Understanding Blood in Stool: Symptoms and Potential Causes
Rectal bleeding I. Changes in bowel habits for about 5 years 1. Stools have become thin, approximately the size of a showerhead hose. 2. I feel the urge to defecate after meals. 3. I have bowel movements twice in the morning to feel completely empty; the second one is loose...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
You can seek medical attention for an examination.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Symptoms and Potential Causes
Understanding High Anti-HBs Levels: Can You Still Contract Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B transmission issues Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my liver function test results. Initially, my GOT was 42 and GPT was 76. After a follow-up blood test, my GOT dropped to 18 and GPT to 20, and I also had an Anti-HBs level greater than 1000. Could you please ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It's impossible now; congratulations on having a strong immunity to hepatitis B.[Read More] Understanding High Anti-HBs Levels: Can You Still Contract Hepatitis B?
Understanding Abdominal Masses: Concerns and Insights for Patients
Abdominal mass? There has been a lump in the abdomen that appears subtle, but upon closer inspection, there is a slight protrusion in the skin. The bulge becomes more pronounced when tightening the abdomen. It has been present for over a year and a half, located in the upper righ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely not an internal organ issue, so please rest assured. It may just be changes in the abdominal wall muscles caused by the surgery.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Masses: Concerns and Insights for Patients
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Could It Be Chronic Gastritis?
Gastrointestinal issues I have noticed an increase in the frequency of diarrhea over the past two months, although sometimes my bowel movements are normal. I don't experience much abdominal pain, but I often feel dizzy accompanied by a low-grade fever, bloating, decreased ap...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It could be irritable bowel syndrome, but it is advisable to first conduct a stool occult blood test or blood tests to rule out other possibilities.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Could It Be Chronic Gastritis?
Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Digestive Health
The stool contains mucus with blood clots? Hello Doctor: Today, after using the restroom, I noticed mucus that looked like blood clots (about the size of a five-dollar coin). However, my bowel movements have been normal lately, and the color is also normal. The mucus is separate ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Fecal occult blood testing can be performed for diagnostic purposes.[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Digestive Health
Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Fecal occult blood Hello, doctor. I recently had a fecal occult blood test (immunochemical) and the result was less than 7, which is negative. Does this mean everything is fine? I have a question regarding the sample collection; I used the stick to dig into the stool, but I heard...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It's normal, so there's no need to worry for now.[Read More] Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Gastroenteritis: Causes and Symptoms in Young Adults
Gastroenteritis issues Hello, doctor. I am currently 18 years old. Three days ago, I experienced vomiting, fever, body aches, and diarrhea, so I underwent a stool occult blood test, which came back positive, but there were no other issues, and the color was normal. Additionally, ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is possible. If symptoms persist or if there is blood in the stool, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist to evaluate the need for a colonoscopy.[Read More] Understanding Gastroenteritis: Causes and Symptoms in Young Adults
Understanding Bowel Issues: Symptoms, Concerns, and Possible Causes
Bowel issues Hello Doctor, I am 18 years old. Recently, I have been feeling bloated and have the urge to have a bowel movement, but I am unable to pass stool or only produce small, pellet-like stools. Last week, there was a day when I noticed light red blood around my stool, and ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Further observation is possible; if there is too much concern, a stool occult blood test can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Symptoms, Concerns, and Possible Causes
Post-Surgery Diet Tips for Liver Resection Patients: What to Avoid
Postoperative Diet After Da Vinci Liver Surgery Hello Doctor, my father is 63 years old and has metastatic liver cancer due to colon cancer. After undergoing chemotherapy for a period of time, he had a Da Vinci surgery on April 3rd, where approximately 50-60% of his liver was rem...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You may return for a follow-up appointment to confirm if there are any abnormalities in your blood tests. Post-operative dietary guidelines should be followed according to the nutritionist's recommendations (consultation is available).[Read More] Post-Surgery Diet Tips for Liver Resection Patients: What to Avoid
Understanding Duodenal Ulcers: Accuracy of H. Pylori Testing After Medication
Duodenal ulcer issues? I previously had some stomach issues and took medication prescribed by a clinic for a while, which helped alleviate the symptoms. The medications included those for treating peptic ulcers, gastric ulcers, and duodenal ulcers, such as Esomeprazole 20 mg, Pan...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Testing should still be primarily prepared, and other methods (stool test/blood test/breath test) should only be used if necessary.[Read More] Understanding Duodenal Ulcers: Accuracy of H. Pylori Testing After Medication
Understanding Abnormal Liver and Pancreatic Function Test Results
Health check report red text Hello Dr. Lin: During the recent company health check, the ultrasound technician mentioned that my liver appeared somewhat coarse and discovered a liver cyst (0.43 cm). The doctor advised me to undergo additional blood tests for liver function. After ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis involves several steps: First, assess for symptoms such as abdominal pain and postprandial back pain. Second, identify any risk factors such as gallstones, bile duct stones, alcohol consumption, and hyperlipidemia. Third, evaluate biochemical t...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver and Pancreatic Function Test Results
Understanding Diverticula and Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test Results
Diverticula & Fecal Occult Blood Test Hello, doctor. I underwent a colonoscopy in early March this year, and the results showed no tumors or polyps, but I have internal hemorrhoids and one diverticulum. Recently, I had a stool test, and the fecal occult blood test came back p...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of occult blood, including conditions such as moles, polyps, and tumors, as well as enteritis or other gastrointestinal bleeding. A physician should evaluate whether further examination is necessary. Diverticula refer to the degeneration of the muscul...[Read More] Understanding Diverticula and Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test Results
Persistent Abdominal Bloating for 3 Months: Possible Causes and Insights
Abdominal distension for approximately 3 months? Hello, for the past three months, I have been experiencing persistent abdominal bloating in the upper abdomen, which feels different from the usual gastric bloating. I do not have belching, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, or pain. Ev...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may be a slight abnormality in peristaltic digestion. You can manage caloric intake and increase post-meal physical activity to promote peristalsis. If concerned, a fecal occult blood test can be performed to rule out the possibility of colorectal disease.[Read More] Persistent Abdominal Bloating for 3 Months: Possible Causes and Insights
Understanding Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Upper abdominal discomfort or pain? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a dull pain in my upper abdomen for almost eight months now, located around the epigastric area. Currently, the symptoms persist as dull pain, and I have issues with bowel movements, sometimes having diffi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If weight, cancer markers, and lipase blood tests are normal, there is generally no need for further imaging studies. However, if there are still concerns, you may opt for out-of-pocket testing.[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Bowel Issues: Symptoms and Concerns for Your Health
Bowel issues Hello doctor, today I experienced cramping pain in my abdomen (there's a gurgling sound in the lower left side of my intestines) and diarrhea. Initially, my stool was normal and formed, but I’m not sure if it’s because I ate too much. Later, it turned into water...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is related not only to diet and lifestyle but also to anxiety. Proper management and adjustments can help alleviate symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Symptoms and Concerns for Your Health
Managing Chronic Diarrhea in Elderly Patients: Causes and Solutions
Consultation for Elderly Patients with Persistent Diarrhea Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about my elderly family member. She is in her eighties, follows a vegetarian diet, and has diabetes (she regularly administers insulin). For nearly six months, she has been experienc...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Patients with poorly controlled long-term diabetes are prone to digestive issues such as constipation or diarrhea. First, a stool occult blood test should be performed to determine the need for a colonoscopy. Additionally, dietary adjustments (low in fat and dairy) and necessary ...[Read More] Managing Chronic Diarrhea in Elderly Patients: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Lipase and Amylase Levels in Pediatric Gastrointestinal Health
Lipase and Amylase Dear Deputy Director: Last August, my child had acute gastroenteritis, and during the emergency visit, the lipase and amylase levels were elevated. After the follow-up visit, an abdominal ultrasound was performed at the end of August, which showed normal resu...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If a blood test for lipase and amylase levels is to be conducted, it is generally recommended to fast for 8 hours prior to the blood draw to avoid food interference with the results. Additionally, if the child does not exhibit symptoms of pancreatitis, has a normal abdominal ultr...[Read More] Understanding Lipase and Amylase Levels in Pediatric Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test After Colonoscopy
Fecal occult blood Hello doctor, I underwent a complete colonoscopy on March 1st of this year, which showed no polyps or tumors. However, on March 15th, a stool test indicated a positive result for occult blood. Is this considered normal, or should I undergo another colonoscopy?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please discuss with the attending physician whether a repeat stool test is necessary or if an examination of the stomach/small intestine is required.[Read More] Understanding Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test After Colonoscopy
Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain and Gas: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Lower abdominal pain, anal spasms, and bloating in the lower abdomen? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing symptoms of continuous flatulence (without odor) and noticeable bloating in my lower abdomen. Upon waking up in the morning, I feel a sensation of fullness in m...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, the symptoms you described may be caused by gastrointestinal dysfunction. The lower abdominal bloating and flatulence could be due to the accumulation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract. It is recommended that, in addition to maintaining good dietary habits, you should a...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain and Gas: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Liver Health: Addressing Concerns About Fatty Liver and Tumors
Suspected liver cancer? Hello doctor, my mother has moderate fatty liver and does not have hepatitis B or C. Previously, she had an ultrasound, and the doctor ordered a CT scan, which indicated a suspicion of liver cancer. Blood tests were also conducted, and later the CT scan sh...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Suspicion of liver cancer should be based on preliminary abnormalities, which can be used as a reason to apply for further imaging studies under health insurance. The results confirmed that there is no liver cancer, so there is no need to worry. A splenic hemangioma is benign and...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Addressing Concerns About Fatty Liver and Tumors