Managing Dietary Control with Lower Esophageal Sphincter Relaxation
Relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter causes bloating? I previously visited a clinic near my home due to long-term issues with bloating and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). An endoscopy revealed a problem with a relaxed lower esophageal sphincter. The doctor advised...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) dietary issues. The following recommendations are suggested: consume soups and liquids separately from solid foods, avoid eating too quickly, do not overeat, and refrain from lying dow...[Read More] Managing Dietary Control with Lower Esophageal Sphincter Relaxation
Understanding Stomach Ulcers and Submucosal Tumors: Key Insights
Gastric ulcer and submucosal tumors of the stomach? Hello Doctor, during the company health check, my gastric cancer index was 96. Later, I underwent an endoscopy and colonoscopy, which revealed a gastric ulcer and a 2 cm submucosal tumor in the stomach. The doctor prescribed Nex...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
1. Proton pump inhibitors are recommended to be taken 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast for optimal effect. 2. If a submucosal tumor of the stomach is a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) larger than 2 cm, endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical resection is advised. Submucosal ...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Ulcers and Submucosal Tumors: Key Insights
Understanding Stool Color Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Bowel issues Hello, doctor. I would like to consult about the color of my stool. I have been experiencing chronic constipation, and today I noticed that my stool is light yellowish-gray for the first time. However, it was brown yesterday. Should I seek medical attention for this,...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Stool that is light yellowish-gray in color can be related to diet, medications, or diseases. Pale gray or white stool may indicate reduced bile production by the liver or obstruction in the biliary tract, and it is advisable to check for any issues with the liver, gallbladder, o...[Read More] Understanding Stool Color Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Abdominal bloating and pain? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing abdominal bloating and pain for nearly two months. Eating liquid foods causes more pain than solid foods, and lying down increases the pain; I have to sit up and bend my body to alleviate it. My bowel habits have...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The causes of abdominal bloating and pain may include indigestion, gastrointestinal issues, and liver, gallbladder, or pancreatic diseases. It is advisable to pay attention to dietary habits, avoiding rapid eating and greasy foods. Risk factors for pancreatitis include gal...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Sudden Breathing Pain After Bile Duct Stenting
Sudden sharp pain in the chest while breathing? I would like to ask the doctor if there are any records of gallstones passing after the placement of a stent. My situation is as follows: I was diagnosed with gallstones last month, and I currently have a stent placed in my bile duc...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Sudden sharp pain during breathing has occurred after the placement of a stent in the common bile duct. Small stones in the gallbladder and bile duct may pass spontaneously. However, due to the narrow size of the cystic duct, gallstones can sometimes become lodged, leading...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Breathing Pain After Bile Duct Stenting
Understanding Stomach Ulcers: Persistent Pain and Treatment Concerns
Diagnosed with a gastric ulcer on December 6th? On December 6th, I was diagnosed with a gastric ulcer in the emergency department. I have been experiencing pain in my lower back and thighs, and I have trouble sleeping at night. I underwent a CT scan and an endoscopy, but no abnor...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The pharmacological treatment for gastric ulcers may require 8 to 12 weeks, and it is important to understand the underlying causes of gastric ulcers. Chronic stress, irregular eating habits, Helicobacter pylori infection, alcohol consumption, smoking, and the use of analgesics c...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Ulcers: Persistent Pain and Treatment Concerns
Should Hepatitis B Carriers Get Vaccinated? Understanding Your Test Results
Hepatitis B testing and vaccination? Hello doctor, I am a carrier of hepatitis B. This month, my hepatitis B test results showed a surface antigen value of 0.46 S/CO (Nonreactive) and a surface antibody value of 6.9 mIU/mL (Nonreactive), both of which are negative. Do I need to r...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Some carriers of hepatitis B may experience spontaneous disappearance of the surface antigen, which we refer to as functional treatment for hepatitis B. Vaccination is not required in these cases. Some individuals may also produce surface antibodies on their own, achieving functi...[Read More] Should Hepatitis B Carriers Get Vaccinated? Understanding Your Test Results
Frequent Belching and Sleep Disturbances: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
Sudden frequent hiccups and shallow sleep? One evening in early September, I suddenly began experiencing frequent belching, which has continued every day since then. During that time, I did not make any significant changes to my diet, nor did I experience any stressful events, an...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Regarding the issues of belching and shallow sleep, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be difficult to completely resolve. Seasonal changes and dietary modifications can sometimes trigger gastrointestinal disorders in individuals sensitive to gastric mucosa. It is recomme...[Read More] Frequent Belching and Sleep Disturbances: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and When to Worry
Mucous stools without blood? Hello, Deputy Director. Sometimes when I have softer stools, I notice mucus when I wipe after straining, which is brown and does not contain blood. However, there is no mucus in the stool itself, just the odor of the stool. This occurrence is infreque...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
When experiencing soft stools with mucus but no blood, and noticing that stools become soft and mucous during stressful times, it can be concerning, especially after eating something that may have upset your stomach. The fear of colorectal cancer is understandable. At your age, t...[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and When to Worry
Managing Nighttime Acid Reflux: Tips for Better Sleep
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Every night around three or four in the morning, I experience acid reflux that causes stomach pain and wakes me up, requiring me to sleep sitting up. This severely affects my sleep. During the day, I do not experience reflux, only indigestio...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) severely affects sleep and quality of life. Although proton pump inhibitors have been used for treatment, there are still instances of nighttime reflux. In addition to medication, it is important to pay attention to dietary and lifest...[Read More] Managing Nighttime Acid Reflux: Tips for Better Sleep
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps and GERD: Symptoms and Management
Gallbladder polyps / Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing long-term gastroesophageal reflux issues, and in the past few weeks, I have started to feel bloated and have stomach acid discomfort. I returned for a follow-up appointment, and alt...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Regarding gallbladder polyps, a size of 0.37 cm (3.7 mm) is considered a small polyp, and it is recommended to monitor the size and characteristics of the polyp. Polyps larger than 1 cm have a higher risk of malignancy. Small polyps less than 0.5 cm are unlikely to cause symptoms...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps and GERD: Symptoms and Management
Understanding Your Endoscopy Report: Chronic Inflammation Explained
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Report Interpretation The report you received indicates the following: The endoscopic biopsy was taken from the terminal ileum, which is the last part of the small intestine. The findings show chronic inflammation in the tissue sample. The specimen c...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Regarding the report of the painless gastrointestinal endoscopy. The patient is still not fully alert after waking from anesthesia. It is recommended to consult with the outpatient clinic along with the imaging and biopsy pathology reports for a clearer explanation from th...[Read More] Understanding Your Endoscopy Report: Chronic Inflammation Explained
Could It Be Hemorrhoids? Understanding Symptoms of Rectal Discomfort
Is it suspected hemorrhoids? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my recent bowel movements. I often feel like I haven't completely emptied my bowels and have a persistent urge to defecate, but I can't seem to pass anything. It feels like something is obstructing me...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Difficulty in bowel movements and pain or swelling in the anus may indicate hemorrhoids. Constipation can exacerbate hemorrhoids. It is recommended to increase fiber intake, drink plenty of water, engage in regular exercise, and develop good bowel habits. Follow-up with a ...[Read More] Could It Be Hemorrhoids? Understanding Symptoms of Rectal Discomfort
Post-Appendectomy Concerns: Understanding Abdominal Discomfort and Adhesions
It has been two months since the appendectomy? Hello Dr. Lin, I have some health concerns that I would like to discuss with you. On August 3rd, I underwent an appendectomy at Min-Sheng Hospital on Jingguo Road in Taoyuan and was hospitalized for four days. After being discharge...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
