Understanding Soft, Pebble-Like Stools: When to Seek Medical Advice
Bowel movements consist of soft, pellet-like stools daily? Hello Doctor: I would like to summarize the following information and inquire whether a visit to a major hospital for examination is necessary or if observation is sufficient. I appreciate your assistance in providing adv...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If there are changes in your bowel habits, you may want to first review your diet to see if there are any differences or if there are signs of infection, such as acute gastroenteritis. If there is no improvement, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist. Changhua Ho...[Read More] Understanding Soft, Pebble-Like Stools: When to Seek Medical Advice
Can Anal Fissures or Hemorrhoids Cause Black Stool?
Bleeding issues Can anal fissures or internal hemorrhoids cause black stools?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It should not happen; there will be fresh blood in the stool. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Can Anal Fissures or Hemorrhoids Cause Black Stool?
Understanding Abnormal Bowel Movements: Mucus, Blood, and Concerns
Mucus, feces, pellet-like stools, and possible presence of blood? Hello Doctor: I will be 16 years old in a few months. About a year ago, one morning I suddenly felt the urge to have a bowel movement. As soon as I got to the bathroom, I had a loose stool, and there was some mucus...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The presence of blood upon wiping is mostly from the anal area, and it could be due to anal fissures or hemorrhoids. It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet and not to consume only certain types of food. Since you are young, the likelihood of developing colorectal ca...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Bowel Movements: Mucus, Blood, and Concerns
Understanding Small or Unformed Stool: When to See a Gastroenterologist
Small or unformed stools? Hello doctor, for the past two months, my stools have been smaller or unformed, and sometimes I experience diarrhea. When I am aware, I can no longer pass large stools. The color of my stools is yellow-brown, which seems normal. I go to the bathroom seve...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to pay attention to your diet and avoid greasy foods. Given your age and symptoms, the most common possibility may be irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is advisable to maintain good dietary hygiene, manage stress, engage in moderate exercise, and ensure ...[Read More] Understanding Small or Unformed Stool: When to See a Gastroenterologist
Understanding Pancreatic Cysts and Liver Hemangiomas: What You Need to Know
Pancreatic cysts and hepatic hemangioma? Due to the abdominal X-ray report indicating an opaque nodule, I recently went to the hospital for further examination. An abdominal ultrasound revealed: 1. Fatty liver, 2. A small cyst on the pancreas, and 3. A hemangioma in the liver. Th...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: There are no symptoms, and blood tests are normal. The doctor recommends regular follow-up every three to six months. Essentially, there is a hepatic hemangioma and a simple cyst in the pancreas, both of which are benign lesions. The number and size of these lesions are un...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Cysts and Liver Hemangiomas: What You Need to Know
Understanding Stomach Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Stomach pain issues? Thank you, doctor. I would like to ask about my condition. About two months ago, I started experiencing discomfort in my stomach that lasted for one to two weeks. Sometimes I had constipation, and occasionally diarrhea, but I did not have a fever. My bowel mo...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: It is advisable to pay attention to your diet and treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Common causes of pancreatitis include alcohol consumption, biliary issues, and hyperlipidemia. It is recommended to avoid overly greasy and sweet foods. Blood tests and imaging ...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Testing for Colon Cancer and Polyps
Fecal occult blood Hello Dr. Chen, 1. What is the accuracy rate of fecal occult blood testing for colorectal cancer? 2. Can it detect colorectal polyps? If so, should a colonoscopy be performed for polyp removal? 3. If polyps were removed during a colonoscopy five years ago, ca...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Larger polyps and colorectal cancer often show positive fecal occult blood tests, with a relatively high accuracy. The frequency of follow-up for polyps varies depending on their number and size, so please discuss this with your original physician. Anal fissures typically require...[Read More] Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Testing for Colon Cancer and Polyps
Understanding Colorectal Cancer Risks and MRI Limitations
Colorectal cancer MRI Doctor, I had a full-body MRI last year, and there is a liver nodule about 1 cm in size. I underwent a colonoscopy six and a half years ago. I have noticed some white mucus in my stool, and recently I've been experiencing significant gastrointestinal di...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Colorectal cancer screening only requires a fecal occult blood test, so there is no need to worry too much. Liver nodules can be monitored with ultrasound.[Read More] Understanding Colorectal Cancer Risks and MRI Limitations
Understanding Bowel Movement Changes: When to Seek Help
Bowel movement issues I have a bowel movement every 2-3 days, usually 1-2 times, and they are typically in a cylindrical shape. Occasionally, the first bowel movement is not completely evacuated, and after a few hours, I will have another one that is cylindrical in the front and ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You can increase your intake of fruits and vegetables and monitor your condition, and/or check for occult blood in the stool.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Movement Changes: When to Seek Help
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
A few days ago, I had a lot of blood in my stool? A few days ago, I noticed a lot of blood when I had a bowel movement. There were blood clots when I wiped, and it was very painful when I tried to pass stool. The next day, there were still some blood clots and blood when I went t...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The likelihood of anal fissures or hemorrhoids is relatively high. You may consult a gastroenterologist or a colorectal specialist, and if necessary, further evaluation with a colonoscopy. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Early Symptoms of Colon Cancer: What You Need to Know
Early symptoms of colorectal cancer? Four months ago, I experienced symptoms of dark stools with fresh blood. There was one occasion where I only passed mucus, and sometimes I felt dizzy, which I wasn't sure was due to staying up late. I consulted a doctor at that time who d...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The likelihood of developing colorectal cancer at the age of 16 is extremely low. It is advisable to monitor for any signs of anal fissures or the possibility of hemorrhoids due to prolonged sitting, as well as to check for constipation or harder, larger stools. If there a...[Read More] Understanding Early Symptoms of Colon Cancer: What You Need to Know
Understanding Severe Stomach Pain and Unusual Stool Changes: A Gastroenterology Guide
Five days ago, there was severe gastric cramping, and I would like to inquire about the shape of the stools in the following days? Five days ago, I experienced severe gastric cramps and took medications prescribed by my doctor, including paracetamol and antidiarrheal drugs. Initi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there is blood in the stool or fever, a follow-up appointment is necessary. Otherwise, a light diet can be adjusted and monitored.[Read More] Understanding Severe Stomach Pain and Unusual Stool Changes: A Gastroenterology Guide
Understanding Fatty Liver: Risks of Fibrosis with Normal Liver Enzymes
Fatty liver disease issues? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if, in cases of moderate to severe fatty liver disease, where blood tests show normal liver enzymes and there is no evidence of hepatitis B, will the liver continue to undergo fibrosis? Or is there a possibility, but i...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There is still a chance, but the risk of developing diabetes is high in 10 years. Please focus on losing weight.[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Risks of Fibrosis with Normal Liver Enzymes
Understanding Bowel Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Bowel movement issues Hello Doctor: In the past few weeks, I have been experiencing a sensation of needing to have a bowel movement while urinating (which is not usual for me), but I am unable to do so. The color of my stool is mixed, resembling a combination of coffee brown and ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. You may consider changing your dietary habits by ensuring adequate hydration and increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables. If there is no improvement, you can consult a gastroenterologist to see if an endoscopy is recommended. 2. Dietary considerations include av...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Bowel Issues: Causes and When to Seek Help
Bowel movement issues Hello Doctor: In the past few weeks, I have been experiencing the sensation of needing to have a bowel movement while urinating (which is not usual for me), but I am unable to do so. The color of my stool is mixed, resembling a combination of coffee and brow...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. You may consider changing your dietary habits by ensuring adequate hydration and increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables. If there is no improvement, you may consult a gastroenterologist to see if an endoscopy is recommended. 2. Dietary considerations include av...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Mucus and Blood in Farts: Gastrointestinal Concerns Explained
Mucus and blood in stool? Hello doctor, since last night I have been passing gas that is accompanied by mucus. The mucus has a stool color and some red. Additionally, my stool has become thinner recently. I had grilled red meat for lunch yesterday; could it be that it was underco...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Please pay attention to see if there are any signs of diarrhea. Additionally, red mucus may indicate bleeding; if the amount is significant, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist. {The cracks may cause flatulence to be expelled forcefully.} This should not be t...[Read More] Understanding Mucus and Blood in Farts: Gastrointestinal Concerns Explained
Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Chronic diarrhea Doctor, I am 27 years old and for the past two to three years, I have been experiencing soft stools or diarrhea, without abdominal pain or blood in my stool. Sometimes, the stool appears greenish or contains food particles. In April of this year, I underwent an u...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It may be caused by irritable bowel syndrome, diet, or mental stress. If there is a family history of colorectal cancer, you may want to consult a gastroenterologist to evaluate whether an endoscopy is necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Chronic diarrhea Doctor, I am 27 years old and for the past two to three years, I have been experiencing soft stools or diarrhea without abdominal pain or blood in my stool. Sometimes the stool appears green. In April of this year, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It may be caused by irritable bowel syndrome or dietary and psychological stress. If there is a family history of colorectal cancer, you should consult a gastroenterologist to evaluate whether an endoscopy is necessary. Additionally, there are some endocrine issues, such a...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Understanding Bloating, Hiccups, and Gas: When to Seek Medical Help
Hiccups, bloating, and flatulence issues? The symptoms of hiccups, bloating, and flatulence have persisted for over four weeks. Prior to these symptoms, I experienced gastroenteritis. I wake up in the morning with hiccups, and throughout the day, I frequently have hiccups. My sto...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: In addition to medication, it's important to pay attention to your dietary habits, ensuring you are consuming enough fruits and vegetables and staying hydrated. If you are experiencing significant mental stress and there is still no improvement, it is advisable to con...[Read More] Understanding Bloating, Hiccups, and Gas: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Blood-Stained Stool: When to Worry and When to Wait
Hemorrhoidal suppositories & blood-colored membrane Doctor, I apologize for bothering you, but I recently noticed a small amount of blood on the surface of my stool when I went to the bathroom. I bought a hemorrhoid suppository and after using it, there was no obvious blood i...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may be appropriate to suspend use and continue monitoring.[Read More] Understanding Blood-Stained Stool: When to Worry and When to Wait