Understanding Rectal Bleeding: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Blood clots in stool Dr. Chen: Hello, I would like to ask you about external hemorrhoids that have not been painful but are associated with frequent bright red rectal bleeding and occasional dark red blood clots (similar to menstrual blood). Additionally, there is sometimes bleed...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, you can schedule a rectal (or colon) examination with a gastroenterologist or a colorectal surgeon to rule out other serious conditions (such as colitis, tumors, etc.). If no other issues are found and hemorrhoids are frequently bleeding, it is still recommended to increas...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Bloating and Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues Explained
The stomach and abdomen are both very bloated? Doctor, I would like to ask you something. Recently, my stomach and abdomen have been very bloated, regardless of whether I eat or not, or how much I eat (although I don't eat much, as eating too much makes me feel nauseous). Th...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, there are many causes of abdominal bloating. It may be due to abnormal peristalsis in the stomach or intestines caused by inflammation, which could be your current condition. If you pay attention to your diet—eating smaller, more frequent meals, chewing thoroughly, and avo...[Read More] Bloating and Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues Explained
Understanding Gastric Sleeve and Bypass: Key Differences and Costs
Gastric Sleeve Surgery & Gastric Bypass Surgery 1. What is the difference between gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass surgery? 2. Are there any risks associated with these procedures? 3. Are these surgeries covered by insurance or do they require out-of-pocket expen...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, your BMI (Body Mass Index) is calculated to be 30, which indicates that you are somewhat overweight, but it is not yet at the level where bariatric surgery or endoscopic procedures are necessary. These surgical options are effective but have significant impacts and a chall...[Read More] Understanding Gastric Sleeve and Bypass: Key Differences and Costs
Understanding Lower Body Obesity: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Issues
Lower body obesity Hello Dr. Chen: My height is 153 cm, and my weight has reached 52 to 53 kg, which I believe qualifies as obesity. I have been struggling with severe constipation for a long time! There are times when I go a week without a bowel movement! During those times, I r...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, based on your information, your BMI (Body Mass Index) is actually not high, approximately 22.3. Generally, a BMI greater than 24 is considered overweight. However, you are experiencing constipation, which may lead to abdominal bloating and discomfort. I recommend drinking ...[Read More] Understanding Lower Body Obesity: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Issues
Understanding Frequent Gas and Bloating: Gastrointestinal Insights
Frequent flatulence and belching? Hello Doctor: I often experience bloating, but usually, I just need to burp to relieve it. However, my bowel movements are not very regular (every 2 to 3 days). In recent years, I have been particularly gassy; in the past, I would only pass gas w...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, passing gas is a normal physiological response. However, excessive gas can be related to dietary components, eating habits, and bowel habits. For instance, consuming a lot of high-fiber foods, particularly root vegetables, can lead to gas production because fiber is indige...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Gas and Bloating: Gastrointestinal Insights
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Abdominal pain? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing abdominal pain for about two years now, specifically in the area just below the left rib cage, aligned with the lowest part of the central rib cage. Initially, the pain would occur after overeating, but now it happens every t...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, under normal circumstances, this area contains the stomach and intestines. If you continue to experience pain and have ruled out abdominal muscle pain, overexertion, or sports injuries, it is recommended that you visit a hospital for an abdominal ultrasound and gastroscopy...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Managing Long-Term Medication for Gastroesophageal Reflux: Key Considerations
Medication-related issues Dear Dr. Chen, I am currently experiencing gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), which occurs about 1 to 2 hours after meals, resulting in acid reflux. I am taking the following medications: (1) Domperidone (to promote gastrointestinal motility), (2) Famotidi...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, (1) The intake of magnesium oxide (Mgo) does not cause hypermagnesemia in individuals with normal kidney function. (2) Cabagin-u (however, this ingredient is not commonly used in clinical practice, and its efficacy is still debated) may serve as an adjunctive treatment, bu...[Read More] Managing Long-Term Medication for Gastroesophageal Reflux: Key Considerations
Understanding Polyps: What You Need to Know About Your Liver Health
Polyp Hello Doctor: Today I had an abdominal ultrasound, and the doctor said that my liver condition is fine, but there is a small polyp. The area where the transducer pressed is exactly where I usually feel a bit uncomfortable. I have had slightly elevated liver enzymes for a lo...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, most gallbladder polyps are benign growths and typically do not cause symptoms, so no special treatment is necessary; just regular follow-up with ultrasound is sufficient. However, if the polyp is larger than one centimeter or is growing rapidly, it is recommended to consi...[Read More] Understanding Polyps: What You Need to Know About Your Liver Health
Understanding Liver Function Tests: What You Need to Know for Accurate Results
Liver function tests (LFTs) Hello, Doctor. I have been serving in the Coast Guard for about five years. Due to work-related issues, I have been experiencing irregular sleep patterns. I read in the newspaper that there were patients whose liver function tests showed normal results...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. A general liver function test includes blood tests and ultrasound examinations. 2. The liver enzymes commonly referred to are AST (GOT) and ALT (GPT). When AST and ALT levels are elevated, it is important to investigate the underlying causes. Common causes in ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: What You Need to Know for Accurate Results
Understanding Blood on Toilet Paper: Causes and When to Seek Help
There are bloodstains! Hello, I would like to ask about the presence of blood on toilet paper after using the restroom lately. What could be the cause of this? My diet and lifestyle have been relatively normal, with a significant portion of my food being fruits and vegetables, an...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, rectal bleeding (bright red blood) may originate from the area around the anus (such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures) or from the rectum or lower colon (such as the sigmoid colon or descending colon). Possible conditions include inflammation, ulcers, or tumors. Therefore, ...[Read More] Understanding Blood on Toilet Paper: Causes and When to Seek Help
Living with Hepatitis B: Tips for Carriers on Diet and Transmission Risks
Hepatitis B healthy carrier? As a carrier of hepatitis B, what should I pay attention to in my daily life and diet? Can a hepatitis B carrier transmit the virus to others? Thank you for your response!
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, 1. Individuals who are healthy carriers of Hepatitis B do not require special care but should undergo regular monitoring, maintain a balanced diet, and have a regular daily routine. In terms of diet, they should minimize the intake of foods containing artificial additive...[Read More] Living with Hepatitis B: Tips for Carriers on Diet and Transmission Risks
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Dietary Impact
Liver issues? Hello! I had a health check-up at the hospital last week, and the results indicated that my liver enzymes are elevated. What could be the possible reasons for this? Are there dietary factors or other issues that might contribute to elevated liver enzyme levels?
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. Elevated liver enzymes generally refer to high levels of GOT (AST) and GPT (ALT). Common causes in Taiwan include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver disease, and drug or alcohol abuse. Additionally, other conditions such as viral hepatitis, autoimmune issues...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Dietary Impact
Understanding Dry Mouth and Bad Taste: When to See a Gastroenterologist
I'm really troubled? If you are experiencing persistent dry mouth, a bad taste in your mouth, and reduced saliva production, you should consult a specialist in oral medicine or a dentist. They can help diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment. Thank ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, you can first visit the internal medicine or family medicine department for a general physical examination and blood tests. You should also drink plenty of water. If the cause remains unclear and you experience symptoms of dry mouth and dry eyes, it is recommended to consu...[Read More] Understanding Dry Mouth and Bad Taste: When to See a Gastroenterologist
Understanding Pain Under the Ribs: Possible Causes and Organs Involved
Could you please provide more context or specify your question? Doctor, I sometimes experience pain in the area just below the ribs on both sides of my lungs, near the upper part of my stomach. What organs are located in that area? What could be the possible issues? Thank you for...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, this area is close to the gastroesophageal junction, specifically the cardia. Sometimes, inflammation at the lower end of the esophagus may occur due to acid reflux, which can lead to symptoms such as burning sensation (heartburn) or regurgitation of acidic fluid. It is re...[Read More] Understanding Pain Under the Ribs: Possible Causes and Organs Involved
Understanding Bowel Movements: Gas, Hernias, and Gastrointestinal Health
Intestinal peristalsis I have some questions I would like to ask you. Over two years ago, I underwent surgery for a left inguinal hernia. Since the surgery, I have noticed that in certain situations, there seems to be a bit more tissue on the upper left side of my scrotum (the su...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. The cause of a hernia is due to increased intra-abdominal pressure (from feces and gas), difficulty in bowel movements, or straining, which leads to a protrusion in the groin or thinner areas of the abdomen. 2. If you still feel a slight bulge in the groin aft...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Movements: Gas, Hernias, and Gastrointestinal Health
Chronic Duodenal Ulcers and Persistent H. Pylori: Treatment Options
Duodenal ulcers and Helicobacter pylori? Dr. Chen: Hello, I have been suffering from a duodenal ulcer for two years. Last year, during an endoscopy, Helicobacter pylori was detected. I followed the doctor's advice and took medication for two weeks to treat the H. pylori infe...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori is a troublesome issue. If the bacteria are still present after a second-line standard treatment (triple therapy for at least one week, confirmed by biopsy or breath tests), a quadruple therapy (adding another antibiotic or ...[Read More] Chronic Duodenal Ulcers and Persistent H. Pylori: Treatment Options
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Insights
There is some pain in the lower abdomen? Hello, Doctor. Three months ago, I noticed some tenderness in my left lower abdomen, but the discomfort disappeared after I had a bowel movement. At that time, I lay down and pressed on the painful area, and although I didn't feel any...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, occasional abdominal pain that alleviates after a bowel movement may indicate the presence of constipation or diarrhea. If there are any abnormalities in bowel movements, it could simply be a functional gastrointestinal disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Addi...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Insights
Two Key Questions on Gastrointestinal Health and Hepatitis B Management
There are two questions? I would like to ask two questions: 1. When I have a bowel movement, I notice some blood on the toilet paper after wiping. It's not a lot and doesn't happen frequently, but occasionally, when the stool is too hard, I see a small amount of blood...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. It seems more like a minor injury to the anus caused by hard stools passing through, which may also involve some hemorrhoids. If this occurs frequently, please consult a colorectal surgeon or a gastroenterologist for an examination. 2. Hepatitis B cannot be c...[Read More] Two Key Questions on Gastrointestinal Health and Hepatitis B Management
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Solutions for Painful Bowel Movements
Menstruation During bowel movements, there is a tearing pain sensation in the anus, and wiping with toilet paper results in some bright red blood. The stools are small and occur approximately every 2 to 3 days, with occasional bowel movements that do not involve blood. Aside from...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, your symptoms seem to indicate anal fissures or hemorrhoidal bleeding. I recommend increasing your intake of vegetables, fruits, and high-fiber foods, drinking plenty of water, and exercising to promote regular bowel movements (increased frequency and softer stools). If th...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Solutions for Painful Bowel Movements
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Constipation or Indigestion?
Please ask your question? I have been experiencing gastrointestinal issues for a long time, and I'm not sure whether to classify it as constipation or indigestion, as the food I consume seems difficult to digest in the small intestine. It used to be intermittent, but recentl...
Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, this seems more like a case of dyspepsia. You may want to visit a gastroenterology clinic for an upper gastrointestinal examination, such as an endoscopy or upper GI series, to assess for factors such as ulcers, strictures, or even tumors that could be causing poor gastric...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Constipation or Indigestion?