Understanding Left Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Left abdominal pain? Hello doctor: I have been experiencing dull pain in the abdomen about three fingers to the left of my navel for over a month. I have had an X-ray and a stool occult blood test, both of which came back normal. What could be the issue with that area? What shoul...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, you can visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for a check-up by the physician. If necessary, a colonoscopy may be performed. Please also pay attention to whether there is any inflammation or stones in the urinary tract. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Che...[Read More] Understanding Left Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: Symptoms, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with pruritus? This Thursday, I had an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The doctor said I have gastroesophageal reflux, gastritis, gastric erosion, and a slight gastric prolapse. I would like to ask if gastric erosion is the same as a gastr...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, please cooperate with the gastroenterologist regarding medication. If necessary, further colonoscopy examinations may be performed. Additionally, blood tests can be done to check if inflammation markers are elevated. It is important to maintain normal bowel movements. Also...[Read More] Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: Symptoms, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Digestive Health
Mucus in stool Hello, at the beginning of the month, I noticed blood in my stool for two days, which was dark red. I consulted a gastroenterologist who performed a fecal occult blood test, but the report showed no issues. However, I have been experiencing daily bloating and the u...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: You can consult a gastroenterologist to determine the cause, which may require adjustments in multiple areas, including emotions, diet, etc. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Digestive Health
Understanding Moderate Liver Fibrosis: Is It Possible Without Viral Infection?
Liver fibrosis I was diagnosed with moderate liver fibrosis (F3 or higher) at Wan Fang Hospital. I have had Hepatitis C for 30 years and also have severe fatty liver. After further blood tests, the hospital said there was no virus present, so I do not qualify for priority appoint...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
It is possible to recheck.[Read More] Understanding Moderate Liver Fibrosis: Is It Possible Without Viral Infection?
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Blood in the stool? Doctor: After having a bowel movement today, I felt a bit of pain, but when I got up, I noticed the toilet water was dyed bright red, and the first piece of toilet paper had some fresh blood on it, which made me very anxious. However, the stool was yellow. Rec...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Most cases are due to moles or anal fissures. If there is continuous bleeding, you should consult a gastroenterologist or a colorectal specialist. Additionally, avoid straining during bowel movements, eat more fruits and vegetables, and stay hydrated to soften the stool. C...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Is It Still IBS?
Gastrointestinal issues Hello, I would like to ask about my condition. I have had mild irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for some time, but three months ago, I started experiencing increased abdominal pain, along with bloating, belching, and gas. I also noticed bowel sounds on both ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. You may still have irritable bowel syndrome; please discuss it further with your attending physician. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Is It Still IBS?
Understanding Red Mucus in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
In the past two days, there has been a layer of light red mucus in the stool? Hello, Doctor. My lifestyle habits are as follows: 1. I had a health check-up at National Taiwan University Hospital a year and a half ago, which included a colonoscopy and gastroscopy, and the results ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. The likelihood of colorectal cancer is low. You can start with monitoring and observation (plus taking photos with your phone for the physician's reference). You may also consider a fecal occult blood test. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian...[Read More] Understanding Red Mucus in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Mucus in Stool: When to Worry and Seek Help
Bowel issues Hello Dr. Chen, in the past few days, I have noticed that my stool has a slight amount of transparent white mucus. Upon closer observation, it seems that there is a slight indentation in the stool, but it is not very deep. There is no blood in the stool, no abdominal...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, miss. It is likely just a change in intestinal motility. If necessary, a fecal occult blood test can be performed. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool: When to Worry and Seek Help
Understanding Rapid Intestinal Motility: Symptoms and Solutions
Rapid intestinal peristalsis Hello Dr. Tsai: I am the one who previously asked whether eating oranges could stimulate the intestines and trigger symptoms. Thank you for your previous response. I would like to continue asking Dr. Tsai: 1. Rapid intestinal peristalsis can indeed ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Rapid peristalsis may cause the symptoms you described. 2. It is not necessarily caused by rapid peristalsis; it could also be due to incomplete evacuation. 3. Pay attention to your diet and avoid irritating foods. 4. If there is no improvement, you may consult a gastro...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Intestinal Motility: Symptoms and Solutions
Should You Remove Gallstones? Understanding Risks and Symptoms
Should gallstones be removed? Hello Doctor: Since my mother had a cerebral hemorrhage five years ago (thankfully, the neurosurgery team at Chung Shan Medical University handled it well), I have started experiencing physical discomfort. I have been taking medication for my stomach...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. There is no definitive treatment guideline; it is a personal choice. I tend to prefer conservative treatment. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Should You Remove Gallstones? Understanding Risks and Symptoms
Pink Thread-Like Objects in Stool: What You Need to Know
There are small pink thread-like objects in the stool? The individual has a bowel movement once a day, and there are pink, thread-like attachments in the stool, which do not appear to be blood. The color of the stool seems normal, and the thread-like attachments are dispersed thr...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Rong, 1. You can take a photo of the pink thread-like substance with your mobile phone for the doctor to evaluate. If there are any abnormalities, the doctor will arrange for further examinations. 2. Elevated CEA levels may also be related to smoking, and if this v...[Read More] Pink Thread-Like Objects in Stool: What You Need to Know
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What Do High AST and ALT Levels Mean?
