Understanding Abdominal Distension and Weight Loss: Gastrointestinal Concerns
Abdominal bloating, feeling more full in the morning upon waking than before going to bed (sensation of abdominal distension)? Six months ago, my weight began to gradually decrease, and it has dropped from 50 kg to 40 kg (height 153 cm). Blood tests show liver enzymes over 70. I ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please seek medical treatment.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Distension and Weight Loss: Gastrointestinal Concerns
Understanding Variations in Stool Shape: When to Seek Medical Advice
The stool consistency varies between thick and thin? Hello, doctor. My usual bowel habit is about twice a day, and I have maintained this for many years. Since the beginning of this year, the characteristics of my daily bowel movements have changed somewhat. The first bowel movem...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
As long as there is no blood present, further observation is acceptable, and it is recommended to increase the intake of fruits and vegetables for fiber. If there are concerns, a fecal occult blood test can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Variations in Stool Shape: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Morning Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions for Chronic Symptoms
Strange fixed time for diarrhea? I experience multiple episodes of diarrhea every morning after waking up (sometimes very urgent), but it resolves by noon. This has been ongoing for 5 to 6 years. I often take probiotics, specifically Grapewang Kangbeier Lactobacillus, to manage t...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, it is recommended for individuals over 50 years old to undergo a fecal occult blood test. If there are changes in bowel habits, you should consult a gastroenterologist to determine if a colonoscopy is necessary. Pay attention to whether consuming dairy products exacerbates...[Read More] Understanding Morning Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions for Chronic Symptoms
Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Chronic diarrhea since childhood? I have had gastrointestinal issues since childhood, experiencing frequent diarrhea and poorly formed stools. I often feel mild abdominal pain when I need to use the restroom, and I go to the bathroom 2-3 times a day. My diet is quite bland (not g...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by rapid peristalsis, which is generally not harmful to health. However, it is important to monitor for any signs of blood in the stool or rapid weight loss. It is advisable to keep medication on hand for when it is needed.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Diagnosis After Surgery
Abdominal bloating Hello Doctor: I am 47 years old. I had surgery for intestinal obstruction in the fifth grade. About two to three years ago, I started experiencing unexplained abdominal bloating that lasts for about a week, and then it gradually returns to normal. This occurs a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Adhesions can occur at any time. A colonoscopy can be performed, but it is challenging due to the increased angle, so it should be done with caution. Clinically, it is often recommended to maintain a low-volume diet and monitor for changes in symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Diagnosis After Surgery
Understanding Digestive Issues: From Irregular Bowel Movements to Stress
Frequent episodes of diarrhea? I have been observing my condition for a while, but my bowel movements are always unstable; sometimes they are normal, and other times I have diarrhea. After prioritizing my health, I researched online and came across information about colorectal ca...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Please pay attention to your dietary habits by reducing oil and avoiding刺激性 foods, and manage your mental stress appropriately. The issues identified through ultrasound (gallbladder polyps, left renal cyst, kidney stones, and fatty liver) are likely unrelated to the diarrh...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: From Irregular Bowel Movements to Stress
Understanding Blood and Mucus in Stool: Should You Worry?
Mucus in stool with blood? Hello Doctor, two days ago when I had a bowel movement, my stool was floating on the surface of the toilet. When I flushed, I noticed that there was mucus on the stool mixed with blood. I have a history of hemorrhoids and my anus has been very uncomfort...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you are experiencing pain and bleeding from the anus, there is a higher likelihood of anal fissures or internal hemorrhoids. It is recommended to consult a colorectal specialist or a gastroenterologist for an evaluation to determine if further examination is necessary. ...[Read More] Understanding Blood and Mucus in Stool: Should You Worry?
Is Your Stool Red? Understanding Blood in Stool and Its Causes
Is it blood in the stool? Hello, I noticed that my stool was uniformly reddish-brown (well-formed) when I went to the bathroom yesterday. Is this what is referred to as blood in the stool? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The stool is bright red in color.[Read More] Is Your Stool Red? Understanding Blood in Stool and Its Causes
Understanding Granular Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Bowel issues Recently, my stools have been somewhat granular, but I have been intentionally exercising, eating vegetables, and drinking water. Today, I noticed a small red piece in my stool, and I'm unsure if it is blood or related to the remnants of the tomato I ate yesterd...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Granular stools are a sign of constipation, and if there are red stools, they are mostly remnants of food. If there is blood present, it will disperse into the toilet water, turning it red. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Granular Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Protecting Your Liver and Kidneys While Taking Long-Term Medications
How to protect the liver and kidneys during long-term medication use? Hello Doctor: I am a 19-year-old patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and I have been experiencing symptoms for over two years. For the past year, I have been managing my condition with Celecoxib (a non-steroid...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Maintain a normal diet, avoid using unverified remedies, and have regular blood tests.[Read More] Protecting Your Liver and Kidneys While Taking Long-Term Medications
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Gastrointestinal issues Hello, doctor. I have two issues regarding my body. First, I experience sharp pain in the lower right abdomen, which lasts for a very short duration (just a few seconds). I have seen a gastroenterologist and had an ultrasound, both of which were normal. I ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The type of diet, hydration levels, and emotional changes can all contribute to changes in bowel habits; it is not a single factor. Whether or not to perform a colonoscopy should be determined by a clinical physician based on necessity. You may also consider undergoing a c...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Blood in the stool? Hello Doctor, I have recently noticed blood when wiping after a bowel movement, occurring about once every week or two. The blood is dark red and is usually just a small amount, though occasionally there is a larger amount. This issue has only recently appeare...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You can visit the pediatric gastroenterology outpatient clinic for medical care.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Colonoscopy: When to Get Tested for Gut Health
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. Chen Shidian Reply:
No need for colonoscopy surveillance.[Read More] Understanding Colonoscopy: When to Get Tested for Gut Health
Understanding Tumor Diagnosis: Navigating Liver Health Concerns
Informed of having a tumor? Hello Doctor, I discovered a 1.6 cm hypoechoic lesion in my liver during a health check on November 29 (no hepatitis B, but no antibodies; hepatitis C is negative, and blood tests are normal). I scheduled an appointment on March 8 and had an abdominal ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Appointment rescheduling/early follow-up visit.[Read More] Understanding Tumor Diagnosis: Navigating Liver Health Concerns
Understanding Mucus in Stool and Bowel Movement Issues
Mucus in stool and bowel movement issues? Initially, there was a discharge of clear intestinal fluid during bowel movements, and the stool was thin with pointed ends, with varying amounts—sometimes very little and other times more. However, over the next few days, there was mostl...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may be due to abnormal gastrointestinal motility. If you are concerned, you should seek medical attention to check for occult blood in the stool and consider medication for management.[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool and Bowel Movement Issues
Understanding Constipation: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Bowel issues I have been experiencing constipation issues, having bowel movements every 3 to 5 days. During college, I had bleeding during bowel movements and consulted a doctor who diagnosed me with anal fissures. I also had a history of internal hemorrhoids. Recently, I visited...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Increase the intake of soft foods, and if necessary, use medication for adjustment; observation may also be employed.[Read More] Understanding Constipation: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: What to Do Next?
Total bilirubin, direct bilirubin in red text? Hello Doctor, I had a blood test this week, and the results showed total bilirubin at 1.52 mg/dL (reference range 0.1-1.2), direct bilirubin at 0.66 mg/dL (reference range ≤0.3), while the other values such as A/G ratio, sGOT, sGPT, ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is mostly a matter of genetic predisposition; regular blood tests each year are sufficient for monitoring.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: What to Do Next?
Understanding Colon Cancer Spread: Diet and Treatment Options
The speed of colorectal cancer metastasis and diet? Hello Doctor: My mother was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer before the Lunar New Year, which has already metastasized to the liver. The tumor is located near the bladder, and there are three lesions in the liver, each a...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsiao, Due to the unique circumstances of each case, it is advisable to refer to the report images and individual health conditions. It is recommended to follow the guidance of the current physician for clearer insights. Director Cai Jin-ji, Department of Hepatobilia...[Read More] Understanding Colon Cancer Spread: Diet and Treatment Options
Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Worry About Rectal Pain and Bleeding
Bowel issues Hello Doctor, I recently experienced rectal bleeding during bowel movements, and after a digital rectal examination at a large hospital, I was diagnosed with an anal fissure. No further tests were conducted. However, the bleeding has recurred, and I am experiencing p...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 17-year-old female is experiencing bowel issues—severe anal fissures causing bleeding and pain. Diarrhea or difficulty in bowel movements can exacerbate the fissure problem. It is important to drink plenty of water, increase fiber intake, engage in moderate exercise, and...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Worry About Rectal Pain and Bleeding
Understanding Sudden Lipase Spikes After Acute Pancreatitis
Lip levels suddenly exceed the normal range? Hello, doctor. I was hospitalized last week due to acute pancreatitis, and my lipase level was 119 upon admission. However, it suddenly spiked to 500 before my discharge, which caused me to stay an additional two days. A follow-up bloo...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Lipase may be elevated during pancreatitis. The rise occurs more slowly but remains abnormal for a longer duration. Symptoms are the primary focus, and laboratory tests are only for reference. Amylase and lipase are digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas. When the panc...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Lipase Spikes After Acute Pancreatitis