Understanding Mucus in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
The amount of mucus in the stool? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've noticed that there seems to be an increased amount of mucus in my stool when I go to the bathroom. Approximately 30-50% of the surface of the stool is covered with mucus, which sometimes appears whitish but most...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The presence of mucus in the stool is generally considered a normal phenomenon. However, if 30-50% of the surface of the stool shows mucus, it may be excessive. You should consult a gastroenterologist to evaluate whether an endoscopy is necessary. Changhua Hospital cares a...[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Anal Tightness and Swelling After Constipation Issues
Swelling and tightness in the anus after a bowel movement? I have been experiencing long-term constipation, which has caused me to strain significantly during bowel movements. Over time (more than a year), I have noticed that my anus feels very tight, to the point where I can...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: You can consult a colorectal specialist to check for any signs of anal warts. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Anal Tightness and Swelling After Constipation Issues
Understanding Lower Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Lower abdominal discomfort or pain? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about a situation I've been experiencing. After a bowel movement (which was somewhat loose), I suddenly had abdominal pain and diarrhea about an hour later. Since then, I've had a persistent dull...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Your issue may need to be addressed by first resolving constipation or fecal impaction. As for whether there is intestinal inflammation or a tumor, a clinical physician may need to evaluate the possibility of inflammation or a tumor after treating the constipation, and the...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Understanding the Link Between Fecal Occult Blood and Elevated CEA Levels
Fecal occult blood and its correlation with CEA levels? Hello doctor, my father, a long-time smoker, had a blood test yesterday that showed a CEA level of 9.4. The doctor advised him to quickly schedule a colonoscopy, but we have to wait two weeks for the results. In July, he had...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It's a matter of perspective, and there is no definitive answer (there should be no colorectal cancer, but polyps cannot be ruled out). If concerned, a colonoscopy should be performed, but lung cancer is also a possibility; the important thing is to quit smoking.[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Fecal Occult Blood and Elevated CEA Levels
When to Seek Medical Attention for Blood in Stool
What types of bloody stools require medical attention? Doctor, I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask about my condition. For the past 2 to 3 months, I have experienced blood in my stool for a few days at a time. The color of the stool appears normal, but there is...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely internal hemorrhoid bleeding; seek medical attention for medication if necessary. In the meantime, increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, and fluids, and engage in regular exercise. After bowel movements, wash with water and dry thoroughly.[Read More] When to Seek Medical Attention for Blood in Stool
Understanding Anal Fistulas: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
Determination of Anal Fistula I apologize for the lengthy message, but I would like to seek your advice regarding a situation I have been experiencing. About 4 to 6 years ago, while bathing, I accidentally scratched a small wound very close to my anus, about 1 to 2 centimeters aw...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is unlikely to be related to cancer, but if you are concerned, you can visit the colorectal surgery clinic for confirmation.[Read More] Understanding Anal Fistulas: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
When to Seek Medical Attention for Blood in Stool
When should you seek medical attention for blood in your stool? Doctor, I apologize for asking, but I have been experiencing blood in my stool for about 2 to 3 months, occurring for a few days at a time. The color of my stool appears normal, but there is a small amount of mucus a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely bleeding from internal hemorrhoids. You should seek medical attention to obtain an ointment, and use it as necessary. In the meantime, increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, and fluids, and engage in regular exercise. After bowel movements, wash with water and d...[Read More] When to Seek Medical Attention for Blood in Stool
Concerns About Swallowing Fish Bones: What to Watch For
Concern about accidentally swallowing a fish bone? If you accidentally swallowed a small fish bone, approximately 1 cm in size, from handling fish skin, and you do not feel any injury in your throat, you should monitor for any symptoms. Observe for the following signs over the ne...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
As stated, there should be no issues, but please be careful in the future.[Read More] Concerns About Swallowing Fish Bones: What to Watch For
Understanding Persistent Bowel Urgency: Causes and Concerns
Persistent urge to defecate? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask if having a persistent feeling of needing to have a bowel movement throughout the day is normal. It's not a strong urge to go to the bathroom, but rather a sensation near the anus or in the intestinal area clos...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If the fecal occult blood test is normal, observation can be considered initially.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Bowel Urgency: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures: When to Seek Medical Attention
Anal issues If someone has hemorrhoids and anal fissures but has not sought medical attention due to mild symptoms, and experiences pain during bowel movements with a small amount of bright red blood on toilet paper that improves within about two days, should they be concerned ab...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There's no need to worry; a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, along with stool softeners and topical ointments, should suffice. If you're still concerned, you can test for occult blood in the stool when there is no bleeding.[Read More] Understanding Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Stool Surface Marks: When to Seek Medical Advice
Stool surface markings Hello, doctor. I had a fecal occult blood test this year, and the results were normal. Recently, my bowel movements have been once a day, with soft but formed stools. The color is normal, slightly yellow, and the thickness is neither too thick nor too thin....
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen: You can take a photo and then schedule an appointment with the colorectal department to discuss it with the attending physician. Director Cai Jin-ji of the Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology Department at Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Stool Surface Marks: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Orange Mucus in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Mucus in stool Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my previous experience with blood in my stool, which occurred once or twice but resolved on its own. Recently, I read an article stating that normal stool mucus is typically white. However, I have noticed that the mucus on th...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there is no blood in the stool, further observation should be considered.[Read More] Understanding Orange Mucus in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Sudden ALT Spike and Hemoglobin Drop: Is Alcohol to Blame?
Sudden elevation of ALT and a sudden decrease in hemoglobin? On the evening of December 2nd, I consumed alcohol and developed a rash that lasted until December 5th. On December 6th, when I went to donate blood, I was informed that my hemoglobin level was at the borderline of acce...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is recommended to consult a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialist, and to discontinue alcohol consumption and unnecessary medications.[Read More] Sudden ALT Spike and Hemoglobin Drop: Is Alcohol to Blame?
Understanding Orange Mucus in Stool: Is It Normal?
Mucus in stool Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my previous experience with blood in my stool, which occurred once or twice but resolved on its own. Recently, I read an article stating that normal stool mucus is typically white, but I have noticed that the mucus on the sur...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there is no blood in the stool, further observation should be considered.[Read More] Understanding Orange Mucus in Stool: Is It Normal?
Understanding Blood on Toilet Paper: Causes and Concerns of Colitis
Blood on toilet paper after a bowel movement, diagnosed as colitis? I occasionally eat out, but I usually eat at home, consuming a lot of vegetables, mostly organic, and I rarely eat fried or spicy foods, maintaining a light diet. Until mid-November of this year, I was having reg...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You can first return to the gastroenterologist for a discussion.[Read More] Understanding Blood on Toilet Paper: Causes and Concerns of Colitis
Understanding Rectal Discomfort: Hemorrhoids vs. Colon Cancer Concerns
Bowel issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about a recent feeling of heaviness in my anus. I have a history of hemorrhoids, and with the upcoming exams, I've been staying up late frequently. I also have a habit of using my phone while having a bowel movement. My stools f...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. At the age of 17, the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer is low. 2. You can consult a gastroenterologist or a proctologist for evaluation. A colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or anoscopy may be performed. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Rectal Discomfort: Hemorrhoids vs. Colon Cancer Concerns
Understanding Liver Nodules: What You Need to Know After Imaging Tests
Questions about liver nodules? Three months prior to the company health check, I was following up on a 0.5 cm gallbladder polyp at a gastroenterology clinic, and no other issues were found. During the company health check, it was noted that the gallbladder polyp had increased to ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. Follow-up for gallbladder polyps once a year. 2. For liver nodules, follow-up should be determined based on the physician's imaging report, but it can be done in 3 months.[Read More] Understanding Liver Nodules: What You Need to Know After Imaging Tests
Red Spots in Stool: Should You Worry About Hemorrhoids or Cancer?
There are some red spots in the stool? Hello doctor, yesterday I had diarrhea and passed a lot of small soft stools. I noticed that one of the soft stools had numerous tiny red dots on it, while the others did not. There was no blood or redness when I wiped. I was previously diag...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It does not appear to be colorectal cancer; further observation is recommended.[Read More] Red Spots in Stool: Should You Worry About Hemorrhoids or Cancer?
Understanding Persistent Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Abdominal discomfort lasting for three to four months? Hello doctor, I usually experience abdominal pain that lasts no longer than 3 to 6 seconds, similar to a sudden punch. However, the location varies; sometimes it's between my stomach and chest, sometimes in the left uppe...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely not a gastrointestinal issue. It is recommended to adopt a healthy diet for weight loss, avoid intense exercise during pain, and warm up before exercising to prevent strains.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Rectal Bleeding and Mucus After Anal Intercourse
Bleeding with mucus after anal intercourse? Hello, doctor. As mentioned, I have had anal intercourse in the past, and I tried it again yesterday. Afterward, I experienced diarrhea for about 5-10 minutes in the bathroom. This morning, after using the restroom, I noticed some light...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
There may be trauma to the anus/rectum.[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding and Mucus After Anal Intercourse