Understanding Bloating and Weight Changes: Gastrointestinal Health Insights
Bloating after eating and significant weight loss? Hello Dr. Chen: Following up on my previous question, my abdominal bloating has significantly improved over the past week. I can eat normally now, and my weight has stabilized at 72.5 kg without further decline. The gastroscopy s...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Sir: It is advisable to discuss with your outpatient physician and patiently cooperate with observation, follow-up, and dietary adjustments. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Weight Changes: Gastrointestinal Health Insights
Understanding Bloating and Weight Loss: Gastrointestinal Health Insights
: Bloating after eating and significant weight loss? Hello Doctor: Following up on my previous inquiry, I experience abdominal bloating after eating, and my weight has decreased by 6 kilograms over the month from early November to early December. An endoscopy showed mild gastriti...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: It is advisable to discuss with your outpatient physician and patiently cooperate with monitoring and dietary adjustments. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Weight Loss: Gastrointestinal Health Insights
Understanding Bloating and Weight Loss: Causes and Solutions
Experiencing bloating after eating and significant weight loss? Hello Doctor: Last month, after drinking a cup of coffee, I started experiencing severe stomach cramps. I eventually visited a gastroenterologist, but my symptoms have changed to bloating after every meal for the pas...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Gastritis is merely a finding from the endoscopy and may not be the only issue. Please cooperate with your physician for further examinations and follow-ups (including blood sugar, colon, etc.), and pay attention to your dietary habits. Changhua Hospital cares about y...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Weight Loss: Causes and Solutions
Do I Need a Colonoscopy After Rectal Exams for Blood in Stool?
If a patient has experienced rectal bleeding and has undergone a flexible sigmoidoscopy, is it still necessary to perform a colonoscopy? Hello doctor, I previously experienced blood in my stool, and doctors have said it is due to internal hemorrhoids. I have undergone a sigmoidos...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Mr./Ms. Chen, Hello, you are 27 years old. Most cases of blood in the stool are likely caused by anal fissures or hemorrhoids, and the chance of cancer is relatively low. You can start with a fecal occult blood test, and if the result is positive, a colonoscopy can be arran...[Read More] Do I Need a Colonoscopy After Rectal Exams for Blood in Stool?
Understanding Blood in Stool: Hemorrhoids or Something More Serious?
Blood in the stool? Hello doctor, about 7 years ago, I experienced rectal bleeding (the toilet had noticeable blood stains). I was later diagnosed with internal hemorrhoids. However, since that bleeding incident, I have not experienced any severe bleeding again for the past 7 yea...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms, there are two issues: 1. hematochezia (blood in stool) 2. gastrointestinal dysfunction. It is recommended to undergo a routine stool examination and a barium enema or colonoscopy. If no abnormalities are found, it may be hemorrhoids and irritable bow...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Hemorrhoids or Something More Serious?
Understanding Recent Digestive Issues: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Issues that have arisen in the past month? I have been experiencing frequent bloating in my lower abdomen, along with lower back pain and discomfort. My stools have been soft and not formed, and recently I have noticed undigested food in my stool. I had a stool occult blood test ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Lower back pain is not necessarily related to gastrointestinal issues. However, gastroenteritis and indigestion do exist. It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist. Wishing you safety and health. Dr. Chen Qi-Feng, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan General Hospit...[Read More] Understanding Recent Digestive Issues: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Rectal bleeding Hello Doctor: During my high school entrance exam period, I experienced rectal bleeding for a while. When I consulted a doctor, they suggested that it might be due to stress and irregular lifestyle, so I didn't pay much attention to it. However, even after st...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The likelihood of hemorrhoids increases with age. Even after surgery, hemorrhoids may recur. It is recommended to seek surgical treatment from a colorectal specialist. Generally, the possibility of not detecting polyps is low. Wishing you safety and health. Dr. Chen Chih-F...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Elevated CA19-9 Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
CA19-9 is elevated!! Hello Doctor: I previously consulted you about my elevated CA 19-9 levels, which have been high since 2009. After a recheck at the end of November last year, my CA 19-9 level was 117. Two and a half months later, in early February this year, it was 109. I als...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, if there is indeed a tumor, the markers would already be in the hundreds, or even thousands, and there would be other symptoms present as well. If an MRI has already been performed, the next step would be to continue monitoring. Wishing you peace and go...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CA19-9 Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Tests for Colorectal Cancer Screening
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) The fecal occult blood test (FOBT) can detect approximately 70% of colorectal cancers. Thank you!
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, fecal occult blood testing: Tumors do not bleed continuously. Therefore, the accuracy of detecting colorectal cancer using fecal occult blood tests is approximately 30% to 50%. However, if fecal occult blood is detected, it is recommended to undergo further endoscopic exam...[Read More] Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Tests for Colorectal Cancer Screening
Blood in Stool: Should You Get a Colonoscopy?
There is a small amount of blood in the stool? A couple of days ago, I noticed some red spots in my stool, but I'm not sure if it's blood. Today, the first part of my stool didn't have any blood, but the last bit had a small streak of red. I've also been feeli...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms, the likelihood of hemorrhoidal bleeding is higher. As for nausea and dizziness, they are unrelated to this condition. Wishing you peace and good health. Dr. Chen Chih-Feng, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and...[Read More] Blood in Stool: Should You Get a Colonoscopy?
Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: Causes and Next Steps
Regarding abnormal liver enzyme levels? Hello Doctor, At the end of February, my school conducted a health check, and the results showed abnormal liver enzyme levels, with GOT at 38 and GPT at 92. In April, I had a follow-up blood test, and my GOT decreased to 82. The healthcar...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: The effectiveness of medication for fatty liver is not very good; long-term control of diet and weight is necessary for improvement. Please continue to make an effort and follow up. If there is no family history of hepatitis B or if you are not involved in the health...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Colonoscopy for Peace of Mind
Blood in the stool? I often experience flatulence, and it has a strong odor. I have both internal and external hemorrhoids, and for the past few days, I've noticed bright red blood in my stool. Initially, there was a small amount of blood on the toilet paper after a bowel mo...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Examinations are conducted to corroborate clinical suspicions. The necessity of the examination should be assessed, especially for invasive procedures. It is advisable to trust the recommendations of your clinician; if the examination is warranted, proceed with it, and if ...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Colonoscopy for Peace of Mind
Understanding Helicobacter Pylori Treatment and Insurance Coverage in Taiwan
Helicobacter pylori issues Hello Dr. Chen, I recently underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and was diagnosed with gastric and duodenal ulcers. The doctor advised me to have a blood test for H. pylori, and my result was 130. The doctor prescribed antibiotics (Amoxil 500...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Huang: As far as I know, there is still no complete consensus on the duration of eradication therapy, which is determined by the physician (7 to 14 days). The National Health Insurance Administration has stipulated that the usage of the antibiotic for eradication (Klari...[Read More] Understanding Helicobacter Pylori Treatment and Insurance Coverage in Taiwan
Understanding Positive HBsAg and Anti-HBs Results in Chronic Hepatitis B
Please provide detailed questions regarding hepatitis B? I was diagnosed with chronic active hepatitis 20 years ago. Currently, my AST (Got) is 18 and ALT (Gpt) is 21. However, the troubling part is that both HBsAg and anti-HBs are positive. For the past four years, my HBeAg has ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: The details are a bit difficult to explain clearly. According to the consensus for hepatitis B carriers, please have blood tests and ultrasounds every six months (at least once). Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Positive HBsAg and Anti-HBs Results in Chronic Hepatitis B
Understanding Bowel Issues: Causes and Concerns for Gastrointestinal Health
Bowel issues Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. Last week, I ate some spicy food, and as a result, I experienced gastrointestinal discomfort on the same day and the next day (with bloating and a burning sensation in the anus during bowel movemen...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: The amount is related to diet and intestinal motility; a stool occult blood test (gastroenterology clinic) is sufficient. The shape of the stool is difficult to assess objectively, so please pay attention to adjusting your diet to include more fruits and vegetables, a...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Causes and Concerns for Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Fatty Liver: High Liver Enzyme Levels Explained
Fatty liver disease issues? Hello Doctor: My height is 171 cm and my weight is 82 kg. Currently, my blood test results are as follows: 1. GPT: 180 (normal range: 4-44 U/L) 2. GOT: 83 (normal range: 8-38 U/L) 3. R-GT: 134 (normal range: 6-73 U/L) 4. MCV: 101.5 (normal range: 80-10...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: If there is no hepatitis B and no alcohol abuse, it may be related to fatty liver. The R-GT levels in fatty liver can also potentially double. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of ...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: High Liver Enzyme Levels Explained
Understanding Edema After Antacid Use: A Patient's Dilemma
Consultation: Unexplained edema after taking antacids? Hello Dr. Chen, 1. Around mid-May, my mother sought medical attention for stomach pain (no endoscopy was performed), and the doctor prescribed medication (I don't remember the name). After taking the medication for a f...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of edema, including diseases of the heart, liver, and kidneys, as well as circulatory issues. Medications can also be a contributing factor. Besides using Ranitidine or Pantoprazole, are there any other medications being used? If these medications are...[Read More] Understanding Edema After Antacid Use: A Patient's Dilemma
Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission Risks After Exposure
Hepatitis B Last Monday, I accidentally drank from a beverage that my friend, who has hepatitis B, had consumed during our meal. The next day, Tuesday, I went to the hospital for a blood test. Yesterday, I received the report showing that the hepatitis B surface antigen is negati...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. Hepatitis B is not transmitted through food. 2. Even if one is infected with Hepatitis B, there will be an incubation period, and surface antibodies will not appear that quickly. Wishing you peace and health. Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan Ho...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission Risks After Exposure
Understanding Cirrhosis: Diagnostic Tools and Options in Taoyuan
Diagnosed with liver cirrhosis? I have been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis by a gastroenterologist. The surface of my liver is very rough, and I have undergone ultrasound examinations for over ten years without any improvement. I recently moved to Taoyuan and would like to know w...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: For the follow-up of liver cirrhosis, it is generally recommended to undergo abdominal ultrasound and blood tests every 3 to 6 months. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health ...[Read More] Understanding Cirrhosis: Diagnostic Tools and Options in Taoyuan
Understanding Upper Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Upper abdominal bloating and pain? Hello Dr. Tsai, I have been experiencing bloating and pain in my upper abdomen (just above the navel) for over a week. Over the past six months, I have intentionally lost about 20 kilograms through exercise without taking any medication. Due to ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Psychiatric medications should be gradually tapered under the supervision of a psychiatrist, rather than abruptly discontinued. As for whether further examinations are necessary, this should be determined after an evaluation by a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Solutions