Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello Doctor, I started experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort around February 13, with diarrhea occurring about 3 to 4 times a day. Most of the time, after eating, I would have cramping abdominal pain and the urge to have a bowel movement. There we...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the common causes are gastroenteritis and irritable bowel syndrome. It is recommended to pay attention to your diet and avoid irritating foods. It seems that your gastrointestinal symptoms are gradually improving! During gastroenteritis, be mindful of food cleanliness, sta...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Blood in Toilet After Bowel Movement: Causes and Concerns
Blood in the toilet after a bowel movement? I do not have any issues with bowel movements, but after using the restroom yesterday, I noticed blood in the toilet, similar to the first couple of days of my menstrual period. There was also blood on the toilet paper, and the amount w...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, a 36-year-old female is experiencing blood in the toilet during bowel movements, primarily from the rectal and anal area. The most common causes are hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Difficulties in bowel movements, such as straining, diarrhea, and constipation, can contribut...[Read More] Blood in Toilet After Bowel Movement: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes of Left Lower Abdominal Pain
Gastrointestinal issues Hello doctor, I often experience diarrhea and have been feeling a vague discomfort in my lower left abdomen for the past few months. There was one occasion when I was lying in bed and felt a dull pain. When I pressed on the right side and the upper area, t...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, a 22-year-old female is experiencing frequent diarrhea, left lower abdominal pain, and negative fecal occult blood tests. Considering her age, the most common causes are likely to be enteritis and irritable bowel syndrome. It is important to pay attention to dietary habits...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes of Left Lower Abdominal Pain
Morning Saliva with Blood and Bitter Taste: Understanding Possible Causes
Waking up in the morning with yellow saliva that has a blood-like taste and a bitter flavor? I have a history of gastroesophageal reflux and laryngitis, with my first episode occurring a year and a half ago. After persistent coughing that wouldn't improve, I was referred fro...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The typical symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a burning sensation in the upper abdomen that radiates to the throat. Atypical symptoms may include a feeling of something stuck in the throat, chronic pharyngitis, and asthma-like symptoms. If there is blood...[Read More] Morning Saliva with Blood and Bitter Taste: Understanding Possible Causes
Can Hepatitis C Patients Safely Supplement Magnesium?
Can patients with hepatitis C supplement magnesium? My mother is a hepatitis C patient with early-stage cirrhosis and splenomegaly, but she frequently experiences muscle cramps without any apparent reason, occurring both morning and night. Today, I came across an article stating ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, sudden muscle cramps and leg cramps need to be investigated for their causes. If the sudden onset is due to mineral deficiencies such as calcium, potassium, or magnesium, supplementing magnesium may be effective. The treatment for muscle cramps and leg cramps differs if th...[Read More] Can Hepatitis C Patients Safely Supplement Magnesium?
Understanding Bad Breath: Causes and Which Specialist to Consult
What is the issue of halitosis? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about an issue I'm experiencing. When I'm not breathing, there is no odor from my mouth, but as soon as I breathe, there is a foul smell. It feels like it's coming from my throat, the back of my tong...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the presence of foul breath can be related to oral diseases as well as esophageal and gastrointestinal disorders. It is advisable to get checked for any underlying issues. It is recommended to avoid spicy foods, smoking, and alcohol, and not to overeat or eat too quickly. ...[Read More] Understanding Bad Breath: Causes and Which Specialist to Consult
Understanding Abdominal Pulsations: When to Seek Medical Advice
Abdominal issues? Hello doctor, I recently noticed that when I lie down, I can feel a pulsation in my abdomen that matches my heart rate. I can also feel the pulsation when I touch my abdomen, but I don't feel any lumps. Is this normal?
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, a 17-year-old male occasionally hears a pulsating sound in the abdomen, which can sometimes be normal vascular pulsation. However, it is important to monitor for issues such as hypertension, renal vascular obstruction, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Please follow up. Wishi...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pulsations: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Liver Shadows: What Your Ultrasound Results Mean
Ultrasound liver shadowing Hello, I am a 36-year-old female with hepatitis B. I gave birth a year ago, and six months later, a liver shadow was detected, which the doctor believed to be a hemangioma measuring 0.8 cm. Recently, during a follow-up, in addition to the 0.8 cm shadow,...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, a 36-year-old female patient has been advised by her physician to undergo an MRI for differential diagnosis of a possible liver tumor shadow. MRI is more sensitive than CT scans for diagnosing hemangiomas. However, if the tumor is smaller than one centimeter, it can be cha...[Read More] Understanding Liver Shadows: What Your Ultrasound Results Mean
Should My 67-Year-Old Father Have His Gallbladder Removed?
Should the gallbladder be removed? Hello, doctor: My father is 67 years old and has diabetes. He was hospitalized for 11 days due to cholecystitis. The hospital performed drainage and used endoscopy to remove stones from the common bile duct. After his blood tests and bowel movem...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, A 67-year-old male with diabetes, gallstones, and cholecystitis has undergone endoscopic stone removal and drainage for common bile duct stones. To assess the patient's clinical condition, it is generally noted that patients with a history of gallstones and cholecys...[Read More] Should My 67-Year-Old Father Have His Gallbladder Removed?
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Sometimes there is blood in the stool? Hello, doctor. I am someone who has a bowel movement every day, with a regular physiological clock that prompts me to go in the morning. Usually, my stools don't have much odor. In high school, I experienced constipation once, and after...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: You are experiencing pain in the buttocks and blood in the toilet during bowel movements, although there is no blood on the stool itself. Common causes of rectal bleeding include anal fissures, hemorrhoids, and inflammation. Eating spicy foods and having difficulty with bo...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
White Cotton-Like Substance in Stool: Should You Be Concerned?
