Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Understanding Symptoms and Management
Is this irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? If so, how should it be managed? On the first morning, I had a cup of yogurt and a piece of cake for breakfast. A few hours later, I started experiencing diarrhea. The stool was dark brown with no blood. I felt mild pain in the lower left a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Symptoms lasting more than three months indicate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is recommended to follow a low-dairy and low-fat diet, and to have medication available for symptomatic relief as needed.[Read More] Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Understanding Symptoms and Management
Understanding Right Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Discomfort in the right abdominal area? In April and May, I experienced pain in the lower left abdomen, approximately in the area of the sigmoid colon. At that time, the clinic doctor used a stethoscope to listen to the abdominal sounds and indicated that the pain was due to inte...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Left lower abdominal pain, bloating, and increased bowel movements. Symptoms have improved with medication treatment including analgesics, prokinetic agents, anti-flatulence medications, antacids, and laxatives. Occasionally, pain is felt on the left side and sometimes on the rig...[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Are Undercooked Pork Ribs Safe? Risks of Parasites and Bacteria Explained
If the pork ribs feel undercooked towards the end, is there a risk of parasitic infection? Hello, Doctor. Recently, I bought a box of pork ribs (the thicker kind) at a supermarket. Before cooking, I marinated them with white wine and some Italian herbs and stored them in the refr...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
The likelihood of occurrence is low. Maintain good oral hygiene and avoid consuming raw or unclean food. If you experience any unusual symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, or headache, please seek medical attention. Wishing you good health![Read More] Are Undercooked Pork Ribs Safe? Risks of Parasites and Bacteria Explained
Understanding Blood in Stool: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Rectal bleeding Hello, doctor! Let me describe my situation. For the past three days, I woke up one morning with abdominal pain, and after going to the bathroom, I experienced diarrhea. Initially, I thought the abdominal pain and diarrhea were normal, but then I started having fr...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The likelihood of gastroenteritis is higher, and if there is a clear presence of blood in the stool, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to avoid the risk of a severe bacterial infection that could delay treatment and lead to sepsis. Changhua Hospital care...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Chronic Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain: Understanding IBS and Its Symptoms
Chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain? Hello Dr. Chang, I am 28 years old and have generally had good gastrointestinal health. However, between the ages of 25 and 27, my diet was poor, consuming a cup of bubble tea every day for about six months and frequently eating late-night sna...
Dr. Zhang Kebin Reply:
Hello, A-Zhen. After examination, no abnormalities were found, and the symptoms have not improved despite treatment. It is recommended that you return to the medical facility where you previously had your check-up (Beirong or Yilan Yangming) for further consultation. Thank you.[Read More] Chronic Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain: Understanding IBS and Its Symptoms
Understanding Bowel Issues: Causes and Solutions for Hard Stools
Bowel issues Hello Doctor, For the past two weeks, my bowel habits have been similar to usual, with about 3-4 bowel movements per week. However, recently I have noticed that my stools feel very hard at the front and appear to be in small, separate lumps. The stools that come ou...
Dr. Zhang Kebin Reply:
Hello Xiaomei, if the symptoms have appeared only in the past two weeks, they may be related to dietary habits. It would be advisable to monitor the situation, but if there are any concerns, it is recommended to seek medical attention. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Causes and Solutions for Hard Stools
Understanding Nausea and Vomiting: Causes and Concerns
Gastrointestinal discomfort and nausea? I apologize for the interruption! I would like to ask about experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort accompanied by nausea, followed by vomiting stomach acid and then a small amount of orange-red vomit. Subsequently, the phlegm has been str...
Dr. Zhang Kebin Reply:
Hello, if you continue to feel unwell, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Nausea and Vomiting: Causes and Concerns
Managing IBS: Tips for Improvement and Treatment Options
Inquiry about Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) issues? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) this May, and it has been over two months since then. My diarrhea has been inconsistent, with periods of improvement and worsening. My stool occult blood test re...
Dr. Zhang Kebin Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen, methods to improve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) include pharmacological assistance, adjustments to lifestyle and dietary habits, and most importantly, relaxation. These changes do not happen overnight. Thank you.[Read More] Managing IBS: Tips for Improvement and Treatment Options
Understanding Stool Color: What It Means for Your Digestive Health
Stool color Hello, doctor. Recently, my stool has been very dark, but I do not have constipation; I have bowel movements twice a day, in the morning and evening. The toilet paper I use is yellow (my bowel movements take no more than 3 minutes; as soon as I sit down, I have a bowe...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
As long as the fecal occult blood test is normal, there is no need to be overly concerned about color changes due to food intake.[Read More] Understanding Stool Color: What It Means for Your Digestive Health
Understanding Fatty Liver: Key Questions and Management Strategies
Fatty liver disease issues? Hello Doctor, last September when I had my blood drawn, my liver function was abnormal with GOT at 30 and GPT at 52. During the ultrasound examination, the doctor mentioned that I had severe fatty liver (I think I heard the doctor mention cell death, b...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
As long as the BMI is maintained within the normal range and liver function is normal, that is sufficient.[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Key Questions and Management Strategies
Understanding Blood-Streaked Mucus in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Large amounts of mucus mixed with blood? Two nights ago, I ate a lot of food, and that night I started experiencing abdominal pain and diarrhea (the stools were soft but formed). The next afternoon, I suddenly began passing stools that contained bloody mucus, and each bowel movem...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A medical examination can determine the cause, and it is likely to be inflammatory in nature.[Read More] Understanding Blood-Streaked Mucus in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Is Your Recurring Abdominal Discomfort a Sign of Colon Cancer?
Could the intermittent sensation of urgency and heaviness in the abdomen be a sign of colon cancer? I had been experiencing a feeling of urgency and incomplete evacuation for a while, which made me worry about the possibility of colon cancer. However, after a few days, the sympto...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Fecal occult blood test reference.[Read More] Is Your Recurring Abdominal Discomfort a Sign of Colon Cancer?
Understanding Bloating and Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Concerns
Bloating issues Hello, doctor. I have a few symptoms I would like to inquire about: 1. For the past three to four days, I have been feeling a bit bloated in my abdomen. My bowel movements and flatulence are normal, but I still experience a bloated sensation throughout the day. Ad...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Bloating, constipation, and consuming excessive spicy foods can all contribute to these symptoms. Additionally, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may present similar symptoms. It is recommended to maintain a light diet and ensure adequate hydration along with the intake of fr...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding GERD Symptoms: Frequent Hiccups and Digestive Discomfort
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with persistent belching? About the end of last year, I started experiencing discomfort in my stomach. I went to see a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who diagnosed me with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but I haven't...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Reflux is unrelated to stool. A light or low-dairy diet can be observed initially.[Read More] Understanding GERD Symptoms: Frequent Hiccups and Digestive Discomfort
Can You Contract Hepatitis C from Touching Infected Blood?
Hepatitis C transmission issues? Hello, doctor. If I touch blood from someone with hepatitis C with my hand (which has a small abrasion but no visible bleeding), is it easy to get infected? Additionally, can syphilis or HIV be transmitted in this way? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Infection can only occur if fresh blood contaminates broken skin.[Read More] Can You Contract Hepatitis C from Touching Infected Blood?
Understanding Elevated Amylase Levels: What You Need to Know
Amylase index A few years ago, during a health check-up, I discovered that my CA-199 levels were severely elevated. Later, it was found that I had a teratoma in my ovary. After surgery, my CA-199 levels decreased to around 40. Since then, I have been undergoing regular blood test...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: An increase in amylase levels is commonly used to assist in the diagnosis of pancreatitis. Amylase is also present in the salivary glands, and when renal function is impaired, the excretion of amylase decreases, leading to elevated levels. Additionally, conditions such as ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Amylase Levels: What You Need to Know
Why Is My Mother's Blood Sugar Stubbornly High After Insulin?
Blood sugar levels cannot be lowered? Hello Doctor: My mother is 63 years old. She was hospitalized for acute pancreatitis in September of the year before last and again in November of last year. She had her gallbladder removed in January of this year. She has diabetes and is on ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please discuss with an endocrinologist.[Read More] Why Is My Mother's Blood Sugar Stubbornly High After Insulin?
Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: Causes and Concerns
The definition of changes in bowel habits? I would like to ask about the definition of changes in bowel habits. Personally, I have a bowel movement approximately every two to three days, and the stool is usually of normal thickness with some cracks. Recently, I experienced two da...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
No problem, symptom management and adjustment will suffice.[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Soft or Loose Stools: Causes and Dietary Impact
Loose stools or diarrhea? Hello Doctor: For the past two weeks, after changing my diet, my bowel movements have been slightly formed soft stools or loose stools. I have a bowel movement about 2-3 times a day, usually consistently at 8-9 AM and 9-10 PM, with sometimes an additiona...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Diet and digestion can contribute to various conditions, and excessive consumption of vegetables may not be advisable. Additionally, a history of polyps warrants checking for fecal occult blood and monitoring with colonoscopy.[Read More] Understanding Soft or Loose Stools: Causes and Dietary Impact
Understanding Black Stool: Causes and What It Means for Your Health
Bowel movement color issues? Dear Doctor: What is the detailed appearance of black stools associated with gastrointestinal bleeding? I often see news reports stating that passing black stools is an important warning sign, but there is no comprehensive description available for re...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Black stools resemble tarry feces. If you are unable to distinguish them, a fecal occult blood test can be performed. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Black Stool: Causes and What It Means for Your Health