Midnight Diarrhea: Is It a Sign of Serious Health Issues?
Diarrhea in the middle of the night? Hello doctor, I have been frequently waking up in the middle of the night with diarrhea over the past month. This is the only unusual symptom I have. Could this possibly be a brain tumor or another type of cancer?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is unlikely to be related to cancer; you may consider adjusting your diet, and if necessary, check for occult blood in the stool.[Read More] Midnight Diarrhea: Is It a Sign of Serious Health Issues?
Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Test Results: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Fecal occult blood issue? The fecal occult blood immunoassay result from the health check shows a value of 1.8 ng/mL. Why does the report indicate a positive result, and is this considered abnormal? Should further monitoring or additional testing be pursued?
Dr. Zhang Kebin Reply:
Hello, Xiao-Wen! Regarding your question, the fecal occult blood immunochemical test result is 1.8 ng/mL. Is this abnormal? If it is abnormal, is further testing necessary? The normal ranges can vary due to differences in testing equipment across hospitals, so it is advisable to ...[Read More] Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Test Results: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Can You Safely Combine Blood Pressure Medications with Viagra?
Are there any drug interactions or adverse effects? Currently, I am taking antihypertensive medication (Cozaar 50mg) and Nexium 40mg, one tablet each daily. Can I also take Viagra or similar medications? If so, are there any potential side effects? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There should be no interactions; however, it is recommended to discuss with the prescribing physician.[Read More] Can You Safely Combine Blood Pressure Medications with Viagra?
Understanding Bowel Movement Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Bowel issues Hello, doctor. In my twenties, I used to have bowel movements every two to three days, sometimes even every three to four days. Now, I typically have a bowel movement every one to two days, although I still experience occasional constipation, going two to three days ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There shouldn't be any issues; if you're concerned, you can test for occult blood in the stool.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Movement Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Abnormal Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Abnormal bowel movements? I used to have a regular bowel movement every morning, which would take just a few minutes. However, in the past month, I have been experiencing frequent constipation. The stools are somewhat dry and cracked, measuring about 5 to 6 centimeters long and 3...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello, sir: If there are changes in your bowel habits, it is advisable to visit a hospital for examination to better determine if there are any issues. Dr. Cai Jin-ji, Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Diverticulitis Hello Doctor, I am 20 years old. Recently, I visited a doctor due to mild pain in my lower left abdomen and diarrhea. I underwent an abdominal ultrasound and blood tests. The doctor informed me that I have a diverticulum in my intestine, which is inflamed, but the ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Indeed, diverticulitis has a higher incidence in older individuals, but it is not impossible for it to occur in someone in their 20s. As for the diagnostic method, a CT scan is more accurate. It is recommended to undergo a colonoscopy after the diverticulitis has healed. C...[Read More] Understanding Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Severe Diarrhea: When to Seek Further Medical Attention?
Diarrhea occurring nearly 20 times? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing severe diarrhea for the past few days and visited a nearby clinic. The doctor suspected norovirus and prescribed medication. After taking the medication and resting at home, I found that I immediately need...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You may return for a follow-up appointment or be referred to a hospital for examination earlier. Maintain hydration and practice frequent handwashing.[Read More] Severe Diarrhea: When to Seek Further Medical Attention?
Understanding White Mucus in Brown Stool: Is It Normal?
White mucus in stool? Doctor, I previously asked about having brown stools with white mucus. I forgot to mention that the white mucus is usually present in the first stool of the day, but it is not always at the very front of the stool (I previously mentioned it was at the front)...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There should be no problem; if you're concerned, you can check for occult blood in the stool.[Read More] Understanding White Mucus in Brown Stool: Is It Normal?
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Bowel Issues: A Gastroenterology Guide
Abdominal pain and bowel movement issues? I have recently been experiencing pressure pain in my lower abdomen, which also hurts when I lie on my side. Sometimes the pain is dull, other times it is cramp-like. I also have the sensation of needing to use the bathroom, but I am unab...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 16-year-old female is experiencing lower abdominal pain and abnormal bowel movements with blood in the stool. It is recommended to seek medical attention. The lower abdominal pain may be related to gastrointestinal, gynecological, or urinary tract issues. Common causes o...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Bowel Issues: A Gastroenterology Guide
Understanding Dark Red Blood in Stool: Is It a Sign of Colon Cancer?
Bowel issues I have been noticing dark red blood and bloody mucus in my stool for the past five days when I go to the bathroom. Interestingly, I do not feel any discomfort in my body, and there is no pain or itching around my anus. I would like to ask the doctor if this situation...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. Huang, the presence of dark red blood and bloody mucus in your stool suggests a potential gastrointestinal issue. It is advisable to seek evaluation from a gastroenterologist as soon as possible, as gastrointestinal bleeding should be considered. Thank you for your inqu...[Read More] Understanding Dark Red Blood in Stool: Is It a Sign of Colon Cancer?
Understanding Diverticulitis: Dietary Tips and Concerns for Young Adults
Diverticulitis issues Hello doctor, I am 20 years old. Recently, I visited a doctor due to mild pain in my lower left abdomen and diarrhea. I underwent an abdominal ultrasound and blood tests. The doctor informed me that I have a diverticulum in my intestine, which is inflamed, a...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Ms. Jane, for diverticulitis, it is recommended to consume more fruits and vegetables and to stay well-hydrated. Regarding the colonoscopy issue, I suggest discussing it with your physician, as your age raises some concerns about attributing your symptoms solely to divertic...[Read More] Understanding Diverticulitis: Dietary Tips and Concerns for Young Adults
Concerns About Belly Button Bumps and Loose Stools: What to Know
There are small bumps in the navel and loose stools resembling diarrhea? Hello, doctor. I apologize for the disturbance. Last week, after cleaning my navel (which I really dislike doing, so I rarely clean it), I noticed two small dark skin-colored bumps at the lower edge of my na...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely just irritable bowel syndrome, which is unrelated to the navel. If you are concerned, you can check for occult blood in the stool.[Read More] Concerns About Belly Button Bumps and Loose Stools: What to Know
Understanding Abdominal Noises and Bloating: Causes and Concerns
Borborygmi and bloating? During middle school, I was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome due to family stress, but the symptoms disappeared in college. Two years ago, around eleven at night, I started experiencing intermittent abdominal rumbling. Previously, I also had episod...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Anal fissures are not significantly related to emotions. If you frequently experience bloody stools, you should return for a follow-up examination.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Noises and Bloating: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Black Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Black stool Hello Doctor, I am 20 years old. Recently, I have had black stools for two consecutive days. Yesterday, the stool was dark brown, close to black, and today it is considered black. Neither day was the entire stool completely black; yesterday's was half black and h...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A stool occult blood test can determine if there is any bleeding. Black stools, on the other hand, should raise concerns about upper gastrointestinal issues. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Black Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Post-Meal Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Lower abdominal pain after eating? Hello Doctor: Last week, I experienced a feeling of heaviness and pain in the upper abdomen (just above the navel) after eating, along with bloating and a sensation of heat in the stomach after meals. When fasting, I did not have any particular ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may be gastrointestinal dysfunction or a side effect of medication. Further examinations such as ultrasound or stool occult blood tests can be conducted to rule out other possibilities.[Read More] Post-Meal Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Stool Thickness: When to Worry About Your Bowel Movements
Stool diameter Is stool that is approximately the thickness of a marker considered thin? How thin does stool need to be to be considered thin enough to warrant attention and further examination? Sometimes I pass stool that is about the size of a whiteboard marker, and it is quite...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A change in stool caliber to a thinner shape is a non-specific manifestation among the many symptoms of colorectal cancer. Additionally, in clinical practice, if there is narrowing of the colonic lumen, diarrhea is the most common presentation rather than a change in stool...[Read More] Understanding Stool Thickness: When to Worry About Your Bowel Movements
Should My Father Have Gallbladder Surgery for Gallstones? Expert Advice Needed
Should the gallbladder be removed for gallstones? Inquire about capsule supplements recommended by pharmacies for gallstones? Hello Doctor, my father is 58 years old, does not smoke or drink, and runs 5 kilometers daily. He has mild hypertension (systolic blood pressure around 13...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Asymptomatic gallstones can be monitored; however, if there is discomfort in the right upper abdomen or under the right rib after meals, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly (as this may indicate that a gallstone is lodged at the cystic duct). There are currently no...[Read More] Should My Father Have Gallbladder Surgery for Gallstones? Expert Advice Needed
Blood on Toilet Paper: Understanding Hemorrhoids and Symptoms
Blood on toilet paper with a burning sensation? Hello, doctor. For the past two weeks, I've been using toilet paper after having a bowel movement, and I've noticed blood and blood-tinged fluid about the size of a five-dollar coin on the toilet paper. There is a burning ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please return to the outpatient clinic to discuss with the physician, and also pay attention to post-defecation cleaning and drying.[Read More] Blood on Toilet Paper: Understanding Hemorrhoids and Symptoms
Concerns About Red Sediment in Stool: What You Need to Know
I would like to inquire about the symptoms of fecal sedimentation? Tonight at 8 PM, after having a bowel movement, I forgot to flush and only noticed it around 11:30 PM. When I was about to flush, I saw a layer of red sediment around the stool. Since the toilet itself is red, I c...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It may be more accurate to observe under a white toilet bowl. There's no need to worry too much for now. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Concerns About Red Sediment in Stool: What You Need to Know
Understanding Polyps: Are They Likely Benign or Malignant?
Colorectal cancer Hello Doctor, I had a fecal occult blood test a month ago, and the result was negative. Yesterday, I underwent a colonoscopy, and the doctor found a polyp measuring nearly 0.5 cm, which was removed. However, I was told to return in a week to discuss the results....
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Most small polyps are benign and do not require concern. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Polyps: Are They Likely Benign or Malignant?