Questions for the Doctor: Managing Liver Health and Medication Concerns
I have some questions to ask the doctor? Doctor: Hello. I have some questions I would like to ask you: 1. I was hospitalized for acute hepatitis two months ago, which started my use of Belec. By the end of October, my liver function tests returned to normal; however, due to pract...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Generally, the side effects of Belarck are rare, and clinically, very few people experience drowsiness after taking it. This method of medication should be avoided as it can lead to drug resistance or the occurrence of fulminant hepatitis. 2. Gastrointestinal or hepatob...[Read More] Questions for the Doctor: Managing Liver Health and Medication Concerns
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes and Solutions for Bloating and Belching
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor, regarding the question I asked you last time, I later went to see a gastroenterologist. The doctor tested my stool again and said there was no trace of blood, and my blood tests were normal. My bowel movements are also normal now. I forgot to...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Do not drink too quickly; if swallowing other substances is not an issue, there is no need to worry too much. 2. Belching may indicate that there is gas in the stomach, which could be due to poor gastric emptying or gas in the intestines. 3. If there is not too much sto...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes and Solutions for Bloating and Belching
Understanding Mucus in Stool: Symptoms and Concerns for Your Gut Health
Mucus in stool? About a year ago, I started experiencing abdominal pain in the morning, which made me urgently need to use the restroom. After using the bathroom, I felt much better. I also noticed that my stools contained a significant amount of mucus and were unformed, almost a...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Based on the symptoms, intestinal inflammation is the most likely condition. You should consult a gastroenterologist.[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool: Symptoms and Concerns for Your Gut Health
Understanding Stage 4 Gallbladder Cancer: Key Questions and Insights
Questions about Stage IV Gallbladder Cancer Hello, Doctor: My relative was diagnosed with stage IV gallbladder cancer in early October. Currently, the gallbladder and tumor have been removed (the tumor was small), and part of the liver and nearby lymph nodes were also excised to ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
1. Yes. 2. It is stage IV. 3. A biopsy of the lesion should be performed during surgery for pathological examination.[Read More] Understanding Stage 4 Gallbladder Cancer: Key Questions and Insights
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions
Gastrointestinal issues I have been coughing up yellow phlegm for two weeks. On Thursday, October 11, I visited the ENT department at Zhongxiao Hospital. The doctor took an X-ray and diagnosed me with mild pneumonia. Since everyone in my household has been coughing for nearly a m...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. It may initially be a side effect of erythromycin. 2. Antibiotics can kill the normal flora in the intestines, allowing certain suppressed bacterial species, such as Clostridium difficile, to overgrow and cause pseudomembranous colitis. 3. Inflammation can also lead to ...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions
Understanding Hepatitis C Window Period and Screening Necessity
Request for assistance: The necessity of screening and the window period for Hepatitis C? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about the window period and assessment for Hepatitis C. My previous job involved specimen collection at an external laboratory. Since the specimens were...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. There is no longer any concern about being infected with Hepatitis C, so please rest assured. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Window Period and Screening Necessity
Evening Bloating: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
Unexplained abdominal bloating at night? Hello Doctor, recently I experienced pain when pressing above my navel, so I went to the hospital for a consultation. They arranged for a fecal occult blood test (chemical method), which showed a positive reaction for occult blood. After t...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. Sheng, the primary cause of fecal occult blood is usually related to issues in the colon. It is recommended that you undergo a colonoscopy. Although you had an upper endoscopy and no findings were detected, even if subsequent tests for occult blood are negative, it is s...[Read More] Evening Bloating: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
Chronic Diarrhea and Painful Bowel Movements: When to Seek Help?
Chronic diarrhea with painful bowel movements? Hello, Doctor. Since the end of last year, I have been experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort. Initially, it started with bloating, loss of appetite, and nausea after eating just a few bites. In the middle of this period until now,...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, we recommend that you visit the gastroenterology outpatient department at the hospital for examination and treatment. If necessary, a consultation with related specialties can also be arranged. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Chronic Diarrhea and Painful Bowel Movements: When to Seek Help?
Understanding Fecal Occult Blood: Is It Related to Polyp Removal?
Regarding fecal occult blood issues? Hello Doctor, in mid-June of this year, I experienced abdominal pain and after examination, I was diagnosed with diverticulitis. After treatment, I underwent a colonoscopy, and the doctor said everything was normal, and at that time, a polyp w...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It seems that the time between your colon polypectomy and the positive fecal occult blood test was quite prolonged. We should consider the possibility of other lesions, and if necessary, a repeat colonoscopy may be warranted. Changhua Hospital is concerned about your ...[Read More] Understanding Fecal Occult Blood: Is It Related to Polyp Removal?
