Understanding Diarrhea and Stool Color Changes After Gastroenteritis
Bowel-related issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my condition. The night before last, I had severe diarrhea, which was mostly watery, and I also experienced vomiting. In the morning, I went to a clinic and the doctor diagnosed me with gastroenteritis. They prescribe...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
After treatment for diarrhea and gastroenteritis, the stool has improved to a solid form, but it appears gray with white specks. This could be related to medication, gastroenteritis, or diseases of the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas. During gastroenteritis, it is important to fo...[Read More] Understanding Diarrhea and Stool Color Changes After Gastroenteritis
Managing Side Effects and Dosage Adjustments for Nexavar in Liver Cancer Treatment
Issues related to the reduction of side effects and dosage adjustments for Nexavar in liver cancer treatment? Dear Dr. Lin, My father is 65 years old and has been diagnosed with liver cancer. He has been taking Nexavar at a dosage of 200 mg twice a day for nearly two years. Earl...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Lenvatinib is a multi-kinase inhibitor used as a targeted therapy for patients with advanced liver cancer. It works by reducing blood supply and slowing the growth of cancer cells, thereby inhibiting tumor growth and spread. The goal is to delay the progression of the tumor. Prol...[Read More] Managing Side Effects and Dosage Adjustments for Nexavar in Liver Cancer Treatment
Golden Granules in Stool: What Could They Indicate?
There are golden granules in the stool? Hello doctor, I have noticed that my stool contains yellow granules. The stool is normally banana-shaped, but I can see these yellow granules inside. At first, I thought it was undigested nuts, but even after I stopped eating nuts, they sti...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The presence of yellow granules in the stool may be undigested food, such as corn kernels. If you still have concerns, a stool examination can be conducted. Wishing you good health![Read More] Golden Granules in Stool: What Could They Indicate?
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Gastrointestinal Health
Rectal bleeding I would like to ask about recent bowel movements. For the past few days, I've noticed blood at the end of my stool, and sometimes there's a bit of blood on the first wipe with toilet paper. Today, I experienced significant pain in my rectum before having...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
If you experience rectal bleeding and anemia, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist or a colorectal specialist for examination. Taking iron supplements may cause darker stool color. Common causes of blood in the stool include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, enteritis, pol...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Total bilirubin Hello Doctor: Recently, my health check report showed elevated total bilirubin (T-Bil) at 1.99 mg/dL, elevated direct bilirubin (D-Bil) at 0.58 mg/dL, elevated r-GT at 151 U/L (I do not drink alcohol), and elevated GPT at 79 U/L. I would like to ask the doctor abo...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Abnormal liver function and mixed hyperbilirubinemia—where the ratio of direct bilirubin to total bilirubin is between 25-50%—may require differential diagnosis including various types of hepatitis (metabolic, drug-induced, alcoholic, viral, autoimmune diseases) and hematological...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Pancreatic Cancer: Stool Color Changes Explained
Pancreatic cancer? 1. Is it possible for the stool of a patient with pancreatic cancer to show a combination of yellow-brown and gray-white colors? 2. Can the stool of a patient with pancreatic cancer alternate between gray-white one day and yellow-brown the next day?
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Pancreatic cancer can cause stool to appear partially yellow-brown and partially gray-white. When there is biliary obstruction, the stool may appear gray-white. The color of the stool is related to the degree of bile duct obstruction. Pancreatic tumors, especially those in the he...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Cancer: Stool Color Changes Explained
Early Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer: What to Watch For
Pancreatic cancer? In the early stages of pancreatic cancer, there are typically no symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, the first symptom that usually appears is abdominal pain. The second symptom that may follow is jaundice, which is characterized by yellowing of the skin...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Most pancreatic cancer refers to pancreatic adenocarcinoma, while a small portion consists of neuroendocrine tumors that present differently. Symptoms of pancreatic adenocarcinoma include weakness, weight loss, nausea, upper abdominal pain, dark urine, jaundice, back pain, diarrh...[Read More] Early Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer: What to Watch For
Understanding Anal Spasms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Anal issues The anus has been twitching intermittently for several days, without pain or blood in the stool. Should I undergo further examination? Thank you.
