Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Gastrointestinal Health
Bowel issues, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain? Hello, Vice Dean Chen. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask for your advice. About two weeks ago, I sought medical attention due to diarrhea lasting nearly a week, during which I noticed what appeared to be streaks ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There should be no major issues; further details can be discussed with the attending physician.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Weight Loss and Throat Issues from GERD: A Medical Insight
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)/laryngitis and weight loss? Hello, doctor. In the past few months, I have been experiencing frequent gastroesophageal reflux, which has also affected my throat, causing a sensation of something being stuck. This was the diagnosis and treatme...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If initial treatment and adjustments are still ineffective, it is recommended to perform an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and a fecal occult blood test to rule out malignant diseases (it is unlikely, but it is necessary to exclude possibilities).[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss and Throat Issues from GERD: A Medical Insight
Understanding Bowel Sounds and Bloating: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Borborygmi, bloating Hello, doctor. I have been suffering from chronic indigestion for many years. I tend to experience diarrhea when I am stressed, along with occasional bloating and frequently unformed stools. The doctor has mostly diagnosed it as irritable bowel syndrome. Howe...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Further examination may not be necessary; monitoring, dietary adjustments, and medication management should suffice.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Sounds and Bloating: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Managing HBV Viral Load for Cancer Patients: Treatment Timing and Strategies
Hepatitis B virus load and medication issues? Dear Dr. Chen, My husband is experiencing a recurrence of cancer, and we believe that chemotherapy drugs may no longer be effective. Therefore, we are considering participating in a clinical trial for experimental drugs, but the stud...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There is no specific rate of decline; it may be necessary to conduct monthly assessments.[Read More] Managing HBV Viral Load for Cancer Patients: Treatment Timing and Strategies
Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
The stool is sticky and light brown, but I have recently had a gastrointestinal flu. Occasionally, there is blood when wiping after a bowel movement due to anal fissures, and it is painful to use the restroom? In the past two weeks, I've been experiencing gastrointestinal fl...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there is pain in the anus, it is advisable to seek treatment at an outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Recent Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Recent rectal bleeding? Hello, doctor. My bowel habit is to have a regular bowel movement every morning, and occasionally I also have one before taking a shower at night. For the past month, my bowel habits have not changed, and the shape of my stools has been normal. However, th...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The frequency of bowel movements has not changed, but there is blood in the stool. Common causes of blood in the stool include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, inflammation of the rectum or anus, or tumors. It is advisable to avoid irritating foods. Blood in the stool should be...[Read More] Understanding Recent Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Incomplete Bowel Movements: When to Seek Medical Advice
Incomplete bowel evacuation? Hello Doctor, for the past few days (about a week), I have been experiencing the sensation of needing to have a bowel movement even after I have just finished. I usually go twice, but sometimes I also have a bowel movement at night, and I do pass stoo...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Individual hard stools may indicate constipation, and symptoms such as the presence of blood or the need to have a bowel movement more than twice could also be related to constipation. It is advisable to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables and stay hydrated. If t...[Read More] Understanding Incomplete Bowel Movements: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Changes in Bowel Movements After Dieting with IBS
After two months of dieting for weight loss, my stools have become thin and watery. I have a history of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Hello Doctor, I have had a history of being unable to gain weight since childhood, often overeating, but I have also experienced chronic diarrhe...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. Wei: Based on your description, it still appears to be irritable bowel syndrome. If you are concerned, we can arrange for a routine stool examination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bowel Movements After Dieting with IBS
Is Your Stomach Pain a Sign of Cancer? Understanding Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Stomach pain: Cancer? Hello doctor, I suddenly woke up with severe stomach pain at 3 AM on January 28th. The pain was located in the upper abdomen, between the ribs below the sternum. It was so intense that I couldn't stand up straight and felt nauseous. I went to the emerge...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely acute gastritis, possibly related to the use of anti-inflammatory medication. It is advisable to discontinue the medication and carefully monitor for any changes.[Read More] Is Your Stomach Pain a Sign of Cancer? Understanding Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Understanding Blood Test Results: High Albumin and Its Implications
Blood test report issues? Hello Doctor, I recently had blood and urine tests due to high blood pressure. The day before the tests, I took antibiotics (Pseudomonas-specific tablets) because a previous doctor diagnosed me with "epididymitis." The urine test results show s...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It should not be necessary; you can discuss it during your follow-up appointment after finishing the medication.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: High Albumin and Its Implications
Understanding Mucus Discharge from the Anus: Causes and Concerns
There is mucus discharge from the anus? Hello, Doctor. About two weeks ago, I suddenly experienced diarrhea 3-4 times two hours after lunch. I had two packets of loperamide at home, so I took them in two doses to stop the diarrhea. However, starting the next day, I noticed a smal...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It appears to be normal secretions from the colon, and further observation is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Mucus Discharge from the Anus: Causes and Concerns
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Managing Weight Loss and Bloating Challenges
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Dietary bloating, weight loss to underweight? Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Dietary Bloating, Weight Loss to Underweight Hello Doctor, I have been seeking medical attention for over a year and have consulted many doctors. As of January 19, 2021, I had...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You seem to have a tendency towards anxiety, and it is advisable to seek assistance from a psychosomatic specialist (along with a metabolic specialist to rule out any new metabolic diseases) for management.[Read More] Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Managing Weight Loss and Bloating Challenges
Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted Through Skin Contact with Ointment?
What is the probability of transmitting hepatitis? After changing the diaper of a patient with hepatitis B and applying ointment around the anal area (while wearing gloves), when removing the gloves and tightly closing the ointment tube, some ointment leaked out and accidentally ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
First, please confirm if you have received the hepatitis B vaccine. Do you have hepatitis B antibodies?[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted Through Skin Contact with Ointment?
Understanding Changes in Stool Size and Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes
The stool has become thinner, and there are occasional feelings of abdominal pain? I would like to ask about my situation. A doctor previously diagnosed me with an anal fissure, but after more than a year, I have recently been experiencing frequent abdominal pain, specifically in...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Further observation is recommended; if concerns persist, a fecal occult blood test can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Changes in Stool Size and Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes
Understanding Long-Term Constipation and Rectal Issues: Causes and Solutions
Chronic constipation, rectal issues? Hello, doctor. I am currently working abroad and unable to return to Taiwan. I am on a waiting list to see a specialist, but due to the pandemic, I have not been able to get an appointment yet. I have been experiencing chronic constipation for...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely a constipation type of irritable bowel syndrome, but it is still recommended to check for occult blood in the stool to rule out colorectal disease. Additionally, increase the intake of fruits and vegetables, engage in post-meal walking exercises, establish a regular ...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Constipation and Rectal Issues: Causes and Solutions
Blood on Toilet Paper: Should You Worry About Your Colon Health?
Blood on toilet paper after wiping? Hello Doctor, I had my first colonoscopy in October last year, during which two 2 cm polyps were removed (tubular adenomas), one was benign and the other was highly differentiated atypical. In November of the same year, I had another colonoscop...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: If you have polyps in the colon and a family history of colorectal cancer, it is important to follow up with colonoscopy screenings. The frequency of follow-up for polyps should be based on your physician's recommendations. It is also advisable to develop a habit of c...[Read More] Blood on Toilet Paper: Should You Worry About Your Colon Health?
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Right lower abdominal tenderness upon palpation? Hello doctor, I have always had a constitution where I have to use the bathroom 5 to 10 minutes after eating, and for the past few days, I have been feeling a dull pain in my abdomen. I have the urge to go, but I can only manage to...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Further observation/localized heat application or consultation for examination (fecal occult blood test).[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Rusty Smelling Stool: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Rusty-smelling stool? Hello Doctor: This morning, I only had a small bowel movement, and the stool was brown in color. However, when I wiped, I noticed a bit of what looked like black stool mixed with mucus. Later, during lunch, I had a more complete bowel movement, but it had a ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Checking for occult blood in the stool can help determine if there is any bleeding, eliminating the need for further speculation. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Rusty Smelling Stool: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Pancreatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks of Recurrence
Pancreatitis issues Hello, doctor. My father experienced severe abdominal pain about 5.6 years ago and went to the emergency room, where he was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. At that time, his enzyme levels were over 10,000, but he did not want to be hospitalized and went hom...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. The pancreatic inflammation index usually refers to amylase or lipase levels that rise to more than three times the normal value. 2. Alcohol consumption is the primary cause; additionally, the presence of gallstones (some of which may be small and not visible on a CT sc...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks of Recurrence
Understanding Mucus in Stool and Black Spots: When to Seek Help
Mucus in stool, stool with black specks? Hello Doctor: A month ago, I visited a physician due to initial constipation followed by fresh blood in my stool. After performing a rectal examination, the doctor diagnosed me with hemorrhoids and prescribed suppositories, and I also unde...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There is no need to worry about the reported condition; you can return for a follow-up appointment as instructed (or on your own) and discuss it with your physician.[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool and Black Spots: When to Seek Help