Understanding Bad Breath: Exploring Causes and Potential Solutions
Halitosis issues? I have been experiencing bad breath for several years. After researching online, I found that Helicobacter pylori infection might cause bad breath. Therefore, I went to a local lab to get a blood test to check for H. pylori infection, and the results showed that...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ming, Oral malodor may originate from the oral cavity, lungs, or gastrointestinal tract. The unpleasant odor is often caused by bacterial fermentation, which may explain the reduction in odor you experienced while taking antibiotics. However, a negative blood test for H...[Read More] Understanding Bad Breath: Exploring Causes and Potential Solutions
Acute vs Chronic Hepatitis B: Understanding Your Diagnosis and Next Steps
Acute Hepatitis B or Chronic Hepatitis B? Dear Dr. Chen, I apologize for the lengthy message, but I hope you can provide me with some advice. Last month, I went to the hospital for an examination due to stomach discomfort. The doctor ordered blood tests (first test on 5/13) whic...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, based on the clinical course and blood test follow-up, the likelihood of acute hepatitis B is the highest, and it seems that the patient has completely recovered from this acute hepatitis B episode, with the disappearance of surface antigens and the production of surface a...[Read More] Acute vs Chronic Hepatitis B: Understanding Your Diagnosis and Next Steps
Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Further Gastrointestinal Evaluation
Rectal bleeding Hello, a month ago I went to a gastroenterologist because I had blood in my stool. The doctor said I had mild internal hemorrhoids, and the fecal occult blood test was negative. For the rest of that month, my bowel movements were normal. However, today I have had ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, the causes of rectal bleeding include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, polyps, tumors, and diverticula. Diagnosis can be assisted through rectoscopy or colonoscopy. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Attending Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Minis...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Further Gastrointestinal Evaluation
Understanding Liver Tumor Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Liver tumor treatment Dear Director Chen, My father is 85 years old and has been drinking alcohol since his youth, but he has never reached the level of alcoholism. His daily routine has been normal. In early July, he was hospitalized due to abdominal pain, and a CT scan reveale...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: 1. If cholangiocarcinoma has metastasized or invaded the gallbladder, the prognosis is poor. 2. Electrocautery is used for treating solitary small tumors; however, this patient is not suitable for electrocautery due to tumor invasion of the gallbladder and hepatic ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumor Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Persistent Loose Stools: Seeking Solutions for Ongoing Digestive Issues
The stool has consistently been loose and watery? Hello, Dr. Tsai. I started experiencing diarrhea at the end of July, having 2 to 3 bowel movements a day. My diet remained the same until August 6, when I had watery stools 6 times in one day. I visited a clinic, saw a doctor, and...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: After acute gastroenteritis, the intestinal mucosa will undergo a repair period. It is recommended to maintain a light diet and avoid high-fat and high-protein foods. If the condition does not improve after two weeks, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for fur...[Read More] Persistent Loose Stools: Seeking Solutions for Ongoing Digestive Issues
Should You Get a Booster for Hepatitis B Vaccine After Exposure?
Is it necessary to receive a booster dose of the hepatitis B vaccine? Hello Doctor: I am 34 years old. During my health check in 2012, my Hepatitis B surface antigen was negative, and my Hepatitis B surface antibody was positive (concentration 23.18 mIU/mL). However, in March of ...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Shuiyue, based on your description, you are eligible to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. It seems that your immune cells are not continuously secreting antibodies, which is a normal physiological regulation (the body does not keep producing antibodies unnecessarily; instead,...[Read More] Should You Get a Booster for Hepatitis B Vaccine After Exposure?
Understanding Blood in Stool: Differentiating Hemorrhage from Food
Blood in the stool? Hello, doctor. Thank you for your previous response. I had a colonoscopy about two months ago, and it was normal. I'm just curious about blood in the stool caused by internal hemorrhoids. Can the blood mix with the stool? I've read online that it usu...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, the presence of blood in the stool, including its color and relationship with the stool, is primarily related to the volume of bleeding and the location of the bleeding. Whether it disperses in water is just one method for reference; if necessary, a fecal occult blood test...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Differentiating Hemorrhage from Food
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Rectal bleeding? Hello Dr. Chen: Recently, I noticed some blood on the toilet paper after having a bowel movement. This happened again a couple of days later. I then underwent a fecal occult blood test, and the report came back positive with a level of 218, exceeding the standard...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, if you see blood in your stool, there is actually no need to check for occult blood in the stool. It is correct to consult a colorectal surgeon. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Qi-Feng, Attending Physician, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Where to Get HDV & HEV Antibody Testing in Taiwan's Hospitals
Hepatitis D and Hepatitis E? Hello, I would like to inquire which hospitals in Taiwan offer HDV and HEV antibody testing. Thank you!
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: 1. Currently, reagents for hepatitis D can only be imported by research institutions. You may participate in related clinical trials at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, but you will need to provide reasonable suspicion data regarding hepatitis D from another hospi...[Read More] Where to Get HDV & HEV Antibody Testing in Taiwan's Hospitals
Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention for Gastrointestinal Issues
Blood in the stool? Hello, last Saturday after going out, I noticed bright red blood at the end of my stool that seemed to be attached to the outside. The stool was yellow, and the amount of blood was small. I don't think it's an anal fissure because there was no pain, ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If symptoms persist after the menstrual cycle, you may consult a gastroenterologist or a colorectal specialist for further evaluation as determined by the physician. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention for Gastrointestinal Issues
Blood in Stool and Unexplained Hives: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Blood in the stool during a bowel movement, followed by unexplained hives a week later? Hello, last Saturday after going out, I noticed bright red blood at the end of my stool that seemed to be attached to the outside. The stool was yellow, and the amount of blood was small. I do...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is difficult to say whether gastrointestinal symptoms are related to urticaria. However, if the symptoms persist after the menstrual cycle, you may consider consulting a gastroenterologist or a colorectal specialist for further evaluation as determined by the physician....[Read More] Blood in Stool and Unexplained Hives: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Bright Red Blood on Stool: Should You Worry or Wait?
