Could I Have a Parasite? Understanding Gastrointestinal Symptoms
I suspect that I have a parasitic infection? Hello, I had sashimi for lunch on June 27th, and two days later, I started experiencing intermittent abdominal cramping. My stools became mushy, and there was a sticky residue when wiping. The feces had a foul, sewage-like odor. Since ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Parasitic infections are often not acute gastroenteritis. However, if there are concerns, it is advisable to seek medical attention and have a stool test for parasites.[Read More] Could I Have a Parasite? Understanding Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Can You Get Hepatitis B from a Needle Stick Injury?
Hepatitis B transmission issues? Hello Doctor: My friend's father is a carrier of hepatitis B. This morning, while my friend was injecting insulin into his father, he accidentally pricked his finger with the needle! Is there a possibility of transmission in this case? Does h...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If you have completed the full hepatitis B vaccination series, there should be no risk. If you are concerned, you can seek medical attention and have blood tests done twice within 1 to 3 months.[Read More] Can You Get Hepatitis B from a Needle Stick Injury?
Understanding Blood Test Results: What to Know About Liver and ALP Levels
Blood test index issues? Hello, I recently had a blood test, and most of the liver and gallbladder function tests were normal, except for the albumin/globulin ratio which is 1.45 (normal range 1.5-2.5). Is there anything I should be concerned about? Additionally, the medical tech...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is still normal for young individuals to have elevated ALP levels, so there is no need to worry.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What to Know About Liver and ALP Levels
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Treatment Duration and Expectations
Elevated liver enzymes? Hello Doctor, my mother is 68 years old. Her blood test results show GOT/GPT over 300, and r-GT over 1500. Her bilirubin level, which was originally 18, has decreased to 8, but it is still quite high. Recently, my mother has been taking liver and bile medi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The recovery of liver function and the underlying causes of the disease will determine the timeline, which can typically range from 1 to 3 months. Please discuss this with your attending physician.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Treatment Duration and Expectations
Severe Lower Abdominal Pain: What to Do When X-rays Show No Issues?
Left lower abdominal pain, X-ray results are normal? Hello doctor, I started experiencing severe lower abdominal pain and stomach pain around 10 PM on Tuesday. I have diarrhea that is thick and black in color, with some blood, which could also be from a ruptured hemorrhoid. I...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is difficult to make a simple assessment; local heat application may be helpful. If necessary, please return for a follow-up and discuss with your physician.[Read More] Severe Lower Abdominal Pain: What to Do When X-rays Show No Issues?
Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Elevated total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels? Hello, doctor. In 2021, I had a health check-up, and at that time, my total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels were elevated. Three months later, I had another blood test, and those levels were normal. This year, during my ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There is no correlation and it does not affect health. If there is no hepatitis B, the principle is to follow the general health check-up guidelines (for those over 40 years old, once every two years).[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Gastrointestinal and Liver Issues: Blood Test Guidelines
Blood tests for gastrointestinal or liver and kidney issues? For the past three to four months, I have felt like there is something in my throat. There have been several instances where I frequently feel nauseous and have the urge to vomit, but I can't. This happens in the m...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Feeling like there is something in your throat, frequently wanting to vomit, experiencing nausea without being able to vomit, could be due to gastrointestinal issues (such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis, or peptic ulcers). It may also be related to chronic pharyngi...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal and Liver Issues: Blood Test Guidelines
Severe Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Insights
Left upper abdominal pain Hello, doctor! I have been experiencing severe pain in the left upper abdomen, around the rib area, possibly between the third and fourth ribs. The pain is located at the midpoint between the ribs on both sides, approximately 4 to 5 centimeters to the le...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A chest X-ray can be performed to rule out any specific issues. Other possibilities may include nerve or fascial inflammation, which can be treated with local heat application and analgesics. For bowel movements, it is advisable to reduce oil and dairy intake, and if necessary, m...[Read More] Severe Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Insights
Understanding Intermittent Black Stool: Causes and Concerns for Young Patients
Intermittent black stools? Hello Doctor, about six months ago, I started experiencing intermittent black stools, and sometimes I would have abdominal pain at night, which made me quite concerned. Later, my parents took me for an abdominal ultrasound due to my persistent worries, ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If the fecal occult blood test is positive, then proceed with endoscopic examination.[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Black Stool: Causes and Concerns for Young Patients
Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Tests and Gastrointestinal Health Concerns
Body issues such as fecal occult blood problems, etc? Hello, doctor. In April, I underwent a quantitative immunochemical fecal occult blood test conducted by the National Health Administration. I have a fear of having colorectal cancer, so I thought it would be wise to start with...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Fecal occult blood testing is not 100% accurate; it is merely a screening tool. For further confirmation, a colonoscopy may be necessary. If colorectal cancer is suspected, a colonoscopy (which examines the entire colon) is the most accurate method. You can consult a gastr...[Read More] Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Tests and Gastrointestinal Health Concerns
Uncertain If It's a Parasite: Understanding Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Uncertain if there are parasites present? Hello, doctor. For the past few years, every few months, I have noticed a long, unidentified object at the end of my stool that I need to pull out myself. It measures about five to ten centimeters and is a color similar to that of my stoo...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Every few months, there are elongated unidentified objects at the anal opening, which may be food fibers or parasites, without any symptoms of anal itching. It is recommended to conduct a stool examination for the presence of parasites or a blood test to check for possible parasi...[Read More] Uncertain If It's a Parasite: Understanding Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Severe Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions Explained
Severe pain in the lower left abdomen? Dear Deputy Director, I would like to ask you about my condition. I often experience acute abdominal diarrhea in my lower left abdomen after eating a full meal. At times, the pain is so severe that I suddenly find it difficult to breathe, a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is recommended to first perform a fecal occult blood test to rule out serious intestinal lesions. Additionally, an antispasmodic can be taken before meals. Local heat application can be used to alleviate symptoms during episodes of pain.[Read More] Severe Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions Explained
Changes in Bowel Habits: Understanding Symptoms and Risks
Changes in bowel habits and other symptoms? The family has a history of colorectal cancer. Three weeks ago, bowel movements suddenly increased from once a day to three times a day, concentrated in the evening within an hour. There is a sensation of incomplete evacuation after def...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Hello, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. Thank you.[Read More] Changes in Bowel Habits: Understanding Symptoms and Risks
Understanding Tea-Colored Urine in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Brown urine in the context of hepatitis B concerns? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about my situation. I have been a carrier of hepatitis B since childhood, and recently, in the past week, I have experienced two episodes of tea-colored urine, both occurring around 3:00 PM...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The described symptoms are likely unrelated to hepatitis B and may be due to dietary pigments or urinary tract issues (such as minor bleeding). It is advisable to consult a urologist for a urinalysis.[Read More] Understanding Tea-Colored Urine in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Managing Persistent GERD and Tongue Numbness: Seeking Solutions
Gastroesophageal reflux has been recurring for over six months. I have been taking medication to manage it, but it hasn't improved. Recently, I have experienced numbness in my tongue. What should I do? In the second half of 2022, I experienced a burning sensation in my throa...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Hello! It is advisable to discuss this with your attending physician. Thank you.[Read More] Managing Persistent GERD and Tongue Numbness: Seeking Solutions
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes and Necessary Tests
Gastrointestinal issues In the past month, I have been experiencing dizziness almost every day, with a slightly elevated body temperature, usually between 37.4-38 degrees Celsius when measured in the ear. My weight has dropped from 75 kg to 70 kg, and my bowel movements are somet...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Hello! You can come to the outpatient clinic for an evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes and Necessary Tests
Understanding Irregular Bowel Movements: When to Seek Medical Advice
Bowel issues Hello Doctor, I am in my 20s and I am not sure if this has been the case since childhood or if I have only recently noticed it. I have found that my bowel movements are never in the shape of a banana or sausage. I often feel the urge to use the bathroom multiple time...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is just a personal bowel habit and falls within the normal range, so there is no need to worry. If anxiety persists, a stool occult blood test can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Irregular Bowel Movements: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Rectal Foreign Sensation: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Anorectal foreign body sensation Hello, I inquired about the sensation of a foreign body in the anus yesterday. I would like to ask again. Yesterday, I visited a gastroenterologist who used an anoscope to examine me and said that there was nothing abnormal, only internal hemorrho...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There is no need to return unless it's necessary after finishing the medication.[Read More] Understanding Rectal Foreign Sensation: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Black Stool: Causes and Concerns for Digestive Health
Black stool issue Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing loose stools that appear black from a distance, but up close, they seem more like a very dark brown. There doesn't seem to be any bloody smell (though I can't really identify what blood smells like). Thi...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Black Stool: Causes and Concerns for Digestive Health
Understanding Rectal Foreign Sensation: When to Seek Further Testing
Anorectal foreign body sensation Hello, I inquired about the sensation of a foreign body in the anus yesterday. I would like to ask again. I visited a gastroenterologist who used an anoscope to examine me and said that there was nothing concerning, only internal hemorrhoids. Afte...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is not necessary; you can return for a follow-up appointment only after finishing the medication.[Read More] Understanding Rectal Foreign Sensation: When to Seek Further Testing