Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Tests: Implications for Upper GI Bleeding
Occult blood test Hello, Doctor: 1. If there is upper gastrointestinal bleeding, will the fecal occult blood test also be positive? 2. If the fecal occult blood test is positive, should further examinations be a colonoscopy, an upper endoscopy, or both? Thank you for your answers...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: There are two types of fecal occult blood tests. One is a general test, which, if positive, indicates bleeding from anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. The other is the enzyme immunoassay method, used for colorectal cancer screening, specifi...[Read More] Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Tests: Implications for Upper GI Bleeding
Understanding Lower Gastrointestinal Imaging: What to Expect and When to Follow Up
Lower gastrointestinal imaging examination Hello, doctor: I had a lower gastrointestinal imaging examination yesterday, but today I have no urge to have a bowel movement. Could this indicate a problem with my digestive tract? When should I expect to see the report? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: After a lower gastrointestinal tract imaging examination with barium contrast (barium sulfate), it is recommended to drink plenty of water to facilitate elimination. Insufficient hydration or pre-existing gastrointestinal motility issues may lead to difficulties in bowel m...[Read More] Understanding Lower Gastrointestinal Imaging: What to Expect and When to Follow Up
Understanding Abdominal Pain, Headaches, and Fever: Possible Causes and Solutions
Stomach pain + headache + fever Hello Dr. Tsai, I apologize for the lengthy message. (1) About a month ago, I underwent an endoscopy and was diagnosed with a gastric ulcer. After taking medication for nearly three weeks, I felt much better, so last Saturday I went out for hot p...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Please be aware of gastrointestinal symptoms that may be caused by a cold (viral infection). It is advisable to seek medical attention for a proper evaluation by a physician, who can arrange appropriate tests. Antipyretic and analgesic medications can help reduce fever and...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain, Headaches, and Fever: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Lemon Water and Gastritis Concerns
Please ask your questions regarding gastrointestinal issues? Hello Dr. Chen, I apologize for bothering you again. I have some gastrointestinal questions that I would like to ask for your clarification. 1. Around mid-September, I drank lemon water for about two weeks (approximat...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Lemon and kumquat belong to sour and astringent beverages, which can have a stimulating effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Individuals with gastrointestinal issues may easily experience flare-ups of gastritis. The symptoms of gastritis typically include discomfort or pa...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Lemon Water and Gastritis Concerns
Persistent Drowsiness After Meals: Understanding the Causes and Solutions
Feeling drowsy for a long time after eating? Hello Dr. Chen, I have a problem that has been troubling me for a long time, and I would like your assistance. This issue has persisted for six years; every time I eat, I feel extremely drowsy, especially during the daytime. I underst...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Travis, if necessary, you can check your blood sugar levels before and after meals. Additionally, try to eat smaller meals more frequently. Taking a walk after meals may help improve your condition. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Persistent Drowsiness After Meals: Understanding the Causes and Solutions
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues and Fatty Liver Concerns
Questions about the gastrointestinal system and fatty liver disease? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for bothering you. 1. Recently, I have been feeling a bit down, anxious, and tense due to some issues. Could this lead to gastrointestinal problems? For the past two days, after lunc...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. The neural control of the gastrointestinal system belongs to the autonomic nervous system, which is partly derived from the central nervous system; therefore, emotions can affect the gastrointestinal tract. 2. For fatty liver, the most important measures are to reduce o...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues and Fatty Liver Concerns
Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain and Its Unexplained Symptoms
What should I do? Supplementing from the previous post, the following conditions have already affected my daily life... After more than a year of consultations, there have been no results... I have been experiencing intermittent abdominal pain for a long time, which has progresse...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, regarding gastrointestinal issues, if there is pain from the waist to the rib cage, especially after undergoing examinations such as gastroscopy, colon X-ray, and abdominal ultrasound, and all results are normal, then the likelihood of gastrointestinal problems is further ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain and Its Unexplained Symptoms
Understanding White Specks in Stool: Gastrointestinal Health Insights
The stool contains small white particles? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask about something. In the past three months, I have noticed that after bowel movements, there are many small white particles mixed in with my stool. However, this does not happen every time I have a bowel ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The white small particles in the stool may be undigested food, sloughed-off epithelial cells, etc. If there are symptoms, a stool examination can be conducted to check for inflammation, occult blood, or parasites. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Taoyu...[Read More] Understanding White Specks in Stool: Gastrointestinal Health Insights
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Diagnosis
Right lower abdominal pain? Hello, Dr. Chen. I would like to ask you about some recent health issues. I've been experiencing intermittent pain in my lower right abdomen, located roughly on the right side of my belly, which usually lasts about an hour and is tolerable. Howeve...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello David, 1. Please check for any right kidney/ureter stones. 2. A stool occult blood test should be performed. 3. If symptoms persist, a non-invasive colonoscopy or related examinations should be conducted, as determined by a specialist. 4. Ultrasound can visualize the l...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Diagnosis
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Insights from Gastroenterology
Abdominal pain issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a question. This morning, after drinking a can of tomato juice with ice, I went out driving. Halfway through, I felt unwell and had to pull over to vomit what I had eaten earlier. After vomiting, I experienced abdominal pai...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A computed tomography (CT) scan can rule out many intra-abdominal diseases. If no specific findings are confirmed, acute gastroenteritis may be the cause. It is recommended to consume a light diet, increase fluid intake, and replenish electrolytes. Reduce the intake of har...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Insights from Gastroenterology
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Constipation, Pain, and Dietary Solutions
My digestive system is really troublesome! Abnormal bowel movements, alternating between diarrhea and constipation, frequent abdominal pain with variable location, and intermittent severe pain that causes weakness in the legs, dizziness, pallor, profuse sweating, and coldness of ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, (1) If constipation leads to a localized bowel obstruction, the colon will typically attempt to push the stool forward. However, if the stool is too hard, the colon must exert more effort than usual, which can result in excessive abdominal pain. This may trigger a reflex...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Constipation, Pain, and Dietary Solutions
Is It Safe to Undergo Gastroscopy with Pneumothorax?
Is there a risk of performing an endoscopy in the presence of a pneumothorax? Hello Doctor: I apologize for asking you again. I have a pneumothorax, and I would like to know if undergoing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or gastrointestinal imaging could trigger a recurrence o...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Pneumothorax is a problem related to the alveoli; therefore, gas in the gastrointestinal tract will not affect its occurrence. There is no need to worry, as Changhua Hospital is concerned about your health. Dr. Shih-Tien Chen.[Read More] Is It Safe to Undergo Gastroscopy with Pneumothorax?
Understanding Persistent Diarrhea: Symptoms and Causes Explained
Persistent diarrhea? You may be experiencing symptoms consistent with a gastrointestinal infection or foodborne illness. The feelings of nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and the presence of watery, foul-smelling diarrhea, along with the absence of vomiting and fever, suggest th...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The above symptoms indicate acute gastroenteritis. Please refrain from eating for half a day to a day, then you can drink sports drinks (diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio, and do not consume cold drinks). If diarrhea persists, you should seek medical attention. Best regard...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Diarrhea: Symptoms and Causes Explained
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Stool Color Changes: A Guide
Abdominal stabbing pain, please help me answer, doctor? Hello, doctor: (1) I have a stabbing pain (mild pain) in the lower right abdomen, about 5 cm from the navel. Yesterday, I noticed that the color of my stool changed from brown to dark brown. What could be the usual causes of...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The term "melena," also known as "tarry stools," refers to stools that are entirely black in color. Generally, melena indicates bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract. If the stools are not tarry, the color of the stools must be assessed to dete...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Stool Color Changes: A Guide
Understanding Left Rib Pain and Mucus-Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Bowel movements, abdominal pain, and discomfort? I have recently been experiencing intermittent dull pain at the lower edge of my left rib cage (the last rib). I have not sustained any injuries, and the pain comes and goes. Additionally, in the past few days, I have noticed that ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: It could be an inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Please consult a gastroenterologist. Best wishes, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Left Rib Pain and Mucus-Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Can a CT Scan Replace an Endoscopy for Abdominal Issues?
Is a CT scan of the lower abdomen as effective as an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy? Hello, I am a 41-year-old male. Two years ago, I underwent an upper endoscopy due to gastroesophageal reflux disease. On January 18, 2012, I visited my primary care physician for lower abdomina...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. A general abdominal CT scan typically includes both the upper and lower abdomen. 2. A CT scan may sometimes be insufficient for evaluating the gastrointestinal tract, and an endoscopy may be necessary when indicated. 3. Gastrointestinal discomfort or pain does not alway...[Read More] Can a CT Scan Replace an Endoscopy for Abdominal Issues?
Understanding Stomach Bloating: Causes, Symptoms, and Related Issues
Bloating? What are the reasons for feeling bloated and having a loss of appetite? Can bloating cause lower back pain? Does HIV cause gastrointestinal discomfort?
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Ms. Momo: Bloating and nausea are usually associated with gastritis or poor gastrointestinal function, and this typically does not present with feelings of hunger. Sometimes, when the gastrointestinal tract is very bloated, there may be some discomfort in the lower back. HI...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Bloating: Causes, Symptoms, and Related Issues
Does Sleeping on Your Side Cause Digestive Issues? Exploring the Connection
Sleeping on your side can lead to diarrhea? I have noticed that when I sleep on my side (left side), I tend to have softer stools or diarrhea in the morning (though not every time). However, when I sleep on my back, my bowel movements are normal without any significant diarrhea o...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Strictly speaking, susceptibility to diarrhea is not related to sleeping position. Instead, it is associated with dietary habits. It is recommended to consume less oil, less dairy, and fewer irritating foods, and of course, late-night snacks should also be included in the ...[Read More] Does Sleeping on Your Side Cause Digestive Issues? Exploring the Connection
Can Negative Stool Tests Indicate No Ulcers in the Colon?
Can a fecal occult blood test yield a false negative result in the presence of ulcers in the colon? 1. A negative fecal occult blood test does not necessarily rule out the presence of ulcers in the colon. It is possible for ulcers to exist without causing detectable bleeding at t...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. A positive fecal occult blood test indicates the presence of gastrointestinal bleeding, necessitating further examination. If the result is negative, clinical conditions must be assessed, as it does not rule out gastrointestinal issues. 2. In cases of gastrointestin...[Read More] Can Negative Stool Tests Indicate No Ulcers in the Colon?
Is Colonoscopy Safe During Pregnancy? Concerns and Considerations
Is it safe to perform a colonoscopy during pregnancy? I am currently two and a half months pregnant! I am very anxious because I have been experiencing bloody diarrhea every day. I was wondering if I could have a colonoscopy at three or four months. Would it affect the fetus and ...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Miss Yi: Currently, a colonoscopy requires prior administration of bowel preparation medications to prepare the gastrointestinal tract for the examination. Due to your pregnancy, undergoing this procedure involves many unpredictable factors for both you and the fetus. It is ...[Read More] Is Colonoscopy Safe During Pregnancy? Concerns and Considerations