After bowel movement, seeing a cotton-like white substance at the bottom of the toilet? I have been experiencing gastrointestinal issues lately, with diarrhea occurring about once or twice a day. Traditional Chinese medicine suggests that I have some symptoms of irritable bowel s...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The stool contains white, cotton-like substances, which may be sloughed-off epithelial mucus. This could be related to irritable bowel syndrome. A stool examination is recommended. Colorectal cancer is associated with genetics, heredity, polyps, diet, obesity, and certain ...[Read More] White Cotton-Like Substance in Stool: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and Symptoms Explained
Mucus in stool? I would like to ask what the symptoms are when there is transparent mucus at the end of each bowel movement. The beginning of the stool is normal and formed, while the end is softer. Sometimes, if the end of the formed stool is normal, there is no mucus produced. ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It is normal to have mucus accompanying bowel movements, as appropriate mucus can lubricate the intestinal walls and facilitate defecation. However, if there is an excessive amount of mucus with a foul odor or blood, it may indicate a possible intestinal infection or infla...[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Abdominal Bloating: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Abdominal bloating issues? Hello Doctor: A month ago, I initially only experienced some noises in my abdomen, which I thought were related to digestion and didn’t pay much attention to. However, over the past month, my symptoms have gradually developed into the following conditio...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, I have been experiencing sounds in my abdomen, frequent belching, and occasional discomfort and pain in the upper abdomen. At night, I feel something rising into my esophagus, causing a scratchy throat and cough. After an examination by an otolaryngologist, there is a susp...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Bloating: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Understanding Bowel Issues: Causes and Dietary Impacts
Bowel issues I used to have regular bowel movements, but for the past two months, my bowel habits have become irregular. My stools are now mushy, and I experience foul-smelling gas both when my bowel movements were normal and now when they are not. I pass gas many times a day. Co...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, irregular bowel movements with frequent, unpredictable times and loose stools may be related to diet and gastrointestinal conditions. It is advisable to pay attention to your diet, avoid greasy foods, and refrain from eating too quickly. A high intake of meat can lead to f...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Causes and Dietary Impacts
Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Hello Doctor, I previously had blood in my stool. I underwent a colonoscopy in April, which did not reveal any issues. Later, I started experiencing pain in my lower left abdomen and the urge to use the bathroom. Sometimes my stools were loose and m...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: You are experiencing abnormal bowel movements and lower abdominal pain. A colonoscopy was normal, raising suspicion of irritable bowel syndrome. It is recommended to pay attention to your diet, reduce fatty foods, and maintain a positive mood. The presence of fat in your s...[Read More] Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Understanding Bloating and Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Bowel movement and bloating issues? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about something. A few days ago, I had a large meal and experienced upper abdominal pain for over an hour afterward. The next day, I had a long, grayish-white stool, but I didn't have a bowel movement the ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: After eating, it is easy to experience bloating and belching, occasional abdominal pain, and irregular bowel movements. It is advisable to pay attention to eating habits, avoid eating too quickly, refrain from talking while eating, and limit the intake of gas-producing foo...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Bloating and Frequent Belching: When to Seek Medical Help
Bloating and belching may result in the expulsion of foam? Hello, I have always experienced hiccups after meals, which are quite loud and difficult to suppress even with my mouth closed. However, in the past two weeks, I have been experiencing abdominal bloating with no significa...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: You are experiencing bloating, frequent burping, and foamy vomiting. Sometimes you also feel nauseous, sweat, and have headaches. It is advised to pay attention to your eating habits, avoid eating too quickly, and reduce the intake of gas-producing foods. If the symptoms p...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Frequent Belching: When to Seek Medical Help
Is One Dose of Hepatitis B Vaccine Enough for Protection?
The hepatitis B vaccine is administered as a single dose? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask you a question. This year, I received the hepatitis B vaccine at the Tri-Service General Hospital in Neihu. After testing, I initially had no antibodies (I'm not sure if I was vaccin...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, Hepatitis B can be transmitted through blood and bodily fluids, so it is recommended not to share items that may come into contact with blood, such as nail clippers and razors. It is best for couples to use condoms. Currently, there is a Hepatitis B vaccine available, and ...[Read More] Is One Dose of Hepatitis B Vaccine Enough for Protection?
Alternative Tests for Colonoscopy: Exploring Non-Invasive Options for Gastrointestinal Issues
Gastrointestinal discomfort Hello, Dr. Lin. If a patient is afraid of undergoing an invasive colonoscopy, what alternative tests can be considered first to check for any abnormalities? Thank you.
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if you are concerned about gastrointestinal issues, you can consult an outpatient physician for advice, physical examination, and appropriate tests. If you are afraid of invasive procedures, you can have stool tests, X-rays, and preliminary examinations. Wishing you peace ...[Read More] Alternative Tests for Colonoscopy: Exploring Non-Invasive Options for Gastrointestinal Issues
Post-Treatment Care for Helicobacter Pylori Infection: What to Expect
Follow-up treatment after the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection? In July, I experienced stomach pain and went to a clinic for an ultrasound, where they suggested it might be related to gallstones and prescribed medication for me to rest at home. Later, I went to the hosp...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello Ms. Chang, Helicobacter pylori is associated with chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, and gastric cancer. The standard treatment regimen typically involves ulcer medications combined with 2 to 3 different antibiotics, administered either concurrently or sequentially for 10...[Read More] Post-Treatment Care for Helicobacter Pylori Infection: What to Expect