Understanding Muddy Black Stool: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology
Bowel issues Doctor, I have a question. This morning after I got up, I had several bowel movements, and the last two were mud-like and dark in color. Could this indicate a gastrointestinal bleeding issue or cancer? I have researched some foods that can cause black stools, but I h...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, a 19-year-old male is experiencing abnormal stool issues/diarrhea with dark, ink-colored stools. Is this indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding or cancer? Foods high in iron, such as cherries, berries, and dark vegetables, can cause stool color to darken. Certain medicati...[Read More] Understanding Muddy Black Stool: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology
Understanding Pancreatic Health: Normal Ultrasound and Blood Test Results
Pancreatic ultrasound and blood draw? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask about my recent abdominal ultrasound and blood tests conducted in the gastroenterology department. My blood tests for CA19-9 and CEA were both normal, and the abdominal ultrasound showed no abnormalities in ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, pancreatic cancer is associated with several risk factors such as family history, chronic cholangitis, chronic pancreatitis, and biliary cystic diseases. Inflammation of the bile and pancreas is related to alcohol consumption and gallstones. Currently, if examinations are ...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Health: Normal Ultrasound and Blood Test Results
Should You Seek Medical Attention After Eating Undercooked Pork?
Eating undercooked pork? If you discovered that the meatball you were eating was undercooked and contained raw pork, it is advisable to seek medical attention, especially if you start experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, or fever. Eating undercooked pork can po...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A 35-year-old male consumed undercooked pork meatballs. It is advised to monitor for symptoms and address them if they arise. However, if there are pre-existing comorbidities such as diabetes, cirrhosis, or immunosuppression, special attention should be given if symptoms o...[Read More] Should You Seek Medical Attention After Eating Undercooked Pork?
Persistent Oily Stools: Do I Need Further Tests for Digestive Issues?
Floating stools with oil have been evaluated through various tests. I would like to ask if any further examinations are necessary? The patient has been experiencing long-term pain in the right upper abdomen and has had unformed stools. Recently, the stools have been floating and ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, a 38-year-old male presents with floating stools. His diet is not excessively greasy, and stool tests can be conducted to check for steatorrhea. Floating stools are associated with diet, medications, and gastrointestinal, liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic diseases. Both g...[Read More] Persistent Oily Stools: Do I Need Further Tests for Digestive Issues?
Understanding Stomach Ulcers and IBS: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Gastric ulcer issues? Hello Doctor: In early January of this year, I experienced abdominal pain and bloating, so I underwent a gastroscopy, which revealed that I had a gastric ulcer and gastritis. The colon only had benign polyps. I was prescribed a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) fo...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, after improvement of the gastric ulcer, abdominal pain and bloating still occur daily, and there are occasional episodes of constipation and flatulence. For gastric ulcers and gastritis, it is important to pay attention to diet: avoid eating too quickly and refrain from co...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Ulcers and IBS: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Upper Abdominal Discomfort After Eating: Causes and Solutions
A problem with the stomach? The issue is that after eating an apple and an orange on an empty stomach in the morning, I then consumed three meat buns. Within less than half an hour, I began to experience bloating and some dull pain in my upper abdomen. I thought a walk would help...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A 43-year-old male experienced abdominal bloating and pain after eating too much and too quickly, followed by cold sweats and vomiting. The next day, he had diarrhea, which could indicate gastroenteritis, but also possibly cholecystitis or pancreatitis. Two weeks later, he...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Discomfort After Eating: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Red Stool: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
The stool color is reddish? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have noticed that my stool sometimes appears reddish, specifically a bright yellowish-red color. Along with this, I have the following additional symptoms and would like to ask what possible causes there might be and whether ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, a 22-year-old female has red-colored stools, which may be due to certain foods that can cause red stools. It is important to check for rectal bleeding, as common causes include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, polyps, colitis, and potentially cancer. Iron deficiency anemia may ...[Read More] Understanding Red Stool: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Blood in Stool: When to See a Doctor for Concerns
Blood in stool Hello, doctor. I have regular bowel movements every 2 to 3 days. Recently, I've noticed a small amount of bright red blood at the end of my stool on the 6th, 1st, and 3rd days. For example, this afternoon I had a bowel movement without blood, but just now in t...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, For a 40-year-old male with rectal bleeding, differential diagnoses include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, polyps, colitis, and colorectal cancer. It is recommended to follow up with a colorectal or gastroenterology clinic to confirm whether the diagnosis is hemorrhoids. Pr...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: When to See a Doctor for Concerns
Understanding Increased Gas and Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes
Abdominal bloating with increased flatulence? In the past week, I have experienced a feeling of bloating in the left side of my abdomen, specifically to the left of my navel. There is no pain, but I have noticed an increase in flatulence. When lying down, I can hear bowel sounds....
