Understanding Occult Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention
Fecal occult blood Hello Dr. Chen, I asked you a question on May 13th. At that time, I mentioned that there were some red spots in my stool. However, from May 14th to May 15th, I did not see any blood, but on May 15th, I experienced diarrhea. I would like to know if I should go t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
→ Further observation is possible, or a visit to the clinic for a stool occult blood test.[Read More] Understanding Occult Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Changes in Stool: When to Worry About Your Digestive Health
Bowel-related issues? Hello doctor, about a week ago I had a bout of food poisoning that resulted in diarrhea. Since then, my stools have been consistently thin and loose, and this has continued for a whole week. I typically have bowel movements about two to three times a day, an...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Miss ACO; your symptoms are likely still residual effects of gastroenteritis. If they persist for more than two weeks, I recommend that you consult a physician for evaluation. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Changes in Stool: When to Worry About Your Digestive Health
Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission Risks and Vaccination for Family Members
Family member with hepatitis B? If a family member living together has hepatitis B but is unaware of their exact status, is there a risk of transmission if we share dishes during meals without using serving utensils? If they may have been vaccinated in the past, what blood tests ...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello, Miss Xiao Yuan. Q: If we dine together without using serving utensils and share a dish, is there a risk of transmission? A: Hepatitis B is transmitted through bodily fluids and blood, so the likelihood of transmission during a meal is almost zero. Q: What blood marke...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission Risks and Vaccination for Family Members
Chronic Bloating, Belching, and Nausea: When to Seek Further Gastrointestinal Care
Chronic bloating, belching, and nausea? In recent months, I have been experiencing belching and flatulence whether on an empty stomach or after eating, and my stomach often makes gurgling noises. This is especially noticeable when I lie down to sleep; just exhaling causes my stom...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It still seems like a motility disorder; if you're concerned, you can go to the hospital for an endoscopy and a fecal occult blood test.[Read More] Chronic Bloating, Belching, and Nausea: When to Seek Further Gastrointestinal Care
Understanding Flat Stools: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
The stool is flat? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing continuous diarrhea since December of last year, where I need to have a bowel movement right after eating, along with bowel sounds. I suspect that my large uterine fibroids may be causing abdominal bloating (which has been...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A colonoscopy is not necessary; dietary and medication adjustments will suffice.[Read More] Understanding Flat Stools: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Fecal Occult Blood: Alternatives to Colonoscopy for Seniors
Fecal occult blood My father, who is 80 years old, participated in a senior health check and was found to have a fecal occult blood test result of 500. The doctor recommended a colonoscopy, but my father has poor cardiopulmonary function. Is a result of 500 considered very seriou...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You can discuss the risks of analgesic anesthesia with the anesthesiologist and reassess the necessity of the examination. You may also consider paying out of pocket for cancer marker testing as a reference.[Read More] Understanding Fecal Occult Blood: Alternatives to Colonoscopy for Seniors
Understanding Symptoms Similar to Colon Cancer: A Guide for Patients
Symptoms similar to colorectal cancer? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing dizziness for the past few months, which is similar to symptoms of anemia. Previously, I had frequent rectal bleeding, and my intestines often made peristaltic sounds for a long time, usually occurring ...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Ms. Liu, you can go to the hospital for an evaluation by a gastroenterologist regarding your fecal occult blood test. It would be safer to discuss your symptoms with the doctor. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Symptoms Similar to Colon Cancer: A Guide for Patients
Is My Elevated Direct Bilirubin Due to Anemia or Liver Issues?
Could you please tell me if I really have a liver problem, or is it caused by anemia? This year during my health check-up, my direct bilirubin level was slightly elevated at 0.40 mg/dL, but all other liver function tests were normal. However, there were abnormalities in my blood ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Just need to check the cause of mild anemia.[Read More] Is My Elevated Direct Bilirubin Due to Anemia or Liver Issues?
Do Gallstones and Cholecystitis Always Require Gallbladder Removal?
Is gallbladder removal necessary for gallstones accompanied by cholecystitis? Two weeks ago, I experienced pain on the right side of my abdomen and went to the emergency room. Blood tests showed abnormalities: CRP: 162, Total Bilirubin: 1.5, Segmented Neutrophils: 80, Lymphocytes...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Cholecystectomy is still recommended; please discuss any related issues with your attending physician.[Read More] Do Gallstones and Cholecystitis Always Require Gallbladder Removal?
