Understanding Stool Color Changes: What Does Muddy Brown Mean?
Is the stool clay-colored? Today, I noticed that the front part of my stool was a clay color, while the end was golden yellow. Could constipation cause this? Although I have a bowel movement every day, I don't pass much, and sometimes it's hard to push out. I also have ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Normal stool can vary in color (with shades of light and dark) or consistency (starting hard and becoming loose). 2. Some medications for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may cause diarrhea or constipation. 3. If you have hemorrhoids, it is important ...[Read More] Understanding Stool Color Changes: What Does Muddy Brown Mean?
How to Identify Digestive Issues: A Guide for Patients
How should it be determined? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you about a 53-year-old woman who has not had her menstrual period for about a year. Approximately one to two years ago, she experienced pain in the upper left abdomen after dinner and had black stools. She underw...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Please first visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic (you may bring a small sample of "black stool" for examination) to confirm any issues related to the intestines, stomach, pancreas, or kidneys. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] How to Identify Digestive Issues: A Guide for Patients
Blood on Toilet Paper: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
There is blood when wiping after a bowel movement? As mentioned in the topic description, I have recently noticed some blood on the toilet paper when wiping after a bowel movement. Please tell me what could be the cause, and how to treat or prevent it.
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, if you experience rectal bleeding, especially when wiping, the likelihood of hemorrhoids is the highest. If the amount of bleeding is significant or if bleeding occurs repeatedly, it is advisable to undergo further examination with a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Wishing y...[Read More] Blood on Toilet Paper: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Regarding the gastrointestinal tract..? I have been suffering from abdominal pain recently. Around mid-September, I developed acute gastroenteritis, experienced stomach cramps, and had one episode of diarrhea, followed by a fever. After some time, I felt better and returned to my...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, post-acute gastroenteritis can sometimes lead to irritable bowel syndrome. It is recommended to maintain a light diet for a period of time, avoiding oily, dairy, and irritating spicy foods. Wishing you good health. Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Colorectal Polyps: What to Expect After a Follow-Up Exam
Colorectal polyps with pathological changes? Hello, my father-in-law (70 years old) had his first colonoscopy at the clinic six months ago. At that time, two polyps were found, but they were deemed normal, and he was advised to have a follow-up in six months. Last week, he underw...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, after endoscopic removal of colorectal polyps, if the pathology report is benign, a follow-up colonoscopy can be performed in 2-3 years. The prerequisite is that the previous examination had a thorough bowel preparation and a complete visualization. Wishing you good health...[Read More] Understanding Colorectal Polyps: What to Expect After a Follow-Up Exam
Understanding Unexplained Salty Taste: Gastrointestinal Insights
Is it a condition of the digestive system? Since January of this year, I have experienced a salty sensation on both sides of my tongue, although my taste and smell are normal. I initially thought it was due to post-nasal drip, so I underwent laser surgery on my nasal passages, bu...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, you can visit the Department of Otolaryngology for treatment. Wishing you good health. Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Salty Taste: Gastrointestinal Insights
Understanding Stool Shapes: Signs of Digestive Issues or Normal Variation?
Regarding the shape of stool? Recently, when I wipe after a bowel movement, I sometimes notice strange-shaped remnants of stool on the toilet paper. Some are elongated, some are hard, and the colors vary from yellow to brown. It feels a bit like indigestion. I had a stool test do...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms, poor digestive function could be a possible cause. It is advisable to reduce the intake of greasy and spicy foods. Recently avoiding milk should help improve the situation. Even if there are polyps in the colon, after endoscopic removal, it is only n...[Read More] Understanding Stool Shapes: Signs of Digestive Issues or Normal Variation?
Long-Term Gastrointestinal Issues: Seeking Solutions for Constipation and Bloating
Gastrointestinal condition has not improved for several years? Hello Doctor: I have had three previous episodes of gastric ulcers and also have a Helicobacter pylori issue (I have completed a 14-day course of medication). However, my biggest problem now is constipation and gastro...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: It is recommended to work with your physician to manage your diet and lifestyle, as well as to take medication to adjust gastrointestinal motility. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Long-Term Gastrointestinal Issues: Seeking Solutions for Constipation and Bloating
Three Months of Diarrhea: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
I have had diarrhea for three months? About a few weeks before the standardized test at the end of April or early May, I had diarrhea while studying in Miaoli. I went to a pediatrician in Miaoli who diagnosed me with gastroenteritis. After taking medication, I felt somewhat bette...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to eat less greasy food, avoid drinking milk, and maintain a light diet. If there is still no improvement, a colonoscopy may be considered. Wishing you good health. Dr. Chen Qifeng, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Three Months of Diarrhea: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Changes in Stool Color: When to Seek Medical Advice
Regarding the color of stool? Today and in the past few days, I noticed that the color of my stool is somewhat orange, and it seems like a light brown as well. I'm not entirely sure, but last night until this morning, I had diarrhea three times, which seems to be related to ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, the color of stool is mainly related to food and other factors. Generally, unless it appears black (tarry) or grayish-white, it is not clinically significant. Best wishes, Dr. Chen Chi-Feng, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Changes in Stool Color: When to Seek Medical Advice
Differentiating Abdominal X-ray Findings: Gas vs. Bowel Obstruction
