Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Issues with Liver and Gastrointestinal Health
Is there a problem? I have been drinking alcohol almost every day, and recently I've been feeling a pulling sensation just above the right side of my navel for some time. It hurts when I walk and also when I apply pressure. My stomach often feels sharp pain and bloated. When...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist for diagnosis and treatment. You may undergo an abdominal ultrasound and blood tests soon. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Attending Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Ho...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Issues with Liver and Gastrointestinal Health
Does Taking Ulcer Medication Affect Blood Test Results?
Does taking ulcer medication affect blood tests? I have a mild duodenal ulcer and am currently undergoing treatment. My company conducts annual blood tests, and I am currently taking one Talcid tablet daily. I am wondering if this will affect the accuracy of the test results.
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, generally speaking, ulcer medications do not affect biochemical tests. However, they may cause false-negative results in Helicobacter pylori antibody tests. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Attending Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, Tao...[Read More] Does Taking Ulcer Medication Affect Blood Test Results?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Questions for Your Doctor
Hello, doctor? Hello Dr. Chen, I asked you a question yesterday regarding the article https://adoctor.tw/article/82978. Could you clarify if the similar situation you mentioned refers to the discharge of rectal fluid or the presence of blood? By the way, I forgot to mention that ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, intestinal mucus or enema fluid may be present, but if there is blood, it indicates that there is damage to the rectal mucosa. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Chi-Feng, Attending Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministr...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Questions for Your Doctor
Understanding Sudden Increased Appetite: Causes and Concerns
increased appetite Hello doctor, recently I have experienced a sudden increase in appetite. I find myself eating significantly more at each meal, and afterwards, I often feel uncomfortable in my stomach. It's not just a feeling of being overly full; rather, I feel an exagger...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if there is an increase in appetite but no sense of fullness, the first issue to rule out is hyperthyroidism. However, some patients with peptic ulcers may also exhibit similar symptoms. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Attending Physician, Depar...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Increased Appetite: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Elevated Amylase and Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Abnormal biochemical blood test results? Recent blood tests revealed several elevated values, specifically Amylase at 103 U/L (normal range 0-100) and Total Bilirubin at 1.8 mg/dL (normal range 0-1.5). What could be the issue?
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if this is just a routine check-up, slightly elevated amylase does not indicate clinical significance; slightly elevated total bilirubin, if there are no hemolysis issues and no liver or biliary problems, may suggest a congenital metabolic disorder of bile. It is recommend...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Amylase and Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions
Rectal bleeding On the morning of May 20, after having a bowel movement, I noticed blood in the toilet, but the stool was normal and there were no abnormalities. The blood was bright red, which startled me. However, there was no blood on the toilet paper when I wiped. In the afte...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the presence of bright red blood in the stool, separated from the feces, is mostly indicative of bleeding from the anal or rectal area. The most common cause of this phenomenon is hemorrhoids (which can be internal, external, or mixed), and there is no specific correlation...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions
Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Worry About Blood and Soft Stools
Inquiry about bowel movement issues? Hello Doctor: I had a colonoscopy in February of this year, and the doctor said the results were normal, with only mild internal hemorrhoids. However, in the past few days, I have noticed that my stools are often loose or in a fragmented shape...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, after undergoing a colonoscopy, if you experience blood in your stool, the most common causes are hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Anal fissures are painful, while hemorrhoids can bleed without pain or itching. If the bleeding persists, please consult a colorectal specialist....[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Worry About Blood and Soft Stools
Understanding Rectal Discharge After Prostate Stimulation: When to Seek Help
When using a prostate massager, there is a discharge from the anus that contains blood streaks and a yellow gel-like fluid? Hello, doctor. A while ago, I accidentally came across an article online about men stimulating the prostate for pleasure. I couldn't resist and directl...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, using a prostate massager or a toothbrush for stimulation can certainly lead to injury and bleeding in the anal or rectal area. Generally, it is not severe enough to cause prostate damage, as clinical symptoms would be much more serious in that case. Some of the mucus shou...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Discharge After Prostate Stimulation: When to Seek Help
Swallowing Fruit Seeds: Health Risks and Digestive Concerns
Swallowing fruit seeds Hello Dr. Chen: Today I ate watermelon and passion fruit. Although I spit out the seeds, I feel that there are still some seeds that I may have accidentally swallowed. I would like to ask you, Dr. Chen: 1. Given my situation, what adverse effects could swal...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, swallowing fruit seeds will neither affect the body nor germinate inside. However, some fruit seeds are harder to digest and may pass through the body intact in the stool. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Attending Physician, Gastroenterology Dep...[Read More] Swallowing Fruit Seeds: Health Risks and Digestive Concerns
Can You Drink Milk with Acid Reflux? Myths and Facts Explained
Can people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) drink milk? Can people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) drink milk? Is GERD caused by excessive stomach acid? If so, milk could neutralize stomach acid, but it's often said that milk should be avoided. What is...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, gastroesophageal reflux occurs primarily due to insufficient contraction of the lower esophageal sphincter at the junction of the esophagus and stomach, leading to incomplete closure of the lower esophagus. When there is an increased secretion of gastric acid, it can flow ...[Read More] Can You Drink Milk with Acid Reflux? Myths and Facts Explained
Understanding White Strings and Blood in Stool: A Gastrointestinal Guide
White lines in stool (3) Hello Dr. Chen, Thank you for your thoughtful responses to my previous two inquiries. Today, I observed my stool and used disposable chopsticks to break it down. I noticed some white, thread-like substances, but they were not as white as what I observed ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, you can take anti-parasitic medication directly. If it is indeed a parasite, whether it's roundworm or pinworm, it should still be moving shortly after leaving the body. As for the bloody substance, you can continue to observe it; if it appears intermittently, you sho...[Read More] Understanding White Strings and Blood in Stool: A Gastrointestinal Guide
Understanding White Lines in Stool: Parasites or Hemorrhoids?
White lines in stool (2) Hello Dr. Chen: I am the gentleman who previously inquired about the white lines in my stool. Thank you very much for your response. Today, I noticed that there are no obvious white lines in my stool, but I am experiencing significant itching and slight s...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm) is larger when seen in feces, while Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) is much smaller. Typically, antiparasitic medications are broad-spectrum, effective against common parasites, and have minimal side effects, so they are sometimes rec...[Read More] Understanding White Lines in Stool: Parasites or Hemorrhoids?
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Mass: Is It Gallstones or Colon Cancer?
Hard mass in the left lower abdomen? I recently felt a hard lump in my lower left abdomen. Could it be a bowel stone? I experience pain after eating too much and also have diarrhea. Could this be colon cancer or a bowel stone?
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the so-called intestinal stones, in the era when medical advancements were limited, sometimes occurred as a complication of gallstones leading to cholecystenteric fistulas, which could cause intestinal obstruction due to these stones. This is now quite rare. Additionally, ...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Mass: Is It Gallstones or Colon Cancer?
White Lines in Stool: What Could It Mean for Your Digestive Health?
There are white lines in the stool? Hello Dr. Chen: This morning during bowel movement, I noticed a white line in the first two pieces of stool, approximately 0.3 centimeters in length. The larger stool at the back did not have any white lines. Suspecting it might be a parasite, ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, it should be food residue. If you are concerned, you can visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic to check for the presence of worms or eggs in the stool. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Attending Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, T...[Read More] White Lines in Stool: What Could It Mean for Your Digestive Health?
Concerns About Ingesting Fruit Flies: Health Risks and What to Do
Eating fruit flies? Dear Doctor, I often see many small flying insects on my dining table at home. My family says they are fruit flies, which feed on leftover food. A few times while I was eating, fruit flies were buzzing around, and when I opened my mouth, it seemed like I migh...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, when fruit flies are ingested, they do not fly to the brain, eyes, lungs, etc., and they do not cause any harm to the body. They will quickly die and be digested. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Attending Physician, Department of Gastroenterolog...[Read More] Concerns About Ingesting Fruit Flies: Health Risks and What to Do
Left Lower Abdominal Pain and Constipation: What You Need to Know
Mild pain in the lower left abdomen and constipation? I noticed blood around my stool, resembling a halo effect. I have a colonoscopy scheduled for May 20. I mentioned to the doctor that my left testicle also hurts, and he said it could be due to shared nerve pathways, but I forg...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, a colonoscopy has been scheduled, and we will discuss further after the examination. If the results are normal, it will be a functional issue. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Attending Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General H...[Read More] Left Lower Abdominal Pain and Constipation: What You Need to Know
Understanding Polyp Removal: What It Means for Colon Cancer Risk
Polypectomy Dear Dr. Chen, I just underwent a complete colonoscopy today, and the doctor found a very small polyp, which was removed on the spot. They mentioned it would be sent for pathology testing. At this stage, can I rule out the possibility of colorectal cancer? If the pa...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, generally speaking, small polyps have a higher chance of being benign. If they are hyperplastic polyps, the risk of cancer transformation is almost negligible; however, for adenomatous polyps, the risk of malignancy varies depending on the pathological type. After polypect...[Read More] Understanding Polyp Removal: What It Means for Colon Cancer Risk
Post-Meal Left Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Insights
Left-sided abdominal discomfort and pain after eating? Hello, doctor. Sometimes when I feel slightly hungry for a longer period, after finishing a meal, I experience a dull pain at a specific point on the left side of my abdomen (about 5 cm to the left of the navel). This discomf...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, based on the symptoms, the likelihood of stomach pain is highest. The most common conditions are gastritis, gastric ulcers, and gastric spasms. Please visit a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Attending ...[Read More] Post-Meal Left Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Insights
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Recently, there has been blood in the stool? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about an issue I've been experiencing. Yesterday and today, I felt a sharp pain in my anus at the moment of defecation. After wiping, I noticed blood (bright red) on the toilet paper and in the t...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the most common causes of blood in the stool are hemorrhoids or anal fissures. If there are no abnormalities at the anal opening, the likelihood of internal hemorrhoids is quite high. Of course, other causes are also possible, such as polyps, inflammation, diverticula, tum...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Abnormal Stool and When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Abnormal stool, colonoscopy? Hello, doctor. About three years ago, I underwent a colonoscopy, and the results were generally normal, except for a 0.5 cm hyperplastic polyp in the sigmoid colon that was removed and tested as benign. Additionally, I have a problem with internal hem...
Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, hyperplastic polyps are benign and generally do not undergo malignant transformation. If there is a recurrence of blood in the stool or fecal occult blood, further examination can certainly be considered. It is best to perform a complete colonoscopy of the entire colon; if...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Stool and When to Consider a Colonoscopy