Persistent Lower Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers Beyond Standard Tests
Lower abdominal discomfort and pain for nearly four months? Hello, doctor. Since March, after experiencing a severe episode of gastroesophageal reflux, I have been feeling discomfort in my abdomen. I have a history of gastrointestinal issues, but this time it feels different. In ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Basically, this symptom is related to gastrointestinal dysfunction. It is recommended to consume low-fat, low-dairy, and non-irritating foods, with a focus on white meat. If there is no improvement, a consultation with a gastroenterologist is advised.[Read More] Persistent Lower Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers Beyond Standard Tests
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Constipation, Bloating, and More
Liver, gallbladder, and gastrointestinal tract? Hello: I am currently in the ninth grade and have been experiencing constipation for several weeks. I have seen a doctor and taken medication, but I still do not have a bowel movement every day. I have also mentioned that I have gas...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Dear Meggy, Hello. Constipation is related to congenital structure, metabolic endocrine factors, dietary habits, medications, mood, and other drugs. Young people often experience irritable bowel syndrome. It is recommended to pay attention to diet even amidst academic pressure: ...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Constipation, Bloating, and More
Sudden Difficulty Swallowing After Medication: Causes and Concerns
Experiencing a sudden sensation of difficulty swallowing after taking medication? Hello Doctor: In the middle of the night, I felt an inexplicable discomfort in my chest, so I went to the living room to take my heart medication (for mitral valve prolapse, I take it as needed) sin...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if you are no longer experiencing any discomfort, you may continue to observe your condition. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Sudden Difficulty Swallowing After Medication: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Elevated serum transaminases? Hello Doctor: My husband donates blood regularly every year. This year, his ALT levels were elevated. He went for a retest last week, and the results (87 U/L) are still elevated. Should he go to the hospital for a detailed examination? What precautio...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, "serum transaminase ALT," also known as SGPT, indicates abnormal liver function when elevated. It is advisable to investigate the underlying cause, with common reasons including fatty liver, viral hepatitis, other infections, metabolic diseases, autoimmune condit...[Read More] Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Can Post-Meal Exercise Lead to Chronic Constipation?
Does exercising after eating cause constipation? Hello, doctor! I originally had a constitution that only occasionally experienced constipation. Even if I didn't have a bowel movement for 3 to 4 days, I could still pass a complete stool (large pieces but intact). However, si...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Have you considered asking a clinical physician to prescribe some laxatives or medications to promote bowel movement for temporary use? Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Can Post-Meal Exercise Lead to Chronic Constipation?
Concerns About Hepatitis B Treatment and Medication Side Effects
Regarding medication for hepatitis B? Hello, doctor. In February, my blood test showed ALT/SGPT at 112 and fetal protein at 10.8. The clinic doctor recommended a three-month treatment with daily doses of Liver An Yi and an injection of Liphagen 20 ml every three days. In May, my ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, you will need to have blood tests every month for monitoring. If necessary, long-term oral antiviral medication treatment will be required. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Concerns About Hepatitis B Treatment and Medication Side Effects
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes of Abdominal Discomfort and Nausea
Gastrointestinal issues Hello doctor, I recently experienced gastrointestinal issues and had bloody diarrhea, which led me to undergo an endoscopy. It was found that there is redness and swelling in the left abdomen, and I am currently waiting for biopsy results. Initially, I had...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, please discuss the reasons and treatment plan regarding the types of examinations and medications with your gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes of Abdominal Discomfort and Nausea
Managing Digestive Motility Issues: Natural Solutions and Probiotics
Digestive motility issues My stomach seems to not function daily; it only works when I exercise. What medications for gastrointestinal motility have fewer side effects? If I don't take medication, I experience indigestion, lack of appetite, bloating, and a bitter taste in my...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, in addition to ruling out organic issues for indigestion, it is important to pay attention to dietary habits, such as eating regularly, not eating too quickly, and avoiding greasy, hard-to-digest foods. If gastrointestinal motility is poor, a physician may prescribe prokin...[Read More] Managing Digestive Motility Issues: Natural Solutions and Probiotics
Should You Take Probiotics Daily? Insights for Digestive Health
Do probiotics need to be taken daily? Hello, Dr. Tsai! My husband is 67 years old and has had diabetes for 5 years. He has been following the medication prescribed by his doctor (Glyburide) and adheres to his dietary restrictions very well. However, he is experiencing constipatio...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Whether it's probiotics or over-the-counter medications, you can take them for a while and then take a break; there is no need for continuous use. Make sure to adequately supplement your intake of fruits and vegetables for hydration. Changhua Hospital cares about your...[Read More] Should You Take Probiotics Daily? Insights for Digestive Health
Understanding Loose Stools: Probiotics and Digestive Health Insights
Loose stools? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a few questions. I have a bowel movement every morning at 9 AM, and it is usually once a day in the morning. Recently, I started taking probiotics for the past week, taking one packet on an empty stomach in the morning. However, I h...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Ms. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is often managed through dietary adjustments (low fat, low dairy, regular meals) and reducing lifestyle stress, along with the use of motility-modifying medications. Currently, there is no scientific evidence supporting the substantial be...[Read More] Understanding Loose Stools: Probiotics and Digestive Health Insights
Understanding Fatty Liver and Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Fatty liver and liver function tests? Hello, doctor. Due to gastrointestinal issues, I occasionally had blood tests that showed elevated liver enzymes. I have been monitoring this for about two years, and my AST levels have consistently ranged from 30 to 43, while my ALT levels h...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if you do not consume alcohol or have severe obesity that exacerbates fatty liver, mild liver function abnormalities typically do not lead to serious issues. However, you should be cautious as metabolic syndrome may develop over the next five to ten years. Regarding fatty ...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver and Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues Related to Psychiatric Medications
Gastrointestinal issues I am taking psychiatric medication and I want to ask about my symptoms. I often experience nausea and vomiting, and I have a poor appetite, only eating two or three bites of rice per meal, which has caused me to lose four kilograms. However, my psychiatris...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, based on this calculation, the BMI is approximately 20, which should not be considered underweight. As for the ongoing vomiting issue, it may be worthwhile to consult a gastroenterologist to evaluate whether there are any gastrointestinal problems. Changhua Hospital cares ...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues Related to Psychiatric Medications
Understanding Excessive Gas: Causes and Dietary Impacts on Digestive Health
Abnormal gas expulsion Doctor, I would like to ask if there are any reasons that could lead to excessive flatulence every day. For the past week or two, I have been passing gas an average of 10-20 times a day (but in the past, I rarely passed gas; if I felt the urge, I would go d...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, it may be related to the medications you are taking and your diet. You might want to consider making some adjustments. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Excessive Gas: Causes and Dietary Impacts on Digestive Health
Struggling with Constipation: Tips for Relief and Understanding
Feeling the urge to defecate but unable to do so? I haven't had a proper bowel movement for almost 5-6 days. When I do, it's only one or two small, hard stools that resemble rabbit droppings, and I feel like I haven't fully evacuated. My abdomen feels bloated. I to...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If the shape of the stool has become soft or loose, it is likely not an issue of being too large or hard to pass, but rather a side effect of softening medications causing cramping. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Struggling with Constipation: Tips for Relief and Understanding
Understanding Black Stool: Is It a Sign of Peptic Ulcer Complications?
Gastric ulcer, melena? About two weeks ago, I visited a doctor due to stomach discomfort. The doctor performed an ultrasound and diagnosed me with a gastric ulcer and bloating. I was prescribed medications, including Omeprazole and Gastronorm, for a week. After finishing the medi...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: There should be a difference between dark brown and black stools, and it is not clear. A stool test can be accepted to confirm. Try to maintain a light and regular diet, and reduce stress, as this can help decrease the occurrence of ulcers. Changhua Hospital cares about yo...[Read More] Understanding Black Stool: Is It a Sign of Peptic Ulcer Complications?
Is It Safe to Fly After ERCP Surgery with Bleeding Concerns?
If there is bleeding from the wound after an ERCP, is it safe to fly? Hello, my husband underwent an ERCP 8 days ago (on April 2) due to a gallstone lodged in the bile duct. After the procedure, he experienced persistent black stools and a drop in blood pressure. Six days later (...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, after undergoing ERCP, postoperative bleeding is generally rare after hemostasis. However, it depends on whether the patient is prone to bleeding, such as those with chronic kidney failure on dialysis, those using anticoagulants, those on pain medications, or those with he...[Read More] Is It Safe to Fly After ERCP Surgery with Bleeding Concerns?
Unexplained Hepatitis After Liver Biopsy: Causes and Concerns
Post-biopsy unexplained hepatitis? Dear Dr. Tsai, Hello! My husband, who is 36 years old, discovered an elevated GPT level of over 900 during a blood donation at the beginning of the year, which led us to start relevant examinations. Previously, his annual health check-ups had a...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. There are still cases of hepatitis of unknown origin in clinical practice. 2. The duration of inflammation depends on whether the underlying cause has been identified and addressed or excluded. 3. It is still possible for levels to fluctuate, as the cause has not yet be...[Read More] Unexplained Hepatitis After Liver Biopsy: Causes and Concerns
Can I Use My Previous Gastroscopy DVD for New Doctor's Evaluation?
Gastrointestinal endoscopy DVD Dr. Tsai, during the gastroscopy performed by Dr. Jun-An, I am unsure if the physician has retained the records. Due to moving, if I request the gastroscopy DVD from the doctor in the northern region and take it to a nearby hospital in the south for...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Both the imaging and written report need to be submitted together, and they must be stamped with the hospital's official seal. Based on the report and the patient's condition, the necessary medications can be prescribed. Changhua Hospital cares about your health....[Read More] Can I Use My Previous Gastroscopy DVD for New Doctor's Evaluation?
Understanding Complex Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Seeking Medical Advice
Complex symptoms, I kindly ask the doctor to take the time to respond. Thank you? Hello, Doctor. First, I would like to apologize. Although I have already been examined, my symptoms have persisted for several months, so there may be multiple issues. I appreciate your time in resp...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
You may consider undergoing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy; if no issues are found, it is likely a case of functional dyspepsia.[Read More] Understanding Complex Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Seeking Medical Advice
Understanding Abdominal Lumps: What to Know About Your Symptoms
I felt a lump in my lower left abdomen? Hello, Doctor. I am completely unfamiliar with medical matters, so I would appreciate your guidance on my questions: One day while using my phone, I accidentally touched a lump in my lower left abdomen, which made me quite anxious. I later ...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
It is recommended to visit a hospital for an evaluation by a physician. Nantou Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Lumps: What to Know About Your Symptoms