Lower abdomen, Gastroenterology and Hepatology FAQ

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Understanding Chronic Abdominal Discomfort: Constipation or IBS?

Chronic recurrent abdominal discomfort? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing constipation issues (about every 3-4 days or longer for a bowel movement). A year or two ago, I suddenly noticed a slight dull pain around my lower abdomen near the navel. I still have bowel movements ...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Constipation can lead to fecal impaction or irritable bowel syndrome. Even if you have soft stools every 3-4 days, it is still recommended to develop a daily bowel movement habit and to ensure adequate hydration and intake of fruits and vegetables. Changhua Hospital cares ...

[Read More] Understanding Chronic Abdominal Discomfort: Constipation or IBS?


Understanding Diarrhea: When to See a Gastroenterologist or Psychologist

Diarrhea issues? Hello Doctor: I used to have normal bowel movements at irregular times every day (normal without any issues). However, starting in June of this year after losing my job, I began experiencing diarrhea (I have had similar diarrhea issues in the past that varied in ...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may still be an irritability syndrome. Management should focus on lifestyle and dietary habits (reducing oil, dairy, and coffee), along with medications for gastrointestinal symptoms and anxiety. Adjustments can be made based on the response.

[Read More] Understanding Diarrhea: When to See a Gastroenterologist or Psychologist


Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Dietary Solutions

Gastrointestinal discomfort for about a week? Hello Doctor: I had fried takeout for lunch on Tuesday, and prior to that, I had takeout for three consecutive days, which resulted in an unbalanced diet and poor lifestyle. Starting Tuesday night, I began to feel constipated, spendin...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please maintain a balanced diet, eat more fruits and vegetables (such as bananas), and drink plenty of water. Take a walk after meals instead of sitting for long periods, and consider using medication as needed for assistance.

[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Dietary Solutions


Why Is My Stomach Growling Loudly? Causes and Solutions Explained

The abdominal sounds suddenly became very loud? Hello, doctor. Since I started university, I often have to stay up late for my studies (sleeping around 1 to 3 AM), and I have also started drinking coffee. However, I have noticed that my stomach growls very loudly, whether I am hu...


Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Borborygmi is the sound produced by the movement of the intestines during peristalsis. It can be triggered by water, food, air, or hunger and is considered a normal physiological phenomenon. If the sounds are louder or more frequent but are not accompanied by other symptoms such ...

[Read More] Why Is My Stomach Growling Loudly? Causes and Solutions Explained


Understanding Your Symptoms: IBS, GERD, or Pancreatic Cancer Concerns?

I would like to ask the doctor if I have irritable bowel syndrome combined with gastroesophageal reflux disease or pancreatic cancer? Hello, Doctor: I am regularly taking psychiatric medications (such as Prozac) primarily due to autonomic nervous system dysregulation with overact...


Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Mr. Chang: For your left and right upper back pain, it is recommended to consult other specialties first. There are many potential causes for bloating, so it is advisable to ask your previous treating physician for guidance based on prior examinations and your condition. Di...

[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: IBS, GERD, or Pancreatic Cancer Concerns?


Acute Gastroenteritis or Norovirus? Understanding Your Symptoms and Treatment

Acute gastroenteritis? Norovirus? Hello Doctor: On March 5th around 11 PM, I experienced severe cramping pain in my lower abdomen (similar to the sensation of intestinal twisting). This was followed by diarrhea; from the night of March 5th to the morning of March 6th, I had about...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There is no specific antiviral medication for norovirus; treatment is generally based on symptom management, similar to that for general gastroenteritis. The treatment approach includes fasting, replenishing fluids and electrolytes, and using medications to control symptoms. It i...

[Read More] Acute Gastroenteritis or Norovirus? Understanding Your Symptoms and Treatment


Post-Antibiotic Appendicitis: Understanding Ongoing Discomfort

After antibiotic treatment for appendicitis, there are still unusual symptoms? On January 28, I experienced severe pain in my lower abdomen while walking and was unable to lie on my side. The emergency diagnosis suspected early appendicitis (the doctor mentioned it was 0.7-0.9 cm...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Right lower abdominal pain should be monitored, and regular bowel movements should be maintained. Differential diagnoses for right lower abdominal pain include appendicitis, gastroenteritis, diverticulitis, gynecological issues, urinary tract problems, and gastrointestinal dysfun...

[Read More] Post-Antibiotic Appendicitis: Understanding Ongoing Discomfort


Recurring Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes and Treatment Insights

Gastrointestinal issues have been recurring for nearly two months? 1. On December 24 of last year, I suddenly experienced chills, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and gastrointestinal pain (diarrhea 2-3 times daily). The clinic diagnosed it as a gastroenteritis virus, and I was trea...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please discuss the actual situation and necessary examinations and treatments with the gastroenterology attending physician.

[Read More] Recurring Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes and Treatment Insights


Could I Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Understanding Symptoms and Causes

Do I have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Since February 1st, my lower abdomen suddenly became distended, and I have been experiencing frequent burping, flatulence, and diarrhea. There is also abdominal rumbling, and I feel some pain when pressing above my navel. I'm not sur...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Sudden abdominal bloating, belching, flatulence, diarrhea, abdominal rumbling, and abdominal pain may indicate conditions such as indigestion or gastroenteritis. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is related to emotions and often improves after a bowel movement. For those who frequen...

