Understanding PPI Use for GERD: When to Continue or Reassess Treatment
Regarding the issue of discontinuing the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Hello, Doctor. I underwent an endoscopy at the Taipei Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare around December 30, 2016. Following that, I regularly too...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Essentially, PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) suppress gastric acid secretion and should not be used long-term, as they may affect digestion, bacterial balance, and calcium absorption. For gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it is recommended to improve lifestyle and diet...[Read More] Understanding PPI Use for GERD: When to Continue or Reassess Treatment
Understanding Throat Tightness: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Feeling of obstruction in the larynx and chin? Hello Dr. 121464: I tend to experience excessive anxiety along with gastrointestinal bloating, constipation, and a history of headaches and chest tightness due to spinal and cervical misalignment. Long-term use of Western medicine ha...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist to evaluate whether an endoscopy is necessary to determine if the symptoms are caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Throat Tightness: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Understanding Stomach Pain and Back Discomfort When Stretching
Experiencing sharp pain in the stomach, along with back pain and neck pain, when stretching or yawning? Hello Doctor: Recently, I noticed a sharp pain in my stomach when I stretch. I would like to ask what this could indicate. Additionally, I have a history of chronic pharyngitis...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Referred pain from gastroesophageal reflux can cause back pain and neck pain in a minority of individuals. However, it may not necessarily be caused by gastroesophageal reflux. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Stomach Pain and Back Discomfort When Stretching
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Gastrointestinal discomfort I have been experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort for about three months, occurring roughly three times. At the beginning of this month, I started feeling nauseous and had a complete loss of appetite, feeling lightheaded and weak. I only managed to ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is not possible to rule out peptic ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease, and there may be other underlying causes. It is advisable to follow a bland diet and avoid irritants such as tea, coffee, tobacco, and alcohol. If the condition does not improve, consideration...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Do Multiple Adenomatous Gastric Polyps Require Surgery?
Do multiple adenomatous gastric polyps require surgery? Hello Dr. Tsai, I have a long history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and superficial gastritis, and I have been undergoing periodic endoscopic surveillance and medication. Over the past six months, I have noticed...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If there are more than 2 cm polyps in the stomach, you can ask your doctor why endoscopic removal is not possible. Is it due to a wide base or an excessive number of polyps, or is there a reason why mucosal resection cannot be performed? If none of these procedures can be ...[Read More] Do Multiple Adenomatous Gastric Polyps Require Surgery?
Understanding Left Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Dull pain in the left side of the abdomen? Hello, I was recently diagnosed with a varicocele. I occasionally feel pain in the right groin area and sometimes have a dull ache in the abdomen, but it's not severe. I initially thought this was caused by the varicocele, but after...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. If the varicose veins cannot explain your abdominal pain, you may consult a gastroenterologist to check for other issues. 2. Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease are more related to discomfort in the upper abdomen and epigastric area. Changhua Hospital cares abou...[Read More] Understanding Left Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Can I Take Naisan and Probiotics Together on an Empty Stomach?
Can Naisan be taken together with probiotics? Hello doctor, I usually take probiotics on an empty stomach in the morning. However, recently I have been experiencing gastroesophageal reflux and need to take Nexium. I noticed that Nexium is also taken on an empty stomach in the mor...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Nexium is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by inhibiting gastric acid secretion. Reduced gastric acid can sometimes affect the intestinal barrier, making it easier for harmful bacteria to invade and proliferate in the intestines. Probiotics increase beneficial...[Read More] Can I Take Naisan and Probiotics Together on an Empty Stomach?
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?
Managing Acid Reflux and H. Pylori: Insights for Better Digestive Health
Gastroesophageal reflux and Helicobacter pylori? Hello, doctor. I currently have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). I previously underwent an endoscopy, and the doctor noted mild esophageal burns. He mentioned that I have moderate GERD. I have been taking omeprazole for two ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It should not be related to the medication dosage; antacids directly neutralize stomach acid, which may provide a quicker relief. Adjustments in dosage and the need for treatment of Helicobacter pylori should be determined by your physician during a follow-up visit. Changh...[Read More] Managing Acid Reflux and H. Pylori: Insights for Better Digestive Health
Understanding Blood in Stool: Gastrointestinal Concerns and Solutions
Blood in the stool? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing diarrhea for almost two weeks, starting three weeks ago, with a couple of instances of constipation in between. Most of my stools have been yellow and watery, accompanied by stomach discomfort, bloating, and nausea. I hav...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you are very concerned, you can consult a gastroenterologist or a colorectal specialist. Anal pain with slight bleeding is mostly caused by hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Gastrointestinal Concerns and Solutions
Understanding GERD: Exploring Ulcers, Esophagitis, and Surgical Options
Gastric ulcers and esophagitis are conditions related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Gastric ulcer and esophagitis are related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). After my physician changed, the new doctor’s attitude was not very good, and I was only given eith...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Yes, it is laparoscopic gastric plication surgery. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding GERD: Exploring Ulcers, Esophagitis, and Surgical Options
Understanding Bloating, Weight Loss, and Gastrointestinal Health Concerns
Abdominal distension and weight loss? Hello, I tend to be a person who gets anxious easily and have been experiencing insomnia for a year. I'm not sure if it's because I eat too quickly and have an unstable meal schedule. About a month ago, I started having bloating and...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to start with a light diet and avoid irritating foods. If there is no improvement, you may want to consult a gastroenterologist to see if an endoscopy is necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Bloating, Weight Loss, and Gastrointestinal Health Concerns
Can You Switch to Another Major Hospital for a Repeat Endoscopy?
Can I transfer to another major hospital? If the previous large hospital's physician has transferred to another hospital and you need to undergo another gastroscopy four months later without applying for the previous medical records and gastroscopy report, can you switch to ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. If your symptoms are severe enough to require the use of PPIs (proton pump inhibitors), and a gastroscopy has diagnosed the need for PPIs, after four months, if you need to use PPIs again, a re-evaluation via gastroscopy is required, unless it is Grade C/Grade D gastroe...[Read More] Can You Switch to Another Major Hospital for a Repeat Endoscopy?
Understanding Upper Left Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Abdominal issues? Hello, doctor. Last night, I suddenly felt pain in my upper left abdomen. The pain is localized to that area and does not radiate. It slightly eases when I apply pressure, but it returns when I release it. Should I observe this for a few days before seeking medi...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Discomfort in the upper left abdomen is mostly caused by gastric issues, which may include gastritis, ulcers, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A smaller portion may originate from the colon, the left lower lung lobe, or the heart. It is advisable to start with a ...[Read More] Understanding Upper Left Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Can I Get a Prescription Without a Gastroscopy Report?
Can a prescription be issued without a gastroscopy report? If I had an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at another large hospital and was diagnosed with a gastric ulcer and esophagitis, but did not apply for a report regarding gastroesophageal reflux disease, can I show the medic...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. We still need a copy of the report from your previous hospital in order to prescribe strong gastric acid medication within four months after the gastroscopy. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Can I Get a Prescription Without a Gastroscopy Report?
Midnight Nausea and Abdominal Noises: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
Experiencing nausea and abdominal rumbling around two or three in the morning? Three days ago, I started feeling nauseous whenever I ate, but I felt fine when I didn't eat. Then, at 3 AM yesterday, I experienced uncontrollable shaking, dizziness, and nausea, but I couldn...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If the symptoms occur primarily at night, it may be important to consider whether it is an ulcer or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist for a thorough diagnosis. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-sh...[Read More] Midnight Nausea and Abdominal Noises: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Right Chest Discomfort: GERD or Something Else?
There is a feeling of tightness or discomfort in the right chest? Hello Doctor: I have a question. Three months ago, I experienced persistent discomfort in my right chest along with stomach pain after meals. I was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Helicoba...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms can recur, and it is important to pay attention to dietary habits. Avoid eating too quickly or too much, and limit the intake of irritating foods. Smoking and being overweight can also have an impact, so it is advisable to quit smoking and ...[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Discomfort: GERD or Something Else?
Managing GERD and Its Impact on Health: A Patient's Journey
Gastroesophageal reflux and reflux esophagitis? Hello Doctor: I have gastroesophageal reflux that reaches my larynx, and about two hours after each meal, I experience a bitter taste in my throat. In the mornings, sometimes my throat feels uncomfortable, and I need to clear it to ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: In addition to medication treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it is important to pay attention to dietary habits, as emotional factors can lead to recurrent episodes. The primary medication for GERD is proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), with hydrogen ion pump...[Read More] Managing GERD and Its Impact on Health: A Patient's Journey
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 Gastrointestinal Medications for Bloating and GERD
Doctor's prescription label inquiries? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my recent frequent hiccups. Last week, I went to a small clinic for a gastrointestinal check-up and had an endoscopy. There were no significant issues, and my Helicobacter pylori test came back n...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Gas-X (Dimethicone) and Primperan (Metoclopramide) both have effects on gas absorption and promoting gastrointestinal motility. You should pay attention to whether there are issues with your diet or if you are experiencing irregular bowel movements. If you still have quest...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Medications for Bloating and GERD