Is Your Stool Black? Understanding Gastrointestinal Health Concerns
Is it blood in the stool? Hello Doctor, I visited the hospital in March this year due to issues with diarrhea upon waking up. The doctor did not conduct any tests and diagnosed it as irritable bowel syndrome. After taking medication, my bowel movements returned to normal, but som...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A fecal occult blood test can be performed for confirmation.[Read More] Is Your Stool Black? Understanding Gastrointestinal Health Concerns
Understanding Fever Symptoms in Acute and Drug-Induced Hepatitis
Drug-induced hepatitis Hello, doctor! I would like to inquire whether acute hepatitis and drug-induced hepatitis commonly present with fever as a symptom. My father recently had regular blood tests at a major hospital's hematology department. Four days before his follow-up a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
First, a thorough examination of imaging studies and blood cultures should be conducted at the hospital to understand the relationship between the hepatitis and fever.[Read More] Understanding Fever Symptoms in Acute and Drug-Induced Hepatitis
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Levels: Do You Need a Booster Vaccine?
Hepatitis B antibodies In last September's health check, the Hepatitis B antigen was 0.29, and the Hepatitis B antibody was 22.99. Are these values too low? Do I need to receive a booster vaccine? A friend is a carrier, and I have previously come into contact with his bleedi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Currently, there is no consensus on the need for a booster shot for everyone. However, individuals who are concerned can choose to pay for an additional dose and have their blood tested for effectiveness one month later.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Levels: Do You Need a Booster Vaccine?
Understanding Digestive Issues: Managing Symptoms and Treatment Options
Bowel issues? Hello, Doctor. After my gastroscopy, the physician mentioned that I have some abrasions in my stomach (but not to the level of an ulcer) and mild inflammation in the duodenum. I have been prescribed the following medications: Yao Ning (20 mg), magnesium oxide tablet...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. A-Wen, Question 1: It is normal for patients with faster intestinal motility to excrete mushrooms or high-fiber foods intact. This is a common phenomenon among patients with irritable bowel syndrome. You may want to have your gastroenterologist evaluate this. Question...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Managing Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Digestive Issues: Insights on Medication and Diet Impact
Digestion and Defecation Hello, Dr. Tsai. After my gastroscopy, the doctor mentioned that I have some abrasions in my stomach and mild inflammation in my duodenum. Previously, I was taking medications including Omeprazole (20 mg), Magnesium Oxide (250 mg), and Gastronorm (40 mg) ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. It may not necessarily be related; if you have concerns, you can stop using it for now. 2. Food should be chewed thoroughly; any formed substances are likely due to inadequate chewing. 3. The frequency of follow-up examinations should be assessed by a clinical physician...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Insights on Medication and Diet Impact
Understanding Digestive Issues: Causes and Solutions for Abnormal Bowel Movements
Bowel irregularities Hello, Doctor. I previously consulted with you, and I appreciate your kind and professional response. After undergoing an endoscopy, the doctor mentioned that I have some abrasions in my stomach and mild inflammation in the duodenum. I was initially prescribe...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English.[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Causes and Solutions for Abnormal Bowel Movements
Understanding Loose Stools: Causes and Concerns for Digestive Health
Loose stools that disintegrate upon flushing? I have been experiencing loose stools for a month now, which break apart and stain the entire toilet bowl. Is this normal, or could it be caused by some underlying disease? This has not happened before, and I often see food remnants l...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely just irritable bowel syndrome. If necessary, seek medical attention for stool occult blood testing or medication. Chew food thoroughly during meals.[Read More] Understanding Loose Stools: Causes and Concerns for Digestive Health
Understanding Black Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Black stool Hello, doctor. Yesterday, during bowel movement, the first two-thirds of the stool was black, well-formed, and of normal thickness, but it had a shiny surface! It was also more difficult to flush than usual (was it sticky?). The remaining part was a normal coffee colo...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there are no symptoms (such as abdominal pain), observation can be considered. If there are concerns, a fecal occult blood test can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Black Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Long-term Bloating and Changes in Bowel Habits
Chronic bloating and changes in bowel habits? Hello Doctor, thank you for answering my questions. I am a 19-year-old student. Since early December 2019, I have been experiencing upper abdominal bloating. After undergoing ultrasound, blood tests, and an endoscopy, I was diagnosed ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to follow up with the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for treatment. After the colonoscopy, please review the report. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool, malnutrition, weight loss, and fever. A colon...[Read More] Understanding Long-term Bloating and Changes in Bowel Habits
Understanding Medications for Stomach Ulcers: Side Effects and Management
Medications for Peptic Ulcer Disease Hello, Doctor. After my gastroscopy, the doctor mentioned that I have some abrasions (likely referring to a duodenal ulcer) and mild inflammation in my stomach. The doctor prescribed Ulcerin (20 mg), magnesium oxide tablets (250 mg), and Gasco...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please discuss medication adjustments with the original gastroenterologist, and pay attention to dietary changes. A fecal occult blood test may also be added.[Read More] Understanding Medications for Stomach Ulcers: Side Effects and Management
Understanding Right-Sided Lower Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Right-sided lower back pain? I apologize for the interruption. Since I started staying up late to study for exams in middle school, I would even pull all-nighters. Afterward, I would occasionally experience sharp pain in my lower right back that lasts for about a day, but then it...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The liver does not have pain receptors, so inflammation will not present any symptoms unless it is in a very severe state. Your condition is likely not serious. Instead, you should pay attention to whether your sitting posture is correct or if you have been sitting for a l...[Read More] Understanding Right-Sided Lower Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Is Ascites Always a Sign of Cirrhosis in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients?
If my mother has hepatitis C, does the presence of ascites necessarily indicate cirrhosis? Hello, doctor. My mother had slightly elevated hepatitis C levels three months ago. However, she underwent blood tests, ultrasound, and fetal protein tests at the hospital, all of which wer...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Cooperate with the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment. Simple initial-stage cirrhosis with ascites is not difficult to manage; please follow the physician's medication regimen and limit salt intake.[Read More] Is Ascites Always a Sign of Cirrhosis in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients?
Understanding Liver Function Tests: What Your ALT and AST Levels Mean
Liver function inquiry? Hello Dr. Chen, my blood test results show an ALT of 47 and an AST of 24. Three months ago and six months ago, my ALT levels were 61 and 45, respectively. The doctor also tested for hepatitis B and C, and there were no issues. I would like to ask if these ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Liver-protective medications may not be necessary, but it is important to actively lose weight, primarily through dietary control (reducing caloric intake) and supplemented by exercise, aiming for a weight loss of 3-5%.[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: What Your ALT and AST Levels Mean
Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Seek Help from a Gastroenterologist
Bowel movement issues Hello doctor, recently my stool has been somewhat concerning. At first, it was about two fingers wide and had some cracks, but the later stools were compressed and smooth. Is there anything I should pay attention to regarding this? I've also been eating...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may be related to the amount of dietary fiber, and further observation is warranted. If concerned, a stool occult blood test can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Seek Help from a Gastroenterologist
Understanding Deep Yellow Rectal Discharge: Causes and Concerns
The anus is discharging a deep yellow liquid with a foul odor? Hello, today I have been frequently using the restroom because I feel a liquid is leaking out, and it has a somewhat foul odor. My stools have become thin, and liquid is expelled along with gas and during bowel moveme...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may be related to gastrointestinal discomfort or changes in bowel movements. Dietary adjustments can be made for observation. If symptoms persist, medication can be taken for management, and a stool occult blood test can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Deep Yellow Rectal Discharge: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Mucus in Stool and Watery Diarrhea: When to Seek Help
Mucus in stool, watery flatulence (liquid but without feces)? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing long-term constipation, which has led to straining during bowel movements and hemorrhoids (both internal and external). I previously consulted a doctor for my internal hemorrhoids...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Fecal occult blood testing can be performed first, and medication/dietary adjustments are often related to irritable bowel syndrome.[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool and Watery Diarrhea: When to Seek Help
Persistent Abdominal Pain: Understanding Your Symptoms and Next Steps
There has been a dull pain in the lower left abdomen and the upper right abdomen for more than three months? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing intermittent pain in my left lower abdomen and right upper abdomen for over three months (the pain in the right upper abdomen is mor...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Some discomfort may not necessarily indicate an issue with the organs, but rather a functional problem. If you have already undergone gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and ultrasound without any significant abnormalities, it may be necessary to improve your condition through emoti...[Read More] Persistent Abdominal Pain: Understanding Your Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Mild Yellowing of the Eyes: Is It a Sign of Liver Issues?
Slightly yellow sclera? Hello doctor, I recently had blood tests and my liver enzyme levels were at 150. The urine test showed normal bilirubin levels, but a few days later, I noticed that the whites of my eyes were slightly yellow, although not very noticeable. Could this be rel...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is possible; please return for a follow-up appointment to check the bilirubin levels.[Read More] Understanding Mild Yellowing of the Eyes: Is It a Sign of Liver Issues?
Understanding Irregular Bowel Movements: Causes and Concerns
Bowel Movements and Gastrointestinal Issues Hello, Doctor: I have a habit of using the restroom in the morning, but my bowel movements are quite irregular. I notice three different types of stools. The first type is unformed, but it is not like diarrhea; the stool does not mix wi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may just be irritable bowel syndrome; if you're concerned, you should see a doctor and get a stool occult blood test.[Read More] Understanding Irregular Bowel Movements: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Yellowish Mucus in Stool: Is It a Sign of Colon Issues?
Fecal occult blood is normal (negative), but each time there is yellowish-white thick mucus present? Hello, Doctor! I am 28 years old, and about a month and a half ago, I started feeling a persistent swelling and burning sensation in my anus, even when I am not having a bowel mov...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The colon naturally secretes mucus, so as long as the occult blood test is negative and there are no discomforting symptoms, there is no need for excessive concern.[Read More] Understanding Yellowish Mucus in Stool: Is It a Sign of Colon Issues?