Understanding Gastric Ulcers and Intestinal Differentiation: What You Need to Know
Gastrointestinal endoscopy In May, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, during which a small ulcer (approximately 0.5 cm) was found. The biopsy results indicated a superficial ulcer, but it was also noted that there were intestinal differentiated cells within the tiss...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: 1. First, confirm with the physician whether the biopsy showed the presence of Helicobacter pylori. If present, it is necessary to eradicate the bacteria to prevent the worsening of gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. 2. If there is severe intestinal metaplasia, then...[Read More] Understanding Gastric Ulcers and Intestinal Differentiation: What You Need to Know
Understanding Colonic Descensus: Treatment Options and Dietary Tips
Colonic prolapse I have been experiencing mild pain in my upper right abdomen for the past six months. Recently, I arranged for a colon X-ray examination, and the doctor said that I have a prolapsed colon, which appears in an M shape, while it should normally be in a U shape. The...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Right upper quadrant pain may be associated with the liver, gallbladder, duodenum, and colon. If necessary, abdominal ultrasound and urgent gastroscopy should be performed. Colonic prolapse generally leads to bowel dysfunction, and if there are symptoms of constipation and...[Read More] Understanding Colonic Descensus: Treatment Options and Dietary Tips
Understanding When to Get Another Gastroscopy for Stomach Issues
Gastrointestinal issues Hello, Doctor: After experiencing early gastroesophageal reflux, I had some improvement, but recently, due to the busy company relocation and emotional stress, my stomach feels bloated regardless of whether I eat more or less. If I eat even a little more t...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If symptoms of gastric discomfort persist without improvement, or if they recur immediately after stopping medication, it may be necessary to undergo an endoscopy under the guidance of a physician. Additionally, it is important to change your lifestyle habits, including: e...[Read More] Understanding When to Get Another Gastroscopy for Stomach Issues
Understanding Stomach and Duodenal Ulcers: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Age Factors
Diagnosis, general treatment process, and common age of occurrence for "gastric ulcers" or "duodenal ulcers" (forwarded from the Minister's mailbox)? 1. Is there a general diagnosis and treatment process for "gastric ulcers" or "duodenal ul...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Shen, 1. A preliminary diagnosis will be made based on your medical history and physical examination, and if necessary, a gastroscopy will be performed for confirmation. 2. This condition typically occurs in adults. 3. It is often treated with medication, and surgery...[Read More] Understanding Stomach and Duodenal Ulcers: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Age Factors
Understanding Elevated CA72-4 Levels: Cancer Risks and Alternatives
The CA72-4 test index is elevated? Hello! After the health check-up, it was found that this index is elevated at 10, while the normal index is less than 5. I have read many reports stating that under normal circumstances, the index should not be elevated. An elevated index is oft...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: CA72-4 is a tumor marker with high sensitivity but low specificity, and it may also be elevated in cases of gastritis. Essentially, if you have undergone a gastroscopy and the results are normal, that is good. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Gas...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CA72-4 Levels: Cancer Risks and Alternatives
Understanding Costs and Coverage for Endoscopy in Gastroenterology
Endoscopy Hello, I would like to ask about the charges for colonoscopy and gastroscopy covered by health insurance. Do these charges include anesthesia and polyp removal fees? Should I first visit a general gastroenterology outpatient clinic to undergo a fecal occult blood test?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: If clinically necessary, gastroscopy and colonoscopy are covered by insurance. However, if performed under sedation, an additional anesthesia fee will apply. Polypectomy is covered by health insurance. Based on age, a fecal occult blood test for colorectal cancer screening...[Read More] Understanding Costs and Coverage for Endoscopy in Gastroenterology
Understanding Bloating and Nausea: Causes and Remedies for Digestive Issues
Easily experiencing bloating and nausea? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask on behalf of my girlfriend (23 years old). She has been experiencing gastrointestinal issues, possibly due to binge eating caused by stress recently. Now, even when she eats a normal portion for meals, or ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist for further evaluation, including procedures such as gastroscopy or X-ray examinations. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Nausea: Causes and Remedies for Digestive Issues
Chronic Abdominal Pain Without Diagnosis: What Are Your Options?
If you are experiencing chronic abdominal pain and cannot find the cause, it is important to take the following steps: 1. **Consult a Healthcare Professional**: Schedule an appointment with a primary care physician or a gastroenterologist to discuss your symptoms in detail. 2. ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to perform a stool test. If the results are normal, it is likely post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome following gastroenteritis, and you will need to regulate your gastrointestinal function. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital...[Read More] Chronic Abdominal Pain Without Diagnosis: What Are Your Options?
Is Drinking Green Tea on an Empty Stomach Safe for Your Health?
Drinking green tea on an empty stomach in the morning for an extended period? Dear Dr. Chen, My husband and I have been drinking green tea every morning on an empty stomach for several decades, and we are currently in good health. I would like to ask if this habit could have any...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mrs. Lin, tea can be somewhat stimulating. If you experience stomach discomfort when consumed on an empty stomach, it is advisable to drink it after meals and undergo a gastroscopy. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Is Drinking Green Tea on an Empty Stomach Safe for Your Health?
Understanding the Necessity of Gastroscopy in Gastrointestinal Health
The necessity of gastroscopy? Doctor, thank you for your previous response. I would like to ask about the gastroscopy. The reason for undergoing a gastroscopy is that it is more convenient and allows for immediate treatment, but if I don't have the procedure, can I just take...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is performed to check for lesions, cancer, inflammation, ulcers, or gastroesophageal reflux disease in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The duration of medication treatment varies, and sometimes testing for Helicobacter pylori is co...[Read More] Understanding the Necessity of Gastroscopy in Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Black Stool After Gastroscopy: When to Seek Medical Help
Regarding the explanation of melena? Hello doctor, I had an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and three polyps removed two days ago. Today, I noticed black stools. Is this normal? How many days should I observe this before seeking medical assistance?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, during the excision, there may be minor bleeding. If you experience a large amount of black stool within three days, please return to Changhua Hospital for a health check. Dr. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Black Stool After Gastroscopy: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Stool Color Changes: What Does Brown and Orange Mean?
Stool color This morning I woke up with diarrhea, and the stool appeared brown, but when I wiped with toilet paper, it had an orange tint... Is this normal? Two years ago, I underwent a barium enema, abdominal ultrasound, gastroscopy, stool tests, and abdominal X-rays for irritab...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
The color of the colon is generally significantly related to the foods consumed. More importantly, it is essential to note whether there is the presence of black stools (also known as melena) or blood in the stools. Wishing you health, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Departm...[Read More] Understanding Stool Color Changes: What Does Brown and Orange Mean?
Should You Get Another Endoscopy for Stomach Issues?
Should a gastroscopy be performed for diagnosis? Hello Doctor: Last August, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which diagnosed me with grade B gastroesophageal reflux disease. Since then, I have experienced gastric discomfort, but it has stabilized after April of th...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) If you are asymptomatic, there is no need for another gastroscopy. It is important to maintain good daily habits and dietary practices, and to follow up if symptoms occur. (2) Typically, feces in the rectum will be expelled first; this area tends to retain water longer...[Read More] Should You Get Another Endoscopy for Stomach Issues?
Post-Surgery Complications: Managing Bowel Issues After Colon Resection
Postoperative complications after ileocolonic anastomosis? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask about my father. Before the Lunar New Year, he underwent a major surgery to remove a small section of his colon due to an unknown polyp, as there were concerns about it becoming malig...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: I do not understand why a portion of the small intestine needs to be connected after the removal of polyps from the colon. If it is indeed such a major surgery, the likelihood of postoperative adhesions would not be small. If there are concerns about gastric issues, then a...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications: Managing Bowel Issues After Colon Resection
Persistent Hiccups and Nausea After Illness: What to Do?
It is common to experience burping after eating? Hello Dr. Chen: Since I had a serious illness almost a month ago, I have been experiencing belching almost every day, similar to after eating. Sometimes, there is also a taste of vomit. What should I do, and what could be the issue...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to undergo a gastroscopy. Best wishes, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Persistent Hiccups and Nausea After Illness: What to Do?
Understanding Swallowing Difficulties: Possible Causes and Concerns
Dysphagia Hello, doctor. My father has been experiencing discomfort in the area where the jaw connects to the throat for the past year. Recently, he has started having difficulty swallowing and can mostly only consume liquids. However, he is very resistant to seeing a doctor, so ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Candy, we need to consider esophageal cancer. It is essential to persuade him to seek medical attention. If he is concerned about discomfort during the examination, he can go to Chung Da Hospital and pay out of pocket for a painless gastroscopy (though there are some minor ...[Read More] Understanding Swallowing Difficulties: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Polyp Removal: Is It Considered a Minor Surgery?
Colorectal polyps Hello Dr. Yang: The insurance agent mentioned that the removal of polyps via gastroscopy and colonoscopy might be considered a minor surgery. Therefore, I would like to ask Dr. Yang: 1. Is the removal of polyps through gastroscopy and colonoscopy considered a mi...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Anne, 1. Is the removal of polyps via gastroscopy and colonoscopy considered a minor procedure? Strictly speaking, polyp removal is not classified as surgery, but insurance categorizes it as a surgical procedure. As for defining it as major or minor, I would say it is a m...[Read More] Understanding Polyp Removal: Is It Considered a Minor Surgery?
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Movable Mass: A Gastrointestinal Concern
Pain on palpation of the left side of the abdomen with a movable mass? Hello Dr. Chen: My husband is 38 years old, 183 cm tall, and weighs about 68-72 kg, with a medium build and a habit of exercising (cycling and hiking). He has had gastrointestinal issues for many years. About ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Winnie the Pooh, 1. Currently, there are no accurate diagnostic criteria for breath odor, which is mostly related to oral hygiene. 2. For other gastrointestinal symptoms, please consult a gastroenterologist for an in-person examination and diagnosis. An endoscopy is not ...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Movable Mass: A Gastrointestinal Concern
Does Anesthesia During Gastroscopy Affect Pregnancy and Fetal Health?
Does the anesthesia used during gastroscopy have an impact on fertility? I discovered I was pregnant this month and had an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy a couple of days around the time of conception. I'm concerned whether the anesthesia used during the procedure could af...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, the medications used for preparing for an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy do not have an impact, unless it involves anesthetics used for sedation during the procedure, which may affect the fetus. Best regards, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan General Hospita...[Read More] Does Anesthesia During Gastroscopy Affect Pregnancy and Fetal Health?
Managing Persistent Gastrointestinal Discomfort: What Are Your Options?
How can I manage this? Doctor: Hello! I have consulted you a few times before, and I apologize for bothering you again. I have been experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort for six months now. The health insurance-covered medication, Pantoprazole, has been taken for over four mon...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) In addition to diet, weight management should be emphasized, along with avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption; regular exercise is also recommended. If symptoms do not improve, a repeat gastroscopy may be considered. (2) The term diarrhea should be more precisely de...[Read More] Managing Persistent Gastrointestinal Discomfort: What Are Your Options?