Vaccination Guidelines for Hepatitis B Patients Before Pregnancy
Can patients with hepatitis B receive three different vaccines simultaneously? Hello, doctor. A patient with hepatitis B wants to get vaccinated before pregnancy. They have already received the first dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine on August 25, as well as t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
In general, there should be at least a two-week interval between each type of vaccine. It is advisable to first test for hepatitis A antibodies; if positive, it indicates lifelong protection. If planning for pregnancy after vaccination, it is recommended to consult with an obstet...[Read More] Vaccination Guidelines for Hepatitis B Patients Before Pregnancy
Understanding Bloating and Belching: Gastrointestinal Concerns Explained
Belching issues? Hello, doctor. Last year, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and was diagnosed with a gastric ulcer and Helicobacter pylori infection. After taking medication for six months, I experienced gastrointestinal discomfort and frequent diarrhea in August o...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there is no significant weight loss, symptomatic treatment and dietary control are sufficient. Additionally, a fecal occult blood test may be performed.[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Belching: Gastrointestinal Concerns Explained
Seeing Blood in Stool: Understanding Possible Causes and Concerns
There is a faint presence of blood in the stool? Hello Doctor, recently after having a bowel movement, I have noticed some light red blood streaks on the side of my stool. The color seems to be light red. However, when the stool is drier and has noticeable cracks on the surface, ...
Dr. Zhang Kebin Reply:
Hello Mr. Sun, it is recommended that you visit the colorectal surgery outpatient clinic for medical attention. Thank you.[Read More] Seeing Blood in Stool: Understanding Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Bowel Shape and Gastrointestinal Issues: Expert Insights
I would like to ask the doctor about issues related to the stomach and the shape of stool? Hello Doctor, 1. I would like to ask you about my ongoing issue with irregular bowel movements (constipation). I have noticed some improvement after taking probiotics, but the stools I pas...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely a mild abnormality in peristaltic digestion. Maintaining a normal diet and routine, along with appropriate medication to control symptoms, should suffice. If concerned, a stool occult blood test can be added.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Shape and Gastrointestinal Issues: Expert Insights
Understanding Changes in Stool Size: Is It a Sign of Rectal Cancer?
Narrow stools? Hello, doctor. About a week ago, my stool was of normal thickness, but it suddenly became thin and short, about the size of a pinky finger. I have been having bowel movements 1 to 2 times daily, and there are instances of mild diarrhea, but no blood in the stool. O...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please perform a fecal occult blood test.[Read More] Understanding Changes in Stool Size: Is It a Sign of Rectal Cancer?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention
Gastrointestinal issues Hello doctor, for the past three to four days, I've suddenly felt some bloating in my stomach and abdomen. I've noticed an increase in burping and flatulence, and my stomach makes gurgling noises. My bowel movements have also decreased (from one ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, if a colonoscopy shows no polyps, it is recommended to follow up in three years. However, if there are still significant changes in bowel habits, a physician should reassess whether further follow-up is necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your heal...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention
Blood Spots After Bowel Movements: Should You Worry About Colon Cancer?
There are blood spots after wiping following a bowel movement, and the stools have become thinner compared to 2-3 years ago? In the past month, I have occasionally noticed small blood spots on the toilet paper after wiping, with a diameter of approximately 0.1-0.2 cm. Sometimes t...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. RCH, regarding the blood in your stool, you should arrange for a colonoscopy. You can find a gastroenterologist at a nearby hospital to schedule further examination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Blood Spots After Bowel Movements: Should You Worry About Colon Cancer?
Understanding Yellow Round Objects in Stool: Causes and Concerns
The presence of yellow spherical foreign objects in the stool? Hello: My stools are usually loose, mushy, and watery, averaging at least 3 to 5 times a day. About three months ago, I experienced bright red blood in my stool, which lasted intermittently for about two weeks. Since ...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Ms. Bing: It is recommended to undergo an examination by a colorectal specialist. Director Cai Jin-ji of the Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology at Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Yellow Round Objects in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Does Diarrhea Affect the Accuracy of Fecal Occult Blood Tests?
Does diarrhea with loose stools affect the accuracy of a fecal occult blood test? In the past couple of months, I've been experiencing unexplained pain in my left abdomen, so I underwent a fecal occult blood test. I did this twice; the first time was around mid-July, and I d...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It should still maintain accuracy and can be further discussed with a physician.[Read More] Does Diarrhea Affect the Accuracy of Fecal Occult Blood Tests?
