Unexplained Weight Loss and Duodenal Ulcer: Seeking Answers
Continuous weight loss, diagnosed with duodenal ulcer, and blood tests show no issues? Hello Dr. Tsai, I am 31 years old. From August 11 to August 23, I experienced a rapid weight loss of 4 kilograms. My diet and appetite have been normal, but my weight dropped from 78.5 kg to 74...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Mr. Vincent: I would like to know from what weight you started to lose and how long it has been? Do you have any other symptoms? I recommend consulting your physician to see if a referral to another specialty, such as endocrinology or others, is necessary. Director Cai Jin-...[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss and Duodenal Ulcer: Seeking Answers
Understanding Persistent Diarrhea: Is It IBS or Colon Cancer?
Persistent diarrhea Hello doctor, in the past few weeks, my stools have mostly been loose rather than formed, and I tend to have a bowel movement shortly after eating. I have a spot in my lower left abdomen (near the pubic bone) that sometimes suddenly feels very sore, with a dee...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: You may be experiencing symptoms of urgency and a feeling of incomplete evacuation, possibly due to irritant foods or foods with high water content. You can try adjusting your diet on your own, and if there is no improvement, you may consult a gastroenterologist for evalua...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Diarrhea: Is It IBS or Colon Cancer?
Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) This condition has been ongoing for about three and a half years now, with frequent episodes of diarrhea. Approximately three years ago, I underwent a painless colonoscopy, and the doctor stated that my intestines were healthy, advising me to relax ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Even if it is just hyperactivity disorder, continuous monitoring is necessary.[Read More] Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Understanding Abnormal Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Bowel issues Hello Doctor: Recently, I visited a gastroenterologist due to bloating and increased flatulence, and I am currently undergoing treatment with medication, which has improved my condition. However, over the past two days, I have observed that my stool sometimes has a r...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Overall, it does not appear to be bleeding. The red substance may be influenced by food. Additionally, next time, you can observe the water in the toilet; if it is not stained red, it is less likely to be bleeding. As for whether to perform a colonoscopy, it should be dete...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding White Objects in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Stool mixed with unidentified white objects? Hello Doctor, I noticed white objects in my stool three weeks ago. Two weeks ago, I visited a gastroenterology clinic, and the doctor ordered a stool test. During the sample collection, I specifically retrieved the portion with the whi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Further observation is warranted; currently, it is believed that this is not caused by a disease.[Read More] Understanding White Objects in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Can CT and MRI Detect Inflammation in the Digestive Tract?
Issues related to digestive motility or inflammation? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if CT and MRI can detect inflammation in the intestines. Recently, I have been experiencing discomfort in the area of the appendix and ileum (tenderness and bloating), and I am worried about ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
For highly specialized topics, it is advisable to consult with a gastroenterologist at a specialized gastrointestinal clinic or a major hospital.[Read More] Can CT and MRI Detect Inflammation in the Digestive Tract?
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Right lower abdominal pain? Hello Dr. Lin: About a year ago, I started feeling a slight, intermittent pain or a sensation of foreign body in the lower right abdomen (approximately 15 cm to the right of the navel). This year, I underwent gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and abdominal ult...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 51-year-old male is experiencing intermittent pain in the right lower abdomen. He has undergone gastroscopy and abdominal ultrasound, which revealed polyps in the colon. The ultrasound also indicated moderate fatty liver and abnormal liver enzymes (GOT, GPT), suggesting ...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Lower Abdominal and Rectal Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Lower abdominal pain and anal pain? Hello, doctor: I've been experiencing lower abdominal pain for over a week now. I have pain in my anus during bowel movements, and I feel abdominal pain when walking and anal pain when sitting. Should I get a colonoscopy?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You can first visit the colorectal clinic for an examination to determine the possible causes.[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal and Rectal Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Could It Be Crohn's Disease?
Abdominal issues? Hello, Doctor. Yesterday, I went to a large hospital for a urine test, blood draw, and X-ray. The results of the urine and blood tests were normal. During the physical examination, there was pain upon palpation (but no specific rebound tenderness). The X-ray ind...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You can review the report to make a decision. Additionally, blood tests can be referenced. If symptoms persist, discuss further treatment options with your physician.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Could It Be Crohn's Disease?
How Often Should You Get a Colonoscopy? Guidelines for Young Adults
How often should a colonoscopy be performed? Hello Doctor, I am 21 years old, 176 cm tall, and weigh 103 kg, with a BMI of around 33. Three years ago, at the age of 18, I underwent a colonoscopy, which revealed only internal hemorrhoids and no other issues. The doctor diagnosed m...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
In principle, it is not necessary, but if concerned, a yearly fecal occult blood test can be performed.[Read More] How Often Should You Get a Colonoscopy? Guidelines for Young Adults
Understanding Stool Color Changes: When to Worry About Your Digestive Health
Bowel issues Hello, Doctor. After having a bowel movement, I occasionally notice that the stool settles at the bottom of the toilet, and the water appears orange-red, which doesn't look like blood. I would like to ask if this could indicate bleeding in the digestive system o...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Colored foods can affect the appearance of stool. If there is uncertainty, a fecal occult blood test is typically performed. If the fecal occult blood test shows abnormalities, a colonoscopy is usually arranged to identify the issue. Changhua Hospital cares about your heal...[Read More] Understanding Stool Color Changes: When to Worry About Your Digestive Health
Understanding Intermittent Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Is It IBS?
Occasional left lower abdominal pain that sometimes bulges and then subsides? Hello Dr. Lin, I have been troubled by this issue for over five years. I experience intermittent sharp pain in my lower left abdomen, sometimes intense enough to make me roll on the bed. The frequency i...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 29-year-old female presents with intermittent left lower abdominal pain that occasionally becomes distended and then subsides. The pain is severe during episodes and is relieved after bowel movements. Possible causes for the left lower abdominal pain include gastrointest...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Is It IBS?
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Differences Between Colonoscopies
Sharp pain in the abdomen? Hello Dr. Chen, recently I have been experiencing a hard sensation in my lower abdomen, particularly in the middle and lower right areas. When I lie down, turn over, or pull my knees towards my abdomen, or even when I brush my teeth, I feel sharp pain a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If the colonoscopy reaches deeper than 150 centimeters, it is recommended to perform the procedure under sedation. Discuss the necessity with your physician.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Differences Between Colonoscopies
Understanding Orange Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Stool color Hello Doctor, I have noticed that occasionally after having a bowel movement, my stool sinks to the bottom of the toilet and the water appears orange-red, which does not look like blood. I would like to ask if this could indicate bleeding in the digestive system or co...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A fecal occult blood test is sufficient.[Read More] Understanding Orange Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Pale Stools: What They Indicate About Your Health
Pale or nearly white stools? Hello Doctor: For the past two months, I have been experiencing discomfort in my abdomen, often feeling the urge to burp and a sensation of something being stuck in my chest and throat. My bowel movements have been irregular, sometimes constipated and...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely not a biliary or pancreatic issue (which would be associated with jaundice or weight loss), so there is no need to worry excessively.[Read More] Understanding Pale Stools: What They Indicate About Your Health
Understanding Right Lower Abdomen Mass: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Concerns
Hard mass in the right lower abdomen? Hello, doctor. Over the past year, I have been experiencing bloating, pain, and diarrhea in my lower right abdomen, occurring approximately once every 3-5 months. I have visited several clinics, and they seem to think it is irritable bowel sy...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A colonoscopy is necessary to confirm the absence of colorectal cancer. A negative fecal occult blood test does not rule out colorectal cancer, so if there are still concerns, it is advisable to discuss them with a physician.[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdomen Mass: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Concerns
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Mass: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Hard mass in the right lower abdomen? Hello, doctor. Over the past year, I have been experiencing bloating, pain, and diarrhea in my lower right abdomen, occurring approximately once every 3-5 months. I have visited several clinics, and they seem to think it is irritable bowel sy...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A colonoscopy is necessary to confirm the absence of colorectal cancer. A negative fecal occult blood test does not rule out colorectal cancer, so if there are concerns, it is advisable to discuss them with a physician.[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Mass: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Understanding Abdominal Pain Before Bowel Movements: Causes and Concerns
Abdominal pain before bowel movement? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing irregular bowel movements for a long time, and it has worsened since I started losing weight this past year. I usually drink at least 2000 cc of water daily, but I only have a bowel movement every three...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is just some irritable bowel syndrome; first, adjust the diet to include more fruits and vegetables and increase physical activity. If necessary, a stool occult blood test can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain Before Bowel Movements: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Bowel Movement Irregularities: When to Seek Help
Bowel movement issues Hello doctor, recently my bowel movements have been irregular; sometimes I go every two days, sometimes once a day, and occasionally twice in one day. Is this considered abnormal? I have been taking probiotics to help regulate it, but I still feel a bit conf...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is important to compare with your own bowel habits, as there is no specific number of bowel movements that defines what is normal or abnormal. Whether or not to undergo a colonoscopy should be determined by a clinical physician. You can consult a gastroenterologist for ...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Movement Irregularities: When to Seek Help
Understanding Green Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Stool color Hello Doctor: 1. Since this year, the color of my stool has consistently been grass green, dark green, and blackish green. 2. I have daily bowel movements, the shape is normal, and I do not have diarrhea. 3. I have undergone both colonoscopy and gastroscopy, and t...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, if you are concerned about dark green stool, it is advisable to first check for any signs of bleeding in the stool. If there are any issues, further examinations will be necessary. To determine if there is a relationship with anemia or liver function, blood tests can be co...[Read More] Understanding Green Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice