Understanding Abnormal Stool: Yellow Mucus and Red Discoloration Concerns
Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. Lin, Hello. Recently, due to the hot weather, I may not be drinking enough water, which has led to hard stools and some constipation. Today, after having a bowel movement, I noticed that my stool was hard, dark brown, and formed into small pieces. N...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
#1. Normal bowel movements may sometimes contain mucus due to the shedding of epithelial tissue. However, if the mucus is excessive, foul-smelling, or contains blood, it is considered abnormal. #2. The presence of mucus and red coloration in stool may be caused by the consumption...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Stool: Yellow Mucus and Red Discoloration Concerns
Understanding Elevated CEA Levels and Low AST: Key Concerns and Next Steps
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) issues and AST issues? Hello, doctor. I have no history of smoking, but I recently received a report indicating that two indices from my company health check last month were abnormal: carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was elevated at 5.6 ng/ml, and liv...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A low AST level is likely due to low muscle mass rather than a disease. The interpretation of a high CEA level can vary among physicians; it is advisable to consult an oncologist. Strategy 1 is to undergo a comprehensive examination at your own expense, while Strategy 2 is to mon...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CEA Levels and Low AST: Key Concerns and Next Steps
Understanding Anal Polyps: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Anal polyps Hello doctor, I recently noticed that I have developed some reddish polyps near my anus. It started with just one, but for some reason, it has suddenly increased in number. There is no pain or foreign body sensation, and I can still have normal bowel movements. Howeve...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You can seek treatment at a colorectal surgery clinic.[Read More] Understanding Anal Polyps: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Growth Rates, Risks, and Management Options
Gallbladder polyp Hello Doctor, I am a 30-year-old male. During an employee health check in May 2023, an abdominal ultrasound revealed a gallbladder polyp measuring 0.67 cm. I reviewed last year's health check record (August 2022), where the polyp was 0.3 cm. In less than a ...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to bring your health check report to the gastroenterology clinic for evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Growth Rates, Risks, and Management Options
Changes in Stool Shape: Could Polyps or Medication Be the Cause?
Stool-related: Over the past two weeks, the stool has become thin and elongated? Hello, Doctor! I underwent a colonoscopy at the beginning of February this year. The results showed that my bowel preparation was good, and there was a 0.2 cm hyperplastic polyp in the rectum, which ...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Hello, the shape of stool is related to diet or diseases. It is advisable to continue monitoring. If there is a family history of illness or any concerns, a medical evaluation is recommended. Thank you.[Read More] Changes in Stool Shape: Could Polyps or Medication Be the Cause?
Changes in Bowel Habits: Understanding Symptoms and Risks
Changes in bowel habits and other symptoms? The family has a history of colorectal cancer. Three weeks ago, bowel movements suddenly increased from once a day to three times a day, concentrated in the evening within an hour. There is a sensation of incomplete evacuation after def...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Hello, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. Thank you.[Read More] Changes in Bowel Habits: Understanding Symptoms and Risks
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Gastrointestinal Health
Rectal bleeding I would like to ask about recent bowel movements. For the past few days, I've noticed blood at the end of my stool, and sometimes there's a bit of blood on the first wipe with toilet paper. Today, I experienced significant pain in my rectum before having...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
If you experience rectal bleeding and anemia, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist or a colorectal specialist for examination. Taking iron supplements may cause darker stool color. Common causes of blood in the stool include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, enteritis, pol...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Gastrointestinal Health
Long-Term Use of Medications: Impact on Gastrointestinal Health and Function
Taking Nizatidine and Omeprazole for more than 5 years, could it affect gastrointestinal function? Recently, due to the discontinuation of Laxative, taking fiber supplements has caused severe bloating and pain. Two years ago, a colonoscopy revealed black bowel syndrome, and the d...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Anemia is not related to gastrointestinal medications, but it is recommended to investigate the underlying cause (hematology). Stomach medications can be reduced in intensity (lower dosage or switch medications) or taken only when necessary. Laxatives are often needed due to indi...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Medications: Impact on Gastrointestinal Health and Function
Understanding Bowel Issues: Symptoms, Concerns, and Possible Causes
Bowel issues Hello Doctor, I am 18 years old. Recently, I have been feeling bloated and have the urge to have a bowel movement, but I am unable to pass stool or only produce small, pellet-like stools. Last week, there was a day when I noticed light red blood around my stool, and ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Further observation is possible; if there is too much concern, a stool occult blood test can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Symptoms, Concerns, and Possible Causes
Understanding Fundic Gland Polyps: What You Need to Know After a Gastroscopy
Gastric fundic gland polyps? Hello, Doctor. I had an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at a large hospital and discovered polyps. Two weeks later, during a follow-up appointment, the doctor said the biopsy results indicated fundic gland polyps in the stomach and that there was no ...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Hello, please trust your examination and your attending physician. If you have concerns about family history, it is advisable to schedule a follow-up appointment for the doctor to evaluate. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Fundic Gland Polyps: What You Need to Know After a Gastroscopy
Understanding Diverticula and Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test Results
Diverticula & Fecal Occult Blood Test Hello, doctor. I underwent a colonoscopy in early March this year, and the results showed no tumors or polyps, but I have internal hemorrhoids and one diverticulum. Recently, I had a stool test, and the fecal occult blood test came back p...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of occult blood, including conditions such as moles, polyps, and tumors, as well as enteritis or other gastrointestinal bleeding. A physician should evaluate whether further examination is necessary. Diverticula refer to the degeneration of the muscul...[Read More] Understanding Diverticula and Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test Results
Understanding Chronic Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Sudden constipation for several days accompanied by a sensation of gastrointestinal motility? Hello, doctor. I have had constipation since childhood, and despite paying close attention to nutrition, consuming adequate fiber, starch, fats, and proteins, and drinking 2800cc of wate...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If your dietary habits are already normal, it is not uncommon to have infrequent bowel movements due to a smaller food intake. It is important to respond to the urge to defecate immediately; otherwise, the stool may become hard and difficult to pass. It is acceptable to ha...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Understanding Blood in Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns
Diarrhea with bleeding Hello doctor, every time I have diarrhea, it starts off normal, but after several episodes, I end up passing mucus with blood. Is this due to damage to the intestinal mucosa, an issue with the small intestine, or could it be another condition? (I had a colo...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there is only temporary mucosal damage, observation and treatment for diarrhea can continue. If there is also weight loss, further medical evaluation should be sought to determine the cause.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Fundic Gland Polyps: Concerns and Recommendations for Young Adults
Gastric fundic gland polyps Hello Doctor, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at a large hospital, and the physician who performed the procedure was different from the one I consulted afterward. During the procedure, I was informed that there were polyps taken for bio...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Small gastric polyps are a common occurrence.[Read More] Understanding Fundic Gland Polyps: Concerns and Recommendations for Young Adults
Post-Colonoscopy Numbness: Understanding Uncommon Side Effects
Experiencing numbness after a colonoscopy? Hello, doctor. I had a painless colonoscopy today at noon, and the doctor said I had no polyps. I was told I could eat normally after returning home. However, when I got home around one o'clock, I experienced numbness in my chin, th...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello A-Zhi: It is recommended to consult your attending physician for a clearer evaluation. Director Cai Jin-ji of the Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology at Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Post-Colonoscopy Numbness: Understanding Uncommon Side Effects
Understanding Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test After Colonoscopy
Fecal occult blood Hello doctor, I underwent a complete colonoscopy on March 1st of this year, which showed no polyps or tumors. However, on March 15th, a stool test indicated a positive result for occult blood. Is this considered normal, or should I undergo another colonoscopy?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please discuss with the attending physician whether a repeat stool test is necessary or if an examination of the stomach/small intestine is required.[Read More] Understanding Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test After Colonoscopy
Understanding Flat and Wide Stools: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Flat and wide stools? Hello Doctor: Since I had a colonoscopy last September and had three polyps (which were treated), my stools have been soft and formed, but they are flat and wide. I also had a fecal occult blood test that came back normal. I am very concerned that my stools ...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Hello! Based on your description: the stool is flat, wide, and thick with a clay color, and it is soft and formed, so there should be no excessive concern. However, if you have any doubts, it is recommended to consult a physician at an outpatient clinic. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Flat and Wide Stools: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Bowel Noises and Blood in Stool: When to Seek Help
Borborygmi and rectal bleeding issues? I usually go to bed around 1 to 2 AM and wake up between 8 and 9 AM. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I have dinner around 9 PM due to work, but I eat normally at other times. However, I don't often have breakfast because of my classes. Since...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Ms. M: Due to your family history and the presence of blood in your stool, it is recommended that you schedule a colonoscopy for further evaluation. This would be the best course of action. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Noises and Blood in Stool: When to Seek Help
Understanding Abdominal Noises and Blood in Stool: When to Seek Help
Supine position with bowel sounds + blood in stool? Hello, since early November, whenever I lie down, I experience loud gurgling sounds (similar to croaking), which I have never experienced before. I have tried taking probiotics and yogurt, but there has been no improvement. I ha...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Borborygmi is simply the sound of intestinal peristalsis being more pronounced, which can be more easily stimulated by fruits and vegetables; it is harmless. Additionally, for bleeding, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist to confirm whether it is due to hemorrhoids or...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Noises and Blood in Stool: When to Seek Help
Understanding Gallbladder Distension: Insights from Ultrasound and CT Reports
I would like to inquire about gallbladder dilation? The ultrasound report states that the common bile duct is not dilated, and there are findings of moderate gallbladder polyps and gallbladder cholesterosis. However, the CT report indicates moderate distension of the gallbladder,...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Hello! If you undergo an abdominal ultrasound and CT scan at the hospital, you should return for a follow-up appointment to review the results one week later. At that time, please have the attending physician explain the findings to you. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Distension: Insights from Ultrasound and CT Reports