Understanding Abdominal Masses: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
RE: Right lower abdominal mass with dull pain during the urge to defecate and urinate? [Response] Doctor: Taoyuan Hospital / Department of Gastroenterology / Dr. Chi-Feng Chen Hello: Based on your description, I personally believe the key point lies in the CT scan report. If the...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. It does not resemble a mass in the colon or small intestine. 2. Some physicians can palpate it, while others cannot. It is possible that it sometimes becomes distended and can be felt, while at other times it subsides and cannot be felt, indicating that it is merely ...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Masses: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Calcium Sources: Milk vs. Soy Milk and Probiotics for Gut Health
Health supplements Hello, Doctor: I have a few questions I would like to ask you. During my military service, I was educated that bone density starts to decline around the age of 35, so it's important to supplement calcium by drinking more milk. However, with the current foo...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Drinking milk can supplement calcium, and the Department of Health recommends 1 to 2 cups daily; however, excessive milk consumption may lead to bone loss, so it is important to avoid overconsumption. 2. Soy milk falls under the category of legumes and fish, while mi...[Read More] Calcium Sources: Milk vs. Soy Milk and Probiotics for Gut Health
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort and Excessive Gas: A Guide
Abdominal discomfort and pain? Hello! If you're experiencing abdominal discomfort and excessive gas, here are a few suggestions: 1. **Dietary Changes**: Avoid foods that are known to cause gas, such as beans, lentils, carbonated drinks, and certain vegetables like broccoli ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: The issue is related to diet and peristalsis. If it is very bothersome, you may consider visiting a gastroenterology clinic for an examination or medication adjustment. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort and Excessive Gas: A Guide
Understanding Abnormal Motility: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Health
Could you please provide more context or specific information regarding dysmotility? Hello, doctor. I previously visited a gastroenterologist, and after auscultation, the doctor mentioned that I have abnormal peristaltic function and advised me to exercise more to improve it. Doe...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Abnormal peristaltic function can manifest as either rapid or slow movement. The primary distinction is made based on organic factors, where there are no structural abnormalities or lesions. For instance, some individuals who have undergone surgery may experience intestina...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Motility: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Health
Managing Gas Issues: Probiotics and Dietary Choices for Digestive Health
Medication issues I have a tendency to experience excessive gas, and after undergoing an endoscopy, my doctor confirmed that my condition is normal and not a disease, but rather a symptom. However, this issue has been affecting others around me. I have already reduced my intake o...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms, it appears to be caused by dyspepsia. In addition to reducing the intake of gas-producing foods, it is also advisable to limit high-fat, high-dairy, and irritating foods. Probiotics can be tried, but individual responses can vary significantly, and t...[Read More] Managing Gas Issues: Probiotics and Dietary Choices for Digestive Health
Signs of Liver Issues: Understanding Red Palms and Health Concerns
Symptoms of liver dysfunction? Hello, research indicates that individuals with liver issues often have reddened palms. I happen to have slightly reddened palms and my soles are also redder than others, but my liver function and abdominal ultrasound results are normal. If the redd...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Indeed, patients with chronic liver disease may exhibit palmar erythema; however, the presence of red palms does not necessarily indicate liver problems. Please continue to monitor the situation. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Chi-Feng, Gastroenterology...[Read More] Signs of Liver Issues: Understanding Red Palms and Health Concerns
Post-Gastroenteritis Concerns: Managing Bloating and Nausea
Follow-up questions regarding gastroenteritis? Hello Doctor: Two days ago, I experienced gastroenteritis with vomiting and diarrhea, starting with vomiting and later having diarrhea. I vomited until bile came out and had a mild fever. I then went to the hospital and received two ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The symptoms of gastroenteritis include vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and fever. Gastroenteritis may be caused by poor dietary practices, viral infections, or bacterial infections. The typical duration of gastroenteritis is 3 to 7 days, varying from...[Read More] Post-Gastroenteritis Concerns: Managing Bloating and Nausea
Is Fast Gut Motility a Good Thing for Your Health?
