Managing Excess Stomach Acid: Tips for Relief and Dietary Changes
Excess stomach acid Sometimes I experience bloating, and recently I've had hard stools and a loss of appetite. What can I eat to improve this issue? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, it is likely caused by indigestion. First, adjust your diet by reducing oily and spicy foods, avoid overeating, and increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, and water. If there is no improvement, please consult a gastroenterologist at the Taoyuan Hospital of the Ministr...[Read More] Managing Excess Stomach Acid: Tips for Relief and Dietary Changes
Understanding Severe Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
I have recently started experiencing severe diarrhea? I have been experiencing frequent diarrhea for the past two months, with a maximum of 10 times a day and at least 5 times daily. Sometimes the stool is solid, but most of the time it is liquid. Before having a bowel movement, ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, in addition to stool tests, colonoscopy or barium enema may be considered. Additionally, it is important to rule out any previous history of antibiotic use. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Attending Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministr...[Read More] Understanding Severe Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Painless Watery Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns
Painless watery stools Hello doctor, this week I have been experiencing watery stools every time I have a bowel movement, which has not happened before. I have been going 2 to 3 times a day, but I do not feel any abdominal pain; I only have a sensation of swelling around the anus...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, based on the symptoms, it appears to be acute gastroenteritis. Please consult the Gastroenterology Department at Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, with attending physician Dr. Chi-Feng Chen.[Read More] Understanding Painless Watery Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Right Abdominal Pain Near the Belly Button: Causes and Concerns
There is a point in the abdomen that experiences sharp pain? I have been experiencing intermittent mild pain or itching discomfort just to the right of my belly button for several days now, and I am a bit worried.
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, based on the location of the pain, it seems more like an intestinal issue. Common conditions include gas or gastroenteritis. If necessary, please consult a gastroenterologist at the Ministry of Health and Welfare Taoyuan Hospital, Gastroenterology Department, Attending Phy...[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal Pain Near the Belly Button: Causes and Concerns
Managing Post-Cholecystectomy Complications: A Patient's Journey
Please ask your question about the gallbladder? I was hospitalized last year due to recurrent abdominal pain from gallstones, and subsequently underwent a cholecystectomy in July 2015. However, after the surgery, I have been admitted multiple times for fever. Last week, after und...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, after surgery on the bile duct or gallbladder, there are occasional cases where gas may enter the bile duct. Even so, this does not necessarily lead to inflammation. When diagnosing bile duct cancer, it is still important to rule out inflammation in other areas or the pres...[Read More] Managing Post-Cholecystectomy Complications: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Changes in Stool Shape and Frequent Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions
Frequent diarrhea with thin, unformed stools? Hello Dr. Chen, I have noticed a significant change in the shape of my stool over the past month; it has become noticeably thinner, and I often experience diarrhea with unformed stools. Initially, I had no urge to defecate, and when I...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, generally speaking, hemorrhoids do not affect the caliber of stool. Your symptoms may indicate gastrointestinal dysfunction, which can also be referred to as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The main dietary adjustments are as follows: reduce oil, dairy, and irritating food...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Stool Shape and Frequent Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Gallbladder Polyphonic Stones: What Your Test Results Mean
Multiple gallstones in the gallbladder measuring approximately 0.8 cm? Hello, doctor. Every year, our company invites a medical team to conduct employee health check-ups. Recently, I received my examination report, which indicated that my eosinophil percentage (Eosin) is 0.9 and ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, gallstones typically manifest as discomfort in the upper abdomen, especially in the right upper quadrant, following a rich and fatty meal. They may also be asymptomatic. ALK-P may be related to cholelithiasis, while Eosin is not. - Chen Qi-Feng, Taoyuan General Hospital, M...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyphonic Stones: What Your Test Results Mean
Understanding Irregular Bowel Movements: Is It Colon Cancer?
Occasionally experiencing constipation and other times diarrhea? Recently, I have experienced alternating constipation and diarrhea, sometimes with normal bowel movements. Occasionally, when I am constipated, there are streaks of blood in my stool. Could this be colon cancer?
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the probability of cancer is relatively low based on age. It is recommended to consult the Department of Gastroenterology or the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Attending Physician,...[Read More] Understanding Irregular Bowel Movements: Is It Colon Cancer?
Understanding Abdominal Masses: Causes and Concerns
Abdominal mass Hello doctor, I have a small hard lump located right above my navel and below my ribs, precisely in the center of my abdomen. It hurts when I press on it, but I haven't engaged in any intense exercise or experienced any trauma. The lump becomes more pronounced...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the lump in this area is usually the xiphoid cartilage of the sternum. Continuous pressure may cause tenderness. You may consult a physician for a physical examination. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Attending Physician, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan General Hospital...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Masses: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Abdominal pain Since yesterday, I have been experiencing mild abdominal pain, but it occurs frequently. I am uncertain whether it is due to accidentally swallowing a fishbone. A few days ago, while eating, I felt something that seemed like a fishbone, but I also felt that I did n...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the most common issue with accidentally swallowing a fishbone is that it gets lodged in the throat or esophagus. If it has already passed into the gastrointestinal tract, discomfort is rare; however, there are a few cases where it can pierce the intestinal wall. At this po...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Is Blood in Stool Due to Constipation? When to See a Doctor
Blood in the stool? A few days ago, while having a bowel movement, I strained due to hard stools, and afterward, there was blood on the toilet paper. My abdomen hurt after the bowel movement, and for two consecutive days, I took medication to help with gastrointestinal motility a...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, constipation and hard stools may lead to anal fissure bleeding. Additionally, hemorrhoids may also cause bleeding. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Chi-Feng, Attending Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Is Blood in Stool Due to Constipation? When to See a Doctor
Average Time for GERD to Progress to Esophageal or Stomach Cancer
The average time for the development of cancer can vary widely depending on the type of cancer and individual factors. Generally, it can take several years to decades for cancer to develop from precancerous changes to a fully malignant tumor? Hello Dr. Chen: I would like to ask a...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, gastroesophageal reflux can lead to Barrett's esophagus, which may subsequently develop into adenocarcinoma. The time frame for cancer development varies depending on factors such as race, genetic predisposition, individual constitution, and the severity of esophagiti...[Read More] Average Time for GERD to Progress to Esophageal or Stomach Cancer
Why Is My Right Abdomen Larger Than the Left? Understanding Digestive Concerns
Why is the right side of the abdomen slightly larger than the left side? Hello, doctor: I am a bit concerned about my intestinal issues. I would like to ask, if my stool varies in thickness from time to time, sometimes well-formed and sometimes not, or if it often becomes loose a...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, based on the symptoms, it appears to be gastroenteritis or functional bowel disorder. It is recommended to follow a low-fat and non-irritating diet. If there is no improvement, please visit the Gastroenterology outpatient clinic at Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Hea...[Read More] Why Is My Right Abdomen Larger Than the Left? Understanding Digestive Concerns
Understanding Elevated SGPT Levels: Implications for Liver Health and Pregnancy
Elevated SGPT (Serum Glutamate Today, I told my obstetrician about my liver enzyme results, and the doctor said that an SGPT level of 108 is indeed high and may indicate an underlying liver issue, possibly hepatitis C or hepatitis B. If it is one of these two, will it affect the ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, it is important to first confirm whether the mother has hepatitis B or hepatitis C. If not, the likelihood of fatty liver disease is highest. Only hepatitis B can affect the baby, but there is also a risk of transmission through contamination with the mother's blood d...[Read More] Understanding Elevated SGPT Levels: Implications for Liver Health and Pregnancy
Do I Still Need a Colonoscopy After Negative Fecal Occult Blood Test?
The fecal occult blood test result is negative? Hello, doctor: Last week, I had a stool occult blood test, and the doctor said there was no occult blood. Do I still need to have a colonoscopy? Is there still a risk of colorectal cancer?
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, it is important to first inquire about the reasons for performing a fecal occult blood test. Additionally, a negative result on the fecal occult blood test does not equate to the absence of colorectal cancer, as there are other potential causes. Even with a negative result...[Read More] Do I Still Need a Colonoscopy After Negative Fecal Occult Blood Test?
Understanding Negative Fecal Occult Blood Test Results and Their Implications
The fecal occult blood test result is negative? Hello Dr. Chen: Today I received the results of my stool occult blood test, which came back negative and was deemed normal. However, the doctor was very busy, and I didn't get to ask him many questions before leaving the consul...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, a negative fecal occult blood test does not completely rule out colorectal cancer or gastric cancer. The presence of stool mixed with urine should not affect the accuracy of the test. Ultimately, it is essential to consider clinical symptoms in conjunction with the test re...[Read More] Understanding Negative Fecal Occult Blood Test Results and Their Implications
Understanding the Progression of Grade B Reflux Esophagitis and Cancer Risk
The duration for the progression of grade B reflux esophagitis to esophageal lesions can vary significantly among individuals. Generally, it may take several months to years for such changes to occur, depending on factors such as the severity of reflux, individual health conditio...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that is prone to recurrence. In addition to pharmacological treatment, diet and lifestyle factors also have a significant impact. The degree of inflammation is not absolutely related to the risk of cancer. Sincerely, Dr...[Read More] Understanding the Progression of Grade B Reflux Esophagitis and Cancer Risk
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Blood in the stool? Hello doctor, for the past two to three weeks, I have been experiencing difficulty with bowel movements. Previously, I would typically have a bowel movement every two days, but recently, I often feel discomfort in my abdomen without any pain, just a sensation ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, based on the symptoms, it appears to be a result of gastrointestinal dysfunction, leading to indigestion and irregular bowel movements. As for the bleeding, the most likely cause is hemorrhoids. If adjusting your diet and lifestyle does not improve the situation, it is rec...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Your Digestive Issues: What Could Be Wrong?
What problem is occurring with my gastrointestinal system? Doctor, I have a question. Last night when I had a bowel movement, I had to exert a little effort to pass the stool, but afterward, my stomach started to hurt, and it felt very hard. The pain persisted until today, althou...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, sometimes fecal impaction can cause intestinal colic. If one is unable to have a smooth bowel movement, it can easily lead to cramping or even spasms. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Attending Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of H...[Read More] Understanding Your Digestive Issues: What Could Be Wrong?
Understanding Persistent Anal Itching: Causes and Treatment Options
Regarding anal itching? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing persistent itching around my anus for a long time. In the past, I visited several hospitals in Kaohsiung, and many doctors diagnosed it as itching caused by internal hemorrhoids. However, since the hemorrhoids were sm...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, there are many causes of hemorrhoids, with constipation being one of the common reasons. As for anal pruritus, there are also numerous causes, including hemorrhoids, parasitic infections, and unknown reasons. It is important to keep the anal area clean and dry. If necessar...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Anal Itching: Causes and Treatment Options