Understanding Fatty Liver in Children: Concerns and Solutions
Liver issues? Hello, doctor: I have a son who is currently in the fifth grade. The school arranged for a blood test, and it was found that he has fatty liver disease. His liver enzyme levels have not improved, and even after taking liver-protective medication from the hospital, t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, please visit the Hepatobiliary outpatient clinic at the hospital to confirm the cause and treatment direction. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver in Children: Concerns and Solutions
Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Tests in Long-Term Hemorrhoid Patients
Long-term hemorrhoid patients and fecal occult blood testing? Hello doctor, I recently had a fecal occult blood test during my health check-up, and the result came back positive. However, I know that I have had mild hemorrhoids for a long time (which I have shown to my doctor mul...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Mr. The presence of bleeding from hemorrhoids can indeed lead to a positive fecal occult blood test. However, a positive fecal occult blood test cannot solely rule out the possibility of deep-seated colorectal polyps or tumors based on medical history alone. Therefore, phy...[Read More] Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Tests in Long-Term Hemorrhoid Patients
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Attention
Abdominal issues? Recently, I have been experiencing significant discomfort and even pain in my abdomen when I walk, but it feels much better when I am sitting. I usually pass gas frequently, and it tends to be quite foul-smelling, but during these episodes, I don't pass gas...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Please visit the clinic to adjust your gastrointestinal medication. If necessary, a stool occult blood test can be performed. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Intermittent Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Intermittent dull pain in the lower left abdomen? Hello, Doctor! About three weeks ago, I suddenly experienced dull pain in my lower left abdomen, along with general gastrointestinal discomfort. A day or two later, I had severe diarrhea. At that time, I thought it was just food p...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to first perform a fecal occult blood test before deciding whether to proceed with invasive endoscopic examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Helicobacter Pylori: Do You Need Further Testing?
Helicobacter pylori Hello Doctor: Recently, my blood test results from a health check showed a Helicobacter pylori level of 96.6 (positive) with <=10 (negative). I don't have any specific discomfort in my gastrointestinal tract. Should I go to the hospital for further exa...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, due to the positive result for Helicobacter pylori and chronic gastritis, it is currently recommended to undergo an endoscopy or to consider out-of-pocket eradication therapy. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shih-Dian[Read More] Understanding Helicobacter Pylori: Do You Need Further Testing?
Understanding Recent Bowel Changes: Causes and Concerns
Recent bowel movement issues? Hello, Dr. Tsai! I would like to ask you some questions. Recently, my bowel movements have been irregular. I used to have a consistent schedule of having a bowel movement every two days, but now it varies between every two days or once a day. Sometim...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Since the colonoscopy was performed several years ago, if there have been changes in your bowel habits, you should consult a gastroenterologist for an evaluation to determine if further examination is necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Recent Bowel Changes: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Pain-Free Endoscopy: Your Guide to Gastrointestinal Health
Hello, regarding painless gastroscopy and colonoscopy examinations? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you about my condition. I have been experiencing constipation (having a bowel movement every few days), but recently I have had alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhea...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, it is possible that you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It is recommended to start with dietary and medication adjustments. If you are still concerned, you may consider undergoing a painless colonoscopy (out-of-pocket, prices vary by hospital, no hospitalization requi...[Read More] Understanding Pain-Free Endoscopy: Your Guide to Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor: My diet is normal and I have no bad habits. I underwent fecal occult blood tests in November last year and July this year due to blood in my stool, but the results were normal. Recently, for the past half month, I sometimes feel the urge to r...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, your symptoms are likely due to peristalsis causing abdominal sounds, so there's no need to worry. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Understanding Colon Health: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Colon and bowel movement issues? Hello, Doctor! Three months ago, I paid for a blood test to check for cancer, and the results for colorectal cancer showed a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level of 2.89 ng/ml. The fecal occult blood test was negative, and the fecal bile acids tes...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Blood in your stool may be due to bleeding from the blood vessels in the anus (commonly known as internal hemorrhoids). You can monitor the situation or undergo a rectal examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Colon Health: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Understanding and Managing Recurrent Pain in the Transverse Colon
Transverse colon disease Intermittent colonic cramping has persisted for two months, with no significant improvement from medication, and both stool and blood tests show no abnormalities.
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, please cooperate with the gastroenterologist for further diagnosis and treatment. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding and Managing Recurrent Pain in the Transverse Colon
Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits and Mucus in Stool
Changes in bowel habits with mucus? Hello Dr. Chen: Around June or July, my bowel habits changed to constipation (every 2-3 days) → normal (every 2 days) → alternating with loose, watery stools (for 2 days). I also noticed that my stools became thinner and sometimes had mucus. In...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, please first check for occult blood in your stool. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits and Mucus in Stool