Understanding Gastrointestinal Gas: Is Abdominal Pressure Normal?
Gastrointestinal issues, flatulence problems? Hello doctor, when I press on my abdomen, I hear a sound similar to bubbles, and after pressing for a while, I end up passing gas. Is this normal? Is it beneficial or harmful?
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The gastrointestinal tract naturally contains gas, which can be increased by swallowing air, as well as the fermentation of food and gut bacteria. If there is more gas than usual, it is important to pay attention to dietary habits (avoid eating too quickly) and food choices (limi...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Gas: Is Abdominal Pressure Normal?
Is a Slightly Elevated AFP and a 0.6 cm Nodule Indicative of Liver Cancer?
An elevated AFP level of 13 and a 0.6 cm nodule may raise concerns for liver cancer, but further evaluation is necessary. It is important to consider additional factors such as imaging studies (like ultrasound, CT, or MRI) and possibly a biopsy to determine the nature of the nodu...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Risk factors for liver cancer include individuals with chronic hepatitis (such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and autoimmune liver diseases), a family history of liver cancer, cirrhosis, alcohol consumption, obesity with metabolic liver disease, and certain environmental factors su...[Read More] Is a Slightly Elevated AFP and a 0.6 cm Nodule Indicative of Liver Cancer?
Understanding Your Health Check Report: What Does a Negative Hepatitis B Result Mean?
I have difficulty understanding the content of the health examination report regarding Hepatitis B, so I would like to consult a physician? Hello, doctor. I saw on my health check report that the Hepatitis B antigen is negative (<0.05) and the Hepatitis B antibody is blank. I ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The hepatitis B antigen test result: Negative indicates that there is currently no hepatitis B infection and that you are not a carrier of the virus. The absence of hepatitis B antibodies may suggest that this test was not performed. Since July 1986, Taiwan has implemented a comp...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: What Does a Negative Hepatitis B Result Mean?
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Gas: Causes and Solutions
Abdominal pain with gas? There is a lot of gas in the abdomen, and there is pain in the lower right area of the chest. Additionally, sitting is uncomfortable (it feels like clenching a fist, and I need to stretch it out immediately to feel more relaxed). This condition has been o...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
It is recommended to undergo examinations (X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, and gastrointestinal endoscopy) to check for any organic issues. Wishing you good health![Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Gas: Causes and Solutions
Chronic Constipation Since Childhood: Seeking Effective Solutions
Severe constipation since childhood that cannot be improved? Hello Doctor, I have had a history of constipation since childhood, often going over 5 days without a bowel movement, which leads to severe abdominal pain and vomiting, requiring emergency care. I am 154 cm tall and wei...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Since your issue has been present since childhood and you have made significant efforts to try various methods with limited results, it is recommended that you visit a medical center to consult with a specialist in gastrointestinal neurology and motility, as well as functional ga...[Read More] Chronic Constipation Since Childhood: Seeking Effective Solutions
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain and Bloating: Causes and Concerns
Bloating, with dull pain and discomfort in the lower left abdomen? Hello, doctor. In recent years, I have occasionally experienced a dull pain in the lower left abdomen, near the pelvic area. This occurs regardless of whether I have eaten or not. I tend to have a lot of gas, so i...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Please cherish our online medical resources. When asking the same question, please specify only one physician or nutritionist. Gas can be present throughout the abdomen and is not necessarily limited to one side. It is recommended to have a comfortable dining environment, maintai...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain and Bloating: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Abdominal Bloating and Constipation: When to Seek Further Testing
Abdominal bloating and constipation? Hello, doctor. In November 2023, I suddenly began experiencing abdominal bloating and constipation. There are audible rumblings in my abdomen, and sometimes I feel the urge to pass gas, but I can only release a small amount or none at all. I a...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
If there are concerns about organic issues, follow-up examinations in an outpatient setting can be conducted. There have been no problems with gastrointestinal endoscopy within the past three years. While medication is effective, the recurrence may be due to gastrointestinal dysf...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Bloating and Constipation: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Discomfort and Gas Issues
Bloating, with dull pain and distension in the lower left abdomen? Hello, doctor. In recent years, I have occasionally experienced a dull pain in the lower left abdomen, near the pelvic area. This occurs regardless of whether I have eaten or not. I tend to experience bloating, so...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The left side of the colon is generally narrower than the right side, which may lead to difficulties in bowel movements, abnormal intestinal peristalsis, or intestinal obstruction that could be more pronounced on the left side. Possible causes include intestinal inflammation, div...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Discomfort and Gas Issues
Managing IBS with Anxiety: Medication Duration and Side Effects Explained
Please inquire about medication for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing anxiety due to diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) for nearly a year. My family medicine doctor prescribed Loperamide and benzodiazepines, which I have on...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is influenced by many emotional factors. Therefore, treatment involves not only medication but also lifestyle changes, exercise, stress relief, and dietary modifications. The medication "Dicyclomine" is used to alleviate gastrointestinal s...[Read More] Managing IBS with Anxiety: Medication Duration and Side Effects Explained
Understanding Throat Pain After Gastroscopy: Causes and Concerns
Throat issues This afternoon, after undergoing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taoyuan, I initially thought the throat anesthesia hadn't worn off yet. However, now that it's evening and 12 hours have passed, swallowing saliva, drin...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is an invasive procedure that can cause anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and gastroesophageal reflux, which may lead to mucosal injury at the sites of esophageal and gastrointestinal narrowing. Common symptoms of esophageal injury include chest pain, an...[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain After Gastroscopy: Causes and Concerns
