Understanding Black Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Bowel issues I have been experiencing black stools for the past week, and they have a particularly foul odor. I haven't eaten any dark-colored foods. I also feel a hard sensation and pain above my navel and to the upper right. I had my gallbladder removed over four years ago...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: You have abdominal pain accompanied by black stools, which raises differential diagnoses for gastrointestinal bleeding (such as peptic ulcer, gastroenteritis, mucosal injury due to medications or alcohol, and dyspepsia). It is recommended to follow up with a gastroenterolo...[Read More] Understanding Black Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Blood on Toilet Paper: Should You Worry About Your Colon Health?
Blood on toilet paper after wiping? Hello Doctor, I had my first colonoscopy in October last year, during which two 2 cm polyps were removed (tubular adenomas), one was benign and the other was highly differentiated atypical. In November of the same year, I had another colonoscop...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If you have polyps in the colon and a family history of colorectal cancer, it is important to follow up with colonoscopy screenings. The frequency of follow-up for polyps should be based on your physician's recommendations. It is also advisable to develop a habit of c...[Read More] Blood on Toilet Paper: Should You Worry About Your Colon Health?
Exploring Endoscopic Ultrasound Resources for Gastrointestinal Issues
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) Does this hospital have resources for endoscopic ultrasound examinations?
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, our Gastroenterology Department has endoscopic ultrasound equipment that requires evaluation and arrangement by a physician. Endoscopic ultrasound can be used for the staging of early esophageal and gastric tumors, as well as the differential diagnosis of submucosal tumors...[Read More] Exploring Endoscopic Ultrasound Resources for Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Bowel Issues: Is Your Diet Causing Irregularities?
Bowel issues Hello, my bowel movements usually occur after breakfast. For the past year, my stools have not been formed; they are often in small pieces and sometimes in a mushy consistency. I would like to know if this is related to my breakfast, which mostly consists of porridge...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, having stool that is not formed into a shape does not necessarily indicate a problem. Increasing fiber intake and ensuring adequate hydration can help in achieving more formed stools and smoother bowel movements. If there is blood when wiping after a bowel movement, along ...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Is Your Diet Causing Irregularities?
Understanding Post-Meal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Gastrointestinal discomfort after eating? Hello doctor, I apologize for the interruption. May I ask why I feel bloated every day after eating?
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the possible reasons for feeling bloated after eating could be poor gastrointestinal function, decreased gastrointestinal motility, or gastrointestinal inflammation. Eating too quickly and consuming foods that are difficult to digest and prone to causing gas can also lead ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Meal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Rectal Bleeding: When to Seek Medical Attention and Which Specialist to Consult
Rectal bleeding Hello, doctor: For the past week, I have been experiencing the urge to have a bowel movement every morning. When I sit on the toilet, I pass gas and notice a few drops of blood. If I wait a little longer before going to the bathroom, it doesn’t happen. Should I se...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, there was some blood during your morning bowel movement. Common causes include hemorrhoids or anal fissures. It is recommended to see a colorectal specialist to evaluate the cause of the rectal bleeding. Wishing you safety and good health! Dr. Ming-Hui Lin, Attending Physi...[Read More] Rectal Bleeding: When to Seek Medical Attention and Which Specialist to Consult
Managing Fatty Liver and Gastrointestinal Issues: Your Questions Answered
Inquiry and consultation? Hello Doctor: I had a liver ultrasound today. I have been associated with the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department since many years ago due to elevated liver enzymes. In my younger days, I often stayed up late and had a penchant for sweet foods ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, fatty liver refers to the accumulation of fat in liver cells, which may sometimes cause fluctuations in liver enzyme levels, but typically involves minimal liver fibrosis. Once it progresses to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the liver may exhibit inflammation or fib...[Read More] Managing Fatty Liver and Gastrointestinal Issues: Your Questions Answered
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Abdominal pain Doctor, I have been experiencing pain on both sides of my abdomen every morning upon waking up, with the left side being the most pronounced. I also feel discomfort in the lower back on both sides. However, I do not have any urgency or swelling related to urination...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, a 40-year-old female with abdominal pain has experienced bilateral lower back pain upon waking for the past two weeks, which alleviates after urination. Holding urine may potentially cause renal edema and back pain. The bilateral pain suggests the need to develop good habi...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Bowel Issues: A Gastroenterology Guide
Abdominal pain and bowel movement issues? I have recently been experiencing pressure pain in my lower abdomen, which also hurts when I lie on my side. Sometimes the pain is dull, other times it is cramp-like. I also have the sensation of needing to use the bathroom, but I am unab...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, a 16-year-old female is experiencing lower abdominal pain and abnormal bowel movements with blood in the stool. It is recommended to seek medical attention. The lower abdominal pain may be related to gastrointestinal, gynecological, or urinary tract issues. Common causes o...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Bowel Issues: A Gastroenterology Guide
Post-Appendectomy Pain: Understanding Discomfort After Surgery
Post-operative discomfort or pain is common after appendicitis surgery, especially if there is accompanying peritonitis? Hello, I had laparoscopic surgery for appendicitis complicated by peritonitis about a month ago. The wounds from the two incisions in my lower right abdomen an...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A 35-year-old male is experiencing lingering discomfort after undergoing surgery for appendicitis complicated by peritonitis, which may indicate that gastrointestinal function has not yet fully recovered. It is recommended to follow up with further examinations. After surg...[Read More] Post-Appendectomy Pain: Understanding Discomfort After Surgery
Understanding Nighttime Stomach Pain: Causes and Solutions
Hello, doctor? I am 21 years old. Doctor, I would like to ask you about a condition I experience almost every night. I feel a bloated and painful sensation in my stomach that wakes me up just before dawn, but after a while, it subsides.
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, at 21 years old, I wake up with a bloated stomach and pain just before dawn. After a while, it gets better after having a bowel movement or eating something. This may be related to gastrointestinal function, peptic ulcers, gastritis, or gastroenteritis. If the symptoms per...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Stomach Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Right Lower Abdomen Swelling: Causes and Solutions
Swelling in the right lower abdomen? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a few questions. 1. I experience a feeling of obstruction when passing gas and having bowel movements; I have to exert a lot of force or squat to relieve myself. My stools are either flattened or about the ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, a 32-year-old male is experiencing constipation and has grade III hemorrhoids. Straining during bowel movements can exacerbate the hemorrhoids, and severe hemorrhoids can sometimes lead to difficulties in passing stool. Causes of constipation may include dietary habits, in...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdomen Swelling: Causes and Solutions
Digestive Issues in Seniors: Causes, Symptoms, and Dietary Solutions
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask you about my elder family member. Whenever they consume even a small amount of fatty foods such as pork belly, lard, or milkfish belly, they experience abdominal pain and diarrhea within minutes. There is a lot of gas in ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Elderly individuals may have poorer metabolic and digestive functions, making it more difficult for them to absorb fatty foods, which can lead to diarrhea. It is important for seniors to maintain a balanced diet that is low in greasy foods for better absorption. Probiotics...[Read More] Digestive Issues in Seniors: Causes, Symptoms, and Dietary Solutions
Understanding Right Abdominal Mass: Causes and Diagnostic Steps
Palpation of a suspected mass in the right abdomen? Hello, Doctor: I have a few questions to ask: 1. If there is a noticeable hard lump on the right side of the abdomen (approximately four fingerbreadths to the right of the navel) when standing or sitting, but it is less noticeab...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A 35-year-old female has a noticeable mass palpated to the right of the umbilicus. The patient is relatively petite. The mass is more prominent when standing or sitting and less noticeable when lying down. An abdominal ultrasound can assess the liver, gallbladder, pancreas...[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal Mass: Causes and Diagnostic Steps
Understanding Liver Nodules: What You Need to Know After Your Ultrasound
Three liver nodules? Hello, I had a health check-up in August this year, and the ultrasound revealed three hypoechoic nodules in my liver (1.44 cm in segment 2, 0.97 cm in segment 4, and 1.64 cm in segment 7), along with mild fatty liver. My AFP levels are normal, and I have anti...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, a 26-year-old male underwent a health check and was found to have fatty liver and three hypoechoic liver nodules measuring less than 2 cm, with a family history of liver cancer. The differential diagnosis for liver nodules is extensive, including benign hepatic steatosis, ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Nodules: What You Need to Know After Your Ultrasound
Managing Chronic Gastritis and GERD: Tips for Reducing Post-Meal Discomfort
Chronic gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause postprandial bloating and abdominal pain. To alleviate these symptoms, consider the following strategies: 1. **Eat Smaller Meals**: Consuming smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce the pressure on the s...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, after meals, I often experience abdominal pain and bloating, along with gastroesophageal reflux and chronic gastritis, for which I am currently undergoing medication treatment. The postprandial bloating and pain can be quite distressing. How can I alleviate this? I recom...[Read More] Managing Chronic Gastritis and GERD: Tips for Reducing Post-Meal Discomfort
Understanding Bowel Issues: Causes of Irregular Stool Shape and Consistency
Bowel movement issues Hello, doctor. I have some concerns about my bowel movements. Sometimes my stools are very loose, to the point where I can see vegetable remnants. It's quite exaggerated; for example, after eating dumplings around noon, I can see vegetable pieces in my ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If your weight has not changed and you are exercising, it is possible that you have a fast metabolism. The shape of your stool is related to the food you consume. A diet high in fiber typically results in well-formed stools, while a diet high in fatty foods may lead to loo...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Causes of Irregular Stool Shape and Consistency
Understanding Digestive Changes: What Your Symptoms Might Mean
Hello, doctor? I am 21 years old, and since mid-March when I had a cold, my bowel movements have changed. Previously, I would have a good bowel movement once a day, but after the cold, everything feels strange. Now, I have to sit for a long time to have a bowel movement, and some...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, I am experiencing irregular bowel movements. Sometimes, after a cold, my gastrointestinal function changes, leading to constipation. I recommend increasing fiber intake by consuming more vegetables and fruits, and ensuring adequate hydration to help facilitate bowel moveme...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Changes: What Your Symptoms Might Mean
Can You Take STROCAINE and Pantoprazole Together for Stomach Issues?
STROCAINE and Pantoprazole Due to gastric ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux, the doctor prescribed this medication. Can these two medications be taken together? Will strocaine affect the efficacy of pantoprazole? Thank you.
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The two medications have different mechanisms of action and can be used together. According to the pantoprazole prescribing information, it can be taken on an empty stomach or after meals, and its absorption will not be affected when used in conjunction with antacids. Wish...[Read More] Can You Take STROCAINE and Pantoprazole Together for Stomach Issues?
Understanding Helicobacter Pylori Treatment: Dosage Mistakes and Their Impact
Helicobacter pylori Hello, Doctor: Recently, during a health check-up, I discovered an issue with Helicobacter pylori, so I underwent a self-paid triple therapy regimen at the hospital. However, I did not carefully check the medication bag and realized that from the first day of ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, regarding the eradication of Helicobacter pylori, the traditional triple therapy (which includes a proton pump inhibitor and two high-dose antibiotics) is most effective when administered for 10 to 14 days (over 90% success rate). A 7-day treatment is less effective (below...[Read More] Understanding Helicobacter Pylori Treatment: Dosage Mistakes and Their Impact