Understanding Frequent Urges to Defecate: Causes and Solutions
Easy bowel movements or diarrhea? Hello Doctor: I often feel the urge to have a bowel movement and have never experienced constipation. This is especially true after eating or when my stomach is exposed to wind, and I usually need to rush to the bathroom. Sometimes my stool is ye...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if there is no accompanying weight loss, blood in the stool, or fever, and these symptoms have been recurring for several years, it is most likely Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). I recommend reducing dairy intake, limiting watermelon consumption, avoiding cold water, keepi...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Urges to Defecate: Causes and Solutions
Does Robitussin Affect Lower Esophageal Sphincter and Increase Reflux Risk?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Hello, doctor. I have a condition known as lower esophageal sphincter incompetence (the opening is too large). I came across a statement online that says, "Patients taking other medications such as progesterone, prostaglandins, antichol...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, regarding the nature of the medication Ropinirole, it should not cause a decrease in the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter. If you have taken Ropinirole and have not experienced a significant worsening of chest burning sensations, it should be fine. Sincerely, Dr....[Read More] Does Robitussin Affect Lower Esophageal Sphincter and Increase Reflux Risk?
Dealing with Chronic Constipation in a 2-Year-Old: Seeking Solutions
A 2-year-and-7-month-old has been experiencing constipation issues? The child has been experiencing difficulty with bowel movements since the age of 2. After taking a stool softener for a while, there was some improvement, but recently the child has started to have irregular bowe...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, most cases of constipation in young children are functional constipation (meaning there are no organic lesions, just poor intestinal motility or dietary factors). If the child has a normal weight, no abdominal masses upon palpation, no blood in the stool, and no unexplaine...[Read More] Dealing with Chronic Constipation in a 2-Year-Old: Seeking Solutions
Understanding Ascites in Cirrhosis: Causes, Treatments, and Surgical Options
Ascites caused by liver cirrhosis? Hello, doctor! My mother-in-law has been suffering from cirrhosis for many years, and in recent years, she has started to experience fluid accumulation, requiring drainage every one to two weeks. She hardly takes the medications prescribed by th...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, there are several surgical options for managing ascites due to cirrhosis: 1. The definitive treatment is a liver transplant. 2. If the focus is solely on managing the ascites, one option may involve placing a catheter in the peritoneal cavity to drain the fluid into the la...[Read More] Understanding Ascites in Cirrhosis: Causes, Treatments, and Surgical Options
Understanding Bowel Issues: Blood in Stool and Pain Concerns
Bowel issues Hello Doctor, I would like to describe my issue. I have a bad habit of having bowel movements very quickly, often taking less than two minutes to finish. Due to this habit, combined with a lack of exercise since starting graduate school, I recently noticed blood in m...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, having a fast bowel movement is not necessarily a bad habit. Blood in the stool is mostly due to hemorrhoids or injuries to the anal mucosa. Generally, anal fissures cause severe and persistent pain, and the mucosa at the anal opening will appear as a linear tear. If you a...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Blood in Stool and Pain Concerns
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Causes, Tests, and Remedies
Abdominal discomfort and pain? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing abdominal discomfort and pain for over three years, but it does not occur continuously. Each episode lasts about a week and happens once every three to six months. Whenever I eat something, within half an hour,...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, chronic abdominal pain can have many underlying causes. It may be due to organic changes (such as chronic inflammation or tumors) or functional issues (such as nerve sensitivity or abnormal intestinal motility). I would like to know the location of your pain, its intensity...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Causes, Tests, and Remedies
Understanding Irregular Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Bowel issues Hello Doctor: I have irregular bowel movements (every 2 to 3 days or once every 1 to 2 weeks), and I experience some abdominal pain before defecation. My stool is sometimes white (sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't), and occasionally there is bleeding. What dis...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if you have irregular bowel movements for a long time, sometimes hard, sometimes soft, sometimes constipated, and sometimes experiencing diarrhea without weight loss, fever, or bleeding, along with abdominal pain before bowel movements that alleviates afterward, it is most...[Read More] Understanding Irregular Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Gastroparesis: Treatment Options Beyond Western Medicine
Gastric ptosis Today I had an endoscopy, and the doctor told me that my gastroparesis seems to be untreatable. Is it necessary to rely on traditional Chinese medicine for treatment?
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, actually, the term "gastric ptosis" is not found in Western medical textbooks, and there is generally no need for specific treatment for "gastric ptosis." "Gastric ptosis" is not necessarily related to difficulty gaining weight or symptoms in ...[Read More] Understanding Gastroparesis: Treatment Options Beyond Western Medicine
Understanding Sudden Stomach Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Stomach pain Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing occasional sudden stomach pain, and I also feel pain in my stomach when I laugh or exert myself. Should I undergo further examination? Thank you!