Post-Antibiotic Appendicitis: Understanding Ongoing Discomfort
After antibiotic treatment for appendicitis, there are still unusual symptoms? On January 28, I experienced severe pain in my lower abdomen while walking and was unable to lie on my side. The emergency diagnosis suspected early appendicitis (the doctor mentioned it was 0.7-0.9 cm...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Right lower abdominal pain should be monitored, and regular bowel movements should be maintained. Differential diagnoses for right lower abdominal pain include appendicitis, gastroenteritis, diverticulitis, gynecological issues, urinary tract problems, and gastrointestinal dysfun...[Read More] Post-Antibiotic Appendicitis: Understanding Ongoing Discomfort
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps and Liver Cysts: Symptoms and Concerns
Gallbladder polyp measuring 0.4 cm, multiple hepatic cysts with the largest measuring 5 cm? I have been feeling unusually fatigued and uncomfortable during sleep for over six months, and I sometimes wake up due to this discomfort. Additionally, I have experienced bowel movements ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
It is recommended to conduct blood tests to assess liver and gallbladder function in cases of white stool. Differential diagnoses include hepatitis, anemia, and obstructive jaundice. Gallbladder polyps should be monitored for size and morphology. As for multiple intrahepatic cyst...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps and Liver Cysts: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Digestive Issues: Diarrhea and Dietary Changes Explained
A distended abdomen for one month? About a month ago, I started experiencing diarrhea. Initially, I had watery stools 1 to 2 times a day, which later changed to a segmented shape that dispersed when flushed, occurring once daily. I experienced slight abdominal pain before bowel m...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Dairy products can lead to abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements, which may indicate lactose intolerance. When consuming lactose-containing beverages, the body may be unable to properly break down and digest lactose, resulting in gastrointestinal symptoms such a...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Diarrhea and Dietary Changes Explained
Why Squatting is Essential for Your Child's Bowel Movements
You need to squat to be able to pass it out? Hello, doctor. My son is 11 years old and he says he can only have a bowel movement when squatting. He has been sitting down to use the toilet since he was little, but he hasn't been able to break this habit. Is this just a habit,...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Is it better to exert more muscle effort while squatting to have a bowel movement, or are there psychological factors involved, such as feeling insecure about a large toilet seat and fearing falling off, making squatting feel safer? It would be advisable to consult a pediatrician...[Read More] Why Squatting is Essential for Your Child's Bowel Movements
Could I Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Understanding Symptoms and Causes
Do I have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Since February 1st, my lower abdomen suddenly became distended, and I have been experiencing frequent burping, flatulence, and diarrhea. There is also abdominal rumbling, and I feel some pain when pressing above my navel. I'm not sur...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Sudden abdominal bloating, belching, flatulence, diarrhea, abdominal rumbling, and abdominal pain may indicate conditions such as indigestion or gastroenteritis. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is related to emotions and often improves after a bowel movement. For those who frequen...[Read More] Could I Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Understanding Symptoms and Causes
How to Improve Soft and Loose Stools: Tips for Digestive Health
Loose stools? Loose stools have been present for a while, with most of the time being somewhat soft. The first part of the stool can be slightly formed, but the latter part is usually loose. What can be done to improve this condition?
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Loose stools suggest paying attention to dietary hygiene—consume clean foods, minimize raw foods, reduce intake of greasy and spicy foods, and limit allergenic foods (for example, lactose-intolerant individuals should limit milk consumption to avoid bloating and diarrhea). Adequa...[Read More] How to Improve Soft and Loose Stools: Tips for Digestive Health
Understanding Weight Loss and Appetite Changes in Gastrointestinal Health
Weight loss and poor appetite? Hello, Doctor: My father is 173 cm tall and weighs approximately 106 kg. He is taking medication for hypertension and has a regular exercise routine. He has experienced chronic diarrhea for many years, with bowel movements occurring 3 to 4 times a d...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Ultra-slow jogging can help with weight loss, and weight loss can be gradual. However, since your father is older, has a higher weight, and is experiencing diarrhea, it is important to note that decreased appetite and increased frequency of diarrhea are not necessarily normal for...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss and Appetite Changes in Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Abdominal Bloating: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Abdominal distension? Hello, Doctor. I've been experiencing some discomfort in my abdomen lately and would like your assistance in confirming whether I have abdominal bloating. It started with mild diarrhea at the beginning of last month, which resolved on its own without me...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Pay attention to your diet. It is advisable to continue monitoring your condition. Recently, viral gastroenteritis has been prevalent, which may present symptoms such as nausea, bloating, diarrhea, or loose stools. Generally, it is recommended to stay hydrated, replenish electrol...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Bloating: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Managing Abdominal Discomfort: Over-the-Counter Solutions and When to See a Doctor
Abdominal bloating and discomfort? Recently, I've been feeling a sense of heaviness in my abdomen, experiencing unformed stools, and having slight nausea with a feeling of wanting to vomit, but I can't. I currently don't have time to see a doctor. Can I relieve the...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Abdominal discomfort, nausea, and irregular stools are common gastrointestinal symptoms that require understanding their underlying causes for appropriate treatment. Common causes include indigestion, gastroenteritis, and food poisoning from unclean sources. For gastroenteritis, ...[Read More] Managing Abdominal Discomfort: Over-the-Counter Solutions and When to See a Doctor
Understanding Intermittent Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Abdominal pain Recently, I have been experiencing intermittent abdominal pain.
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Common causes of pain in the middle of the abdomen include indigestion, gastroenteritis, peptic ulcers, and constipation. It may also be due to muscle soreness, liver, gallbladder, or pancreatic diseases, as well as irritable bowel syndrome. It is recommended to seek medical atte...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions