Sudden Changes in Bowel Habits: When to Seek Further Gastrointestinal Evaluation
Sudden changes in bowel habits with no abnormalities found upon examination? Hello, doctor. I have a bowel movement once a day. Since the end of January this year, I have noticed that my stool has become softer and wetter than before. Previously, my stools were more formed, resem...
Dr. Luo Yining Reply:
According to the Bristol Stool Scale, stool can be classified into seven types, with types three and four being the ideal stool forms. Type three stool is sausage-shaped but has cracks on the surface (similar to the bowel habits you described in the past), while your current bowe...[Read More] Sudden Changes in Bowel Habits: When to Seek Further Gastrointestinal Evaluation
Understanding Recurrent Bloating and Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Further Tests
Frequent bloating and abdominal pain? Hello Doctor, I have seen many doctors this month. In the first and second weeks, I visited for bloating, and in the third week, I consulted for gastroesophageal reflux disease. After taking medication, I felt better in two days, but then I e...
Dr. Luo Yining Reply:
The main cause of abdominal bloating is excessive air, which can generally be divided into two categories: excessive gas production or poor gas expulsion. Excessive gas production can be due to consuming too many gas-producing foods or swallowing too much air, such as when talkin...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Bloating and Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Further Tests
Understanding Blood in Stool: Insights on Anal Fistulas and Gastrointestinal Health
Blood in the stool for five consecutive days? I understand... ultimately, I still need to undergo a colonoscopy. However, I would like to ask the doctor if, based on their experience with patients, there have been cases where a patient developed an anal fistula and delayed treatm...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen Bo-Yu: It is recommended to consult a colorectal surgeon regarding anal fistulas, as they would have a clearer understanding. Simply eating a salad may not comprehensively improve gut health. Director Tsai Jin-Chi, Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology, ...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Insights on Anal Fistulas and Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Dark Red Jelly-like Blood Clots in Stool: Causes and Concerns
The stool has dark red jelly-like blood clots? Hello, doctor. This week, I have noticed dark red jelly-like blood clots located in the front-middle part of my stool, and the blood clots are separate from the stool. I have previously been diagnosed with internal hemorrhoids, and m...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may be inflammatory bowel disease; keep a record of daily bowel movements and seek medical evaluation (colonoscopy).[Read More] Understanding Dark Red Jelly-like Blood Clots in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Constipation and Its Link to Colon Cancer Risks
Regarding constipation and colorectal cancer issues? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing constipation since I started university in September 2015. I often have hard stools that cause bleeding from the anus. Now, my stools frequently feel unformed, and I rarely have well-forme...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. There are many causes of constipation, including insufficient hydration, lack of fruits and vegetables, or regularly consuming diuretic beverages without compensating with enough water (such as tea or coffee), as well as excessive stress and irregular lifestyle habits, ...[Read More] Understanding Constipation and Its Link to Colon Cancer Risks
Understanding Pathology Reports for Colorectal Cancer: Key Insights and Next Steps
Pathology Report for Colorectal Cancer Hello Dr. Chen, this year during a colonoscopy, a flat polyp approximately 5 cm in size was found on the right side of the colon. The doctor recommended surgical removal of the right colon or performing endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
This is the standard procedure in the medical field to prevent the risk of residual malignant cells with local lymphatic metastasis (lymph nodes will be removed during the surgery for confirmation), therefore surgery is still recommended. In principle, the sooner the surgery, the...[Read More] Understanding Pathology Reports for Colorectal Cancer: Key Insights and Next Steps
Understanding False Negative Results in Fecal Occult Blood Tests
Negative occult blood issue Recently, I had a fecal occult blood test that showed visible blood, but the results came back negative. 1. Could this be due to hemorrhoids or anal fissures, and how can it be negative if blood is visible? I have also been experiencing frequent left a...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
(1) Regarding fecal occult blood sampling, the general purpose of the occult blood test is to detect blood that is not visible to the naked eye. The most common causes of visible blood after a bowel movement are hemorrhoids and anal fissures. If there is significant bleeding, it ...[Read More] Understanding False Negative Results in Fecal Occult Blood Tests
Understanding Negative Fecal Occult Blood Tests: Causes and Next Steps
Hemorrhage in stool with negative fecal occult blood test? Recently, I had a fecal occult blood test that showed visible blood, but the results came back negative. 1. Could this be due to hemorrhoids or anal fissures, and how can it be negative if there is visible blood? I have a...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
It is recommended to discuss further treatment or examinations with your attending physician. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Negative Fecal Occult Blood Tests: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Rectal Ulcers: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Colorectal issues Hello Doctor, my mother (63) underwent a colonoscopy at the end of January and a 3 to 4 cm ulcer was found in the rectal area. The doctor mentioned that another examination would be done in March to see if there was any improvement. After the March examination, ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Benign anal ulcers are common in the elderly and can be managed with treatment and follow-up.[Read More] Understanding Rectal Ulcers: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Understanding Your Gastrointestinal Biopsy Results: Chronic Gastritis and Carcinoid Tumor Explained
Gastrointestinal biopsy and colonoscopy? GASTROSCOPY REPORT PATHOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS: Stomach, antrum; biopsy: Chronic gastritis without Helicobacter infection. GROSS FINDING: The specimen is a piece of tissue, measuring 0.2 x 0.2 x 0.1 cm in size. It is tan. All are embedded i...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Gastric biopsy: within normal limits. Colon biopsy: Carcinoid tumor (a slightly malignant benign tumor) → follow-up appointment to discuss with the attending physician.[Read More] Understanding Your Gastrointestinal Biopsy Results: Chronic Gastritis and Carcinoid Tumor Explained
Understanding Tubular Adenoma: Is It Benign or Cancerous?
Pathology Report of Colorectal Polyps Hello Doctor: On March 15, a polypectomy was performed, and the pathology report is as follows: Polypectomy ----- Tubular adenoma. GROSS DESCRIPTION: The specimen submitted consists of 3 tissue fragments, measuring up to 0.5 x 0.4 x 0.3 cm. A...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Tubular adenoma is classified as a benign polyp, so there is no need to worry excessively. Please follow your physician's instructions and return for regular follow-up colonoscopy examinations. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Cai Anshun.[Read More] Understanding Tubular Adenoma: Is It Benign or Cancerous?
Chronic Constipation Since Childhood: Seeking Effective Solutions
Severe constipation since childhood that cannot be improved? Hello Doctor, I have had a history of constipation since childhood, often going over 5 days without a bowel movement, which leads to severe abdominal pain and vomiting, requiring emergency care. I am 154 cm tall and wei...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Since your issue has been present since childhood and you have made significant efforts to try various methods with limited results, it is recommended that you visit a medical center to consult with a specialist in gastrointestinal neurology and motility, as well as functional ga...[Read More] Chronic Constipation Since Childhood: Seeking Effective Solutions
Understanding Abdominal Bloating and Constipation: When to Seek Further Testing
Abdominal bloating and constipation? Hello, doctor. In November 2023, I suddenly began experiencing abdominal bloating and constipation. There are audible rumblings in my abdomen, and sometimes I feel the urge to pass gas, but I can only release a small amount or none at all. I a...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
If there are concerns about organic issues, follow-up examinations in an outpatient setting can be conducted. There have been no problems with gastrointestinal endoscopy within the past three years. While medication is effective, the recurrence may be due to gastrointestinal dysf...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Bloating and Constipation: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Diarrhea and Weight Loss: A Gastrointestinal Concern
Diarrhea and weight loss? Hello doctor, the following content is a question for my mother, and I hope you can help answer it. My mother has been experiencing diarrhea for the past two months. The common factor is that she almost always starts having severe abdominal pain around n...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Fecal occult blood testing can be performed, and if positive, a colonoscopy should be conducted. Additionally, continuous monitoring of weight changes is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Diarrhea and Weight Loss: A Gastrointestinal Concern
Understanding Bowel Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Intestinal issues, abdominal problems, intestinal obstruction? Hello, Director. For the past seven months, my bowel movements have been infrequent, with very little stool produced, and when I do have a bowel movement, it is often long and infrequent (sometimes every 2-4 weeks or ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If a colonoscopy can rule out anxiety, I do not oppose getting the examination done. I maintain a regular routine, eat a balanced diet, and engage in moderate exercise.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Constipation and Upper Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Tests
Constipation, right upper quadrant pain? About a year ago, I noticed a change in my bowel habits, experiencing constipation and bloating that made it uncomfortable to sleep. Even eating and drinking became difficult, accompanied by nausea. My stools have been pellet-like, segment...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is still recommended to perform gastroscopy/colonoscopy to rule out ulcers or polyps.[Read More] Understanding Constipation and Upper Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Tests
Understanding Digestive Issues: Back Pain, Bloating, and Anxiety Concerns
Back pain, occasional nausea, and bloating issues? Hello Doctor: Last May, I sought medical attention for gastrointestinal bloating after consuming too much milk. Due to a family history of diabetes (grandfather, mother, and father), the doctor arranged for a colonoscopy, an endo...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It should not be related to pancreatic cancer; managing with medication and dietary control is sufficient, so there is no need to worry.[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Back Pain, Bloating, and Anxiety Concerns
Understanding Your Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Cancer or IBS?
Is it cancer or irritable bowel syndrome? Hello, doctor. At the end of May last year, I experienced frequent bloating and constipation due to excessive milk consumption. I recently completed a gastrointestinal endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound of the pancreas, during which six ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. The theoretical probability is very low, unless the bowel preparation is inadequate, which may affect the interpretation of the results. 2. If there are six polyps and all are hyperplastic polyps, the recommendation in foreign countries is to follow up in 3-5 years. How...[Read More] Understanding Your Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Cancer or IBS?
Understanding Abdominal Bloating: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Abdominal distension? Hello, Doctor. I've been experiencing some discomfort in my abdomen lately and would like your assistance in confirming whether I have abdominal bloating. It started with mild diarrhea at the beginning of last month, which resolved on its own without me...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Pay attention to your diet. It is advisable to continue monitoring your condition. Recently, viral gastroenteritis has been prevalent, which may present symptoms such as nausea, bloating, diarrhea, or loose stools. Generally, it is recommended to stay hydrated, replenish electrol...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Bloating: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Understanding Unformed Stool and Mucus: Clostridium Difficile Infection Insights
Loose stools and issues with Clostridium difficile stool report? I have been experiencing non-formed stools for a month, and each time there is mucus or red and white clumps present. Last month, I underwent a colonoscopy which revealed mild colitis with multiple healing ulcers, f...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Clostridium difficile can exist in healthy individuals, so please discuss further with the attending physician.[Read More] Understanding Unformed Stool and Mucus: Clostridium Difficile Infection Insights