Is Constipation Genetic? Understanding Family Patterns in Digestive Health
Is constipation hereditary? Is constipation hereditary? My mother and I both have bowel movements approximately every three days, and my daughter also experiences constipation. However, my daughter is doing a bit better now, having a bowel movement once a day, but her stools are ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, constipation is not hereditary; rather, it is more related to family dietary habits, particularly insufficient fiber intake. For children with constipation, you can prepare the formula a bit stronger and encourage them to drink more water. If there is no improvement, it is...[Read More] Is Constipation Genetic? Understanding Family Patterns in Digestive Health
Morning Nausea and Urgency to Defecate After Breakfast: Causes and Solutions
It's a bit uncomfortable. After having breakfast, I feel the urge to have a bowel movement again? Recently, I have been feeling a bit nauseous after waking up in the morning (around 6:00 AM). After having breakfast, I have a slight urge to have a bowel movement (I had alread...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort or mild diarrhea after taking antibiotics. If the symptoms improve after discontinuing the medication or resolve on their own, it is generally not a cause for concern. However, if the symptoms persist, please visi...[Read More] Morning Nausea and Urgency to Defecate After Breakfast: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Testing and Appointment Insights
Elevated liver enzymes? During high school, my liver enzyme levels spiked significantly. However, after taking medication and adjusting my lifestyle, I saw improvement. But after serving in the military, the increased stress and lack of sleep have made me concerned about my liver...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if you are concerned about abnormal liver function, you can initially have a blood test to check for GOT and GPT levels. These tests can be performed at some clinics or laboratories, and it is not necessary to go to a hospital for this. In terms of appointments, you can se...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Testing and Appointment Insights
Understanding Pain Under the Right Rib: Causes and Solutions
Right rib cage I have pain below my right rib cage.
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, regarding the pain under your right rib cage, if there is no history of trauma, it may be necessary to consider potential issues with the liver or gallbladder, such as cholecystitis, gallstones, liver abscess, or liver tumors. It is advisable that if the pain persists, you...[Read More] Understanding Pain Under the Right Rib: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Incomplete Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Inability to have a complete bowel movement? Hello Doctor: Every time I have a bowel movement, I feel like I can't fully empty my bowels and that there is still stool stuck in my rectum. I am not constipated; rather, I often have loose or soft stools. Because I frequently fe...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, your symptoms do not seem to resemble Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which is characterized by long-term or recurrent abdominal pain accompanied by bowel irregularities such as frequent constipation, diarrhea, or alternating between the two. Instead, your symptoms appear ...[Read More] Understanding Incomplete Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Chronic Constipation: Causes and Effective Solutions
Constipation I have been experiencing constipation for a long time. Even when I go to the hospital and ask the doctor for laxatives, they only work for the first two doses, and each time I have a bowel movement, it takes over 30 minutes. The stools are not hard at all. I only hav...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, in addition to consuming more fruits and vegetables, it's important to ensure adequate fiber intake. Additionally, regular exercise and hydration are essential. It's best to establish a daily bowel habit; even if you don't feel the urge, try to visit the res...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Constipation: Causes and Effective Solutions
Understanding Bile Reflux: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Bile reflux I have pain and bloating under my right rib, upper abdominal bloating, and a feeling of nausea. I have already undergone gastroscopy and ultrasound examinations, which revealed severe bile reflux. The clinic doctor has prescribed Cospanon and Strocain. Recently, I oft...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, you are experiencing pain under the right rib and in the upper abdomen of unknown origin (gastroscopy and ultrasound show no significant findings, only bile reflux). Your physician may suspect a dysfunction of the duodenal papilla sphincter or abnormalities in the bile duc...[Read More] Understanding Bile Reflux: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Effective Remedies for Bloating: Tips from Gastroenterology Experts
Bloating in the abdomen? I recently noticed that after eating, my stomach feels uncomfortable, and when I asked about it, she just said her stomach feels bloated. Is tapping on the stomach effective for this? Can the doctor provide a good rehabilitation method?
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, after a meal, it is recommended not to sit or lie down immediately. You should get up and move around a bit to help with gastric emptying and digestion. Also, avoid overeating. If you still feel bloated or uncomfortable, please visit the internal medicine clinic for medica...[Read More] Effective Remedies for Bloating: Tips from Gastroenterology Experts
Understanding Stomach Pain After Pollen Consumption: Is It Your Body?
Eating pollen can cause stomach pain? Hello, I would like to ask about my recent experience with pollen consumption. I mostly take it on an empty stomach in the morning, but I’ve noticed that whenever I do this, I start experiencing stomach pain around noon, which continues to be...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, I personally do not know the connection between consuming pollen and stomach pain. However, if based on your personal experience, consuming pollen does indeed cause abdominal discomfort, I would recommend that you refrain from taking it. Do not risk potential harm f...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Pain After Pollen Consumption: Is It Your Body?
Managing Acid Reflux: Insights on Medication and Dietary Adjustments
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Dr. Chen: Last August, I experienced excessive stomach acid around 3 or 4 PM after lunch. After consulting a gastroenterologist, I was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastrointestinal spasms. There have been some ch...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), if the symptoms are more severe, it is necessary to use stronger acid-suppressing medications. Once the symptoms improve, the dosage or type of medication can be gradually reduced, or it can be changed to as-need...[Read More] Managing Acid Reflux: Insights on Medication and Dietary Adjustments
Surgery vs. Medication: What’s Best for Your Gastroesophageal Reflux?