Is fast gastrointestinal motility a good thing? I have diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). Every time I visit the doctor, after using the stethoscope, the doctor says that my gastrointestinal motility is quite fast, which makes me more prone to frequent bowel m...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A faster intestinal transit time reduces the duration that feces remain in the body, which indeed decreases the excessive absorption of waste by the intestines, and this is beneficial for health. However, since the occurrence of colorectal cancer is multifactorial, we cann...[Read More] Is Fast Gut Motility a Good Thing for Your Health?
Understanding Bloating and Burping After Meals: Causes and Solutions
Experiencing bloating and belching after eating? Hello Doctor: I have had a "special ability" in the eyes of others for a long time, which is the ability to control my burping and perform it for my friends anytime and anywhere. However, this is just an inappropriate jok...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or abnormal gastric motility. It is advisable to visit a gastroenterologist for treatment and to eat small, frequent meals while avoiding foods that may cause discomfort after eating. Additionally, you may consider underg...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Burping After Meals: Causes and Solutions
Dealing with Persistent Bad Breath: Causes and Solutions Beyond Dental Care
Halitosis with a foul odor resembling rotten food? Hello Doctor: My husband informed me that even after brushing my teeth, he can still smell a foul odor coming from my mouth from about 30 cm away. The smell resembles that of something decaying, making it difficult for me to brea...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of halitosis, including oral, nasal, pulmonary, throat, gastrointestinal diseases, metabolic disorders, and liver diseases. It is recommended to seek diagnosis and treatment from a professional physician. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Dealing with Persistent Bad Breath: Causes and Solutions Beyond Dental Care
Understanding Multiple Stomach Ulcers and Ongoing Symptoms: A Patient's Concern
Multiple gastric ulcers and gastric bleeding? I would like to ask the doctor, since I was diagnosed with multiple gastric ulcers (about three locations) and gastric bleeding during an endoscopy on October 3rd, the doctor prescribed Pantoprazole. However, my stomach has been persi...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If there is still a burning sensation in the stomach, it indicates that gastric acid is still damaging the gastric wall, which may be due to excessive gastric acid or an unresolved gastric ulcer. Gastric ulcers require medication for a period of time before the damaged gas...[Read More] Understanding Multiple Stomach Ulcers and Ongoing Symptoms: A Patient's Concern
Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Total bilirubin (T) slightly elevated issue? Hello Doctor, I recently visited a weight loss clinic where the doctor arranged for me to undergo blood tests and an abdominal ultrasound. The abdominal ultrasound showed normal results except for moderate to severe fatty liver, and th...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. There are many common causes of elevated total bilirubin, including hepatitis (alcoholic, viral, autoimmune, or drug-induced), hemolytic anemia, biliary diseases, infections, sepsis, malignancies, Gilbert's syndrome, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cho...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Ampullary Tumors: Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Issues related to ampullary tumors? Hello, currently my grandfather is hospitalized at the Xinfeng Madou Branch. According to the physician, the tumor is located at the ampulla of Vater, near the junction of the bile duct, pancreas, and duodenum, but it has not invaded the pancre...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Mr./Ms. Guozi, The treatment you mentioned is indeed the standard surgical approach for treating ampullary tumors. The drainage you referred to is likely external drainage. Our hospital offers a non-surgical treatment option, which involves placing a metallic biliary stent ...[Read More] Understanding Ampullary Tumors: Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Can Fatty Liver Disease Be Reversed with Diet and Exercise?
The issue of fatty liver disease? Hello Dr. Chen: I have mild fatty liver. Can I improve my condition with increased exercise and dietary control? Is it possible for fatty liver to completely resolve and heal? I have seen reports indicating that fatty liver can potentially lead t...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of fatty liver. Excluding alcoholic, hepatitis C, and drug-induced factors, most others are related to metabolism and diet. Fatty liver may progress to fibrosis and cirrhosis, but the likelihood is very low. Wishing you health, Dr. Chen Chih-Feng, Tao...[Read More] Can Fatty Liver Disease Be Reversed with Diet and Exercise?
Understanding Dark Stool and Foul Odor: What Could It Mean?
The stool is dark in color, and there is a fishy odor when wiping with toilet paper? I previously consulted a doctor regarding my recent observations about my stool. For over a month now, after experiencing borborygmi, my flatulence has been very foul-smelling, and my stool has b...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms, gastroenteritis should be prioritized for evaluation. You may consult a gastroenterologist, and if there is no improvement, further examinations can be arranged. There are many possible causes of blood in the stool, including hemorrhoids, polyps, inf...[Read More] Understanding Dark Stool and Foul Odor: What Could It Mean?
Understanding GERD: A Young Adult's Struggle with Symptoms and Treatment
Gastroesophageal reflux is very bothersome? Honestly, over the past six months, I've felt quite hopeless about this condition. I'm only 24 years old and have been dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) since last year. In August of last year, I underwent an...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may not always correlate between endoscopic findings and clinical symptoms; for instance, endoscopic grading may be A or B while symptoms are severe, and some may have endoscopic grades C or D but exhibit mild symptoms. 2. GERD...[Read More] Understanding GERD: A Young Adult's Struggle with Symptoms and Treatment
Understanding Stomach Issues: Gas, Pain, and the Need for Endoscopy
Please ask your question! Hello Dr. Tsai, I previously consulted you regarding issues related to my stomach, and I apologize for bothering you again. 1. Over the past few days, I have been experiencing bloating and a feeling of pressure in my stomach. I had a follow-up appoin...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) primarily affects the lower esophagus, while gastric ulcers primarily affect the stomach. One common cause of both conditions is gastric acid. Theoretically, taking medications to reduce gastric acid can simultaneously treat both ...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Issues: Gas, Pain, and the Need for Endoscopy
Understanding Your Liver Health: Interpreting HBsAg and HBsAb Results
Interpretation of the Examination Report Hello, doctor. In my previous health check report, there were several data points as follows: HBsAg result 0.00 (-), reference value <0.05; HBsAb result 328.8 (+), reference value <10. Since the HBsAb result of 328.8 (+) is not less ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The {s} in HBsAg represents the surface antigen of the hepatitis B virus. Your value is 0, indicating that you are not a carrier of hepatitis B. HBsAb represents the antibodies for hepatitis B, and your value is 328.8, indicating that you have immunity against hepatitis B....[Read More] Understanding Your Liver Health: Interpreting HBsAg and HBsAb Results
Understanding Rectal Ulcers: Concerns, Treatments, and Differences from UC
Rectal ulcer Hello Doctor: Two months ago, I experienced significant anxiety due to my mother's major surgery, which led to persistent diarrhea (without blood in the stool). I went to the hospital for examination and was diagnosed with a gastric ulcer and rectal ulcers. I am...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. The UC you mentioned likely refers to Ulcerative Colitis, which is a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the colon due to autoimmune dysfunction. Non-specific enteritis can have various causes, such as bacteria, viruses, medi...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Ulcers: Concerns, Treatments, and Differences from UC
Essential Gastrointestinal Health Tips: Timing Your Meals and Digestion
General Gastrointestinal Health Knowledge Hello Dr. Chen, I have a few questions to ask: 1. How long before bedtime should one stop eating to avoid being considered as having a late-night snack? (Some say two hours, others say four hours, and the opinions vary.) 2. How long aft...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. From the perspective of gastroesophageal reflux disease, it is better not to eat anything three hours before bedtime. 2. Based on abdominal ultrasound and gastroscopy examinations, fasting is considered to start eight hours after a meal. 3. Generally, meals after 11 PM ...[Read More] Essential Gastrointestinal Health Tips: Timing Your Meals and Digestion