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Anal twitching is mostly caused by spasms of the pelvic floor muscles or the muscles surrounding the anus. It may be triggered by inflammation of the pelvis or anus, or it could simply be due to emotional stress. Even in healthy individuals, emotional stress can lead to pelvic sp...[Read More] Understanding Anal Spasms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Hypoechoic Areas in the Liver: What Does It Mean?
The abdominal ultrasound report indicates "suspected hypoechoic area in the liver, possibly due to fat." Hello Dr. Lin! During today's health check-up, I came across the term "hypoechoic area in the liver suspected to be a fat-deficient area" in the abdom...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
In the presence of fatty liver, the liver cells contain lipids, resulting in ultrasound images that appear as hyperechoic areas compared to the kidneys. However, the distribution of fat can sometimes be uneven, with normal areas that are not infiltrated by fat appearing relativel...[Read More] Understanding Hypoechoic Areas in the Liver: What Does It Mean?
Understanding Persistent Pain After Suspected Muscle Strain in the Abdomen
Suspected muscle strain in the lower right abdomen, with pain radiating to multiple areas? Initially, I experienced a small pain in the lower right abdomen (approximately 5-6 cm above the pubic area on the right side) during the Spring Festival. However, after the festival, the p...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Muscle strains can sometimes lead to difficulty in movement. Discomfort may occur in the early morning and evening, with gastric motility triggering soreness in nearby areas. The pain from a muscle strain can take some time to alleviate, and there are many potential causes of abd...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Pain After Suspected Muscle Strain in the Abdomen
Understanding Abnormal Liver and Pancreatic Function Test Results
Health check report red text Hello Dr. Lin: During the recent company health check, the ultrasound technician mentioned that my liver appeared somewhat coarse and discovered a liver cyst (0.43 cm). The doctor advised me to undergo additional blood tests for liver function. After ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis involves several steps: First, assess for symptoms such as abdominal pain and postprandial back pain. Second, identify any risk factors such as gallstones, bile duct stones, alcohol consumption, and hyperlipidemia. Third, evaluate biochemical t...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver and Pancreatic Function Test Results
Understanding Variations in Stool Color: What White Streaks Might Indicate
Variations in stool color? During bowel movements, I noticed a small white stool (about 2-3 cm, while the rest is yellow-brown). I would like to know what could be the cause. I usually have a sensitive stomach and often feel uncomfortable. Last week, I started taking gastrointest...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The color and shape of stool are related to the food consumed. It is advisable to continue observing for any abnormalities. If there are concerns, a stool test can be performed. Wishing you good health![Read More] Understanding Variations in Stool Color: What White Streaks Might Indicate
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Is It Gastroesophageal Reflux?
Chest tightness issue? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing chest tightness that often occurs suddenly while sitting or standing, and it is accompanied by nausea and a feeling of wanting to vomit. When I do vomit, the contents are acidic, and the chest tightness disappears imm...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
A 26-year-old female is experiencing chest tightness, nausea, and a desire to vomit. After vomiting gastric acid, her chest tightness improves, which may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other issues. The symptoms of GERD do not always correlate with the finding...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Is It Gastroesophageal Reflux?
Chronic Lower Abdominal Pain with Normal Bowel Movements: What to Know
Normal bowel movements, but experiencing chronic lower abdominal pain? Hello, Doctor. I started experiencing lower abdominal pain (cramping) in January 2022, and I cannot determine if it is in the left lower or right lower quadrant (lower middle). Generally, my bowel movements ar...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Normal bowel movements but persistent lower abdominal pain. After defecation, the pain shifts from the lower abdomen to the upper abdomen. There is no pain at night, but pain occurs in the morning upon waking. Abdominal ultrasound and colonoscopy show no issues. Treatment for irr...[Read More] Chronic Lower Abdominal Pain with Normal Bowel Movements: What to Know
Post-Pancreatic Cyst Surgery: Understanding Persistent Bloating Issues
Frequent bloating after pancreatic cyst removal? Hello doctor, I underwent minimally invasive surgery on September 1, 2022, to remove a 3.5 cm cyst (benign) located at the tail of the pancreas. It has been over four months since the surgery, and I still frequently experience a fe...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Four months after the resection of a cyst at the tail of the pancreas, experiencing frequent bloating is possible. Post-surgery, there may be adhesions or digestive issues. It is recommended to pay attention to dietary habits, such as reducing the intake of fried foods and hard-t...[Read More] Post-Pancreatic Cyst Surgery: Understanding Persistent Bloating Issues
Understanding CA-199 and CA-125 Tumor Markers: Which Specialist to Consult?
CA-199 tumor marker Hello Doctor, my recent health check results show that my CA-199 tumor marker is 75.2 and my CA-125 tumor marker is 60.5. Both values are highlighted in red. I would like to ask you, as I have been regularly (every year or six months) monitoring my gynecologic...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Elevated CA19-9 and CA-125 levels in women warrant further gynecological monitoring. Although the levels are not significantly high, they are abnormal and may be related to gynecological issues such as uterine fibroids or teratomas. Continued follow-up and treatment are recommend...[Read More] Understanding CA-199 and CA-125 Tumor Markers: Which Specialist to Consult?
What Happens If You Accidentally Eat Fleas? Gastrointestinal Concerns
I accidentally..? If you accidentally ingested a flea, it is unlikely to cause serious harm, as fleas are not known to transmit diseases to humans through ingestion. However, if you are experiencing abnormal abdominal pain shortly after eating, it could be due to various reasons,...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Accidentally ingesting a flea typically does not pose a significant health risk, as the body has defense mechanisms such as gastric acid that neutralizes and digests it, usually preventing it from remaining in the body. Abdominal pain after eating may be due to various causes, in...[Read More] What Happens If You Accidentally Eat Fleas? Gastrointestinal Concerns
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: A Case Study on Thyroid and Digestive Health
Gastrointestinal issues The young woman has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and has been taking medication for over a month. The doctor mentioned that her condition is well-controlled, with her hyperthyroid index dropping from 6.0% to over 1.0%. However, she switched medicati...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
It is recommended to manage hyperthyroidism effectively. Thyroid function can also affect gastrointestinal function, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Abdominal pain, nausea, and abnormal stools may indicate gastroenteritis. During gastroente...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: A Case Study on Thyroid and Digestive Health
Concerns About Ingesting Foreign Objects: What to Do Next?
Suspected ingestion? Doctor, I'm sorry! Yesterday while I was eating, a small screw from the nose pad of my glasses came loose and fell off. I searched everywhere at home but couldn't find the screw, and I'm a bit worried that I might have accidentally swallowed it...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Suspected ingestion of a foreign object, such as a small screw, typically results in spontaneous passage if the gastrointestinal tract is structurally normal and has not undergone surgery. If there are concerns, an X-ray can be performed to check for the presence of foreign objec...[Read More] Concerns About Ingesting Foreign Objects: What to Do Next?
Concerns After Eating Undercooked Pork Dumplings: Should You Test for Parasites?
Eating raw pork dumplings? Hello, doctor. A little over a month ago, I experienced stomach pain and bloating. Thinking I should eat healthier, I went to a dumpling shop and ended up eating three and a half undercooked dumplings, where only the outer edge was cooked and the inside...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Eating raw pork dumplings raises concerns about parasitic infections. If symptoms occur, further testing such as blood tests or stool examinations can be conducted. Wishing you good health![Read More] Concerns After Eating Undercooked Pork Dumplings: Should You Test for Parasites?