonephritis and interstitial nephritis. The remaining differential diagnoses primarily include: 1. Residual r...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function Tests: Interpreting Abnormal Results
Understanding Pancreatic Cysts: Treatment Options and Risks
Regarding pancreatic cysts? Dear Doctor: My father was found to have small cysts in the pancreas after a hospital examination. I would like to ask how to treat this condition? What are the potential consequences if left untreated?
Dr. Cai Zonglong reply Internal Medicine
Hello, usually small cysts in the pancreas are often caused by previous inflammation. Pancreatitis is typically associated with alcohol consumption or gallstones, so it is important to address the underlying cause of the inflammation. If there has been no recent inflammation or h...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Cysts: Treatment Options and Risks
Understanding Discomfort in the Upper Right Abdomen: Causes and Next Steps
What could be the causes of discomfort in the right upper abdomen? Recently, I often feel a strange sensation in my upper right abdomen (just below the chest, within the rib cage). It doesn't feel like pain or nausea; it's more like a feeling of pressure. I'm not v...
Dr. Cai Zonglong reply Internal Medicine
Hello, your symptoms are similar to those experienced by many carriers of Hepatitis B. Generally, it could be due to fatty liver or other causes that may be affecting the nerves. I recommend that you visit a hepatobiliary department at a hospital for an ultrasound to rule out any...[Read More] Understanding Discomfort in the Upper Right Abdomen: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Viral Infections: Symptoms and What to Expect
Viral infection?! Hello, doctor. 1. I have been experiencing diarrhea since this morning, with about 4 to 5 episodes by noon. 2. I have vomited 3 times (only drank a sip of water and about 100 c.c. of milk). 3. I have lower back pain, calf soreness, and overall weakness. 4. ...
Dr. Cai Zonglong reply Internal Medicine
Hello, based on your symptoms, it is indeed possible that you have a viral infection. However, it is important to consider the issues and symptoms that occurred prior to the diarrhea. If it was caused by contaminated food, then it is likely a viral infection; otherwise, there cou...[Read More] Understanding Viral Infections: Symptoms and What to Expect
Understanding Hepatitis B: Impacts on Liver Health and Dietary Considerations
Hepatitis B Hello Dr. Tsai: If a patient has undergone a liver biopsy due to hepatitis B and is now immune, does this indicate that there has been significant damage to liver function (such as fibrosis or hepatitis)? If so, aside from regular follow-ups every six months, what spe...
Dr. Cai Zonglong reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the immune response after a liver biopsy only indicates that the patient's liver function or liver inflammation was abnormal during that period; it does not necessarily imply severe fibrosis or irreversible damage. For patients with liver disease, we usually recommend...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Impacts on Liver Health and Dietary Considerations
Understanding Right Abdominal Pain After Varicocele Surgery: Causes and Solutions
Right abdominal pain? Hello Doctor: In September of this year, I underwent a varicocelectomy due to varicocele (the incision was made in the left lower abdomen). About a week after the surgery, I began experiencing localized soreness in the right abdomen and right flank, but I co...
Dr. Cai Zonglong reply Internal Medicine
Hello, your issue is somewhat complex. At first glance, it may not appear to be a gastroenterological problem, as gastrointestinal pain is typically accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms. However, your pain occurred after surgery, and since your bowel movements are unknown, I ...[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal Pain After Varicocele Surgery: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Solutions for Hard Stomach Issues
Bloating ~ my intestines feel hard again? It's not exactly constipation, but I often feel the urge to have a bowel movement without being able to do so. My abdomen frequently feels bloated and hard to the touch. I'm not overweight, and it doesn't seem to be fat. I ...
Dr. Cai Zonglong reply Internal Medicine
Hello, there are many causes of bloating, and constipation is one of them. However, there are also important reasons such as 1. abnormal intestinal motility, and 2. abnormal fermentation in the intestines. Abnormal motility can be managed with medication or exercise, while addres...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Solutions for Hard Stomach Issues
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Blood in the stool..? Hello, doctor. I'm not sure if my situation is the same as others, but I still want to ask. My question is that I have noticed blood in my stool recently, and this is not the first time. I don't often experience bloody stools, and I often don'...
Dr. Cai Zonglong reply Internal Medicine
Hello, currently among patients experiencing bloody stools, it is usually related to issues with the colon or the rectum. If blood is present before the stool, it may indicate a problem with the colon. If blood appears after the stool, it may suggest issues with the rectum or anu...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Can Esophageal Sphincter Relaxation Be Cured? Tips for Improvement
Lower esophageal sphincter relaxation Is esophageal sphincter relaxation a curable condition? I have no appetite every day, often experience nausea and vomiting. How can I improve this? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Zonglong reply Internal Medicine
Hello, usually, a relaxed lower esophageal sphincter (hernia) may be associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), abnormal gastric motility, and dyspepsia. Treatment primarily focuses on controlling the symptoms of these issues. Unless the relaxation is severe, leading...[Read More] Can Esophageal Sphincter Relaxation Be Cured? Tips for Improvement
Understanding Common Symptoms of Left-Sided Migraine Attacks
Common symptoms of migraine? I have been healthy since childhood and have never experienced headaches before. However, during my sophomore year in college, I started having headaches. The symptoms are as follows: the pain is primarily on the left side, and my entire left side fee...
Dr. Cai Zonglong reply Internal Medicine
Hello: It is recommended to consult a neurologist for headaches, as they can provide a more detailed explanation for your condition. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Common Symptoms of Left-Sided Migraine Attacks
Exploring Treatment Options for Crohn's Disease: Medications and Resources
Treatment options for Crohn's disease? Hello Dr. Tsai, I am a patient with Crohn's disease. I had surgery 10 years ago, and now it seems there are signs of a recurrence. I am currently taking steroids and medications like Azathioprine, but I still experience discomfort....
Dr. Cai Zonglong reply Internal Medicine
Reply: Hello, Dr. Tsai is quite busy, so I will respond on his behalf (Dr. Chen). The medication you mentioned is infliximab (brand name Remicade), produced by Aventis. It is an antagonist antibody that targets the pro-inflammatory factor TNF-α, which can inhibit the inflammatory...[Read More] Exploring Treatment Options for Crohn's Disease: Medications and Resources
Understanding Afternoon Bloating: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Discomfort
Abdominal bloating For the past week, I've been experiencing abdominal bloating around 4 PM each day. It feels like my stomach is enlarging, and it's quite uncomfortable. However, from the time I wake up until noon, I feel fine and have no issues. There are no problems ...
Dr. Cai Zonglong reply Internal Medicine
Hello, abdominal bloating and enlargement are generally related to intestinal issues. This could be due to abnormal fermentation (an overgrowth of harmful bacteria) or irregular peristalsis. Therefore, you may consider taking enzyme supplements or consuming yogurt to enhance bene...[Read More] Understanding Afternoon Bloating: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Discomfort
Managing Elevated Liver Fat: Dietary Tips and Supplements for Improvement
Slightly elevated liver fat? Hello, Doctor: I usually take zinc supplements regularly, and I recently found out during a health check that my liver fat levels are slightly elevated. I would like to ask if this is related to my vitamin intake. The physician at the testing center a...
Dr. Cai Zonglong reply Internal Medicine
Hello, fatty liver is generally diagnosed using ultrasound. It is typically caused by excessive fat accumulation in the liver, which can be classified into pathological and physiological responses. Pathological fatty liver is caused by other diseases such as hepatitis, alcohol co...[Read More] Managing Elevated Liver Fat: Dietary Tips and Supplements for Improvement