Long-Term Use of Acid Suppressants: Risks and Concerns for Gastric Health
Medications that suppress gastric acid? Dear Dr. Chen, I previously underwent an endoscopy that revealed symptoms of gastric ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). I have been taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Pantoprazole or Nexium for a long time. Will l...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Long-term use of medications to suppress gastric acid can have varying effects on individuals. Some people may even require double the dosage of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to effectively achieve acid suppression. As for the long-term consequences of gastric acid suppression, i...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Acid Suppressants: Risks and Concerns for Gastric Health
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Normal Endoscopy Results and Hidden Causes
Why are the results of the gastroscopy and colonoscopy normal, yet the cause of my abdominal pain cannot be identified? Dr. Chen: After undergoing gastroscopy and colonoscopy, the doctor diagnosed me with Helicobacter pylori and wrote in English—peptic ulcer. Therefore, I am unsu...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms, it may just be functional issues such as bloating or indigestion. In theory, if there is a peptic ulcer, it should be treated; however, even if the coccyx is fractured, it should not penetrate the gastrointestinal tract. Having a family history of ca...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Normal Endoscopy Results and Hidden Causes
Understanding Abnormal Bowel Movements and Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Abnormal bowel movements, bleeding, and nausea? My mother is 48 years old, and she has described her "abnormal bowel movements" for over a year. She has multiple bowel movements a day, sometimes 3 to 4 times or more, with episodes of diarrhea and sometimes just soft sto...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Some individuals experience diarrhea and bloating due to lactose intolerance when consuming milk. 2. Generally, spicy foods can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and lead to diarrhea. 3. Missing teeth, poor chewing ability, and reduced secretion of digestive juice...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Bowel Movements and Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Post-Meal Drowsiness: Is It a Sign of Underlying Health Issues?
Feeling drowsy after eating! I often fall asleep suddenly while lying down to watch TV after dinner (this has been happening for a while). Could this be a symptom of some condition? During a previous health check, it was noted that my red blood cell count was low and that my red ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, after eating, there is an increase in blood circulation to the gastrointestinal tract, which often makes one feel drowsy, especially when lying down to watch TV, making it easy to fall asleep. If you also experience fatigue and sleepiness during the day, it may be worth ch...[Read More] Post-Meal Drowsiness: Is It a Sign of Underlying Health Issues?
Understanding Long-Term Constipation: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
Inquiry 1. I have been experiencing chronic constipation for over 20 years, primarily straining to have bowel movements, which has led to decreased bowel function. Now my stools are soft, and sometimes I experience cramping diarrhea that I cannot pass without taking a deep breath...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. After abdominal surgery, the intestines are more prone to adhesions, leading to chronic constipation. Sometimes, holding one's breath can increase abdominal pressure, which may assist in bowel movements. 2. A barium enema is an examination of the lower gastrointestinal ...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Constipation: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
Understanding Persistent Nausea: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Nausea Hello Doctor, on the evening of January 8th, I went out for hot pot with friends. After starting to eat, I had two pieces of fish dumplings, and immediately felt a pressure in my stomach. I also felt a foreign body sensation in my throat, followed by a sudden and intense u...
