Understanding Constipation: When to Seek Medical Advice and Which Specialist to Consult
Constipation Hello Doctor: Recently, I've heard from friends that having a bowel movement every day is normal, but I usually only go to the bathroom once every four to five days. Is this considered constipation? Do I need to see a doctor? Which specialist should I consult? T...
Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Having a bowel movement only once every four to five days is considered abnormal. You may want to increase your intake of vegetables, fiber-rich foods, and drink more water. It is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for further guidance.[Read More] Understanding Constipation: When to Seek Medical Advice and Which Specialist to Consult
Impact of Cold and Emergency Contraceptive Medications on Liver Enzyme Levels
Liver enzymes I recently went to the hospital for a check-up and found that my ALT was 85 and AST was 58. I subsequently underwent testing for hepatitis B, which returned normal and negative results. The night before the test (approximately 12 hours prior), I took two cold medica...
Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Taking two cold medications and contraceptive pills should not have an impact on liver function.[Read More] Impact of Cold and Emergency Contraceptive Medications on Liver Enzyme Levels
Understanding Gastric Polyps: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
Gastric polyp Earlier this year, my mother went to the hospital for an endoscopy due to abdominal pain, which revealed a gastric polyp, but it was not removed. Recently, she has experienced two episodes of vomiting and diarrhea over the past month. She consulted a different docto...
Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Your mother's symptoms are likely not directly related to the gastric polyp. The decision to remove a gastric polyp depends on its size and associated symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Gastric Polyps: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
Understanding Hepatitis B: Treatment, Relapse Risks, and Medication Access
Could you please provide more details about the liver issues? 1. I am currently taking Hepatitis B medication, and my doctor mentioned that I would need to take it for about two years. However, due to military service, it is difficult for me to pick up my medication on time. What...
Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The relapse rate after recovery from hepatitis B treatment is approximately 35%. It is advisable to avoid excessive fatigue and alcohol consumption.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Treatment, Relapse Risks, and Medication Access
Digestive Troubles: Understanding Your Symptoms and Solutions
Is it poor digestion? Hello, I have noticed that whenever I eat grapefruit or dragon fruit, I experience diarrhea and it seems like I can't digest them. Each time I eat them, I also have stomach pain. Three years ago, I was in a car accident and took antibiotics for about a ...
Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
If you experience diarrhea and abdominal pain after eating grapefruit and dragon fruit, it may be due to your sensitivity to these fruits. Your stomach may have gastritis or ulcers, so it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist.[Read More] Digestive Troubles: Understanding Your Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Bloating: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Discomfort
Bloating Recently, after having lunch, I often lie down to rest at the office and frequently feel air coming from my stomach, leading to persistent belching that makes it difficult to relax. I'm not sure if this is due to recent sleep deprivation or dietary habits. Additiona...
Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Your symptoms resemble gastritis, and you should also consider the possibility of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Additionally, having two bowel movements a day, especially if they are small in volume, may indicate a condition related to gastroenteritis.[Read More] Understanding Bloating: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Discomfort
Understanding White Stool in Children: Causes and When to Seek Help
Bowel issues Hello Doctor: My daughter is 5 years old and has had a long-term issue with constipation. This morning, she experienced abdominal pain and had a bowel movement that was white in color, along with some diarrhea. She hasn't taken any medications recently. Is the w...
Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
White stools are generally indicative of obstructive jaundice and are not related to food intake. It is advisable to consult a hepatobiliary specialist for a thorough examination.[Read More] Understanding White Stool in Children: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes and Solutions for Students
Gastrointestinal issues I am a student and I don't know why for the past month or two, I have been having bowel movements only once a day, but I still feel the urge to go. However, I can't seem to have a bowel movement until a few hours later when I feel the need again....
Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Your symptoms suggest the possibility of colitis, and it may also be a case of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Therefore, it is recommended that you consult a gastroenterologist.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes and Solutions for Students
Can You Eat Solid Foods Right After Gastrointestinal Surgery?
Can solid food be consumed immediately after gastrointestinal surgery? Hello Dr. Su: I have two questions I would like to ask you, and I hope you can provide detailed answers. Thank you! After gastrointestinal surgery, is it possible to immediately consume solid food? 1. If it is...
Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
1. After gastrointestinal surgery, it is advisable to wait until passing gas before resuming eating, as the passage of gas indicates that gastrointestinal motility has returned. Eating at this time is less likely to cause bloating or even vomiting, thus avoiding complications. 2....[Read More] Can You Eat Solid Foods Right After Gastrointestinal Surgery?
Blood and Mucus in Stool: Are Skin Bumps a Sign of Cancer?
Blood and mucus in the stool, along with the presence of pimple-like lesions on the face and body? Hello doctor, I am 51 years old. Two days ago, I noticed mucus and blood when wiping after a bowel movement. Additionally, I have developed what looks like pimples on my body and fa...
Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Your stool has mucus and blood streaks, and since your older brother has colon cancer, it is recommended that you consult a gastroenterologist for further evaluation, such as a colonography or colonoscopy, to determine if there is any presence of colon cancer. As for the acne-lik...[Read More] Blood and Mucus in Stool: Are Skin Bumps a Sign of Cancer?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Frequent Diarrhea and Cold Symptoms
Having a cold and diarrhea at the same time? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing bowel movements more than three times a day for nearly a month. During this time, I have had soft, hard, and loose stools. Last week, I caught a cold, and since then, I have been experiencing diar...
Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
You have been experiencing frequent diarrhea and flatulence, which may indicate gastroenteritis. It is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for treatment. As for the benign polyps in your stomach, they are unlikely to worsen; however, if you continue to experience discomfort...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Frequent Diarrhea and Cold Symptoms
Understanding Blood Stains After Bowel Movements: Causes and Concerns
Bowel movement issues If you notice a small amount of fresh blood when wiping after a bowel movement, but there are no traces of blood in the stool, this could be a symptom of several conditions, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or irritation of the anal area. It is also possi...
Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
After bowel movements, if you notice a small amount of fresh blood on the tissue, it may be due to hemorrhoids and is likely not related to your menstrual period.[Read More] Understanding Blood Stains After Bowel Movements: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Gastrointestinal issues What symptoms might indicate gastrointestinal issues? I find that every time I eat, I immediately feel the urge to use the restroom, and it's always diarrhea. I usually eat more than average, yet I don't gain weight; it feels like what I consume ...
Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Your symptoms are more indicative of allergic colitis, commonly known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). You may want to schedule a colonoscopy for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Next Steps
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor: I have some gastrointestinal issues to discuss. The symptoms are as follows: 1. I have been experiencing constipation for a long time. 2. Recently, I often have abdominal pain (it feels like cramping associated with diarrhea). 3. I frequently...
Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Your condition is related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which is associated with lifestyle stress and dietary habits. It is recommended that you consult a gastroenterologist for appropriate treatment.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding and Managing Stomach Cramps: Causes and Solutions
Gastric spasm I have been experiencing this issue since last year, and it has been very troubling. When the pain occurs, it is truly unbearable and affects my normal life. The pain can cause dizziness, overall weakness, and cold sweats. After eating, I also feel very uncomfortabl...
Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Stomach pain can cause dizziness. Your symptoms suggest the possibility of a peptic ulcer. It is recommended that you undergo an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to determine if there are any gastric or duodenal ulcers.[Read More] Understanding and Managing Stomach Cramps: Causes and Solutions
Managing Esophageal and Stomach Ulcers: Treatment and Dietary Tips
How to treat gastric ulcers and esophageal ulcers, and how to manage diet? Hello Doctor: My mother has been suffering from esophageal and gastric ulcers for the past month. Although she has seen a doctor, her symptoms have been fluctuating, and recently they have become more pron...
Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Your mother has been diagnosed with gastric ulcers and esophageal ulcers. Typically, the treatment period for these conditions lasts for several months. However, since there are various medications available for treatment, if one medication is not effective, it can be switched to...[Read More] Managing Esophageal and Stomach Ulcers: Treatment and Dietary Tips
Is It Possible to Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Understanding Your Symptoms
Could it be irritable bowel syndrome? Since mid-May of this year, I have been experiencing poor appetite and upper abdominal bloating. At the beginning of June, I participated in a routine health check arranged by my company. The report showed no abnormalities. A week later, I we...
Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
In addition to irritable bowel syndrome, your symptoms also warrant consideration of liver disease as well as conditions related to the pancreas and small intestine. Therefore, it is recommended that you visit a gastroenterology department at a medical center for further examinat...[Read More] Is It Possible to Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Stomach Issues: Managing Stress-Related Discomfort
Abdominal issues? Hello Doctor: My symptoms started around the time after the Lunar New Year. Perhaps due to academic pressure and stress, I often experience stomach pain and flatulence during school. However, even after using the restroom, I still feel abdominal pain. I thought ...
Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Your symptoms are more indicative of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and you should consult a gastroenterologist for appropriate treatment.[Read More] Understanding Stomach Issues: Managing Stress-Related Discomfort
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Recommended Tests
Abdominal pain I have been experiencing frequent pain near my abdomen and on the left side, along with a feeling of bloating. At night, when I lie down to sleep, my stomach also hurts. My bowel movements have been somewhat loose, and I feel nauseous. This has been going on for ab...
Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Your symptoms are more indicative of colitis; you should consult a gastroenterologist for appropriate treatment to improve your condition.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Recommended Tests
Understanding Your Stomach Issues: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
My stomach feels strange? Hello Doctor: Last week, I visited the clinic, and the doctor diagnosed me with mild gastritis, which was caused by my long-term consumption of caffeinated beverages like green tea and coffee. Before seeing the doctor, my appetite was poor, but after tak...
Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Blood in the stool is usually caused by hemorrhoids or conditions related to the colon. It is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for a thorough examination. To determine whether there is stomach cancer or colorectal cancer, an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy is necessary.[Read More] Understanding Your Stomach Issues: Symptoms and Concerns Explained