Understanding Abdominal Pain and Changes in Stool Color: What You Need to Know
Stool color I have been experiencing occasional dull pain below my navel or around my navel in the past few days. At night, I find it difficult to have a bowel movement and usually have to wait until the next morning (I typically have bowel movements in the morning). Sometimes th...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
As mentioned above, further observation or medical examination for fecal occult blood testing may be warranted.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Changes in Stool Color: What You Need to Know
Understanding Blood in Stool: Is It Hemorrhoids or Something More?
Blood in the stool? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have noticed bright red streaks of blood in my stool, and even the water in the toilet has turned red. However, there is no blood on the toilet paper when I wipe. I can see a red protrusion around the anal area, which is not usually p...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It could be hemorrhoids or anal fissures; it is advisable to seek medical evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Is It Hemorrhoids or Something More?
Understanding Abdominal Pain After Intestinal Adhesions: When to Seek Help
Abdominal discomfort or pain? Hello, the patient had surgery for intestinal obstruction during childhood. Last Saturday, they were suddenly taken to the emergency room, where blood tests, ultrasound, and a CT scan were performed. The results indicated intestinal adhesions. Fortun...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please follow up at the gastroenterology outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain After Intestinal Adhesions: When to Seek Help
Understanding Blood and Mucus in Stool: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
The stool contains fresh blood and white, thick substances? After having a bowel movement in the morning, I noticed a white, thick substance mixed with the stool, and there was fresh blood when I wiped my bottom. I don't have any abdominal discomfort. This situation occurs a...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The presence of white, thick substances in the stool may indicate sloughed epithelial mucus from the colon. If there is fresh blood when wiping the anus, occurring every 2-3 days, common causes include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, colitis, and colorectal tumors. Prolonged b...[Read More] Understanding Blood and Mucus in Stool: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Hepatitis B: Key Insights for Family Health Management
Regarding Hepatitis B? Hello Doctor: Recently, my mother (70 years old) underwent a health check-up, and the ultrasound revealed signs of liver degeneration. She has also had a clinic health examination and an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which showed the presence of Helicob...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: HBsAg (+) *243.300 indicates a carrier of Hepatitis B, who requires regular monitoring every six months, including blood tests and abdominal ultrasounds. Hepatitis B is a high-risk factor for liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. If taking dietary supplements and traditional C...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Key Insights for Family Health Management
Persistent Pain Near Ribs: Understanding Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Persistent pain near the ribs? At the beginning of the month, I was diagnosed with pancreatitis at the hospital after blood tests indicated inflammation. However, it has been a month, and there has been no improvement. I have been trying to maintain a light diet, but the pain in ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 31-year-old female is experiencing persistent pain near the rib cage. She has a history of pancreatitis, which can be commonly caused by factors such as alcohol consumption, gallstones, bile duct stones, autoimmune diseases, hypertriglyceridemia, and certain medications....[Read More] Persistent Pain Near Ribs: Understanding Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Hepatitis C Test Results: What You Need to Know
Hepatitis testing Hello doctor, I have previously undergone several blood tests for Hepatitis C antibody, with the results as follows: in 109 (Taiwanese calendar year) the values were 5.32 S/CO and 0.067 COI; in 111, the values were 4.98 S/CO and 0.077 COI, with 0.077 COI being t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If the virus has not been treated, it is necessary to measure the hepatitis C virus load to make a determination.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Test Results: What You Need to Know
Risk of Hepatitis B and C Infection from Haircut: What You Need to Know
Questions regarding infections from bloodborne viruses such as Hepatitis B and C? Hello, I would like to consult about something. Today, I went to get a haircut and was shaved with a folding razor on the back of my neck and around my sideburns. When I got home and washed my hair,...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The chances are slim but not nonexistent; if concerned, testing can be done in 1 to 3 months.[Read More] Risk of Hepatitis B and C Infection from Haircut: What You Need to Know
Understanding Right Abdominal Pain: Causes, Tests, and Vaccine Concerns
Frequent abdominal pain on the right side? Hello, Doctor. Over the past year, I have been experiencing right abdominal pain approximately every three months. Recently, the pain has returned, and the location is somewhat variable, including around the navel, the lower right abdome...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If the fecal occult blood test is normal, it can be monitored. If symptoms persist, a colonoscopy may still be considered. Vaccination can still be administered while carefully monitoring for side effects.[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal Pain: Causes, Tests, and Vaccine Concerns
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Diagnostic Approaches
Right-sided abdominal pain inquiry? Hello Dr. Tsai, I would like to ask you a more detailed question. I appreciate your response. Last year, I experienced discomfort about 3 to 4 times in the same area (right lower abdomen to the pelvic region, with soreness, bloating, and a feel...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: To diagnose Crohn's disease, an endoscopy with biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Whether it is Crohn's disease also requires the clinical judgment of a physician, who will arrange for further examinations. It cannot be diagnosed solely by CT or MRI. C...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Diagnostic Approaches
Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission Risks for Mothers and Infants
The issue of blood transmission of Hepatitis B? Hello, doctor. I am a mother who is a carrier of hepatitis B. I would like to ask you, how long does the hepatitis B virus remain infectious when exposed to air? If my baby (who has completed the three doses of the hepatitis B vacci...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
After receiving three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine, you do not need to worry about being infected with hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is not transmitted through oral routes.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission Risks for Mothers and Infants
Persistent Blood in Stool: When to Consider Small Bowel Endoscopy?
