Long-Term Use of Omelon for Stomach Issues: Risks and Concerns
Long-term use of gastric protective medications and issues related to gastric compartment syndrome? Hello Doctor: I have two questions. I have been taking Yongxin Omelon for gastric protection for six years. I originally had mild gastric and esophageal ulcers, but my last endosco...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is related to dietary habits, medication use, lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, esophageal structure, neurosecretion, and psychological factors. Medications can improve symptoms, but even after improvement, symptoms may still occur. It ...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Omelon for Stomach Issues: Risks and Concerns
Understanding Unexplained Weight Loss and Its Impact on Health
Health status Since I started graduate school, my weight has drastically dropped from 42.6 kg to just 36.8 kg. My limbs are so thin that my veins are very prominent, and when I exert myself, my veins bulge significantly. Additionally, the area in the middle of my buttocks appears...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, weight loss, indigestion, and constipation can be caused by stress, which may lead to digestive issues and a more sensitive gut, known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is advisable to review your dietary habits, especially if you are trying to lose weight; ensure you ...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Weight Loss and Its Impact on Health
Understanding Gallstones: When to Seek Medical Advice?
The troubles of gallstones? In April 2009, I experienced abdominal pain, and during an upper abdominal ultrasound, the doctor unexpectedly found one gallstone and one kidney stone. However, the doctor mentioned that they were very small, so it wasn't a concern. In February 2...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: You may be able to undergo laparoscopic stone removal surgery for treatment. It is advisable to avoid a diet high in fats to prevent triggering pain. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Gallstones: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Post-Cholecystectomy Diet: Tips for Encouraging Appetite in Seniors
Diet After Gallbladder Removal My grandmother had her gallbladder removed around the age of forty due to gallstones. Her dinner portions are very small, typically just two or three bites, and the meals prepared at home are quite bland. For the past five years until last year, she...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Gallbladder surgery generally does not affect digestion, but it may lead to softer stools. The amount of food intake depends on individual needs, as long as you are healthy. If you experience indigestion, you can visit a gastroenterology clinic for treatment. Changhu...[Read More] Post-Cholecystectomy Diet: Tips for Encouraging Appetite in Seniors
Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing and Precautions for Your Family
Hepatitis B antibody testing in children? Hello Dr. Chen: I was diagnosed with hepatitis B 17 years ago during a blood donation. Does having hepatitis B mean that I am a carrier? Can it be transmitted to those who share meals with me, or to my spouse or children? Over the past fe...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: 1. Having hepatitis B means you are a carrier. 2. If you are a carrier, you need to be monitored every six months. 3. Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids, not through food or drink. 4. Children can be tested first, and they can also undergo sch...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing and Precautions for Your Family
Understanding Digestive Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Abdominal discomfort? On August 21, I visited the doctor for gastroenteritis. On August 28, I suddenly experienced severe abdominal pain and went to the emergency department. However, the doctor seemed to suggest it was indigestion and prescribed me medications to promote gastroi...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, many gastrointestinal issues can cause abdominal pain. If it is simply gastroenteritis, it usually resolves on its own. However, if there is black stool or poor appetite, one should consider peptic ulcer disease, which can be confirmed through an endoscopy. Wishing you goo...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Intestinal Adhesions: Risks and Symptoms of Bowel Perforation
Can intestinal adhesions cause bowel perforation? Hello doctor, my grandfather has been experiencing intestinal adhesions and has been taking medication for about one to two months. However, this afternoon, about an hour after eating watermelon, he suddenly complained of severe a...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
1. Symptoms related to intestinal adhesions vary depending on the location of the adhesions and may include nausea, abdominal pain, and bloating. 2. Intestinal adhesions can lead to bowel obstruction, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and shock. In severe cases, the...[Read More] Understanding Intestinal Adhesions: Risks and Symptoms of Bowel Perforation
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
Understanding Early Satiety: When to Seek Medical Advice
Suffering from indigestion? Hello Dr. Chen, I have been frequently troubled by the symptom of "early satiety" over the past half month, which means I feel full after eating just a little, and any additional food makes me feel nauseous and want to vomit. This symptom h...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, your symptoms are caused by poor gastric emptying. Common causes include chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers with pyloric stenosis or duodenal deformity, diabetes, neuropathy, and effects from other medications, among others. Therefore, it is still recomme...[Read More] Understanding Early Satiety: When to Seek Medical Advice
Managing Gastrointestinal Discomfort After Stomach Ulcer Recovery
Gastrointestinal issues? Dear Dr. Chen, After re-evaluation, my gastric ulcer has completely healed, but I still experience mild abdominal bloating and pain. Could this be caused by the long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and gastrointestinal motility medications? The...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: A general diet with small, frequent meals is recommended. If you are sensitive or anxious, medication can be added for control, and gastric medication can be used as needed. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Managing Gastrointestinal Discomfort After Stomach Ulcer Recovery
How to Reduce Excessive Gas and Odor: Tips for Digestive Health
Challenges of Personal Hygiene Hello, doctor: What are some ways to reduce the frequency and odor of flatulence? I have a bowel movement at least once or twice a day, but I pass gas more than 10 times a day, which is quite bothersome, especially when sitting. Could my diet be the...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Xiao Wang: The digestive process can produce gas, so it's important to pay attention to foods that cause this, such as starchy foods, and to avoid them if possible. It's not a disease, but it can be quite bothersome to your daily routine. Changhua Hospital car...[Read More] How to Reduce Excessive Gas and Odor: Tips for Digestive Health
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
Causes of Right Side Abdominal Bloating: Beyond Ultrasound Findings
Bloating on the right side of the abdomen? If you are experiencing bloating on the right side of your abdomen and an ultrasound did not reveal any issues, there are several potential causes to consider. These may include: 1. **Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)**: A common gastroint...
