Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms of Alcohol and Smoking Effects
excuse me? Based on the symptoms described, it is possible that the individual may be experiencing gastritis or peptic ulcer disease, especially given the history of alcohol consumption, irregular meals, and smoking habits. The burning sensation and vomiting after drinking, along...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello, abdominal pain accompanied by melena usually indicates upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which can have various causes. The most common cause is peptic ulcer disease, followed by gastric erosion. Other potential causes include hemorrhagic gastritis and gastric tumors, among...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms of Alcohol and Smoking Effects
Understanding Helicobacter Pylori and Its Impact on Digestive Health
Helicobacter pylori Hello doctor, I previously underwent gastroscopy and abdominal ultrasound examinations, which confirmed that I have a peptic ulcer and also tested positive for Helicobacter pylori. Before the examinations, I frequently coughed up blood, and I am still experien...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
Hemoptysis refers to blood that is coughed up from the respiratory tract, indicating that the underlying issue is likely within the airways. Therefore, further examination such as a chest X-ray or bronchoscopy should be conducted. Hematemesis, on the other hand, pertains to blood...[Read More] Understanding Helicobacter Pylori and Its Impact on Digestive Health
Is Your Lower Abdomen Protruding? Understanding Possible Internal Issues
Abdominal protrusion? Hello, I am 160 cm tall and weigh 53 kg, with measurements of 33-31-34. I have noticed that my lower abdomen is particularly protruding. I have a previous medical history of gastrointestinal issues (early-stage gastric ulcer). I would like to ask if the abno...
Dr. Liang Jiade Reply:
Hello, the protrusion of the lower abdomen you mentioned is usually related to body posture and the distribution of subcutaneous fat. It is also important to rule out any abnormal tumors or structures within the abdominal cavity. This should be assessed in conjunction with other ...[Read More] Is Your Lower Abdomen Protruding? Understanding Possible Internal Issues
Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Stomach Ulcers: A Guide
Gastric ulcer and irritable bowel syndrome? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) medical consultation: taking Unilac can improve symptoms, but I have a peptic ulcer and am unsure how to use it.
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello! Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can present with both diarrhea and constipation. Therefore, if you also have a peptic ulcer, it is essential to consider which symptom of your IBS is predominant when prescribing medication. Some medications for treating peptic ulcers may cau...[Read More] Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Stomach Ulcers: A Guide
Understanding Helicobacter Pylori: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-Up Care
Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter pylori: 1. Is it correct for doctors to determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori based on experience during an endoscopy? 2. If Helicobacter pylori is sometimes detected during regular examinations and sometimes only ulcers are found without ...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello: Since over 95% of duodenal ulcers are associated with Helicobacter pylori, when a duodenal ulcer is first diagnosed, it is usually acceptable to initiate antibiotic treatment without necessarily performing a Helicobacter pylori test. However, after treatment, a carbon-13 u...[Read More] Understanding Helicobacter Pylori: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-Up Care
Persistent Hiccups: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Persistent hiccups? Hello, I experience intermittent hiccups for several hours every day, which is very uncomfortable. I have undergone examinations such as an endoscopy, and my gastrointestinal tract shows no significant issues. However, the problem persists. It usually occurs m...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello: The mechanism behind hiccups is the stimulation of the phrenic nerve, which is usually caused by gastric distension (potentially due to gastritis, peptic ulcers, or functional disorders). When sitting or driving, gastric digestion tends to be less efficient, making hiccups...[Read More] Persistent Hiccups: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Digestive Issues: Blood in Vomit After Tea and Smoking
The reason is unknown? I have a peptic ulcer and received treatment with medication last year. However, now I sometimes experience occasional vomiting after drinking too much tea or smoking. Once, after vomiting, I noticed that the gastric fluid had a uniform mixture of blood. Co...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello! Peptic ulcers are prone to recurrence, so it's important to avoid irritating foods, smoking, alcohol, coffee, and tea in your daily care. If you experience vomiting after consuming too much tea or smoking, it may sometimes just be a sign of gastritis or indigestion. H...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Blood in Vomit After Tea and Smoking
Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Dull pain in the upper right abdomen (near the lower edge of the right rib cage)? Hello, Dr. Tsai: I have been experiencing dull pain in my upper right abdomen for almost two years. Six months ago, I underwent liver function tests (GOT, GPT) and an ultrasound, both of which retur...
Dr. Cai Junyan Reply:
Hello, there are many potential causes for pain in the upper right abdomen, including gallstones, hepatitis, peptic ulcers, or pancreatitis. Additionally, neuropathic pain, functional gastrointestinal disorders, colorectal pathology, or urinary system disorders could also be poss...[Read More] Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Digestive Issues: Mucus in Stool and Dark Color Concerns
Bowel issues Dr. Yang: Hello, I have a question I would like to ask you... Recently (about three months ago), I noticed that after each bowel movement, there is mucus present, and the stool appears darker (deep brown or almost black). The stool is also softer, resembling diarrhea...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello: Dark-colored stools can sometimes be related to diet, but black stools may raise concerns about the possibility of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, it is advisable to first test for occult blood in the stool. If the result is positive, an upper endoscopy should ...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Mucus in Stool and Dark Color Concerns
Understanding Nausea and Frequent Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Frequent nausea? Poor appetite in the morning, often feeling nauseous (wanting to vomit but not actually vomiting), and frequent trips to the bathroom (3 to 4 times a day).
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello: This is an issue with the gastrointestinal tract, usually caused by gastritis or excessive gastric acid, but other causes such as peptic ulcers are also possible. Therefore, you must first make appropriate adjustments to your diet and lifestyle, avoiding irritating foods, ...[Read More] Understanding Nausea and Frequent Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Further Help
Abdominal pain Hello Doctor, my father has been experiencing abdominal pain when moving or lightly pressing on his abdomen for the past few days. When he is still, he feels a vague discomfort. However, his bowel movements and appetite are normal. He previously visited a small cli...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello! The question you asked is quite complex and covers a wide range of issues. First, there are many diseases related to the abdomen, and abdominal pain can involve various organs. Therefore, you need to specify the location of the pain and whether there is a fever. Typically,...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Further Help
Does Late-Night Eating Increase the Risk of Stomach Issues or Cancer?
Does frequently eating late-night snacks affect the stomach? Hello Dr. Yang: I would like to ask you about my habit of having late-night snacks almost every day, sometimes even the equivalent of a full meal. Recently, I heard from a colleague that frequently eating late-night sna...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello: There are many factors associated with gastric cancer, but late-night snacking is not one of them. For patients with peptic ulcers or excessive gastric acid, it is advisable to avoid eating late-night snacks before bedtime, as they may wake up in the middle of the night du...[Read More] Does Late-Night Eating Increase the Risk of Stomach Issues or Cancer?
Understanding the Regulations on Losec for Chronic Gastric Ulcers
Regarding the medication LOSEC for gastric ulcers? Hello Dr. Yang: My father has been receiving treatment for chronic gastric ulcers at Changhua Christian Hospital. In the first phase, he returned to the hospital for check-ups every two weeks, and the doctor prescribed LOSEC. Aft...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello! Currently, the National Health Insurance Administration has clear regulations regarding the use of gastric medications for peptic ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): 1. Losec (omeprazole) is limited to a maximum of two months if prescribed for gastric ulcers,...[Read More] Understanding the Regulations on Losec for Chronic Gastric Ulcers
Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Discomfort: When to Seek Further Tests
Hello, doctor? Hello Doctor, I am 25 years old. About two months ago, I woke up with some discomfort in my upper right abdomen, and it has persisted until today. The discomfort is mild, and my bowel movements are normal. I have undergone an ultrasound, blood tests, and gastroscop...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello! The tests you have undergone have ruled out peptic ulcers, gallstones, liver disease, pancreatic disease, and kidney stones. The most likely remaining issue is related to the intestines; however, given your young age, the likelihood of malignancy is low (unless there is a ...[Read More] Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Discomfort: When to Seek Further Tests
Understanding Stomach Ulcers: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and When to Get an Endoscopy
About gastric ulcers? Hello Dr. Yang, in June of this year, I experienced hunger-type abdominal pain, and at the beginning of July, I had tarry stools. I was diagnosed with gastric and duodenal ulcers and was hospitalized for treatment. Since then, I have been on medication, but ...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello! In general, over 90% of peptic ulcers heal after three months of treatment with ulcer medications. Therefore, if you are still experiencing symptoms such as excessive gastric acid and left upper abdominal tenderness, it is important to consider whether there are still issu...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Ulcers: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and When to Get an Endoscopy
Should I See a Doctor for Ongoing Digestive Issues?
Do I need to see a doctor? I have not felt hungry for three weeks since my last cold. I have little sensation in my stomach, my appetite is less than before, and I don't feel full even after eating. Although I have recovered from the cold, the symptoms persist. I initially t...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Based on your symptom description, you likely have gastrointestinal dyspepsia, and there is a possibility of gastritis or even peptic ulcer disease. A cold can trigger these symptoms, or it could be a side effect of medications (such as antipyretics or analgesics). Additionally, ...[Read More] Should I See a Doctor for Ongoing Digestive Issues?
Understanding Oil Leakage During Bowel Movements: When to Seek Help
Anal leakage I'm not sure which specialist to consult. I'm not trying to lose weight, and my weight is quite light (173 cm, 54 kg). For the past couple of days, I've noticed oil droplets in my stool, and my underwear (I wear boxers) has been stained with oil. By th...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
(1) With your height of 173 cm and weight of 54 kg, you are slightly underweight. Generally, being underweight or experiencing rapid weight loss is related to nutritional absorption or endocrine system issues. If your appetite is good and your bowel habits are normal, it is impor...[Read More] Understanding Oil Leakage During Bowel Movements: When to Seek Help
Understanding Stomach Ulcers: Causes, Diet, and Lifestyle Tips
About gastric ulcers? I’m sorry to hear about your father’s condition. Gastric ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers, are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. The main causes of gastric ulcers include: 1. **Helicobacter pylori i...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Gastric ulcers are lesions that form in the stomach wall due to the erosion of the gastric mucosa by gastric acid. Gastric ulcers can be detected through upper gastrointestinal X-ray with barium contrast or endoscopy. In this condition, 90-100% of patients with duodenal ulcers an...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Ulcers: Causes, Diet, and Lifestyle Tips
Managing Stomach Pain from Steroid Use in Chronic Ulcer Patients
What should I do for stomach pain? Hello Dr. Chen, I have chronic peptic ulcer disease and asthma. Recently, during an asthma attack, my pulmonologist prescribed corticosteroids, but I experience stomach pain every time I take them. What should I do?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, netizens: Please discuss with your physician about 1. the possibility of reducing the dosage, 2. the option of prescribing appetite stimulants (out-of-pocket if necessary), and 3. if symptoms are severe, please consider undergoing an endoscopy. Wishing you good health![Read More] Managing Stomach Pain from Steroid Use in Chronic Ulcer Patients
Understanding Helicobacter Pylori Testing: Methods and Availability
How is the Helicobacter pylori test performed? Is it necessary to perform an endoscopy to check for Helicobacter pylori? Can it be detected through a blood test? Are these tests available in general hospitals? Thank you!
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Patients infected with Helicobacter pylori have a four to six times higher risk of developing gastric adenocarcinoma and gastric lymphoma compared to the general population. Generally, individuals with peptic ulcers, dyspepsia, gastric lymphoma, or a family history of gastric can...[Read More] Understanding Helicobacter Pylori Testing: Methods and Availability