[Read More] Could I Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Understanding Symptoms and Causes


Persistent Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Evaluations

Left lower abdominal discomfort and pain? I have been experiencing dull pain in my lower left abdomen for six months. Initially, I felt a sensation of heat and fullness in my entire lower abdomen, which later shifted to persistent dull pain and warmth in the lower left abdomen (2...


Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. Jimmy, it is recommended that you consult a gastroenterologist for further examination and evaluation. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Persistent Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Evaluations


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 Bowel Issues: Why Do My Stools Change Throughout the Day?

Bowel issues? I have a question for the doctor. Recently, I've noticed that when I feel the urge to have a bowel movement in the morning but don't go, by the time I go in the evening, the stool is small and pellet-like, resembling rabbit droppings, and the odor is stron...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Everyone's bowel response is different. It is recommended to eat more fruits and vegetables, not to eat too quickly during meals, take a walk after eating, and then observe the changes.

[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Why Do My Stools Change Throughout the Day?


Understanding Persistent Right Lower Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Concerns

Prolonged bloating in the lower right abdomen? Hello Doctor, I apologize for interrupting you during your busy schedule! Around May and June of this year, I suddenly noticed that lightly tapping my right lower abdomen (the area next to the navel down to the lower abdomen) produc...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. The left and right colon are not completely symmetrical, so they will not be exactly the same on both sides. 2. If menstrual symptoms are more severe, it may be necessary to consider gynecological issues such as endometriomas. Additionally, it could simply be irritable ...

[Read More] Understanding Persistent Right Lower Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Concerns


Understanding Persistent Right Lower Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Concerns

Prolonged bloating in the lower right abdomen? Hello Doctor, I apologize for interrupting you during your busy schedule! Around May and June of this year, I suddenly noticed that lightly tapping my right lower abdomen (the area next to the navel down to the lower abdomen) produc...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. The left and right colon are not completely symmetrical, so they will not be exactly the same on both sides. 2. If menstrual symptoms are more severe, it may be necessary to consider gynecological issues such as endometriomas. Additionally, it could simply be irritable ...

[Read More] Understanding Persistent Right Lower Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Concerns


Understanding Mucus Diarrhea: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help

Diarrhea with mucus (has seen a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner)? Hello Doctor, :( I had diarrhea like this earlier this year and saw a doctor and took medication, which helped for a while.) I have been experiencing intermittent diarrhea for the past month or two, with ...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Possible gastroenteritis or irritable bowel syndrome. For frequent diarrhea, it is recommended to maintain a light diet and avoid spicy and greasy foods. Remember to replenish fluids and electrolytes during diarrhea; severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which may cause electr...

[Read More] Understanding Mucus Diarrhea: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help


Occasional Hard Lump in Right Lower Abdomen: Causes and Insights

Occasionally, a hard lump protrudes in the lower right abdomen, but it is not painful? Occasionally, there is a protrusion in the lower right abdomen that only appears when lying down. It is located parallel to the right pelvis and feels firm, resembling a diagonal line. The star...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Based on the location, it could be an inguinal hernia, intestinal issue, subcutaneous mass, or pelvic problem. A physical examination in an outpatient setting may provide clearer insights. Wishing you good health!

[Read More] Occasional Hard Lump in Right Lower Abdomen: Causes and Insights


Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns

Lower abdominal bloating and pain? In the past couple of days, I've been experiencing bloating and pain in my lower abdomen shortly after getting up. I've been passing gas frequently and feel like I can't fully have a bowel movement. Even after going, the bloating ...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Most are not cancer; if concerned, you can test for occult blood in the stool.

[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns


Feeling the Urge to Poop but Can't? Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues

Feeling the urge to defecate but being unable to pass stool? Recently, I have been experiencing a sensation of needing to have a bowel movement in the lower abdomen to the anus, but it's just a sensation. Every time I go to the bathroom, I am unable to pass stool, and there ...


Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Xiao Ming: It is recommended to visit the colorectal clinic for consultation or examination to determine the issue. Director Cai Jin-ji of the Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology Department at Nantou Hospital.

[Read More] Feeling the Urge to Poop but Can't? Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues


Increased Bowel Movements: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns

Increased frequency of bowel movements? I have noticed an increase in my bowel movements over the past month. Typically, I have a large bowel movement in the morning, followed by two or three more throughout the day. Each time, the stool is about 8 centimeters in diameter, and I ...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may be due to abnormal peristalsis or increased intestinal sensitivity. It is advisable to relax and eat slowly, and if necessary, take medication to control the symptoms.

[Read More] Increased Bowel Movements: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns


Understanding Digestive Issues: Bloating, Discomfort, and Possible Causes

Abdominal bloating, gastric discomfort, and acid reflux? I have been experiencing gastrointestinal issues for the past few years, particularly around July each year. Due to exam preparations, my sleep schedule has been very irregular over the last two years, often staying up late...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely still a gastrointestinal motility issue. It is recommended to adjust lifestyle and routines, supplemented with medication, and then continue to monitor the situation.

[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Bloating, Discomfort, and Possible Causes


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