Chronic Constipation: Seeking Relief and Effective Treatment Options
Severe constipation Hello: I have had severe constipation since childhood, with bowel movements occurring only once or twice a month. Often, I experience several days of abdominal pain followed by diarrhea, creating a cycle. About four to five years ago, I took traditional Chines...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Regarding the bloating you mentioned, in addition to constipation causing gas accumulation and pressure in the left upper abdomen, it is also important to consider the possibility of newly developed gastric ulcers or duodenal ulcers. 2. The medication prescribed before ...[Read More] Chronic Constipation: Seeking Relief and Effective Treatment Options
Understanding Polyp Removal: Is It Considered a Minor Surgery?
Colorectal polyps Hello Dr. Yang: The insurance agent mentioned that the removal of polyps via gastroscopy and colonoscopy might be considered a minor surgery. Therefore, I would like to ask Dr. Yang: 1. Is the removal of polyps through gastroscopy and colonoscopy considered a mi...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Anne, 1. Is the removal of polyps via gastroscopy and colonoscopy considered a minor procedure? Strictly speaking, polyp removal is not classified as surgery, but insurance categorizes it as a surgical procedure. As for defining it as major or minor, I would say it is a m...[Read More] Understanding Polyp Removal: Is It Considered a Minor Surgery?
Left Abdominal Discomfort: Understanding Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Discomfort in the left abdomen? Hello, I visited a doctor at the end of January due to stomach pain. After undergoing an abdominal ultrasound and endoscopy, the doctor diagnosed me with mild esophagitis and carditis, as well as moderate fatty liver. I am currently being treated w...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Discomfort in the stomach can also manifest as discomfort in the left upper abdomen. If the pain is in the right lower abdomen, it may indicate a problem with the colon. Conditions such as colonic bloating, poor function, or constipation can also affect discomfort in the l...[Read More] Left Abdominal Discomfort: Understanding Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Is It Related to Ulcers or Pancreas?
Left abdominal discomfort? Hello Doctor: I previously had a duodenal ulcer and have been on medication for eight months, but I still occasionally experience pain. I'm unsure if the ulcer has healed. Recently, I've suddenly felt a dull pain and a sense of pressure in my ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: You can go to the gastroenterology department for a barium enema or colonoscopy. In terms of diet, please avoid oily, dairy, and irritating foods. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Is It Related to Ulcers or Pancreas?
Understanding Stomach Gurgling: Causes, Concerns, and Remedies
Borborygmi in the stomach? Hello Dr. Tsai, in the past half month, I have noticed that when I lie flat in bed, my stomach makes gurgling sounds. I visited a gastroenterologist, who asked me some questions and then explained that these sounds are due to gastrointestinal motility. ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) As your physician has informed you, the sounds you are hearing are due to intestinal peristalsis. If there are no discomfort symptoms, there is no need for medication. The elements that contribute to borborygmi include intestinal gas, moisture, and rapid peristalsis. I...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Gurgling: Causes, Concerns, and Remedies
Understanding Stomach Ulcers and Acid Reflux: Causes and Management
Gastric ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Hello Dr. Tsai, In July, I experienced significant anxiety and stress due to my mother's brain aneurysm surgery. Following that, I developed gastrointestinal symptoms, and a gastroscopy in October revealed mild gastri...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Discomfort in the lower abdomen may warrant consideration of issues such as constipation or fecal impaction. Additionally, gynecological conditions and urinary tract diseases should also be taken into account. (2) Your medications primarily aim to reduce gastric acidit...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Ulcers and Acid Reflux: Causes and Management
Why You Might Need to Rush to the Bathroom After Meals: Causes and Solutions
Having to rush to the bathroom to have diarrhea 20-30 minutes after eating? This phenomenon has been occurring for two years, but previously it would happen once every few months. In the past six months, it has been happening daily, specifically after meals (within 10 to 20 minut...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: You can arrange for a colon X-ray or colonoscopy follow-up examination at the gastroenterology department. Best regards, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Why You Might Need to Rush to the Bathroom After Meals: Causes and Solutions
Understanding GERD: A Young Adult's Struggle with Symptoms and Treatment
Gastroesophageal reflux is very bothersome? Honestly, over the past six months, I've felt quite hopeless about this condition. I'm only 24 years old and have been dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) since last year. In August of last year, I underwent an...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may not always correlate between endoscopic findings and clinical symptoms; for instance, endoscopic grading may be A or B while symptoms are severe, and some may have endoscopic grades C or D but exhibit mild symptoms. 2. GERD...[Read More] Understanding GERD: A Young Adult's Struggle with Symptoms and Treatment
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Bloating, Foul Stools, and Gas
Borborygmi, bloating, foul-smelling and sticky stools, and excessive flatulence? I have had a bowel habit of having soft stools every morning since I turned 20, and they are rarely formed. I often have to have two bowel movements in the morning (the stools are loose). In 2007, wh...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms, this has been a long-standing issue, and the likelihood of functional bowel disorder is the highest. It may be advisable to undergo a colon X-ray or colonoscopy. Best regards, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Bloating, Foul Stools, and Gas
Understanding GERD: Treatment Challenges and Patient Concerns
Issues in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) To be honest, I have felt quite hopeless about this condition over the past six months. I am only 24 years old and have been dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) since last year. In August of last ye...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that is prone to recurrence, especially in individuals with a hiatal hernia. In addition to pharmacological treatment, the following lifestyle and dietary recommendations are suggested: minimize smoking and alcohol cons...[Read More] Understanding GERD: Treatment Challenges and Patient Concerns
