Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: Signs of Hemorrhoids or More?
Changes in bowel habits Hello Doctor: I am 23 years old, and my bowel habits have changed significantly recently. Previously, everything was quite normal without any issues. Now, my current situation is that whether I have diarrhea or constipation, there is fresh blood from the a...
Dr. Li Zhengqi Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen, It is recommended that you visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for a colonoscopy or rectoscopy to understand the cause. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Sincerely, Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: Signs of Hemorrhoids or More?
Should I Refer My Father for Gastrointestinal Bleeding Evaluation?
Should I refer to a specialist? Hello, my father, who is 75 years old, has been hospitalized for three weeks. Since his admission, the fecal occult blood test results have been 2+, then 3+ after 10 days, and 4+ after 14 days. He has been receiving nutrition through a nasogastric ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello: For a gastric ulcer that has not yet bled (as confirmed by endoscopy), small amounts of food can be given. If gastrointestinal bleeding persists, it is important to consider bleeding from the small intestine or colon, and to undergo relevant examinations and treatments (su...[Read More] Should I Refer My Father for Gastrointestinal Bleeding Evaluation?
Should You Get Another Colonoscopy After Removing a Polyp?
Should a colonoscopy be performed? Two years ago, after a fecal occult blood test during a community health screening, I underwent a colonoscopy which revealed a small polyp that was removed. The doctor advised me to return for another colonoscopy in a year, but I haven't go...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Candy: If there is a family history of colorectal cancer, regular surveillance of the colon is recommended for early detection and treatment. For individuals without any risk factors, surveillance can be done every five years after initial normal results. In the meantime, a...[Read More] Should You Get Another Colonoscopy After Removing a Polyp?
Understanding Long-Term Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Chronic gastrointestinal issues? Hello Doctor, I have been suffering from chronic constipation. However, since the year before last, I have noticed the following symptoms: 1. In addition to constipation, I occasionally experience diarrhea, sometimes for two consecutive days befor...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it is likely that you are experiencing functional gastrointestinal disorders. Generally, stomach issues are less likely to cause symptoms such as constipation or diarrhea. Since you have previously undergone an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, i...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Your Digestive Discomfort: Is It IBS or Colon Cancer?
Colorectal diseases Hello, my condition has been feeling strange in my abdomen since last year. I have undergone a colonoscopy, which indicated some minor internal hemorrhoids, but I still feel a persistent bloating and discomfort in my stomach. I also experience frequent flatule...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms are more indicative of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). At 21 years old, if there is no family history of colorectal cancer, the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer is very low. Additionally, since you have undergone a colonoscopy and no polyps or tumor...[Read More] Understanding Your Digestive Discomfort: Is It IBS or Colon Cancer?
Understanding Daily Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Experiencing diarrhea every day? Hello doctor, for the past year or so, I have been experiencing diarrhea almost every day, averaging about twice a day. I rarely have a normal bowel movement; it's mostly loose stools. Whenever I feel slightly anxious, the situation worsens, ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Ah-Hsi: This symptom is typical of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), commonly referred to as dyspepsia. Dietary adjustments (low in fat and dairy), relaxation, and medication can help. If there is weight loss or blood in the stool, a colonoscopy is recommended. Changhua Hosp...[Read More] Understanding Daily Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Chronic diarrhea I have been experiencing changes in my bowel movements over the past month. Sometimes my stools are loose, other times they are softer, and occasionally I have watery stools. However, I consistently have a bowel movement in the morning upon waking up, and after b...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Da Pao Country: The symptoms are classified as "Irritable Bowel Syndrome," commonly known as dyspepsia. Adjustments in medication and diet (low oil, low spice, low dairy) can be made. A stool test can be conducted first. If there are still concerns, a colonoscopy...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Chronic Constipation: When to Consider Another Colonoscopy?
Intestinal weakness and constipation? Hello, Dr. Lee... I have been experiencing constipation for 2 to 3 years. Two years ago, I underwent a colonoscopy and a barium X-ray examination, both of which were normal. The doctor prescribed laxatives, but I can only have a bowel movemen...
Dr. Li Zhengqi Reply:
Hello Yuan Yuan: The indications for a colonoscopy generally follow certain guidelines. It is recommended to undergo the examination if any of the following conditions are present: 1) Bleeding (including blood in stool or positive fecal occult blood test) 2) Family history of col...[Read More] Chronic Constipation: When to Consider Another Colonoscopy?
Daily Diarrhea and Stomach Pain: Seeking Gastroenterology Solutions
Frequent diarrhea? Hello Dr. Chen, I have been experiencing abdominal pain almost every day, along with diarrhea. Sometimes, I have to rush to the bathroom multiple times right after eating, and other times, I find myself going to the bathroom several times in the morning on an e...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
In response: Given your condition, it is recommended to undergo a colonoscopy to rule out organic diseases of the colon. If no tumors or inflammatory diseases are found, it may lean towards functional disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, which can be managed with medicatio...[Read More] Daily Diarrhea and Stomach Pain: Seeking Gastroenterology Solutions
Understanding Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Could you please clarify your question regarding bowel movement issues? Hello, doctor. Besides when I travel, I usually have smooth bowel movements every morning. In fact, I feel the urge to go right after breakfast, and it only takes about two minutes. Three days ago, I ate a fe...
Dr. Li Zhengqi Reply:
Hello, I'm very scared. 1) Is the presence of blood in the stool or bloody diarrhea an abnormal phenomenon? It is advisable to consider undergoing an endoscopic examination to determine the cause. 2) The aforementioned symptoms are more likely related to issues near the anus...[Read More] Understanding Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Test: Concerns and Next Steps
Occult blood reaction Hello Doctor: 1. Recently, I underwent a check-up and found a positive fecal occult blood test. The doctor recommended further colonoscopy, and he prescribed medication for me, but I am afraid of pain and worried about getting sick. Will taking the medicat...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. A positive fecal occult blood test indicates the presence of blood components in the gastrointestinal tract, which may be due to gastrointestinal bleeding or the ingestion of food containing blood. However, certain foods or medications can cause false positives...[Read More] Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Test: Concerns and Next Steps
Managing Moderate to Severe Liver Cirrhosis: A Caregiver's Guide
Moderate to severe liver cirrhosis, please help..? My mother went to the emergency room at the beginning of last month due to persistent diarrhea. She has been diagnosed with early-stage cirrhosis two to three years ago, and recently she seems to have frequent bloating and ascite...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! 1. Based on the information in the letter, your mother has developed ascites, indicating that she has moderate to severe cirrhosis. In this condition, the current approach can only focus on symptom management and close monitoring. 2. The purpose of a liver biopsy is to ass...[Read More] Managing Moderate to Severe Liver Cirrhosis: A Caregiver's Guide
Is It Safe to Rely on Hemorrhoid Diagnosis Without a Colonoscopy?
Is it really unnecessary to schedule a colonoscopy? Hello, my husband is 31 years old and two years ago he sought medical attention due to rectal bleeding (which he also experienced during his military service). The doctor diagnosed him with internal hemorrhoids and prescribed su...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Xiao Fei: 1) The anal examination is relatively short, while a sigmoidoscopy is more appropriate (60 cm long), and a colonoscopy is also acceptable (150 cm long) [please follow up at the gastroenterology outpatient clinic]. 2) An internal hemorrhoid is a reasonable diagnos...[Read More] Is It Safe to Rely on Hemorrhoid Diagnosis Without a Colonoscopy?
Frequent Gas and Bloating: Understanding Digestive Health Concerns
Excessive flatulence? I used to have frequent lower abdominal pain, and after undergoing a colonoscopy, the doctor said everything was fine. However, now I often feel the urge to pass gas, and my stomach makes noises continuously right after I eat. I'm really worried that th...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, if you experience lower abdominal pain that improves after a bowel movement, occasional constipation, intermittent diarrhea, or stools that are sometimes hard and sometimes soft, these are symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Given that you are only 21 years old, it...[Read More] Frequent Gas and Bloating: Understanding Digestive Health Concerns
Understanding Changes in Stool Shape: Causes Beyond Colon Cancer
Issues with stool shape? Hello, I have experienced a significant amount of bright red blood during bowel movements. Recently, over the past two months, I have noticed that my stools have become thinner and softer (although I have often had loose, mucoid stools in the past). I hav...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, the narrowing of stools can be related not only to colorectal cancer but also to the consistency of the stool, the peristalsis of the colon, and the tone of the anal sphincter. At the age of 35, with no family history of colorectal cancer, the likelihood of developing colo...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Stool Shape: Causes Beyond Colon Cancer
Is It Hemorrhoids? Understanding Rectal Symptoms and Concerns
Could this be hemorrhoids? Hello, doctor! Two weeks ago, I noticed that the shape of my stool had become flat, and I experienced some difficulty during bowel movements (requiring slight straining). After researching online, most of the information pointed towards colorectal cance...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Nicholas, Your symptoms are more related to anal and rectal conditions such as internal hemorrhoids. You may receive treatment with suppositories or ointments from a gastroenterologist or a colorectal specialist. Wishing you good health. Best regards, Chen Shidian[Read More] Is It Hemorrhoids? Understanding Rectal Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Mucus and Blood in Stool: Gastrointestinal Concerns
Mucus and blood? I experienced some abdominal pain yesterday, and after passing gas, I noticed mucus and blood on my pants. Later, I also had abdominal pain and mild diarrhea. What could this issue be? Is the mucus and blood just due to the diarrhea?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if your bowel habits continue to improve but you notice blood streaks in your stool, please visit a gastroenterology clinic for a rectal or colonoscopy to determine the cause. Wishing you good health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Mucus and Blood in Stool: Gastrointestinal Concerns
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain and Digestive Discomfort
Occasional sharp pain in the lower left abdomen, muscle soreness in the buttocks, and abdominal bloating? You may want to consult a gastroenterologist for your symptoms, as they can evaluate issues related to the gastrointestinal tract, including potential acid reflux. Additional...
Dr. Li Zhengqi Reply:
Hello Frances, 1. Left lower abdominal pain may be associated with issues in the gastrointestinal or urinary tract. In females, it may also involve gynecological organs such as the ovaries and uterus. Additionally, soft tissue structures (including muscles, fascia, ligaments, an...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain and Digestive Discomfort
Intermittent Abdominal Pain and Cramps: Possible Causes and Insights
Intermittent abdominal pain and abdominal cramps? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing intermittent abdominal pain and cramping for nearly three weeks. I initially thought it was a side effect of cold medication (as I had a cold two weeks ago), but the symptoms did not improve ...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, intermittent abdominal cramps are mostly caused by intense intestinal peristalsis. Sometimes, a cold can trigger symptoms of enteritis, leading to abdominal colic. Other times, it may be due to abnormal peristalsis of the intestines, resulting in irritable bowel syndrome. ...[Read More] Intermittent Abdominal Pain and Cramps: Possible Causes and Insights
Understanding Hemorrhoid Surgery: Key Questions and Insights
Hemorrhoids Hello Dr. Lin, I apologize for bothering you! I would like to inquire about information regarding hemorrhoid surgery. I previously had an examination at Taipei Hospital and was diagnosed with internal hemorrhoids, which cannot be reduced manually and require surgery ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. The hospitalization duration is approximately 2 to 3 days. 2. After the surgery, there will be pain around the anus for about 2 weeks. The time to return to normal work varies by individual, and the nature of the job, particularly whether it involves frequent ...[Read More] Understanding Hemorrhoid Surgery: Key Questions and Insights