Understanding Stomach Ulcers and IBS: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Gastric ulcer issues? Hello Doctor: In early January of this year, I experienced abdominal pain and bloating, so I underwent a gastroscopy, which revealed that I had a gastric ulcer and gastritis. The colon only had benign polyps. I was prescribed a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) fo...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, after improvement of the gastric ulcer, abdominal pain and bloating still occur daily, and there are occasional episodes of constipation and flatulence. For gastric ulcers and gastritis, it is important to pay attention to diet: avoid eating too quickly and refrain from co...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Ulcers and IBS: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Red Stool: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
The stool color is reddish? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have noticed that my stool sometimes appears reddish, specifically a bright yellowish-red color. Along with this, I have the following additional symptoms and would like to ask what possible causes there might be and whether ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 22-year-old female has red-colored stools, which may be due to certain foods that can cause red stools. It is important to check for rectal bleeding, as common causes include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, polyps, colitis, and potentially cancer. Iron deficiency anemia may ...[Read More] Understanding Red Stool: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Post-Ulcer Complications: Understanding Ongoing Abdominal Pain and Bloating
Issues Following Gastric Ulcers Hello Doctor: In early January 2021, I noticed persistent abdominal bloating and pain, so I went to the hospital for a gastroscopy, which revealed a gastric ulcer and inflammation. The colon only had benign polyps. After taking the PPI medication p...
Dr. Zhang Kebin Reply:
Hello Jack: You report persistent abdominal bloating and pain. After undergoing colonoscopy and gastroscopy, you still experience abdominal pain and bloating. You later visited a clinic and received treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, but the results were unsatisfactory. You ...[Read More] Post-Ulcer Complications: Understanding Ongoing Abdominal Pain and Bloating
Understanding Blood in Stool: When to See a Doctor for Concerns
Blood in stool Hello, doctor. I have regular bowel movements every 2 to 3 days. Recently, I've noticed a small amount of bright red blood at the end of my stool on the 6th, 1st, and 3rd days. For example, this afternoon I had a bowel movement without blood, but just now in t...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, For a 40-year-old male with rectal bleeding, differential diagnoses include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, polyps, colitis, and colorectal cancer. It is recommended to follow up with a colorectal or gastroenterology clinic to confirm whether the diagnosis is hemorrhoids. Pr...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: When to See a Doctor for Concerns
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Insights on Bowel Health and Diet
Gastrointestinal issues Hello, doctor. Due to the lockdown caused by the pandemic, since October, I have been experiencing bowel movements 2-3 times a week. The first one is usually normal (Bristol Stool Type 4), while the second one is diarrhea (Bristol Stool Types 5-6). This oc...
Dr. Zhang Kebin Reply:
Hello Mr. Hsiao: You reported that your bowel habits and frequency have been unstable recently, and you are concerned about the risk of cancer? The risk of colorectal cancer is usually associated with age, a diet high in red meat, smoking, a family history of polyps, and a family...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Insights on Bowel Health and Diet
Persistent Diarrhea After Flu Shot: What to Do Next?
If taking anti-diarrheal medication is ineffective and diarrhea persists, what should be done? Hello Doctor: My father had a colonoscopy at the end of October, and the doctor said there were no polyps. The next day, he went to get the flu vaccine, and since then, he has been expe...
Dr. Zhang Kebin Reply:
Dear Ms. Ya, You reported that your father has been experiencing diarrhea for a month. Here are the responses to your questions: 1. Will he experience diarrhea after a colonoscopy, or could it be related to the flu vaccine? => A colonoscopy is a physical examination and shou...[Read More] Persistent Diarrhea After Flu Shot: What to Do Next?
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Insights into Gastrointestinal Issues
Abdominal issues? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing pain in the upper right quadrant of my abdomen for the past six months. I underwent an ultrasound which revealed fatty liver and gallbladder polyps, and an endoscopy indicated mild gastritis. A few weeks later, I suddenly d...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, your comprehensive examinations are sufficient to diagnose diseases of all abdominal organs. However, functional issues such as abnormal peristalsis, irritable bowel syndrome; metabolic disorders (such as thyroid dysfunction, blood sugar abnormalities; or rarer conditions ...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Insights into Gastrointestinal Issues
Persistent Discomfort in the Upper Right Abdomen: Causes and Next Steps
Persistent discomfort in the right upper abdomen? For the past two months, I have been experiencing a tight, burning sensation in the upper right part of my abdomen (approximately from just above the navel to just below the lower rib margin). At the end of last month, I had an ab...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, since you have already undergone abdominal ultrasound, gastroscopy, and colonoscopy, most diseases in the right upper abdomen can be diagnosed. You may want to review your dietary habits to see if they are contributing to your gastric discomfort, such as the consumption of...[Read More] Persistent Discomfort in the Upper Right Abdomen: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Stool Shape: Signs of Potential Colon Issues
Stool shape Hello Doctor: I would like to ask, if during bowel movements my stool is formed but accompanied by irregular small pieces (with a feeling of incomplete evacuation) and this has persisted for 2 to 3 years, could it be due to the presence of polyps in the colon? Additio...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, the shape of your stool can be influenced by your diet and is not necessarily caused by polyps. It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist, who can determine whether a colonoscopy is necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Stool Shape: Signs of Potential Colon Issues
Exploring Safe Endoscopic Options for Gastric Polyp Removal
Gastric polypectomy Hello, Vice President Chen! My sister underwent partial gastrectomy for stomach cancer seven years ago and has been monitored every six months since. In recent examinations, polyps have been found at the surgical site, growing to about 5 cm. The physician has ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
After evaluation/preparation by a qualified physician, most slender polyps can be removed using electrocautery with argon plasma coagulation for hemostasis.[Read More] Exploring Safe Endoscopic Options for Gastric Polyp Removal
Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Tightness and Heat Sensation
Tightness and a prickling heat sensation in the upper right abdomen? Recently, I have been experiencing a tight sensation in the upper right abdomen (approximately from above the navel to just below the rib cage) that feels warm at times. This has persisted for about a month and ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
First, apply local heat therapy and observe. Avoid vigorous exercise or local strain, and return for a follow-up if necessary.[Read More] Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Tightness and Heat Sensation
Understanding Abdominal Pain Around the Belly Button: Causes and Concerns
Pain around the abdominal umbilical region? Pain around the navel area? The doctor would like to ask what this could be. After eating, there is a cramping sensation near the navel, which occurs at a fixed time in the morning after breakfast, around eleven o'clock, when there...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may just be an abnormality in gastrointestinal motility; further observation is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain Around the Belly Button: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Constipation and IBS Symptoms Explained
Gastrointestinal issues, bowel problems? Hello, doctor. In September of this year, I traveled to another city and experienced some difficulty using the toilet, resulting in 1-2 days without a bowel movement, which may have led to constipation. After that, I started having bowel m...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It should be a short-term digestive/motility disorder (symptoms lasting over 6 months would be typical of irritable bowel syndrome). A diet low in oil and dairy, along with medication management, should suffice.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Constipation and IBS Symptoms Explained
Understanding Unexplained Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Loose Stools and Acid Reflux
Gastrointestinal and gastroesophageal reflux issues? I have been experiencing loose and unformed stools for a long time. On several occasions, after using the restroom, I noticed fresh blood similar to that from a ruptured hemorrhoid (not from an anal fissure). I also frequently ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you continue to have symptoms, gastroesophageal reflux may require changes in your dietary and lifestyle habits. Avoid prolonged sitting or standing to prevent varicose veins, which may help improve your symptoms. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-s...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Loose Stools and Acid Reflux
Chronic Nighttime Stomach Pain and Back Discomfort: Seeking Relief
Frequent nighttime stomach pain accompanied by back pain? I often experience stomach pain accompanied by back pain at night, and the pain lasts for about 10 hours until the next day, making it impossible to sleep. After seeing a doctor and undergoing tests, no Helicobacter pylori...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: In addition to medication, it is important to review and improve dietary habits and lifestyle factors that may contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If the issue is not related to the stomach, we should also rule out problems with the liver, gallbladder, pa...[Read More] Chronic Nighttime Stomach Pain and Back Discomfort: Seeking Relief
Understanding Positive Fecal Occult Blood: Causes and Concerns
Possible causes of positive fecal occult blood test? Hello, doctor. Recently, I started experiencing pain in my lower left abdomen, and I underwent a stool test. During the stool sample collection, I noticed that the color at the front was particularly dark, and the result came b...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A positive test result suggests that you should undergo another colonoscopy. There are many reasons for a positive fecal occult blood test, including gastric ulcers, enteritis, hemorrhoids, polyps, and cancer. Any potential source of bleeding could lead to a positive resul...[Read More] Understanding Positive Fecal Occult Blood: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Weekly Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Health
Diarrhea once a week? Hello Doctor: Since I had diarrhea after drinking yogurt two months ago, my bowel movements have been softer for the past two months. Recently, I have been experiencing diarrhea once a week for the past month (with watery stools), and it occurs at the same t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely a case of abnormal gastrointestinal motility (irritable bowel syndrome), which can be managed with dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and medication.[Read More] Understanding Weekly Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Health
Understanding Dysphagia: When to Seek Further Gastroenterology Care
Dysphagia Hello, Doctor. I have been experiencing sudden difficulty swallowing for the past six months. I have seen specialists in otolaryngology, rehabilitation, and gastroenterology. The otolaryngology examinations showed no abnormalities, and the rehabilitation specialists ref...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You can go to a medical center to examine esophageal motility function/swallowing function.[Read More] Understanding Dysphagia: When to Seek Further Gastroenterology Care
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: When to Worry and Next Steps
Gallbladder polyp Hello Doctor, I recently underwent a health check-up at my own expense due to some health issues. An abdominal ultrasound indicated that I have a gallbladder polyp measuring 0.7 cm. The doctor asked if it had been present before and mentioned that if it exceeds ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. Follow-up can be done annually, and most lesions do not grow larger or grow very slowly. 2. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy can provide a better view of the throat entrance, but it can be quite uncomfortable; sedation (out-of-pocket expense) is recommended if necessary.[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: When to Worry and Next Steps
Unexplained Weight Loss and Duodenal Ulcer: Seeking Answers
Continuous weight loss, diagnosed with duodenal ulcer, and blood tests show no issues? Hello Dr. Tsai, I am 31 years old. From August 11 to August 23, I experienced a rapid weight loss of 4 kilograms. My diet and appetite have been normal, but my weight dropped from 78.5 kg to 74...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Mr. Vincent: I would like to know from what weight you started to lose and how long it has been? Do you have any other symptoms? I recommend consulting your physician to see if a referral to another specialty, such as endocrinology or others, is necessary. Director Cai Jin-...[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss and Duodenal Ulcer: Seeking Answers