It has been 2.5 months since the appendectomy, and there is still an intermittent feeling of swelling in the right abdomen, raising concerns about adhesions. Wound healing naturally requires time, and preventing adhesions should be considered both during and after surgery. After ...[Read More] Post-Appendectomy Concerns: Understanding Abdominal Discomfort and Adhesions
Understanding Lower Abdominal Distension: Causes and Concerns
Abdominal protrusion? I recently noticed that my lower abdomen has increased in size significantly. I visited a gynecologist who said that my uterus and ovaries are fine and that it is just bloating. However, after taking medication for bloating, there was no significant improvem...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
A 20-year-old female presents with abdominal distension and an enlarged lower abdomen, with no gynecological issues identified. Suspected bloating - it is advised to eat slowly and to limit the intake of gas-producing foods. Experiencing abdominal distension while standing and fe...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Distension: Causes and Concerns
Can Drinking Yakult Trigger Diverticulitis Pain? A Patient's Concern
Diverticulitis and Yakult Hello, I would like to consult a doctor. In early September of this year, I experienced pain in the left and right lower abdomen, and a CT scan confirmed diverticulitis. I was hospitalized and received intravenous antibiotics and nutrition, and I was dis...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Diverticulitis is generally associated with high pressure in the colon, difficulty in bowel movements, and the accumulation of feces and undigested food in the diverticula. After an acute episode of diverticulitis, it is recommended to follow a low-fiber, bland diet. Once the acu...[Read More] Can Drinking Yakult Trigger Diverticulitis Pain? A Patient's Concern
Understanding Mild Liver Fibrosis: Should You Seek Further Evaluation?
Mild hepatic parenchymal fibrosis I would like to ask the doctor about the abdominal ultrasound examination during a health check-up, which revealed mild hepatic parenchymal fibrosis, but liver function tests are normal. Should I go for a follow-up outpatient examination? Is fibr...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Regarding liver parenchymal lesions, follow-up is recommended. Is liver fibrosis reversible? Identifying the cause of fibrosis is essential for targeted treatment. Conditions such as viral hepatitis (hepatitis B, C, D), alcoholic or metabolic liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis, ...[Read More] Understanding Mild Liver Fibrosis: Should You Seek Further Evaluation?
Chronic Hiccups: Unraveling the Mystery of Persistent Gastrointestinal Issues
Persistent hiccups that cannot be cured? Hello, I would like to inquire about a concern regarding my girlfriend. It started about three years ago when she began experiencing increasing symptoms such as bloating, burping, dry heaving, vomiting, sudden vision changes, weakness in h...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Endless hiccups, dry heaving, and vomiting... Additionally, due to continuous hiccups, there are difficulties in breathing, elevated blood pressure, dizziness, headaches, and increased heart rate. A psychiatric evaluation has confirmed autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Initia...[Read More] Chronic Hiccups: Unraveling the Mystery of Persistent Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Infant Digestive Issues: Softener Use and Abdominal Pain
Intestinal issues Hello doctor, I would like to ask why my three-month-old baby experiences continuous abdominal pain after taking the softener prescribed by the doctor. Is this normal? Last Monday, the doctor mentioned that my baby had hard stools, but prior to that, my baby was...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The baby is very small, only three months old. Please consult a pediatrician or a neonatologist. The constipation medication, Lactulose, can sometimes cause bloating and colicky pain. Probiotics like Bifidobacterium can be beneficial. It's important to closely monitor...[Read More] Understanding Infant Digestive Issues: Softener Use and Abdominal Pain
Understanding the Latency Period of Pork Tapeworm Infections
The incubation period of pork parasites? Hello Doctor: Is there a latency period for pork tapeworm infection, or if there are no symptoms in a short period of time, should I not worry? If I consumed undercooked pork one or two years ago, would you recommend going to the hospital ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If you are concerned about infection from consuming undercooked pork, a stool test can be performed. Infection with pork tapeworm occurs when cysticerci are ingested and develop into adult worms in the small intestine, which can lay eggs and be excreted within up to 12 wee...[Read More] Understanding the Latency Period of Pork Tapeworm Infections