Could It Be a Parasite? Understanding Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Is this a parasite? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have noticed unidentified elongated objects (about 4 cm long) in my stool on two or three occasions. They do not resemble food remnants, and I haven't eaten any long foods like enoki mushrooms or bean sprouts lately. I suspect it...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A stool examination is required at the hospital (confirmation can only be made under a microscope).[Read More] Could It Be a Parasite? Understanding Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Understanding Loose Stools: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Bowel issues Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing issues with unformed stools for the past three months. The stool is very loose and scattered, although not completely liquid, and I occasionally have normal-shaped stools. This seems to be a diarrhea-related issue, but my bowel ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Reduce oil, dairy, and刺激性 foods; necessary adjustments or increases in medication may be required.[Read More] Understanding Loose Stools: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Persistent Left Upper Abdomen Discomfort After COVID-19: Causes and Solutions
There has been a persistent foreign body sensation in the upper left area, and the location feels somewhat variable? Hello Doctor: Since being diagnosed with COVID-19 at the end of September, I have been experiencing a sensation of foreign body or tightness in the upper left abdo...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy have shown normal bowel movements; however, intestinal cramps and autonomic nervous system disorders are possible. Imaging studies (X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI) can assist in diagnosis. Follow-up is recommended. Wishing you good heal...[Read More] Persistent Left Upper Abdomen Discomfort After COVID-19: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Persistent Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Right lower abdominal pain? At the beginning of October, I experienced persistent pain in the lower right abdomen for 3 to 5 days. The pain worsened when standing or lying down, but then it eased. Now, if I stand or walk for about ten minutes, the pain returns, but it subsides wh...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Possible causes of right lower abdominal pain include gastrointestinal, urinary tract, and gynecological issues (such as inflammation or ovulation). The pain is recurrent, lasting three to five days, and is aggravated by standing or walking, while sitting provides relief. A CT sc...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Cough Related to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux cough Hello, doctor. I had a cold around the Mid-Autumn Festival this year, and after recovering, I developed a mild cough that has persisted until now. I often experience an itchy throat and occasionally cough. This has been going on for quite some time. ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A trial of a strong gastric medication (self-paid) for 1-2 weeks can be conducted, followed by discontinuation of the medication to compare symptom changes and determine correlation. If necessary, an endoscopy can be performed for confirmation.[Read More] Understanding Cough Related to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
How Often Should You Get an Endoscopy for GERD? Expert Insights
Gastrointestinal endoscopy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? How often should a doctor perform an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy? My last examination showed mild gastroesophageal reflux (Grade A). I would like to know if scheduling another endoscopy in 2 to 3 years is...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there are no symptoms, there is no consensus on the need for further testing. Confirming the absence of Helicobacter pylori is sufficient; if concerned, a gastroscopy can be done every five years (out-of-pocket).[Read More] How Often Should You Get an Endoscopy for GERD? Expert Insights
Understanding Vomiting, Stomach Pain, and Acid Reflux Issues
Vomiting, stomach pain, gastroesophageal reflux? Hello Doctor: Three months ago, I started experiencing mild acid reflux, loud burping, and frequent urges to burp. Last week, I felt a fever and weakness, and I vomited heavily at night. The next day, I began to have dull pain in m...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy can be performed along with medication therapy.[Read More] Understanding Vomiting, Stomach Pain, and Acid Reflux Issues
Excessive Flatulence: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues and Concerns
Flatulence and gastrointestinal issues? Hello Doctor, I have recently noticed a significant increase in the frequency of flatulence, particularly after dinner. I often exceed 20 times a day, and it seems to be more pronounced when I am lying down. Occasionally, I experience sudde...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Excessive gas is generally not related to tumors; it is mostly caused by dietary content and habits. Further observation is recommended.[Read More] Excessive Flatulence: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues and Concerns
Understanding Digestive Issues: Insights for Young Professionals
Colon-related issues? Hello doctor, I am a 25-year-old office worker who has been sitting at a computer desk for over a year. About two years ago, I started experiencing infrequent bowel movements that are rarely well-formed; even when they are, they are often short. Despite this...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If it is determined that there is still a motility disorder, increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables and taking a walk after meals may help. If there are still concerns, a fecal occult blood test can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Insights for Young Professionals
Persistent Bloating, Burping, and Nausea: When to Seek Gastrointestinal Care
Persistent bloating, belching, and nausea? Hello, doctor. Recently, whenever I eat or drink even a little liquid, I feel bloated in my upper abdomen, and I keep burping, even feeling nauseous. After each meal, my stomach becomes distended and painful (like a pregnant belly), but ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there is no change in weight, further observation or an endoscopy can be considered for reassurance.[Read More] Persistent Bloating, Burping, and Nausea: When to Seek Gastrointestinal Care
Understanding Esophageal Lipomas: Symptoms, Risks, and Follow-Up Care
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Issues Hello, doctor. I had an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at the clinic over two months ago, and the physician mentioned that a mass suspected to be a lipoma was found at the distal end of the esophagus. He also indicated that it is likely not eso...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Usually, leiomyomas are more common and are benign lesions. It is recommended to undergo further endoscopic ultrasound examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Lipomas: Symptoms, Risks, and Follow-Up Care
Could Anemia Indicate Colon Cancer? Understanding Your Symptoms
Is anemia a sign of colorectal cancer? Hello doctor, when I stand up from sitting, I experience a blackout. I often have difficulty having a complete bowel movement and feel like I can't fully relieve myself. I frequently burp but can't seem to get it out, and when I do...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Anemia can have many causes, and it is important to identify the underlying reason. Common types include thalassemia and iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia may result from gastrointestinal bleeding, poor diet, or menstruation. Symptoms such as pain during bowel moveme...[Read More] Could Anemia Indicate Colon Cancer? Understanding Your Symptoms
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 Dark Brown Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
The stool color is darker than usual? Hello Doctor, I have been waking up with stomach pain this week, and then I have to have a bowel movement. The stools are somewhat fragmented and short, not very complete long shapes, but they are all brown in color. Yesterday, I decided to t...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Black or red indicates bleeding. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Dark Brown Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Post-Treatment Care for Mild Stomach and Duodenal Ulcers: Is It Necessary?
Helicobacter pylori, mild gastric ulcer, mild duodenal ulcer, issues after 16 weeks of medication? Hello Doctor, in July of this year, I went to a gastroenterology clinic for a self-paid gastroscopy. The doctor mentioned that I have mild gastric ulcers and mild duodenal ulcers, a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
After sterilization, a confirmation of successful sterilization is performed (often using the blow test). It may be considered to discontinue medication or to keep maintenance medication to be taken only when symptoms arise.[Read More] Post-Treatment Care for Mild Stomach and Duodenal Ulcers: Is It Necessary?
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Right lower abdominal cramping pain? Hello, doctor. My job requires prolonged sitting, and since last year, I've been experiencing unexplained cramping pain in my lower right abdomen. Sometimes it lasts for 1-2 days, and other times it can continue for several days. Typicall...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Possible causes of sharp pain in the lower right abdomen include neuropathic pain, muscle soreness, gynecological issues, urinary tract problems, or gastrointestinal issues. Gynecological examinations showed no abnormalities. Fecal occult blood tests were negative. There is a dec...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Undercooked Duck Blood: Risks of Parasite Infection After Eating
Undercooked duck blood? After having ginger duck for dinner, I vomited three times the next morning, and the vomit resembled a muddy consistency of duck blood. Could it be possible that I got a parasitic infection because it wasn't cooked properly the night before?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Eating undercooked food can potentially lead to parasitic infections, but the likelihood is low. The human body has immune mechanisms to combat bacterial infections. If you notice vomited duck blood with a muddy consistency, it is important to consider whether it is due to indige...[Read More] Undercooked Duck Blood: Risks of Parasite Infection After Eating
Understanding Side Effects of Anxiety Medications and Gastrointestinal Treatments
Drug side effects I would like to ask the doctor, I am currently taking an anti-anxiety medication (Cymbalta) and during a visit to the gastroenterologist last week, I was diagnosed with mild gastroesophageal reflux disease. The doctor prescribed "Esomeprazole" to be ta...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Medication can be discontinued for observation; if improvement occurs, the medication can be restarted. If diarrhea recurs, consider switching to a different medication.[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Anxiety Medications and Gastrointestinal Treatments
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
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Blood in the stool??? Today I have been passing gas frequently, and at one point, some liquid stool leaked out. I thought I was going to have diarrhea. My stomach felt slightly uncomfortable, and after three hours, I had a bowel movement. Overall, it was a single piece but broken...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. Hong, based on your description, it is definitely not gastrointestinal bleeding. I recommend monitoring the situation. If you continue to have black stools, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help