Gastrointestinal tract, Gastroenterology and Hepatology FAQ

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Sudden Severe Abdominal Pain: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues

Severe abdominal pain? Hello, doctor. This morning, while I was lying in bed, I suddenly experienced severe abdominal pain (I was lying on my side at the time), accompanied by loud bowel sounds and a slight urge to use the restroom. After using the restroom, I felt somewhat bette...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is a strong peristaltic bowel movement response, which is classified as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is recommended to adjust to a regular lifestyle, reduce the intake of greasy foods and dairy products, and manage emotional stress.

[Read More] Sudden Severe Abdominal Pain: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues


Post-COVID Gastroesophageal Reflux and Gastroenteritis: Symptoms and Concerns

Negative for COVID-19, experiencing gastroesophageal reflux and gastroenteritis? Hello, doctor. Thank you for your hard work. I was diagnosed with COVID-19 around late May to early June. During that time, I experienced gastrointestinal discomfort, gastroesophageal reflux, and dia...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The impact of gastrointestinal infection may cause increased peristalsis, and the intestinal mucosa has not fully healed yet, so a light diet is recommended. If you are taking electrolyte solutions, it is advisable to dilute them with water. If you experience palpitations ...

[Read More] Post-COVID Gastroesophageal Reflux and Gastroenteritis: Symptoms and Concerns


Morning Abdominal Discomfort: Understanding Causes and Solutions

Morning abdominal "pain" issue? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing abdominal discomfort for a long time (about 3-4 years). Often, when I wake up in the morning, I feel pain around the area approximately three fingerbreadths to the left of my navel. This pain is not ...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There should be no major issues with the gastrointestinal tract, and it can be monitored further. The likelihood of neuropathic pain is also low.

[Read More] Morning Abdominal Discomfort: Understanding Causes and Solutions


Understanding Digestive Issues: Causes of Diarrhea and Blood in Stool

Bowel issues Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing some bowel issues in the past few days. On the first day, I only had one bowel movement, and the stool was somewhat loose. However, when I wiped, there was a bit of blood on the toilet paper (the process was somewhat painful, an...


Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
It is recommended to see a gastroenterologist for an examination.

[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Causes of Diarrhea and Blood in Stool


Understanding Gastrointestinal Gas: Is Abdominal Pressure Normal?

Gastrointestinal issues, flatulence problems? Hello doctor, when I press on my abdomen, I hear a sound similar to bubbles, and after pressing for a while, I end up passing gas. Is this normal? Is it beneficial or harmful?


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
The gastrointestinal tract naturally contains gas, which can be increased by swallowing air, as well as the fermentation of food and gut bacteria. If there is more gas than usual, it is important to pay attention to dietary habits (avoid eating too quickly) and food choices (limi...

[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Gas: Is Abdominal Pressure Normal?


Understanding Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain: Insights from Gastroenterology

Bowel issues, abdominal pain? Hello, Dr. Lin. I had diarrhea on November 26, going three times. During the third time, I noticed blood in my stool (bright red blood). When I wiped with toilet paper, it was yellow with a bit of bright red blood, and later it turned pink. On Novemb...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Post-gastroenteritis, gastrointestinal function may not recover immediately. It is recommended to follow a light diet for 1 to 2 weeks and avoid irritating the gastrointestinal tract. If diverticula are found during a colonoscopy, it is important to monitor for the occurrence of ...

[Read More] Understanding Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain: Insights from Gastroenterology


Understanding Muddy Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice

Bowel pattern and persistence issues? Hello Doctor, I am currently in my early 30s and have a fairly regular bowel movement schedule (within 10 minutes of waking up) with minimal issues of constipation. However, I have recently noticed that my stools are often not formed but rath...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
As long as there is no blood in the stool or weight loss, you can reduce oil and dairy intake and continue to monitor the situation.

[Read More] Understanding Muddy Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice


Understanding Chronic Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Insights from a Specialist

Inquiry Consultation Hello Dr. Tsai, I would like to ask you a question. On a certain day at the end of 2017, after consuming citrus fruits, I experienced two symptoms that evening. One symptom was a feeling of fullness and tightness in my lower right abdomen, occasionally accom...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The symptoms you are experiencing may simply be a result of food irritating the gastrointestinal tract, leading to increased gastrointestinal motility. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.

[Read More] Understanding Chronic Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Insights from a Specialist


Concerns About Swallowing Small Knife Fragments: When to Seek Medical Help

Concerned about accidentally ingesting small broken pieces of a knife? Hello, doctor. I am writing to inquire about an ingestion issue: While cutting frozen food, a small piece (approximately 0.3 x 0.1 cm) broke off from my fruit knife. I am very concerned that I may have acciden...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Most foreign objects can be expelled from the gastrointestinal tract under normal anatomical conditions. If symptoms such as sore throat, chest pain, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or black stools occur, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. X-rays and endosc...

[Read More] Concerns About Swallowing Small Knife Fragments: When to Seek Medical Help


Understanding Duodenal Ulcers and IBS Symptoms: Key Insights

Duodenal ulcer and irritable bowel syndrome issues? (I am currently not taking any medication) After dinner at 6 PM, I do not eat snacks. After midnight, around 11 PM to 12 AM, I experience a burning sensation and hunger in my gastrointestinal tract (unclear). Could this be a sym...


Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Hello! It is recommended to visit the gastroenterology and hepatology outpatient clinic for medical consultation. Thank you.

[Read More] Understanding Duodenal Ulcers and IBS Symptoms: Key Insights


Persistent Digestive Issues: Understanding and Managing Diarrhea Symptoms

Gastrointestinal discomfort with persistent diarrhea? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort for the past week, with symptoms including stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. I have been having diarrhea every day, sometimes more than five times, and I fee...


Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Based on your description, you have seen a doctor and taken medication, but your condition has not improved. Please return for a follow-up consultation with your original physician. Thank you.

[Read More] Persistent Digestive Issues: Understanding and Managing Diarrhea Symptoms


Swallowed Gum: Should You Worry About Digestive Blockage?

Accidentally swallowed chewing gum? I accidentally swallowed two pieces of gum the size of Airwaves, even though I typically only consume two pieces a month. I understand that gum usually passes through the digestive tract due to peristalsis, but I haven't noticed the gum af...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It will not cause any blockage, so please rest assured.

[Read More] Swallowed Gum: Should You Worry About Digestive Blockage?


Understanding Post-COVID Diarrhea: When to Seek Medical Help

Diarrhea issues Hello Dr. Chen: Since I contracted COVID-19 at the end of June this year, I have been experiencing gastrointestinal issues starting in July. Sometimes I suddenly have abdominal pain, but it hasn't led to diarrhea. In the last two weeks of August, the diarrhea...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You should be able to return for a follow-up appointment after completing your medication, and follow a low-fat, low-dairy diet.

[Read More] Understanding Post-COVID Diarrhea: When to Seek Medical Help


Understanding Bowel Issues: What Do Bubbles in Stool Mean?

Bowel issues? Hello doctor, this morning I had a bowel movement that was a solid, thick piece. However, after dinner tonight, which included vegetables and instant noodles (with a higher fiber intake from bamboo shoots), I suddenly felt the urge to have diarrhea. After having a b...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: There's no need to worry too much; it is likely just a high water content in the stool, combined with some intestinal fluid, that is causing the bubbles. You can continue to observe the situation. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun

[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: What Do Bubbles in Stool Mean?


Swallowed Coin: When to Seek X-Ray for Gastrointestinal Concerns?

Coin ingestion If you accidentally swallowed a one-dollar coin while eating dumplings, should you go for an X-ray immediately, or can you wait to see if it passes? How long should you wait?


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
A 48-year-old female accidentally swallowed a one-dollar coin. Generally, if the gastrointestinal tract is structurally normal without any narrowing issues, 95% of foreign objects will typically pass through the stool. This can take 2 to 3 days or up to a week, depending on indiv...

[Read More] Swallowed Coin: When to Seek X-Ray for Gastrointestinal Concerns?


Understanding White Particles in Stool: Possible Causes and Concerns

Bowel issues Occasionally, there are some white particles remaining during bowel movements or when wiping, and I have confirmed that I haven't eaten sesame seeds. Could this be worm eggs or an issue with my gastrointestinal tract?


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Multiple mucus granules in the colon are not harmful to health.

[Read More] Understanding White Particles in Stool: Possible Causes and Concerns


Managing GERD and Duodenal Ulcers: Symptoms, Medications, and Dietary Tips

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), duodenal ulcer? I initially had some discomfort in my abdomen, so I underwent an endoscopy. The doctor diagnosed me with mild gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and a duodenal ulcer, with no issues related to Helicobacter pylori. The do...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You can take the medication first and then decide whether to return for a follow-up based on your response before increasing the dosage. Additionally, if you don't have medication, it's advisable to return for a prescription. Be mindful to avoid foods that are hard on t...

[Read More] Managing GERD and Duodenal Ulcers: Symptoms, Medications, and Dietary Tips


Understanding Prolonged Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Issues

I have been experiencing diarrhea for almost a month? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing diarrhea for about a month. Initially, it would occur whenever I drank coffee, but now it seems that I have loose stools every time I use the restroom. Sometimes it is watery and accompan...


Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to visit the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology outpatient clinic for evaluation. Thank you.

[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Issues


Understanding Food Poisoning: Symptoms and What to Do Next

Food poisoning A few days ago, I started experiencing cold symptoms, and yesterday I suddenly lost my voice. After having a late-night snack and taking some medication, I went to sleep for about two hours. I suddenly woke up with my hands feeling completely numb and experiencing ...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely just viral gastroenteritis or a side effect of medication. Food poisoning usually involves severe vomiting and diarrhea. Please continue to monitor the situation, refrain from eating, and only drink water.

[Read More] Understanding Food Poisoning: Symptoms and What to Do Next


Managing Bloating and Constipation: Tips for Digestive Health

Digestive-related issues (bloating & constipation) Hello Doctor: 1. I have experienced bloating in my gastrointestinal tract since childhood, but recently the bloating seems to have worsened. Initially, I would only hear gas sounds when I tapped my abdomen, but now it has s...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Because you are exercising, sweating may reduce the amount of water reaching the colon. Additionally, consuming caffeinated beverages can have a diuretic effect, which also decreases the water content in the colon. Therefore, it is important to stay hydrated even when not ...

[Read More] Managing Bloating and Constipation: Tips for Digestive Health


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