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, experiencing pain in the upper abdomen when laughing or exerting oneself may be due to inflammation of the abdominal wall muscles or neuralgia. However, it is also important to rule out any issues with the abdominal organs. Whether further examination for stomach pain is n...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Stomach Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Vomiting: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Vomiting Dr. Yuan, I would like to ask you about a previous inquiry regarding excessive stomach acid. This time, I am experiencing headaches and vomiting, with blood in the vomit. Could this be related to a stomach issue? Is this a symptom of a gastric ulcer? I had previously exp...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, severe vomiting can sometimes cause injury and bleeding of the mucosa at the gastroesophageal junction, and it may also be due to inflammation or ulcer bleeding. Regardless, if there is bleeding, it is advisable to undergo an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. If it is mere...[Read More] Understanding Vomiting: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Orange Oil in Stool: What It Means for Your Digestive Health
The stool has orange-red oil present? Hello Doctor: The day before yesterday, I noticed "orange-red oil" floating on the surface of the water during bowel movements, which occurred three times throughout the day. The stool volume was not significant, and there were no s...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, oily stools may indicate abnormalities in the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, or small intestine, leading to improper absorption of fats. Some weight loss medications can inhibit the action of lipase, resulting in poor fat absorption and oily stools. It is advisable to start...[Read More] Orange Oil in Stool: What It Means for Your Digestive Health
Understanding Excess Stomach Acid: Symptoms and Care During Pregnancy
Excess stomach acid? Doctor, a few days ago I experienced severe vomiting due to a headache. Since that day, I have a slight stabbing sensation in my stomach whenever I swallow anything, and I often feel a sour sensation in my throat, which is quite uncomfortable. Could this be d...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, severe vomiting can sometimes cause injury to the mucosa at the gastroesophageal junction, which may lead to significant pain and even persistent bleeding. When gastric acid refluxes into the esophagus, it typically presents as a burning sensation in the chest, and may als...[Read More] Understanding Excess Stomach Acid: Symptoms and Care During Pregnancy
Understanding Changes in Stool Color: When to Seek Medical Advice
Changes in stool color? Hello, doctor. I have been seeking Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment for tinnitus for about a month now, and I have been taking herbal medicine daily. Recently, I noticed that the color of my stool has changed from a normal light brown to a dark green...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the color of stool can vary depending on the medications taken, the foods consumed, the duration of bile retention in the intestines, and the metabolism of bacteria. Yellowish-brown and dark green colors are considered normal and do not require further testing. However, if...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Stool Color: When to Seek Medical Advice
Dealing with Suspected Hemorrhoids: Symptoms and Next Steps
Suspected hemorrhoids..? Hello. I have noticed a protrusion near my anus that appears to be a hemorrhoid, and it has been bleeding frequently for the past three days. I have been using tissue to cover it, otherwise, the blood stains my underwear. What should I do?
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Based on your description, it is most likely hemorrhoids; however, other benign tumors and anal inflammation could also present similar symptoms. It is recommended to eat more fruits and vegetables, avoid staying up late, and refrain from consuming irritating foods. After ...[Read More] Dealing with Suspected Hemorrhoids: Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Frequent diarrhea can lead to accidents, resulting in soiling one's pants? Hello Doctor: I have a few questions I would like to ask. My situation is as follows: 1. I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy last October (showing ulceration) and a colonoscopy (showing bl...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, based on your description, it is most likely hemorrhoids; however, other benign tumors and anal inflammation could also present similar symptoms. I recommend increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, avoiding staying up late, and steering clear of irritating foods. ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Understanding Headaches, Fatigue, and Diarrhea: Possible Causes and Remedies
Could you please provide the content you would like me to translate? I have been going to bed late for the past few days, and one day I woke up with a severe headache and general fatigue (I had the air conditioning on, but it wasn't too cold, and I was snuggled under the bla...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if you are experiencing cough, headache, diarrhea, and generalized body aches, it is more likely that these symptoms are caused by a viral infection leading to cold and gastrointestinal symptoms. It is recommended to get plenty of rest and maintain a light diet, and to avo...[Read More] Understanding Headaches, Fatigue, and Diarrhea: Possible Causes and Remedies
Morning Blood Taste: What It Means for Your Digestive Health
I'm sorry, but I need more context or specific content to provide a translation. Please Hello doctor, I often wake up in the morning with a metallic taste in my mouth. Does this indicate a problem with my digestive system? What tests should I undergo? Thank you.
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if there is a metallic taste in the mouth, consider the possibility of nasal bleeding, nasopharyngeal bleeding, oral gum bleeding, or gastrointestinal bleeding from the stomach and esophagus. If there is black stool, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for an e...[Read More] Morning Blood Taste: What It Means for Your Digestive Health
Understanding Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes, Concerns, and Care Tips
Total bilirubin Dear Doctor, I received my blood test results from my physical examination and I have some questions. My total bilirubin (T-bil) level is elevated at 1.26 mg/dL, while the normal range is 0.2 to 1.2 mg/dL. My direct bilirubin (D-bil) level is also high at 0.40 m...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. The causes of elevated bilirubin levels include liver diseases, biliary obstruction, hemolysis, medications, sepsis, autoimmune diseases, and primary biliary cirrhosis. There may also be a congenital deficiency of enzymes in the liver that process bilirubin. ...[Read More] Understanding Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes, Concerns, and Care Tips
Understanding the Connection Between Urination and Gas: What You Need to Know
What seems to be the problem? Dear Doctor: I recently saw a news report stating that if one passes gas while urinating, it indicates a problem with the intestines. What could cause this situation, and how can it be improved? If it only happens occasionally, does that mean there i...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the contraction of abdominal muscles during urination, along with the relaxation of the perineal sphincter, may also lead to the release of gas. This does not indicate a problem with the intestines. If there is no fecal incontinence, there is no need for concern. Sincerely...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Urination and Gas: What You Need to Know
Understanding Abdominal Distension: Causes and When to Seek Help
Abdominal distension? My stomach has been very protruded, and after eating, it seems to stick out even more, almost higher than my chest! A classmate suggested it might be due to gastric distension or gastric ptosis. I remember during high school, after having a filling lunch fol...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, a protruding abdomen may be due to factors such as intestinal gas, excessive stool accumulation, ascites, or fat accumulation due to obesity. Sleeping after a meal does not cause abdominal distension. If the abdomen is the only area that is enlarged or particularly protrud...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Distension: Causes and When to Seek Help