Understanding Dark Vomit: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology
Suspected hematemesis? Hello, Dr. Lin. About six months ago, I experienced vomiting that included a dark brownish (slightly reddish) substance that was stringy and in significant quantity. I did not notice the color of any other watery vomit. That morning, I only drank a bottle o...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. There is a possibility of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. 2. Common causes of gastrointestinal bleeding include peptic ulcers (gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers), gastritis (due to medications, diet, or stress), mucosal tears at the gastroesophageal junction, cirrhosis, and ble...[Read More] Understanding Dark Vomit: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology
Understanding Post-Lunch Bloating and Discomfort: Common Causes and Solutions
Post-lunch gastric discomfort and bloating? Hello, doctor. After every meal, I experience a feeling of heaviness and bloating in the upper middle part of my abdomen. This has been happening for almost a year, and it only occurs after lunch; I don't have these symptoms in the...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
After lunch, it is common to feel bloated, gassy, and experience belching for a year. Despite being mindful of your diet, it is advisable to schedule an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to check for peptic ulcers, inflammation, or structural abnormalities. Sometimes, emotions can...[Read More] Understanding Post-Lunch Bloating and Discomfort: Common Causes and Solutions
Understanding Duodenal Ulcers: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Duodenal ulcer Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my condition. Two years ago, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and the doctor diagnosed me with a severe duodenal ulcer along with a mild gastric ulcer. I took Pantoprazole for three months, and my condition im...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you return to the gastroenterology outpatient clinic, as you may need to undergo another endoscopy to check for a possible recurrence of peptic ulcer disease. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Duodenal Ulcers: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Your Digestive Discomfort: Is It a Stomach Ulcer?
What kind of disease is this? Symptoms such as chest tightness, stomach pain, acid reflux, bloating, discomfort in the stomach, and increased hunger that fluctuate in intensity and frequency can be indicative of various gastrointestinal issues. The intermittent nature of these sy...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It could be gastritis, a gastric ulcer, a duodenal ulcer, simply excessive stomach acid, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist for diagnosis and to assess whether further examinations or medication are necessary. Chang...[Read More] Understanding Your Digestive Discomfort: Is It a Stomach Ulcer?
Understanding Gastric Erosions vs. Ulcers: Can I Take Herbal Supplements?
Ulceration of the stomach and duodenum? Hello Dr. Tsai, I have gastroesophageal reflux disease. In December 2014, I underwent an endoscopy at National Taiwan University Hospital, and the results showed that I had abrasions in my stomach and duodenum. The doctor prescribed me with...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The term "broken skin" likely refers to a superficial mild ulcer, for which Naisan was prescribed. After treatment, there have been no further clinical symptoms of discomfort, indicating that it has likely healed. Therefore, the aforementioned components should n...[Read More] Understanding Gastric Erosions vs. Ulcers: Can I Take Herbal Supplements?
Understanding Duodenal Ulcers: When to Consult a Gastroenterologist
Duodenal ulcer On May 2nd, I was taken to the emergency department of a major hospital due to abdominal pain, where I was diagnosed with acute peritonitis and a gastrointestinal perforation (approximately the size of a fingertip). I underwent surgery performed by a general surgeo...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to visit a gastroenterologist after two weeks of taking Nexium to continue the prescription. Additionally, after the wound stabilizes, approximately 3 to 4 months into the medication, a follow-up endoscopy should be performed. If ulcers are still present,...[Read More] Understanding Duodenal Ulcers: When to Consult a Gastroenterologist
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Gastrointestinal issues Dr. Chen: I previously underwent an endoscopy and was told that I have gastroesophageal reflux, Helicobacter pylori, and multiple gastric erosions. Does this count as a gastric ulcer? I've been taking the medication prescribed by my doctor for over a ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. You are likely experiencing a mild gastric ulcer (erosion) along with gastrointestinal motility disorders. Dietary adjustments can be made, and you should collaborate with your physician for medication treatment. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidia...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Help
Unsure if it's gastrointestinal discomfort? On January 13th, I experienced persistent vomiting without diarrhea. The doctor diagnosed me with gastroenteritis and administered an antiemetic injection to stop the vomiting. However, as of today, I have eaten very little but oft...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Frequent feelings of fullness accompanied by nausea, bloating, and decreased bowel movements may be caused by conditions such as dyspepsia, gastritis, or peptic ulcers. Gastric obstruction is more serious and should be evaluated by a gastroenterologist for further investigation. ...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Appetite Changes and Acid Reflux: Causes and Solutions
I feel very hungry, but after eating, I often feel like vomiting. I frequently experience gastroesophageal reflux? My appetite fluctuates easily, but since this year's winter break, my appetite suddenly decreased significantly, and I lost 5 kilograms almost overnight. Recent...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
After eating, there is a feeling of tightness in the chest, as if something is blocking, accompanied by nausea and the urge to vomit, along with weight loss. Differential diagnoses include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, and pyloric obstru...[Read More] Understanding Appetite Changes and Acid Reflux: Causes and Solutions
Intermittent Sharp Pain Above the Navel: Causes and Concerns
Experiencing intermittent sharp pain above the navel? Hello doctor, for the past three days, I have been experiencing intermittent sharp pain about three fingerbreadths above my navel. The pain lasts for about 1 to 3 seconds and then subsides, but it reoccurs after some time thro...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Pain located about three fingers above the navel may involve organs such as the stomach, intestines, pancreas, and left lobe of the liver. Common causes include gastroenteritis and peptic ulcers. If accompanied by dizziness and fatigue, it may be necessary to check for anemia. It...[Read More] Intermittent Sharp Pain Above the Navel: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Gastrointestinal issues Hello, doctor. I've been experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort for almost two weeks now. I have seen a gastroenterologist, and I feel uncomfortable in my stomach after eating. There is no vomiting, and my stools are somewhat soft; I might be eating...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is possible that you have a peptic ulcer or gastritis. It is advisable to reduce the intake of irritating foods. If the condition does not improve, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Persistent Food Sensation in Throat and Blood in Stool: What to Do?
Food is stuck in the throat, and there is blood in the stool? Hello Dr. Lin, About half a month ago, I experienced indigestion and took some antacids, which resolved the issue after a few days. On February 15th, Monday, I noticed a small amount of blood in my stool, but my bowe...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. If food feels stuck in the throat, it is advisable to pay attention to dietary habits, avoid overeating, eat at a moderate pace, and limit the intake of fried foods that are hard to digest. If symptoms persist, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is recommended to check for ga...[Read More] Persistent Food Sensation in Throat and Blood in Stool: What to Do?
Understanding Stomach Discomfort: Is Ibuprofen the Culprit?
Sudden stomach discomfort? Hello Doctor, I am currently undergoing treatment for neck pain, and during this period, my doctor has prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications. I have been taking these medications for some time now. This morning, around 5 or 6 AM, I fe...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Pain relievers can easily cause peptic ulcers, and if necessary, gastric medications can be used in conjunction. It is advisable to discontinue the medication as soon as the pain subsides. Whether an immediate endoscopy is required should be determined by a clinical physic...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Discomfort: Is Ibuprofen the Culprit?
Is It GERD? Understanding Your Symptoms and Seeking Help
I would like to ask the doctor if this situation is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about some issues I've been experiencing recently, which started around the beginning of the week. Sometimes, even when I don't feel overly ful...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It could be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or it may be gastritis, peptic ulcer, or delayed gastric emptying. It could even be related to intestinal bloating (including gas or retained stool). It is recommended to avoid tea, coffee, smoking, and alcohol, and to ea...[Read More] Is It GERD? Understanding Your Symptoms and Seeking Help
Understanding Digestive Issues: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor: I am 21 years old. About a month ago, I vomited twice in one day, but I did not have diarrhea. Since then, I have experienced slight nausea after meals, but I do not have much stomach pain; in fact, I would say I have no significant sensation...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It could be inflammation or an ulcer. Whether a gastroscopy is necessary will depend on the clinical physician's assessment of the severity. Of course, excessive life stress or a very hectic lifestyle can potentially trigger stress ulcers or gastric spasms. It is advi...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Key Questions and Concerns
Could you please provide more details about the issue related to hepatitis B? Hello Doctor, I have a few questions regarding hepatitis B. I am 37 years old, and there is a high likelihood that my hepatitis B was transmitted vertically from my mother. 1. I have undergone two HBV...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Based on your description, the e-antigen has been negative for over a decade. The e-antigen indicates the replicative activity of the virus; essentially, "e-antigen negative chronic hepatitis" refers to the detection of a negative e-antigen. (2) Mild hepatiti...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Key Questions and Concerns
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Black Stool, Digestive Health, and More
Gastrointestinal questions? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a few questions: 1. About 6 days ago, I had diarrhea and passed stool that was dark black in color. The next day, after taking medication, my stool became more formed but smaller in size, and there were green, fuzzy...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Since you have just experienced diarrhea, your stool may temporarily appear thinner; you can continue to observe it and there's no need to worry too much. (2) After the intestinal mucosa heals, it should return to normal. (3) Sometimes gastroenteritis can lead to ...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Black Stool, Digestive Health, and More
Understanding Right Side Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Right abdominal pain? Hello, doctor! Recently, a family member has been experiencing discomfort in the right side of the abdomen, with intermittent pain but no hard lumps... It's been over a day! I would like to ask whether we should go to the emergency room or which departm...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Right-sided abdominal pain has several differential diagnoses, but there are certain conditions that are considered emergencies, such as cholecystitis, perforated peptic ulcer, appendicitis, or diverticulitis, among others. If the situation is urgent, it is advisable to go...[Read More] Understanding Right Side Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Appetite Changes and Digestive Issues: What You Need to Know
Appetite and bowel movements? Hello doctor, I've recently experienced a decrease in appetite, and even when I eat, I feel full after just a small amount. After two hours, I feel hungry again. I used to have issues with constipation, but that seems to have improved lately. Ho...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to follow a light diet, minimize the intake of stimulants and fried foods, and pay attention to your eating habits. If symptoms persist, such as indigestion or diarrhea, it is advisable to seek outpatient examination for possible inflammation or peptic ul...[Read More] Understanding Appetite Changes and Digestive Issues: What You Need to Know
Understanding Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Gastrointestinal Issues
Frequent intermittent dull pain in the right side of the abdomen? Irregular bowel movements are causing abdominal pain. Sometimes I experience constipation, going only once every 2 to 3 days with just a little bit. Other times, after eating something stimulating, I have a large b...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: For right upper abdominal pain, based on the anatomical location of the human body, you should consider: (1) peptic ulcer (duodenal ulcer) (2) ascending colon issues (constipation) (3) biliary diseases (gallstones) (4) kidney diseases (kidney stones with hydronephrosis) (5...[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Gastrointestinal Issues