Post-Vaccine Digestive Issues: Bloating, Diarrhea, and Fatigue Explained
Abdominal bloating, diarrhea, dizziness, and weakness? Since receiving the second dose of the Moderna vaccine, I initially experienced simple bloating, which I thought was a side effect of the vaccine. After drinking water and eating, I still felt very bloated and uncomfortable, ...
Dr. Zhang Kebin Reply:
Hello Mr. Lin, regarding your concerns, if your symptoms do not improve after seeking medical attention or if new symptoms arise, it is recommended that you visit a family medicine department or a gastroenterology and hepatology department at a regional hospital or higher. Thank ...[Read More] Post-Vaccine Digestive Issues: Bloating, Diarrhea, and Fatigue Explained
Understanding Stool Color Changes: When to Worry and When Not To
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello Doctor, I have undergone fecal occult blood tests (two types), and the results were normal. I asked the doctor if there is a possibility of false negatives, and he mentioned that both tests have very high sensitivity, and gastr...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Don't worry, a light diet will suffice.[Read More] Understanding Stool Color Changes: When to Worry and When Not To
Can Stomach Issues Lead to Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Can poor stomach health lead to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Hello Dr. Tsai: I understand that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a problem with bowel function, but after my colonoscopy, the doctor said there were no issues with my colon. However, I still experience diarrhea af...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Possible causes of irritable bowel syndrome include changes in gut microbiota, psychological stress, or factors following severe infections, among others. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Can Stomach Issues Lead to Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Is It IBS or Something Else?
I am troubled by gastrointestinal issues? Hello, Doctor: Since July of this year, I have been experiencing diarrhea 2 to 3 times daily, and sometimes it can be severe, reaching 6 to 7 times. I underwent a colonoscopy, which showed no issues. I have since switched to traditional C...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids; further discussion with the primary care physician is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Is It IBS or Something Else?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Chronic Constipation and Its Challenges
Gastrointestinal and anal tract For the past two or three days, my bowel movements have been thin. I visited the doctor, and they mentioned that I had a colonoscopy in May of this year, so there is no need for another one. This symptom has been bothering me for two years, and des...
Dr. Zhang Kebin Reply:
Hello Mr. A-Zhe: You reported that for the past two to three days, your bowel movements have been thin. You had a colonoscopy in May of this year, but the medication treatment has not been very effective. Generally, a colonoscopy can reliably rule out any lesions in the colon tha...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Chronic Constipation and Its Challenges
Understanding Blood-Streaked Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Blood streaks in stool? Hello doctor, I have been very worried because I have noticed red streaks of blood on the surface of my stool in the past few days. The first time, there were blood streaks on the back half of the stool, and the second time, there were streaks all over the...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The likelihood of developing cancer is low; however, a follow-up appointment is recommended to treat the bleeding from the internal and external moles.[Read More] Understanding Blood-Streaked Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Assessing Colorectal Cancer Risk: Family History and Symptoms
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello Doctor, the issue I mentioned last time has not recurred in the past two weeks. However, after asking my family, I found out that my grandfather's brother had colon cancer but recovered after hospitalization when he was in...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There is no objection to starting fecal occult blood testing at age 40 and undergoing a colonoscopy every 5 to 10 years, along with actively pursuing weight loss.[Read More] Assessing Colorectal Cancer Risk: Family History and Symptoms
Understanding Unexplained Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Loose Stools and Acid Reflux
Gastrointestinal and gastroesophageal reflux issues? I have been experiencing loose and unformed stools for a long time. On several occasions, after using the restroom, I noticed fresh blood similar to that from a ruptured hemorrhoid (not from an anal fissure). I also frequently ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you continue to have symptoms, gastroesophageal reflux may require changes in your dietary and lifestyle habits. Avoid prolonged sitting or standing to prevent varicose veins, which may help improve your symptoms. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-s...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Loose Stools and Acid Reflux
Understanding Loose Stools: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Health
Frequent loose stools? Hello Doctor, I usually have a bowel movement in the morning after waking up. Last year, I had an external hemorrhoid and became concerned about potential gastrointestinal issues, so I underwent a colonoscopy at the hospital. The doctor indicated that the r...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Your stool consistency does not seem abnormal; it is just a bit softer. If you experience excessive frequency, diarrhea, or cramping, then medication may be necessary. Just avoid irritating foods and there is no need to worry too much. Changhua Hospital cares about your he...[Read More] Understanding Loose Stools: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Health
Post-Meal Bloating: Could Viral Infection Be the Cause?
Abdominal bloating Is it possible that abnormal bloating after eating meat could be due to a viral infection? I have undergone gastroscopy, colonoscopy, upper gastrointestinal imaging, and CT scans, but the cause of the bloating remains undetermined. Both small and large intestin...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is not necessarily caused by an infection; most cases are functional issues that can be adjusted with diet and exercise. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Post-Meal Bloating: Could Viral Infection Be the Cause?
Understanding Stool Color Changes: When to Worry About Your Health
Stool color Hello Doctor, on Saturday after using the restroom, I noticed that the toilet water was slightly coffee-colored, and it appeared to have a reddish-brown hue. Could this indicate a tumor in the colon? The appearance of the stool itself and the toilet paper were normal ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to observe the stool color a few more times, as there is a high likelihood of interference from food color. If abnormalities persist, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Typically, a fecal occult blood test will be performed first, unless there is ...[Read More] Understanding Stool Color Changes: When to Worry About Your Health
Understanding Changes in Stool Color: When to Worry About Blood
Bowel issues Hello Doctor, on Saturday after using the restroom, I noticed that the water in the toilet was a deep coffee color with a hint of red, resembling coffee with a bit of red. Could this be a sign of colorectal cancer or other bleeding symptoms? I do not feel any discomf...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Further observation is possible; if concerned, a stool occult blood test can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Changes in Stool Color: When to Worry About Blood
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Rectal bleeding Hello doctor, I have been experiencing constipation issues for a long time. Since I started losing weight in the first half of the year, it has worsened. I usually drink at least 2000cc of water and eat more vegetables, which has helped me have a bowel movement ev...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The highest likelihood of bleeding occurs with combined constipation, hemorrhoids, or anal fissures. If the frequency of bleeding is too high or the volume of bleeding is excessive, please consult a gastroenterologist or a colorectal specialist to evaluate whether a colono...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Understanding Positive Fecal Occult Blood: Causes and Concerns
Possible causes of positive fecal occult blood test? Hello, doctor. Recently, I started experiencing pain in my lower left abdomen, and I underwent a stool test. During the stool sample collection, I noticed that the color at the front was particularly dark, and the result came b...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A positive test result suggests that you should undergo another colonoscopy. There are many reasons for a positive fecal occult blood test, including gastric ulcers, enteritis, hemorrhoids, polyps, and cancer. Any potential source of bleeding could lead to a positive resul...[Read More] Understanding Positive Fecal Occult Blood: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Weekly Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Health
Diarrhea once a week? Hello Doctor: Since I had diarrhea after drinking yogurt two months ago, my bowel movements have been softer for the past two months. Recently, I have been experiencing diarrhea once a week for the past month (with watery stools), and it occurs at the same t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely a case of abnormal gastrointestinal motility (irritable bowel syndrome), which can be managed with dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and medication.[Read More] Understanding Weekly Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Health
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes, Symptoms, and Cancer Risks
Blood in the stool? Hello, Deputy Director. I would like to ask you: 1. What could be the cause of a small amount of blood on a portion of the stool (approximately the size of a five-dollar coin)? Could it be colon cancer? 2. What is mucus stool? How can one determine if it is mu...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A fecal occult blood test can be performed first, and a colonoscopy should be done only if necessary.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes, Symptoms, and Cancer Risks
Understanding Sticky, Pasty Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Stool is pasty and sticky? I would like to ask the doctor, every time I use the restroom, my stool is always pasty and sticks to the toilet. The amount of stool is neither too much nor too little. Since my father has a history of colon cancer, I have been undergoing fecal occult ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, A 30-year-old male is experiencing pasty stools that stick to the toilet. This could be a sign of indigestion. It is advisable to avoid greasy foods and to increase the intake of fresh, fiber-rich foods while reducing fried and barbecued items. There is a family history ...[Read More] Understanding Sticky, Pasty Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Blood in Stool: Hemorrhoids vs. Colon Cancer Concerns
Blood streaks in stool and hemorrhoids? Hello doctor, I have severe constipation and mixed hemorrhoids. Half a month ago, I experienced significant bleeding while using the restroom (the blood was dripping and there were clots, but no stool), so I went to see a doctor. An anal ex...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello, Miss Drunk Without Words: It is possible for colorectal cancer and hemorrhoids to coexist. It is recommended that you consult your physician about arranging a colonoscopy. Director Cai Jin-ji of the Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology at Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Hemorrhoids vs. Colon Cancer Concerns
Understanding Occasional Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Occasional pain in the lower left abdomen? Hello, I have been experiencing occasional pain in my lower left abdomen for the past two months. I have already undergone a uterine examination with no issues, and a fecal occult blood test showed no abnormalities (as stated by the doct...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Dear Jochi, Without your other medical reports, it is difficult to assess the possibility of gastrointestinal cancer based on the information you provided and to recommend specific tests. I suggest discussing this with your physician. Sincerely, Director Cai Jinji Departm...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Further Gastrointestinal Evaluation
Localized abdominal pain? Hello Doctor, I have a family history of colorectal cancer. I had a normal colonoscopy two years ago, but in the past few months, I've been experiencing occasional mild cramping in my lower left abdomen, especially after eating spicy food or when I ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You can first check for occult blood in the stool. Dietary adjustments should focus on increasing fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated, and incorporating post-meal walks while minimizing prolonged sitting. If necessary, a laxative may be used based on the situation (for exampl...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Further Gastrointestinal Evaluation