The distinction between localized abdominal distension and bowel obstruction on X-ray? Hello, doctor. Since February, I have been experiencing persistent discomfort and a feeling of pressure in my left upper abdomen, along with occasional discomfort in my left side. My bowel habi...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, you may consider undergoing a colon examination (either a barium enema or a colonoscopy). If no abnormalities are found, it is likely a functional issue. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chen Qifeng, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Differentiating Abdominal X-ray Findings: Gas vs. Bowel Obstruction
Understanding Yellow Mucus in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Stool with yellow mucus? I have gastroesophageal reflux disease and am currently undergoing treatment with medication. However, I still experience occasional stomach pain. Today, after having diarrhea, I noticed some watery discharge while wiping, and I saw a yellowish mucus on t...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, yellow mucus is a secretion from the intestines. If this condition occurs frequently, it indicates that your digestive health may not be optimal, and you should pay attention to your diet. If it persists, you may need a prescription for digestive enzymes. Wishing you good ...[Read More] Understanding Yellow Mucus in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Same-Day Colonoscopy and Liver Biopsy for Seniors
Colonoscopy in the morning and liver biopsy in the afternoon? I would like to ask the doctor a few questions: My father (nearly 70 years old) discovered a hard mass above his liver and went to the hospital for examination. He previously underwent a CT scan and some routine blood ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, please follow the physician's instructions for management. If you have any questions, feel free to ask the attending physician directly. During the hospitalization, it is acceptable to have morning and afternoon examinations if intravenous therapy is being administere...[Read More] Understanding Same-Day Colonoscopy and Liver Biopsy for Seniors
Understanding Right Abdominal and Back Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Pain in the right abdomen and back? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing pain in my right abdomen (to the right of my navel) for about a month. Each episode lasts around 1-2 hours and feels somewhat warm to the touch. The pain sometimes wakes me up at night, and I also feel dis...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, if all the above examinations show no issues, we can almost say there are no significant problems. Perhaps it is just a case of poor gastrointestinal function. Wishing you good health. Dr. Chen Qifeng, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal and Back Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Dietary Solutions
Gastrointestinal discomfort Hello, Doctor. I had a colonoscopy and gastroscopy two months ago, which showed some mild ulcers. Due to my work, I frequently travel. On May 12, the day I returned from India, I started experiencing persistent diarrhea. During this period, I took &quo...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, diarrhea after traveling abroad can be due to general gastroenteritis or specific bacterial gastroenteritis. It is recommended to visit a gastroenterologist for further examination and treatment. In terms of diet, it is advisable to consume low-fat, low-dairy, and light fo...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Dietary Solutions
How to Improve Urgency and Incomplete Bowel Movements Without Cancer Concerns
How to improve urgency and heaviness in the rectum? First of all, I would like to ask if the sensation of urgency and incomplete evacuation (feeling of not fully emptying the bowels) is necessarily related to colorectal cancer? I have been experiencing this sensation for over 3 t...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, in addition to being related to cancer, issues such as rectal and anal inflammation and anal sphincter dysfunction can also affect bowel movements. It is recommended to consume more vegetables and fruits, drink an adequate amount of water, relax, and develop a daily bowel ...[Read More] How to Improve Urgency and Incomplete Bowel Movements Without Cancer Concerns
Why Does It Take Me Over 20 Minutes to Poop Without Constipation?
Experiencing bowel movements that take over 20 minutes without having constipation? Hello Doctor, my average time for a bowel movement is about half an hour (sometimes even longer), but I do not have issues with constipation. I have a habit of having a bowel movement every mornin...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, your symptoms are "urgency with a feeling of incomplete evacuation." It could also be a functional gastrointestinal disorder; however, it is generally recommended to undergo a colonoscopy first. Wishing you good health. Dr. Chen Qi-Feng, Taoyuan Hospital, Departm...[Read More] Why Does It Take Me Over 20 Minutes to Poop Without Constipation?
Understanding Ulcerative Colitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Ulcerative Colitis Last year, I experienced frequent diarrhea for a while, so I underwent a colonoscopy. It revealed mild inflammation, according to the doctor, who prescribed a short course of antibiotics. A couple of months later, I noticed small clumps of mucus in my stool, wh...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, in addition to the findings from colonoscopy, can also be supported by pathological biopsy results. The primary treatment is Asacol. There is no indication that Asacol is used for prevention. Wishing you health, Dr. Chen Qi-Feng, Taoyua...[Read More] Understanding Ulcerative Colitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Understanding Constipation: Causes and When to Seek Colonoscopy
Constipation Recently, I've been experiencing irregular bowel movements, although I do have a bowel movement every day. I often feel that my bowels are not completely empty, and I have a persistent urge to defecate. I underwent traditional open surgery for uterine fibroids l...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, difficulties with bowel movements, feeling of incomplete evacuation, and issues related to diet and lifestyle can be associated with previous surgeries, as adhesions in the intestines may occur. If there are concerns about potential issues in the colon (such as diverticula...[Read More] Understanding Constipation: Causes and When to Seek Colonoscopy
Understanding Polyp Removal During Colonoscopy: Key Questions Answered
Questions about Polypectomy during Colonoscopy Hello Dr. Chen, I have a few questions regarding polypectomy during colonoscopy. 1. How large must a polyp be to require removal? 2. How many polyps can be removed in one session? For example, if there are 10 polyps sized between 0.5...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: 1. Generally, polyps larger than 1 centimeter should be removed. 2. If there are too many polyps, only the larger ones can be excised, or a special staining technique combined with magnified colonoscopy can be used to select and remove abnormal polyps. Changhua Hospit...[Read More] Understanding Polyp Removal During Colonoscopy: Key Questions Answered