Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Bowel movement issues Hello, Dr. Tsai. Recently, my bowel habits have changed over the past two weeks, with an average of 3-5 bowel movements per day, and they vary from semi-formed to watery and sometimes loose. My weight has not decreased. Previously, I would have a bowel movem...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) must rule out any organ-related issues, and it should present as a recurrent, periodic condition. If it is only a short-term problem, you may try changing your diet first. If there is still no improvement, it is advisable to consult a gastroe...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Is My Nighttime Chest Pain Due to GERD or Peptic Ulcer?
Could you please tell me if my acute symptoms are related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a gastric ulcer? The symptoms occurred at night, presenting as unexplained pain located at the lower edge of the chest, just above the abdominal muscles, accompanied by soreness...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: While examining the heart, you can also consult a gastroenterologist to assess whether an endoscopy is necessary, as gastroesophageal reflux can present similar symptoms. It is advisable to avoid tea, coffee, smoking, alcohol, and late-night snacks. Changhua Hospital cares...[Read More] Is My Nighttime Chest Pain Due to GERD or Peptic Ulcer?
Could Your GERD Symptoms Indicate a Gastrinoma? Understanding the Connection
Gastroesophageal reflux may be caused by a gastrinoma? Hello, Dr. Tsai. I have been experiencing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for about three years. I have undergone three endoscopies performed by different physicians, all of whom diagnosed me with Grade A G...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The incidence of gastrinomas is quite low in terms of probability. The symptoms typically present as persistent, multiple, atypical location peptic ulcers, peptic ulcers accompanied by diarrhea, abnormally thickened gastric mucosal folds, and thickened duodenal and jejunal...[Read More] Could Your GERD Symptoms Indicate a Gastrinoma? Understanding the Connection
Is It a Duodenal Ulcer? Understanding Abdominal Discomfort and Gas
Is this an ulcer? Hello doctor, I have been feeling strange in my right mid-abdomen (about two centimeters to the right of my navel and two to three centimeters above it) recently. I don't experience any pain, but the sensation has become more consistent lately, whereas it w...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The organ located about two centimeters to the right of the navel and two to three centimeters above it is likely the duodenum. The large intestine is located at the bend of the liver, along with the gallbladder and liver. Common issues in this area include peptic ulcers o...[Read More] Is It a Duodenal Ulcer? Understanding Abdominal Discomfort and Gas
Understanding Prolonged Stomach Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
I've been experiencing stomach discomfort for quite a while? Hello, doctor. I'm sorry to bother you. Last time, I mentioned that I've been experiencing stomach discomfort for over three weeks, and I've also noticed significant weight loss. Now, it's been ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. It is important to maintain a balanced diet, including dairy, eggs, fish, meat, beans, and fiber. There is no need to specifically avoid meat. Food should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing, and it is not necessary to only eat congee; sometimes, consuming congee can...[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Stomach Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Gastrointestinal Health
Blood in stool issue This morning, I noticed that there was a section of my stool that contained blood, appearing as streaks scattered throughout the stool, located about three centimeters from the front or back of the stool. The rest of the stool did not have any blood. There wa...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: In most cases, this situation is related to anal fissures or hemorrhoids. Please monitor if it continues to occur; if so, you may want to consult a gastroenterologist. Additionally, avoid straining during bowel movements and increase your intake of water and fruits and veg...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Blood in Stool: Is It Hemorrhoids or Anal Fissures?
Blood in stool with blood clots? Hello Doctor: I have a constitution that tends to have a weaker gastrointestinal system. I had a peptic ulcer during high school, which was treated. Recently, I noticed blood on the toilet paper after wiping following a bowel movement; it was brig...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Blood clots during bowel movements can commonly be caused by hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Anal fissures may recur and occur when straining during bowel movements. It is advisable to consult a colorectal specialist for diagnosis and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Is It Hemorrhoids or Anal Fissures?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Gastrointestinal discomfort I have been experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort for about three months, occurring roughly three times. At the beginning of this month, I started feeling nauseous and had a complete loss of appetite, feeling lightheaded and weak. I only managed to ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is not possible to rule out peptic ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease, and there may be other underlying causes. It is advisable to follow a bland diet and avoid irritants such as tea, coffee, tobacco, and alcohol. If the condition does not improve, consideration...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Differentiating Between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Stomach Ulcers
The difference between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and peptic ulcer disease? Yesterday, while preparing breakfast, I suddenly experienced severe stomach pain, making it difficult to stand upright. The pain radiated to my chest and back. I took one Omeprazole (OMEZOL), which al...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, miss. Please wait for the test results and take the medication for a while to observe the response. If necessary, you may undergo an endoscopy to rule out other possible conditions. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Differentiating Between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Stomach Ulcers
Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Abdominal tenderness and right upper quadrant pain? Hello, doctor. I am currently a university student and have been experiencing discomfort for about three months. I feel a pain in my upper right abdomen, near the rib cage, which feels more like a dull ache or an odd sensation (...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If the pain persists, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist to check for gallstones, liver diseases, or peptic ulcers (especially duodenal ulcers). Additionally, pay attention to any poor posture or situations involving heavy lifting, as sometimes the issue may...[Read More] Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Do You Really Need Antibiotics for Helicobacter Pylori? Alternatives Explored
Helicobacter pylori Last week, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and the doctor mentioned that I have a slight presence of Helicobacter pylori. They prescribed a week-long course of antibiotics, but I am very afraid of taking medication and tend to vomit whenever I...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Helicobacter pylori is associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative bacterium, and to eradicate the bacteria, antibiotics are required. Currently, the first-line treatment prescribed by physicians consists of two ant...[Read More] Do You Really Need Antibiotics for Helicobacter Pylori? Alternatives Explored
Understanding Loss of Appetite: Insights on Gastritis and GERD
Lack of appetite? Hello, Doctor... I would like to ask you a few questions. Earlier this year, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and was diagnosed with mild gastritis, mild gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and mild duodenitis. I was prescribed medication, but...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Your symptoms indicate delayed gastric emptying, which can be caused by conditions such as gastroparesis, gastritis, or peptic ulcers. As for gastritis, "mild" refers to the severity, while "superficial gastritis" describes the pathological condition; superfic...[Read More] Understanding Loss of Appetite: Insights on Gastritis and GERD
Common Gastrointestinal Questions After Doctor Visits: Insights and Answers
Follow-up questions after seeing the doctor~ Hello Dr. Chen, I received a lot of information during my medical visit, and there are still some areas I'm unclear about, so I have some questions online: 1. Can lesions in the fundus of the stomach be seen through an endoscopy...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Endoscopic examination of lesions in the gastric fundus is visible. Gastric diseases, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), are more likely to present with symptoms such as retrosternal discomfort. The occurrence of belching is associated with impaired gastric emptyin...[Read More] Common Gastrointestinal Questions After Doctor Visits: Insights and Answers
Understanding Persistent Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Gastrointestinal issues with discomfort and pain? Hello, doctor. For the past 4 to 5 weeks, I have been experiencing a dull pain around my abdomen (specifically around the navel, without favoring any particular area), and it occurs at no specific times. I have taken my previous g...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Pain near the navel can commonly be caused by gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, gastric ulcers, peptic ulcers, and duodenal ulcers, which require a specific treatment regimen. It is important to take medications regularly and pay attention to dietary habits by avoiding s...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Chronic Bloating: Causes and Solutions for Your Digestive Health
Abdominal bloating issues? Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask about my situation. Since mid-September, after experiencing a cold with a sore throat and diarrhea (which resolved in a day or two), I have been experiencing daily bloating. There has...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Ms. Penny, the possibility of a peptic ulcer cannot be ruled out based on your symptoms. It is recommended that you see a gastroenterologist for evaluation and arrange for an endoscopy. Changhua Hospital cares about your health.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Bloating: Causes and Solutions for Your Digestive Health
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?
Managing Chronic Gastrointestinal Issues: A Guide for Caregivers
My mother has long-term gastrointestinal issues? My mother has had long-term gastrointestinal issues for several years, experiencing intermittent diarrhea, bloating, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). She has been taking over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications for dia...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if you have already undergone surgery, it is recommended to discuss with your surgeon whether the symptoms are related to the postoperative period. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Managing Chronic Gastrointestinal Issues: A Guide for Caregivers
Do Peptic Ulcers Cause Hunger Pangs? Understanding Symptoms and Treatment
Can gastric ulcers or duodenal ulcers cause a feeling of hunger (empty stomach)? A few days ago, I visited the hospital for a consultation, and the doctor prescribed me medication for peptic ulcers. I would like to ask if peptic ulcers can cause a feeling of hunger on an empty st...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If there is no improvement with the medication, you can discuss it with your physician during your follow-up visit and consider adjusting the medication. Additionally, you should reduce the consumption of tea, coffee, soda, chocolate, sweets, glutinous rice products, and f...[Read More] Do Peptic Ulcers Cause Hunger Pangs? Understanding Symptoms and Treatment
Persistent Stomach Pain and Weight Loss: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Persistent stomach discomfort for two weeks with weight loss? Hello, Doctor. Two weeks ago, I started experiencing bloating in my stomach, accompanied by a persistent dull pain that occurs throughout the day, regardless of whether I've eaten. I feel like there's gas ris...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: You can start by taking Nexium and temporarily discontinue mosapride to see if there is any improvement. If there is still no improvement, you can return to your original physician for a discussion and medication adjustment. There is no need to change doctors just because ...[Read More] Persistent Stomach Pain and Weight Loss: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Pain in the lower middle part of the chest that worsens after eating and can be severe enough to hinder walking, along with deep breathing not providing relief, could indicate several potential issues. Occasional pain or persistent pain throughout the...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Based on the description, if there are concerns about stomach issues, it is also important to consider whether there are any problems with the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas. It is recommended to visit a hospital for further examination.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions