Understanding Anal Pain After Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Experiencing pain in the buttocks after a bowel movement? Recently, I have been experiencing severe pain in my anus during bowel movements, described as a sharp pain, which has made me hesitant to defecate. Yesterday, I had no choice but to force it out, and it took a lot of effo...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Anal pain may be due to hemorrhoids, anal abscess, or fistula. It is recommended that you consult a colorectal surgeon for appropriate treatment. Sincerely, Dr. Yuan Hongdao, Internal Medicine.[Read More] Understanding Anal Pain After Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Concerns
There is a feeling of heaviness and bloating in the right upper abdomen? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing bloating in my left abdomen for quite some time. I have taken medications from several clinics, but there hasn't been a significant improvement. Recently, I often...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Liver function is normal, and although there is no hepatitis B, liver and gallbladder issues cannot be completely ruled out. It is recommended that you undergo an abdominal ultrasound to exclude problems with the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. There are many causes of a...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Concerns
Post-Gallbladder Surgery: Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes and Next Steps
Post-cholecystectomy Hello Dr. Chen, my sister (40 years old) recently underwent a cholecystectomy in Shanghai due to gallstones causing cholecystitis. Upon discharge, her liver enzymes were found to be slightly elevated, and the doctor prescribed hepatoprotective medication. How...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: First, it is important to understand the postoperative condition. Is the recovery normal? Why has the patient been hospitalized for 10 days after surgery? Are there any complications? Besides gallstones and cholecystitis, could there also be bile duct stones or cholangitis...[Read More] Post-Gallbladder Surgery: Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes and Next Steps
Understanding Post-Meal Vomiting: Causes and Solutions
excuse me? Hello Doctor: After every meal, I experience vomiting, and sometimes it is severe enough that I expel all the food I have eaten. I would like to know if there are any methods to improve this condition. Thank you for your response.
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It is advised that you do not eat too much or too quickly. Chew your food thoroughly and avoid irritant beverages. If symptoms persist, please seek medical attention to investigate the underlying cause. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Zhi-Ping, Internal Medicine.[Read More] Understanding Post-Meal Vomiting: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
Rectal bleeding Hello Dr. Chen, I have a question. Recently, my bowel movements have been normal, but I've noticed bright red bleeding from my rectum, similar to menstrual bleeding. I'm not sure what this symptom could indicate. Could you please help me understand? Than...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The bleeding may be from the anus or rectum, with the most common cause being hemorrhoidal bleeding. It is recommended that you schedule an examination with a gastroenterologist or a colorectal surgeon. Additionally, you should consume a diet rich in fiber, develop good bo...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
Post-Gallbladder Surgery: Essential Health Checkups for Your Wellbeing
Health check-ups after gallstones? Hello Doctor, my father (54 years old) had his gallbladder removed last year due to gallstones. He sometimes experiences discomfort near his stomach. Although he has seen a doctor and occasionally takes gastrointestinal medication, it doesn'...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: After gallbladder removal surgery, if there is discomfort in the upper abdomen, it is necessary to first check for the presence of stones in the bile duct or the possibility of peptic ulcers in the stomach and duodenum. Additionally, pancreatic diseases may also present as...[Read More] Post-Gallbladder Surgery: Essential Health Checkups for Your Wellbeing
Understanding Oily Flatulence: Causes and When to Seek Help
Passing gas with an oily substance? Hello. Recently, I have been experiencing frequent wet flatulence, and the discharge appears yellow and oily (only liquid, no solid). If I accidentally pass gas while urinating, there is a layer of yellow, oil-like substance floating on the sur...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Oily stools are usually caused by incomplete digestion and absorption of fats after ingestion, leading to their excretion in the feces. Clinically, this can occur due to insufficient secretion of lipase from the pancreas (such as in chronic pancreatitis), or due to malabso...[Read More] Understanding Oily Flatulence: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Blood in the stool? Hello Doctor: I have recently noticed some blood streaks in my stool, and sometimes I have bowel movements every 2-3 days, while at other times it is normal.
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Your condition may be caused by anal or rectal diseases, such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures. How would you describe the consistency of your stools? Are you experiencing any difficulty with bowel movements? It is recommended to consume more fiber-rich fruits and vegetable...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Daily Diarrhea and Stomach Pain: Seeking Gastroenterology Solutions
Frequent diarrhea? Hello Dr. Chen, I have been experiencing abdominal pain almost every day, along with diarrhea. Sometimes, I have to rush to the bathroom multiple times right after eating, and other times, I find myself going to the bathroom several times in the morning on an e...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
In response: Given your condition, it is recommended to undergo a colonoscopy to rule out organic diseases of the colon. If no tumors or inflammatory diseases are found, it may lean towards functional disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, which can be managed with medicatio...[Read More] Daily Diarrhea and Stomach Pain: Seeking Gastroenterology Solutions
Understanding Sudden Hunger Pangs: A Gastrointestinal Concern
Frequent feelings of hunger..? I am someone who often eats out, primarily relying on buffets and bento boxes for my main meals. Previously, I would often have only two meals a day, or even just one, and I never experienced frequent hunger. However, in the past month, I have been ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, it is possible that your increased activity level has led to higher calorie consumption, or that the winter season requires more calories, which may explain your feelings of hunger. Additionally, hunger can sometimes manifest as pain, which may be a symptom of a peptic ulc...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Hunger Pangs: A Gastrointestinal Concern
Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Test: Concerns and Next Steps
Occult blood reaction Hello Doctor: 1. Recently, I underwent a check-up and found a positive fecal occult blood test. The doctor recommended further colonoscopy, and he prescribed medication for me, but I am afraid of pain and worried about getting sick. Will taking the medicat...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. A positive fecal occult blood test indicates the presence of blood components in the gastrointestinal tract, which may be due to gastrointestinal bleeding or the ingestion of food containing blood. However, certain foods or medications can cause false positives...[Read More] Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Test: Concerns and Next Steps
Post-Cholecystectomy: Understanding Long-Term Effects and Dietary Concerns
Is there no problem after gallbladder and common bile duct removal? Recently, I underwent a cholecystectomy and common bile duct resection with jejunal anastomosis due to a cyst in the common bile duct complicated by stones (the doctor mentioned that a segment of the small intest...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. Due to the resection of the common bile duct, the hepatic duct is directly connected to the intestine. This results in the loss of the protective function and sphincter control of the original bile duct, theoretically increasing the risk of intestinal contents ...[Read More] Post-Cholecystectomy: Understanding Long-Term Effects and Dietary Concerns
Understanding Black Stool: Is It Related to Menstruation or Gastrointestinal Issues?
