Understanding Digestive Health: Timing of Bowel Movements and Food Residue
Bowel movement issues Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you about the typical time it takes to excrete food after eating. Yesterday at noon, I had some shredded carrots, and tonight (during my second bowel movement of the day), I noticed what appeared to be remnants of carrots i...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, carrots are not easily digestible and often appear as residue in the stool. There is no specific time frame for bowel movements after consumption. Irritable bowel syndrome is not related. This is a response from Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, attending physician of the Gastroenterology...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Health: Timing of Bowel Movements and Food Residue
Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention
Blood in the stool? Hello, I used to have bowel movements that were often pellet-like. A few months ago, I experienced some anal fissures due to hard stools, but I haven't had any issues with fissures since then. However, today when flushing the toilet, I suddenly noticed so...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, a common cause of blood in the stool is hemorrhoids. If the bleeding persists, you may consult a colorectal specialist at the Gastroenterology Department of Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention
White Strands in Stool: Should You Worry About Parasites?
There are white substances in the stool? A few days ago, I had gastritis, and my bowel movements were watery. Now that I am feeling better, I have noticed some white, string-like substances in my stool that appear to be coating the feces from a distance. Could this be a sign of a...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, parasitic infections are not commonly seen in clinical practice. You may consult the Gastroenterology Department at Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, with Dr. Lin Ming-Hui for examination.[Read More] White Strands in Stool: Should You Worry About Parasites?
Chronic Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Persistent discomfort in the right upper abdomen? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing discomfort in my upper right abdomen for a long time (about 5 to 7 years), which feels like abdominal pain, bloating, and even muscle cramps that extend to my back, causing back pain. Someti...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, it is recommended to schedule an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, attending physician of the Gastroenterology Department at Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Chronic Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding a Small Growth Near the Anus: Should You Be Concerned?
There is a small growth near the anus? Hello doctor, when I was a child, I had a small soft lump behind my buttocks, located in the anal fold. I always thought it was a normal piece of tissue that can appear in the private area, but my partner noticed it and felt that there shoul...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, please visit a colorectal surgery specialist for an accurate assessment. This is a response from Dr. Chen Chi-Feng, attending physician of the Gastroenterology Department at Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Understanding a Small Growth Near the Anus: Should You Be Concerned?
Is It Hemorrhoids? When to Consider Surgery for Your Symptoms
It is unclear whether it is hemorrhoids, and whether surgery is necessary? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask about a situation I have been experiencing. Sometimes when I strain during bowel movements, a small piece of tissue protrudes, but in the past, I could push it back in,...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, internal hemorrhoids are classified according to the severity of prolapse: Stage I has bleeding without prolapse, Stage II involves prolapse after bowel movements that can spontaneously reduce, Stage III requires manual reduction after prolapse, and Stage IV is permanently...[Read More] Is It Hemorrhoids? When to Consider Surgery for Your Symptoms
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Issues
Abdominal pain? I used to have bowel movements 1 to 3 times a week, but for the past few days, I've been experiencing sudden abdominal pain in the mornings that wakes me from sleep. When I go to the bathroom, I only pass a small amount of stool. Initially, the stool was of n...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, it is clearly acute gastroenteritis. Adjust your diet to a low-fat, low-dairy, and bland diet, and seek medical treatment if necessary. Sincerely, Dr. Ming-Hui Lin, Attending Physician, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Issues
Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Further Gastrointestinal Evaluation
Rectal bleeding Hello, a month ago I went to a gastroenterologist because I had blood in my stool. The doctor said I had mild internal hemorrhoids, and the fecal occult blood test was negative. For the rest of that month, my bowel movements were normal. However, today I have had ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the causes of rectal bleeding include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, polyps, tumors, and diverticula. Diagnosis can be assisted through rectoscopy or colonoscopy. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Attending Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Minis...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Further Gastrointestinal Evaluation
Understanding White Specks in Stool: Causes and Concerns
There are white substances in the stool? Hello. Recently, I've noticed white substances in my stool that look a bit moldy... but I can only see them when using a sitting toilet, not a squat toilet. What could this issue be? Also, I typically have a bowel movement every 3 to ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the white substance could possibly be food or sloughed-off epithelial cells from the colon. This is a response from Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, attending physician of the Gastroenterology Department at Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Understanding White Specks in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Gastrointestinal issues I have had digestive issues for a long time, and in the past few weeks, I suddenly feel very hungry right before mealtime. Last week, I experienced sharp pain in my upper left abdomen. After seeing a doctor, I was diagnosed with gastroenteritis. However, e...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, please pay attention to your dietary habits and food hygiene. You may arrange for an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to check for peptic ulcers. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Attending Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health ...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Understanding Normal Bowel Habits: Frequency, Timing, and Concerns
Bowel movement frequency and timing? Hello, doctor. I usually have a bowel movement around 7:30 AM after waking up, and sometimes I go again after breakfast around 9:30-10:00 AM. I also have bowel movements after lunch and dinner. I have a few questions: 1. Is it normal to have...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, under normal physiological conditions, after a meal or when the stomach is full, colonic motility is stimulated, leading to the sensation of needing to defecate. The autonomic nervous system (sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems) influences colonic peristalsis. ...[Read More] Understanding Normal Bowel Habits: Frequency, Timing, and Concerns
Understanding Your Gastrointestinal Health: GERD and Gastritis Explained
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Report I would like to confirm my condition: Esophagus: Three mucosal breaks were noted at the esophagogastric junction. Stomach: Multiple red streaks were noted in the body. Duodenum: Negative for the second portion. Diagnosis: Gastroesophageal...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
1. The treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) primarily involves proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), with other medications including antacids, H2 receptor antagonists, and prokinetic agents. Lansoprazole, a strong acid suppressant, can achieve a treatment efficacy of ov...[Read More] Understanding Your Gastrointestinal Health: GERD and Gastritis Explained
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Further Testing
Blood streaks in stool issue? Hello, doctor. Three years ago, I experienced rectal bleeding and underwent a colonoscopy, which revealed two internal hemorrhoids. I had rubber band ligation performed, and a 0.3 cm hyperplastic polyp was found in the sigmoid colon and removed. Last...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, 1. Can a rectoscopy or anoscopy assess the severity of a mole? 2. Maintaining good lifestyle habits, such as increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, and exercising, can help establish regular bowel habits. 3. A colonoscopy can be followed up every 3 to 5 years. Si...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Anal Pain: Could It Be a Fissure or Hemorrhoids?
There is a sharp pain in the anus? I have hemorrhoids, both internal and external. Recently, I experience sharp pain around the 4 to 6 o'clock position during bowel movements, but there is no bleeding. My stools are quite soft. Could this be an anal fissure?
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, both hemorrhoids and anal fissures are possible. You may visit the Department of Colorectal Surgery or Gastroenterology for a clearer examination, such as a digital rectal exam or anoscopy. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Attending Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, T...[Read More] Understanding Anal Pain: Could It Be a Fissure or Hemorrhoids?
Understanding Loose Stools: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Stool should not be hard or constipated? Hello Doctor: Since July 11th, after eating too much at the night market, I have been experiencing loose stools that cannot form solid stools. I visited a small clinic and took medication, and I have also adjusted my diet to include more v...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, during gastroenteritis, a light diet is necessary, and attention should be paid to food hygiene, consumption of cooked foods, hydration, and electrolyte balance. The illness typically lasts about 1 to 2 weeks, varying from person to person. If symptoms persist or recur, it...[Read More] Understanding Loose Stools: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Hepatitis C Treatment Options and Liver Health Supplements
Questions about Hepatitis C? I currently have hepatitis C and I regularly monitor my condition every six months, with normal results. I would like to know if I can receive treatment to cure it, and if so, can I use heparin? How many treatments are covered by the National Health I...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, 1. The treatment for hepatitis C currently primarily involves long-acting interferon and ribavirin to eliminate the hepatitis C virus. Patients must have the hepatitis C virus present and not have severe cirrhosis to be eligible for treatment. 2. Currently, the National...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Treatment Options and Liver Health Supplements
Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Lower abdominal pain below the navel? Recently, I have been experiencing intermittent lower abdominal pain that sometimes subsides with rest. I previously had a gynecological ultrasound, which showed no issues. However, the pain occasionally occurs on the left side of the pelvis,...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, possible causes of lower abdominal pain include urinary tract issues, gastrointestinal problems, and gynecological issues such as pelvic inflammatory disease and ovulation pain. It is advisable to maintain regular bowel and urinary habits. If the pain persists, it is recom...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Black Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Passing black stools? Hello, Dr. Lin. A few days ago, I noticed that my stool was black in color. It wasn't completely black, but rather had large patches that were very dark, similar to squid ink. Even the area where the stool flushed down the toilet was deep black. I recal...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, consuming red dragon fruit may cause your urine and stool to appear red or dark. If there is significant gastrointestinal bleeding, the stool may also appear red or dark. If you experience palpitations, dizziness, abdominal pain, or cold sweats, it indicates a substantial ...[Read More] Understanding Black Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Bloating and Constipation: When to Seek Further Testing
Abdominal distension and difficulty with bowel movements? The phenomenon of abdominal bloating has persisted for nearly a month. After meals, my stomach noticeably expands, but my appetite is good. When I feel the urge to defecate, the stool volume is not significant. During this...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, bloating and constipation are common functional disorders. It is recommended to adjust dietary habits. If there has been no improvement despite medication treatment, it may be necessary to arrange for examinations to check for any lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. Bot...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Constipation: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding a Small Bump Near the Anus: Causes and Concerns
There is a lump at the anal opening? I would like to ask about a small lump at the anal opening that is not painful, itchy, or bleeding, and has been present for quite a while. What could it be?
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, it is recommended to undergo a rectal examination at the outpatient clinic. The visual inspection is clearer for diagnosing abscesses or skin conditions. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Attending Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of...[Read More] Understanding a Small Bump Near the Anus: Causes and Concerns