Blood on Toilet Paper: What It Could Mean for Your Digestive Health
Blood on toilet paper after wiping can indicate several conditions, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or gastrointestinal issues. It Hello, this morning I had about four bowel movements in a row. The first two were formed stools, darker in color, but the latter ones were loose,...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms, it could be gastroenteritis leading to anal fissures or hemorrhoidal bleeding. You may consult a gastroenterologist. The physician will further assess whether additional examinations are necessary. Wishing you safety and health. Dr. Chen Qi-Feng, Gas...[Read More] Blood on Toilet Paper: What It Could Mean for Your Digestive Health
Should You Get a Colonoscopy After Experiencing Blood in Stool?
Diarrhea with blood in the stool? Recently, I experienced severe diarrhea due to food poisoning, and I noticed fresh red blood in my stool, along with mucus and blood streaks when wiping. I've heard that this could be a warning sign for colorectal cancer, but it only happene...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Severe enteritis can lead to anal fissures with bleeding or complications such as hemorrhoidal bleeding. Therefore, it is advisable to continue monitoring. If blood in the stool occurs again, further examination will be necessary. Wishing you safety and health. Dr. Chen Ch...[Read More] Should You Get a Colonoscopy After Experiencing Blood in Stool?
Understanding Irregular Bowel Movements: When to Seek Medical Advice
Constipation Hello Dr. Chen: For the past two months, I have frequently experienced soft and unformed stools, with very few instances of passing stool in a formed, cylindrical shape. I can't help but feel that the formed stools I do pass seem to be thinner, although they gen...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms, the most likely diagnosis is enteritis. It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist, and you may need to undergo stool tests and possibly further invasive procedures such as a colonoscopy if necessary. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, ...[Read More] Understanding Irregular Bowel Movements: When to Seek Medical Advice
Alternating Diarrhea and Constipation: Should You Worry About Colon Cancer?
Alternating diarrhea and constipation? I traveled to Japan from June 30 to July 13. During the trip, I initially experienced diarrhea, and after taking loperamide, I developed constipation. I thought my bowel movements would return to normal after returning home (last year, I als...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
It is recommended to visit a hospital for examination to determine the issue.[Read More] Alternating Diarrhea and Constipation: Should You Worry About Colon Cancer?
Left Abdominal Pain: Should You Get a Colonoscopy?
Left abdominal pain (to the left of the navel) Hello, I recently visited a clinic due to lower back pain. After an ultrasound, the doctor diagnosed me with kidney stones. Following urine tests and X-rays, no issues were found, and my back pain resolved in about two days. However,...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr./Ms. Shan, based on the symptoms you provided, the pain near the navel (upper left, lower left) is associated with the intestines. It is also possible that referred pain from ureteral stones could occur in this area. If you wish to arrange for an examination, an abdomina...[Read More] Left Abdominal Pain: Should You Get a Colonoscopy?
Understanding Rectal Discomfort: Hemorrhoids or Something More Serious?
I would like to inquire again about bowel movement issues? Hello Dr. Chen, I previously consulted you about my symptoms, which include a feeling of fullness in the anus, a burning sensation, slight pain, and a feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation (which is more pronounced when ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Please discuss with your physician whether further examinations are necessary to address your concerns. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Rectal Discomfort: Hemorrhoids or Something More Serious?
Do I Need Another Colonoscopy? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Do I need a colonoscopy? Hello Doctor, I am 27 years old and have been experiencing mucus and blood in my stools for several years. I had a colonoscopy (sigmoidoscopy) when I was 20, which showed normal results. I also underwent a digital rectal examination, and the doctor inform...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. Yes. 2. Hemorrhoids have little effect on the shape of stool. However, if the stool continues to become thinner and thinner, be cautious of tumors. 3. Please seek medical treatment from a physician. Wishing you safety and good health. Dr. Chen Chih-Feng, Gastroenterolog...[Read More] Do I Need Another Colonoscopy? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Upper Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Upper abdominal bloating and pain? Hello Dr. Tsai, I have been experiencing bloating and pain in my upper abdomen (just above the navel) for over a week. Over the past six months, I have intentionally lost about 20 kilograms through exercise without taking any medication. Due to ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Psychiatric medications should be gradually tapered under the supervision of a psychiatrist, rather than abruptly discontinued. As for whether further examinations are necessary, this should be determined after an evaluation by a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Abdominal Symptoms: Insights into Gastrointestinal Issues
Some abdominal symptoms? Hello, doctor. I am 18 years old and in my senior year of high school. I have some gastrointestinal issues I would like to ask about. When I was in elementary school, I often experienced abdominal cramps that would go away after a while (I don't have...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Based on your description of bowel habits, it seems that you may have a chronic constipation issue. Incomplete bowel movements can lead to symptoms such as abdominal cramps and bloating. Whether this is related to cancer or irritable bowel syndrome should be determined thr...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Symptoms: Insights into Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Blood in Stool: Should Young Adults Worry About Colon Cancer?
Blood in the stool raises concerns about colorectal cancer? Hello doctor, I just turned 18 this year. Recently, I experienced constipation, where I had to strain a lot and wait a long time to have a bowel movement. However, the constipation symptoms disappeared after two weeks. B...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Possible causes of blood in the stool commonly include hemorrhoidal bleeding and anal fissures. Other causes may include colitis, proctitis, colorectal polyps, diverticulosis, ulcers, and colorectal cancer. It is important to pay attention to diet, drink plenty of water, c...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Should Young Adults Worry About Colon Cancer?
Understanding Bloating: Symptoms and Concerns in Gastrointestinal Health
Bloating feels unusual? I am 22 years old, male, and there is no family history of colorectal cancer. From December 27 to January 27, I had a leg injury and was in a cast. I attended classes as usual, but when I wasn't in class, I stayed at home, mostly sitting and being ina...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist for further examination. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Understanding Bloating: Symptoms and Concerns in Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Elevated CA72-4 Levels: Cancer Risks and Alternatives
The CA72-4 test index is elevated? Hello! After the health check-up, it was found that this index is elevated at 10, while the normal index is less than 5. I have read many reports stating that under normal circumstances, the index should not be elevated. An elevated index is oft...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: CA72-4 is a tumor marker with high sensitivity but low specificity, and it may also be elevated in cases of gastritis. Essentially, if you have undergone a gastroscopy and the results are normal, that is good. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Gas...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CA72-4 Levels: Cancer Risks and Alternatives
Understanding Colorectal Cancer Screening: Key Questions Answered
Colorectal cancer screening Hello, Doctor: 1. Are all colorectal cancers derived from polyps? 2. I have heard that it takes about five years for a polyp to develop into colorectal cancer, so does this mean that individuals who have had a colonoscopy with no abnormalities can w...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. More than 90% of colorectal cancers arise from polyps. 2. In principle, if a colonoscopy is normal and there is no special medical or family history, it can be repeated in 3 to 5 years. 3. Recent screening statistics show that among those who test positive for fecal occ...[Read More] Understanding Colorectal Cancer Screening: Key Questions Answered
Is Fast Gut Motility a Good Thing for Your Health?
Is fast gastrointestinal motility a good thing? I have diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). Every time I visit the doctor, after using the stethoscope, the doctor says that my gastrointestinal motility is quite fast, which makes me more prone to frequent bowel m...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A faster intestinal transit time reduces the duration that feces remain in the body, which indeed decreases the excessive absorption of waste by the intestines, and this is beneficial for health. However, since the occurrence of colorectal cancer is multifactorial, we cann...[Read More] Is Fast Gut Motility a Good Thing for Your Health?
Understanding CA 19-9 Levels: What High Readings Mean for Your Health
Pancreatic cancer index Hello, Doctor! I am 34 years old this year. I discovered an elevated CA19-9 level (64) in 2009. At that time, I underwent various tests, including MRI and endoscopy, which revealed a 9 cm benign focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) in the liver, while the pancr...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: CA 19-9 levels may be elevated in patients with pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, liver cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer. However, elevated CA 19-9 levels can also occur in patients without cancer, such as those with liver cirrhosis, cholangitis, hepatiti...[Read More] Understanding CA 19-9 Levels: What High Readings Mean for Your Health
Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms and Solutions
Long-standing gastrointestinal issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to describe my symptoms in detail, which is why I chose to seek help here. I feel that doctors in general hospitals often do not listen to patients' detailed accounts of their conditions (thinking it takes to...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello: It may be necessary to review your examination reports, family history, diet, etc., for further assessment in order to understand your condition. You might need to consult a gastroenterologist for treatment. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Costs and Coverage for Endoscopy in Gastroenterology
Endoscopy Hello, I would like to ask about the charges for colonoscopy and gastroscopy covered by health insurance. Do these charges include anesthesia and polyp removal fees? Should I first visit a general gastroenterology outpatient clinic to undergo a fecal occult blood test?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: If clinically necessary, gastroscopy and colonoscopy are covered by insurance. However, if performed under sedation, an additional anesthesia fee will apply. Polypectomy is covered by health insurance. Based on age, a fecal occult blood test for colorectal cancer screening...[Read More] Understanding Costs and Coverage for Endoscopy in Gastroenterology
Understanding Sticky Stool: Causes, Dietary Changes, and Testing Options
Sticky stools? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've noticed that my stool sometimes sticks to the toilet, and I have to use a handheld shower to rinse it away. What could be the problem? How should I adjust my diet? Additionally, I often experience some constipation at the beginnin...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. The presence of mucus in the stool may be related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can involve symptoms such as constipation, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. It may also be associated with dyspepsia and colorectal cancer. It is recommended to maintain food hygie...[Read More] Understanding Sticky Stool: Causes, Dietary Changes, and Testing Options
Understanding Family History of Colorectal Cancer: Risk Factors and Screening Guidelines
The definition of a family history of colorectal cancer? Dear Dr. Tsai, My in-laws do not have colorectal cancer, but they do have colorectal polyps, which were removed during colonoscopy and were found to be benign upon examination. (Both are currently around 70 years old.) How...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Although your in-laws do not have a history of colorectal cancer, since two of your uncles and aunts have a history of colorectal cancer, it is still recommended that you have your first colonoscopy at the age of 40. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-s...[Read More] Understanding Family History of Colorectal Cancer: Risk Factors and Screening Guidelines
Understanding Colon Polyps: Risks, Recurrence, and Family Screening
Colon polyp issues? Dear Dr. Tsai, My mother-in-law underwent a health check at around 55 years old, where 2 to 3 colorectal polyps were discovered and subsequently removed. After continued monitoring, she developed another 3 to 5 polyps. This year, during a follow-up examinatio...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Benign polyps come in various types, such as hyperplastic polyps, adenomas, and inflammatory polyps, all of which are classified as benign. The colon can indeed undergo genetic changes due to aging, making it more susceptible to the development of polyps as one gets older....[Read More] Understanding Colon Polyps: Risks, Recurrence, and Family Screening