Understanding Esophageal Discomfort: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Esophageal discomfort issues? Hello Doctor, a while ago while eating fish, I felt a fishbone get stuck. The next day, I went to the hospital for an endoscopy, and the doctor said there were no foreign objects, but I had esophageal ulcers. I was prescribed medication for the ulcer...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, you have undergone an endoscopy, which confirmed that you only have an esophageal ulcer, and there is no foreign object lodged. Please continue taking the medication for the esophageal ulcer. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Attending Physician, Department of Gastroenterology...[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Discomfort: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Constipation: When to Seek Further Gastrointestinal Evaluation
Bowel movement issues? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing long-term constipation. In mid-April, I noticed that I couldn't fully empty my bowels. I underwent a rectal examination, which was normal, and then I was referred for a barium enema, the results of which were also...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, you have undergone a rectoscopy and a barium enema examination, which suggests colonic dysfunction. It is recommended to reduce the intake of oily foods, dairy products, and irritants, while increasing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and water. If symptoms persist a...[Read More] Understanding Constipation: When to Seek Further Gastrointestinal Evaluation
Is This a Sign of Colon Cancer? Understanding Your Symptoms
Is this colorectal cancer? This morning, my stool was shaped like strips and had a golden yellow color. However, it started off thick and then became slightly thinner. There were many small black and red pieces in the stool, as well as something resembling hawthorn. At first, the...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, considering these symptoms, it may be gastroenteritis combined with rectal bleeding. The bleeding could be due to excessive straining during bowel movements, which causes the anal sphincter to contract too much. There is no need to immediately think of colorectal cancer. I...[Read More] Is This a Sign of Colon Cancer? Understanding Your Symptoms
Feeling of Foreign Body in the Esophagus: Diagnosis and Next Steps
Feeling of a foreign body in the esophagus? In cases of esophageal foreign body sensation, aside from endoscopy, are there other diagnostic tools available? Recently, after eating fish, I experienced a sensation of a foreign body in my esophagus. An endoscopy was performed, but n...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, you should first visit an otolaryngologist to rule out any bones lodged in the throat. Then, you may need to undergo an endoscopy; if something is indeed stuck in the esophagus, it can be removed using instruments. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Attending Physician, Gastroe...[Read More] Feeling of Foreign Body in the Esophagus: Diagnosis and Next Steps
Understanding Abnormal Stool Color: Causes and When to Seek Help
Management of Abnormal Stool Color Hello, doctor. Thank you for your previous response. However, I still have some questions I would like to ask: I haven't eaten any red foods in the past few days, and my stool shape seems normal. There isn't a lot of vegetable residue,...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, it is recommended to undergo a fecal occult blood test (which has a very high accuracy). If the result is positive, further diagnosis and treatment should be pursued. If the result is negative, it may be due to food residue or food coloring. Currently, there seems to be no...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Stool Color: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you a few questions: 1. I have a long-term sensation of liquid spreading about four centimeters below my left rib cage, especially when I drink water or cold beverages. Could this be related to a gastric perforation or ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, based on the symptom analysis, it does not appear to be a gastric perforation or similar conditions. If it were a gastric perforation, emergency surgery would likely be necessary. It also does not resemble renal edema; if there were renal edema causing a palpable mass in t...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Understanding Loose Stools: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Issues
Abnormal bowel movements for over a week with loose stools? Hello doctor: For the past week, my stools have been loose and I haven't been able to have normal bowel movements. Since it's summer vacation, I haven't been exercising and I don't like eating vegetab...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, it seems to be a mild case of gastroenteritis or gastrointestinal dyspepsia. It is recommended to follow a low-fat, low-dairy, and non-irritating diet. If there is no improvement, please consult a gastroenterologist. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng C...[Read More] Understanding Loose Stools: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Issues
Understanding Recurring Stomach Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Frequent recurrence of gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello Doctor, recently my stomach has been feeling quite uncomfortable. I have seen several doctors before; some diagnosed me with mild gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and noted a slight gastric ulcer after an endoscopy, ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, regarding gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it is recommended to avoid smoking and alcohol, limit tea and coffee intake, reduce consumption of spicy foods, limit glutinous rice products, and avoid overly sweet or sour foods, as well as carbonated beverages. Do not ea...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Stomach Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and What to Do Next
Blood in the stool? Hello Doctor: Over the past month, I have been noticing some blood in my stool intermittently. Recently, I have experienced blood dripping after passing gas following a bowel movement. When I wipe with toilet paper after a bowel movement, there is bright red b...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, rectal bleeding without other symptoms is most commonly caused by hemorrhoids (internal hemorrhoids). It is recommended to increase the intake of fruits and vegetables while reducing irritating foods. If there is no improvement, please consult a colorectal surgeon. Wishing...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and What to Do Next
Understanding Persistent Abdominal Pain and Changes in Bowel Habits
Abdominal pain Hello Dr. Chen: I have been experiencing a change in my bowel habits for over a month (more than 3 times a day and changes in shape). I have also been having intermittent dull abdominal pain for over a month, especially noticeable in the morning upon waking. During...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, an increase in bowel movements accompanied by soft stools is most likely indicative of gastroenteritis. It is recommended to follow a light diet low in oil, dairy, and irritants. If symptoms persist, please consult a gastroenterologist. Wishing you safety and health. Since...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Abdominal Pain and Changes in Bowel Habits
Understanding Red Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Red stool? I just had a bowel movement and my stomach doesn't hurt. After finishing, I noticed that the last part of my stool was red and scattered, not formed into a solid shape (it was a reddish-orange color). The initial part of the stool was solid and brown, but the end ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, it is suspected to be related to food. It is recommended to observe the situation; if it is indeed related to the color of the food, it should disappear within 1 to 2 days. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Attending Physician, Department of ...[Read More] Understanding Red Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Blood in the stool? I would like to ask about a situation where I sometimes notice a small amount of bright red blood on toilet paper after bowel movements. I often experience pain during defecation, and there have been instances where I noticed a few drops of blood after a bowel...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the likelihood of bleeding from hemorrhoids is the highest. If the bleeding persists, you should consult a colorectal surgeon. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Chi-Feng, Attending Physician, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry ...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Changes in Stool Size: When to Seek Medical Advice
Narrowing of stool? Hello Doctor: My bowel movement frequency has always been quite good, typically once a day or at least every two days. Since June of this year, I have been focusing on weight loss and health maintenance. In addition to drinking over 2000cc of water daily, I ha...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, there may be recent occurrences of gastroenteritis. It is recommended to consume less oil, less dairy, and fewer raw or cold foods. If your stool returns to a normal consistency, there is no need to worry. Polyps generally do not grow large enough to cause a change in stoo...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Stool Size: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Do You Need to Restart the Series?
Hepatitis B vaccine Hello, I would like to ask about my situation. During the health check when I entered as a freshman, it was found that I did not have antibodies for Hepatitis B. Later, the school arranged for the Ministry of Health and Welfare to administer the vaccine. Howev...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if your memory immune cells are still present, then receiving an additional dose will automatically boost your antibody levels, so one dose is sufficient; if not, in addition to this dose, you will need to receive two more doses. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Do You Need to Restart the Series?
Understanding Bowel Issues: Is It IBS or Just a Sensitive Digestive System?
Bowel movement issues Hello Doctor: I have a constitution that is prone to weak gastrointestinal absorption, which makes me frequently need to use the restroom after eating or drinking. Additionally, I have a sensitive constitution, and I often have a bowel movement first thing i...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, based on the symptoms, there is a high likelihood of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, a definitive diagnosis of IBS requires the exclusion of structural abnormalities. If diagnosed with IBS, it is recommended to reduce oil and dairy intake and to avoid emotional st...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Is It IBS or Just a Sensitive Digestive System?
Managing Chronic Constipation: Tips for Relief and Prevention
Chronic constipation Due to environmental factors, I am unable to have fruit with every meal and exercise regularly. My fluid intake is adequate, but I frequently experience constipation, often having a bowel movement only every three days. The stool is dry and hard, resembling s...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, it is important to increase the intake of fruits and vegetables, ensure adequate hydration, and maintain sufficient physical activity. Minimize fried foods and meat consumption. If fiber supplementation does not lead to improvement, it is advisable to consider adding other...[Read More] Managing Chronic Constipation: Tips for Relief and Prevention
Blood in Stool: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Noticing blood after using the restroom? Hello, today I experienced some diarrhea, but the stool was still somewhat formed. I felt a slight stinging sensation around the anus when wiping, and I noticed some bright red blood. Just now, after using the restroom, I wiped again and s...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, during constipation or diarrhea, the anus often contracts and exerts pressure, which can lead to hemorrhoids becoming engorged and bleeding. It is advisable to monitor the situation. If symptoms persist, it is recommended to seek medical treatment from a colorectal surgeon...[Read More] Blood in Stool: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Blood on Fingers After Manual Stool Removal: When to Seek Medical Help?
There is fresh blood on the finger after fecal extraction? Hello, Director Chen: I have been experiencing severe constipation recently, with hard and dry stools. I attempted to manually remove the stool, but my fingers bled. However, there was no blood when I wiped. I have been ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, for habitual constipation, in addition to medication, it is recommended to drink more water, increase physical activity, consume more fruits and vegetables, and reduce meat, fried foods, and irritating foods. The bleeding phenomenon is suspected to be caused by injury from...[Read More] Blood on Fingers After Manual Stool Removal: When to Seek Medical Help?
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Right lower abdominal pain? Hello Doctor, since December of last year, I have been experiencing persistent abdominal pain following an episode of gastroenteritis. Currently, the pain is primarily located in the lower right abdomen, characterized by sharp, bloating, and cramping s...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, aside from the pain radiating to the thigh, the other symptoms are a result of gastroenteritis causing irritable bowel syndrome. It is recommended to follow a low-fat, low-meat, low-dairy, and low-irritant diet. If necessary, digestive enzymes and even antidiarrheal medica...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Post-Surgery Complications: Understanding Abdominal Discomfort and Air Sensation
Postoperative complications Hello Dr. Chen: I underwent a laparoscopic surgery last November, during which I only received local anesthesia. I experienced pain intermittently due to insufficient anesthesia, which made me very anxious. I felt that my intestines on the right side o...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, strictly speaking, your symptoms cannot be classified as complications from the fistula surgery; they are more likely a result of postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction. The sensation of air movement in the lower abdomen is probably just due to increased intestinal gas...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications: Understanding Abdominal Discomfort and Air Sensation