There is fresh blood at the end of the stool? Hello, last Saturday, I noticed bright red blood at the end of my stool, which seemed to be attached to the outside of the stool. The stool was yellow, and the amount of blood was small. I don't think it's an anal fissure be...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms, it appears to be bleeding near the anal-rectal area. Anal fissures and complicated hemorrhoids can cause pain, but bleeding from uncomplicated internal or external hemorrhoids is the most common. It is recommended to consume more fruits and vegetable...[Read More] Bright Red Blood on Stool: Should You Worry or Wait?
Understanding Green Stool: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Green stool Hello Doctor: I would like to ask, in the past few months, I have been having green stools every 1 to 2 weeks, and they are completely dark green! I haven't been eating excessive amounts of vegetables or other pigmented foods. Sometimes I feel a dull pain in my a...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The color of stool is greatly influenced by diet; for example, dark green vegetables, dark foods (such as sesame and foods containing bamboo charcoal), and iron supplements can all cause stool to appear darker. Additionally, gastrointestinal bleeding, infected bile, and ba...[Read More] Understanding Green Stool: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Persistent Right Lower Abdomen Discomfort: Which Specialist to Consult?
Right lower abdominal discomfort? I have been experiencing dull abdominal pain for the past two weeks. The pain is intermittent and of moderate intensity, located near the right pelvic area. When lying flat, I notice a pulsating sensation to the right of my navel. However, a gyne...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, seeing a gastroenterologist is indeed appropriate. If there is no fever, it is likely due to gastrointestinal dysfunction or indigestion. In addition to medication, it is recommended to choose a mild diet that is low in oil, dairy, irritants, and meat. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-F...[Read More] Persistent Right Lower Abdomen Discomfort: Which Specialist to Consult?
Understanding Elevated CA 19-9 Levels: What Does a 1666 Result Mean?
The cancer marker CA 19-9 value is 1666? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask, if I was hospitalized due to abdominal pain and fever, and after undergoing ultrasound, CT scan, and endoscopy, the doctor initially diagnosed me with biliary obstruction leading to sepsis! After undergoi...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, CA-199 can indeed be elevated in cases of cholangitis, but levels exceeding 1000 are certainly abnormal. It is advisable to have follow-up blood tests, and if the levels remain significantly high, it may be necessary to undergo endoscopic ultrasound examination of the bili...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CA 19-9 Levels: What Does a 1666 Result Mean?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Concerns
Gastrointestinal and bowel issues? Hello, I recently discovered I have gastritis after undergoing an endoscopy due to food poisoning, and I started treatment with 6.0 mg of Dexilant in early June. However, over the past two weeks, I've been feeling strange. Whenever I drink ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, the treatment for gastritis can vary significantly in terms of medication response, often requiring multiple adjustments in medication. Dietary recommendations include avoiding smoking and alcohol, limiting tea and coffee intake, reducing consumption of irritating and glut...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Abnormal Stool Color: Causes and When to Seek Help
Management of Abnormal Stool Color Hello, doctor. Thank you for your previous response. However, I still have some questions I would like to ask: I haven't eaten any red foods in the past few days, and my stool shape seems normal. There isn't a lot of vegetable residue,...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to undergo a fecal occult blood test (which has a very high accuracy). If the result is positive, further diagnosis and treatment should be pursued. If the result is negative, it may be due to food residue or food coloring. Currently, there seems to be no...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Stool Color: Causes and When to Seek Help
Can Constipation Cause Black Stools? Understanding Gastrointestinal Health
Fecal retention can lead to the presence of black stools? Thank you, doctor, for your detailed answers to my questions. Since the day I had black stools, I haven't had any more black stools. I would like to ask if the black stools that looked like charcoal could possibly be ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Stools that have been in the intestines for too long can indeed appear darker brown in color, which may resemble black stools at first glance. However, upon closer examination, they can be distinguished. Hemorrhagic stools typically appear black like ink (tarry) or dark re...[Read More] Can Constipation Cause Black Stools? Understanding Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Hepatitis B: Positive and Negative Test Results Explained
Hepatitis B negative positive Hello Doctor: I have tested positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and positive for Hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs) in 2007 and 2008. In 2008, I had two tests done one month apart, but the antigen test result was negative while the ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: It is recommended that you bring all your blood test results to a gastroenterologist for a detailed assessment and necessary examinations to confirm your current condition. The preliminary assessment suggests that you are not a highly infectious patient, so please do...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Positive and Negative Test Results Explained
Managing Gastroesophageal Reflux and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) combined with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing diarrhea at times and sometimes only having a bowel movement every two days (usually I go 1-2 times a day). I feel bloated after eating, my appetite has dec...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Mr./Ms. K空, The symptoms you described are indeed indicative of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, if the fecal occult blood test shows a positive result, it is still recommended to arrange for a colonoscopy, as ulcerative co...[Read More] Managing Gastroesophageal Reflux and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms