Understanding Parasite Infection Risks: Do You Need to Eat Raw Food?
Probability of parasitic infection Hello, doctor. Do you have to "frequently eat" raw food to get infected with parasites, or is it safe to eat it occasionally? Should raw food be completely avoided? Additionally, why can't stomach acid kill parasites? Before sympt...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is advisable to avoid consuming raw food, as it may lead to infections. In certain situations, one might ingest eggs of parasites that have protective shells rather than the parasites themselves. If you have any concerns, you can consult an infectious disease specialist...[Read More] Understanding Parasite Infection Risks: Do You Need to Eat Raw Food?
Understanding Persistent Diarrhea and Possible Parasites: A Gastrointestinal Concern
Diarrhea for six months? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about a situation I've been experiencing. I previously noticed that my stools have become loose and mushy, and when they are somewhat better, they appear as clumps or thin, broken pieces. I initially thought this wou...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. 1. Please visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic to check your stool for the presence of parasitic eggs or occult blood. 2. You may use probiotics and reduce your intake of dairy products and oils to decrease loose stools. Changhua Hospital cares about your...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Diarrhea and Possible Parasites: A Gastrointestinal Concern
Can Deworming Medication Completely Eliminate Intestinal Parasites?
Can deworming medication completely eliminate parasites? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing diarrhea for over two months now. Initially, I thought it was just a change in my body due to pregnancy, so I didn't pay much attention. However, even after giving birth, I still ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Common parasites can generally be effectively treated with standard antiparasitic medications. Intestinal parasites are not related to colorectal cancer. Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Attending Physician, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Minist...[Read More] Can Deworming Medication Completely Eliminate Intestinal Parasites?
Identifying White Worms in Stool: Possible Parasites Explained
There are small white worms in the stool that look like maggots? Hello Doctor: This morning when I woke up and had a bowel movement, I noticed small white worms crawling in my stool that looked like maggots. They are not thin but rather short and fat, about 1-2 centimeters long, ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: It is not possible to make a definitive judgment at this moment. If surgery is confirmed, please collect samples and send them to the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for laboratory evaluation. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Identifying White Worms in Stool: Possible Parasites Explained
White Strands in Stool: Should You Worry About Parasites?
There are white substances in the stool? A few days ago, I had gastritis, and my bowel movements were watery. Now that I am feeling better, I have noticed some white, string-like substances in my stool that appear to be coating the feces from a distance. Could this be a sign of a...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, parasitic infections are not commonly seen in clinical practice. You may consult the Gastroenterology Department at Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, with Dr. Lin Ming-Hui for examination.[Read More] White Strands in Stool: Should You Worry About Parasites?
Health Risks of Drinking Contaminated Water from Kitchen Sinks
Drinking contaminated water? Hello Dr. Chen: When I was using a teacup to drink hot water from the sink, I accidentally splashed some residual (dirty) water from the unwashed teacup and utensils into the teacup I intended to drink from, and I ended up drinking it. I would like to...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, the most common contaminant in unclean water is Escherichia coli rather than parasites. When Escherichia coli levels exceed safe limits, it typically causes symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. If these symptoms are absent, there is usu...[Read More] Health Risks of Drinking Contaminated Water from Kitchen Sinks
Understanding White Strings and Blood in Stool: A Gastrointestinal Guide
White lines in stool (3) Hello Dr. Chen, Thank you for your thoughtful responses to my previous two inquiries. Today, I observed my stool and used disposable chopsticks to break it down. I noticed some white, thread-like substances, but they were not as white as what I observed ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, you can take anti-parasitic medication directly. If it is indeed a parasite, whether it's roundworm or pinworm, it should still be moving shortly after leaving the body. As for the bloody substance, you can continue to observe it; if it appears intermittently, you sho...[Read More] Understanding White Strings and Blood in Stool: A Gastrointestinal Guide
Understanding White Lines in Stool: Parasites or Hemorrhoids?
White lines in stool (2) Hello Dr. Chen: I am the gentleman who previously inquired about the white lines in my stool. Thank you very much for your response. Today, I noticed that there are no obvious white lines in my stool, but I am experiencing significant itching and slight s...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, the Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm) is larger when seen in feces, while Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) is much smaller. Typically, antiparasitic medications are broad-spectrum, effective against common parasites, and have minimal side effects, so they are sometimes rec...[Read More] Understanding White Lines in Stool: Parasites or Hemorrhoids?
Abdominal Pain and White Sesame-Like Particles in Stool: What to Know
Abdominal discomfort with white sesame seed-like particles in the stool? I occasionally experience cramping pain in the lower middle abdomen, but it doesn't last long. I also feel nauseous and have the urge to vomit. I'm unsure if this is related to my menstrual cycle o...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Currently, parasitic infections are quite rare, and generally, a stool examination is sufficient to rule them out. Based on the symptoms, mild gastroenteritis or indigestion is the most likely cause. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Chih-Feng, Gastroenter...[Read More] Abdominal Pain and White Sesame-Like Particles in Stool: What to Know
White Objects in Stool: What You Need to Know About Your Digestive Health
White objects in stool? Hello: Recently, I noticed that after having a bowel movement, there were irregular white spots mixed in with the stool. Today, I found a long white strip about 10 centimeters in length on the surface. Could it be a worm? I haven't eaten any white foo...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Mucous epithelial sloughing can also be present in stool. If there is suspicion of parasites, a stool examination can be conducted to check for the presence of parasites. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan Hospit...[Read More] White Objects in Stool: What You Need to Know About Your Digestive Health
Persistent Stomach Pain: Understanding Digestive Issues and Solutions
Persistent abdominal pain? I have been experiencing diarrhea since the end of July and have seen many doctors. I have also undergone tests for occult blood and parasites, both of which came back normal. The stool is greenish in color and appears to have a layer on the surface. I ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Abdominal pain and diarrhea are most commonly associated with gastroenteritis. Based on the symptoms, the most likely scenario is that the gastrointestinal function has not yet recovered after an episode of gastroenteritis. It could also be due to some less common gastroin...[Read More] Persistent Stomach Pain: Understanding Digestive Issues and Solutions
Understanding Green Diarrhea: Causes and When to Seek Help
Occult blood and parasitic examination? I have been experiencing diarrhea since the end of January and have seen many doctors. I have also undergone tests for occult blood and parasites, both of which came back normal. The stool is greenish in color and appears to have a layer on...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: A diet low in oil, dairy, and刺激 foods is recommended. If there is still no improvement, medication may be necessary. If that does not work, a colonoscopy may need to be scheduled. Wishing you peace and health. Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan Hospita...[Read More] Understanding Green Diarrhea: Causes and When to Seek Help
Concerns About Eating Undercooked Beef: Parasites or Just Tendons?
I ate undercooked beef? Hello, doctor. Today I ate undercooked beef (medium rare), and towards the end, I noticed some white stringy substances in the meat. I'm not sure if it's connective tissue from the beef or a parasite. I'm worried that I might have ingested a...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello Xiaoyu, It is recommended to purchase antiparasitic medication at a pharmacy or clinic; however, parasitic infections are currently uncommon. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Qifeng, Taoyuan Hospital[Read More] Concerns About Eating Undercooked Beef: Parasites or Just Tendons?
Understanding Bloating and Digestive Issues: Symptoms and Solutions
Bloating of the intestines? I have been experiencing diarrhea lately and I'm unsure how to address the presence of blood in my stool. I often feel bloated in my colon, with sharp pain in the lower left abdomen, although my morning bowel movements are normal. An ultrasound ca...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, symptoms such as diarrhea, bloody stools, left lower abdominal bloating, and even the presence of worms could indicate a parasitic infection. It is advisable to seek medical attention and undergo a stool examination for ova and parasites. The per...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Digestive Issues: Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding White Specks in Stool: Gastrointestinal Health Insights
The stool contains small white particles? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask about something. In the past three months, I have noticed that after bowel movements, there are many small white particles mixed in with my stool. However, this does not happen every time I have a bowel ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The white small particles in the stool may be undigested food, sloughed-off epithelial cells, etc. If there are symptoms, a stool examination can be conducted to check for inflammation, occult blood, or parasites. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Taoyu...[Read More] Understanding White Specks in Stool: Gastrointestinal Health Insights
Understanding Bile Duct Inflammation: Causes, Symptoms, and Care Tips
Cholangitis What causes inflammation of the bile ducts? What symptoms can occur? Is it always accompanied by a fever? Besides taking antibiotics and monitoring body temperature, what other precautions should be taken if inflammation occurs?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Bile duct obstruction, impaired bile flow, and bacterial proliferation in the bile ducts can lead to cholangitis. Obstruction of the bile ducts can be caused by gallstones, foreign bodies, parasites, tumors, external compression, or strictures. 2. Symptoms of cholan...[Read More] Understanding Bile Duct Inflammation: Causes, Symptoms, and Care Tips
How to Check for Parasites in Your Body: Symptoms and Testing Options
I would like to know if there are any parasites in my body? If you suspect that you may have a parasitic infection, it is advisable to visit a healthcare provider, specifically a gastroenterologist, who specializes in digestive system disorders. They can conduct a comprehensive e...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. If there are unidentified objects in the stool and you are concerned about parasites, you can visit a hospital and consult with a gastroenterologist, general internist, or family medicine physician to have your stool examined for the presence of eggs and parasites. 2. T...[Read More] How to Check for Parasites in Your Body: Symptoms and Testing Options
Small Black Dots on Toilet Paper: What Could It Mean?
I noticed small black spots on the toilet paper when I wipe after having a bowel movement? I recently noticed small black dots on the toilet paper after wiping myself, just one or two at a time. I've seen these small black dots several times over the past few days, and it ta...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, the presence of small black dots in your stool may be related to food. If you are concerned, you can have a stool examination to check for any foreign substances, occult blood, and parasites. Wishing you good health, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health...[Read More] Small Black Dots on Toilet Paper: What Could It Mean?
Identifying and Treating Intestinal Worms: A Guide for Homeowners
Regarding fecal (worms) I live on the 4th floor with a private bathroom. Recently, I discovered what appears to be leech-like worms in the toilet, approximately 2mm in diameter, about 4 of them. Upon closer inspection today, I found 3 more that are about 0.5mm in diameter (I use ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, in Taiwan, parasitic infections are currently not common. The worms you mentioned, if they are from within the body, would typically be seen after using the restroom. If there is a parasitic infection, the presence of worms would be significant enough to be visible in the ...[Read More] Identifying and Treating Intestinal Worms: A Guide for Homeowners
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Possible Causes and Diagnostic Tests
Gastroenterology Gastroenterology: Due to my unfortunate experiences during military service, I had an irregular diet, often going several meals without eating, and even when I did eat, I had to lift heavy objects immediately afterward. As a result, my gastrointestinal system was...
Dr. Zhang Siyuan Reply:
To Mr. Chen: Your symptoms do not seem to follow the typical course of appendicitis, nor do they appear to be related to spinal injury. Instead, they resemble gastrointestinal dysfunction, potentially including dysfunction of the important gastrointestinal sphincters. These issue...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Possible Causes and Diagnostic Tests