Understanding Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Positive fecal occult blood test? Hello doctor, I went to the hospital on Monday, March 22, for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and underwent a fecal occult blood test. Today, March 24, the report came back positive with a result of 3+. I usually do not see any blood...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Further examination (colonoscopy) and follow-up should be coordinated with the physician.[Read More] Understanding Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Digestive Issues: When to Seek Further Testing
Bowel issues Hello Doctor: Since childhood, I have had gastrointestinal issues, frequently experiencing diarrhea and bloating. Two years ago, I underwent a fecal occult blood test, which was negative, and I was diagnosed with internal hemorrhoids. In the second half of last year,...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Ms. C, based on your description, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a more likely diagnosis. However, if you continue to experience rectal bleeding, I recommend scheduling a colonoscopy to rule out some rare inflammatory bowel diseases or tumors. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Black Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Black stool Hello doctor, I have been experiencing black stools for about 3 to 4 weeks, and they appear somewhat dark green and mostly in a ribbon-like shape. Occasionally, they return to a deep brown color for a day or two, and sometimes I have diarrhea, where the stools appear ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
→It should not be the case; alternatively, a stool occult blood test can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Black Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Tests: Detecting Polyps and IBS
What are the related issues regarding fecal occult blood testing? Thank you for the doctor's response. So, polyps smaller than 1 cm cannot be detected, but polyps larger than 1 cm are benign. Does this mean that polyps smaller than 1 cm are likely to progress to colorectal c...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Polyps that are 1 cm in size are more likely to become malignant, but they can be easily detected through fecal occult blood screening. Polyps smaller than 1 cm (especially those less than 0.5 cm) are mostly benign and are less likely to yield a positive occult blood test, so the...[Read More] Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Tests: Detecting Polyps and IBS
Differentiating Between Colon Polyps and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Distinguishing between colorectal polyps and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? How can I distinguish whether my current condition is colorectal polyps or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? My current symptoms include severe constipation (having a bowel movement every 3 to 4 days), thi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) should be considered. Polyps are a separate diagnosis and are not related to symptoms. Generally, fecal occult blood screening should begin at age 50 or older. Individuals with symptoms may consider seeking early evaluation and examination through h...[Read More] Differentiating Between Colon Polyps and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Can Stool Tests Detect Polyps or Colon Cancer Risks?
Can fecal occult blood testing detect the presence of polyps? Today, I followed your advice and took a fecal occult blood test. When I asked the doctor some related questions, I was taken aback by his response. He said that the fecal occult blood test cannot determine whether the...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The immunochemical fecal occult blood test has high accuracy and should be used for initial screening. Domestic research reports indicate that 96.4% of patients with colorectal cancer tested positive using the immunochemical method.[Read More] Can Stool Tests Detect Polyps or Colon Cancer Risks?
Can Fecal Occult Blood Tests Detect Polyps in Colorectal Cancer?
Can fecal occult blood testing detect the presence of polyps? Hello doctor, I understand the accuracy of fecal occult blood testing for colorectal cancer. Can fecal occult blood testing detect colorectal cancer in the absence of polyps? Thank you for your response.
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Only larger polyps (>1 cm) have greater predictive value. In addition, polyps <1 cm are mostly benign.[Read More] Can Fecal Occult Blood Tests Detect Polyps in Colorectal Cancer?
Understanding Bloating and Changes in Stool Consistency: When to Seek Help
Inquire about the issue of bloating and changes in stool diameter? I would like to ask the doctor a few questions. Twelve days ago, before the Lunar New Year, I had a big meal at a hot pot restaurant and used about half a jar of satay sauce. After returning home, I started experi...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: When treating symptoms of gastroenteritis, it is important to pay attention to diet and prevent dehydration. After gastroenteritis, it takes some time for gastrointestinal function to recover. A fecal occult blood test should be meaningful. For those with a family history ...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Changes in Stool Consistency: When to Seek Help
Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain Above the Navel
Mild pain slightly to the right above the navel? Hello, Doctor. For the past month and a half, I have been experiencing occasional pain just above my navel (about the size of a palm), slightly to the right. Initially, it was a sharp pain that occurred sporadically, but over the p...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there is no weight loss, dietary or medication treatment can be considered. If convenient, a stool occult blood test can also be performed first.[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain Above the Navel
Understanding Pancreatic Shadows: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Pancreatic examination At the end of January, I had a CT scan, and the doctor mentioned there was a shadow on my pancreas, advising me to return for follow-up in three months. Later, I went to the Veterans General Hospital for an MRI and underwent related blood tests (about 10 it...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
→ Discuss the follow-up plan with the attending physician regarding the results.[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Shadows: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Bowel Issues: Can Stool Tests Detect Colon Polyps?
Bowel issues Hello Doctor, regarding the question I asked yesterday, the doctor's suggestion was to check for fecal occult blood. Can this fecal occult blood test also detect the presence of colorectal polyps? As a follow-up to yesterday's question, I would like to add ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is often a functional disorder or hyperactivity syndrome; a stool examination can be performed first to rule out intestinal lesions.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Can Stool Tests Detect Colon Polyps?