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A 29-year-old male presents with a feeling of bloating in the left abdomen, increased flatulence, bowel sounds, and bowel movements 3-4 times a day, with blood noted on toilet paper. Possible causes include gastroenteritis or hemorrhoidal bleeding. It is advised to pay att...[Read More] Understanding Increased Gas and Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Teens
Fecal occult blood? Hello doctor, I am currently a high school student. A few days ago, I noticed some bright red blood in my stool and experienced slight pain in my anus. The color of the blood was similar to that of menstrual blood. After a few days, there was blood in my stool...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, a 17-year-old girl is experiencing blood during bowel movements and anal pain. Common causes include anal fissures, hemorrhoids, and proctitis. This may be related to difficulty in bowel movements. It is recommended to reduce the intake of spicy foods, increase the consump...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Teens
Understanding Stool Shape: What Half Normal, Half Stringy Means for Your Health
Stool shape Hello, doctor. 1. I would like to ask about my stool, which appears to be half normal and half resembling the shape of bamboo shoots. What could be the issue? Could it be related to my recent increased intake of vegetables, or should I get it checked? 2. Also, I wa...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the shape of feces is related to the food consumed. A diet high in fiber results in more formed stools, while undigested fiber may sometimes be excreted. It is normal to have a bowel movement after breakfast; the gastrointestinal tract of a healthy individual, having reste...[Read More] Understanding Stool Shape: What Half Normal, Half Stringy Means for Your Health
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Gastrointestinal issues For the past 1-2 days, I have been experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort with alternating diarrhea and constipation. Occasionally, I feel a slight pain in my lower abdomen, and I have been passing gas frequently. Additionally, my bowel sounds have somet...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: You are experiencing abdominal pain, alternating diarrhea and constipation, borborygmi, and unformed stools, with your gastrointestinal function being sometimes normal and sometimes abnormal. This could possibly indicate gastroenteritis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). I...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Can Cat Worms Infect Humans? Understanding Risks and Symptoms
Abdominal pain? The cat discovered a worm in its feces yesterday. For the past few days, I have been sleeping in the same bed with the cat, and I usually sleep without pants. Recently, I have also occasionally felt some pain in the upper part of my abdomen. I would like to know i...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The parasites in cats can potentially enter through the skin or be transmitted via the oral-fecal route, and ingestion is also possible. It is important to wash your hands frequently to maintain cleanliness. Not all infections are pathogenic. Please observe the situation. ...[Read More] Can Cat Worms Infect Humans? Understanding Risks and Symptoms
Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Upper abdominal pain Hello, Doctor. I have been experiencing abdominal pain since 2019. I had a CT scan, and the doctor said everything was fine. I have a history of gastric ulcers, and this year, I've been having persistent abdominal pain, severe bloating, loss of appetite,...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Upper abdominal pain requires differential diagnosis to identify the cause, which may include gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and diseases of the gallbladder, pancreas, and liver, as well as abdominal cavity disorders. In the case of a history of gastric ulcers, in additi...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Can People with Stomach Ulcers Eat Salty Bread?
Can a person with a gastric ulcer eat salty bread? Can a person with a stomach ulcer eat salty bread?
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Patients with peptic ulcers should avoid overly sweet and greasy foods, as well as irritant foods. Coffee, chocolate, and fried foods can easily trigger gastric acid. It is advisable to consume easily digestible foods that do not provoke gastric acid. Wishing you peace and...[Read More] Can People with Stomach Ulcers Eat Salty Bread?
Can People with Stomach Ulcers Eat Salty Crackers?
Can people with gastric ulcers eat salty crackers? Can individuals with gastric ulcers eat salty crackers?
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: For patients with gastric ulcers, it is advised to avoid overly sweet, spicy, and irritating foods, beverages, and medications. Salty crackers are acceptable as long as they meet the aforementioned criteria and do not cause discomfort when consumed in moderation. There are...[Read More] Can People with Stomach Ulcers Eat Salty Crackers?
Understanding Lower Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Lower abdominal discomfort? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about a feeling of heaviness in my lower abdomen. It feels quite uncomfortable, especially when lying down, which affects my sleep. Could this be related to gastrointestinal issues? When I press on the area, I experie...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, A 24-year-old female presents with dull pain in the lower abdomen, which is more pronounced when lying down. This is affecting her sleep. Differential diagnoses may include gastrointestinal issues, urinary tract problems, or gynecological conditions. It is advised to est...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Post-Appendectomy: Questions About Viewing Removed Organs and Bowel Movements
Post-appendectomy Excuse me, doctor. I would like to ask, after the surgery is completed, my family and I did not see my appendix. Will there be an opportunity to request to see the removed organ during the follow-up visit? Additionally, it has been three days post-surgery and I ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, online friend: Generally, surgical specimens are sent to the pathology department for biopsy and examination. The pathology report typically takes about a week to be available. If there has been no bowel movement for three days but there is passing of gas and no discomfort...[Read More] Post-Appendectomy: Questions About Viewing Removed Organs and Bowel Movements
Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: When to Seek Medical Advice
Increased frequency of bowel movements? Doctor, for over 30 years, I have developed a habit of having a bowel movement every morning upon waking up. This year, I have continued this routine for more than six months. After my usual morning bowel movement, I still feel like I haven...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, A 55-year-old woman has experienced an increase in the frequency of changes in her bowel habits. The stools are soft and small, which may warrant an examination of recent dietary habits for any changes, as well as checking for conditions such as gastroenteritis or indige...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: When to Seek Medical Advice
Is It Hemorrhoids? Understanding Anal Discomfort After Bowel Movements
Is it hemorrhoids? This morning, after having a bowel movement, I suddenly felt a lump outside my anus that seems to be stuck in the anal cleft.
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: After bowel movements, there may be something protruding from the anus, which could be hemorrhoids that come out and retract or skin growths. It is advisable to drink plenty of water and consume more fiber to maintain smooth bowel movements. If the sensation of a foreign b...[Read More] Is It Hemorrhoids? Understanding Anal Discomfort After Bowel Movements