Persistent bloody stools with no identifiable bleeding source on examination: Is a small bowel endoscopy necessary? Symptoms: First episode of bloody stool from January 9 to January 11. Patient: 68-year-old female with a history of mild gastric ulcer and elevated cholesterol. Tre...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It should not be related to the liver. It is necessary to work with a gastroenterologist and take some time for a thorough examination. Small bowel endoscopy and angiography are both considerations.[Read More] Persistent Blood in Stool: When to Consider Small Bowel Endoscopy?
Understanding Gallstones and Gastrointestinal Issues: A Patient's Journey
Intestinal dryness or gallstones? Hello doctor, I have a question that I hope you can patiently listen to. Over the past six months, I have seen four or five gastroenterologists and undergone various tests including gastroscopy, ultrasound, colonoscopy, X-rays, fecal occult blood...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. If it is related to the pancreas, issues should be detectable in previous imaging studies such as a CT scan. 2. Symptoms caused by gallstones typically occur after eating a large or fatty meal, or as abdominal bloating and pain 2-3 hours post-meal. Irritable bowel syndr...[Read More] Understanding Gallstones and Gastrointestinal Issues: A Patient's Journey
Persistent Abdominal Pain After Gastroenteritis: Seeking Relief
Gastroenteritis issues with persistent abdominal pain? Hello, doctor. Four days ago, I went to the emergency room due to diarrhea, having bowel movements 7 to 8 times a day, and a fever reaching 41 degrees Celsius. I received antipyretic and anti-diarrheal injections, and underwe...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A clear liquid diet should be followed until the intestinal mucosa is fully repaired, in order to reduce abnormal contractions and peristalsis. Medications may be necessary to control symptoms.[Read More] Persistent Abdominal Pain After Gastroenteritis: Seeking Relief
Understanding Muddy Black Stool: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology
Bowel issues Doctor, I have a question. This morning after I got up, I had several bowel movements, and the last two were mud-like and dark in color. Could this indicate a gastrointestinal bleeding issue or cancer? I have researched some foods that can cause black stools, but I h...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 19-year-old male is experiencing abnormal stool issues/diarrhea with dark, ink-colored stools. Is this indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding or cancer? Foods high in iron, such as cherries, berries, and dark vegetables, can cause stool color to darken. Certain medicati...[Read More] Understanding Muddy Black Stool: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology
Understanding Pancreatic Health: Normal Ultrasound and Blood Test Results
Pancreatic ultrasound and blood draw? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask about my recent abdominal ultrasound and blood tests conducted in the gastroenterology department. My blood tests for CA19-9 and CEA were both normal, and the abdominal ultrasound showed no abnormalities in ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, pancreatic cancer is associated with several risk factors such as family history, chronic cholangitis, chronic pancreatitis, and biliary cystic diseases. Inflammation of the bile and pancreas is related to alcohol consumption and gallstones. Currently, if examinations are ...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Health: Normal Ultrasound and Blood Test Results
Persistent Oily Stools: Do I Need Further Tests for Digestive Issues?
Floating stools with oil have been evaluated through various tests. I would like to ask if any further examinations are necessary? The patient has been experiencing long-term pain in the right upper abdomen and has had unformed stools. Recently, the stools have been floating and ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 38-year-old male presents with floating stools. His diet is not excessively greasy, and stool tests can be conducted to check for steatorrhea. Floating stools are associated with diet, medications, and gastrointestinal, liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic diseases. Both g...[Read More] Persistent Oily Stools: Do I Need Further Tests for Digestive Issues?
Understanding Blood in Stool: When to See a Doctor for Concerns
Blood in stool Hello, doctor. I have regular bowel movements every 2 to 3 days. Recently, I've noticed a small amount of bright red blood at the end of my stool on the 6th, 1st, and 3rd days. For example, this afternoon I had a bowel movement without blood, but just now in t...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, For a 40-year-old male with rectal bleeding, differential diagnoses include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, polyps, colitis, and colorectal cancer. It is recommended to follow up with a colorectal or gastroenterology clinic to confirm whether the diagnosis is hemorrhoids. Pr...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: When to See a Doctor for Concerns
Understanding Increased Gas and Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes
Abdominal bloating with increased flatulence? In the past week, I have experienced a feeling of bloating in the left side of my abdomen, specifically to the left of my navel. There is no pain, but I have noticed an increase in flatulence. When lying down, I can hear bowel sounds....
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: A 29-year-old male presents with a feeling of bloating in the left abdomen, increased flatulence, bowel sounds, and bowel movements 3-4 times a day, with blood noted on toilet paper. Possible causes include gastroenteritis or hemorrhoidal bleeding. It is advised to pay att...[Read More] Understanding Increased Gas and Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Teens
Fecal occult blood? Hello doctor, I am currently a high school student. A few days ago, I noticed some bright red blood in my stool and experienced slight pain in my anus. The color of the blood was similar to that of menstrual blood. After a few days, there was blood in my stool...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 17-year-old girl is experiencing blood during bowel movements and anal pain. Common causes include anal fissures, hemorrhoids, and proctitis. This may be related to difficulty in bowel movements. It is recommended to reduce the intake of spicy foods, increase the consump...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Teens