Hello? Hello Dr. Chen, I had normal brown-colored diarrhea two days ago, but today it is black. I find it strange, especially since I just started my menstrual period yesterday. I would like to ask if this could be related to my menstrual period, or could it indicate a gastrointe...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, black stools may indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, duodenum), but it can also be caused by certain foods (such as pig's blood) or medications (such as iron supplements). Please monitor your condition closely. If the symptoms pe...[Read More] Understanding Black Stool: Is It Related to Menstruation or Gastrointestinal Issues?
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Pain in the middle of the abdomen? I've been experiencing some pain in the middle of my abdomen for the past two days. It's not very severe, but it hurts when I try to get up from a seated position, and I'm not sure why.
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the area in the middle of the abdomen corresponds to the small intestine. If you are experiencing abdominal pain near the center (around the navel), it is advisable to seek medical attention to check for conditions such as bloating or fecal impaction. Further imaging studi...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
What to Do If Your Total Cholesterol Is Too Low?
What should I do if my total cholesterol is low? After the school health check report was released, it indicated that my total cholesterol is low (124 mg/dL), while the normal range is 140-230 mg/dL. Since it did not specify my HDL or LDL levels, nor my triglycerides... My height...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, having lower cholesterol levels in the blood generally does not pose significant issues. However, high cholesterol is a concern as it increases the risk of atherosclerosis over time, which can lead to serious complications such as heart disease and stroke. If you are worri...[Read More] What to Do If Your Total Cholesterol Is Too Low?
Understanding the Causes of Blood in Stool: A Gastroenterology Perspective
I'm sorry, but I need the content you would like me to translate? Doctor, I have experienced blood in my stool about 1.5 years ago, but I didn't dare to mention it at that time. Since then, I have had approximately 5 or 6 episodes of blood in my stool. What could be the...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the presence of blood in the stool is mostly caused by bleeding from the anus, rectum, or even higher up from the descending colon. Given your history of constipation, it is more likely to be due to hemorrhoidal bleeding. However, I still recommend that you visit a gastroe...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Blood in Stool: A Gastroenterology Perspective
Managing Diarrhea Due to Reduced Mobility: Tips for Patients
How to overcome diarrhea caused by insufficient physical activity? I have been suffering from cerebellar atrophy for 18 years. Eight years ago, my condition worsened to the point where I needed a walker to move around. Two and a half years ago, I lost the ability to move freely a...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, for patients with limited mobility, such as those who are bedridden or in wheelchairs, constipation is a common gastrointestinal issue. However, as you mentioned, diarrhea is more prevalent in your case, and it has improved after taking antibiotics. This could indicate an ...[Read More] Managing Diarrhea Due to Reduced Mobility: Tips for Patients
Can Contrast Agents Replace Endoscopy for Stomach Issues?
If you are hesitant to undergo an endoscopy, is it possible to use a contrast agent for imaging instead? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing bloating for a long time, and sometimes I have stomach pain and acid reflux. However, I am afraid to undergo an endoscopy because I am ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, to diagnose upper abdominal discomfort, we suspect gastric, duodenal, or even esophageal lesions. Gastroscopy is the most direct method to visualize mucosal lesions, and if necessary, a biopsy can be performed (for instance, if malignancy is suspected or to check for Helic...[Read More] Can Contrast Agents Replace Endoscopy for Stomach Issues?
Understanding Changes in Bowel Movements After Fiber Supplement Use
Bowel movement frequency I visited the doctor due to a fissure, and the doctor prescribed a fiber supplement (NORMACOL) to soften my stools. After taking it, my bowel movements changed from once every morning to twice a day, occurring around 4:00 to 5:00 AM and again in the morni...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if your colonoscopy results are normal and the symptoms mentioned occurred only after taking the medication, you may try not taking the medication to see if the symptoms resolve. If the symptoms reappear upon resuming the medication, it can be confirmed that the medication...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bowel Movements After Fiber Supplement Use
Understanding Black Stool: Essential Tests and Examinations Needed
Melena Hello Dr. Chen: What examinations are usually needed if someone has black stools?
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, black stools that resemble tar and have a foul odor usually indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding (from the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum). Generally, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, also known as a gastroscopy, is required. If the amount is small and the stools ...[Read More] Understanding Black Stool: Essential Tests and Examinations Needed