Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Doctor, I had a suspected case of acute gastroenteritis two months ago, and after taking medication, it seems to have triggered gastrointestinal dysfunction. I was recently diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). My current sy...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
If symptoms worsen or persist for more than 3-6 months, leading to weight loss, it may be advisable to consult a physician to discuss the necessity of further examinations. The specific tests to be conducted would depend on the current symptoms and should be assessed accordingly....[Read More] Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Understanding Bloating: Is It Just Gas or Linked to Anxiety?
Bloating in the abdomen? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing gastroesophageal reflux with a sensation of a foreign body in my throat. I do not have stomach pain, but the doctor mentioned that I have bloating. After taking medication for a week, my throat symptoms ha...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Hello, your symptoms may resemble those caused by excessive stomach acid, including indigestion, gastroesophageal reflux, and a feeling of bloating. Anxiety can also increase stomach acid secretion, making these discomforts more pronounced.[Read More] Understanding Bloating: Is It Just Gas or Linked to Anxiety?
Is This Bump at the Anus Causing My Constipation?
Is this symptom indicative of external hemorrhoids? Hello, doctor. I have noticed a lump at the anal opening that can be pushed back in when I exert myself. Recently, I have been experiencing difficulty with bowel movements, which has caused discomfort and a feeling of fullness i...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Difficulty in bowel movements and the sensation of something protruding from the anus may indicate hemorrhoids. The anal cushions are composed of blood vessels, connective tissue, and smooth muscle fibers, primarily functioning to prevent the involuntary leakage of rectal ...[Read More] Is This Bump at the Anus Causing My Constipation?
Persistent Bad Breath: Exploring Gastrointestinal and ENT Issues
Foul-smelling breath? Since October, I have been experiencing a foul odor in my breath that seems normal to me, although I can occasionally smell it (it's not pungent). Every time I take the subway three times, people around me start to react to the smell (coughing, covering...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Halitosis is primarily caused by dental issues. Additionally, one can opt for self-paid testing for Helicobacter pylori and undergo eradication therapy.[Read More] Persistent Bad Breath: Exploring Gastrointestinal and ENT Issues
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Bloating: A Gastrointestinal Perspective
Abdominal distension and lower abdominal pain? Last month, one day after just waking up, I experienced severe abdominal cramps, sweating, and persistent diarrhea. This was unusual for me, as I typically suffer from constipation. I had occasionally taken probiotics to help with bo...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Fecal occult blood testing can be performed for reference; if the results are normal, it should still be considered as abnormal gastrointestinal motility.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Bloating: A Gastrointestinal Perspective
Managing Gallbladder Polyps: Pain and Next Steps Explained
Health check-up revealed polyps and pain? Hello Dr. Chen, I apologize for the interruption. I had an ultrasound during my health check and found that I have a 4.2 cm polyp in my gallbladder. I would like to ask Dr. Chen what my next steps should be. Also, could you please clarify...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. Lesions larger than 1 cm (especially those that continue to grow) may be considered for excision. 2. They should not be painful. 3. Polyps and stones can sometimes be difficult to distinguish completely. 4. Continuous monitoring and discussion with the attending physician are ...[Read More] Managing Gallbladder Polyps: Pain and Next Steps Explained
Understanding Left Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Left abdominal tenderness on palpation? Hello, doctor. Around the evening of October 28, I noticed pain in the area below my left rib cage, approximately two fingers' width, slightly towards the middle. This area is located diagonally below the left rib and diagonally above ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If there are issues with the internal organs, discomfort should be felt without the need for pressure. Localized tenderness, rebound tenderness after applying pressure, or the presence of a palpable mass are indicators of concern. If these symptoms are not present, there i...[Read More] Understanding Left Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Changes in Bowel Movements: From Formed to Diarrhea
Formed stool at the front followed by diarrhea at the back? Hello, doctor. During my midterm exam today, I suddenly experienced intermittent cramping in my abdomen. I hurriedly submitted my exam and went to the restroom. At first, I had to exert a bit to pass my stool, but then i...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If it is just an occasional occurrence, there is no need to worry excessively; it may be influenced by irritating foods or mental stress. If there are persistent changes in bowel habits that differ from the past, you should consult a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital c...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bowel Movements: From Formed to Diarrhea
Understanding Changes in Bowel Movements: When to Seek Medical Advice
Formed stool at the front followed by diarrhea at the back? Hello, doctor. During my midterm exam today, I suddenly experienced intermittent cramping in my abdomen. I hurriedly submitted my exam and went to the restroom. At first, I had to exert some effort to pass my stool, but ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If it is just an occasional occurrence, there is no need to worry excessively; it may be influenced by consuming irritating foods or mental stress. However, if there is a persistent change in bowel habits compared to the past, you should consult a gastroenterologist. Chang...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bowel Movements: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Right lower abdominal cramping pain? Hello, Doctor. For the past six months, I have been experiencing unexplained cramping pain in my lower right abdomen. Sometimes it lasts for 1-2 days, and other times up to a week. Typically, the pain only lasts for 5-10 minutes each day befor...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Apply local heat therapy and stretching, paying attention to posture, while also monitoring changes in symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Changes in Bowel Movements: From Formed to Diarrhea
Formed stool at the front followed by diarrhea at the end? Hello, doctor. During my midterm exam today, I suddenly experienced intermittent cramping in my abdomen. I hurriedly submitted my exam and went to the restroom. At first, I had to exert some effort to pass my stool, but t...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If it is just an occasional occurrence, there is no need to worry excessively; it may be influenced by irritating foods or mental stress. If there is a persistent change in bowel habits compared to the past, you should consult a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares ...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bowel Movements: From Formed to Diarrhea
Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Elevated total bilirubin? Hello Dr. Tsai! Recently, I have been experiencing a dull pain in my upper right abdomen, and I'm unsure if it is nerve or muscle pain, so I went to the hospital for an examination. The test results are as follows: Creatinine "1.13" mg/dL,...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The total bilirubin level of "1.8" mg/dL is elevated, and the AST level is "46" U/L, which is also elevated, while the ALT level is "29" U/L. This may be related to alcohol and medication (herbal medicine) intake, so it would be advisable to c...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Recurring Lower Abdominal Cramps: Causes and Solutions
Intermittent cramping pain in the lower abdomen on both sides? Hello, doctor. My bowel habits have been around 3 to 4 times a day for a long time. However, in the past two to three weeks, I have started experiencing abdominal bloating and pain, which seems to move around the midd...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Discomfort in the lower abdomen on both sides may indicate an issue related to the intestines. Conditions such as rapid peristalsis, fecal impaction, or irritable bowel syndrome could be present. It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist to determine whether medica...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Lower Abdominal Cramps: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
There is occasional pain in the lower right abdomen? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my gastrointestinal issues. For about three weeks now, I have been experiencing intermittent discomfort in my lower right abdomen (approximately a few centimeters above the pubic bo...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Continue to monitor and apply local heat compresses; if the condition worsens, seek medical attention again.[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Symptoms and Insights
Abdominal issues? Hello doctor, my bowel habits have been around 3 to 4 times a day for a long time. Recently, over the past 2 to 3 weeks, I've started experiencing abdominal bloating and pain, with discomfort moving around the middle and lower left and right abdomen. My bow...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may also be irritable bowel syndrome; lifestyle and dietary adjustments can be made, and medication may be necessary for control.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Symptoms and Insights
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Insights on Gastrointestinal Issues
Abdominal discomfort? Hello, in April, I went to the emergency room due to abdominal pain and underwent a CT scan, which showed edema and inflammation in the colon. After receiving antibiotics and resting for several days, my condition gradually improved. In May, I was diagnosed ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Continue to follow up with the physician to monitor changes in symptoms and necessary medications/tests.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Insights on Gastrointestinal Issues
Persistent Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps for Diagnosis
Right abdominal dull and sharp pain for almost a month? One night, I was suddenly awakened by what seemed to be acute gastroenteritis, experiencing vomiting and fever. The next morning, I saw a doctor and felt some improvement. However, after a few days, my symptoms worsened. Ini...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please discuss with the attending physician.[Read More] Persistent Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps for Diagnosis
Understanding Right Abdominal Twitches: Causes and When to Seek Help
Right abdominal twitching? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing intermittent twitching around the right side of my abdomen, approximately 5 cm from the navel. This occurs both in the morning and afternoon while standing or sitting. There is no swelling or pain upon p...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Some symptoms may be muscle spasms, while others could be colonic cramps. It is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for a clinical evaluation. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal Twitches: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Do You Need Surgery?
Gallbladder polyp Hello, doctor. Last week, after undergoing an ultrasound examination, I found in my health record that there are few hyperechoic foci without acoustic shadow in the gallbladder wall, with a maximum size of 4.6 mm. The conclusion also states: 3. Stomach distensio...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Surgical removal is considered only for lesions larger than 1 centimeter. Follow-up can be done every 1 to 2 years.[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Do You Need Surgery?
Persistent Upper Abdominal Pain: Next Steps for Diagnosis and Management
Persistent pain in the upper abdomen? Hello doctor, I am currently undergoing treatment for Crohn's disease and have been using biologic agents. After my recent biologic injection, I have experienced persistent discomfort in my upper abdomen. I have tried pressing on various...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please discuss with a gastroenterologist regarding medication management.[Read More] Persistent Upper Abdominal Pain: Next Steps for Diagnosis and Management