Right Upper Abdomen Pain: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Pain upon palpation in the right upper quadrant? Hello doctor, there is pain when pressing about two fingerbreadths to the right of my navel, and then another two fingerbreadths to the right. I am 20 years old and do not have a habit of drinking alcohol or smoking. However, I hav...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Right upper quadrant pain differential diagnoses include gastrointestinal diseases and liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic disorders. A detailed medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies are recommended to aid in diagnosis and treatment. Best regards, Dr. L...[Read More] Right Upper Abdomen Pain: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Understanding Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Discomfort in the upper abdomen? A month ago, I felt a lump at the intersection of my ribs in the middle and at the bottom of my rib cage. It felt like there was a hard, swollen tube in the middle of my ribs. Later, I noticed that below my ribs, there was a swollen area that felt...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Nausea, abdominal bloating, and discomfort in the upper abdomen. Differential diagnoses include gastric issues, liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic diseases. It is recommended that if discomfort persists, long-term use of traditional Chinese medicine should be monitored for...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Pain Relief and Steroid Use for Hepatitis B Carriers: What to Avoid
Precautions for Hepatitis B Dear Doctor, as a carrier of Hepatitis B, which types of pain relievers and steroids should be avoided? Thank you.
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Pain relievers can be categorized into addictive pain medications such as morphine and non-addictive pain medications (1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, 2. Acetaminophen, commonly known by the brand name Tylenol, 3. Steroids, etc.). Proper use...[Read More] Pain Relief and Steroid Use for Hepatitis B Carriers: What to Avoid
Understanding Swallowing Difficulties: When to Seek Medical Advice
Swallowing concerns? Hello, Doctor: I apologize for taking up your time with my questions. My issue is that over the past month or two, I have been experiencing some difficulty swallowing, whether I'm eating or drinking. It feels somewhat like I'm taking too large bites...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It is recommended to pay attention to your diet, take smaller bites while eating, and eat slowly. Limit the intake of foods that can increase stomach acid (such as spicy foods, sweets, and chocolate). Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Wearing shapewear may also have an i...[Read More] Understanding Swallowing Difficulties: When to Seek Medical Advice
Undigested Food in Stool: What It Means for Your Digestive Health
The stool contains food residues? Hello Dr. Lin, I hope you can help me. Recently (for about four months), I have been noticing undigested food in my stool. During this time, I have tried to change my eating habits by chewing my food more thoroughly, but there is still undigested...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. Certain foods, such as vegetables and fruits, are not fully absorbed by the human body and may be excreted in the feces, resulting in food residues in the stool. 2. Changes in stool shape are related to the types of food consumed and dietary habits. If the diet is aimed...[Read More] Undigested Food in Stool: What It Means for Your Digestive Health
Understanding Anal Fissures: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Anal fissure? Hello Doctor: Sometimes after I have a bowel movement (which takes about 2-3 minutes), I notice a streak of blood on the toilet paper when I wipe. I also experience a painful sensation at the back of my anus, like it’s裂開, but the bleeding is not significant. This co...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: After having a bowel movement, there is blood when wiping, and there is pain in the area behind the anus, feeling like it is裂開. The possible cause is an anal fissure, and it is recommended to have a check-up with a colorectal specialist. Best wishes, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Taoy...[Read More] Understanding Anal Fissures: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Liver and Kidney Metabolism: Key Considerations for Medications
Hepatorenal metabolism Hello, Dr. Lin. 1. When the functions of the stomach, liver, and kidneys are impaired, what precautions should be taken when using Western medications? 2. Does insulin injection undergo metabolism by the liver and kidneys?
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. Most medications are metabolized by the liver or kidneys. When liver or kidney function is compromised, medication dosages need to be reduced, and one should refer to the usage guidelines for various medications. 2. When gastrointestinal function is poor, caution should...[Read More] Understanding Liver and Kidney Metabolism: Key Considerations for Medications
Can Acid Reflux Lead to Sudden Cardiac Arrest? Understanding the Risks
Can gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) lead to sudden death? Hello Doctor: A friend experienced sudden death while sleeping due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and I find this very puzzling. I would like to inquire about the possible causes and likelihood of sudden...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Common causes of sudden cardiac death include: 1. Cardiac issues such as arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia, and myocardial infarction; 2. Respiratory problems, such as asthma attacks, sleep apnea, and airway obstruction; 3. Endocrine issues like hypoglycemia. Wishing you go...[Read More] Can Acid Reflux Lead to Sudden Cardiac Arrest? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Pancreatic Enlargement: Causes and Next Steps
Pancreatic enlargement Due to discomfort in my stomach, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at a nearby small hospital, which revealed mild gastroesophageal reflux. As a precaution, the doctor recommended an ultrasound. The results showed an enlargement of the head of...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The enlargement of the pancreatic head may have several possible causes as mentioned by the physician, including pancreatitis, autoimmune diseases, pancreatic cancer, and congenital anomalies. It is recommended to monitor the condition and seek medical attention if symptom...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Enlargement: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding GERD: A Young Adult's Struggle with Symptoms and Treatment
Gastroesophageal reflux is very bothersome? Honestly, over the past six months, I've felt quite hopeless about this condition. I'm only 24 years old and have been dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) since last year. In August of last year, I underwent an...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may not always correlate between endoscopic findings and clinical symptoms; for instance, endoscopic grading may be A or B while symptoms are severe, and some may have endoscopic grades C or D but exhibit mild symptoms. 2. GERD...[Read More] Understanding GERD: A Young Adult's Struggle with Symptoms and Treatment
Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Loved One
Abdominal pain Hello, my mother has abdominal swelling (54 years old). We always thought it was just a protruding abdomen or stomach. She is about 158 cm tall and weighs between 55-60 kg, which is not considered overweight, but her abdomen is quite noticeably large. In the past f...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. It is recommended to monitor liver function, as hepatitis can present with gastrointestinal symptoms. 2. Bloating, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, dizziness, and hypertension have many differential diagnoses; it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist o...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Loved One
Understanding IBS: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Recovery
Could you please ask the doctor this question? I often experience flatulence, abdominal rumbling, and abdominal pain. Sometimes, during bowel movements, I feel like I haven't completely emptied my bowels, and there is also mucus. Additionally, I have pain around the anus. Th...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) refers to a condition where there are no organic lesions in the intestines, but there are changes in bowel habits, which may include abdominal pain and bloating. IBS is related to many factors, including the use of certain medications, dietar...[Read More] Understanding IBS: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Recovery
Understanding Liver Lesions: What Do Black Spots Mean?
Liver spots issue? Hello Dr. Lin, my mother is a carrier of hepatitis B. Recently, she underwent a follow-up ultrasound examination of her liver, and the doctor mentioned that there are small black spots approximately 1.5 cm on her liver. Subsequently, tests for ALT, AST, and alp...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Hepatitis B carriers require regular follow-up. An abdominal ultrasound shows a black spot approximately 1.5 cm, which may be due to causes such as fibrous nodules, cysts, small tumors, or early-stage liver cancer. The levels of AST, ALT, and AFP are normal, indicating no ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Lesions: What Do Black Spots Mean?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Should You Worry About a Detected Polyp?
Ultrasound examination for hepatitis B? I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have had it since childhood. I go for an ultrasound every six months to a year. Recently, during my ultrasound, a very small polyp was found. Both the ultrasound doctor and the outpatient doctor said it is ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Gallbladder polyps generally do not present symptoms. They should be monitored for changes in shape, size, and gallbladder wall. Sometimes, polyps that are too small may not be clearly visible. Typically, gallbladder polyps that are 1 cm or larger have a potential risk for...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Should You Worry About a Detected Polyp?
Understanding Rectal Ulcers: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Rectal ulcer Hello Doctor: Two months ago, my mother underwent major surgery, and I have been extremely anxious since then. I have experienced daily loose stools (unformed, no blood) for the past two months, and about three weeks ago, I began to have persistent left abdominal pai...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Rectal ulcers may improve or spread, possibly related to the original cause. Potential causes include simple ulcers, radiation therapy, and analgesics, as well as colitis, including infectious and ischemic types. It is recommended to monitor rectal ulcers. If there is stil...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Ulcers: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Can You Drink Soy Milk or Milk with Acute Gastritis?
Acute Gastritis Hello, Dr. Lin. In addition to eating congee, can I drink soy milk or milk for acute gastritis?
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Acute gastritis is associated with certain infections, including Helicobacter pylori, bacteria, viruses, stress, medications, and allergies. During acute gastritis, it is recommended to consume light foods and to avoid irritating foods. Medications, soy milk, and milk shou...[Read More] Can You Drink Soy Milk or Milk with Acute Gastritis?
Understanding Anal Polyps: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Anal polyps Hello doctor, I have noticed since my first year of high school that there is a growth of tissue protruding from my anus, which I can clearly feel while showering. Could this be a polyp or an external hemorrhoid? Do I need to have it surgically removed? (Currently, th...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A protruding mass in the anal area could be either hemorrhoids or polyps. Hemorrhoids are caused by the varicosity of the hemorrhoidal veins. If symptoms are present, ligation treatment may be considered, and in severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Polyps ...[Read More] Understanding Anal Polyps: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Blood Streaks After Wiping: Gastrointestinal Concerns or Menstrual Effects?
Blood streaks after wiping following a bowel movement? Doctor... may I ask, every time before and after my menstrual cycle, there are streaks of blood when I wipe after a bowel movement. Is this related to gastrointestinal issues or is it purely a consequence of my menstrual cycl...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If there is blood when wiping after a bowel movement, but the stool appearance is normal, it is important to consider issues related to the rectum and anus, commonly such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures. You may want to consult a colorectal surgeon or a gastroenterologist ...[Read More] Blood Streaks After Wiping: Gastrointestinal Concerns or Menstrual Effects?
Understanding Complications of Cirrhosis: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Complications of Liver Cirrhosis The patient has been in the intensive care unit for a month due to bleeding from liver cirrhosis. They are now in a coma, reliant on a ventilator, and have developed sepsis. Is there still a chance for recovery? Should invasive treatments be pursu...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Patients with liver cirrhosis may experience deterioration of liver function and even multiple organ failure due to gastrointestinal bleeding and sepsis. It is advisable for family members to discuss the condition with the intensivist in the intensive care unit to explore ...[Read More] Understanding Complications of Cirrhosis: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Understanding White Specks in Stool: Gastrointestinal Health Insights
The stool contains small white particles? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask about something. In the past three months, I have noticed that after bowel movements, there are many small white particles mixed in with my stool. However, this does not happen every time I have a bowel ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The white small particles in the stool may be undigested food, sloughed-off epithelial cells, etc. If there are symptoms, a stool examination can be conducted to check for inflammation, occult blood, or parasites. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Taoyu...[Read More] Understanding White Specks in Stool: Gastrointestinal Health Insights