Understanding Stool Thickness: When to Worry About Your Bowel Movements
Stool diameter Is stool that is approximately the thickness of a marker considered thin? How thin does stool need to be to be considered thin enough to warrant attention and further examination? Sometimes I pass stool that is about the size of a whiteboard marker, and it is quite...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A change in stool caliber to a thinner shape is a non-specific manifestation among the many symptoms of colorectal cancer. Additionally, in clinical practice, if there is narrowing of the colonic lumen, diarrhea is the most common presentation rather than a change in stool...[Read More] Understanding Stool Thickness: When to Worry About Your Bowel Movements
Managing Chronic Gastritis and Reflux: Symptoms and Solutions
Gastrointestinal issues After undergoing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, chronic gastritis, Helicobacter pylori infection, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were diagnosed. Two days ago, I completed a triple therapy regimen. While taking the medication, I experience...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It may be a side effect of the medication, as some can cause diarrhea or increased bowel motility, leading to a feeling of nausea. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Managing Chronic Gastritis and Reflux: Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Bowel Issues: Concerns About Diarrhea and Stool Shape
Bowel movement issues, problems related to stool? During the National Day holiday, I experienced diarrhea and consulted a doctor who prescribed antidiarrheal medication. By last Friday, I had a large bowel movement that was semi-solid, and on Saturday and Sunday, I passed formed ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is irrelevant, so please do not worry.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Concerns About Diarrhea and Stool Shape
How to Collect Stool Samples During Diarrhea: Tips for Patients
How to collect stool samples for diarrhea with watery stools? I have been experiencing diarrhea for a week. When I eat, my stools are powdery (sinking to the bottom, yellow-brown), and when I don't eat (for an entire day), I have watery stools (yellow liquid). I consulted a ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, Miss Violet. You can use a bedpan or a basin, and then transfer the sample into the container provided by the hospital. If your symptoms do not improve, you may return for a follow-up appointment to discuss with your physician whether a change in medication is necessary. T...[Read More] How to Collect Stool Samples During Diarrhea: Tips for Patients
Understanding Black Specks in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Black specks or dark particles in stool? Hello Doctor: Recently, I noticed that there are occasional black spots and black specks on my stool (all on the surface, with the black spots smaller than 0.28 mm). I thought it might be due to poor digestion (after the Mid-Autumn Festiva...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Mr. Yen: It is recommended that you take a picture of your stool to discuss with your attending physician during your visit. Dr. Tsai Jin-chi, Director of the Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology at Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Black Specks in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Digestive Issues in Seniors: Causes, Symptoms, and Dietary Solutions
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask you about my elder family member. Whenever they consume even a small amount of fatty foods such as pork belly, lard, or milkfish belly, they experience abdominal pain and diarrhea within minutes. There is a lot of gas in ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Elderly individuals may have poorer metabolic and digestive functions, making it more difficult for them to absorb fatty foods, which can lead to diarrhea. It is important for seniors to maintain a balanced diet that is low in greasy foods for better absorption. Probiotics...[Read More] Digestive Issues in Seniors: Causes, Symptoms, and Dietary Solutions
Post-Hemorrhoid Banding: Frequent Urination and Bloody Stool Concerns
After hemorrhoid ligation, symptoms of frequent urination and bloody stools during bowel movements have appeared? Hello Dr. Chen, I sought medical attention due to blood in my stool, and the doctor diagnosed me with a ruptured internal hemorrhoid and performed a hemorrhoid ligati...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please return to your original treating physician's clinic as soon as possible.[Read More] Post-Hemorrhoid Banding: Frequent Urination and Bloody Stool Concerns
Understanding Bowel Issues: Causes of Irregular Stool Shape and Consistency
Bowel movement issues Hello, doctor. I have some concerns about my bowel movements. Sometimes my stools are very loose, to the point where I can see vegetable remnants. It's quite exaggerated; for example, after eating dumplings around noon, I can see vegetable pieces in my ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: If your weight has not changed and you are exercising, it is possible that you have a fast metabolism. The shape of your stool is related to the food you consume. A diet high in fiber typically results in well-formed stools, while a diet high in fatty foods may lead to loo...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Causes of Irregular Stool Shape and Consistency
Understanding Stomach Pain: Is It Food Poisoning or a Gastrointestinal Issue?
I'm not sure if it's due to food poisoning? Last night, shortly after eating, I experienced severe abdominal pain and thought it was just a normal case of diarrhea. Although I had a bowel movement, there was still a bit of mild, intermittent pain afterward. I went to sl...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
→ You may continue to observe and follow a light diet. If there is a fever or persistent bloody stools, seek medical attention.[Read More] Understanding Stomach Pain: Is It Food Poisoning or a Gastrointestinal Issue?
Understanding Bowel Issues: From Constipation to Diarrhea and Blood in Stool
Bowel movement issues I have had severe constipation issues since I was 9 years old (with all three sections of the colon filled with stool). Recently, I'm not sure if it was due to exam stress or something else, but I have been alternating between diarrhea and constipation,...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello, children: It is recommended that you seek medical examination as soon as possible. Dr. Cai Jin-ji, Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: From Constipation to Diarrhea and Blood in Stool
Can Gastrointestinal Issues Cause Chest Pain? Understanding Your Symptoms
Can gastrointestinal issues cause chest pain? In mid-August, I experienced symptoms of palpitations, accompanied by frequent diarrhea and bloating that led to vomiting. When I visited a cardiologist, the doctor arranged for an electrocardiogram and tests for hyperthyroidism. The ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please discuss further with the gastroenterologist.[Read More] Can Gastrointestinal Issues Cause Chest Pain? Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Insights for Right Side Discomfort
Pain in the middle of the abdomen, below the right rib cage, and radiating to the back? Hello, doctor. Last time I asked you about the pain in my lower right abdomen that gradually moved up to the middle of my abdomen, along the lower edge of my right rib cage to the back, and I ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If symptoms persist, please seek medical attention (you can also visit a clinic).[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Insights for Right Side Discomfort
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Is It Appendicitis or Something Else?
Right lower abdominal pain? Hello, doctor. On the night of September 10th, around 11 PM, I experienced cramping pain in my abdomen and went to the bathroom. On September 11th, I felt a constant tightening in my lower right abdomen when I was hungry, which improved slightly after ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Based on the initial assessment, it does not appear to be appendicitis. A light diet is recommended, along with self-monitoring of temperature and pain. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Is It Appendicitis or Something Else?
Understanding Bloating and Gas: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
I'm not sure if it's irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my condition. For the past few days, I have been feeling the urge to pass gas but have been unable to do so. This morning, I suddenly experienced intermittent cramping in my abd...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Please pay attention to your dietary habits, and medication may be necessary to manage the symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Gas: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Should You Get an Endoscopy for Persistent Stomach Discomfort?
If you have been experiencing stomach discomfort for several days, should you schedule an endoscopy directly? Hello Doctor: About a week ago, on Saturday afternoon after lunch, I suddenly experienced stomach pain (upper abdominal pain). After taking some antacids, I felt relief, ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A diet and medication adjustment is recommended, but if there are significant concerns and symptoms persist, an endoscopy can be performed for reassurance. The diet should be light and easily digestible, with minimal oily and irritating foods.[Read More] Should You Get an Endoscopy for Persistent Stomach Discomfort?
Managing Bloating and Constipation: Insights from Gastroenterology
Bloating and constipation? I have been experiencing bloating for about three weeks now. I have seen a doctor twice and taken medication, but there hasn't been much improvement. During my first visit, I had constipation, but after taking the medication, I experienced diarrhea...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is important to adjust dietary habits for better health by increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables, and to provide medication for adjustment based on individual constitution.[Read More] Managing Bloating and Constipation: Insights from Gastroenterology
Understanding Oiliness in Toilet Water After Bowel Movements
There is a slight oily sheen in the toilet after bowel movements? Hello Doctor, I recently noticed a small area on the surface of the toilet water that has a slight oily sheen after bowel movements. Sometimes my stools are well-formed, while other times they are loose, but upon c...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there has not been a continuous presence of diarrhea/oily stools/weight loss for several months, and only a small amount of floating oil is present without causing harm, it can be monitored further.[Read More] Understanding Oiliness in Toilet Water After Bowel Movements
Understanding Bowel Issues: Symptoms and Possible Causes Explained
Bowel movement issues Hello Doctor, since high school, I have always felt the urge to have a bowel movement after finishing a meal, so I thought it was normal. However, recently I have been experiencing persistent discomfort in my abdomen, feeling the need to have a bowel movemen...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If symptoms persist for more than three months, it may be diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is recommended to maintain a regular and balanced diet, and then monitor the situation.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Symptoms and Possible Causes Explained
Understanding Watery Stool: Causes and Treatment Options
Diarrhea? Hello doctor, for the past two days, my stools have been watery and yellow. I don't have any abdominal pain, but my abdomen feels a bit bloated. I don't have a headache or fever, and I pass gas while having a bowel movement. What should I do to treat this?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please start with a bland diet and monitor the situation. If diarrhea persists or if there is a fever, seek medical attention and consider medication.[Read More] Understanding Watery Stool: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Rectal bleeding Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a bleeding issue. Several months ago, possibly over a year ago, I experienced rectal bleeding, usually occurring after a bowel movement. There was one instance of a significant amount of blood, and at other times, I noticed...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen, Hello. You described experiencing rectal bleeding. It is recommended that you visit a gastroenterology clinic for evaluation and to arrange for further examinations. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help