Is Abdominal Pain Normal When Having a Bowel Movement?
Abdominal pain? Is it normal to experience abdominal pain when having a bowel movement?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, mild abdominal pain during bowel movements can be normal, as the gastrointestinal tract contracts during this process, potentially causing slight discomfort. However, if the abdominal pain is more pronounced, it may be due to constipation or other colonic disorders, and it...[Read More] Is Abdominal Pain Normal When Having a Bowel Movement?
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Mass: Is It Gallstones or Colon Cancer?
Hard mass in the left lower abdomen? I recently felt a hard lump in my lower left abdomen. Could it be a bowel stone? I experience pain after eating too much and also have diarrhea. Could this be colon cancer or a bowel stone?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, the so-called intestinal stones, in the era when medical advancements were limited, sometimes occurred as a complication of gallstones leading to cholecystenteric fistulas, which could cause intestinal obstruction due to these stones. This is now quite rare. Additionally, ...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Mass: Is It Gallstones or Colon Cancer?
Health Concerns: Eating Rice Weevil Larvae and Its Effects
Ingesting the larvae of rice weevils? Dear Dr. Chen, I seem to have eaten the larvae of a rice weevil (they appear white and caterpillar-like) while having my meal. I have the following questions: 1. Will this have any adverse effects on my body? 2. If the larvae are alive, wi...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, consuming weevils in rice will not affect the gastrointestinal tract; rather, it is the spoiled and moldy rice that may cause gastroenteritis. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Attending Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General ...[Read More] Health Concerns: Eating Rice Weevil Larvae and Its Effects
Health Risks of Eating Without Washing Hands: A Gastroenterology Perspective
Eating without washing hands? Hello Dr. Chen: The plastic cup on the table fell to the floor, which is not an indoor floor and is therefore a bit dirtier. After picking up the plastic cup with my hand, I directly used that hand to eat some fruit. Dr. Chen, regarding this situatio...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, we do not grow up in a sterile environment, and the gastrointestinal tract itself has certain defense mechanisms. Unless we are exposed to pathogenic bacteria at a concentration that exceeds a certain level, it is unlikely to cause disease. Wishing you peace and health. Si...[Read More] Health Risks of Eating Without Washing Hands: A Gastroenterology Perspective
Accidentally Ingested Tape: What You Need to Know About Risks and Recovery
Ingestion of a small piece of transparent tape? Dr. Chen, hello: I think I accidentally ingested a small piece of transparent tape that was stuck to the outside of my breakfast bag. Currently, I don't feel any unusual symptoms, but I'm a bit worried. May I ask: 1. What ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, small pieces of food wrapping do not affect the gastrointestinal tract and are usually expelled along with food residues. Wishing you safety and health. Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Accidentally Ingested Tape: What You Need to Know About Risks and Recovery
Understanding Crohn's Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Treatment methods for Klippel-Feil syndrome? Hello doctor, I recently experienced discomfort in my lower right abdomen, often feeling air trapped in my abdomen. I underwent a colonoscopy and found that area to be inflamed and swollen. I've been experiencing diarrhea for a wh...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Crohn's disease is a chronic, transmural inflammatory condition that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. Approximately half of the patients will have rectal involvement, and it is often associated with various extraintestinal ...[Read More] Understanding Crohn's Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Left Lower Abdomen and Back Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Pain from the lower left abdomen to the left lower back? In the past week or two, I have been experiencing aching pain in the lower left abdomen and left lower back, approximately two fingerbreadths above the pelvis. The pain lasts about 20 minutes and occurs around 3 to 4 times ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: First, it is important to understand if there are accompanying symptoms. If there is constipation or diarrhea, it may indicate gastrointestinal issues; if there is dysuria or increased urinary frequency, it may suggest a urinary tract problem; if there is vaginal bleeding ...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdomen and Back Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Increased Hiccups: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Increased frequency of hiccups? Hello, Doctor! About one or two months ago, I noticed that my hiccups (not spasms, just regular hiccups) have increased in frequency. Sometimes, I feel a tight sensation from the upper chest to the throat, which I wonder if it's related to gas...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Stress can indeed affect digestion and cause acid reflux, leading to discomfort in the chest. If it's convenient to seek medical attention, you may try a stronger antacid (which you may need to purchase out-of-pocket) and reduce your coffee and sugar intake to se...[Read More] Understanding Increased Hiccups: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Persistent Stomach Ulcer: Is 4 Months of Treatment Enough?
I have been taking Nexium for over three months, and my gastric ulcer has not improved? Hello Doctor: I visited a local hospital due to stomach discomfort and underwent an endoscopy, which revealed the presence of a gastric ulcer. The doctor prescribed Nexium for four months alon...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Tseng: Generally, the treatment of ulcers with sucralfate is effective and rapid; however, if there is repeated irritation to the gastrointestinal tract or if it is related to motility issues, the situation may be different. In any case, it is important to take the medic...[Read More] Persistent Stomach Ulcer: Is 4 Months of Treatment Enough?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes of Bloating and Discomfort
Gastrointestinal issues Hello, doctor. A few years ago, I noticed that my bowel movements decreased, but the next day I would have a lot. Recently, however, even though I eat a lot, my bowel movements are relatively small. I also feel very hungry and have to eat a lot, which make...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, a decrease in bowel movements may lead to the accumulation of fecal matter, which can affect digestive function. If digestive function is impaired, gastric emptying time may be prolonged. When food remains in the stomach for an extended period, c...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes of Bloating and Discomfort
Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: Blood in Stool and Enlarged Spleen
Questions Regarding Health Checkup Results Hello Doctor, I participated in the company employee health check and the result of the fecal occult blood test (quantitative method) was 50 ng/ml, which is significantly higher than the reference value of 12 ng/ml. I have a habit of tak...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. Lycopene should not cause a positive fecal occult blood test. 2. A positive fecal occult blood test can occur due to any bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. 3. The likelihood of a false positive for splenomegaly in abdominal ultrasound is ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: Blood in Stool and Enlarged Spleen
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort After Infectious Mononucleosis
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello Doctor, I have recently been diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis and have been experiencing a continuous fever for almost three weeks. The infectious disease specialist mentioned that there is no infection in the liver or other organs, but I...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms, there are signs of gastroenteritis. It is advisable to follow a diet low in oil and dairy, and to keep it light. If there is no improvement, you should consult a physician for a prescription for gastrointestinal medication. Wishing you safety and hea...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort After Infectious Mononucleosis
Understanding Bloating and Gas Symptoms After Intense Workouts
Severe flatulence symptoms (bloating?) Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to consult you regarding the issue of belching. Symptom Description: Condition (A): After weight training on October 24 (which included chest exercises), I felt shortness of breath, weakness, and tingling in m...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Belching is generally related to poor gastric emptying and gastrointestinal dysfunction, often accompanied by increased saliva production, which suggests a correlation with gastric acid secretion. It is recommended to visit a gastroenterologist for relevant examinations. W...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Gas Symptoms After Intense Workouts
How Often Should You Get Checked for Colon Cancer After IBS Diagnosis?
I would like to have a medical consultation? Last year, I had some gastrointestinal issues and went to the hospital for a barium swallow test, which showed no abnormalities. I was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Recently, I'm not sure if it's psychologica...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Based on previous results and considering age, there is no specific recommendation on how often to undergo re-examination. Irritable bowel syndrome remains the most likely diagnosis. If dietary adjustments and gastrointestinal medications do not yield results, a colonoscop...[Read More] How Often Should You Get Checked for Colon Cancer After IBS Diagnosis?
Should You See a Doctor After Swallowing a Foreign Object?
Should I see a doctor if I accidentally swallowed a foreign object, or will it pass on its own? Hello doctor, I accidentally swallowed a piece of plastic (about two-thirds the size of a one-dollar coin). I feel fine at the moment, but do I need to see a doctor, or will it pass na...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Most cases of foreign body ingestion, if the gastrointestinal tract is structurally and functionally normal, will result in the expulsion of the ingested object. However, it is important to consider the type of foreign body ingested, such as fish bones or toothpicks, as th...[Read More] Should You See a Doctor After Swallowing a Foreign Object?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Green Tea Effects and Dizziness Causes
Gastrointestinal diseases Hello Dr. Lin, could you please explain what causes discomfort and nausea after drinking green tea or other types of tea? Additionally, what could be the reason for dizziness caused by stomach discomfort?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello Mr. Lin: Tea contains many chemical components, both beneficial and harmful, such as caffeine and antioxidants. Caffeine affects the nervous system, mental state, cardiovascular system, endocrine system, and gastrointestinal tract. In terms of the gastrointestinal tract, it...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Green Tea Effects and Dizziness Causes
Understanding Swallowing Difficulties: When to Seek Medical Advice
Swallowing concerns? Hello, Doctor: I apologize for taking up your time with my questions. My issue is that over the past month or two, I have been experiencing some difficulty swallowing, whether I'm eating or drinking. It feels somewhat like I'm taking too large bites...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to pay attention to your diet, take smaller bites while eating, and eat slowly. Limit the intake of foods that can increase stomach acid (such as spicy foods, sweets, and chocolate). Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Wearing shapewear may also have an i...[Read More] Understanding Swallowing Difficulties: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Bloating: Causes and Solutions for Abdominal Discomfort
Bloating issues? I often feel bloated on the right side of my abdomen near the navel, and the bloating can be quite severe, sometimes accompanied by pain. This has been ongoing for a while. After sleeping at night, it feels better the next day, but after a while, the bloating ret...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms, the likelihood of intestinal gas is the highest. However, gastrointestinal issues are not always determined solely by the location of the pain, as it may not indicate which organ or part of the gastrointestinal tract is affected. It is advisable to c...[Read More] Understanding Bloating: Causes and Solutions for Abdominal Discomfort
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort in Teens: Causes and Solutions
Stomach discomfort? Hello Doctor, I am an 18-year-old high school student. Last week, I suddenly felt discomfort in my abdomen and went to the clinic. I took medication for three days, but it hasn't helped much. My symptoms include mild pain in the upper abdomen, overall fat...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms, they are all non-specific symptoms. You need to visit a gastroenterology clinic for treatment to further clarify whether the issue is related to the gastrointestinal tract or the liver and gallbladder. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort in Teens: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Severe Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes and Concerns
What are the causes of severe gastrointestinal and systemic issues? Hello Doctor: I apologize for the lengthy message! The day before yesterday, I consumed two pieces of bread that had been left out for 24 hours, followed by approximately 300cc of red wine, 300cc of green tea, 30...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. As long as the food is confirmed to be non-spoiled, there are no dietary restrictions for eating together. 2. The statement that "toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, when combined with alcohol, will worsen the condition" is rarely mentioned. 3. The new gener...[Read More] Understanding Severe Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes and Concerns