Understanding Acute Pancreatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Management Tips
Acute pancreatitis Hello, Dr. Liu! I recently experienced an acute pancreatitis episode and was hospitalized for 10 days before being discharged. The doctors could not determine the cause. I do not drink alcohol and have no gallstones. I was vomiting and had diarrhea, and the abd...
Dr. Liu Nanshan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Vomiting and diarrhea, diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. No history of alcohol consumption and no gallstones, which is rare. It is necessary to refer to blood test results such as amylase or lipase, and possibly a CT scan for confirmation.[Read More] Understanding Acute Pancreatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Management Tips
Understanding Bad Breath: Causes and Remedies for Digestive Issues
Halitosis Could my bad breath be caused by an odor originating from my throat due to overeating before bed, leading to incomplete digestion? I also have infrequent bowel movements (about every two days), drink very little water, and rarely pass gas. How should I treat and improve...
Dr. Liu Nanshan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Halitosis is a complex issue that can stem from various causes such as dental caries, periodontal disease, nighttime eating, postnasal drip, and indigestion, all of which need to be addressed individually. Bowel movements occurring three times a week or three times a day can be c...[Read More] Understanding Bad Breath: Causes and Remedies for Digestive Issues
Understanding the Causes of Frequent Burping and Related Symptoms
Causes of Hiccups Hello: Recently, I have been experiencing discomfort with frequent burping, occurring every few minutes. Most of the burps are odorless, and I notice a swallowing motion before each burp. This situation has been bothering me for over a month, and I also feel sli...
Dr. Liu Nanshan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hiccups may be related to the foods you eat or habits such as talking and sleeping with your mouth open. For example, foods like legumes, easily fermentable foods, or fruits like apples and bananas can contribute to this. Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, and...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Frequent Burping and Related Symptoms
Improving Post-Surgery Adhesions: Seeking Solutions for Abdominal Complications
Intestinal adhesion surgery Dear Dr. Lin, my father underwent surgery for intestinal adhesions around July 20, 1997, at Tainan Hospital. After 15 days of eating, he started experiencing vomiting. The physician has administered nutritional supplements via injection and has lifted ...
Dr. Liu Nanshan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Why is there fluid in the abdominal cavity, what surgical procedure is performed, and what is the subsequent treatment plan? This should be discussed with the surgeon.[Read More] Improving Post-Surgery Adhesions: Seeking Solutions for Abdominal Complications
Why Does My Stool Smell Like Food? Understanding Digestive Health
Stool has a food-like odor? Hello doctor, I have noticed that my stool has the smell of the food I ate. Is this a normal phenomenon or could it be caused by indigestion? For example, if I have fried rice for dinner and then have a bowel movement the next morning, my stool smells ...
Dr. Liu Nanshan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Stool that has a food-like odor may indicate that the consumed items are more irritating or difficult to digest.[Read More] Why Does My Stool Smell Like Food? Understanding Digestive Health
Understanding Frequent Bowel Movements After Eating: Causes and Solutions
Recently, after having a bowel movement, I feel the urge to go again? Hello, Doctor. I have a habit of having a bowel movement every morning, but recently, I often feel the urge to go again after breakfast, which is a bit concerning for me. Although having bowel movements is norm...
Dr. Liu Nanshan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
This is a manifestation known as tenesmus, which may be caused by conditions such as hemorrhoid swelling, rectal inflammation, tumors, or functional issues like intestinal gas. Given your age, the likelihood of a tumor is very low. You can go to the hospital for a stool examinati...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Bowel Movements After Eating: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Gastritis: Can It Cause Stomach Bleeding Without Ulcers?
Gastrointestinal bleeding Doctor: Hello! A few days ago, I underwent an endoscopy due to prolonged abdominal pain, and the doctor said I have gastritis causing gastric bleeding, with only a few small spots, and no gastric ulcers or dyspepsia, just bile accumulation. I was told to...
