Persistent Flatulence: What to Do When Medication Isn't Working
I have an urgent question? Doctor, what should I do if I keep passing gas (without any sensation)? I have already seen a colorectal surgeon who examined me and said it was internal hemorrhoids. They prescribed me medication (which I have been taking for a week), but I still keep ...
Dr. Lin Hongmao reply Surgery
Hello Miss Hsiao-Wen: Actually, passing gas is a very healthy process because gas accumulates in the intestines and needs to be expelled. This is completely normal. If gas cannot be released, it can lead to bloating, which is quite uncomfortable. Generally speaking, as long as ...[Read More] Persistent Flatulence: What to Do When Medication Isn't Working
Understanding Body Odor: What is Axillary Odor and How to Identify It
Bromhidrosis Axillary odor, commonly known as body odor or bromhidrosis, is typically described as a strong, unpleasant smell that can be likened to a combination of sour, musty, or pungent scents. It is primarily caused by the breakdown of sweat by bacteria on the skin. To det...
Dr. Lin Hongmao reply Surgery
The presence of an unusual odor, even after showering, indicates the presence of body odor, particularly exacerbated during sweating and in hot, humid weather.[Read More] Understanding Body Odor: What is Axillary Odor and How to Identify It
Understanding Anal Sphincter Dysfunction: Symptoms and Solutions
Issues with anal sphincter function? If there are issues with the anal sphincter function, how can they be addressed? What symptoms might they cause?
Dr. Lin Hongmao reply Surgery
Hello Mr. Wu: The anal sphincter controls our bowel function at the anus. It maintains a certain level of tension to prevent fecal incontinence and can relax during defecation to facilitate the process. If the sphincter is congenitally too tight and does not relax easily, it can ...[Read More] Understanding Anal Sphincter Dysfunction: Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Unusual Bowel Odor: Causes and Solutions
The odor of feces continues? Hello, Dr. Lin: I have been experiencing this for a week now, and it never happened before. I haven't been passing gas, yet my body still has a fecal odor that seems to be getting worse each day. Even when I don't want to have a bowel moveme...
Dr. Lin Hongmao reply Surgery
Hello Mr. Wu, Regarding your questions, this is the first time I have encountered such issues, but we can discuss them in several parts: 1. Concerning whether there is a problem with the colon, you can schedule an examination at an outpatient clinic. If there are no anatomical ...[Read More] Understanding Unusual Bowel Odor: Causes and Solutions
Is It Normal for Stool to Break Apart After Bowel Movement?
Is this normal? Recently, my stool comes out in a solid form, but when it falls into the toilet, it seems to break apart. Is this normal?
Dr. Lin Hongmao reply Surgery
Hello: If the stool breaks apart in the toilet, it indicates that the food is rich in fiber and has sufficient moisture, meaning there is no dehydration like with hard stools. Therefore, it is not a bad thing. Wishing you peace, Lin Hong-Mao.[Read More] Is It Normal for Stool to Break Apart After Bowel Movement?
Understanding Unexplained Fecal Odor and Frequent Bowel Urges
How does the body have a fecal odor? Doctor, I have a question. Recently, I've been feeling strange; my bowel movement frequency is very high, and my body has a fecal odor. When I go to the bathroom to wipe, there is no stool, but I constantly feel the urge to have a bowel m...
Dr. Lin Hongmao reply Surgery
Dear Mr. Wu, Regarding your concerns, there are two main issues: the frequency of bowel movements and the inability to control flatulence. In fact, each person's bowel movement frequency is a matter of habit, ranging from three times a day to once every three days. If you a...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fecal Odor and Frequent Bowel Urges
Understanding Bowel Leakage: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Dad
Bowel movement issues! Urgent question!! Hello, Director Lin: I accidentally discovered that my father's underwear had some fecal leakage on the back, and there seemed to be some stool seepage onto the bed while he was napping (he only wears boxers while sleeping, and he is ...
Dr. Lin Hongmao reply Surgery
Dear Xiao Xuan, Thank you for your question! Based on your description, your father's issue seems to resemble incontinence. Incontinence can be classified into mucus incontinence and fecal incontinence; it appears that your father is currently experiencing only mucus incont...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Leakage: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Dad
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Is It Hemorrhoids or Something Else?
I'm not sure if it's due to hemorrhoids? Hello Dr. Lin, I have been troubled by the issue of rectal bleeding for the past few days. I have a regular bowel movement every morning and maintain a balanced diet, but recently I have noticed fresh blood in the toilet and on t...
Dr. Lin Hongmao reply Surgery
Dear OL: Thank you for your question. Based on your description, it seems like you may be experiencing issues related to internal hemorrhoids. I have some information about hemorrhoids for your reference. 1. What are hemorrhoids? In simple terms, hemorrhoids are an enlargement o...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Is It Hemorrhoids or Something Else?
Understanding Neck Lumps: Is It a Lipoma or Something Else?
Not sure if it's a lipoma? Hello Dr. Lin: Since childhood, I have had a lump next to my neck. It is not painful when I touch it, and it moves when I press on it. As I have aged, this lump has gradually decreased in size, but a few days ago, a colleague at work suddenly point...
Dr. Lin Hongmao reply Surgery
Dear Sandy: It is really difficult to diagnose without seeing it. It could possibly be a lipoma or something like a lymph node, so it's better not to guess and to have it checked at the outpatient clinic for peace of mind. Thank you for your question! Wishing you good health...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: Is It a Lipoma or Something Else?
Understanding Anal Tumors: Symptoms, Causes, and When to See a Doctor
There is a small tumor in the anus? Recently, I noticed a small bump near my anus. It hasn't ruptured or bled, but it hurts when I contract my anus. It feels like there's something inside the bump, and pressing on it causes pain. This has been going on for 2 to 3 days. ...
Dr. Lin Hongmao reply Surgery
Dear Sir/Madam, Based on your description, it seems that you may have external hemorrhoids. If the pain is not severe, soaking in warm water baths should help reduce swelling within two weeks. In general, it is advisable to avoid constipation, and refrain from consuming spicy fo...[Read More] Understanding Anal Tumors: Symptoms, Causes, and When to See a Doctor
Understanding Blood in Stool: Differentiating Causes and Symptoms
Blood in the stool? Hello, doctor: Could you please explain the differences in shape, size, color, and quantity of bleeding caused by hemorrhoids, polyps, tumors, and inflammation? Additionally, what are the other clinical symptoms that may differ, such as abdominal pain, bloatin...
Dr. Lin Hongmao reply Surgery
1. In principle, the shape of the bleeding and the distance from the bleeding point to the anal opening are related; bleeding that is closer tends to be bright red, while bleeding that is further away may appear dark red. The volume of blood is related to the size of the blood ve...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Differentiating Causes and Symptoms
What to Do After a Dog Bite: Treatment and Recovery Tips
What to do if bitten by a dog? Hello Dr. Lin: I was bitten on my left palm by my pet dog (a 9-month-old Maltese). At that moment, I immediately washed the wound with soap and then disinfected it with iodine. I went to the hospital for emergency care. However, a small black spot a...
Dr. Lin Hongmao reply Surgery
Dear Miss Chen: Based on your question, it does appear to be scar tissue fibrosis. If there are no symptoms of redness, swelling, or tenderness, you can wait until the injury has fully matured after 6 months before considering further treatment. However, if you are still concerne...[Read More] What to Do After a Dog Bite: Treatment and Recovery Tips
Understanding Colonoscopy Results: Inflammation, Ulcers, and Possible Causes
Colonoscopy Today I had a colonoscopy, and no polyps or tumors were found, but there was inflammation and some ulcers. The doctor took a biopsy for testing, and the results will be available next week. What could be the cause of this? Is it related to the Shigella dysentery I had...
Dr. Lin Hongmao reply Surgery
Dear Sze_wai, You are very brave! A colonoscopy revealed inflammation and some minor ulcers, which could suggest: A. Colitis: 1. Bacterial: You have not mentioned any systemic toxic symptoms, abdominal pain, diarrhea, tenesmus, or bloody stools, so the likelihood is low. 2. Non...[Read More] Understanding Colonoscopy Results: Inflammation, Ulcers, and Possible Causes
Impact of Toilet Water on Fecal Occult Blood Test Results
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) If feces fall into the water of the toilet, will it affect the results of a fecal occult blood test (false negative)? Additionally, if there are internal hemorrhoids, can there be blood in the stool, mucus, and narrowing of the stool?
Dr. Lin Hongmao reply Surgery
Dear Sze_wai: When stool falls into the toilet water, if there is bleeding from the lower rectum or anal area, the results of a fecal occult blood test may yield a false negative. It is important to emphasize that early-stage cancer typically presents no symptoms, and the fecal o...[Read More] Impact of Toilet Water on Fecal Occult Blood Test Results
Understanding Changes in Stool Consistency: Symptoms and Concerns
Narrowing of stool? Hello, Director Lin: For the past few days, I have been experiencing noticeable rumbling in my lower abdomen (sometimes quite loudly). There is a lot of gas moving around, and at times I can pass gas while at other times I cannot (the gas only reaches the anal...
Dr. Lin Hongmao reply Surgery
Dear Kendy: To answer your first question: The rumbling in the lower abdomen is due to gas in the intestines, which is produced by intestinal bacteria breaking down food or by swallowing air. Some of this gas is absorbed through the intestinal wall, and if it cannot be absorbed...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Stool Consistency: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Anal Polyps: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Anal polyp I have some questions: I have had some polyps growing outside my anus for over two years, and I have been too afraid to see a doctor. Recently, I have noticed 2 to 3 more polyps, and I experience bleeding and pain whenever I have a bowel movement. I am hesitant to seek...
Dr. Lin Hongmao reply Surgery
Dear friend: Your question has been received. It is rare for polyps to develop at the anal opening; the most likely conditions are external hemorrhoids, skin tags, warts, or tumors of the skin or subcutaneous tissue. Based on your symptoms, it still seems like hemorrhoids. Howeve...[Read More] Understanding Anal Polyps: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Can Dietary Changes Help Shrink or Eliminate Anal Polyps?
Anal polyp Can polyps shrink or disappear on their own due to changes in dietary habits, or once they develop, will they always remain? Additionally, is it possible to avoid seeing a doctor and rely solely on self-care for polyps to heal on their own?
Dr. Lin Hongmao reply Surgery
Dear Leon: "Anal polyps," by definition, are polyps that occur in the anal canal, specifically between the anal verge and the dentate line (approximately 2-4 cm). In this area, what is commonly observed is not polyps but rather hyperplastic lesions. The incidence of a...[Read More] Can Dietary Changes Help Shrink or Eliminate Anal Polyps?