Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain Near the Ovary: Causes and Solutions
Sharp pain in the lower left abdomen near the ovary? I have been experiencing a sharp pain in my lower left abdomen near the ovary for about a month, which feels like an electric shock. The pain occurs daily, possibly 2 to 3 times a day, lasting about 1 to 2 seconds each time. In...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the left lower abdominal pain needs to rule out intra-abdominal infections such as enteritis, urethritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ovulation pain. If these causes are excluded and bowel movements are smooth, a common reason for the pain could be irritable bowel syn...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain Near the Ovary: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Side Effects of IBS Medications: What to Expect
Side effects of medications for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Hello Doctor: I went to the hospital on September 3rd for abdominal pain, and the doctor diagnosed me with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. I was prescribed two medications: 1. FIatin (Caitlon) 40 m...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, Flatin contains Otilonium bromide, which is indicated for the relief of abdominal pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome. It acts as a smooth muscle relaxant in the gastrointestinal tract, with a duration of action of up to 12 hours. According to the package insert,...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of IBS Medications: What to Expect
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues and Ulcer Concerns in Young Women
Gastrointestinal and ulcer-related issues? Hello, doctor. I have some questions I would like to ask you! I am a female college student, and my daily routine has been irregular for about two months, but I have recently adjusted back to a regular schedule. Regarding my menstrual cy...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A 21-year-old female presents with abdominal pain and diarrhea, experiencing pain in both the upper and lower abdomen. The diarrhea is most likely due to gastroenteritis or indigestion. The lower abdominal pain could be attributed to either gastroenteritis or gynecological...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues and Ulcer Concerns in Young Women
Understanding Intermittent Abdominal Pain: Causes and Remedies
Intermittent abdominal pain? Since the evening of September 14, after finishing dinner, I started experiencing pain, which continued until I saw the doctor on the evening of September 15 and took the medication. The pain is intermittent, and when it occurs, it feels layered. I wo...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A 16-year-old girl is experiencing intermittent abdominal pain, bloating, and frequent belching. Common causes include indigestion, gastroenteritis, constipation, intestinal obstruction, and intra-abdominal infections. There are many potential causes of abdominal pain, and...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Abdominal Pain: Causes and Remedies
Understanding Bowel Issues: Insights on Eating Habits and Digestion
Bowel movement issues Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if eating before bed means that I will have a bowel movement before breakfast the next morning? Due to my work schedule, my eating habits have changed; I eat breakfast but don't have time for lunch because of work. By t...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A diet consisting of two meals a day is typical. For healthy individuals, the gastrointestinal tract is stimulated after a period of fasting during sleep, leading to bowel movements in the morning, often resulting in a larger volume. Having two bowel movements a day is wit...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Insights on Eating Habits and Digestion
Understanding Sticky, Pasty Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Stool is pasty and sticky? I would like to ask the doctor, every time I use the restroom, my stool is always pasty and sticks to the toilet. The amount of stool is neither too much nor too little. Since my father has a history of colon cancer, I have been undergoing fecal occult ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, A 30-year-old male is experiencing pasty stools that stick to the toilet. This could be a sign of indigestion. It is advisable to avoid greasy foods and to increase the intake of fresh, fiber-rich foods while reducing fried and barbecued items. There is a family history ...[Read More] Understanding Sticky, Pasty Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding White Specks in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Stool mixed with white particles? Hello Doctor, in the past few weeks, my stool color has been normal, without any abnormal colors such as red, black, green, or grayish-white. However, I sometimes notice a few white particles mixed in, which look somewhat like garlic from the veg...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, a 24-year-old male has stool mixed with white particles, which may be undigested food, medication, or fiber. If concerned, a stool examination can be conducted to check for abnormalities such as parasites or other issues. Wishing you peace and health! Sincerely, Dr. Lin Mi...[Read More] Understanding White Specks in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Hepatitis B Antigen and Antibody Results: What You Need to Know
Hepatitis B antigen and antibody issues? Hello Doctor: In August, I had blood tests for arthritis at the rheumatology department, and the physician also conducted tests for viral hepatitis. The report indicated that my hepatitis B surface antigen antibody level was 1.28, which ex...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Regarding the issue of hepatitis B antigen and antibody. If there is hepatitis B surface antigen but no hepatitis B antibodies, the individual is considered a carrier. Liver function tests may be normal, so regular monitoring of liver function, AFP (alpha-fetoprotein), and...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antigen and Antibody Results: What You Need to Know
Possible Link Between Past Stomach Bleeding and Current Gastritis Symptoms
About 5 to 6 years ago, there was a suspicion of gastrointestinal bleeding, with the expulsion of coffee-colored material? Hello, doctor. I have a question. About 5 to 6 years ago, I experienced symptoms of suspected gastric bleeding, as I vomited brownish material, but I did not...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The previous gastrointestinal bleeding may be related to the current gastritis. A 15-year-old boy had a history of gastric bleeding and vomited coffee grounds. Possible causes of the bleeding include inflammation, erosion, or ulcers in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum, ...[Read More] Possible Link Between Past Stomach Bleeding and Current Gastritis Symptoms
Nutritional Support for Elderly with Poor Gastrointestinal Absorption
Elderly individuals often have poor gastrointestinal absorption function? Hello, Doctor! My grandmother is 85 years old. She underwent abdominal surgery in her youth, during which part of her necrotic small intestine (approximately 30 centimeters) was resected. A few years ago, s...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If you have had surgery on your small intestine, please pay attention to the supplementation of vitamins and trace elements such as zinc, potassium, iron supplements, and digestive aids. If you experience dizziness, be aware of the possibility of anemia. For tube feeding, ...[Read More] Nutritional Support for Elderly with Poor Gastrointestinal Absorption
Understanding Abnormal Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Bowel irregularities Hello Doctor, I used to have normal brown, well-formed stools, but for the past few months, my bowel movements have often been loose, and sometimes I experience diarrhea. A few weeks ago, I noticed that my stools were a golden yellow color, resembling that of...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A 27-year-old female with black specks in her stool may have unabsorbed food fibers or seeds. It can be monitored, but if there are concerns, a stool test can be performed. Wishing you peace and health! Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Attending Physician, Gastroenterology, Taoyuan Gener...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Left Upper Abdomen Tingling and Contraction: Is It Gastric Related?
Numbness and a constricting sensation in the upper left abdomen? Hello, I have been experiencing a tingling sensation and a constricting feeling in my upper left abdomen recently. I consulted a doctor and underwent an abdominal ultrasound and an endoscopy. The abdominal ultrasoun...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A 33-year-old male presents with left upper abdominal pain, symptoms lasting for 2-3 weeks. Endoscopy reveals gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The pain may be attributed to gastritis. In addition to pharmacological treatment, it is advised to pay atten...[Read More] Left Upper Abdomen Tingling and Contraction: Is It Gastric Related?
Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes of Thin Stools and Rectal Discharge
Mucus in stool The stool has suddenly become thin, occasionally accompanied by blood. There is no bowel movement, but mucus is leaking from the anus.
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If you notice mucus in your stool, and if there is an excessive amount of mucus accompanied by foul odor or blood, it may indicate colitis, and further examination is necessary. A sudden change in stool shape to a thinner consistency may require an increase in fiber and fl...[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes of Thin Stools and Rectal Discharge
Understanding Abnormal Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Bowel irregularities Hello Doctor, I used to have normal brown, well-formed stools, but for the past few months, my bowel movements have often been loose, and sometimes I experience diarrhea. A few weeks ago, I noticed that my stools were golden yellow, resembling the color of pu...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The components of feces are related to the food consumed. Feces may contain undigested food or fibers such as fruit seeds, sesame, chia seeds, and other foods. A stool examination can be conducted. Wishing you peace and health! Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Attending Physic...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Post-Surgery Complications After Bile Duct Cancer Treatment
Postoperative Issues Following Bile Duct Surgery Dear Doctor, I would like to consult you regarding my father. Three years ago, he underwent surgery for early-stage bile duct cancer, during which his gallbladder, pancreas, and part of his stomach were removed. Recently, he has b...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, regarding gastrointestinal bleeding, a small bowel endoscopy revealed a bleeding point that could not be controlled, along with issues related to stroke, indicating a more complex condition. Generally, the treatment for gastrointestinal bleeding aims to stabilize vital sig...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications After Bile Duct Cancer Treatment
Understanding Rectal Foreign Body Sensation: When to Seek Medical Advice
Anorectal foreign body sensation Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a lump near my anus (I'm not sure if it's a polyp). I was previously diagnosed with an external hemorrhoid and underwent a minor surgery. This time, I usually don't feel pain or itching, but ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, a 15-year-old male is experiencing a sensation of a foreign body in the anus, with no blood in the stool. He has a history of external hemorrhoid surgery and occasionally feels pain along with the sensation of a foreign body, but bowel movements are normal and there is no ...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Foreign Body Sensation: When to Seek Medical Advice
Is It Safe for Elderly with Hepatitis B to Get the COVID Vaccine?
I would like to inquire whether my health condition is suitable for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? Hello, doctor. I have an elderly female relative at home who is nearly eighty years old and has hepatitis B. She often develops rashes, and I am unsure if this is related to liver ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The contraindications for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine include allergies to vaccine components. Vaccination should be avoided during acute infections. Individuals with unstable chronic diseases or those who are significantly underweight should not receive the vaccine. Ol...[Read More] Is It Safe for Elderly with Hepatitis B to Get the COVID Vaccine?
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Right lower abdominal pain? Hello Dr. Lin: About a year ago, I started feeling a slight, intermittent pain or a sensation of foreign body in the lower right abdomen (approximately 15 cm to the right of the navel). This year, I underwent gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and abdominal ult...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, a 51-year-old male is experiencing intermittent pain in the right lower abdomen. He has undergone gastroscopy and abdominal ultrasound, which revealed polyps in the colon. The ultrasound also indicated moderate fatty liver and abnormal liver enzymes (GOT, GPT), suggesting ...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Sudden Sharp Pain in the Upper Right Abdomen: Causes and Concerns
Sudden sharp pain in the upper right abdomen? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing sudden sharp pain in my upper right abdomen, along with symptoms of gastritis. I tend to overeat and stay up late, but recently my routine has become more regular and I've been eating lighte...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A 15-year-old male experiencing sudden pain in the right upper abdomen may have several potential causes, including gastritis, duodenitis, peptic ulcer disease, gallstones, or biliary issues. It could also be related to irregular eating habits, indigestion, anxiety, or exc...[Read More] Sudden Sharp Pain in the Upper Right Abdomen: Causes and Concerns
Is It Drug-Induced Esophagitis? Understanding Your Symptoms
Is it a symptom of esophageal and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Dear Dr. Lin, I am a regular office worker. I started experiencing cold symptoms on June 9 and have been seeing a doctor since then. The clinic diagnosed me with acute upper respiratory tract infection and...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Some medications, such as antibiotics and pain relievers, may cause drug-induced esophagitis and esophageal ulcers. To prevent drug-induced esophagitis, it is recommended to drink plenty of water when taking medications and to avoid lying down immediately afterward. For co...[Read More] Is It Drug-Induced Esophagitis? Understanding Your Symptoms