Understanding Lower Esophageal Sphincter Relaxation and GERD Management
Lower esophageal sphincter relaxation Dear Dr. You, After undergoing an endoscopy, I was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and advised to undergo treatment for 3 to 4 months. The physician mentioned that the symptoms are caused by the relaxation of the lower ...
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Hello, Nizatidine can be used long-term, but it should be divided into acute phase usage and general maintenance therapy. During the acute phase, it is recommended to take 1 to 2 capsules daily for 1 to 2 months. After that, the dosage can be reduced to half a capsule daily for a...[Read More] Understanding Lower Esophageal Sphincter Relaxation and GERD Management
Understanding GERD: When to Get Endoscopy and Manage Symptoms
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) I have been suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for nearly ten months. I would like to ask the doctor if I need to have regular endoscopies to check for any changes in my condition. If so, when should I have the endoscopy? ...
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Hello, your symptoms have been present for a while. It is recommended that you visit a nearby medical facility with a gastroenterology specialty. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Liu Li-Kuang, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding GERD: When to Get Endoscopy and Manage Symptoms
Understanding Subtle Esophageal Mucosal Changes in GERD Patients
Microscopic esophageal mucosal lesions refer to subtle abnormalities or changes in the lining of the esophagus that can be identified through histological examination. These lesions may indicate underlying conditions such as inflammation, infection, or precancerous changes, and o...
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Hello, if there is a change in the color of the mucosal surface or if the surface is uneven, it may not be visible on upper gastrointestinal imaging. You can think of the difference between puppet shows and shadow plays to understand the distinction between the two examinations. ...[Read More] Understanding Subtle Esophageal Mucosal Changes in GERD Patients
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
Can You Drink Water Before Bed? Insights on Acid Reflux and Barrett's Esophagus
Can I drink water? In your previous response, you mentioned that Splotin is different from typical antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). I would like to ask, if Splotin is taken long-term, will there be an issue with excessive reduction of stomach acid? This is my first que...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, the severity of gastroesophageal reflux increases the likelihood of developing Barrett's Esophagus. Patients with Barrett's Esophagus have a chance of developing esophageal cancer over time. Not everyone with gastroesophageal reflux will develop Barrett's Es...[Read More] Can You Drink Water Before Bed? Insights on Acid Reflux and Barrett's Esophagus
Understanding Asymptomatic Acid Reflux: What You Need to Know
Asymptomatic reflux is not considered? In your previous response, you mentioned that asymptomatic reflux does not indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Before being diagnosed with GERD during my endoscopy, I experienced chest tightness and sought medical attention, but...
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
In normal individuals, gastric acid may occasionally reflux into the esophagus without causing any symptoms. If a healthy person undergoes a health check and the endoscopy results show esophagitis without symptoms, treatment is not necessary. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD...[Read More] Understanding Asymptomatic Acid Reflux: What You Need to Know
Understanding Silent Acid Reflux: Symptoms and Treatment Insights
Gastroesophageal reflux without sensation? I did not feel the acid reflux into my esophagus before experiencing chest tightness and discomfort in my stomach. How can I know if there is acid reflux? This is the first question. The second question is why gastroesophageal reflux dis...
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Hello, 1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined as the reflux of gastric acid or gastric contents into the esophagus, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms such as chest tightness, heartburn, and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. If there are no symptoms, i...[Read More] Understanding Silent Acid Reflux: Symptoms and Treatment Insights
Can Endoscopy Determine If Esophagitis Is Due to GERD?
Can esophagitis be determined to be caused by gastroesophageal reflux after undergoing an endoscopy? Can esophagitis be determined to be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after an endoscopy, rather than by other causes of esophagitis?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: The endoscopy shows lesions at the lower end of the esophagus, which can be inferred to be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Lesions caused by other reasons would typically be located in the mid-esophagus and have a different appearance, allowing for ...[Read More] Can Endoscopy Determine If Esophagitis Is Due to GERD?
Long-Term Use of Acid Suppressants: Risks and Concerns Explained
Long-term use of such medications may also lead to excessive reduction of gastric acid? In your response to the previous question, you mentioned that long-term use of such medications may lead to excessive reduction of stomach acid. Are you referring to all medications that suppr...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, Splitin is not a typical antacid; its effect is achieved by acting on the stomach and the vagus nerve to reduce gastric acid. Clinically, this type of medication is not commonly used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). As for proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Acid Suppressants: Risks and Concerns Explained
Understanding Morning Dry Mouth and Bitter Taste: Causes and Solutions
Waking up with dry mouth and a taste similar to bile? Hello, I am a 54-year-old middle-aged male, with a smoking history of 30 years, a height of 170 cm, and a weight of 82 kg, which classifies me as having a central obesity body type. Six months ago, I began experiencing dry mou...
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Hello, experiencing dry mouth and bile reflux into the oral cavity may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which involves the backflow of stomach acid, bile, and even food from the stomach into the esophagus. This condition is commonly associated with smoking, obesit...[Read More] Understanding Morning Dry Mouth and Bitter Taste: Causes and Solutions
Is Long-Term Use of GERD Medication Safe? Understanding Risks and Solutions
Is it safe to take medication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) long-term? Hello doctor, I have been taking medication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for about four years. Generally, these medications should only be taken for a limited time, but I have experi...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
According to the National Health Insurance regulations, the severity of esophageal reflux as determined by endoscopy is classified into levels A and B, for which it is recommended to use medication for 4 months. For levels C and D, treatment should be continued for one year. If s...[Read More] Is Long-Term Use of GERD Medication Safe? Understanding Risks and Solutions
Is My Abdominal Pain a Sign of Cancer? Expert Insights
Help!! Could you please tell me if my condition is cancer? Hello: I have been experiencing upper abdominal pain for quite some time, accompanied by a burning sensation in my chest, chest pain, and a mild cough. I'm also unsure if I'm feeling rib pain or lower back pain....
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, upper abdominal pain combined with a burning sensation in the chest, chest pain, and cough may be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If you haven't had an endoscopy recently, it may be worth considering another one. However, if you are experiencing rib ...[Read More] Is My Abdominal Pain a Sign of Cancer? Expert Insights
Understanding Acid Reflux: Causes, Treatments, and Surgical Options
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Hello Doctor: I have been troubled by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Two months ago, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which revealed a sliding hiatal hernia and mild inflammation at the pylorus. A biopsy was performe...
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Hello, 1. Since I started experiencing symptoms during this year's Lunar New Year, and I have never had such issues before, I would like to know if surgical treatment can lead to a complete recovery. Laparoscopic surgery is performed by a surgeon using a laparoscope to rep...[Read More] Understanding Acid Reflux: Causes, Treatments, and Surgical Options
Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: Treatment Options and Insights
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Hello Doctor: I have been troubled by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Two months ago, I underwent an endoscopy, which revealed a sliding hiatal hernia and mild inflammation at the pylorus. A biopsy was performed, and the results show...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, sliding hiatal hernia refers to a condition where a portion of the stomach slides up into the thoracic cavity at the esophagogastric junction, often accompanied by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which exacerbates acid reflux symptoms. The prevention and treatment ...[Read More] Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: Treatment Options and Insights
Understanding Gallstones: Treatment Options and Health Implications
Gallstones Hello, doctor. I recently went to the hospital due to upper abdominal pain and was diagnosed with gallstones. The doctor suggested that if the pain persists, I should consider gallbladder removal. The doctor also prescribed medication for gallstones, but mentioned that...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. The gallbladder serves to store, concentrate, and excrete bile. After gallbladder removal, liver cells continue to secrete bile, but it cannot be stored. If excessive fatty foods are consumed, it may sometimes lead to malabsorption of fats. A minority of individuals may still ...[Read More] Understanding Gallstones: Treatment Options and Health Implications
Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: Symptoms and Causes Explained
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Hello, Doctor: For the past few days (approximately a week), I have been experiencing difficulty breathing and a feeling of tightness and pain in my chest. I consulted a pulmonologist who suggested that I might have asthma or gastroesophagea...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Miss Junjun, What you mentioned may be esophagitis or esophageal dysfunction. The mechanism involves damage to the esophageal mucosa caused by gastric acid (or vitamin acid or other medications). You may take medication to see if there is improvement or undergo an endoscop...[Read More] Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: Symptoms and Causes Explained
Managing Long-Term Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) I would like to ask the doctor, I started experiencing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) during the Lunar New Year period, and it has been about three to four months now. Initially, I took Western medication for a while, but...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. NICK: If you do not experience any swallowing difficulties, there is no need for an endoscopy at this time. You may start by reducing your intake of acidic and sweet foods and consider using over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for 2-4 weeks, as insurance cov...[Read More] Managing Long-Term Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Persistent Bad Breath: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
Distress 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, my breath is always foul, and people are hesitant to talk to me, which is difficult to address. I am only 28...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen, Halitosis is a bothersome issue that can persist even with good oral hygiene, and despite not smoking or drinking alcohol. It is advisable to avoid irritant foods such as garlic, as some cases of halitosis are related to anaerobic bacteria in the oral cavity. The ...[Read More] Persistent Bad Breath: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Persistent Bad Breath: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Halitosis Hello Doctor: I have been troubled by a persistent issue for the past five years; I have a problem with halitosis. Regardless of whether I brush my teeth or not, the odor remains strong, and people are hesitant to talk to me, which is difficult to address. I am only 28 ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen: We still recommend discussing your halitosis issue with a dentist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Persistent Bad Breath: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: GERD, Symptoms, and Cancer Concerns
Physical discomfort? During the Lunar New Year, I overate and have been experiencing persistent burping. Initially, I felt a sour taste coming up with the burps, but it later developed into a burning sensation in my chest. I consulted a doctor who diagnosed me with gastroesophage...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Web7: Your symptoms are primarily related to gastrointestinal dysfunction and are not associated with colorectal cancer (considering your young age, absence of blood in stool, and lack of family history). With patience in taking medication and adjusting your lifestyle s...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: GERD, Symptoms, and Cancer Concerns