Understanding Helicobacter Pylori Treatment and Side Effects
Helicobacter pylori A few days ago, my mother went to the hospital for a check-up and was found to have Helicobacter pylori. The doctor prescribed her medication that includes metronidazole, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin. After taking the medication for a few days, she has expe...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you experience discomfort, it is recommended to stop taking the medication and drink plenty of water. If the discomfort persists, please return for a follow-up or visit the emergency department to determine if there are other underlying causes. Generally, these medicati...[Read More] Understanding Helicobacter Pylori Treatment and Side Effects
Understanding Stomach Issues: Risks and Recommendations for Young Adults
The stomach has been consistently problematic? Hello doctor, I am 23 years old and have been a long-term smoker (about one pack a day), drink alcohol (approximately three times a week, about five cans of strong beer each time), and chew betel nut (currently about three packs a we...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It appears that you are experiencing issues related to gastrointestinal motility and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Improving your diet and medication can help manage these conditions, and there is currently no risk of gastric cancer; however, con...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Issues: Risks and Recommendations for Young Adults
Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: A Daughter's Urgent Concerns
Abnormal liver function tests? My father went to the hospital for a blood test on November 18, and after the results came back, he was urgently admitted for hospitalization! His liver enzyme levels were over 1000 (prior to this, he had been complaining of lower back and waist pai...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, the term "fulminant hepatitis" refers to the onset of jaundice accompanied by altered mental status. It is advisable for your father to discuss his condition thoroughly with his attending physician and to be closely monitored. Additionally, please avoid consuming...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: A Daughter's Urgent Concerns
Understanding Swallowing Difficulties: When to Seek Medical Help
Is it dysphagia? Doctor, I have a history of gastrointestinal issues but have not been on long-term medication for it. A few years ago, I started experiencing intermittent difficulty swallowing solid foods (liquid foods do not cause any issues). Each time this occurs, I feel unco...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Based on the symptoms, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is necessary to rule out esophageal-related diseases.[Read More] Understanding Swallowing Difficulties: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Health
Mucus in stool? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about the issue of mucus in my stool. About a month ago, after having only a sandwich with approximately 800cc of soy milk for lunch, I felt some discomfort in my abdomen that evening. Subsequently, I noticed mucus in my flat...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
It is acute gastroenteritis; please see a gastroenterologist to rule out the possibility of infectious abdominal pain.[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Health
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B and C: Legal Status and Treatment Advances
Chronic hepatitis and carrier status concerns? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if chronic hepatitis B and C are classified as notifiable infectious diseases under the Communicable Disease Control Act. Additionally, if a person recovers from hepatitis B but becomes a permanent ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Mr. BC. Hepatitis B is only required to be reported as a statutory infectious disease upon initial infection and first diagnosis. Hepatitis C can be completely cured with oral medication, although the cost is high. Hepatitis B can only be managed to maintain a carrier stat...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B and C: Legal Status and Treatment Advances
Understanding Digestive Issues: Green Stool and Abdominal Pain Concerns
Bowel issues & gastrointestinal problems Hello, Doctor. Due to a previous throat inflammation, I took antibiotics for 14 days, which caused my stool to appear green. This improved after I stopped the medication. However, after taking anti-inflammatory medication, I frequently...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, certain medications can affect bowel movements, such as antibiotics, among others. However, after discontinuing the medication, it usually does not cause any issues, and you can continue to monitor the situation. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Green Stool and Abdominal Pain Concerns
Long-Term Use of Bulk-Forming Laxatives: Expert Advice for Constipation
Consultation on the Use of Bulk-Forming Laxatives Hello, doctor! I am a 26-year-old patient from mainland China suffering from constipation for 9 years. Recently, my bowel movements have improved significantly after taking Konsyl. I have two questions: 1. Can Konsyl be taken lo...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Konsyl is a pure natural fiber supplement made from the highly refined husks of psyllium seeds, used as a stool softener. It is not absorbed by the body and primarily works by increasing the bulk of stool, so it should be taken with adequate water to achieve better stool-s...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Bulk-Forming Laxatives: Expert Advice for Constipation
Understanding GERD: Your Questions Answered by a Gastroenterologist
Inquiry about gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) examination? Hello Dr. Tsai, I have been experiencing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that come and go. I have undergone two gastroscopies, but I feel that the effects of the Western medications, particularly...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you have already undergone two gastroscopies and have taken PPIs, the underlying issue may lie in your diet or lifestyle habits, such as consuming tea, coffee, soda, chocolate, sweets, glutinous rice products, high-fat/high-protein foods, eating until very full, smoking...[Read More] Understanding GERD: Your Questions Answered by a Gastroenterologist
Understanding Medication Side Effects: Fatigue from Liver and Gastrointestinal Drugs
What are the side effects of the medication? Hello, Doctor! I would like to inquire about the side effects of my medications. I am currently taking the following three medications: 1. STROCAIN (Pain Relief Tablet) 2. SILYMARIN 150MG (Liver Protection Capsule) 3. URSO deoxycholic ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. There should not be such side effects, but please return for a follow-up to check for any changes in your condition. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Medication Side Effects: Fatigue from Liver and Gastrointestinal Drugs
Dealing with Diarrhea and Loss of Appetite: What to Eat?
Diarrhea and loss of appetite? Hello Doctor: Since Friday morning when I woke up, I have been experiencing diarrhea. I had three more episodes in the afternoon and have had little appetite. After seeing the doctor, I took an antidiarrheal medication and another medication (the do...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, it is possible that your gastroenteritis has not fully recovered. You may supplement your fluids and consume a light diet such as congee. Please continue to follow up with a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Dealing with Diarrhea and Loss of Appetite: What to Eat?
Understanding Prolonged Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
The symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have persisted for a long time? Hello doctor, I had an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at the age of 21, which revealed significant gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). I sought the procedure because I was experiencing pe...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. You can either see a doctor first for an examination or start medication right away; there's no need to worry. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Managing Gastroesophageal Reflux: Tips and Dietary Considerations
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Hello, let me describe my condition. Back in July or August, I had a cough that started after a cold. Initially, it was just a cold, but after recovering from it, the cough persisted. A week before the Mid-Autumn Festival, I suddenly started...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It is recommended that you discuss your condition with a gastroenterologist and consider medication or an endoscopy for confirmation. Gastroesophageal reflux is often related to dietary and lifestyle habits, so please reduce your intake of sweet and acidic foods, and ...[Read More] Managing Gastroesophageal Reflux: Tips and Dietary Considerations
Can Muscle Relaxants Affect the Esophageal Sphincter in GERD?
I would like to inquire about medications for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Hello, doctor. Recently, I was diagnosed with possible gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Since then, I have made some changes to my lifestyle, and I no longer feel the constant sensation o...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Muscle relaxants primarily act on skeletal muscles, while the lower esophageal sphincter is composed of smooth muscle, so theoretically, the impact should be minimal. However, if there are concerns about potential effects, you can try stopping the medication for three days...[Read More] Can Muscle Relaxants Affect the Esophageal Sphincter in GERD?
Can GERD Be Completely Cured? Understanding Treatment and Recurrence
Can gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) be cured? Hello, I experienced my first episode of acid reflux at the age of 18. After undergoing an endoscopy and taking medication for a while, my symptoms disappeared. The doctor mentioned that if I felt better, I didn't need to ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, the acid reflux is difficult to completely cure because the patient's stomach/esophagus structure may be relatively loose, and lifestyle changes are needed to limit sweet and acidic foods. For mild symptoms, antacids can be used for treatment, while more severe cases ...[Read More] Can GERD Be Completely Cured? Understanding Treatment and Recurrence
White Spherical Objects in Stool: What You Need to Know
White spherical objects found in stool? Hello Dr. Tsai: I have noticed small white ball-like structures in my stool about four to five times, resembling silkworm cocoons. When I crush them, they feel similar to glutinous rice balls. I am a diabetic patient and have been on medica...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: You can visit the gastroenterology department for a stool sample test to check for any issues. The appearance of the stool is closely related to the food or medications consumed, so there is no need to worry too much. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-...[Read More] White Spherical Objects in Stool: What You Need to Know
Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Implications
The first occurrence of total bilirubin (1.8 mg/dL) and direct bilirubin (0.8 mg/dL) is elevated? I have been taking medication for lowering blood sugar for a long time. My fasting blood sugar is 121 mg/dL, and my HbA1c is 6.5%. My average blood pressure is 130/78 mmHg. Aside fro...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels are elevated, indicating liver function abnormalities. It is necessary to check for hepatitis or gallbladder and biliary tract diseases. Causes of hepatitis include viral infections, alcohol consumption, medications, and fatty liver dis...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Implications
Managing Severe GERD After Heart Stent: Can Medications Help?
Severe gastroesophageal reflux is very uncomfortable! In March of this year, after undergoing stent placement with drug-eluting stents due to a myocardial infarction, I began taking aspirin and clopidogrel as anticoagulants, along with antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medicati...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
First, clarify the severity of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and then discuss whether it is truly a side effect caused by medication. Aspirin is indeed more likely to cause gastrointestinal discomfort, but other medications may not necessarily do so.[Read More] Managing Severe GERD After Heart Stent: Can Medications Help?
Understanding Persistent Bloating and Dry Heaving: Possible GERD Symptoms
Persistent bloating in the stomach, occasionally accompanied by dry heaving? Hello doctor, my girlfriend has been experiencing frequent bloating for several weeks now, and she mentioned that it has happened before. Often, the bloating lasts all day, and occasionally she experienc...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It could be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and it may also be gastritis, fecal impaction or constipation, or indigestion. It is advisable to reduce the intake of irritating foods and increase fluid intake. If there is no improvement, it is recommended to consult a...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Bloating and Dry Heaving: Possible GERD Symptoms
Understanding Abdominal Issues: Insights on Gastric Distress and Treatment
Abdominal issues? Hello, doctor. About a month and a half ago, I experienced symptoms of bloating and indigestion. After seeing my family doctor, I was prescribed some medications to relieve the bloating and antacids, but after a few days, I noticed no improvement (perhaps the do...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, young lady. The bloating and bowel movement issues in young people are often due to abnormal gastrointestinal motility, commonly known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is advisable to first conduct a stool test, followed by medication treatment and dietary adjustments...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Issues: Insights on Gastric Distress and Treatment