Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Hello Doctor, I previously had blood in my stool. I underwent a colonoscopy in April, which did not reveal any issues. Later, I started experiencing pain in my lower left abdomen and the urge to use the bathroom. Sometimes my stools were loose and m...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: You are experiencing abnormal bowel movements and lower abdominal pain. A colonoscopy was normal, raising suspicion of irritable bowel syndrome. It is recommended to pay attention to your diet, reduce fatty foods, and maintain a positive mood. The presence of fat in your s...[Read More] Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Evening Bloating: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
Unexplained abdominal bloating at night? Hello Doctor, recently I experienced pain when pressing above my navel, so I went to the hospital for a consultation. They arranged for a fecal occult blood test (chemical method), which showed a positive reaction for occult blood. After t...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. Sheng, the primary cause of fecal occult blood is usually related to issues in the colon. It is recommended that you undergo a colonoscopy. Although you had an upper endoscopy and no findings were detected, even if subsequent tests for occult blood are negative, it is s...[Read More] Evening Bloating: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
Chronic Diarrhea and Painful Bowel Movements: When to Seek Help?
Chronic diarrhea with painful bowel movements? Hello, Doctor. Since the end of last year, I have been experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort. Initially, it started with bloating, loss of appetite, and nausea after eating just a few bites. In the middle of this period until now,...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, we recommend that you visit the gastroenterology outpatient department at the hospital for examination and treatment. If necessary, a consultation with related specialties can also be arranged. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Chronic Diarrhea and Painful Bowel Movements: When to Seek Help?
Understanding Fecal Occult Blood: Is It Related to Polyp Removal?
Regarding fecal occult blood issues? Hello Doctor, in mid-June of this year, I experienced abdominal pain and after examination, I was diagnosed with diverticulitis. After treatment, I underwent a colonoscopy, and the doctor said everything was normal, and at that time, a polyp w...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It seems that the time between your colon polypectomy and the positive fecal occult blood test was quite prolonged. We should consider the possibility of other lesions, and if necessary, a repeat colonoscopy may be warranted. Changhua Hospital is concerned about your ...[Read More] Understanding Fecal Occult Blood: Is It Related to Polyp Removal?
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor, I have symptoms of internal hemorrhoids. My bowel habits involve about three bowel movements a day, and the shape of my stools varies from thick to thin, although the color is normal. However, sometimes after a bowel movement, I notice some s...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. You can be monitored, but if you have concerns, you may visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for a colonoscopy. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Concerns for Patients
White Mucus in Stool During Pregnancy: When to See a Gastroenterologist?
White mucus in stool during pregnancy? I am currently 10 weeks pregnant and have a history of constipation, having bowel movements approximately every 5-7 days before pregnancy. Since becoming pregnant, I have not been able to have a bowel movement for 10 days. I asked my doctor ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Constipation and mucus are primarily related to gastrointestinal function and indigestion.[Read More] White Mucus in Stool During Pregnancy: When to See a Gastroenterologist?
Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Tests in Long-Term Hemorrhoid Patients
Long-term hemorrhoid patients and fecal occult blood testing? Hello doctor, I recently had a fecal occult blood test during my health check-up, and the result came back positive. However, I know that I have had mild hemorrhoids for a long time (which I have shown to my doctor mul...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Mr. The presence of bleeding from hemorrhoids can indeed lead to a positive fecal occult blood test. However, a positive fecal occult blood test cannot solely rule out the possibility of deep-seated colorectal polyps or tumors based on medical history alone. Therefore, phy...[Read More] Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Tests in Long-Term Hemorrhoid Patients
Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Frequent diarrhea? Since April, I have been experiencing frequent diarrhea, and I've noticed an increase in the amount of toilet paper I use (having to wipe multiple times to feel clean, with a sticky sensation). By July, I felt something was wrong and went to the hospital f...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if there is no history of hepatitis B or other illnesses, you can be reassured. However, it is still recommended to have regular follow-ups every 3 to 6 months for comparison. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Understanding Constipation and Hemorrhoids: Causes and Solutions
Constipation and difficulty in bowel movements can lead to severe hemorrhoids? About three months ago, my stool suddenly changed to a pellet-like consistency, resembling sheep feces, with individual pieces varying in size, all sinking to the bottom of the toilet without floating....
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
In general, polyps are not large enough to obstruct the passage of stool. Bowel issues are primarily due to functional disorders. It is advisable to treat hemorrhoids first, and then proceed with a colonoscopy afterward.[Read More] Understanding Constipation and Hemorrhoids: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Symptoms: Is It Colon Cancer or Hemorrhoids?
Is it colorectal cancer or hemorrhoids? In the past, there were a few instances of blood in the toilet after bowel movements, but now there is a small amount of bright red blood on the tissue after wiping, which has been happening for several months. There was one occasion when t...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. Anan, the symptoms of blood in your stool and changes in bowel habits are indications for scheduling a colonoscopy. We recommend that you visit the gastroenterology clinic to arrange for this examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health.[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Is It Colon Cancer or Hemorrhoids?
Understanding Intermittent Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Intermittent dull pain in the lower left abdomen? Hello, Doctor! About three weeks ago, I suddenly experienced dull pain in my lower left abdomen, along with general gastrointestinal discomfort. A day or two later, I had severe diarrhea. At that time, I thought it was just food p...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to first perform a fecal occult blood test before deciding whether to proceed with invasive endoscopic examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Recent Bowel Changes: Causes and Concerns
Recent bowel movement issues? Hello, Dr. Tsai! I would like to ask you some questions. Recently, my bowel movements have been irregular. I used to have a consistent schedule of having a bowel movement every two days, but now it varies between every two days or once a day. Sometim...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Since the colonoscopy was performed several years ago, if there have been changes in your bowel habits, you should consult a gastroenterologist for an evaluation to determine if further examination is necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Recent Bowel Changes: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Pain-Free Endoscopy: Your Guide to Gastrointestinal Health
Hello, regarding painless gastroscopy and colonoscopy examinations? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you about my condition. I have been experiencing constipation (having a bowel movement every few days), but recently I have had alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhea...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, it is possible that you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It is recommended to start with dietary and medication adjustments. If you are still concerned, you may consider undergoing a painless colonoscopy (out-of-pocket, prices vary by hospital, no hospitalization requi...[Read More] Understanding Pain-Free Endoscopy: Your Guide to Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor: My diet is normal and I have no bad habits. I underwent fecal occult blood tests in November last year and July this year due to blood in my stool, but the results were normal. Recently, for the past half month, I sometimes feel the urge to r...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, your symptoms are likely due to peristalsis causing abdominal sounds, so there's no need to worry. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Understanding Colon Health: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Colon and bowel movement issues? Hello, Doctor! Three months ago, I paid for a blood test to check for cancer, and the results for colorectal cancer showed a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level of 2.89 ng/ml. The fecal occult blood test was negative, and the fecal bile acids tes...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Blood in your stool may be due to bleeding from the blood vessels in the anus (commonly known as internal hemorrhoids). You can monitor the situation or undergo a rectal examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Colon Health: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits and Mucus in Stool
Changes in bowel habits with mucus? Hello Dr. Chen: Around June or July, my bowel habits changed to constipation (every 2-3 days) → normal (every 2 days) → alternating with loose, watery stools (for 2 days). I also noticed that my stools became thinner and sometimes had mucus. In...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, please first check for occult blood in your stool. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits and Mucus in Stool
Understanding Persistent Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Intermittent pain in the lower right abdomen for several months? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing intermittent pain in my lower right abdomen since June. It started on the night of June 10th with sudden severe pain in the lower right abdomen, but it coincided with the four...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Right lower abdominal pain, based on anatomical location, should consider either gynecological conditions or issues related to the colon. If there are no gynecological problems, then it is likely a gastrointestinal obstruction. However, gastrointestinal issues are not solely stru...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Alternative Tests for Colonoscopy: Exploring Non-Invasive Options for Gastrointestinal Issues
Gastrointestinal discomfort Hello, Dr. Lin. If a patient is afraid of undergoing an invasive colonoscopy, what alternative tests can be considered first to check for any abnormalities? Thank you.
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, if you are concerned about gastrointestinal issues, you can consult an outpatient physician for advice, physical examination, and appropriate tests. If you are afraid of invasive procedures, you can have stool tests, X-rays, and preliminary examinations. Wishing you peace ...[Read More] Alternative Tests for Colonoscopy: Exploring Non-Invasive Options for Gastrointestinal Issues
Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test: Next Steps for Diagnosis and Treatment
If fecal occult blood test results are positive, the subsequent treatment should involve further diagnostic evaluation to determine the underlying cause. This typically includes a colonoscopy to visualize the colon and rectum, and to identify any potential sources of bleeding, su...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Sometimes, enteritis can cause mild bleeding of the intestinal mucosa, or diarrhea may lead to bleeding from hemorrhoids due to straining during bowel movements. If there are no other issues, it is recommended to monitor the situation.[Read More] Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test: Next Steps for Diagnosis and Treatment
Understanding Digestive Issues: Gas, Bloating, and Abdominal Pain Explained
Gastroenterology and Hepatology Doctor, my bowel movements are normal, occurring once every one to two days. I experienced constipation two years ago, and an X-ray showed that I had a lot of stool in my abdomen. I took laxatives and then my bowel movements returned to normal. In ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you have already undergone an endoscopy and have taken medication, it is possible that you may experience symptoms related to adhesions. If there are no significant issues, it may be helpful to adjust your mindset and accept these symptoms, engage in more physical activ...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Gas, Bloating, and Abdominal Pain Explained