Understanding Elevated Bilirubin and Cholesterol Levels: Next Steps for Diagnosis
Elevated levels of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and total cholesterol? Hello, doctor. I recently completed a health check-up, and the results that exceeded the normal range include total bilirubin at 2.88, direct bilirubin at 0.57, total cholesterol at 246, and urine showin...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Abnormal values (with normal ultrasound) are likely due to individual constitution and do not pose a long-term health risk; monitoring is sufficient. Cholesterol can be managed through diet and medication. Pain management can be addressed by consulting a pain specialist or a fami...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Bilirubin and Cholesterol Levels: Next Steps for Diagnosis
Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Muscle Strain or Need for Medical Attention?
Left lower abdominal tenderness? Pain in the lower left abdomen when exerting pressure or straining has persisted for 3-4 days, but bowel movements and urination are currently normal. Could this be a muscle strain, or should I seek consultation in a specific medical specialty? Th...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If it is related to a specific posture or movement (such as lifting, turning, or bending), it may be a strain, which can typically be initially treated at a family medicine clinic.[Read More] Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Muscle Strain or Need for Medical Attention?
Concerns About Eating Raw Beef Tripe: Should You See a Doctor?
Accidental ingestion of raw beef tripe? Hello doctor, on June 19th, I had dinner at a hot pot restaurant and accidentally picked up a large piece of raw beef tripe. I thought it was cooked, so I took a bite. After chewing for about 2-3 minutes, I realized it was raw and spat it o...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to monitor the situation. If you experience any discomfort, please visit a family medicine or gastroenterology specialist. Thank you.[Read More] Concerns About Eating Raw Beef Tripe: Should You See a Doctor?
Understanding Grayish-White Stool: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology
Pale or clay-colored stool? Dear Deputy Director, I would like to ask about an issue I experienced last year when I consulted a colorectal specialist due to constipation. The doctor prescribed me a laxative (Clear Laxative Sugar-Coated Tablets), and after taking it, I experienced...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is unlikely to be caused by pancreatic or biliary cancer; further observation is recommended. Increase the intake of fruits and vegetables, and avoid prolonged sitting after meals.[Read More] Understanding Grayish-White Stool: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology
Understanding Left Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Left abdominal pain issues? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing a dull pain in my abdomen for the past two to three days, which is quite bothersome and uncomfortable. I’m not sure how to describe it, but it seems to be pain on the left side of my abdomen. The location is aroun...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You can first visit a family medicine clinic to address your symptoms (including a fecal occult blood test), and if necessary, you can then proceed to a gastroenterology clinic.[Read More] Understanding Left Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Managing IBS with Anxiety: Medication Duration and Side Effects Explained
Please inquire about medication for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing anxiety due to diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) for nearly a year. My family medicine doctor prescribed Loperamide and benzodiazepines, which I have on...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is influenced by many emotional factors. Therefore, treatment involves not only medication but also lifestyle changes, exercise, stress relief, and dietary modifications. The medication "Dicyclomine" is used to alleviate gastrointestinal s...[Read More] Managing IBS with Anxiety: Medication Duration and Side Effects Explained
Understanding White Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Issues with Stool Color Hello, Deputy Director! I previously inquired about constipation (the one who eats a lot of sweet potatoes and dietary fiber), and I would like to ask some more questions. A few days ago, I experienced constipation, so on Monday, I visited my family medici...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is just a color change; further observation is needed, and if necessary, it can be sent for testing. (Since there is no biliary obstruction on ultrasound.)[Read More] Understanding White Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain Near Ribs: Causes and Next Steps
Sharp pain in the upper left and right abdomen near the ribs? Hello, currently I am experiencing sharp pain in the upper left and right abdomen near the rib cage. The pain points are quite symmetrical and at a similar height. I usually feel it more when sitting, while standing an...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
If you have gallstones, it is important to maintain a regular diet and avoid greasy foods. Complications from gallstones can sometimes lead to post-meal bloating and pain in the right upper abdomen. If you experience sharp pain in the upper abdomen and are concerned about potenti...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain Near Ribs: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Help
Rectal bleeding Hello Doctor, I had a bowel movement yesterday and today, and both times there was blood. I can see red blood in the toilet and on the toilet paper, but after wiping a couple of times, it stopped. I'm not sure if the blood is only at the end of the stool or i...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is advisable to observe, reduce prolonged sitting, and increase water intake along with fruits and vegetables. If necessary, a visit to a gastroenterology clinic may be warranted.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Abdominal Bloating: When to Seek Medical Help
Abdominal bloating and pain? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing frequent abdominal bloating over the past few months, and it has even led to abdominal pain, especially during my menstrual period last month. For the first two days, I had severe bloating (my abdomen was very di...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You can see a gastroenterologist or a family medicine physician; it should be a digestive motility issue, so there is no need to worry.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Bloating: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
There is a cramping pain in the lower left abdomen? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing a slight cramping pain in my lower left abdomen. It occurs mainly when I bend over or sit (specifically in the left side where I bend), but when I stand or lie flat, the discomfor...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You can visit a family medicine or internal medicine clinic for initial diagnosis and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Low Amylase Levels: Impacts and Management
Low amylase levels Hello, during my health check-up, it was found that my amylase level is low; the normal range is 29-103, and mine is 19. An abdominal ultrasound showed mild fatty liver, but the report did not recommend any follow-up at the hospital. Could you please explain wh...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
It is recommended to bring your health check report to a consultation with a family medicine or gastroenterology clinic. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Low Amylase Levels: Impacts and Management
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Dizziness, Bloating, and Frequent Bowel Movements
Gastrointestinal discomfort, dizziness, and a feeling of pressure in the head? Hello, I would like to ask about my recent symptoms. For over a week now, I have been experiencing continuous dizziness, a feeling of pressure in my head, and overall body aches and tightness. Addition...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Dizziness, soreness, gastrointestinal discomfort, and abnormal bowel movements with soft stools four to five times a day may indicate a cold and gastroenteritis. It is recommended to maintain a light diet and increase fluid and electrolyte intake, along with symptomatic treatment...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Dizziness, Bloating, and Frequent Bowel Movements
Understanding Bowel Symptoms: Mucus in Stool and Other Concerns
Bowel movement concerns? Hello doctor, last week I had a frequent urge to have a bowel movement for 2 to 3 days, but initially, I only passed gas and very little stool. After taking the antidiarrheal medication prescribed by the doctor, my bowel movements started to normalize, bu...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It appears to be normal mucus from the colon, further observation is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Symptoms: Mucus in Stool and Other Concerns
Understanding White Floating Substance in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
After defecation, there is a white layer floating on the water? Hello doctor, I went to the bathroom twice today. The first time was normal, but during the second time, I felt some abdominal pain and had a slight sensation of diarrhea. I'm wondering if it was because I ate t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Based on the described symptoms, it is possible that fat droplets are floating in the stool. If this is not a persistent issue, there is usually no need for significant concern. It is recommended to improve dietary habits by avoiding excessive consumption of fried foods, desserts...[Read More] Understanding White Floating Substance in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Rectal Sensation: When to Seek Medical Advice
Anorectal foreign body sensation Hello, doctor. I ate something spicy on Friday night, and since then, I've been feeling strange for the past two days. After having a bowel movement, it feels like there is still stool in my rectum, but when I go again after a while, there is...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You can visit a gastroenterology, colorectal surgery, or family medicine clinic for diagnosis and treatment. It is advisable to avoid prolonged sitting and limit spicy foods.[Read More] Understanding Rectal Sensation: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Mass in an 86-Year-Old Patient
My mother, 86 years old, is experiencing pain in the upper left abdomen along with a mass? An 86-year-old individual, with a height of 146 cm and weight of 40 kg, is independent in daily activities. Last night, while getting up to use the bathroom, they suddenly experienced sever...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is recommended to visit the emergency department (not necessarily a large hospital, but any clinic with gastroenterology or family medicine services that offers ultrasound and is open on weekends) for an evaluation to understand the severity of the condition.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Mass in an 86-Year-Old Patient
Increased Bowel Movements After Fistula Surgery: Is It IBS?
Increased frequency of bowel movements after fistula surgery? Hello doctor, since I had my fistula surgery in January, I have been having bowel movements 3 to 4 times a day, and sometimes up to 6 times. I don’t experience any abdominal pain, but I do feel the urge to go. My stool...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely irritable bowel syndrome. You may return to the original surgeon's outpatient clinic or visit a family medicine or gastroenterology clinic.[Read More] Increased Bowel Movements After Fistula Surgery: Is It IBS?
Intermittent Sharp Pain Below Right Rib: What Could It Mean?
There is occasional sharp pain in the lower right rib area? There is a sharp pain occasionally in the lower right rib area, located below the heart. I am unsure what this symptom indicates and which medical specialty I should consult.
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, pain in the lower right rib area can be caused by various factors, such as issues related to the liver, gallbladder, intestines, or the peritoneal cavity, as well as problems with the ribs, pleura, or lungs. It is recommended that you first consult a family medicine or gas...[Read More] Intermittent Sharp Pain Below Right Rib: What Could It Mean?
Frequent Belching and Sleep Disturbances: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
Sudden frequent hiccups and shallow sleep? One evening in early September, I suddenly began experiencing frequent belching, which has continued every day since then. During that time, I did not make any significant changes to my diet, nor did I experience any stressful events, an...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Regarding the issues of belching and shallow sleep, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be difficult to completely resolve. Seasonal changes and dietary modifications can sometimes trigger gastrointestinal disorders in individuals sensitive to gastric mucosa. It is recomme...[Read More] Frequent Belching and Sleep Disturbances: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues