Understanding Swallowing Difficulties: A Guide for Gastrointestinal Issues
A sensation of difficulty swallowing from the Adam's apple to the chin? Hello Doctor: I am a person who gets easily anxious, and whenever I feel nervous, I often experience stomach pain. Later, I learned that this was due to autonomic nervous system dysfunction. After taking...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If your doctor suspects that you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and there is no improvement after medication, an endoscopy is recommended. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Swallowing Difficulties: A Guide for Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Esophageal Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Attention
Esophageal and gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing frequent hiccups followed by a sensation of stomach acid, which also causes a feeling of something stuck in my esophagus when swallowing. Should I seek medical attention, or will a light ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended to change your diet and observe if there are any changes in symptoms. Avoid drinking tea, coffee, soda, consuming chocolate, sweets, glutinous rice products, high-fat/high-protein foods, overeating, smoking, drinking alcohol, chewing betel nut/gum, exp...[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Bloating and Changes in Bowel Habits: What You Need to Know
Abdominal bloating and changes in bowel habits? Hello, doctor. About 10 days ago, I experienced severe abdominal pain in the middle of the night and went to the emergency room. The emergency physician noted rebound tenderness in the lower abdomen and right lower quadrant, diagnos...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A CT scan should be able to rule out issues such as obstruction or volvulus. As for whether it is colorectal cancer, it is recommended that if symptoms persist, you consult a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Changes in Bowel Habits: What You Need to Know
Understanding Esophageal Issues: Symptoms of GERD or Hiatal Hernia?
Esophageal issues causing vomiting? Hello, I have been experiencing a burning sensation in my esophagus and chest, along with occasional nausea, especially after meals, for the past two months. I have not noticed any difficulty swallowing. Could this be gastroesophageal reflux di...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The symptoms are similar to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). To determine if it is caused by a hiatal hernia, an endoscopy is necessary for diagnosis. However, the key point is to pay attention to your diet and body posture to see if they are contributing to the wor...[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Issues: Symptoms of GERD or Hiatal Hernia?
Understanding Bloating and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal Distress Explained
Abdominal distension accompanied by vomiting, and in severe cases, vomiting and diarrhea with gastric cramping? Hello Doctor, first of all, I am very grateful for your time in helping the public with various health issues. I do not smoke, drink only occasionally, and maintain a g...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Recently, I have been experiencing recurrent abdominal bloating, burning sensations, and abdominal pain. It is recommended to undergo an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for any signs of inflammation, ulcers, or other mucosal lesion...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal Distress Explained
Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: Symptoms, Treatments, and Dietary Tips
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Hello, I have been experiencing a burning sensation in my chest since January 23. After visiting a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, I noticed that stomach acid flows into my throat while sleeping, which affects my sleep. I then con...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Please check whether the dosage form is a full-dose or half-dose. If it is a half-dose, it should be taken in the morning and evening. If you have any questions, feel free to consult your physician during your follow-up visit. 2. You can eat bananas and papayas as long ...[Read More] Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: Symptoms, Treatments, and Dietary Tips
Understanding the Impact of Belching Food Residue on Esophageal Health
Occasionally, when burping, food remnants may come back into the mouth? I recently visited Professor Luo at Taipei Veterans General Hospital regarding my condition. Essentially, my issue began after experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) last year, which was confirme...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Student Liao, Based on the symptoms you described, it appears to be gastroesophageal reflux. Long-term reflux can indeed damage the esophagus; however, food reflux causing choking is unlikely unless there is an issue with your swallowing function. Additionally, since you ar...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Belching Food Residue on Esophageal Health
How Long Does It Take for Esophageal and Gastric Inflammation to Heal?
The healing time for esophagitis and gastritis can vary depending on the underlying cause and the individual's overall health. Generally, mild cases may improve within a few days to a couple of weeks with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes. However, more severe case...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if the gastroscopy results are not serious, there is no need to restrict your diet for such a long time. Generally, you should just limit sweet, acidic foods, and coffee. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] How Long Does It Take for Esophageal and Gastric Inflammation to Heal?
Understanding Esophageal Fungal Infections and Their Impact on Appetite
Esophageal candidiasis? The endoscopy revealed fungal infection in the esophagus, and the physician prescribed a month-long course of antibiotics. Additionally, there is laryngitis and a perforated eardrum. The bitter taste in the mouth has led to a complete loss of appetite. Is ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
There is generally no direct correlation with a perforated eardrum unless there is also a fungal infection of the eardrum along with esophageal fungal infection. Typically, antifungal medications are prescribed; however, the most important factor is identifying any specific reaso...[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Fungal Infections and Their Impact on Appetite
Swallowing Issues After Eating Large Food: When to Seek Medical Attention
Feeling discomfort after swallowing a large piece of food? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I attended a relative's wedding banquet and accidentally swallowed a whole abalone in one bite. When I tried to swallow, it felt like it was stuck, and after forcing it down, I soon felt som...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. If there are no new symptoms up to today, it should be fine. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Swallowing Issues After Eating Large Food: When to Seek Medical Attention
Managing GERD and Delayed Gastric Emptying: Risks and Treatment Options
Gastroesophageal reflux and delayed gastric emptying? Hello Doctor, three years ago I had an upper endoscopy that revealed superficial gastritis and superficial gastric ulcers. I took Nexium intermittently for a while. This year, my endoscopy showed Barrett's esophagus, gast...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Pay attention to changes in dietary habits, including diet and weight. Reducing the intake of high-fat and high-protein foods can decrease gastric emptying time, and enzymes may not necessarily be helpful. Reducing gastroesophageal reflux can lower the risk of Barrett'...[Read More] Managing GERD and Delayed Gastric Emptying: Risks and Treatment Options
Understanding Throat Discomfort When Swallowing Medications
Swallowing medication feels strange..? Hello Dr. Tsai, I have been quite troubled by something recently. Due to work factors, I tend to consume hot foods and beverages more frequently. Recently, I have been feeling a bit strange in my throat (somewhat itchy, hard to describe), an...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Frequently consuming excessively hot foods can indeed cause damage to the esophageal mucosa, which may increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer. An increased risk does not mean that it will definitely occur. 2. If you suspect an esophageal issue, you may consid...[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort When Swallowing Medications
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Chest pain? Hello, let me describe my condition. I had a cough starting around July or August. Initially, it was after a cold, and although the cold improved, the cough persisted. A week before the Mid-Autumn Festival, I suddenly began experiencing gastroesophageal reflux. I went...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. It is unlikely to progress to esophageal cancer that quickly. 2. Whether another endoscopy is needed should be determined by the clinical physician; however, it may be beneficial to first adjust the medication. Additionally, it is important to make some changes to your ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Helicobacter Pylori Treatment and Side Effects
Helicobacter pylori A few days ago, my mother went to the hospital for a check-up and was found to have Helicobacter pylori. The doctor prescribed her medication that includes metronidazole, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin. After taking the medication for a few days, she has expe...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you experience discomfort, it is recommended to stop taking the medication and drink plenty of water. If the discomfort persists, please return for a follow-up or visit the emergency department to determine if there are other underlying causes. Generally, these medicati...[Read More] Understanding Helicobacter Pylori Treatment and Side Effects
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Pain in the left lower chest area related to the stomach? Hello, doctor. I am inquiring on behalf of my mother, who is 55 years old. Three months ago, she experienced discomfort in her stomach and underwent an endoscopy, which revealed mild gastric ulcers. After taking medication...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Pain in the left lower chest related to gastroesophageal issues may include differential diagnoses such as esophageal and gastrointestinal diseases, neuropathic pain, pancreatic disorders, colonic conditions, and thoracic diseases. If symptoms do not improve, continued medical ev...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Persistent Throat Discomfort: When to Seek Gastrointestinal Evaluation
There is a cool sensation in the throat? I have been experiencing a cool sensation in my throat for about a week, along with a feeling of something stuck there, similar to a failed attempt to swallow a capsule. There is a strange sensation in my throat and esophagus, and I find m...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Anonymous, The symptoms you described are very similar to laryngitis caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If the acid has not refluxed into your throat, you may not be aware of it. It is recommended that you consult a gastroenterologist. If medication does not...[Read More] Persistent Throat Discomfort: When to Seek Gastrointestinal Evaluation
Understanding Gastroesophageal Issues: Nausea and Bloating Explained
Gastroesophageal issues Hello, Doctor. For the past two months, I've been experiencing nausea and a feeling of fullness after eating sweet foods or after meals. I also have bloating and some discomfort in my esophagus (not pain), as if the food I just ate is about to come ba...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. You may be experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Please reduce your intake of sweets, and if necessary, seek medical attention for medication. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Gastroesophageal Issues: Nausea and Bloating Explained
Managing Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Effectively
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) I have been experiencing a burning sensation in my throat all day for the past month, along with a feeling of something stuck in my throat. I also frequently feel bloated and nauseous, especially after meals. Recently, I noticed some tendern...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It is recommended to undergo an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and to reduce the intake of sweet and sour foods. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Managing Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Effectively
Can GERD Be Completely Cured? Understanding Treatment and Recurrence
Can gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) be cured? Hello, I experienced my first episode of acid reflux at the age of 18. After undergoing an endoscopy and taking medication for a while, my symptoms disappeared. The doctor mentioned that if I felt better, I didn't need to ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, the acid reflux is difficult to completely cure because the patient's stomach/esophagus structure may be relatively loose, and lifestyle changes are needed to limit sweet and acidic foods. For mild symptoms, antacids can be used for treatment, while more severe cases ...[Read More] Can GERD Be Completely Cured? Understanding Treatment and Recurrence
Can Acid Reflux Cause Neck and Shoulder Numbness? Exploring the Connection
Can gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) cause numbness in the shoulders and neck? Hello doctor, this week I've been experiencing a sensation of something stuck in my throat, which is very uncomfortable. My shoulders and neck feel numb, extending to my scalp, and my entire...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, I would like to know if the numbness in my shoulders and neck could be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). I plan to observe whether the symptoms gradually disappear after treatment for GERD, which would help determine if it is the cause. Changhua Hospital ca...[Read More] Can Acid Reflux Cause Neck and Shoulder Numbness? Exploring the Connection