Dr. Liu Nanshan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hemorrhagic gastritis typically refers to pinpoint mucosal or submucosal bleeding, which can be caused by conditions such as gastroenteritis, medications (such as analgesics like aspirin), and portal hypertension. It is essential to perform an endoscopy or conduct a thorough pati...[Read More] Understanding Gastritis: Can It Cause Stomach Bleeding Without Ulcers?
Understanding Recurring Internal Hemorrhoids: Causes and Management Tips
Old disease internal mole~ Hello, Doctor: I apologize for bothering you. I had an episode of hemorrhoids about two to three years ago, which was not severe at the time, so I recovered after seeing a doctor. However, I have gradually noticed that the likelihood of recurrence has i...
Dr. Liu Nanshan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hemorrhoids are indeed prone to recurrence, and prolonged sitting, staying up late, and consuming spicy foods can easily trigger flare-ups. These factors should be avoided. Taking a warm sitz bath for 30 minutes after showering can help alleviate symptoms. If topical ointments or...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Internal Hemorrhoids: Causes and Management Tips
Is Drinking 600cc of Water Before Meals Bad for Digestion?
Drinking water before meals? Is drinking about 600cc of water before and after meals likely to cause indigestion? Because of medication... Is drinking approximately 5000ml of water daily harmful?
Dr. Liu Nanshan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
It is healthy for a normal person to drink about 2000-3000 cc of water daily. There is no significant issue with the timing of water intake, as long as it does not disrupt normal routines. For example, drinking water before bedtime may lead to nocturia. Drinking water before and ...[Read More] Is Drinking 600cc of Water Before Meals Bad for Digestion?
Understanding Small Intestinal Inflammation: Causes and Treatment Options
Inflammation of the small intestine Hello! My elder, approximately 85 years old, underwent surgery for small bowel obstruction four months ago (during which a hernia was also discovered). They are now hospitalized due to abdominal distension and vomiting. Upon examination, it was...
Dr. Liu Nanshan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hernias can be a cause of small bowel obstruction. Postoperative adhesions are a common complication after abdominal surgery, varying in severity, with severe cases requiring reoperation. Patients may experience recurrent abdominal cramping, causing significant distress. Examinat...[Read More] Understanding Small Intestinal Inflammation: Causes and Treatment Options
Chronic Stomach Pain and Right Side Back Pain: Seeking Effective Solutions
Stomach pain and right flank pain? Hello Dr. Liu, I have been suffering from stomach pain for a long time and have been diagnosed with gastritis. Two years ago, during a health check-up, I tested positive for Helicobacter pylori. I have undergone three gastroscopies (at differen...
Dr. Liu Nanshan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Abdominal pain with no identifiable cause is often functional in nature and related to gastrointestinal motility, such as spasms. This condition is more likely to occur in individuals who are prone to anxiety, high work demands, or other significant stressors, or it may be associ...[Read More] Chronic Stomach Pain and Right Side Back Pain: Seeking Effective Solutions
Understanding Colorectal Cancer Symptoms: What to Watch For
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer? Hello Dr. Liu, I would like to ask you about my mother. Recently, she went to the hospital for a colonoscopy due to rectal bleeding, but only hemorrhoids were found. However, her symptoms are somewhat similar to those of colorectal can...
Dr. Liu Nanshan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Colorectal cancer does not have specific symptoms; the symptoms you mentioned are all possible. Clinically, rectal bleeding (which must be distinguished from hemorrhoidal bleeding) is common, and chronic iron deficiency anemia is the most frequent presentation. Since your mother’...[Read More] Understanding Colorectal Cancer Symptoms: What to Watch For
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Dietary Tips for Relief
Abdominal pain? I am a 21-year-old female. For the past few days, I've been experiencing bloating and pain in my lower abdomen, specifically below the navel. I've been having bowel movements, but they feel incomplete, and I've gone twice in one day. However, I stil...
Dr. Liu Nanshan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
In young females, abdominal pain should first rule out gynecological issues. Have you checked that? (Is this discomfort related to your menstrual period?) If bowel movements are not regular and the frequency has increased, there could be many reasons, possibly just abnormal intes...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Dietary Tips for Relief
Is Lower Always Better? Understanding Liver Function Test Results
Health check data Hello, regarding general liver function tests (such as AST, ALT, AFP, etc.), is it true that lower values are always better within the normal range? My previous AFP levels were around 1 before I was diagnosed with hepatitis B and C, but this time it has increase...
Dr. Liu Nanshan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Liver function tests (GOT, GPT, AFP) fluctuate within a certain range, similar to a heartbeat. The test results should only be considered as references, as many factors can influence the results (such as medications, alcohol, weight gain, etc.). Physicians will not solely rely on...[Read More] Is Lower Always Better? Understanding Liver Function Test Results
Understanding Abdominal Cramping: Causes and When to Seek Help
Intestinal colic Hello Doctor: Since yesterday morning, I have been experiencing intermittent pain above and below my navel, which has persisted until now. Sometimes the pain is so severe that I break out in a cold sweat. Eating also causes pain, but my bowel movements are normal...
Dr. Liu Nanshan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Young people experiencing abdominal cramps usually have gastroenteritis (often accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea), although a minority may not present with these symptoms. Another possibility is intestinal obstruction, especially in those with a history of abdominal surgery. I...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Cramping: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Duodenal Ulcers: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care Tips
Duodenal ulcer Hello Doctor, I have a question I would like to ask you. I often feel like something is stuck in my throat, and sometimes it feels like there is a lump in my larynx that disappears at times. What could be the cause of this? Additionally, after eating, I often fee...
Dr. Liu Nanshan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Laryngeal foreign bodies may include the uvula. During human eating, the soft palate and uvula elevate to block the nasopharyngeal passage, preventing food from entering the nasal cavity. The symptoms you described persist despite ulcer treatment, suggesting non-ulcer dyspepsia. ...[Read More] Understanding Duodenal Ulcers: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care Tips
Managing Severe Rectal Bleeding and Pain After Liver Disease Treatment
Excessive bleeding during bowel movements is very painful? My father has liver disease and was taking laxatives to prevent ammonia levels from rising, which caused him to become comatose. However, he developed anal fissures and has been having bowel movements five times a day, wi...
Dr. Liu Nanshan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
In patients with liver cirrhosis, in addition to anal fissures, it is also necessary to rule out bleeding from esophageal varices when there is blood in the stool. The physician will determine the color of the blood, whether it is bright red, dark red, or tarry. Based on this ass...[Read More] Managing Severe Rectal Bleeding and Pain After Liver Disease Treatment
What Does White Mucus in Stool Indicate? Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
Stool The presence of white, mucus-like substance in stool can indicate several conditions. It may be a sign of irritation in the intestines, which could be caused by infections, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or other gastrointestinal issues. If this symptom persists or is ac...
Dr. Liu Nanshan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
It may just be normal colonic mucus. It is best to go to the hospital for a stool test to check for inflammation or occult blood reactions, in order to rule out other inflammatory diseases.[Read More] What Does White Mucus in Stool Indicate? Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Core Antibody Testing: Is Blood Draw Involved?
excuse me? Hello, when you mention testing for core antibodies at the hospital, are you referring to a blood draw?
Dr. Liu Nanshan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
It is blood draw.[Read More] Understanding Core Antibody Testing: Is Blood Draw Involved?
Managing Long-Term Gastrointestinal Issues: Nutritional Supplements for Relief
Regarding long-term gastrointestinal disorders? Hello Dr. Liu! I have been struggling with gastrointestinal issues for a long time. Since childhood, I have frequently experienced various gastrointestinal problems. In the past, I had excessive stomach acid that led to abdominal pa...
Dr. Liu Nanshan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The phenomenon of excessive stomach acid, bloating, and persistent belching, with normal findings on endoscopy, is likely what gastroenterologists refer to as non-ulcer dyspepsia. It is advisable to reduce the intake of sweets, high-fat foods, and legumes. In severe cases, short-...[Read More] Managing Long-Term Gastrointestinal Issues: Nutritional Supplements for Relief