Is It Normal to Have Bowel Movements Every Few Days? A Gastroenterology Guide
Which specialty should I see? Hello, doctor. Is it normal to have a bowel movement only once every two to three days? However, I don't have any abdominal pain. Do I need to undergo a colonoscopy? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: There is no definitive answer to how many times one should have a bowel movement in a few days to be considered normal. It should be assessed based on individual bowel habits and any changes in stool consistency. It is recommended to focus on a high-fiber diet, adequate hy...[Read More] Is It Normal to Have Bowel Movements Every Few Days? A Gastroenterology Guide
Understanding Mild Diverticulosis: Managing Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea
Abdominal pain with mild diverticulosis? In August of this year, I was diagnosed with mild diverticulosis at China Medical University, and both gastroscopy and colonoscopy showed no cancer cells. The doctor indicated that there was no need for concern, and that I could stop follo...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The clinical symptoms of diverticulosis include three main aspects: 1. Inflammation, leading to diverticulitis, which may be accompanied by abdominal pain and fever. 2. Bleeding. 3. Impact on gastrointestinal function, resulting in diarrhea or constipation. However, it rar...[Read More] Understanding Mild Diverticulosis: Managing Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea
Understanding the Causes of Persistent Blood in Stool: A Patient's Journey
Blood in the stool for a week can be caused by several factors, including gastrointestinal bleeding from conditions such as hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, colorectal polyps, or colorectal cancer. It i...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to examine the small intestine, as there is a very high possibility of small intestine bleeding. Best regards, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Persistent Blood in Stool: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Rectal Ulcers: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Rectal ulcer 2 Dr. Tsai: Thank you very much for your professional and prompt response; you are truly a passionate and excellent physician! I would like to ask you the following: 1. Following my previous condition, the doctor believes that my rectal ulcer will heal on its own, so...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, (1) Rectitis is commonly associated with symptoms such as bloody stools or tenesmus (the constant feeling of needing to pass stools). The sharp and dull pain in the lower left abdomen and around the navel does not seem directly related. Given that there was a cesarean se...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Ulcers: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Rectal Ulcers: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Rectal ulcer Hello Doctor: Two months ago, my mother underwent major surgery, and I have been extremely anxious since then. I have experienced daily loose stools (unformed, no blood) for the past two months, and about three weeks ago, I began to have persistent left abdominal pai...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Rectal ulcers may improve or spread, possibly related to the original cause. Potential causes include simple ulcers, radiation therapy, and analgesics, as well as colitis, including infectious and ischemic types. It is recommended to monitor rectal ulcers. If there is stil...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Ulcers: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Understanding Blood in Stool: Gastrointestinal Concerns Explained
Bowel issues!! Hello doctor, I have been experiencing persistent pain in my upper and lower abdomen for over a year. I have undergone stool tests, gastroscopy, liver and gallbladder ultrasound, and barium enema examinations, all of which returned normal results. Last Friday, I ha...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If the stool color is normal but there is fresh blood on the stool, the most common cause is hemorrhoidal bleeding. If there is no blood on the toilet paper after wiping, the likelihood of internal hemorrhoids is high. However, less common conditions such as proctitis or r...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Gastrointestinal Concerns Explained
Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Right upper quadrant pain? Hello, I have a sudden pain located about one palm's width above my navel, slightly to the right side, just below my right rib cage. It hurts more when I press on it, and it also hurts when I stand, walk, or take a deep breath. Sitting in a chair o...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The common causes of abdominal pain in the area you mentioned are as follows: 1. Acute cholecystitis (both stone-related and non-stone-related): often accompanied by fever and chills. 2. Peptic ulcer disease (duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer). 3. Liver abscess: often accompan...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Persistent Drowsiness After Meals: Understanding the Causes and Solutions
Feeling drowsy for a long time after eating? Hello Dr. Chen, I have a problem that has been troubling me for a long time, and I would like your assistance. This issue has persisted for six years; every time I eat, I feel extremely drowsy, especially during the daytime. I underst...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Travis, if necessary, you can check your blood sugar levels before and after meals. Additionally, try to eat smaller meals more frequently. Taking a walk after meals may help improve your condition. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Persistent Drowsiness After Meals: Understanding the Causes and Solutions
Concerns About Colonoscopy After Previous Anal Warts Treatment
Colonoscopy Hello doctor, I had anal warts treated with electrosurgery last December. Today, in March, I went for a full body check-up and had a colonoscopy, but I did not inform the doctor about my previous anal warts. Will this put the virus into my colon? I have been feeling d...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The answer is no, please consult a colorectal surgeon to check for any warts. If you are experiencing abdominal discomfort, please visit a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department...[Read More] Concerns About Colonoscopy After Previous Anal Warts Treatment
Understanding Foamy Stool: Causes and Concerns in Gastrointestinal Health
Foamy stool? Hello Doctor, I have been having bowel movements more than 2 to 3 times a day for many years. The bowel movements are relatively smooth. Last year, I had a colonoscopy due to blood in my stool, and the results were normal. The cause of the blood was hemorrhoids, whic...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, the foam in your stool may be due to excessive intestinal secretions. If you are concerned, you can undergo a routine stool examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Foamy Stool: Causes and Concerns in Gastrointestinal Health