Is Intussusception Considered a Type of Bowel Obstruction?
Is intussusception considered a type of bowel obstruction? Is intussusception considered a type of bowel obstruction? I had it when I was younger and underwent surgery. Since I was in the military, I feel that my position may be affected. If it is classified as a bowel obstructio...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Intussusception is an abdominal emergency that can cause bowel obstruction and even necrosis. However, if surgically treated, the patient can return to a condition similar to that of a normal person. Whether postoperative adhesions will lead to bowel obstruction is uncerta...[Read More] Is Intussusception Considered a Type of Bowel Obstruction?
Understanding Intussusception: A Type of Bowel Obstruction Explained
Intussusception Hello: I would like to ask if intussusception is considered a type of bowel obstruction?
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Intussusception is considered a type of intestinal obstruction. After intussusception occurs, it can lead to the inability to pass stool, and the affected segment of the intestine may become necrotic due to compromised blood flow. If not treated promptly with surgery, it c...[Read More] Understanding Intussusception: A Type of Bowel Obstruction Explained
Effective Dietary Tips to Improve Liver and Kidney Health for Acne Relief
The face has developed many acne lesions? Hello! I am 30 years old, and recently I have been experiencing a lot of acne on my face. Traditional Chinese medicine suggested that it is related to poor liver and kidney function, and they prescribed me some medication and recommended ...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: First, it is important to clarify a misconception. The claim in Traditional Chinese Medicine that acne is related to poor liver and kidney function is not accurate! One should not easily believe such statements from others. To determine if there is indeed poor liver or kid...[Read More] Effective Dietary Tips to Improve Liver and Kidney Health for Acne Relief
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Further Help
Abdominal pain Hello Doctor, my father has been experiencing abdominal pain when moving or lightly pressing on his abdomen for the past few days. When he is still, he feels a vague discomfort. However, his bowel movements and appetite are normal. He previously visited a small cli...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! The question you asked is quite complex and covers a wide range of issues. First, there are many diseases related to the abdomen, and abdominal pain can involve various organs. Therefore, you need to specify the location of the pain and whether there is a fever. Typically,...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Further Help
Understanding Throat Pain: Is It Acid Reflux or Something Else?
Please ask your question? Hello Dr. Yang, I have a long-standing issue that I would like to consult you about. My throat often feels painful intermittently, as if someone is burning it with fire! However, this symptom tends to improve a bit after I drink some water. Could this be...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A sore throat usually indicates inflammation near the larynx, and there can be many causes, including viral or bacterial infections, gastroesophageal reflux, and food irritation. It is advisable to first visit an otolaryngologist for a thorough examination. If gastroesopha...[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain: Is It Acid Reflux or Something Else?
Can Gallbladder Removal Qualify for Military Exemption?
Is it possible to be exempt from military service after gallbladder removal? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to inquire about a military service issue. My boyfriend underwent a cholecystectomy due to acute cholecystitis in Taoyuan six to seven years ago and spent over a month in the...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Your boyfriend's symptoms may be attributed to "post-cholecystectomy syndrome," but I cannot confirm whether it falls under the category of exemptions. Generally, it is advisable to avoid oily and sugary foods, as emotional stress can also have an impact. If...[Read More] Can Gallbladder Removal Qualify for Military Exemption?
Understanding Veterans' Disease: Pathogens, Concentrations, and Pneumonia Differences
Veterans' Disease Hello Dr. Yang, could you please tell me what concentration of Legionella bacteria exposure can lead to disease? How does it differ from the pneumonia that is currently prevalent?
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: What concentration of bacteria is required to cause disease from exposure to Legionnaires' disease? There is no specific standard, as it depends on each individual's immunity, since it is transmitted through the air. In a confined space with poor air circulation,...[Read More] Understanding Veterans' Disease: Pathogens, Concentrations, and Pneumonia Differences
Understanding Gastrointestinal Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help
excuse me? Hello, I would like to ask about a recent issue I've been experiencing. After eating, I immediately need to use the restroom, and I've noticed some bleeding. Additionally, there is a small protrusion on the left side of my abdomen that is painful when pressed...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! This indicates a problem with the intestines, usually the colon, especially if there is bleeding (red?). This suggests a lesion closer to the lower end of the colon or the rectum. Additionally, there is a protrusion in the left abdomen that is painful when pressed, which i...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Bowel Resection Surgery for Weight Loss: Is It Right for You?
Regarding gastrointestinal resection surgery? I have a long-standing habit of trying to lose weight, but despite numerous attempts, I have not been able to reach my ideal weight. Although I know that many hospitals offer weight loss programs and clinics, I am not interested in th...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Typically, colorectal surgery or gastric partitioning surgery is performed on patients with severe obesity (usually weighing over 100 kilograms) who have been unable to lose weight through dietary control or exercise. Rapid weight loss can lead to maladaptive physiological...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Resection Surgery for Weight Loss: Is It Right for You?
Does Late-Night Eating Increase the Risk of Stomach Issues or Cancer?
Does frequently eating late-night snacks affect the stomach? Hello Dr. Yang: I would like to ask you about my habit of having late-night snacks almost every day, sometimes even the equivalent of a full meal. Recently, I heard from a colleague that frequently eating late-night sna...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: There are many factors associated with gastric cancer, but late-night snacking is not one of them. For patients with peptic ulcers or excessive gastric acid, it is advisable to avoid eating late-night snacks before bedtime, as they may wake up in the middle of the night du...[Read More] Does Late-Night Eating Increase the Risk of Stomach Issues or Cancer?
Do You Need Gallbladder Removal for Acute Cholecystitis?
Acute cholecystitis Is it necessary to remove the gallbladder in cases of acute cholecystitis? Will removing it have any effects on the body?
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Acute cholecystitis poses a risk of gallbladder rupture or sepsis, which can lead to life-threatening situations. Therefore, an assessment for the need for emergency surgery is typically conducted within the first 24 to 48 hours of the initial episode, especially for patie...[Read More] Do You Need Gallbladder Removal for Acute Cholecystitis?
Seeking Guidance for Post-Surgery Complications in Gastrointestinal Health
I'm here My mother underwent surgery for duodenal bleeding on February 21. Since then, her abdomen has been distended, she has no appetite, and her overall condition is very weak. She is still in the hospital. She has hypertension and poor kidney function (blood urea nitroge...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If the surgical wound is healing well and intestinal motility is satisfactory, then the patient can start eating. However, if there is persistent abdominal distension and lack of appetite, it is essential to first assess the intestinal motility. Additionally, when resuming...[Read More] Seeking Guidance for Post-Surgery Complications in Gastrointestinal Health
Could Black Stool Indicate Colon Cancer? Understanding Test Results
Is it possible to have colon cancer? Hello Doctor: I tend to be a bit anxious, so when I noticed my stool color was somewhat dark (not completely black), I became very worried and consulted a gastroenterologist. The doctor indicated that I have hemorrhoids, but I still felt uneas...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! The stool color is somewhat black, and the fecal occult blood test is positive. Some potential interfering factors (such as blood-containing meat, pig's blood, chicken blood, or duck blood) have been ruled out. This usually raises suspicion for gastrointestinal bleedi...[Read More] Could Black Stool Indicate Colon Cancer? Understanding Test Results
Understanding Colonoscopy: Scope, Limitations, and Insights
Questions about colonoscopy? 1. Is a colonoscopy the same as an endoscopy of the intestines? 2. Does a colonoscopy only examine the proximal part of the colon? Can it also assess the rectum and small intestine? If so, please explain the principle. Thank you!
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! There are two types of endoscopy: colonoscopy and enteroscopy. A colonoscopy is performed by inserting a scope through the anus, advancing through the sigmoid colon, descending colon, transverse colon, ascending colon, and reaching the cecum, which is the starting point of...[Read More] Understanding Colonoscopy: Scope, Limitations, and Insights
Is There Really No Medication for Fatty Liver Disease?
Is there really no medication for fatty liver disease? Hello. My father has been informed by his doctor that he has fatty liver disease. However, the doctor did not prescribe any medication and told my father that there is no medication to treat fatty liver. Is this true? If ther...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Fatty liver is usually diagnosed through abdominal ultrasound, which reveals fat accumulation in the liver. The most common cause is obesity, followed by alcohol consumption. The severity of fatty liver can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe; the more severe the co...[Read More] Is There Really No Medication for Fatty Liver Disease?
Is a Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Level of 1705 Normal? Understanding Your Results
Is a Hepatitis B surface antigen index of 1705 normal? Hello Doctor, I have a question I would like to ask you. First, I want to say thank you ^_^ A few days ago, I went for a hepatitis B test, and after the results came out, some medical friends told me that it was abnormal and ...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! HBsAg(+) and HBsAb(-) indicate that you are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus. However, HBsAg(-) and HBsAb(+) suggest that the viral replication capacity is very low, meaning the activity is low as well, which results in a correspondingly low infectiousness. If you are a ...[Read More] Is a Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Level of 1705 Normal? Understanding Your Results
Understanding Chronic GERD: Concerns and Management Strategies
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Dear Dr. Yang, My mother has had long-standing gastrointestinal issues and has been on medication for control. A few years ago, she developed symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which recurred at the end of 2001, requiring a...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is quite common among patients. Its pathogenic mechanism involves abnormal relaxation of the gastroesophageal junction (cardia), leading to the upward reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus, which causes various clinical symptoms s...[Read More] Understanding Chronic GERD: Concerns and Management Strategies
Understanding Liver Function Tests: Fasting Requirements and Lip Balm Safety
Liver function tests (LFTs) 1. When testing liver function tests, is fasting required? Are there discrepancies between fasting and non-fasting test results? 2. Using petroleum jelly to moisturize lips to prevent chapping, if accidentally ingested, does it have any effects on th...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! (1) Testing liver enzymes usually does not require fasting, as there is not much difference between fasting and non-fasting test results. (2) Please have this question answered by a dermatologist. Best wishes for health from Dr. Yang Pei-Chen, Gastroenterology Department, ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: Fasting Requirements and Lip Balm Safety
Understanding Post-Polypectomy Bleeding: Causes and Next Steps
Colonoscopy polypectomy? My younger sister underwent a colonoscopy due to prolonged abdominal discomfort, during which polyps were discovered and removed. However, one day after the procedure, she experienced bleeding and required eight bags of blood (including hemoglobin). What ...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Colorectal polyps can be precursors to colorectal cancer, so if polyps are discovered, it is essential to remove them. With advancements in endoscopic techniques, polypectomy can now be performed using a colonoscope, which has the advantage of not requiring general anesthe...[Read More] Understanding Post-Polypectomy Bleeding: Causes and Next Steps
Can I Drink Yogurt with Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms?
Could you please provide a specific question regarding irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? I would like to ask, I just visited a doctor and was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), specifically the diarrhea-predominant type. Can I still drink yogurt? I started practicing dr...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Currently, many yogurt products on the market claim to contain various probiotics that can aid digestion; however, it remains questionable whether they actually have this effect once ingested. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is primarily caused by dysregulation of the enter...[Read More] Can I Drink Yogurt with Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms?