Understanding Mixed Stool Types: Causes and Concerns for Digestive Health
Stool that is half formed and half loose, either in clumps or mushy consistency? Hello Doctor, I have a regular bowel movement every morning, but for the past week, I have been experiencing a change where I first pass a narrow stool followed by softer, clumpy, or mushy stools. Th...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is normal for the front part of the stool to be formed while the back part is unformed, as the latter may not have been fully absorbed by the colon. However, it could also indicate irritable bowel syndrome or excessive consumption of irritating foods. You may consider c...[Read More] Understanding Mixed Stool Types: Causes and Concerns for Digestive Health
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?
Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Mucus in stool In the past couple of months, my bowel habits have changed significantly. I have been experiencing an increased frequency of bowel movements throughout the day, and I often have difficulty controlling the urge to defecate. Frequently, I find that before I can reach...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you have already undergone gastroscopy and colonoscopy, it indicates that there are no intrinsic organ issues, and the most likely cause is a functional problem. Adjustments may need to be made regarding dietary and lifestyle habits. If symptoms persist, it may be neces...[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Your Colonoscopy Results: What Do Polyps Mean for Your Health?
25004C Fourth Level Surgical Pathology Dear Doctor: It has been three years since my last colonoscopy, and during the recent procedure, the doctor found polyps and removed them, advising me to return for another check in three years. I reviewed the examination report in my healt...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. Mamoru, 1. The pathology report indicates that your polyp is a benign hyperplastic polyp. 2. Not all polyps will necessarily develop into cancer; you can undergo regular monitoring. As for the frequency of follow-ups, you can establish a reasonable schedule with your...[Read More] Understanding Your Colonoscopy Results: What Do Polyps Mean for Your Health?
Understanding Black Specks in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Black specks or dark particles in stool? Hello Doctor: Recently, I noticed that there are occasional black spots and black specks on my stool (all on the surface, with the black spots smaller than 0.28 mm). I thought it might be due to poor digestion (after the Mid-Autumn Festiva...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Mr. Yen: It is recommended that you take a picture of your stool to discuss with your attending physician during your visit. Dr. Tsai Jin-chi, Director of the Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology at Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Black Specks in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Symptoms in Young Adults
Bowel issues with rectal bleeding? Hello Doctor: I am 23 years old. I started experiencing rectal bleeding for the first time on September 27th. The blood is not bright red but rather dark red and mucous-like. It has persisted without improvement, and I constantly feel the urge t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
→ Based on the description, there may be colitis. Please visit the gastroenterology clinic for a colonoscopy.[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Symptoms in Young Adults
Understanding Black Spots in Stool: Causes and Concerns
The presence of black spots or black particles in the stool? Hello doctor, I have recently noticed black spots or black particles on my stool after bowel movements (not many, but scattered). I also see them when wiping. I would like to ask if these black spots and particles indic...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A user on the Taiwan e-Hospital platform submitted a consultation question on October 2, 2020. The designated physician is Dr. Chen Shih-Tien. User information: Male, 20 years old. User's question: There are black spots and dark particles in my stool → This may be caused by ...[Read More] Understanding Black Spots in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Bowel Issues: Causes of Irregular Stool Shape and Consistency
Bowel movement issues Hello, doctor. I have some concerns about my bowel movements. Sometimes my stools are very loose, to the point where I can see vegetable remnants. It's quite exaggerated; for example, after eating dumplings around noon, I can see vegetable pieces in my ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: If your weight has not changed and you are exercising, it is possible that you have a fast metabolism. The shape of your stool is related to the food you consume. A diet high in fiber typically results in well-formed stools, while a diet high in fatty foods may lead to loo...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Causes of Irregular Stool Shape and Consistency
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Gastrointestinal Health
Blood in the stool? Hello Doctor: I do not have issues with constipation and have regular bowel movements every day. I previously experienced issues with hemorrhoids, but that was quite some time ago. However, in the past two days, I have noticed that my stool has been somewhat h...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. Ayou: If there is a phenomenon of rectal bleeding with bowel movements, it is recommended to schedule a colonoscopy in the outpatient department to rule out certain conditions. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and What to Expect from a Colonoscopy
Rectal bleeding Hello, doctor. For the past two weeks, I have been experiencing fresh blood in my stool, and I only have a bowel movement every 2-3 days. I visited the clinic today, and the doctor mentioned that I have hemorrhoids but did not see a bleeding point. He recommended ...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Ms. Abby: There are many possible causes for bleeding, and it is not necessarily a tumor. It is advisable to consult your physician. The colonoscopy itself should not significantly affect breastfeeding; however, it depends on the type of bowel prep and anesthesia used. Dr. ...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and What to Expect from a Colonoscopy
Understanding Changes in Stool Size: When to Worry About Colon Health
Bowel issues Hello, doctor. I had a colonoscopy three months ago, and it only revealed internal hemorrhoids. Today, my first bowel movement was of normal size, but during my second bowel movement at night, the stool suddenly became smaller, about the size of a pencil, and there w...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen: If you had a colonoscopy three months ago, the likelihood of having a tumor in the colon should be relatively low. It is advisable to return to your original physician for confirmation. Was there an adequate bowel preparation prior to the colonoscopy? It would be ...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Stool Size: When to Worry About Colon Health
Understanding Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test Results: Next Steps
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) Hello, doctor. After my health check-up in August, I recently received the report, and the result of the fecal occult blood test was 15 ng/ml - positive. Should I undergo another test, or is it necessary to have a colonoscopy? Thank you for taking t...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Ms. A: I recommend that you first consult with a colorectal specialist to evaluate the possible causes. If you are concerned about a colorectal issue, you may need to consider a colonoscopy. Director Cai Jin-ji, Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology, Nantou Hospi...[Read More] Understanding Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test Results: Next Steps
Colonoscopy Frequency: When to Get Tested Again?
Colonoscopy expiration date Hello, doctor. Due to long-term constipation and recently experiencing occasional red blood in my stool (attached to the stool), along with a family history of colorectal cancer, I am reconsidering whether I need to undergo another colonoscopy. I had a...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Ms. Lu, based on your condition, I recommend scheduling another colonoscopy. There is no expiration for colonoscopy; it can be performed as needed based on symptoms or medical necessity. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Colonoscopy Frequency: When to Get Tested Again?
Understanding Severe Constipation: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Constipation, with bowel movements resembling lumps of intestinal mucosa? Hello doctor, I have had severe constipation since elementary school, and I often experience bloating, stomach pain, and vomiting that require emergency care. In recent years, my condition has improved sign...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If concerned, you can first undergo a rectal examination (approximately 20 cm) or a sigmoidoscopy (approximately 60 cm), and use stool softeners or laxatives for adjustment/treatment.[Read More] Understanding Severe Constipation: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: When to Seek Medical Advice
Bowel-related issues? Hello Doctor: My usual bowel movement frequency is once a day, but for the past two weeks, I've experienced an increase to twice a day on about half of those days. Additionally, it seems that my flatulence frequency has also increased. However, the shap...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely influenced by diet and lifestyle, and further observation is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Right lower abdominal pain? Hello, I started experiencing hard stools with bright red blood on the toilet paper since the beginning of June. After seeing a doctor, I was prescribed medication for hemorrhoids, and it resolved within a week. My bowel movements returned to normal, b...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: You are experiencing pain in the lower right abdomen and blood in your stool, with no pain when at rest but experiencing referred pain. Possible causes include constipation (it is recommended to increase water intake and consume more fruits and vegetables), enteritis, or g...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Left Abdominal Pain and Swelling: Possible Causes and Solutions
Left-sided abdominal protrusion and abdominal pain? Hello Dr. Lin: My left side of the abdomen is more protruded than the right side, and I experience a dull pain constantly. Sometimes the pain becomes severe enough that I lose my appetite. There have been two or three instances ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, the left side of my abdomen is protruding and often painful. I have undergone a colonoscopy, but the bowel preparation was incomplete. In addition to gastrointestinal issues, it is important to consider potential urinary tract problems. I recommend follow-up at the outpati...[Read More] Left Abdominal Pain and Swelling: Possible Causes and Solutions
Is It Normal to Disrobe for Gastrointestinal Exams?
Do I need to take off my pants for the examination? I went to the colorectal surgery clinic because I felt gastrointestinal discomfort and noticed some red in my stool. I initially thought I would only need to provide a stool sample since I didn't want a colonoscopy. However...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, regarding rectal bleeding, suspected anal bleeding, common causes include hemorrhoids and anal fissures. An examination of the anal area will be performed, which may include a digital rectal exam or anoscopy, primarily to check for tumors, ulcers, or fissures. The anal are...[Read More] Is It Normal to Disrobe for Gastrointestinal Exams?
Understanding Rectal Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Rectal issues Hello Doctor: In April of this year, I started consuming a lot of spicy foods and sitting for long periods, which led to sudden difficulties with bowel movements. I experienced frequent urges to defecate, but each time the stool volume was very small or nonexistent....
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello Mr. Zhang, if your colon examination was normal, it is possible that you may have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) given your age. You can improve your lifestyle by reducing the intake of irritants and spicy foods, increasing your consumption of fruits and vegetables, drinkin...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Post-Colonoscopy Findings: What Do Spider Web-Like Red Spots Mean?
Colorectal issues After the colonoscopy, the doctor mentioned that there was a red area (with spider web-like blood vessels) that had red spots and was smooth in texture. What does this condition indicate? A biopsy has already been performed. Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello, Miss An. It is possible that it is just a benign vascular malformation or inflammation. You can wait for the pathology results. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Post-Colonoscopy Findings: What Do Spider Web-Like Red Spots Mean?