Boosting Digestive Health: The Role of Enzymes and Probiotics
Diet for Chronic Constipation If you want to promote gastrointestinal motility and ensure regularity, in addition to drinking enough water and consuming sufficient fruits and vegetables, is it acceptable to take dietary supplements? For example, are enzymes or probiotics benefici...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, probiotics and the increase of beneficial gut bacteria have been shown in the literature to improve symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, according to Dr. Lin Ming-Hui from Taoyuan General Hospital, Depart...[Read More] Boosting Digestive Health: The Role of Enzymes and Probiotics
Understanding Yellowing Skin: Possible Gastrointestinal and Liver Issues
Jaundice? Hello, doctor! I am 39 years old. 1. I have poor gastrointestinal digestion and absorption (my stomach makes gurgling sounds). I have seen a gastroenterologist. 2. My complexion has turned yellow. 3. I have anemia. 4. I have large pimples on my face. 5. My hands and fee...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, 1. If there is a change in skin color to yellow, it is recommended to follow up with outpatient examinations. 2. Possible causes of yellowing skin include: 1) Severe anemia 2) Jaundice due to liver or biliary diseases 3) Dietary factors such as excessive con...[Read More] Understanding Yellowing Skin: Possible Gastrointestinal and Liver Issues
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Connections to Digestive Health
Abdominal discomfort? For one month, I have been experiencing a feeling of heaviness above my abdomen, along with symptoms like diarrhea. Is it normal for a healthy person to have excessive gas, sometimes dozens of times a day? This has been a long-term issue for me, and I also f...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, 1. It is normal for individuals to burp; however, excessive burping is not typical. Discomfort above the navel, diarrhea, and frequent burping can indicate common gastrointestinal issues such as functional gastrointestinal disorders, peptic ulcers, and irritable bowel sy...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Connections to Digestive Health
Changes in Bowel Habits: When to Worry About Colon Cancer
Changes in bowel habits? Hello: My father has experienced a change in bowel habits over the past month, increasing from once a day to twice a day. I would like to ask: 1. If the only change is an increase in frequency, is there a possibility of colon cancer or other issues? 2. Wh...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, early-stage colorectal cancer may be asymptomatic. Right-sided colon cancer may present with anemia, while left-sided colon cancer may manifest as changes in bowel habits, with stools becoming narrow and symptoms of bowel obstruction. Cancers of the sigmoid colon, rectum, ...[Read More] Changes in Bowel Habits: When to Worry About Colon Cancer
Is It Safe to Drink Milk on an Empty Stomach? Debunking Myths
Is it okay to drink milk on an empty stomach? Milk is not harmful to healthy individuals. There was a news report about an 85-year-old doctor who has been drinking milk with every meal since he was 45, and he remains healthy and fit. However, there are conflicting opinions online...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
1. Milk is highly nutritious, containing proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and calcium as supplements; however, some individuals may experience bloating and acid reflux after consuming milk. 2. It is acceptable to drink milk on an empty stomach, but individuals with lactose intoler...[Read More] Is It Safe to Drink Milk on an Empty Stomach? Debunking Myths
Left Abdominal Pain Near the Navel: Causes and Concerns
Sharp pain on the left side of the abdomen near the navel? I have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and had a colonoscopy last year which revealed hemorrhoids. Currently, I am experiencing stomach pain and chest tightness. Occasionally, when I take medication, it feels like ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, you currently have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with left-sided abdominal pain near the navel, possibly due to muscle or pleural pain. Please pay attention to any changes in your skin. Your medication has been adjusted, and it i...[Read More] Left Abdominal Pain Near the Navel: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Stool Color Changes: What Does Muddy Brown Mean?
Is the stool clay-colored? Today, I noticed that the front part of my stool was a clay color, while the end was golden yellow. Could constipation cause this? Although I have a bowel movement every day, I don't pass much, and sometimes it's hard to push out. I also have ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, 1. Normal stool can vary in color (with shades of light and dark) or consistency (starting hard and becoming loose). 2. Some medications for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may cause diarrhea or constipation. 3. If you have hemorrhoids, it is important ...[Read More] Understanding Stool Color Changes: What Does Muddy Brown Mean?
Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment, Resistance, and Monitoring
Hepatitis B Monitoring and Treatment Hello Dr. Lin, I have had HBV for a long time. Last year at this time, I was in the acute phase. My liver enzymes reached over 2000, and the viral load was about 4 million. I received treatment with Baraclude 0.5 mg. My condition improved sign...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, 1. The resistance to Beclabuvir is not high; in patients who have not previously taken other oral antiviral medications, the resistance rate is only 1% to 3% over five years. 2. The timing for discontinuation of the medication should be discussed with your physician. T...[Read More] Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment, Resistance, and Monitoring
Understanding Diarrhea: Causes of Yellow Liquid and Abdominal Pain
The issue of diarrhea? Hello Dr. Lin, I have always had gastrointestinal issues and occasionally experience abdominal pain and diarrhea. In addition to the usual stool, I also pass a yellow liquid, which causes a burning and stinging sensation around the anus. Could you please ex...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, yellow liquid should be considered as fecal discharge. If it is unformed or occurs frequently, it can irritate the mucosa. Sometimes, irregular diet or infections can lead to unformed stools. If there is persistent anal pain or changes in bowel habits, especially with bloo...[Read More] Understanding Diarrhea: Causes of Yellow Liquid and Abdominal Pain
Understanding Anal Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Anal pain Hello doctor, for the past couple of days, I've been experiencing some pain near the perineal area around my anus. Today, after I started eating, I developed diarrhea. Recently, I've been staying up late studying for midterms, and I'm not sure if that has...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, 1. Common causes of anal pain include hemorrhoids and inflammation. Severe diarrhea can sometimes exacerbate hemorrhoids (which may not always be palpable), worsen anal fissures, or lead to inflammation of the anal skin. 2. Stress, lack of sleep, irregular diet, or inf...[Read More] Understanding Anal Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Understanding Stool Color Changes: Causes and When to Seek Help
Stool color I have severe habitual constipation and often do not have a bowel movement for a week, and when I do, the stool is usually hard and pellet-like. Recently, in the last two or three bowel movements, a small portion (not all) appeared to be slightly brownish, and I'...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, 1. Regarding stool color, hematochezia generally refers to the presence of blood in the stool, which appears red. This typically indicates lesions in the anus or rectum, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, polyps, or inflammation. 2. The color of the stool is related t...[Read More] Understanding Stool Color Changes: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Unexplained Weight Loss and Its Impact on Health
Health status Since I started graduate school, my weight has drastically dropped from 42.6 kg to just 36.8 kg. My limbs are so thin that my veins are very prominent, and when I exert myself, my veins bulge significantly. Additionally, the area in the middle of my buttocks appears...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, weight loss, indigestion, and constipation can be caused by stress, which may lead to digestive issues and a more sensitive gut, known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is advisable to review your dietary habits, especially if you are trying to lose weight; ensure you ...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Weight Loss and Its Impact on Health
Understanding Risks and Locations for Gastroscopy Procedures
Gastrointestinal endoscopy? 1. What are the risks associated with undergoing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy? 2. Can an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy be performed at a clinic, or is it necessary to go to a large hospital?
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, 1. The need for an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy must be evaluated by a physician. Patients with poor cardiopulmonary function or those who cannot cooperate cannot undergo the procedure. 2. The risks associated with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy include: 1. A...[Read More] Understanding Risks and Locations for Gastroscopy Procedures
Managing Persistent Nausea: Insights from Gastroenterology Experts
Gastrointestinal discomfort Doctor Lin, I often experience nausea and have seen a doctor and taken medication, but the recurrence rate is high.
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, there are many causes for frequent nausea, including gastrointestinal inflammation, liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic diseases, as well as systemic illnesses. It is advisable to follow up in an outpatient clinic. If gastrointestinal discomfort occurs frequently, it is rec...[Read More] Managing Persistent Nausea: Insights from Gastroenterology Experts
Blood in Stool: What You Need to Know and Do
Blood in stool..? Dear Doctor, Yesterday, I noticed blood in my stool and also found blood on the toilet paper after wiping. Could you please advise me on how to proceed? I would be very grateful.
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the presence of blood in the stool may be caused by hemorrhoids, anal fissures, inflammatory bowel disease, tumors, polyps, or diverticular bleeding, with hemorrhoidal bleeding being the most common. It is advisable to consume more fruits, vegetables, and fluids to maintai...[Read More] Blood in Stool: What You Need to Know and Do
Understanding Elevated SGPT Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Abnormal SGPT (Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transamin During a health check-up, SGPT was 189 and SGOT was 110. After one month, the recheck showed SGPT at 120 and SGOT at 52. Subsequently, the physician arranged for an abdominal ultrasound, which diagnosed no abnormalities. What othe...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Liver function abnormalities have not worsened continuously, and ultrasound shows no liver tumors. There are many causes of liver dysfunction, including viral hepatitis, medications, alcohol, chemicals, systemic diseases, endocrine disorders, and autoimmune diseases. Regular foll...[Read More] Understanding Elevated SGPT Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Managing Constipation and Abdominal Pain in Elderly Patients
Constipation My father is 83 years old and frequently visits the emergency room. He has constipation, and an X-ray showed excessive stool. Blood tests indicated low sodium levels. He has a history of gastric ulcers and arrhythmia, and he experiences daily abdominal pain and bloat...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if you are experiencing frequent bowel movements and constipation, it is advisable to maintain adequate hydration and fiber intake, and to develop good bowel habits. Elderly individuals often have chronic illnesses, so it is recommended to follow up with a gastroenterology...[Read More] Managing Constipation and Abdominal Pain in Elderly Patients
Understanding the Difference Between Hemorrhoids and Polyps
Hemorrhoidal polyps Are polyps the same as hemorrhoids? How can they be distinguished?
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, hemorrhoids are protrusions of the hemorrhoidal veins, which are essentially vascular structures. They can be associated with anal and rectal polyps, representing protrusions or hyperplastic growths of the mucosal tissue. Polyps may sometimes present with skin breakdown or...[Read More] Understanding the Difference Between Hemorrhoids and Polyps
Could My Symptoms Indicate Colon or Rectal Cancer at 13?
Could this be colorectal cancer? I have been having a bowel movement once a day, but it's only a small amount. Sometimes I experience diarrhea. In the morning, if I eat something, my stomach feels uncomfortable for 2 to 3 hours, but there is no bleeding. What could be the ca...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the typical age for colorectal cancer onset is 50 years and older. Even if it occurs later, there is often a related family history or history of colitis. Based on what you described, it seems to be irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Probiotics can be somewhat helpful for IBS...[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate Colon or Rectal Cancer at 13?
Understanding Stomach Acid Secretion: Causes and Solutions for Nighttime Discomfort
excuse me? The stomach secretes gastric acid not only before and after meals but also during other times, such as when a person is anxious or stressed. Additionally, it can produce gastric acid during the night, even when no food has been consumed. This may be due to previous hab...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the secretion of gastric acid significantly increases after meals, peaking post-meal. Before sleeping, the sensation of gastric acid secretion is not due to excessive secretion but rather because there is no food in the stomach to neutralize the acid, compounded by past ha...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Acid Secretion: Causes and Solutions for Nighttime Discomfort