Dr. Zhang Siyuan Reply:
To Ray: Excessive weight loss can sometimes lead to another type of reflux, occurring at a level lower than gastric reflux, which may result in persistent upper abdominal distension and an inability to vomit. At this point, it is important to consult a gastroenterologist as soon ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Nausea: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Understanding Lower Abdominal Hardness: Symptoms and Cancer Concerns
Lower abdominal mass? Hello! Recently, I have noticed a hard mass located about two centimeters above my lower abdominal hip bone. It is difficult to feel when standing, but I can easily palpate it when sitting down. The mass becomes more prominent when I have the urge to defecat...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, once abdominal tumors or masses appear, they do not shrink or disappear. Therefore, the hard or protruding object that you feel may be a distended section of the intestine, which can subside after the distention resolves. Of course, subcutaneous structu...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Hardness: Symptoms and Cancer Concerns
Understanding and Managing Severe Stomach Cramps: A Guide for Patients
Questions regarding gastric spasms? Hello, Doctor: I have a friend who frequently experiences symptoms of gastric spasms, and each episode feels life-threatening, often causing her to faint. I would like to ask how her symptoms can be improved. She is also taking medication (thou...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, if you frequently experience gastric spasms and pain, it is recommended to maintain a regular diet. Chew your food slowly and thoroughly, and avoid consuming irritating foods such as cold items and those containing caffeine. Some individuals may also have lactose intoleran...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Severe Stomach Cramps: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Frequent Bowel Movements and Gas Problems
Gas and bowel movement issues? Doctor: Hello! I have been experiencing a troubling issue lately, which is the frequent need to use the restroom. This symptom has persisted for two to three months. I have visited various clinics for treatment, but none have resolved the issue. It ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, I have been experiencing diarrhea for 2-3 months, with more than 5 episodes per day. I have already been referred to a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy. If structural abnormalities (such as colorectal cancer or colitis) are ruled out, it may be considered a functional ...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Frequent Bowel Movements and Gas Problems
Understanding Digestive Issues: Solutions for Irregular Bowel Movements
Abnormal I am currently in the third year of junior high school, and after finishing the basic competency test, I feel less anxious. However, I am experiencing irregular bowel movements; sometimes I don't have a bowel movement at all, and I often have bloating. I hope the do...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, Jie: It is recommended to pay attention to dietary habits and to develop good bowel habits, along with engaging in moderate exercise. When eating, be mindful to chew thoroughly and avoid talking while eating to minimize air intake into the gastrointestinal tract. In term...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Solutions for Irregular Bowel Movements
Understanding Bloating and Discomfort in Acute Cholecystitis
Acute cholecystitis Acute cholecystitis can cause bloating and discomfort even when not eating due to several factors. The inflammation of the gallbladder can lead to irritation of the surrounding tissues and organs, which may affect the gastrointestinal tract's motility and...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. The gallbladder contains bile, and the secretion of bile can stimulate the pancreas to release digestive enzymes, aiding in the digestion and absorption of fats. 2. In acute cholecystitis, bile becomes infected, and bile obstruction prevents it from draining into the common ...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Discomfort in Acute Cholecystitis
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Possible Causes and Diagnostic Tests
Gastroenterology Gastroenterology: Due to my unfortunate experiences during military service, I had an irregular diet, often going several meals without eating, and even when I did eat, I had to lift heavy objects immediately afterward. As a result, my gastrointestinal system was...
Dr. Zhang Siyuan Reply:
To Mr. Chen: Your symptoms do not seem to follow the typical course of appendicitis, nor do they appear to be related to spinal injury. Instead, they resemble gastrointestinal dysfunction, potentially including dysfunction of the important gastrointestinal sphincters. These issue...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Possible Causes and Diagnostic Tests
Understanding Bad Breath: Could H. Pylori Be the Culprit?
Helicobacter pylori Hello Doctor: I have been troubled by a frustrating issue for the past five years; I have a problem with halitosis. Regardless of whether I brush my teeth or not, the odor persists, and people are hesitant to talk to me, which is difficult to address. I am onl...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, Xiao Bai. 1. Issues with the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, and metabolic disorders can all lead to halitosis. 2. Helicobacter pylori can cause gastritis and duodenal ulcers, and some individuals may experience bad breath as a result. 3. Testing f...[Read More] Understanding Bad Breath: Could H. Pylori Be the Culprit?
Understanding Digestive Discomfort: Symptoms and Diagnosis Tips
I have been feeling unwell lately? Hello, doctor: During the New Year period, I ate more than usual. Since around February 10th, I feel like even a normal meal portion (like a bento box) makes me feel almost full to the throat, similar to the feeling of being overly full during t...
Dr. Zhang Siyuan Reply:
Dear Nick, Your symptom description is very clear. Based on the information provided, it appears to be an issue related to the upper gastrointestinal tract, particularly abnormal gastric motility. The slow motility may lead to a relative decrease in the contents received by the ...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Discomfort: Symptoms and Diagnosis Tips
Understanding Gastritis: Causes, Treatment, and Dietary Tips
Gastritis Hello, my friend has gastritis. The doctor advised him to avoid sour, sweet, cold, spicy, oily, and irritating foods, and he needs to take medication before and after meals. Is this condition incurable? Will it recur? Will this method of taking medication affect his bod...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, there are many types of gastritis. Gastritis can be classified into acute, chronic, and acute erosive gastritis, with subtypes such as superficial hemorrhagic and erosive gastritis. The causes are related to medications, alcohol, irritants, allergens, bacteria, emotional f...[Read More] Understanding Gastritis: Causes, Treatment, and Dietary Tips
Managing Diarrhea: Dietary Tips for Gastrointestinal Health
Diarrhea On the evening of January 9th, I felt a slight discomfort in my stomach, but I didn't have the urge to use the restroom. However, after having lunch on January 10th, I started to experience diarrhea, which was watery. Later, I heard that it’s advisable not to eat an...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, recently there has been an outbreak of gastroenteritis. It is important to pay attention to hydration during this time. In terms of diet, avoid consuming irritating foods such as coffee, tea, overly sweet, overly acidic, spicy foods, and dairy products. A light diet is rec...[Read More] Managing Diarrhea: Dietary Tips for Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Excessive Gas: Causes and Dietary Solutions
The constant trouble of excessive flatulence! Hello, I have a history of chronic gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). My gastrointestinal system was fine until a few months ago when I impulsively started drinking cola, a carbonated beverage that I had avoided for...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello Oz: Continuous flatulence and excessive gas in the abdomen may be caused by several factors, including: 1. Swallowing a lot of air; 2. The gastrointestinal tract producing excessive gas. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to dietary habits, such as chewing food tho...[Read More] Understanding Excessive Gas: Causes and Dietary Solutions
Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels: What Could It Mean for Your Health?
The fetal protein index is slightly elevated? Hello, doctor. Last month during my company's health check-up, my alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was 13 (the hospital's normal range is below 10.9). My liver function tests were normal. Last week, I went for a follow-up, and ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Fetal protein is a protein that appears in fetal serum and disappears after birth. The causes of elevated fetal protein levels include pregnancy, hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, germ cell tumors, testicular cancer, and other reproductive and urinary system tumors. For ...[Read More] Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels: What Could It Mean for Your Health?
Understanding Liver Damage: Causes of Bubbles and Persistent Fever in Alcoholics
I'm sorry, but I need the content you would like me Hello, I have a question... My uncle, who is 44 years old, has been a long-term alcohol consumer. About 1-2 months ago, he experienced abdominal pain and vomited bright red blood. He was diagnosed by a physician with mild c...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Miss Hsiao Mi: Due to the need for a personal ultrasound examination, it is not possible to determine the source of the bubbles (or cysts?). If you continue to have a high fever, you should return to the emergency department for further evaluation, and if necessary, a CT sc...[Read More] Understanding Liver Damage: Causes of Bubbles and Persistent Fever in Alcoholics
Understanding Digestive Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Gastrointestinal discomfort? I have recently experienced sudden sharp pains in my stomach, irregular bowel movements that alternate between hard and loose stools, and sometimes my stools change from being formed to completely liquid. Additionally, I occasionally feel sudden pain ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Hemorrhoids are the dilation of veins near the anus and the relaxation of connective tissue. It is advisable to drink plenty of water and consume a high-fiber diet, while minimizing abdominal straining during bowel movements to prevent worsening of hemorrhoids. Additi...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms