Persistent Abdominal Discomfort: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Abdominal discomfort? Hello Dr. Chen, Since March and April of last year, I have been experiencing discomfort in my upper left abdomen. I visited two gastroenterology clinics, where I underwent gastroscopy, and the doctors diagnosed me with excessive gastric acid and gastroesoph...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There should be no major illnesses; you can start taking the medication with peace of mind. Normalize your diet and exercise, and then monitor your symptoms.[Read More] Persistent Abdominal Discomfort: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Red Stools: Is It Carrot Pigment or Something More?
Bowel issues? Hello doctor, I had an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy last Saturday and was diagnosed with a gastric ulcer. I have been taking my medication on time. Recently, I have noticed some red discoloration in my stool (the predominant color is still brown or yellow), and ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Further observation is possible, and if necessary, a stool occult blood test may be performed.[Read More] Understanding Red Stools: Is It Carrot Pigment or Something More?
Understanding Blood in Stool and Hemorrhoid Suppository Concerns
Blood in stool & questions about hemorrhoid suppositories? Hello Doctor, I recently noticed a small amount of blood on the surface of my stool while using the restroom. After using a hemorrhoid suppository for treatment, I found that the suppository mixed with some crystallin...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The crystals should be related to medication. If there is persistent bleeding, it is recommended to consult a colorectal specialist or a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool and Hemorrhoid Suppository Concerns
Understanding Gastrointestinal Disorders: Symptoms and Solutions
Gastrointestinal dysfunction issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about gastrointestinal symptoms. Here is a description of the situation: 1. Bowel movement changes over the past 8 months: Previously, my stools were long, cylindrical, yellow-brown, floating and slowly ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. It is possible, but it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist for a clinical diagnosis. 2. Hearing bowel sounds does not necessarily indicate abnormal peristalsis. 3. Not necessarily; pulmonary and cardiac diseases must be ruled out. 4. If dietary and emotional ...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Disorders: Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding the Causes of Bicolor Stool: Black and Yellow Explained
The reasons for having stool that is half yellow and half black can vary. Yellow stool may indicate a high-fat diet, malabsorption issues, or the presence of bile, while black Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if it is normal to have stool that is half black and half yellow duri...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The likelihood is higher that it is caused by the food peel, because if it were bleeding, the blood would be in liquid form and would not only cause localized black discoloration; it should be entirely black instead. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-s...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Bicolor Stool: Black and Yellow Explained
Understanding Fecal Occult Blood: Causes and Concerns for Abdominal Pain
Fecal occult blood I often experience pain in my upper right abdomen. Four years ago, I had a colonoscopy, and the doctor said everything was normal. However, the pain in my upper right abdomen has been becoming more frequent. Recently, after each bowel movement, I carefully chec...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Mr. D: It is recommended that you visit the hospital to consult with a physician about whether further examinations are necessary for a more accurate diagnosis. Director Cai JinjI from the Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology at Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Fecal Occult Blood: Causes and Concerns for Abdominal Pain
Understanding Black Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Consultation regarding black stool issues? Hello Doctor, I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask about a situation I've been experiencing over the past week or two. My stool has turned black and is mostly in a flaky, oatmeal-like consistency (floating on the s...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It may be more related to food, so I recommend testing the black parts of your stool to check for any signs of occult blood. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Black Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Understanding Stool Color Changes: Causes and Concerns for Your Digestive Health
Stool color Hello Doctor, I am 22 years old and have been experiencing gastrointestinal issues recently. I used to be constipated, but I have been having frequent diarrhea lately. A few days ago, I was constipated again, and today when I went to the bathroom, I noticed some diarr...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely unrelated to cancer; it is merely a change in pigment after food digestion, and further observation is recommended. If there is bright red or blood-colored discoloration, medical attention should be sought.[Read More] Understanding Stool Color Changes: Causes and Concerns for Your Digestive Health
Understanding Intermittent Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Intermittent sharp pain in the lower right abdomen? About a month ago, I started experiencing intermittent sharp pain in my lower right abdomen, which occurs after having a bowel movement in the morning and around 11 PM. My stools have been watery, and I have been experiencing bl...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is recommended to apply local heat therapy and continue monitoring the condition.[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission and Cleaning Guidelines
Cleanliness and Transmission Issues of Hepatitis B Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions that have been bothering me: 1. Should clothing stained with the blood of a hepatitis B carrier be washed separately from other people's clothes? 2. Do regular laundr...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Individuals who have not received the hepatitis B vaccine should avoid allowing their wounds to come into contact with the fresh blood of a hepatitis B patient, as this could pose a risk. It is advisable for those who have not been vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission and Cleaning Guidelines
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Concerns
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor: This morning for breakfast, I had chocolate cake, and for dinner, I had a spring roll. After lunch and dinner, I felt discomfort in my upper abdomen, and my stools were dark and somewhat loose. Even after using the restroom, my stomach and ab...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If there is gastrointestinal bleeding, the stool may appear to be mixed with red blood in the water. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Concerns
Should You See a Doctor for Gastrointestinal Concerns?
Should I see a doctor? About a month ago, I had a bowel movement where I had to strain more than usual. The stool was in three segments, and one of them was red, but there was no blood spreading around it. Since then, I haven't experienced similar symptoms, but occasionally ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you experience continuous bleeding, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist or a colorectal specialist. As for the duration of the examination, it depends on the situation on the day of your visit; some can be done immediately, while others may require an appoin...[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for Gastrointestinal Concerns?
Should You Get a Colonoscopy for Chronic Abdominal Bloating?
Abdominal bloating Hello doctor, I have been experiencing unexplained abdominal bloating for the past two to three years. The doctor suspects that it may be caused by intestinal adhesions from abdominal surgery I had as a child. I have undergone fecal occult blood tests last year...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: This may require clinical judgment from a physician. The location of your abdominal pain needs to be determined as to whether it is related to the large intestine or the small intestine. If it is a small intestine issue, a colonoscopy may not be necessary. It is advisable ...[Read More] Should You Get a Colonoscopy for Chronic Abdominal Bloating?
When to Schedule Your Next Colonoscopy: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Colonoscopy The patient has been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome since elementary school and has undergone stool occult blood tests during this period, all of which were negative. The patient experiences intermittent abdominal discomfort, which improves with probiotics bu...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 30-year-old male has irritable bowel syndrome and underwent a colonoscopy 14 months ago, which was normal. He has experienced mucus and blood in his stool, but fecal occult blood tests were negative. There has been no change in weight, and there is no family history of c...[Read More] When to Schedule Your Next Colonoscopy: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Green Stool: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions
Green or dark green stool with a sticky consistency? Hello Doctor: I have been taking iron supplements for six months due to gynecological issues that caused anemia. At that time, my stool was dark green. However, after stopping the supplements, my stool has remained green or dar...
Dr. Zhang Kebin Reply:
Hello! The consumption of iron supplements, vitamins, multivitamins, or a diet high in carbohydrates and dark green vegetables can lead to stools appearing dark green. If these dietary and medication factors have been ruled out and the issue persists, it is advisable to consult a...[Read More] Understanding Green Stool: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions
Understanding Fatty Liver: Is It the Same as Cirrhosis or Hepatitis?
I have fatty liver disease? I was diagnosed with severe fatty liver during a recent health check-up. Does this mean I have cirrhosis or hepatitis? Can appropriate exercise help eliminate this condition? I've been experiencing bloating and frequent burping lately; is this rel...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, cirrhosis indicates severe liver fibrosis, which may lead to impaired liver function. In severe cases, symptoms may include jaundice, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and bleeding from esophageal varices. Fatty liver disease is characterized by the accumulation of triglyce...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Is It the Same as Cirrhosis or Hepatitis?
Understanding Fatty Liver: Is It Linked to Cirrhosis or Hepatitis?
I have fatty liver disease? I was diagnosed with severe fatty liver during a recent health check-up. Does this mean I have cirrhosis or hepatitis? Can appropriate exercise help eliminate it? I've been experiencing bloating and frequent burping lately; is this related?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, cirrhosis indicates severe liver fibrosis, which may impair liver function. In severe cases, symptoms such as jaundice, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and esophageal variceal bleeding may occur. Fatty liver disease is characterized by the accumulation of triglycerides in...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Is It Linked to Cirrhosis or Hepatitis?
Understanding Diarrhea: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Diarrhea issues? Hello Doctor, a few days ago my bowel movements were normal, but recently I have started experiencing diarrhea for the past 2 to 3 days. There is no abdominal pain, and the amount of stool each time is very small. I need to use the restroom 4 to 5 times a day. I ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: A 24-year-old male has been experiencing normal bowel movements but has had diarrhea for the past 2-3 days, with a frequency of 4-5 times per day, without blood in the stool. Changes in bowel habits can commonly be attributed to causes such as gastroenteritis, irritable bo...[Read More] Understanding Diarrhea: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Understanding Blood in Stool: Is It Always Hemorrhoids?
Determining the presence of blood in stool? Is blood in the stool only associated with hemorrhoids when it is separated from the stool, or can hemorrhoidal bleeding present in other forms as well?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Obvious bright red blood is known as hematochezia. If the amount is significant and occurs multiple times, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation for diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Is It Always Hemorrhoids?
Understanding Bloating and Digestive Issues: When to Seek Medical Help
Prone to bloating and abnormal bowel movements? Hello Doctor: I am 24 years old, and for the past 1-2 months, I have been experiencing frequent bloating after meals, along with audible bowel sounds, leading to gastrointestinal discomfort. Sometimes I feel a dull ache in my lower ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with abnormal peristalsis. You can consult a family physician or a gastroenterologist for stool occult blood testing and medication/dietary adjustments. For issues related to the navel, you may see a dermatologist.[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Digestive Issues: When to Seek Medical Help