Vaccination Guidelines for Hepatitis B Patients Before Pregnancy
Can patients with hepatitis B receive three different vaccines simultaneously? Hello, doctor. A patient with hepatitis B wants to get vaccinated before pregnancy. They have already received the first dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine on August 25, as well as t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
In general, there should be at least a two-week interval between each type of vaccine. It is advisable to first test for hepatitis A antibodies; if positive, it indicates lifelong protection. If planning for pregnancy after vaccination, it is recommended to consult with an obstet...[Read More] Vaccination Guidelines for Hepatitis B Patients Before Pregnancy
Understanding Bloating and Belching: Gastrointestinal Concerns Explained
Belching issues? Hello, doctor. Last year, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and was diagnosed with a gastric ulcer and Helicobacter pylori infection. After taking medication for six months, I experienced gastrointestinal discomfort and frequent diarrhea in August o...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there is no significant weight loss, symptomatic treatment and dietary control are sufficient. Additionally, a fecal occult blood test may be performed.[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Belching: Gastrointestinal Concerns Explained
Understanding Bowel Shape and Gastrointestinal Issues: Expert Insights
I would like to ask the doctor about issues related to the stomach and the shape of stool? Hello Doctor, 1. I would like to ask you about my ongoing issue with irregular bowel movements (constipation). I have noticed some improvement after taking probiotics, but the stools I pas...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely a mild abnormality in peristaltic digestion. Maintaining a normal diet and routine, along with appropriate medication to control symptoms, should suffice. If concerned, a stool occult blood test can be added.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Shape and Gastrointestinal Issues: Expert Insights
Understanding Changes in Stool Size: Is It a Sign of Rectal Cancer?
Narrow stools? Hello, doctor. About a week ago, my stool was of normal thickness, but it suddenly became thin and short, about the size of a pinky finger. I have been having bowel movements 1 to 2 times daily, and there are instances of mild diarrhea, but no blood in the stool. O...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please perform a fecal occult blood test.[Read More] Understanding Changes in Stool Size: Is It a Sign of Rectal Cancer?
Does Diarrhea Affect the Accuracy of Fecal Occult Blood Tests?
Does diarrhea with loose stools affect the accuracy of a fecal occult blood test? In the past couple of months, I've been experiencing unexplained pain in my left abdomen, so I underwent a fecal occult blood test. I did this twice; the first time was around mid-July, and I d...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It should still maintain accuracy and can be further discussed with a physician.[Read More] Does Diarrhea Affect the Accuracy of Fecal Occult Blood Tests?
Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Lower abdominal pain Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing excessive flatulence for about a year (occurring daily, mostly in the evening, and without any foul odor). About a month ago, I started having pain in the lower right and lower left abdomen. Since this occurred during my...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Although you have soft stools and are not constipated, it is important to pay attention to the issue of retained stool. Additionally, consuming more meat or legumes can increase intestinal gas. You may also consider probiotics, as an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the g...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Digestive Issues: Gas, Constipation, and Concerns About Colon Cancer
Bowel-related issues? Hello, doctor. I have a history of bloating and constipation. Over the past 2 to 3 weeks, my bloating has become severe enough that I have little appetite, and my stools have become much thinner, about the thickness of my thumb. Occasionally, I experience di...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello, Miss Anonymous. If your symptoms do not improve with medication, you may want to discuss with your doctor the possibility of scheduling a colonoscopy. The likelihood of colorectal cancer is low, so you shouldn't be too concerned. If the examination shows no issues, it...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Gas, Constipation, and Concerns About Colon Cancer
Understanding Pancreatic Cysts and Liver Hemangiomas: What You Need to Know
Pancreatic cysts and hepatic hemangioma? Due to the abdominal X-ray report indicating an opaque nodule, I recently went to the hospital for further examination. An abdominal ultrasound revealed: 1. Fatty liver, 2. A small cyst on the pancreas, and 3. A hemangioma in the liver. Th...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: There are no symptoms, and blood tests are normal. The doctor recommends regular follow-up every three to six months. Essentially, there is a hepatic hemangioma and a simple cyst in the pancreas, both of which are benign lesions. The number and size of these lesions are un...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Cysts and Liver Hemangiomas: What You Need to Know
Understanding Stomach Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Stomach pain issues? Thank you, doctor. I would like to ask about my condition. About two months ago, I started experiencing discomfort in my stomach that lasted for one to two weeks. Sometimes I had constipation, and occasionally diarrhea, but I did not have a fever. My bowel mo...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: It is advisable to pay attention to your diet and treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Common causes of pancreatitis include alcohol consumption, biliary issues, and hyperlipidemia. It is recommended to avoid overly greasy and sweet foods. Blood tests and imaging ...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Testing for Colon Cancer and Polyps
Fecal occult blood Hello Dr. Chen, 1. What is the accuracy rate of fecal occult blood testing for colorectal cancer? 2. Can it detect colorectal polyps? If so, should a colonoscopy be performed for polyp removal? 3. If polyps were removed during a colonoscopy five years ago, ca...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Larger polyps and colorectal cancer often show positive fecal occult blood tests, with a relatively high accuracy. The frequency of follow-up for polyps varies depending on their number and size, so please discuss this with your original physician. Anal fissures typically require...[Read More] Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Testing for Colon Cancer and Polyps
Understanding Colorectal Cancer Risks and MRI Limitations
Colorectal cancer MRI Doctor, I had a full-body MRI last year, and there is a liver nodule about 1 cm in size. I underwent a colonoscopy six and a half years ago. I have noticed some white mucus in my stool, and recently I've been experiencing significant gastrointestinal di...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Colorectal cancer screening only requires a fecal occult blood test, so there is no need to worry too much. Liver nodules can be monitored with ultrasound.[Read More] Understanding Colorectal Cancer Risks and MRI Limitations
Understanding Fatty Liver: Risks of Fibrosis with Normal Liver Enzymes
Fatty liver disease issues? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if, in cases of moderate to severe fatty liver disease, where blood tests show normal liver enzymes and there is no evidence of hepatitis B, will the liver continue to undergo fibrosis? Or is there a possibility, but i...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There is still a chance, but the risk of developing diabetes is high in 10 years. Please focus on losing weight.[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Risks of Fibrosis with Normal Liver Enzymes
Understanding Bowel Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Bowel movement issues Hello Doctor: In the past few weeks, I have been experiencing a sensation of needing to have a bowel movement while urinating (which is not usual for me), but I am unable to do so. The color of my stool is mixed, resembling a combination of coffee brown and ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. You may consider changing your dietary habits by ensuring adequate hydration and increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables. If there is no improvement, you can consult a gastroenterologist to see if an endoscopy is recommended. 2. Dietary considerations include av...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Bowel Issues: Causes and When to Seek Help
Bowel movement issues Hello Doctor: In the past few weeks, I have been experiencing the sensation of needing to have a bowel movement while urinating (which is not usual for me), but I am unable to do so. The color of my stool is mixed, resembling a combination of coffee and brow...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. You may consider changing your dietary habits by ensuring adequate hydration and increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables. If there is no improvement, you may consult a gastroenterologist to see if an endoscopy is recommended. 2. Dietary considerations include av...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Right Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Discomfort in the right abdominal area? In April and May, I experienced pain in the lower left abdomen, approximately in the area of the sigmoid colon. At that time, the clinic doctor used a stethoscope to listen to the abdominal sounds and indicated that the pain was due to inte...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Left lower abdominal pain, bloating, and increased bowel movements. Symptoms have improved with medication treatment including analgesics, prokinetic agents, anti-flatulence medications, antacids, and laxatives. Occasionally, pain is felt on the left side and sometimes on the rig...[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Managing IBS: Tips for Improvement and Treatment Options
Inquiry about Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) issues? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) this May, and it has been over two months since then. My diarrhea has been inconsistent, with periods of improvement and worsening. My stool occult blood test re...
Dr. Zhang Kebin Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen, methods to improve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) include pharmacological assistance, adjustments to lifestyle and dietary habits, and most importantly, relaxation. These changes do not happen overnight. Thank you.[Read More] Managing IBS: Tips for Improvement and Treatment Options
Understanding Stool Color: What It Means for Your Digestive Health
Stool color Hello, doctor. Recently, my stool has been very dark, but I do not have constipation; I have bowel movements twice a day, in the morning and evening. The toilet paper I use is yellow (my bowel movements take no more than 3 minutes; as soon as I sit down, I have a bowe...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
As long as the fecal occult blood test is normal, there is no need to be overly concerned about color changes due to food intake.[Read More] Understanding Stool Color: What It Means for Your Digestive Health
Understanding Fatty Liver: Key Questions and Management Strategies
Fatty liver disease issues? Hello Doctor, last September when I had my blood drawn, my liver function was abnormal with GOT at 30 and GPT at 52. During the ultrasound examination, the doctor mentioned that I had severe fatty liver (I think I heard the doctor mention cell death, b...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
As long as the BMI is maintained within the normal range and liver function is normal, that is sufficient.[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Key Questions and Management Strategies
Is Your Recurring Abdominal Discomfort a Sign of Colon Cancer?
Could the intermittent sensation of urgency and heaviness in the abdomen be a sign of colon cancer? I had been experiencing a feeling of urgency and incomplete evacuation for a while, which made me worry about the possibility of colon cancer. However, after a few days, the sympto...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Fecal occult blood test reference.[Read More] Is Your Recurring Abdominal Discomfort a Sign of Colon Cancer?
Understanding Bloating and Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Concerns
Bloating issues Hello, doctor. I have a few symptoms I would like to inquire about: 1. For the past three to four days, I have been feeling a bit bloated in my abdomen. My bowel movements and flatulence are normal, but I still experience a bloated sensation throughout the day. Ad...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Bloating, constipation, and consuming excessive spicy foods can all contribute to these symptoms. Additionally, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may present similar symptoms. It is recommended to maintain a light diet and ensure adequate hydration along with the intake of fr...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Concerns