Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: When to Seek Medical Attention
I have been experiencing frequent diarrhea lately? Hello Doctor: My sister has been experiencing diarrhea intermittently (2 to 5 times a day) for the past month or two, and at times she has normal bowel movements (soft, formed stools). I would like to know if this situation is co...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Diarrhea can have many causes, including medications, diet, alcohol consumption, endocrine issues, and gastrointestinal problems. If there is a family history of colorectal cancer, weight loss, age over 50, or positive fecal occult blood test, it is recommended to undergo ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: When to Seek Medical Attention
Best Over-the-Counter Remedies for Sudden Stomach Pain and Nausea
Stomach pain with vomiting? Last night, my stomach was continuously uncomfortable but not painful, and I didn't have a cold. Around 3 AM, I started experiencing stomach pain, and by 5 AM, I felt a soreness in my throat, which led to vomiting. I have had bloating and stomach ...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If you experience stomach pain in the middle of the night, eating a little something or taking an antacid may help. This could be indicative of a duodenal ulcer, which often presents with acid reflux and a burning sensation in the chest, possibly due to gastroesophageal re...[Read More] Best Over-the-Counter Remedies for Sudden Stomach Pain and Nausea
Understanding Hard Lumps in the Anus: Hemorrhoids or Polyps?
Hard lump in the anus? Hello Dr. Yuan: I would like to ask whether hemorrhoids are classified as polyps or masses. I have discovered a foreign object located about one-third of a finger's width behind the anal sphincter, which has been present for a considerable amount of ti...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Hemorrhoids are dilated venous structures that can be classified into internal and external hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids are located at the lower end of the rectum and can be graded into four levels based on whether they protrude from the anal opening and how easily t...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps in the Anus: Hemorrhoids or Polyps?
How to Seek Help for Gastrointestinal Issues: Special Consultation Options
How can I seek assistance? Is there a special consultation room for patients to prepare reports? Dear Dr. Yuan, Hello. For the past six months, my father has been suffering from gastric bleeding due to a tumor. Because of this, he has sought treatment at multiple hospitals, but ...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. Submucosal tumors of the stomach are generally difficult to obtain tissue samples for accurate diagnosis through endoscopic biopsy, making it challenging to determine whether they are benign or malignant. It is recommended that your father consider consulting Dr. Wang...[Read More] How to Seek Help for Gastrointestinal Issues: Special Consultation Options
Understanding Abdominal Distension: Causes and Solutions for Your Husband's Discomfort
excuse me? My husband has been experiencing abdominal discomfort and bloating for several months now. Despite multiple visits to the family doctor, there has been no improvement. I'm not sure if it's related to his irregular eating habits or something else. He is very t...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Abdominal distension may be due to ascites, tumors, obesity, intestinal gas, or fecal impaction, among other causes. It is recommended that your husband consult a gastroenterologist. X-rays and abdominal ultrasound can help determine the underlying issue. Sincerely, Dr. Yu...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Distension: Causes and Solutions for Your Husband's Discomfort
Can Surgery Cure Gastric Ptosis and Relieve Nausea?
Can surgery for gastric ptosis be effective? I have had gastric ptosis for a long time, and my stomach feels very uncomfortable and nauseous. I am naturally very thin. I have been taking traditional Chinese medicine for a while, but it doesn't seem to help. Can surgery cure ...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Gastroparesis and discomfort or nausea in the stomach are not necessarily related. Gastroparesis may not always present symptoms, and the risks of surgery are significant. Even after surgery, symptoms may not improve. If there is a long-term blockage in the stomach, it is ...[Read More] Can Surgery Cure Gastric Ptosis and Relieve Nausea?
Can Sleep Disorders Cause Rectal Bleeding? Insights from Gastroenterology
Could you please clarify what you mean by abnormal sleep? Abnormal sleep patterns can potentially contribute to gastrointestinal issues, including rectal bleeding. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and appropriate recommendations.
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If there is blood in the stool, it is important to determine the underlying cause. In younger individuals, hemorrhoids are a common cause. Irregular sleep patterns may contribute to the development of hemorrhoids, which can lead to increased bleeding; however, abnormal sle...[Read More] Can Sleep Disorders Cause Rectal Bleeding? Insights from Gastroenterology
Persistent Vomiting After Eating: Possible Causes and Solutions
Vomiting after eating??? Doctor, I was hospitalized last month due to gastritis, and I still haven't recovered. My current symptoms include vomiting after eating, coughing with white phlegm, dizziness, and I often vomit due to coughing. What could be the possible causes of m...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A cold can often cause symptoms of gastroenteritis, such as vomiting and abdominal discomfort. However, if you experience vomiting immediately after eating, along with weight loss and an inability to eat, it may be necessary to consider issues related to the digestive syst...[Read More] Persistent Vomiting After Eating: Possible Causes and Solutions
Daily Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Experiencing abdominal pain every day? I have been experiencing abdominal pain every day for over a week. The pain is located just above my belly button. I have been having daily bowel movements, but the amount is not very much. Additionally, my stomach keeps making gurgling soun...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: There are many causes of upper abdominal pain in young people, with the most common being gastritis, ulcers, and functional dyspepsia. If symptoms persist and worsen, accompanied by fever, anemia, weight loss, black stools, or poor appetite, it is essential to seek medical...[Read More] Daily Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Stomach Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
I have a lot of discomfort in my stomach? Hello: I have been feeling that food tastes very bland and unappetizing for the past two days. On the second day, I felt discomfort in my stomach, like a rumbling sensation, and it feels as if I haven't consumed any oil. However, I h...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: There are many reasons for discomfort in the upper abdomen, ranging from gastritis, ulcers, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, heart, lungs, metabolic issues, to functional dyspepsia. If the symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Sincerely, Dr. Y...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Long-Term Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Chronic gastrointestinal issues? Hello Doctor, I have been suffering from chronic constipation. However, since the year before last, I have noticed the following symptoms: 1. In addition to constipation, I occasionally experience diarrhea, sometimes for two consecutive days befor...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Based on your description, it is likely that you are experiencing functional gastrointestinal disorders. Generally, stomach issues are less likely to cause symptoms such as constipation or diarrhea. Since you have previously undergone an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, i...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Frequent Flatulence Without Constipation: Should You Be Concerned?
