Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain and Blood in Stool: Key Insights
Left lower abdominal pain with blood in the stool after defecation? Hello doctor, a few months ago I occasionally experienced pain in my lower left abdomen, but it resolved after a few days, so I did not seek medical attention. Recently, the pain returned, prompting me to visit a...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Fecal occult blood refers to blood that is not visible to the naked eye but can be detected through chemical or immunological methods in laboratory tests. Possible causes of positive fecal occult blood include hemorrhoids, inflammation, polyps, and tumors, which necessitat...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain and Blood in Stool: Key Insights
Understanding Post-Colonoscopy Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Blood in stool after colonoscopy? Hello, doctor. I apologize for the interruption. Two months ago, I had a diagnosis of excessive sweating and dampness, and I consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. The doctor prescribed some herbs that were intended to eliminate d...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Mr. REX, your fecal occult blood test result suggests that there may be bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. If you have scheduled an endoscopy, there is likely no need for concern; however, if the bleeding persists, it is advisable to discuss this further with your docto...[Read More] Understanding Post-Colonoscopy Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Weight Loss: Gastrointestinal Concerns
Loose stools, occasional abdominal discomfort, and continuous weight loss..? Hello Dr. Tsai, I occasionally experience a dull pain in my abdomen, which can occur at various times and locations in both the upper and lower abdomen, but it tends to resolve on its own after a while ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you have already checked for gastrointestinal diseases, it is recommended to investigate metabolic issues, including thyroid function and blood glucose levels, among others. Pay attention to whether there is excessive mental stress. If no cause can be identified, you ma...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Weight Loss: Gastrointestinal Concerns
Understanding Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in Carriers Over 60
Reactivation of Hepatitis B Virus I am a carrier of hepatitis B. I undergo ultrasound and blood tests every six months, and my indices are normal, so I do not need medication and must return for regular check-ups every six months. I have heard that after the age of 60, when the b...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. As long as you have regular follow-ups, you can lead a normal life. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in Carriers Over 60
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: Causes and Concerns
Abnormal liver function test results? Hello Doctor, I have a few questions. I have not been very healthy regarding my gastrointestinal system since middle school, experiencing recurrent issues such as duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. I usual...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. If the values are greater than normal, it can be classified as acute hepatitis. However, if it is accompanied by jaundice and coagulation dysfunction, it indicates hepatic decompensation, which poses a risk. 2. There are many causes of hepatitis; if you have not been ev...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Is It the Same as Cirrhosis?
Is liver fibrosis the same as cirrhosis? Dear Doctor, I am HBsAg negative, HBsAb positive, and HBcAb positive, with no prior treatment and antibodies produced naturally. The key point is that the ultrasound examination shows liver fibrosis and a hemangioma. My spleen measures 6....
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1) You can return for a follow-up consultation with the physician to inquire why blood tests were not performed. 2) A white blood cell count of 3730 is still within the normal range. 3) For hair loss issues, you may consult a dermatologist, as it is not related to the live...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Is It the Same as Cirrhosis?
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Elevated liver enzymes? Hello doctor, my past lifestyle habits include staying up late, irregular eating, and not exercising much. About a month ago, I suddenly experienced discomfort in my abdomen, along with frequent diarrhea or loose stools... (sometimes the solid stool appear...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. 1. Gastritis does not cause abnormal liver function. You can continue to monitor the changes in hepatitis through treatment. 2. Additionally, medications may also cause hepatitis, so please discuss your medications with your physician. Changhua Hospital cares abo...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Will Hepatitis B Vaccination Affect Blood Test Results for Infection?
Will receiving the hepatitis B vaccine result in test results similar to an actual hepatitis B infection? Hello Dr. Chen: I received the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, but during a check-up last year, I found that the antibodies had disappeared. Therefore, three days ago, I receiv...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, miss. It will not affect the antigen. You can check the antibodies one month after receiving the booster vaccine, and most will have appeared by then. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Will Hepatitis B Vaccination Affect Blood Test Results for Infection?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Managing Excess Gas and IBS Symptoms
Gastroenterology and Hepatology Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing a constant urge to pass gas, with the need to do so every few seconds for over a year now. My diet mainly consists of eating out, which typically includes more meat and less vegetables, although I do consume a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It seems that you are experiencing issues related to gastrointestinal motility, specifically Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Modifying your dietary habits, such as reducing the intake of gas-producing foods, may help improve your condition. If necessary, medications l...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Managing Excess Gas and IBS Symptoms
Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention
Blood in the stool? Hello Doctor: I recently visited the doctor due to discomfort in my stomach. The doctor conducted blood tests, an ultrasound, and a fecal occult blood test, all of which were normal. However, over the past two days, I have noticed a small amount of blood at th...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If new symptoms arise, you can return for further evaluation. However, the more likely conditions are anal fissures, hemorrhoids, or proctitis, with cancer being a very rare possibility. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Weak Positive Results for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Antibody
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) Hello Dr. Chen! Today, I received the results from my health check blood test: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) 0.07 - weak positive; Hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs) 17.31 - weak positive. However, during the same period last year, m...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. This is likely a reasonable error in the laboratory results. You can discuss this with your physician and follow up in about 3 to 6 months. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Weak Positive Results for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Antibody
Understanding High Blood Sugar and Pancreatic Enzyme Levels After Pregnancy
Blood glucose and pancreatic function tests are elevated? Hello, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes in the later stages of my pregnancy and was treated with insulin. A month after giving birth, I experienced acute pancreatitis and was hospitalized for over a week, but the ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
The causes of acute pancreatitis include alcoholic gallstones, hyperlipidemia, medications, and autoimmune conditions. A light diet is recommended, along with blood sugar control and imaging studies such as abdominal ultrasound or CT scans for monitoring. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding High Blood Sugar and Pancreatic Enzyme Levels After Pregnancy
Understanding Weight Loss and Constipation: Is Colon Cancer a Concern?
