Understanding Increased Appetite: When to Seek Gastroenterology Help
Increased appetite? My friend (female) has recently experienced a significant increase in her appetite, almost eating two lunch boxes at each meal. This is unusual for her, and she claims she doesn't know why she feels constantly hungry and gets hungry quickly. During this p...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The reasons for increased appetite, binge eating, and weight gain include pregnancy, endocrine disorders (such as diabetes and thyroid dysfunction), and psychological issues. You may consult a family medicine specialist or a general internist. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, ...[Read More] Understanding Increased Appetite: When to Seek Gastroenterology Help
Understanding Abdominal Distension: Causes and Concerns
The abdomen has become distended and firm? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have noticed that my abdomen is getting larger, almost as if I were pregnant, but I am not pregnant. I have regular bowel movements every day, and I do not experience any abdominal pain. In the past, my abdomen ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Based on your height and weight, you are not considered obese. A distended abdomen after meals is commonly due to functional gastrointestinal disorders. Dietary factors, psychological factors, a history of chronic diseases, acute metabolic disturbances, and medications can...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Distension: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Bowel Issues: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Bowel movement issues Hello Dr. Lin, for the past four days, I have been experiencing a sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation. My usual frequency of 1-2 bowel movements has increased to about 3-4 times a day, with each bowel movement producing less stool than usual. About two ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Abnormal bowel movements may be caused by factors such as recent dietary changes, gastrointestinal inflammation, or irritable bowel syndrome. It is advisable to pay attention to your diet and avoid spicy, overly acidic, overly sweet, greasy foods, and those containing caff...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Seeking Solutions for Persistent Left Abdominal Pain: A Guide
Abdominal diseases Hello, I would like to ask about my grandmother who has been experiencing left lower abdominal pain that comes and goes for about three weeks. We went to the emergency department of a large hospital for examination, but they said there was nothing wrong. Howeve...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: There are many differential diagnoses for lower abdominal pain, including gastrointestinal, gynecological, urinary tract, or musculoskeletal issues. It is advisable to first seek evaluation at an outpatient clinic (general internal medicine, gastroenterology, or geriatric ...[Read More] Seeking Solutions for Persistent Left Abdominal Pain: A Guide
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Digestive Issues After C-Section
Lower back pain and indigestion? All three of my children were delivered via cesarean section, with the last one in July of last year. Recently, my health has been poor; I often experience palpitations, pain below the navel, and persistent indigestion for the past two weeks. Last...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: You are experiencing stomach pain, along with pain in the lumbar region and lower back. It is recommended to pay attention to your dietary habits, chew your food thoroughly, and avoid spicy, irritating, and fried foods. If you frequently experience abdominal pain, it is ad...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Digestive Issues After C-Section
Understanding Your Digestive Discomfort: Is It Acid Reflux?
Could you please provide more context or content for translation? Hello Dr. Lin: I would like to ask about occasional feelings of gastric discomfort, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of something in my throat. At times, when I lie down to sleep, I feel like something is risin...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It is possible that you are experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can lead to gastritis due to indigestion. It is advisable to avoid irritating foods, as overly sweet, sour, or spicy foods, as well as smoking and alcohol consumption, can increase gastr...[Read More] Understanding Your Digestive Discomfort: Is It Acid Reflux?
Understanding Left Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Sharp pain in the left abdomen? Hello Doctor: I don't know why I've been experiencing sharp pain frequently on the left side, about a palm's width below my navel. Sometimes I also feel pain in the upper left abdomen or the lower right abdomen. The pain lasts only a...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Lower abdominal pain can be caused by gastrointestinal diseases, urinary tract issues, and neuromuscular disorders. If the pain is intermittent, it may indicate gastrointestinal problems, which could be functional (such as irritable bowel syndrome) or organic in nature. It...[Read More] Understanding Left Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Is Elevated AFP Always a Sign of Disease? Understanding Your Health Concerns
Is an elevated AFP always indicative of a disease? I underwent a health check-up on August 15 of this year. My GOT was 10, GPT was 20, and I tested negative for both Hepatitis B and C. An abdominal ultrasound showed normal liver function. However, my AFP level was 10.8 (normal va...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
1. AFP is commonly used for screening hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis. An AFP level that remains elevated or exceeds 400 is significant, and in patients with cirrhosis, a level greater than 20 is also significant. 2. AFP is a protein that appears dur...[Read More] Is Elevated AFP Always a Sign of Disease? Understanding Your Health Concerns
Understanding Stomach Discomfort: Bloating, Fever, and Dizziness
Abdominal bloating, fever, and chills? Hello, Dr. Lin. I have discomfort in my stomach, with bloating and a feeling of heaviness. I also experienced fever and chills. The next day, I woke up with the fever subsided and my stomach felt a bit better, but I still feel a bit dizzy.
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Based on your symptoms, it is possible that you have acute gastroenteritis. It is recommended to maintain a light diet in the coming days, avoid stimulating beverages, and monitor for abdominal discomfort and fever. If you experience any discomfort, it is advisable to seek...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Discomfort: Bloating, Fever, and Dizziness
Chronic Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain: What Tests Should You Consider?
I often experience diarrhea and abdominal pain? I have been experiencing diarrhea symptoms for 6 years, often accompanied by abdominal cramps that come and go. Sometimes I have watery stools, and other times they are soft and long. The cramps occur in waves and are not necessaril...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Your symptoms of recurrent abdominal pain and diarrhea for many years may indicate Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that leads to changes in bowel habits. Various factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress can trigger IBS episo...[Read More] Chronic Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain: What Tests Should You Consider?
Understanding Bowel Issues: Could It Be Hemorrhoids or Something Else?
About bowel movements? A few days ago, I felt like I didn't fully empty my bowels. Even after straining, I still felt incomplete. When I wiped, there was bright red blood on the tissue. Later, after taking a shower, I inserted my finger into my anus and felt a lump. Up until...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Hard stools and blood from the anus, considering your age, common causes include anal fissures, hemorrhoids, and inflammation of the rectum and anus. It is recommended to increase fluid intake and consume more fiber. If discomfort persists or you have any questions, please...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Could It Be Hemorrhoids or Something Else?
Persistent Pain Above the Navel: Causes and Concerns Explained
Sharp pain located seven centimeters above the navel for three consecutive days? Hello Dr. Lin, Since the night before last, I have been experiencing persistent diarrhea (whenever I pass gas, it turns into watery stool). I have also been having a sharp pain located about seven ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Based on the location of the pain you described, it is possible that there are inflammatory or ulcerative lesions in the area before the duodenum. Additionally, since the pancreas is located in the retroperitoneal space, it is advisable to pay attention to dietary habits d...[Read More] Persistent Pain Above the Navel: Causes and Concerns Explained
Understanding Hepatitis C Transmission and Related Health Concerns
What are the modes of transmission for hepatitis C? Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. This can occur through sharing needles, receiving contaminated blood products, or through certain medical procedures that involve unsterilized equipment. It is...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. The transmission routes of hepatitis C are similar to those of hepatitis B, spreading through contact with blood and bodily fluids. Transmission can occur through blood transfusions (since 1994, blood banks have implemented screening), intravenous drug use, unprotecte...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Transmission and Related Health Concerns
Essential Guidelines for Hepatitis B Carriers: Health Checks and Vaccination Insights
What precautions should carriers of hepatitis B take? Is there government assistance for testing? 1. I am 39 years old and was diagnosed as a carrier of Hepatitis B during childbirth in 1980. My two children received immunoglobulin within 24 hours of birth. From 1980 to 1995, my ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Q1: If immunoglobulin is administered within 24 hours after a child's birth, HBeAg may be positive, and there could be a diminished viral replication capacity. Liver function should be monitored, as it may change. Q2: It is advisable to first test for antigens and ...[Read More] Essential Guidelines for Hepatitis B Carriers: Health Checks and Vaccination Insights
Understanding Bloating After Stomach Pain: Causes and Solutions
Bloating Three days ago, I took medication for stomach pain. The next day, the pain was gone, but I have been experiencing bloating for two consecutive days, and my gas is normal. What could be the reason for this?
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It may be caused by gastroenteritis. It is recommended to maintain a light diet. If symptoms of bloating and stomach pain persist, further examination is needed to check for any ulcerative malignancies. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Internal Medicine.[Read More] Understanding Bloating After Stomach Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Symptoms and Solutions
I have gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello Dr. Lin, I used to suffer from constipation frequently, but for the past two months, I have been experiencing abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea, and a sensation of acid reflux shortly after eating. Sometimes, I also experience stomach...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If you have black stools, you should suspect possible upper gastrointestinal bleeding. If you have been experiencing frequent abdominal pain and nausea over the past two months, it is advisable to seek medical attention and arrange for appropriate examinations to check for...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Symptoms, Causes, and Remedies
Regarding gastrointestinal discomfort issues? I experienced discomfort in my stomach after eating takeout on Sunday night, August 27. While lying in bed, I felt very unwell and had to get up twice to use the bathroom, as well as vomit twice. I couldn't sleep all night, and t...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. Is the bleeding from the lower body vaginal or rectal? If it is vaginal bleeding, you should consult a gynecologist to check for irregular menstruation or ectopic pregnancy. If it is rectal bleeding, you should investigate for hemorrhoids or lesions in the rectum or sig...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Symptoms, Causes, and Remedies
Why Do Some People Faint After Eating an Apple?
Why do some people faint after eating apples? I once ate just one slice of apple and experienced severe abdominal cramps, to the point of fainting. After a few minutes, I regained consciousness, and since then, I have been afraid to eat apples. What could be the reason for this?
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Fainting after eating an apple may be due to several reasons, including the apple being unclean, too sweet, too sour, or having gastrointestinal issues. Allergies to apples or consuming contaminated or unsuitable foods can lead to gastrointestinal inflammation, which in se...[Read More] Why Do Some People Faint After Eating an Apple?
Understanding Chronic Stomach Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chronic stomach pain Hello, doctor! I had gastritis a while ago and went to the emergency room for treatment, which helped. However, in the following days, I've been experiencing stomach pain. Sometimes it hurts right after I wake up, and other times it comes on suddenly. I ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
1. The most common cause of stomach pain is gastritis, so it's important to pay attention to dietary habits, avoid overeating, and limit spicy and irritating foods. However, there are other causes, such as peptic ulcers and tumors. If the pain occurs frequently, it is advisa...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Stomach Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Post-Meal Urgency: Understanding Digestive Issues After Abdominal Surgery
It is common to feel the urge to have a bowel movement after meals? Dear Dr. Lin, Hello, I would like to ask a question on behalf of my father. Thank you for taking the time to respond. My father has been experiencing issues since he underwent surgery for peritonitis nine years ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. Frequent urges to use the restroom after meals, along with difficulty in bowel movements, can be influenced by factors such as previous abdominal surgeries leading to intestinal adhesions, dietary habits, medications, age-related gastrointestinal function decline, and r...[Read More] Post-Meal Urgency: Understanding Digestive Issues After Abdominal Surgery