Should I choose surgery or continue taking medication? Hello, Doctor Chen. I am from Hong Kong and I have been experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for over a year. Initially, I was taking Losec for my stomach issues. I underwent two endoscopies at the hospital; du...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, currently the treatment for GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) primarily involves medication, such as the Nexium you are currently taking. If symptoms are severe and recurrent, endoscopic treatment may be considered, such as suturing the junction between the stomach an...[Read More] Surgery vs. Medication: What’s Best for Your Gastroesophageal Reflux?
Do You Really Need Special Medication Before a Gastroscopy?
Two weeks prior to the gastroscopy, it is necessary to take special medications? I have visited three hospitals and clinics and have been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, after taking medication for two weeks, I have not seen any improvement. The na...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, I have not heard of the requirement to take expensive medication for two weeks before undergoing an endoscopy. In some cases, patients may hesitate or be reluctant to have the procedure, but if the physician believes the symptoms are typical and suspects gastroesophageal r...[Read More] Do You Really Need Special Medication Before a Gastroscopy?
Understanding Right Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Insights
Please ask your question? I would like to ask, for the past two months, whenever I lie down to rest, I feel particularly uncomfortable in my right abdomen, as if there is something swollen inside. What could be the cause of this?
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the right abdomen generally contains only the intestines. You can tap on it to see if you hear a tympanic sound or a dull sound. A tympanic sound indicates gas in the intestines, while a dull sound may suggest an accumulation of material (such as fecal matter) in the intes...[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Insights
Effective Strategies to Prevent Intestinal Adhesions After Surgery
How to prevent intestinal adhesions? Hello Dr. Chen! I had an appendectomy four years ago, and I have experienced intestinal adhesions over the years, leading to two surgeries for adhesion removal. I recently underwent another surgery for adhesions and was hospitalized for over a...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, intestinal adhesions are caused by previous abdominal surgeries or inflammation, leading to fibrous bands that can entangle the intestines and result in symptoms of bowel obstruction. For daily care, it is recommended to consume a high-fiber diet, eat small meals frequentl...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Prevent Intestinal Adhesions After Surgery
Persistent Hiccups After Cold Medication: Seeking Expert Advice
After taking cold medicine, I have been experiencing hiccups for 3 to 4 hours non-stop? Hello, doctor. It has been 10 years... I often seek medical attention after catching a cold. After taking cold medicine, I start experiencing hiccups about 3 hours later. The hiccups can last ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, may I ask what ingredients are included in the cold medicine you are taking? If it is indeed the cold medicine that is causing your hiccups, that would be quite rare. Generally, the causes of hiccups are mainly due to irritation of the stomach or diaphragm, such as overeat...[Read More] Persistent Hiccups After Cold Medication: Seeking Expert Advice
Understanding Esophageal Pain and Difficulty Swallowing: Causes and Treatments
Esophageal dysphagia and pain? I have been experiencing chest pain whenever I take a deep breath, and recently, I also feel pain when swallowing, especially when drinking hot liquids. The pain has been becoming more pronounced. I would like to know what symptoms this might indica...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, difficulty or pain while swallowing usually indicates a condition affecting the esophagus. Mild conditions may include esophagitis or esophageal ulcers, while more severe cases could involve esophageal cancer. If symptoms do not improve on their own, it is advisable to see...[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Pain and Difficulty Swallowing: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Anal Issues: Could It Be Hemorrhoids?
Issues related to the buttocks? I have developed some red, raised bumps near my anus that are very itchy, and this condition has persisted for a while. Could these symptoms be hemorrhoids? Additionally, there is a fleshy area at the anal opening that is not painful but feels slig...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. The red raised lesion that is very itchy, its size is uncertain—could it be a small papule or a finger-like projection? It is advisable for you to consult a dermatologist, as it may be a viral or fungal infection, such as warts or tinea. Please seek evaluation ...[Read More] Understanding Anal Issues: Could It Be Hemorrhoids?
Understanding GOT and GPT Levels: Impact of Arthritis Medications
Issues related to GOT and GPT? Last December during my health check, my GOT was 18 and GPT was 18. Recently, after taking medication for arthritis, my GOT increased to 42 and GPT to 81. Will stopping the medication lower these levels back to their original values?
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, there are many causes of abnormal liver function, with common ones including chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver disease, alcohol abuse, medications, and other viral hepatitis or autoimmune diseases. Mr. Wang's liver function has recently shown abnormalities...[Read More] Understanding GOT and GPT Levels: Impact of Arthritis Medications
Understanding Your Throat and Stomach Issues: What You Need to Know
Stomach issues? Hello doctor, for the past two to three weeks, I have been feeling like there is something in my throat. At first, I didn't think there was an issue with my stomach; I thought it was just a cold causing throat inflammation. However, I later realized that I of...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if your symptoms persist, it is recommended that you visit an otolaryngology clinic to check for any throat issues. If there are no problems found, then consider consulting a gastroenterologist to see if it could be due to excessive stomach acid or acid reflux, as some pat...[Read More] Understanding Your Throat and Stomach Issues: What You Need to Know
Understanding Digestive Discomfort: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Please help me quickly! Dear Dr. Chen, I often feel a sharp pain around my stomach area, and a few days ago I had diarrhea, which I thought was caused by drinking spoiled soy milk. However, after a few days, I started experiencing belching and diarrhea again, but there was no bl...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, your symptoms seem more like gastroenteritis. If it is an acute inflammation, usually, gastrointestinal medications are taken for a while to observe the response. If there is no improvement and the pain persists, then an endoscopy should be considered. As for ultrasound, i...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Discomfort: When to Seek Further Medical Advice