Understanding Pink Fibers in Stool: Is Watermelon the Cause?
Bowel-related issues Hello, Doctor. I noticed some pink, fibrous objects in my stool after a bowel movement. Could this be caused by eating watermelon in the past few days? Thank you, Doctor.
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Further observation is recommended, and a stool occult blood test may be performed if necessary.[Read More] Understanding Pink Fibers in Stool: Is Watermelon the Cause?
Understanding Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test Results: Next Steps
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) Hello, doctor. After my health check-up in August, I recently received the report, and the result of the fecal occult blood test was 15 ng/ml - positive. Should I undergo another test, or is it necessary to have a colonoscopy? Thank you for taking t...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Ms. A: I recommend that you first consult with a colorectal specialist to evaluate the possible causes. If you are concerned about a colorectal issue, you may need to consider a colonoscopy. Director Cai Jin-ji, Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology, Nantou Hospi...[Read More] Understanding Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test Results: Next Steps
Understanding Green Mucus in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Green mucus Hello, doctor. I previously visited a physician due to an anal fissure, and at that time, I only experienced difficulty with bowel movements. Now, I no longer feel pain during bowel movements, and there is no green mucus being expelled. However, recently, I have notic...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Bacterial infections can cause redness, swelling, heat, and pain. If there are no symptoms, observation may be sufficient, or a stool occult blood test can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Green Mucus in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Your Digestive Health: Variations in Stool and Symptoms
I would like to consult a physician? I have recently noticed changes in my bowel movements. Sometimes I experience mild constipation, while other times I have soft stools. The color of my stool varies; sometimes it is yellow-brown, and at other times, there are sections that are ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Most changes in stool patterns are caused by diet, and further observation is recommended. If there are concerns, a fecal occult blood test can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Your Digestive Health: Variations in Stool and Symptoms
Understanding Green Stool: Is It Related to Jaundice or Gastrointestinal Issues?
Green stool, thin and thick stool? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if green stool is related to jaundice. I have been passing green stool for the past few days and I'm concerned it might be related to gastrointestinal diseases. Also, the stool I passed has a diameter of a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You may resume a normal diet and increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. Continue to monitor the color and appearance of your stool. If necessary, a stool occult blood test can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Green Stool: Is It Related to Jaundice or Gastrointestinal Issues?
Understanding Red Streaks in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Bowel issues Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to inquire about an incident that happened recently. A few mornings ago, I noticed that my stool had several segments, and on the surface, there were some reddish patches that appeared brick-red in color, blending with the stool. However...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may be advisable to continue monitoring the situation, and if there are concerns, a fecal occult blood test can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Red Streaks in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Fecal Occult Blood and Ferritin Testing in Gastrointestinal Health
Fecal occult blood test and ferritin level assessment? Hello Doctor, I underwent fecal occult blood testing and transferrin testing at the hospital. After researching online, I have some confusion and would like to ask: 1. Is the fecal occult blood immunoassay generally used to...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
I have not used fecal ferritin and cannot provide any recommendations.[Read More] Understanding Fecal Occult Blood and Ferritin Testing in Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Rectal Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Rectal issues Hello Doctor: In April of this year, I started consuming a lot of spicy foods and sitting for long periods, which led to sudden difficulties with bowel movements. I experienced frequent urges to defecate, but each time the stool volume was very small or nonexistent....
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello Mr. Zhang, if your colon examination was normal, it is possible that you may have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) given your age. You can improve your lifestyle by reducing the intake of irritants and spicy foods, increasing your consumption of fruits and vegetables, drinkin...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Right Rib Pain: Symptoms and Necessary Tests
There is a feeling of fullness on the inner side of the lower right rib cage? Dr. Chen, I have a question: Six years ago, I experienced frequent abdominal bloating and discomfort, so I consulted a gastroenterologist. The hospital diagnosed me with excessive stomach acid, mild gas...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may still be a gastrointestinal motility or digestion issue. An ultrasound can be performed to rule out extrinsic gastrointestinal lesions. A fecal occult blood test can be conducted for the colon.[Read More] Understanding Right Rib Pain: Symptoms and Necessary Tests
Understanding Red Stains in Stool: What Could They Be?
There is a small amount of red in the stool? I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It may be food residue. If there is blood in the stool, you can observe whether it disperses into red water in the toilet next time, or take a sample of the abnormal area and seek medical attention for a fecal occult blood test. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. D...[Read More] Understanding Red Stains in Stool: What Could They Be?
Managing Iron Deficiency Anemia from Duodenal Ulcers: Challenges and Solutions
Duodenal ulcer causing iron deficiency anemia with poor absorption of iron supplements? Hello Doctor, in early April 2020, I visited the clinic due to black stools and underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The results indicated a duodenal ulcer. Since I delayed seeking t...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If it is confirmed that there is no bleeding from the stomach or colon, you can consult a hematologist to investigate whether there is hereditary Mediterranean anemia or other blood-related issues. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Managing Iron Deficiency Anemia from Duodenal Ulcers: Challenges and Solutions
Should I See a Gastroenterologist for My Abdominal Concerns?