Colorectal cancer concerns? Hello, I have lost about three kilograms in the past month, and recently I've been experiencing a dull discomfort in my lower abdomen along with persistent urges to have a bowel movement, but not much comes out. I went to the hospital for an X-ray...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. You can have a fecal occult blood test. If there is no blood reaction, then there is less reason to worry about colorectal cancer. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss and Constipation: Is Colon Cancer a Concern?
Understanding Mucus in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Mucus in stool? Hello Dr. Tsai, I would like to ask about a condition I have been experiencing. I often notice jelly-like brown mucus accompanying my stool, and the color of the mucus is similar to that of the stool. Aside from this, I do not experience any other gastrointestin...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to seek medical attention first, and have a gastroenterologist evaluate your condition. Generally, a routine stool test will be conducted first, and if any issues are found, an endoscopy will be arranged. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsa...[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding the Effects of Liver Supplements on Thirst and Blood Tests
I take Hepatitis B medication? Dr. Chen, I have been taking hypertension medication for ten years. Other clinics have prescribed me with Hepatitis B medication, which helps reduce my thirst. I need to go to Chang Gung Hospital in a few days to check for Hepatitis B and C, and the...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Weininggan contains liver-protective ingredients (which can counteract oxidative stress from free radicals) and vitamins. Pharmacologically, it can improve liver function, but there is no direct evidence of its effectiveness for thirst. Changhua Hospital cares about y...[Read More] Understanding the Effects of Liver Supplements on Thirst and Blood Tests
Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
Bilirubin issues? Hello Doctor, last year I discovered that my total bilirubin was elevated while my direct bilirubin was normal. My indirect bilirubin was 2.2 mg/dL. I went to a clinic for follow-up, and I had several blood tests to check for hemolysis. The doctor suggested it m...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Typically, blood tests can only measure total bilirubin and direct bilirubin. Indirect bilirubin is calculated by subtracting the two values. (2) The total bilirubin is 1.75 mg/dL, and the direct bilirubin is 0.54 mg/dL, which indicates direct jaundice. This may be due...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
Yellowing of the Feet: Signs of Liver Issues and When to Seek Help
Yellowing of the soles? Hello, I occasionally stay up late, and last night I noticed that the soles of my feet have a slight yellowish tint. I'm not sure if this is something new or if it has been happening for a while. When I press on it, the yellowing becomes more pronounc...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If the yellowing is caused by jaundice, the sclera (the white part of the eye) will also appear yellow. However, if it is due to excessive pigmentation (such as from consuming too many carrots, citrus fruits, papayas, mangoes, tomatoes, etc.), or from cleaning agents, or a...[Read More] Yellowing of the Feet: Signs of Liver Issues and When to Seek Help
Understanding Unformed Stool: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Issues
Loose stools? Hello Dr. Yang: I have been experiencing long-term issues with my bowel movements, which are mostly soft and cake-like in consistency, although occasionally I have a solid stool about 1.5 cm in diameter. My bowel movement frequency is approximately once a day, with ...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Mr. Lee, Based on your description, it seems more like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). I recommend that you consult a gastroenterologist for an evaluation to rule out other issues. If no other diseases are identified, it is advisable to exercise more, consume more fruits a...[Read More] Understanding Unformed Stool: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Issues
Signs Your Stomach Might Be in Trouble: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
Are the following symptoms indicative of a stomach issue? I have recently lost my appetite and can only eat a few bites. Drinking water also makes me feel nauseous, and after eating or drinking, my throat feels dry and painful. I experience a tight sensation in my chest with phle...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Your description resembles gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Please consult a gastroenterologist for necessary examinations and medication. Additionally, you should avoid tea, coffee, and similar substances. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun...[Read More] Signs Your Stomach Might Be in Trouble: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Stool Shape Changes: Insights on Gastrointestinal Health
Stool shape Hello Dr. Tsai, I recently had a fecal occult blood test, and the results were normal. However, I've noticed that during bowel movements, the first stool is thick, but the second one is somewhat thin and elongated. I consulted a doctor at a clinic, and they menti...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The stool at the beginning is feces that has accumulated in the rectum, while the subsequent stool is freshly passed from the upper small intestine and colon, which has not yet undergone accumulation, compression, or water absorption. This may appear thinner or more mushy,...[Read More] Understanding Stool Shape Changes: Insights on Gastrointestinal Health