Understanding Constipation and Its Potential Link to Colorectal Cancer
Constipation issues? Doctor, I previously had normal bowel movements, but I have now developed diarrhea (which has not improved much). The internet suggests it could be colon cancer. I also experience lower abdominal pain, specifically in the same area, and I often pass gas (I&#x...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely a case of abnormal peristaltic digestion. Increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables is recommended, and further observation is advised.[Read More] Understanding Constipation and Its Potential Link to Colorectal Cancer
Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: When to See a Gastroenterologist
Chronic diarrhea? Hello doctor, for the past four to five days, I have been having bowel movements three to four times a day, and they are mostly loose and watery. A few times, there has been some mucus. Sometimes I feel the urge to go, but after sitting on the toilet for a while...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to follow a light diet. If there is no improvement, you may consult a gastroenterologist to address the diarrhea issue. If there is bleeding during wiping, you can use water or moist wipes. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: When to See a Gastroenterologist
Blood in Stool: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Blood in the stool? In the past few days, due to the typhoon, I haven't gone out to buy food and have only eaten poached chicken at home, without any vegetables or fruits. As a result, I haven't had a bowel movement for two days. When I finally did have a bowel movement...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Occasional bleeding is most likely due to conditions such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures. If bleeding occurs repeatedly, it is important to be cautious. You should consult a gastroenterologist or a colorectal specialist for further evaluation. Changhua Hospital cares abou...[Read More] Blood in Stool: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Lower abdominal pain Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing excessive flatulence for about a year (occurring daily, mostly in the evening, and without any foul odor). About a month ago, I started having pain in the lower right and lower left abdomen. Since this occurred during my...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Although you have soft stools and are not constipated, it is important to pay attention to the issue of retained stool. Additionally, consuming more meat or legumes can increase intestinal gas. You may also consider probiotics, as an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the g...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain and Anemia: Possible Causes
Fixed pain in the lower right abdomen + anemia? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing irritable bowel syndrome for about two years. Although I have a regular bowel movement schedule, my stool often breaks apart in the toilet, and it is always brown in color. I have seen a doctor...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for examination/treatment.[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain and Anemia: Possible Causes
Risks of Pork Tapeworm and Trichinella Infection: What to Do After Eating
Pork tapeworm and trichinellosis infection? Before eating pig brain, it was blanched and then stir-fried with sesame oil and rice wine. However, halfway through, I noticed some blood water and immediately stopped eating. After researching, I found concerns about parasites and pro...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is advisable to just observe for now, as pig brains are not a common habitat for this type of parasite, so there is no need to worry excessively at this time. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Risks of Pork Tapeworm and Trichinella Infection: What to Do After Eating
Understanding Foodborne Infection Risks: What to Watch For After Eating Raw Fish
Foodborne infection issues Today, I suspect that my meal was contaminated with the blood of raw fish, but I ate it anyway. At first, I thought it was a sea fish, but later I found out it was a river fish (a bass from the market; I'm not sure if it's wild-caught or farme...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There should be no risk; however, if diarrhea and fever occur, medical attention should be sought.[Read More] Understanding Foodborne Infection Risks: What to Watch For After Eating Raw Fish
Understanding Flat Stool: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Flat stools Hello doctor, I have observed that my stools are almost always flat, sometimes one side is round and the other side is flat. If I flip the first and third stools, they would look like the second and fourth stools from the left, which are also flat. I didn't notic...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. Huang, based on your description, the softness around the anus may be indicative of hemorrhoids. You may consult a gastroenterologist or a colorectal surgeon for further examination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Flat Stool: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: When to Seek Medical Attention
Rectal bleeding I have been experiencing frequent rectal bleeding during bowel movements, with about seven to eight instances of bleeding out of ten. This has been ongoing for several months. After bowel movements, there is usually a significant amount of blood in the toilet, and...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. Lei, you can still consult a gastroenterologist for further examination, which will provide you with more peace of mind. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Mucus and Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Mucus with blood in stool? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about the enzyme probiotics supplement I have been taking for the past three days. Since I started taking it, I have been experiencing frequent bowel movements, approximately 3-4 times a day, and the stools have bee...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Miss Nini, the blood-streaked stool you mentioned is more likely indicative of a rupture in the anal mucosa. However, if it persists for several weeks, that would be concerning. You should consult a gastroenterologist for an evaluation and also inquire about suitable probio...[Read More] Understanding Mucus and Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Digestive Issues: Gas, Constipation, and Concerns About Colon Cancer
Bowel-related issues? Hello, doctor. I have a history of bloating and constipation. Over the past 2 to 3 weeks, my bloating has become severe enough that I have little appetite, and my stools have become much thinner, about the thickness of my thumb. Occasionally, I experience di...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello, Miss Anonymous. If your symptoms do not improve with medication, you may want to discuss with your doctor the possibility of scheduling a colonoscopy. The likelihood of colorectal cancer is low, so you shouldn't be too concerned. If the examination shows no issues, it...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Gas, Constipation, and Concerns About Colon Cancer