Please ask your question? Hello Dr. Chen, I recently accompanied my girlfriend to see a doctor because she was diagnosed with an abdominal cyst and underwent surgery. My girlfriend is quite slim, but her lower abdomen appears quite large. Now, when I look at myself, I feel like m...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is recommended to monitor waist circumference and weight first.[Read More] Should I See a Gastroenterologist for My Abdominal Concerns?
Understanding Chronic Gastritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Chronic gastritis Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing discomfort in my stomach for the past few months. I underwent blood tests and urinalysis at the hospital, both of which came back normal. The doctor said there was no need for medication, but I still feel uncomfortable, so ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Some discomfort may not show abnormalities in blood tests, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or gastritis, where blood tests may appear normal. It is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist and consider self-medication. You should reduce the intake of caffeinated b...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Gastritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Understanding Elevated SGPT: Fatty Liver and Hepatitis Concerns
Elevated SGPT (Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transamin Hello, I recently had a blood test at the clinic and found that my GOT level is normal at 39 U/L, while my GPT level is abnormal at 111 U/L. On the same day, I also had an ultrasound that revealed fatty liver. My body fat percenta...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely that the abnormal liver function is caused by fatty liver, but it is still recommended to rule out the possibility of hepatitis B or C. Additionally, blood lipids are not necessarily proportional to the severity of fatty liver. It is important to reduce starch intake...[Read More] Understanding Elevated SGPT: Fatty Liver and Hepatitis Concerns
Understanding Rectal Discomfort: Causes of Pressure and Spasms
Anal heaviness with occasional spasms? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing a persistent feeling of heaviness in my rectum (the area near the anus) for the past few months. At times, it feels like cramps and sharp pain, and in severe cases, the pain radiates to my abdomen, caus...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Please pay attention to whether there are irritants in your diet, such as caffeine, spicy foods, or foods that may cause loose stools. In addition to the aforementioned conditions, rapid bowel movements can also be caused by certain foods. If the problem persists, you may ...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Discomfort: Causes of Pressure and Spasms
Persistent Abdominal Discomfort: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
There is a persistent sensation in the stomach? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing long-term issues with my stools not being formed. Recently, I have been on a weight loss regimen, running daily and eating less. For the past month, I have felt a persistent bloating sensation ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If symptoms persist and the initial medication is ineffective, further examinations such as gastroscopy and/or ultrasound, as well as fecal occult blood testing, may be warranted.[Read More] Persistent Abdominal Discomfort: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Discomfort and Bowel Issues
Left lower abdominal discomfort and bowel movement issues? Hello Doctor: About a month ago, I started feeling a sensation of fullness in my lower left abdomen. Most of the time, it is not painful, but occasionally I experience slight bloating and discomfort. After visiting the do...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Normal individuals naturally have the ability to temporarily store feces, so there is no need to worry about the presence of fecal matter on X-ray images. As long as bowel movements occur every 1 to 3 days and the fecal occult blood test is negative, there is no cause for concern...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Discomfort and Bowel Issues
Lower Abdominal Pain When Taking Deep Breaths: Causes and Insights
Pain in the lower abdomen when taking a deep breath? Hello doctor, I've recently been experiencing soreness just above the pubic bone when I take deep breaths, which is more noticeable when sitting. This has been ongoing for about 3 to 4 days. There is no pain when I press o...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Local heat application can be performed, followed by observation. If necessary, a fecal occult blood test may be conducted. Additionally, a consultation with a urology clinic can be considered.[Read More] Lower Abdominal Pain When Taking Deep Breaths: Causes and Insights
Should You Treat Helicobacter Pylori? Probiotics and Your Gut Health
Helicobacter pylori and probiotics? Hello Doctor: I previously had a health check where blood tests indicated the presence of Helicobacter pylori. I have reviewed past Q&As and some literature; many sources suggest that Helicobacter pylori does not require special attention o...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Gastroenterologists still recommend eradicating Helicobacter pylori. Probiotics may have some benefits, but their effectiveness is unclear. Please visit a gastroenterology clinic for further discussion.[Read More] Should You Treat Helicobacter Pylori? Probiotics and Your Gut Health
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Management Insights
Gastrointestinal issues Dr. Lin: Hello, I have been experiencing abdominal discomfort for half a month. Initially, my symptoms included unformed stools that were loose and soft, occasionally containing undigested food particles, which felt like indigestion. After eating, I would ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 31-year-old female has been experiencing abdominal discomfort, loose stools, indigestion, and frequent bloating for the past two weeks. She has seen a gastroenterologist, and her symptoms have improved; it is likely a case of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with symptoms...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Management Insights