Understanding Stomach Issues: Causes of Inflammation and Bowel Changes
Gastric issues? Hello Doctor: I previously consulted a physician and underwent an endoscopy, during which the doctor indicated that I have gastritis and prescribed medication that I have been taking. However, since experiencing discomfort in my stomach, my bowel movements have no...
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Hello, discomfort in the stomach can have many causes. You have already undergone an endoscopy to rule out peptic ulcers, but some conditions may not be visible through an endoscopy, such as Helicobacter pylori infection, gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional dyspepsia, or ...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Issues: Causes of Inflammation and Bowel Changes
Understanding Stomach Issues: Symptoms of Possible Gastric Bleeding
About the stomach? In the past few weeks, I have been experiencing discomfort in my stomach, accompanied by a metallic taste in my mouth and slight traces of blood in my saliva. Could this indicate a gastric bleed? Additionally, over the past two days, I have felt dizzy when hung...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, symptoms of gastric bleeding include not only hematemesis but also melena, hematochezia, anemia, and tachycardia. Therefore, the absence of gastrointestinal symptoms related to stool may indicate that it is not gastric bleeding. Additionally, if a patient experiences gastr...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Issues: Symptoms of Possible Gastric Bleeding
Understanding Post-Healing Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers: What to Expect
Symptoms of gastric ulcer? Dear Dr. Chen, Regarding the issue of peptic ulcers, if there are no longer any ulcerative symptoms, can discomfort still occur? For instance, feelings of hunger or stress... After the last follow-up, the ulcer was healed, but I now frequently experien...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Sir: 1. If you have Helicobacter pylori gastritis, antibiotic treatment is recommended. 2. Maintain a diet of small, frequent meals, and limit sweets, acidic, and spicy foods. 3. Keep gastric medications on hand for occasional needs. Changhua Hospital cares about your healt...[Read More] Understanding Post-Healing Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers: What to Expect
Understanding Multiple Ulcers in the Stomach and Duodenum: Symptoms and Treatment
Multiple ulcers of the stomach and duodenum? Hello doctor, I recently visited my usual clinic due to discomfort in my throat. This same symptom has occurred two to three times over the past 1 to 2 years. The doctor suggested I undergo an endoscopy because he suspected gastroesoph...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Generally speaking, the symptoms and examination results described should not indicate a serious illness. The effectiveness of medication treatment should be satisfactory. Ulcers do not always cause pain (about 1 in 5 cases), and as long as you complete the medication...[Read More] Understanding Multiple Ulcers in the Stomach and Duodenum: Symptoms and Treatment
Choosing the Right Treatment for Helicobacter Pylori: Options and Recurrence Risks
Helicobacter pylori Hello Dr. Chen, I underwent a blood test and my Helicobacter pylori level was 4.42. Later, I visited a clinic where the doctor prescribed medication (Amoxil 500mg, Flagyl, KBT, Tagamet 400mg) for a treatment duration of 3 months, which is covered by health i...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to first perform an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. If it falls within the coverage of health insurance, medication can be prescribed under the insurance plan. Generally, Helicobacter pylori can be treated with a triple therapy for one to two weeks. The...[Read More] Choosing the Right Treatment for Helicobacter Pylori: Options and Recurrence Risks
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 HBV Viral Load: Key Questions for Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Inquiry about Hepatitis B virus load? Hello Dr. Chen: I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have regular follow-ups every year. In February of this year, I underwent testing, and my results were as follows: GOT was 22, GPT was 19, alpha-fetoprotein was 2.21, e-antigen was negative, e...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Wei: 1. It's not significant. Therefore, liver function is normal, and monitoring is sufficient. 2. Very few cases will revert. 3. Testing is only necessary when liver function is abnormal. 4. There should be no impact. Changhua Hospital cares about your health, Ch...[Read More] Understanding HBV Viral Load: Key Questions for Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Abnormalities: What to Do Next?
Abdominal ultrasound abnormalities? Hello~~~ Because my company has scheduled an annual health check, my liver function and Helicobacter pylori test results are normal. However, the hospital informed me that there are abnormalities in my abdominal ultrasound, and I have recently ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Miss Pi: If the liver ultrasound shows only "mild hepatic parenchymal changes" and liver function is normal without hepatitis B or C, there are generally no significant issues. However, it is still advisable to consult a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialis...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Abnormalities: What to Do Next?
Understanding Gastric Polyps: Questions After Two Endoscopies
Both gastroscopies revealed numerous gastric polyps (with an interval of one and a half years)? Hello Dr. Chen: I have undergone self-paid health check-ups for two consecutive years and have found polyps in my stomach. This year, I just completed a painless (under anesthesia) exa...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, "gastric polyps" are quite common lesions in clinical practice, with approximately 2% to 3% of the general population having gastric polyps. Most gastric polyps are asymptomatic, and many individuals discover they have them incidentally during gastroscopy. Only a...[Read More] Understanding Gastric Polyps: Questions After Two Endoscopies
Understanding the 13C-Urea Breath Test: Benefits and Limitations in Gastroenterology
13C-urea breath test 1. The carbon-13 urea breath test (CUBT) is less expensive under the National Health Insurance reimbursement (1160) compared to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (1500), and it spares patients from the discomfort of invasive gastric procedures. However, it see...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, the C13 test can only check for the presence of Helicobacter pylori and cannot diagnose the disease itself, whether it is inflammation, ulcers, tumors, or other conditions. A definitive diagnosis requires an endoscopy. Therefore, how can the C13 test replace endoscopy? (Th...[Read More] Understanding the 13C-Urea Breath Test: Benefits and Limitations in Gastroenterology
Managing Heartburn and Digestive Issues: A Guide for Obese Patients
What should I do if I have burning sensations in my stomach and esophagus? Hello, doctor. I am a person with severe obesity, and due to irregular eating habits, I tend to binge eat. About one to two hours after eating, I feel a sensation of something stuck in my throat, and my st...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, severe obesity is indeed a risk factor for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Additionally, you have delayed gastric emptying and a positive serum test for Helicobacter pylori. Therefore, undergoing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is necessary. You may call your r...[Read More] Managing Heartburn and Digestive Issues: A Guide for Obese Patients
Understanding the Connection Between Acid Reflux and Post-Nasal Drip
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Since February of last year, I have been experiencing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). After undergoing an endoscopy in April, I began taking medication, which I have continued to this day. In December of last year, I had ...
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Hello, the factors contributing to acid reflux involve the backflow of gastric acid or stomach contents into the esophagus, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms such as chest tightness, a burning sensation in the chest, and a feeling of a foreign body in the throat. If there are n...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Acid Reflux and Post-Nasal Drip
How to Tackle Bad Breath: Expert Advice for a Confident Smile
Hello, Dr. Chen! My mom said I have bad breath, which makes me feel really embarrassed. I hesitate to get too close to my friends when I talk, especially after eating. This issue of "bad breath" has been bothering me for a long time! I know there are many causes of bad ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Xiao Wei: First, please visit a dentist to check your dental condition (such as periodontal disease). Additionally, you may want to see an otolaryngologist (to check for sinusitis). Finally, if necessary, you can consult a gastroenterologist to check for Helicobacter py...[Read More] How to Tackle Bad Breath: Expert Advice for a Confident Smile
Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Treatments
Upper abdominal pain? Hello Dr. Chen: I have been experiencing mild pain in my upper abdomen for about two months. I went to the hospital for an abdominal ultrasound, which indicated a slight inflammation of the stomach. I also had liver and gallbladder blood tests that came back...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Abin, 1. The presence of Helicobacter pylori causing gastritis or ulcers needs to be confirmed by endoscopy; therefore, if there is no improvement, endoscopy should be considered. 2. General dyspepsia is typically not related to bacterial infection, and the infection ra...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Stomach Issues: Causes, Symptoms, and Alternative Tests
excuse me? Since entering high school, my stomach has been in poor condition for over five years. At first, I would always feel nauseous in the morning and vomit stomach acid. A relative suggested I get an endoscopy, and it seemed like there was mention of Helicobacter pylori. Af...
Dr. Zhang Siyuan Reply:
To my sister: Don't worry too much, because among the patients in the gastroenterology clinic, there are indeed many who have symptoms resembling both peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, it is really difficult to distinguish between them without an en...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Issues: Causes, Symptoms, and Alternative Tests
Understanding H. Pylori Antibodies: What a Positive Result Means for Your Health
Helicobacter pylori antibodies Hello Director Chen, I have tested positive for Helicobacter pylori antibodies (H. pylori Ab), while my health report shows negative results, which indicates health. Does this mean I have an H. pylori infection? What can I do to return to a negati...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Fred: 1. About half of the Taiwanese population is infected with Helicobacter pylori, so there is no need to panic. 2. Patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers can receive antibiotic treatment covered by health insurance (with a success rate of about 90%). 3. Otherw...[Read More] Understanding H. Pylori Antibodies: What a Positive Result Means for Your Health
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 Hiatal Hernia: Treatment Options and Lifestyle Tips
Esophageal reflux issues? Today, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. After the examination, the doctor reviewed the images with me. There were no issues with the esophagus or duodenum, but there was inflammation at the pylorus. There was a small defect at the junctio...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Nick: Initially, medications to reduce stomach acid and reflux are recommended to improve symptoms, but there is a high likelihood of recurrence after discontinuing the medication. It is important to pay attention to lifestyle and dietary adjustments (limit sweet and ac...[Read More] Understanding Hiatal Hernia: Treatment Options and Lifestyle Tips
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