Understanding Stomach Ulcer Treatment: Duration and Medication Insights
Gastric ulcer medication Hello, I had an endoscopy last time and was diagnosed with a gastric ulcer. The doctor said I need to take the medication "Omeprazole" for four months. Do I really need to take the medication for four months to heal?
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The treatment course for gastric ulcers varies depending on the underlying causes (such as the use of analgesics or Helicobacter pylori infection) and the size of the ulcer. Pharmacological treatment typically involves the use of proton pump inhibitors, which can improve symptoms...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Ulcer Treatment: Duration and Medication Insights
Understanding Low-Grade Esophageal Variations: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Low-grade esophageal dysplasia? Hello Doctor: Below is the endoscopy report from last month. The physician advised that my esophagus needs to be addressed promptly (endoscopic RFA). I have been trying to adjust my lifestyle for the past two years, but I have not been able to achi...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
If the endoscopic biopsy shows Barrett's esophagus with dysplastic lesions, consideration may be given to applying endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat the lesions. This is to prevent low-grade dysplasia from progressing to high-grade dysplasia and to prevent hi...[Read More] Understanding Low-Grade Esophageal Variations: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Insights on Tubular Adenoma and Symptoms
Blood in stool issue? Hello doctor, I noticed pink blood on the toilet paper after having a bowel movement one day, and I do not have hemorrhoids. On that day, I went to the bathroom three times, and there was blood on the stool's surface, but when I opened the stool, there ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Possible causes of bloody stools include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, inflammation, polyps, tumors, and cancer. A colonoscopy revealed a 0.6 cm tubular adenoma in the rectum, which may be the cause of the bloody stools. If there are any other concerns, it is recommended to follow ...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Insights on Tubular Adenoma and Symptoms
Understanding the Hepatitis B Vaccine Schedule and Antibody Response
Hepatitis B vaccination schedule? Hello, doctor... I would like to ask about the need for a hepatitis B antibody test due to work requirements. I found that both the hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody were negative. The company recommended administering the hepatitis B vacc...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The interval between the second and third doses can be between 4 to 6 months. Please remember to get the third dose. Wishing you good health![Read More] Understanding the Hepatitis B Vaccine Schedule and Antibody Response
High White Blood Cell Count in Liver Abscess: Discharge Considerations
Elevated white blood cell count in liver abscess? 79 years old! After 21 days of drainage, the white blood cell count is still over 20,000. Is it possible to be discharged under these circumstances? Is there a 21-day limit for insurance-covered hospital beds? How many days should...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The treatment duration for a liver abscess is related to the size of the abscess, the underlying cause, the type of infecting bacteria, and the patient's response to treatment. Treatment for a liver abscess may include surgery, drainage, and antibiotic therapy, with complete...[Read More] High White Blood Cell Count in Liver Abscess: Discharge Considerations
Understanding Anal Pain and Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Pain in the buttocks accompanied by slight swelling? My usual bowel habit is to have a bowel movement every two to three days, which has been the case since high school. Although I do eat some vegetables, I don't consume them in large quantities, so my stools are often hard,...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Prolonged sitting or standing can lead to varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It is recommended to eat more fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water, establish good bowel habits, avoid prolonged sitting or standing, and engage in moderate exercise. If there are concerns about gro...[Read More] Understanding Anal Pain and Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Elevated Lipase Levels: A Guide for Concerned Parents
Amylase and lipase? I would like to ask about my son's situation. He is in his twenties and was diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis in August 2022. During an emergency visit, his lipase level was 82. When we followed up with a gastroenterologist, the doctor mentioned that t...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Causes of elevated lipase levels include acute and chronic pancreatitis, renal failure, cholecystitis, intestinal obstruction or infarction, duodenal ulcers, pancreatic stones, pancreatic tumors, diabetes, hepatitis C infection, HIV infection, hyperlipasemia, inflammatory bowel d...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Lipase Levels: A Guide for Concerned Parents
Understanding Muddy Stool: Gastrointestinal Concerns and Next Steps
Gastrointestinal and bowel-related issues? Hello Doctor: For the past 5-7 days, my stools have been muddy and coffee-colored. Prior to this, I experienced stomach pain and bloating, which led me to visit the emergency room for blood and urine tests. The emergency physician indica...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea improved after medication, but after three days, there are still gastrointestinal discomfort, poor appetite, and muddy, coffee-colored stools. It is possible that the gastroenteritis has not completely resolved. It is recommended to pay atte...[Read More] Understanding Muddy Stool: Gastrointestinal Concerns and Next Steps
Understanding Elevated Enzyme Levels: Is It Pancreatitis?
Two indices are elevated? Recently, I have been experiencing lower back pain, but I don't have much discomfort in my upper abdomen. I have been using a fascia ball to help relax and relieve the pain. My blood test results show amylase at 159, lipase at 101, and normal blood ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Typical pancreatitis presents with pain radiating from the chest to the back, making it difficult to stand straight, with relief upon bending forward. A diagnosis can be made if lipase levels are more than three times the normal range. Possible causes of acute pancreatitis includ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Enzyme Levels: Is It Pancreatitis?
Understanding Hemorrhoids: Surgery, Recovery, and Care Tips
Hemorrhoid issues Severe bleeding after bowel movements for many days, and despite applying medication, the condition remains the same. After examination, it was determined that internal hemorrhoids are the cause, and the doctor has scheduled surgery using the PPH (Procedure for ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
After consulting with a colorectal surgeon, there are various surgical options for hemorrhoids. The hemorrhoidectomy is a procedure aimed at internal hemorrhoids and is generally less painful. Recovery typically takes about one week, and post-operative care includes dietary adjus...[Read More] Understanding Hemorrhoids: Surgery, Recovery, and Care Tips
Unformed Stool and Diarrhea: When to Seek Gastrointestinal Evaluation?
Loose stools, diarrhea? Hello, doctor. Three years ago, I had an appendectomy. My bowel movements were normal (once a day, formed stools) until a little over a month ago when my stools became unformed. Sometimes they are loose and fragmented, and other times I experience watery d...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
It is recommended to maintain a light diet and pay attention to food hygiene. If symptoms persist, it is advisable to visit a major hospital for gastrointestinal examinations. Wishing you good health![Read More] Unformed Stool and Diarrhea: When to Seek Gastrointestinal Evaluation?
Understanding Fundic Gland Polyps: What You Need to Know After Your Endoscopy
Fundic gland polyp Hello Doctor: I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy last week and found a gastric polyp approximately 1 cm in size. This week, I received the report indicating it is a fundic gland polyp. The report states: MICROSCOPIC DESCRIPTION: The section shows a...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
This report indicates gastric fundic gland polyps, with no intestinal metaplasia, no Helicobacter pylori, no cellular atypia, and no malignancy. You can rest assured. Please follow up as per medical advice. Wishing you good health![Read More] Understanding Fundic Gland Polyps: What You Need to Know After Your Endoscopy
Understanding Stomach Polyps: Are They Always Benign?
The issue of gastric polyps? Hello Doctor: Last week, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and the doctor mentioned that I have a polyp approximately 1 cm in size, which is benign and has been removed. Can you confirm that it is indeed benign? Is there a possibility t...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Most gastric polyps are benign. If they are too large, or if there are complications such as ulceration, bleeding, or obstruction, appropriate management is required. The physician has provided the necessary treatment. It is advised not to worry too much. Follow-up in the outpati...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Polyps: Are They Always Benign?
Understanding Painful Bumps Near the Anus: Possible Causes and Concerns
A bump near the anus that resembles a pimple? Hello, doctor! One day this week while I was showering, I suddenly felt something that resembles a pimple located about 1 to 2 centimeters to the left of my anus. It hurts when I touch it, similar to the pain of touching a pimple. If ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The bump near the anus that resembles a pimple and is painful when pressed could be due to conditions such as anal eczema, folliculitis, or perianal abscess. It is recommended to seek evaluation and treatment at an outpatient clinic (either colorectal surgery or dermatology). Wis...[Read More] Understanding Painful Bumps Near the Anus: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Megacolon: New Treatments for Chronic Constipation
Megacolon Hello Doctor, I have suffered from constipation since childhood. It is common for me to go several days without a bowel movement, but my diet has always been quite normal and I do not have any food aversions. However, as I have aged, my constipation has become increasin...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Since your issue has been present since childhood, it may have worsened with age due to decreased gastrointestinal motility and smooth muscle function. Pelvic muscle coordination can also affect bowel movements. Stress, anxiety, and depression can impact the nerves that facilitat...[Read More] Understanding Megacolon: New Treatments for Chronic Constipation
Recurring Lower Abdominal Pain and Burning Sensation After Bowel Movements
Recurrent lower abdominal pain with persistent burning sensation in the anus after bowel movements? Hello, doctor. I have a long-standing issue with irregular bowel movements; sometimes I go once a day, and other times it can be two to three days before I go again. Over the past ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Abdominal pain with persistent burning sensation after bowel movements may be due to difficulty in passing stools, which can cause pelvic muscle coordination issues leading to abdominal pain. It could also be caused by colitis or proctitis resulting in abdominal pain. The presenc...[Read More] Recurring Lower Abdominal Pain and Burning Sensation After Bowel Movements
Understanding Gastritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Tips
Gastritis, decreased appetite, weight loss, nausea, and loss of appetite? Recently, I have been experiencing loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, with a decreased food intake (feeling full after eating a little), weight loss, stomach pain, and constipation. These symptoms have...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The gastroscopy examination shows mild inflammation. However, it is important to identify the underlying cause of gastritis, which could be due to improper diet, infections, medications, chemicals, allergies, alcohol consumption, stress, or immune responses. Symptomatic treatment...[Read More] Understanding Gastritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Tips
Understanding Dumping Syndrome After Gastrointestinal Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery Hello, after a gastrointestinal bypass surgery, experiencing symptoms such as abdominal rumbling, nausea, and the urge to vomit after eating may indicate dumping syndrome. Is this considered a normal postoperative condition?
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Long-term risks and complications of gastric bypass surgery include dumping syndrome, which refers to the rapid passage of food (especially sweet or high-fat foods) from the stomach into the small intestine before it is fully digested. This occurs due to an imbalance in osmotic p...[Read More] Understanding Dumping Syndrome After Gastrointestinal Bypass Surgery
Understanding Suspicious Curvilinear Bacilli in Gastric Pathology Reports
I saw this sentence in my pathology report and I don't quite understand it; I would like to consult a doctor? A few suspicious curvilinear bacilli are found in the superficial gastric pits by H&E staining. Giemsa stain shows no definite evidence of Helicobacter pylori. T...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacterium associated with various gastrointestinal diseases, including gastritis, gastric ulcers, gastric cancer, and gastric lymphoma. The clinical significance of other spiral-shaped bacteria is not well understood. Detection methods include his...[Read More] Understanding Suspicious Curvilinear Bacilli in Gastric Pathology Reports
Understanding False Negative Results in Fecal Occult Blood Tests
Negative occult blood issue Recently, I had a fecal occult blood test that showed visible blood, but the results came back negative. 1. Could this be due to hemorrhoids or anal fissures, and how can it be negative if blood is visible? I have also been experiencing frequent left a...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
(1) Regarding fecal occult blood sampling, the general purpose of the occult blood test is to detect blood that is not visible to the naked eye. The most common causes of visible blood after a bowel movement are hemorrhoids and anal fissures. If there is significant bleeding, it ...[Read More] Understanding False Negative Results in Fecal Occult Blood Tests