Aspirin and Stomach Health: Managing Risks with PPI and Diet
Aspirin and the Stomach Hello Doctor: Currently, I am taking Bokey 100mg and Plavix 75mg. Due to gastroesophageal reflux and gastric erosion, I have also been prescribed a PPI. I would like to ask: 1. Can PPIs cause dyspepsia and increase the risk of gastrointestinal infections? ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) reduce gastric acidity, which theoretically may lead to insufficient acidity for effective bacterial eradication and digestion. However, in practice, PPIs do not completely eliminate gastric acid. Therefore, as long as they are not used imp...[Read More] Aspirin and Stomach Health: Managing Risks with PPI and Diet
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Attention
Abdominal discomfort and abdominal pain? About four days ago, I started experiencing indigestion, followed by persistent and occasionally severe headaches and dizziness. The next day, I began to feel intermittent dull or cramping pain in my abdomen. The day before yesterday was t...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to consult both a gastroenterologist and an obstetrician-gynecologist, as they may mutually influence each other. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Black Stool: Causes and Concerns in Digestive Health
Black stool issue Hello Doctor: My bowel habit is once a day. Yesterday, when I went to the bathroom, my stool was mostly a clay-yellow, tubular shape (without abdominal pain), but there were black, elongated substances mixed in. The day before, I had eaten dark green vegetables ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, miss. The color of the stool is likely due to residual material; there is no need to worry. Black stools are often watery and resemble diarrhea, so there is no need for concern. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Black Stool: Causes and Concerns in Digestive Health
Are Probiotics Like Yakult Safe for Digestion and Cancer Risk?
Yakult issues? Hello Doctor, I have often experienced indigestion since childhood. Recently, I have developed a habit of drinking a small cup of low-sugar Yakult or low-fat yogurt after meals to aid digestion. However, I recently saw news reports suggesting that regularly consumi...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Appropriate use can help regulate beneficial bacteria in the intestines. 2. It is not necessary to use them simultaneously. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Are Probiotics Like Yakult Safe for Digestion and Cancer Risk?
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain and Blood in Stool: Key Insights
Left lower abdominal pain with blood in the stool after defecation? Hello doctor, a few months ago I occasionally experienced pain in my lower left abdomen, but it resolved after a few days, so I did not seek medical attention. Recently, the pain returned, prompting me to visit a...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Fecal occult blood refers to blood that is not visible to the naked eye but can be detected through chemical or immunological methods in laboratory tests. Possible causes of positive fecal occult blood include hemorrhoids, inflammation, polyps, and tumors, which necessitat...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain and Blood in Stool: Key Insights
Understanding Bowel Issues: Causes of Unformed Stool and Color Changes
Bowel issues Hello doctor, for the past three days, my bowel movements have started as formed stools but then became unformed. Upon closer observation, I noticed small, flat pieces resembling seaweed (about 1 cm in size) in my stool. Overall, the color of my stool is a yellowish-...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
It is possible to experience indigestion, and it may also be due to the consumption of insoluble dietary fiber, which is excreted with the stool. Certain fruits, such as red dragon fruit and hibiscus, can cause the stool to appear red. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Causes of Unformed Stool and Color Changes
Persistent Urge to Defecate: Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Constant urge to defecate? Recently, I've been experiencing bloating in my stomach. A couple of days ago, after eating a lunch box, I started feeling the urge to use the restroom and pass gas. Since the next day, I've had a persistent feeling of needing to go, although ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
It is likely gastroenteritis and indigestion. Prioritize adjusting the diet to a low-fat, low-dairy, bland, and gentle diet. If there is no improvement, then consult a gastroenterologist.[Read More] Persistent Urge to Defecate: Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Chronic Hiccups: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
Suffering from hiccups? Hello Doctor: My symptoms include persistent burping before bed, upon waking, and before and after meals. It occurs regardless of whether I eat too much or am on an empty stomach, and the burping is very loud. I have been experiencing this condition every ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. 1. Reduce the intake of dairy products and sweets. 2. Consider appropriate medication to adjust motility, digestion, and bowel movements. 3. If necessary, visit a medical center for an upper gastrointestinal series or gastrointestinal motility function tests. C...[Read More] Chronic Hiccups: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Constipation: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Health
Bowel issues Hello Doctor: I have a habit of constipation, having bowel movements once or twice every 3 to 7 days. Sometimes, I have normal bowel movements three to four days a week. However, in the past few days, I have experienced constipation again. When I do feel the urge to ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Sometimes, irregular bowel movements can be related to dietary habits. Brown stool is associated with the intake of iron-rich foods, but it can also indicate gastrointestinal bleeding. Oily stools are linked to a greasy diet and poor digestion and absorption. It is recommended to...[Read More] Understanding Constipation: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Health
Is It Normal for Stool to Smell Like Papaya? Insights on Digestive Health
Fecal odor Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about something. Yesterday around 10 AM, I ate two or three pieces of papaya, and tonight when I went to the bathroom, I noticed that my stool had a distinct papaya smell. I would like to know if this is normal. Thank you. P.S. I ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
You may be experiencing some indigestion. Please monitor your symptoms closely and pay attention to your dietary habits. If you frequently experience stomach pain or vomiting, please follow up with a general internal medicine or gastroenterology outpatient clinic. Wishing you goo...[Read More] Is It Normal for Stool to Smell Like Papaya? Insights on Digestive Health
Chronic Nausea: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues and Anxiety
Persistent nausea? I've been troubled by the issue of feeling nauseous for a long time, starting from middle school and even elementary school. I'm not sure if it's due to anxiety and nervousness or if there are gastrointestinal problems. 1. I have a poor appetit...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, anxiety can affect gastrointestinal motility and digestion. Additionally, there may already be underlying issues with motility and digestion. It is advisable to visit a gastroenterology clinic for evaluation and to consider eating smaller, more frequent meals. Changhua Hos...[Read More] Chronic Nausea: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues and Anxiety
Loss of Appetite and Abdominal Bloating: Possible Causes and Solutions
Loss of appetite and upper abdominal bloating? Hello Doctor: I’m not sure if it’s because of the hot weather lately, but for over a week now, I haven’t had much of an appetite, and my upper abdomen is quite distended (which is unusual for me). It feels so bloated that I can hardl...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. ① You may have a gastrointestinal motility disorder, and it would be advisable to visit a gastroenterology clinic for evaluation. ② Additionally, it would be beneficial to assess any discomfort in the anal area, which is likely related to internal or external hemorrh...[Read More] Loss of Appetite and Abdominal Bloating: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions
Gastrointestinal issues Hello, doctor. I've been troubled by gastrointestinal issues for the past few weeks. My appetite has often been poor, and I experience mild nausea. I can only eat a small amount before feeling bloated, and it takes a long time to digest. I find that e...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. First, please check for occult blood in the stool. If the result is negative, it is likely a case of dysmotility. You can manage this condition with patience through lifestyle and dietary adjustments, as well as medication control. Changhua Hospital cares about your h...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions
Can Helicobacter Pylori Cause Stomach Discomfort Without Inflammation or Ulcers?
The gastroscopy showed no inflammation or ulcers in the stomach, but there is mild gastroesophageal reflux. However, Helicobacter pylori was detected? Hello, doctor. For the past two weeks, I have been experiencing discomfort in my stomach, including dull pain, bloating, and indi...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Helicobacter pylori can naturally exist in a normal, healthy stomach, so it is not necessarily associated with gastritis or ulcers. Based on the symptoms, it may simply be indigestion. Of course, if eradication therapy is administered, it may also help improve the symptoms.[Read More] Can Helicobacter Pylori Cause Stomach Discomfort Without Inflammation or Ulcers?
Understanding Black Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Digestive Health
Black stools? Hello, doctor. This morning after I had a bowel movement, I noticed that my stool was dark in color (mostly black), but not deep black, and there was no blood. The shape was elongated but somewhat scattered. Yesterday afternoon, I ate guava, papaya, and watermelon, ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The color may be due to the digestion of food. If the condition persists, it is important to consider whether there is gastrointestinal bleeding, and it may be necessary to consult a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Black Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Digestive Health
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Gas or Gastrointestinal Issues?
Abdominal distension issues? Hello, Dr. Tsai. Recently, I have been feeling a sense of heaviness and bloating about three fingerbreadths below my navel, along with some lower back pain. It feels somewhat like the urge to have a bowel movement, but not as intense. I often feel the...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If the issue has occurred in the past few days, it is likely an acute problem, which may include gastroenteritis, constipation, bloating, or indigestion. The likelihood of colorectal cancer is low. If the problem does not improve, it is recommended to consult a gastroenter...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Gas or Gastrointestinal Issues?
Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Is It Gastroenteritis or Something Else?
There is lower abdominal pain? I apologize for the inconvenience, but I have recently seen a gynecologist and a gastroenterologist. On April 17, after my gynecological examination, a cyst was found on my ovary. On April 19, I experienced abdominal pain close to midnight that was ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is important to monitor the changes in symptoms to determine if it is truly acute gastroenteritis. If there is no improvement, it is recommended to return for a follow-up consultation. In terms of diet, try to keep it light and avoid high-fat and high-protein foods. Cha...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Is It Gastroenteritis or Something Else?
Why Am I Unable to Poop for a Week Despite Eating Well?
Unable to have a bowel movement? I would like to ask the doctor, I haven't had a bowel movement for almost a week, but I eat a lot every day and my weight hasn't noticeably increased. I'm not gaining weight, but I just can't seem to go to the bathroom. Where i...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
It is possible to have good digestion and absorption by consuming more fruits and vegetables, maintaining adequate hydration, and ensuring sufficient fiber intake. It is also important to develop healthy bowel habits. If any symptoms arise, it is advisable to seek consultation at...[Read More] Why Am I Unable to Poop for a Week Despite Eating Well?
Understanding Bloating and Esophageal Discomfort: Beyond Gastroenteritis and Stress
Gastric distension and gastroesophageal reflux? Hello Doctor, I have recently been experiencing a sensation of a foreign body in my esophagus, and after meals, I often feel bloated and have indigestion. Additionally, I do not have any pain or discomfort in my stomach, and this si...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Please pay attention to whether your diet includes tea leaves, coffee, soda, chocolate, sweets, glutinous rice products, high-fat/high-protein foods, smoking, alcohol consumption, and chewing betel nut/gum, etc. If necessary, please revisit the gastroenterology department....[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Esophageal Discomfort: Beyond Gastroenteritis and Stress
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, Bloating, and More
Gastrointestinal issues I have been experiencing frequent dry heaving and a feeling of fullness after meals. I also have a sour and bitter taste in my mouth after belching. Could you please tell me what might be wrong with my gastrointestinal system? (I already have a history of ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Please pay attention to see if there are symptoms of indigestion or gastroesophageal reflux, as certain conditions may be caused by excessive fecal retention. If necessary, consult a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, Bloating, and More