Understanding Digestive Issues: When to Worry About Pancreatic Problems
Unsure where the problem lies in the body? Hello doctor, I am currently 22 years old, and I do not smoke or drink alcohol. However, I have been experiencing alternating periods of constipation, bloating, and diarrhea. Last week, I visited a gastroenterologist due to these issues,...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Early-stage pancreatic cancer typically does not present any symptoms. Pain is usually associated with advanced stages of the disease. Ultrasound can easily detect abnormalities, but by that time, surgical intervention may no longer be an option. Therefore, it is recommended to m...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: When to Worry About Pancreatic Problems
Can People with Digestive Issues Eat Potatoes Without Worsening Diarrhea?
Can people with poor gastrointestinal health and a tendency to diarrhea eat potatoes? Hello, I would like to ask a question. I have seen articles online stating that eating potatoes can help with diarrhea, while others claim that potatoes can cause diarrhea. What is the truth? Ca...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Depending on individual constitution, it may vary; you can give it a try, but if it causes diarrhea, please refrain from using it. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Can People with Digestive Issues Eat Potatoes Without Worsening Diarrhea?
Understanding Pancreatitis Diagnosis: Normal Enzymes but Abnormal CT Scan Results
Please ask your questions regarding pancreatitis? Hello, I visited the doctor due to irritable bowel syndrome. During this period, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which did not reveal any issues, and the colonoscopy was also normal. Later, the doctor arranged for...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen: There are many causes of pancreatitis, and I am not aware of the findings in your CT scan report. I recommend consulting your attending physician. Dr. Cai Jin-ji, Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Pancreatitis Diagnosis: Normal Enzymes but Abnormal CT Scan Results
Understanding Mucus in Stool with Blood: Causes and Concerns
Mucus in stool with blood streaks? Hello Doctor, I experienced lower abdominal pain around noon today and had diarrhea, but it wasn't too concerning. Later in the afternoon, I had more abdominal pain and went to the restroom, but I only passed mucus with streaks of bright re...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If blood in the stool persists, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool with Blood: Causes and Concerns
Dealing with Stomach Issues: When to Use Laxatives After Diarrhea
Food poisoning Hello doctor, a few days ago I had an upset stomach, with severe pain in my stomach and abdomen, and I was experiencing diarrhea. I later went to see a doctor, and after taking anti-diarrheal medication and other treatments, my symptoms have improved, but I still h...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If there is no diarrhea, it is recommended to stop taking anti-diarrheal medication and there is no need to continue using laxatives. It is advised to stick to a light diet or clear liquid foods, and once the intestinal symptoms improve, you can gradually reintroduce other...[Read More] Dealing with Stomach Issues: When to Use Laxatives After Diarrhea
Understanding Blood in Stool: Possible Causes and Concerns
Diarrhea with blood? Hello doctor, two days ago around noon, I experienced lower abdominal pain and went to the bathroom. After finishing, I noticed blood, which was bright red. Even after that, I still felt an unusual tightness in my lower abdomen. Five hours later, I had anothe...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A bacterial infection can also cause bloody diarrhea, and it does not necessarily indicate cancer. If there is no improvement, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Irregular Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Abnormal stool? Recently, I have been experiencing constipation at times, and sometimes my stools are ribbon-like followed by diarrhea. What could be the cause? Previously, I had swelling around the anus, and the doctor diagnosed it as hemorrhoids. Last month, I noticed blood in ...
Dr. Zhang Kebin Reply:
Hello Cherry, if your symptoms do not improve, it is recommended that you visit the colorectal surgery outpatient clinic. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Irregular Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Bloating and Belching: Gastrointestinal Concerns Explained
Belching issues? Hello, doctor. Last year, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and was diagnosed with a gastric ulcer and Helicobacter pylori infection. After taking medication for six months, I experienced gastrointestinal discomfort and frequent diarrhea in August o...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there is no significant weight loss, symptomatic treatment and dietary control are sufficient. Additionally, a fecal occult blood test may be performed.[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Belching: Gastrointestinal Concerns Explained
Can You Take Probiotics While Using Belarck for Liver Issues?
If you are using Belarck, can you still take probiotics? Hello, my family member is in their 60s and has hepatitis. After evaluation by a physician, they are currently using Baraclude (entecavir). However, they have recently been experiencing persistent diarrhea and unformed stoo...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Probiotics can be taken.[Read More] Can You Take Probiotics While Using Belarck for Liver Issues?
Understanding Changes in Stool Size: Is It a Sign of Rectal Cancer?
Narrow stools? Hello, doctor. About a week ago, my stool was of normal thickness, but it suddenly became thin and short, about the size of a pinky finger. I have been having bowel movements 1 to 2 times daily, and there are instances of mild diarrhea, but no blood in the stool. O...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please perform a fecal occult blood test.[Read More] Understanding Changes in Stool Size: Is It a Sign of Rectal Cancer?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention
Gastrointestinal issues Hello doctor, for the past three to four days, I've suddenly felt some bloating in my stomach and abdomen. I've noticed an increase in burping and flatulence, and my stomach makes gurgling noises. My bowel movements have also decreased (from one ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, if a colonoscopy shows no polyps, it is recommended to follow up in three years. However, if there are still significant changes in bowel habits, a physician should reassess whether further follow-up is necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your heal...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Rectal Pain After Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions
On a certain day, abdominal diarrhea led to a dull pain near the rectum? Since experiencing multiple episodes of diarrhea one day, I have felt a persistent dull pain in the area between my tailbone and upper buttocks. This sensation often triggers a feeling of needing to have a b...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
It is possible that gastroenteritis has not yet resolved or that you may have irritable bowel syndrome. Please pay attention to a light diet and avoid spicy foods, and develop a good habit of daily bowel movements. If symptoms persist, please follow up with a clinic for further e...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Pain After Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions
Does Diarrhea Affect the Accuracy of Fecal Occult Blood Tests?
Does diarrhea with loose stools affect the accuracy of a fecal occult blood test? In the past couple of months, I've been experiencing unexplained pain in my left abdomen, so I underwent a fecal occult blood test. I did this twice; the first time was around mid-July, and I d...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It should still maintain accuracy and can be further discussed with a physician.[Read More] Does Diarrhea Affect the Accuracy of Fecal Occult Blood Tests?
Understanding Constipation and Its Potential Link to Colorectal Cancer
Constipation issues? Doctor, I previously had normal bowel movements, but I have now developed diarrhea (which has not improved much). The internet suggests it could be colon cancer. I also experience lower abdominal pain, specifically in the same area, and I often pass gas (I&#x...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely a case of abnormal peristaltic digestion. Increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables is recommended, and further observation is advised.[Read More] Understanding Constipation and Its Potential Link to Colorectal Cancer
Does Long-Term COOCHIL Use Affect Nutrient Absorption and Cause Malnutrition?
Does long-term use of COOCHIL medication lead to poor gastrointestinal absorption? Hello, doctor. I have diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, and my doctor prescribed me COOCHIL, which has been very effective. I have been taking it for about six months and continue to g...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Intestinal peristalsis should not be too fast or too slow, as both conditions can affect digestive function. If medication causes constipation or slows down peristalsis, it is advisable to discontinue or reduce the dosage as needed. Changhua Hospital cares about your healt...[Read More] Does Long-Term COOCHIL Use Affect Nutrient Absorption and Cause Malnutrition?
Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: When to See a Gastroenterologist
Chronic diarrhea? Hello doctor, for the past four to five days, I have been having bowel movements three to four times a day, and they are mostly loose and watery. A few times, there has been some mucus. Sometimes I feel the urge to go, but after sitting on the toilet for a while...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to follow a light diet. If there is no improvement, you may consult a gastroenterologist to address the diarrhea issue. If there is bleeding during wiping, you can use water or moist wipes. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: When to See a Gastroenterologist
Understanding Digestive Issues: Abdominal Pain and Stool Changes
Bowel issues I have been experiencing abdominal pain recently, which is intermittent and has been ongoing for four to five days. I'm not sure if it could be due to poor digestion. I've been taking antacids, and my stool has been brown with a consistency similar to porri...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The location of abdominal pain can indicate different possibilities. Given the presence of diarrhea, the likelihood of gastroenteritis is very high. Be sure to stay hydrated. If diarrhea and abdominal pain persist without improvement, or if you develop a fever, it is advis...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Abdominal Pain and Stool Changes
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain and Anemia: Possible Causes
Fixed pain in the lower right abdomen + anemia? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing irritable bowel syndrome for about two years. Although I have a regular bowel movement schedule, my stool often breaks apart in the toilet, and it is always brown in color. I have seen a doctor...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for examination/treatment.[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain and Anemia: Possible Causes
Understanding Foodborne Infection Risks: What to Watch For After Eating Raw Fish
Foodborne infection issues Today, I suspect that my meal was contaminated with the blood of raw fish, but I ate it anyway. At first, I thought it was a sea fish, but later I found out it was a river fish (a bass from the market; I'm not sure if it's wild-caught or farme...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There should be no risk; however, if diarrhea and fever occur, medical attention should be sought.[Read More] Understanding Foodborne Infection Risks: What to Watch For After Eating Raw Fish
Understanding Sudden Abdominal Pain: Signs and Concerns for Your Gut Health
Intermittent abdominal pain? Recently, I've been experiencing sudden cramping pain in my lower abdomen that lasts for a few seconds and then disappears. Sometimes I feel a strong urge to have a bowel movement, but when I get to the toilet, I can't go. It feels like ther...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Benson, based on your age, it is less likely to be colorectal cancer. If you are concerned, you can consult a gastroenterologist for further evaluation and arrange for tests. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Abdominal Pain: Signs and Concerns for Your Gut Health