I am puzzled that my blood test results show liver enzyme levels that are 5 to 6 times higher than the normal reference range? On November 16, my mother went for a blood test. The report came back with several abnormal liver function results: SGOT (AST) was 226, and SGPT (ALT) wa...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, please cooperate with the physician to determine if you have hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or drug-induced hepatitis. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What Do High AST and ALT Levels Mean?
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Levels: Do You Still Have Immunity?
Hepatitis B antibody testing Hello, doctor. During my high school health check, my anti-HBs result was negative, so I received an additional dose of the vaccine. On July 4, 2015, I had my antibody levels tested again, and my anti-HBs value was 47.33. It has been two years since t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, the concentration of hepatitis B antibodies may decrease over time, but the immune memory remains. If there is a viral infection, antibodies should be produced again automatically, so there is no need to worry. Healthcare professionals recommend maintaining a concentration...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Levels: Do You Still Have Immunity?
Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: When to Seek Medical Advice
Changes in bowel habits I currently work in the high-tech industry and have always had regular and smooth bowel movements. My stool occult blood test was normal during my health check-up in August this year, and all cancer screening tests were also normal. However, in the past mo...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to first adjust your lifestyle, manage stress, and maintain a proper diet. If there is no improvement, you may consult a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Hepatitis C: Treatment Options and Testing for Family Health
Hepatitis C 1. My mother is 60 years old and recently discovered through a health check that she has over 6 million hepatitis C virus (HCV) copies. She is currently undergoing blood tests for genotyping. Are there any insurance-covered treatment options available for the latest t...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. The GPT level is above the standard value, but there is no cirrhosis, and interferon treatment is acceptable. Additionally, for chronic hepatitis C with cirrhosis and no decompensated liver function, full oral antiviral treatment for hepatitis C is acceptable. 2. You ma...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C: Treatment Options and Testing for Family Health
Should You See a Doctor for Changes in Bowel Habits?
Is it necessary to see a doctor if there are changes in bowel habits? Hello Doctor, I have recently changed my lifestyle, which has also affected my bowel habits. I am unsure whether I should visit a large hospital to see a doctor (to avoid wasting health insurance). Recently, I ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Please consult a gastroenterologist to evaluate whether further examinations are necessary.[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for Changes in Bowel Habits?
Concerns About Parasite Infection from Undercooked Pork: What You Need to Know
Issues related to parasites from consuming undercooked pork? Hello Dr. Tsai, About two weeks ago, my brother ate a piece of what appeared to be undercooked fried pork ribs in his lunch. He mentioned that the meat was cooked through except for the part near the bone, which had vi...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If clinical findings include abdominal pain, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, weight loss, and a high number of parasites, intestinal obstruction may occur. The diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of tapeworm segments or eggs in the stool. Changhua Hospital cares about yo...[Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infection from Undercooked Pork: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chronic Stomach Pain: Causes, Genetics, and When to Seek Help
Frequent stomach pain? Hello doctor, I have had stomach issues since I was young and often visit the doctor due to abdominal pain. Although I feel a bit better after using the restroom and taking medication, I still worry that there might be something wrong with my gastrointestin...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, In response to case 129009, 19-year-old Xiao Xi, who frequently experiences abdominal pain that improves after taking medication and having a bowel movement: general examinations are normal, and it may be a case of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Gastrointestinal issues ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Stomach Pain: Causes, Genetics, and When to Seek Help
Upper Abdominal Pain Above the Navel: Causes and Next Steps
Tenderness above the umbilicus, normal findings on gastroscopy? Hello, doctor. I am a 30-year-old male office worker who sits for long periods. My symptoms include tenderness in the abdomen, specifically at a small point just above the navel and just below the xiphoid process. Pr...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: After undergoing gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and ultrasound without finding any specific issues, it is important to consider functional problems, such as spasms or gastroesophageal reflux that does not cause esophagitis, as well as bloating and dyspepsia. It may be beneficia...[Read More] Upper Abdominal Pain Above the Navel: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Red Sediment in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Red sediment in stool? I have been experiencing irregular bowel movements, typically every two days, and I have been more frequently constipated lately. My stools are pellet-like rather than tubular. If I go several days without a bowel movement, the stool becomes drier, and the ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The best approach is to visit a gastroenterologist and arrange for a fecal occult blood test, which can provide answers. When collecting the sample, you should take a stool sample that you believe is problematic, as this will yield the most accurate results. Changhua Hospi...[Read More] Understanding Red Sediment in Stool: Causes and Concerns