Is it a problem to frequently pass gas without experiencing constipation? Hello Doctor: My husband has regular bowel movements every day, but he often passes gas, and this situation has persisted for many years. I would like to ask if this condition requires a detailed examinatio...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If you are experiencing only flatulence without abdominal pain, weight loss, anemia, blood in the stool, or diarrhea, there is no need for any specific tests. Possible causes may include unintentionally swallowing too much air, consuming excessive gas-producing foods (such...[Read More] Frequent Flatulence Without Constipation: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding Anal Itching: Causes and Concerns for Gastrointestinal Health
Anal itching Hello, I have recently been experiencing itching around the anal area, which occurs only during the day. Previously, I felt that the area was somewhat dry, and there was an instance when I noticed a little bleeding from the anus during a bowel movement. It seemed lik...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Anal itching may be caused by insufficient cleaning after bowel movements, eczema, hemorrhoids, parasites, or excessively dry skin. It is recommended to wash the anal area with water after bowel movements. If itching persists, you may apply a small amount of petroleum jell...[Read More] Understanding Anal Itching: Causes and Concerns for Gastrointestinal Health
Long-Term Effects of Bulimia on Gastrointestinal Health: Risks of Stomach Cancer
Previous bad habits I used to have a habit of purging some of the food I consumed because I wanted to lose weight. This has been going on for a long time, about two to three years. Recently, I came across some articles that suggest this behavior may increase the risk of stomach c...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: I'm not sure where you found the article, but I have not come across any journals or textbooks that report vomiting as a cause of stomach cancer. However, I still recommend that you minimize such behavior to avoid potential complications such as metabolic alkalosis, e...[Read More] Long-Term Effects of Bulimia on Gastrointestinal Health: Risks of Stomach Cancer
Understanding Anal Itching: Causes and Effective Remedies
Itching around the anus? I have been experiencing itching around my anus for the past three days after having a bowel movement, as well as in the area connecting to the front. What could be the issue? I have to rinse with water after using the toilet, which alleviates the itching...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Anal itching is mostly due to insufficient cleaning. Other causes such as chronic eczema from prolonged scratching, parasites, hemorrhoids, or even tumors are also possible. It is recommended to wash the anal area with water after bowel movements. If itching occurs, you ma...[Read More] Understanding Anal Itching: Causes and Effective Remedies
Understanding Your Digestive Discomfort: Is It IBS or Colon Cancer?
Colorectal diseases Hello, my condition has been feeling strange in my abdomen since last year. I have undergone a colonoscopy, which indicated some minor internal hemorrhoids, but I still feel a persistent bloating and discomfort in my stomach. I also experience frequent flatule...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Your symptoms are more indicative of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). At 21 years old, if there is no family history of colorectal cancer, the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer is very low. Additionally, since you have undergone a colonoscopy and no polyps or tumor...[Read More] Understanding Your Digestive Discomfort: Is It IBS or Colon Cancer?
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Lower abdominal pain? Three months ago, I started experiencing occasional mild pain in my lower left abdomen (about 2 inches below the navel and 2 inches to the left). On average, it occurs 1 to 2 times a day. I visited a general practitioner who only performed auscultation and s...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. If there is no diarrhea, it is likely not gastroenteritis. Taking the medications mentioned can help with digestion and alter gastrointestinal motility. If there is improvement after taking them, you may continue; if there is no significant effect, consider stopping. 2....[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Is My Constipation and Blood in Stool a Sign of Colon Cancer?
Could this be a sign of colorectal cancer? Hello, Dr. Yuan. I have had a habit of constipation since childhood (approximately once a week). There is also a family history of colorectal cancer (in third-degree relatives). Currently, I have bowel movements every two to three days, ...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the pain during bowel movements accompanied by fresh blood is more likely to be caused by hemorrhoids or injury to the anal mucosa due to hard stools. If the stool is black (not deep brown) and you have not consumed iron supplements, pig's blood, or cuttlefish ink noo...[Read More] Is My Constipation and Blood in Stool a Sign of Colon Cancer?
Is Dark Brown Stool Normal? Understanding Digestive Health Concerns
Is it normal for my stool to be dark brown? I recently noticed that my stool was black on one occasion. After that, I observed that it has been mostly dark brown. However, when I visited a gynecologist, I was told that it could be serious and possibly indicate stomach cancer. Alt...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, black stools may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding (such as from gastritis, ulcers, or tumors), or could be caused by certain foods (like squid ink pasta) or medications (such as iron supplements). If your stool is black, it is advisable to collect a small sample (about t...[Read More] Is Dark Brown Stool Normal? Understanding Digestive Health Concerns
Understanding Vomiting After Meals: Possible Causes and Solutions
Vomiting after eating? Last Friday, after eating a lot at a hot pot restaurant, I felt overly full and ended up vomiting shortly after leaving. I expelled some food. Today, after running a marathon, I had breakfast quickly and felt full again, which led to vomiting as well. In th...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, there are many causes of vomiting, including issues related to the central nervous system, endocrine problems, liver, gallbladder, and gastrointestinal issues, as well as medication, infections, electrolyte imbalances, blood sugar levels, and pregnancy. Vomiting can also b...[Read More] Understanding Vomiting After Meals: Possible Causes and Solutions