Dr. Zhang Siyuan Reply:
Hello! Abdominal bloating is just a symptom, and as you inquired, it can have many causes, some of which are benign and not life-threatening if diagnosed late, while others can be life-threatening if recognized too late and should not be taken lightly. Common causes include the f...[Read More] Causes of Right Side Abdominal Bloating: Beyond Ultrasound Findings
Can Hepatitis B Mothers Breastfeed? Understanding Risks and Guidelines
Hepatitis B carrier Is it safe to breastfeed with hepatitis B? Will it transmit to the newborn? Some doctors say it's okay, while others say it's not. Additionally, doctors mention that the virus can mutate. What are the levels of AST (GOT) and ALT (GPT) that would requ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Huang: Generally speaking, infants who receive vaccinations can develop a certain level of immunity. Additionally, if the mother's viral load is not high (not solely based on liver function), the risk of transmission through breast milk is low. The timing for treat...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Mothers Breastfeed? Understanding Risks and Guidelines
Understanding Frequent Hiccups: When to See a Gastroenterologist
Frequent hiccups? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing loud belching for the past few years, which sometimes draws attention and is quite bothersome. I'm wondering if this indicates a problem with my stomach, although I don't have any stomach pain. I also have severe ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Miss C: 1. Anemia can be assessed through a blood test to determine if there is an iron deficiency. If there is excessive menstrual bleeding, you may consider visiting a gynecology clinic. 2. Excessive belching is often related to gastrointestinal function issues. If the...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Hiccups: When to See a Gastroenterologist
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 Liver Hemangiomas: Causes, Risks, and Management Tips
Hepatic hemangioma My mother (60 years old) underwent a CT scan of the liver, which revealed two hepatic hemangiomas measuring 4.4 cm and 4.2 cm. I would like to ask the doctor: 1. What are the causes of hepatic hemangiomas? 2. Will they continue to grow? Is there a risk of ruptu...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. Hepatic hemangiomas are tumors formed by abnormal proliferation of blood vessels within the liver, with unknown etiology. Some are congenital, while others may be related to female hormones. 2. Hepatic hemangiomas grow very slowly, and may not increase in size at all. Genera...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Causes, Risks, and Management Tips
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Key Questions and Answers for Parents
Hepatitis B vaccine issues Dear Doctor: My daughter, who is a first-year junior high school student, underwent a health check-up and tested negative for both hepatitis B antibodies and antigens. It is recommended that she receive the hepatitis B vaccine, but there is conflicting ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mrs. Lin: Antibody titers may decrease over time, leading to a negative result; however, immune memory generally remains. If you receive a booster shot, we can check for a rapid increase in titers 2-4 weeks later. Changhua Hospital cares about you. Sincerely, Chen Shi...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Key Questions and Answers for Parents
Understanding Hepatitis: Who is Safe from Infection?
Liver disease Hepatitis is commonly referred to as "big goat" and "small goat," which are colloquial terms for different types of hepatitis. Generally, individuals who have been vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, as well as those who practice safe hygiene a...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, Zeng Yongjun. In fact, in medicine, there is no such terminology as "big three yang" or "small three yang." Are you referring to hepatitis B? If so, hepatitis B can still be transmitted to others. If you are a hepatitis B carrier and your blood tests po...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis: Who is Safe from Infection?
Understanding Liver Blisters: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
excuse me? Why does the liver develop blisters? What are the causes? What are the symptoms of blisters on the liver? Can it cause fever or instability?
Dr. Zhang Siyuan Reply:
To A-mei: The true causes of some hepatic cysts are unknown (mostly congenital), while others may be due to parasitic infections or tumor-related cystic changes. If they are large enough, they can cause pain in the right upper abdomen. If they exert pressure within the abdominal ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Blisters: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns