Understanding Throat Discomfort in GERD: Causes and Solutions
Gastroesophageal reflux causing throat irritation and sensation of a lump in the throat? Hello Doctor, I started experiencing chest tightness suddenly since the year before last. After undergoing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, the doctor indicated that I have a relaxed lowe...
Dr. Zhang Kebin reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, Jun-Ting! You reported that you have been experiencing chest tightness since the year before last, and you were diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). After treatment for peptic ulcers, you have been feeling a persistent sensation of tightness and numbness ...[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort in GERD: Causes and Solutions
Tattooing with Hepatitis B: Safety and Considerations for Carriers
Tattooing in Hepatitis B Carriers Hello Doctor, I am a carrier of hepatitis B, but my liver condition is normal, and my liver enzymes do not fluctuate frequently. I am considering getting a tattoo on my upper arm, approximately 6x4 cm in size. The shop uses disposable needles, so...
Dr. Zhang Kebin reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, Mr. O! You asked whether the pigments from tattoos are absorbed by the liver. Generally, pigments tend to remain in the skin, so I believe your real question is whether tattoos can affect liver function. Some organic solvents or chemicals can indeed cause liver damage; som...[Read More] Tattooing with Hepatitis B: Safety and Considerations for Carriers
Understanding Chronic GERD: Causes of Bad Breath and Throat Pain
Long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been present for a long time? Hello doctor, I have very severe halitosis that has become so bad that even when others wear masks, they can still smell it. This has significantly affected my life. I also have severe gastroesopha...
Dr. Zhang Kebin reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Dear Miss, Regarding your inquiry about long-term severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it is noted that your symptoms improve with medication. I recommend discussing long-term medication management with your primary physician. If you are experiencing issues with being...[Read More] Understanding Chronic GERD: Causes of Bad Breath and Throat Pain
Understanding Low Grade Glandular Dysplasia: What Your Biopsy Results Mean
Dysplasia I received a report after my gastroscopy. Does this indicate cancer? The report states: 1. CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS: Gastric ulcer scar. 2. DIAGNOSIS: Stomach, endoscopic biopsy—Low grade glandular dysplasia. 3. GROSS DESCRIPTION: The specimen fixed in formalin consists of a ...
Dr. Zhang Kebin reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello Mr. Wei! Your biopsy results from the gastroscopy indicate low-grade glandular dysplasia. According to the progression of gastric cancer: normal -> intestinal metaplasia -> low-grade dysplasia -> high-grade dysplasia -> gastric cancer, your condition is not clas...[Read More] Understanding Low Grade Glandular Dysplasia: What Your Biopsy Results Mean
Managing Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Insights on Symptoms and Treatment
Gastrointestinal discomfort, with intermittent nausea and dry heaving? Hello Dr. Chang, I had two gastroscopies 1 to 2 years ago, during which Helicobacter pylori was detected. After treatment and medication, I underwent another gastroscopy to confirm that the treatment was succe...
Dr. Zhang Kebin reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Dear Mr. Hsiang, Regarding your previous upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, the findings included: 1. Helicobacter pylori infection, 2. Bile reflux, 3. Relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, 4. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and 5. Erythema of the gastric wall wit...[Read More] Managing Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Insights on Symptoms and Treatment
Understanding Right Lower Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
There is a feeling of heaviness and bloating in the lower right abdomen? Hello, doctor. Four days ago, I started feeling a dull, bloated sensation in my lower right abdomen, just to the right of my navel. It's very uncomfortable; standing up feels better, but sitting makes i...
Dr. Zhang Kebin reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Dear Mr. Xuanyuan Sheng, You inquired about experiencing a feeling of fullness and discomfort in the lower right abdomen for the past four days, which improves when standing but worsens when sitting. There are many potential causes for bloating in the lower right abdomen, and t...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Is Intestinal Metaplasia from H. Pylori Infection Reversible? Insights and Risks
Is intestinal metaplasia caused by Helicobacter pylori reversible? Recently, I was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease and underwent an endoscopy, which revealed that Helicobacter pylori has caused partial intestinal metaplasia of the gastric wall, resembling a Buddha&...
Dr. Zhang Kebin reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, sir: Regarding your inquiry about whether intestinal metaplasia of the gastric mucosa is reversible, whether it will worsen, and the likelihood of progression to gastric cancer: 1. According to the Maastricht V/Florence Consensus, intestinal metaplasia is considered irre...[Read More] Is Intestinal Metaplasia from H. Pylori Infection Reversible? Insights and Risks
Understanding Esophageal Issues: The Risks of Medication Sticking in the Throat
Esophageal issues, medication causing throat obstruction? I recently experienced a bacterial parotitis infection and, after being discharged from the hospital, I have been taking medication while monitoring my condition. During my first two attempts to swallow the capsules, I did...
Dr. Zhang Kebin reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello Mr. Fu: You reported that after taking antibiotics, you felt a capsule stuck in your throat, which led to a burning sensation and a feeling of foreign body presence, along with pain and discomfort in your right chest when swallowing. Clindamycin is indeed a common medicatio...[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Issues: The Risks of Medication Sticking in the Throat
Managing Heartburn After Tooth Extraction Antibiotic Use
Antibiotics for Tooth Extraction Hello Doctor: Due to tooth extraction, the dentist prescribed Amoxicillin 500 mg. However, after taking it, I experienced a burning sensation and pain in my stomach and esophagus. What should I do?
Dr. Zhang Kebin reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, you report that after taking Amoxicillin 500 mg, you experienced a burning sensation and pain in your stomach and esophagus. You suspect it may be a side effect of the medication, but you feel that you should not discontinue the antibiotic. It is recommended that you visit...[Read More] Managing Heartburn After Tooth Extraction Antibiotic Use
Understanding Green Stool: Causes and Connections to Gut Health and Anxiety
Green stool Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing autonomic nervous system dysregulation for the past year or two, often feeling anxious. For about six months, I have noticed that my stool occasionally appears yellow-green or dark green, and in the last week or two, I have also ...
Dr. Zhang Kebin reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, Ms. Su. You reported that you have been experiencing autonomic nervous system dysfunction for the past year or two, often feeling anxious. For about the last six months, your stools have occasionally appeared yellow-green or dark green, and in the past week or two, you hav...[Read More] Understanding Green Stool: Causes and Connections to Gut Health and Anxiety
Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Difficulties: A Gastrointestinal Perspective
Chest tightness and difficulty breathing? Hello Doctor: On November 21 (Saturday), I went to the emergency room because I suddenly experienced chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and rapid heartbeat shortly after taking a shower. The hospital conducted chest X-rays, blood test...
Dr. Zhang Kebin reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, you reported the following symptoms: 1. Chest tightness, shortness of breath, and rapid heartbeat. 2. Mild dizziness and nausea, which are common symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including heartburn and acid regurgitation. Generally, chest tightness, sho...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Difficulties: A Gastrointestinal Perspective
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: GERD, H. Pylori, and Treatment Concerns
Gastrointestinal issues Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask a question. Previously, I had an uncomfortable stomach and went to the hospital for an endoscopy. The doctor said I have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a bit of gastritis, and Helicobacter pylori infection. I was...
Dr. Zhang Kebin reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello Ruru, 1. According to the consensus on Helicobacter pylori treatment in Taiwan, after completing antibiotic therapy, it is recommended to wait four weeks before testing for eradication using either a urea breath test (UBT) or a stool antigen test (SAT). Proton pump inhibi...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: GERD, H. Pylori, and Treatment Concerns
Understanding Nexium: Optimal Timing for Duodenal Ulcer Treatment
Duodenal ulcer bleeding Due to a duodenal ulcer bleeding, the patient was hospitalized for a week. After discharge, the doctor prescribed Nexium (esomeprazole) 40 mg, to be taken once daily for 28 days. Should this medication be taken before breakfast for optimal effectiveness? I...
Dr. Zhang Kebin reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Your question is about the optimal timing for taking Nexium (esomeprazole) 40 mg after treatment for a duodenal ulcer with bleeding. According to the pharmacokinetic report in the Nexium prescribing information, the absorption of this medication is influenced by the pH lev...[Read More] Understanding Nexium: Optimal Timing for Duodenal Ulcer Treatment
Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Test Results: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Fecal occult blood issue? The fecal occult blood immunoassay result from the health check shows a value of 1.8 ng/mL. Why does the report indicate a positive result, and is this considered abnormal? Should further monitoring or additional testing be pursued?
Dr. Zhang Kebin reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, Xiao-Wen! Regarding your question, the fecal occult blood immunochemical test result is 1.8 ng/mL. Is this abnormal? If it is abnormal, is further testing necessary? The normal ranges can vary due to differences in testing equipment across hospitals, so it is advisable to ...[Read More] Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Test Results: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding the Differences Between Esophageal Erosion and Ulcers
Reflux Esophagitis What is the difference between esophageal erosion and esophageal ulcer? How long does it usually take to treat esophageal erosion?
Dr. Zhang Kebin reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, Xiao Lin! Your question is about the difference between esophageal erosion and esophageal ulcer. Esophageal erosion typically refers to a superficial injury that is limited to the mucosal layer, while an ulcer is a deeper injury. The main difference between the two lies in...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Esophageal Erosion and Ulcers
Understanding Right Abdominal Pain Near the Navel: Causes and Insights
Pain to the right of the navel? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask: I started feeling pain about three finger widths to the right of my navel two days ago. I also feel a general discomfort and bloating in my abdomen. The pain is persistent and there is a specific point that is pa...
Dr. Zhang Kebin reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello Anne! You report abdominal pain on the right side of your belly button for two days, along with bloating and tenderness in your abdomen, while your bowel and urinary functions are normal. Based on your symptoms, diverticulitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, appendicitis, and...[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal Pain Near the Navel: Causes and Insights