Stomach, Gastroenterology and Hepatology FAQ

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Understanding Your Digestive Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice

Diarrhea can be caused by consuming contaminated food or may be due to other underlying issues? On Tuesday afternoon, I bought a cup of coffee at the hospital, and the staff there also drank it without any issues. That evening, I had the same meal as my family, and they were fine...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there are no specific symptoms, it is recommended to have a light diet in small amounts along with hydration, primarily focusing on carbohydrates, and then monitor the situation.

[Read More] Understanding Your Digestive Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice


Understanding Elevated Bilirubin and Cholesterol Levels: Next Steps for Diagnosis

Elevated levels of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and total cholesterol? Hello, doctor. I recently completed a health check-up, and the results that exceeded the normal range include total bilirubin at 2.88, direct bilirubin at 0.57, total cholesterol at 246, and urine showin...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Abnormal values (with normal ultrasound) are likely due to individual constitution and do not pose a long-term health risk; monitoring is sufficient. Cholesterol can be managed through diet and medication. Pain management can be addressed by consulting a pain specialist or a fami...

[Read More] Understanding Elevated Bilirubin and Cholesterol Levels: Next Steps for Diagnosis


Understanding Bowel Issues: Is It Constipation or Something Else?

Bowel issues Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been having daily bowel movements, but I still feel the urge to go even after I finish. When I sit on the toilet, I can't seem to pass anything more. The color of my stool appears normal, and there are no signs of it becoming thin...


Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello, Chen A-Lun. Based on your description, it seems you may be experiencing mild constipation. You can try drinking more water, increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, and exercising more to see if your condition improves. If the symptoms persist, it is advisable to c...

[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Is It Constipation or Something Else?


Understanding Stomach Ulcer Treatment: Duration and Medication Insights

Gastric ulcer medication Hello, I had an endoscopy last time and was diagnosed with a gastric ulcer. The doctor said I need to take the medication "Omeprazole" for four months. Do I really need to take the medication for four months to heal?


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
The treatment course for gastric ulcers varies depending on the underlying causes (such as the use of analgesics or Helicobacter pylori infection) and the size of the ulcer. Pharmacological treatment typically involves the use of proton pump inhibitors, which can improve symptoms...

[Read More] Understanding Stomach Ulcer Treatment: Duration and Medication Insights


Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Managing Hunger and Discomfort

Gastrointestinal issues Hello, doctor. I weigh 48 kg and am 170 cm tall. Due to work reasons, my sleep schedule is irregular, but I do have a consistent sleep pattern. About two weeks ago, I started feeling hungry every day. This hunger is tolerable, and eating provides some sens...


Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Hello, I'm not quite clear on what you mean by feeling hungry in your stomach every day. At what time and under what circumstances does this occur? If you have already sought medical attention, I recommend consulting your attending physician in person for clearer insights an...

[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Managing Hunger and Discomfort


Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Further Medical Help

Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor: Recently, I've been experiencing occasional bloating in my stomach, and sometimes when I eat, I also feel a sense of bloating along with some soreness in my back, but it goes away after a while. This sensation doesn't occur frequent...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is advisable to keep medications prepared in advance, pay attention to diet and daily routines, take medication when feeling unwell or when necessary, and record the reactions for future medical reference.

[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Further Medical Help


Understanding IBS: Why Travel Relieves Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain

Recurrent abdominal pain, flatulence, and diarrhea? Hello, doctor. At the end of April, I experienced discomfort in my stomach, so I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and a colonoscopy in May. The results showed that there were no issues with the colon, but there was ...


Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Mr. Jack: It may be advisable to discuss with your physician whether to first evaluate the situation regarding the original gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and CT scan. Dr. Cai Jin-ji, Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology, Nantou Hospital.

[Read More] Understanding IBS: Why Travel Relieves Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain


Understanding Bowel Movements and Gas: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

I have been experiencing intestinal peristalsis and issues with flatulence over the past few days? Hello, doctor. I previously asked some questions regarding gastroesophageal reflux, fresh blood on toilet paper after bowel movements, and abdominal tenderness upon palpation. Curre...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Fruits and vegetables/dietary fiber can promote peristalsis/bowel movements/gas expulsion, so please adjust the intake accordingly.

[Read More] Understanding Bowel Movements and Gas: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?


Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Results: What You Need to Know

Issues related to abdominal ultrasound? About a year ago, I visited a hospital's hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department due to stomach discomfort. The doctor arranged for an ultrasound and endoscopy. During the follow-up appointment, the doctor only mentioned that I h...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There should be no special findings, but please monitor for any signs of hepatitis B or liver function.

[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Results: What You Need to Know


Understanding Low-Grade Esophageal Variations: Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Low-grade esophageal dysplasia? Hello Doctor: Below is the endoscopy report from last month. The physician advised that my esophagus needs to be addressed promptly (endoscopic RFA). I have been trying to adjust my lifestyle for the past two years, but I have not been able to achi...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
If the endoscopic biopsy shows Barrett's esophagus with dysplastic lesions, consideration may be given to applying endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat the lesions. This is to prevent low-grade dysplasia from progressing to high-grade dysplasia and to prevent hi...

[Read More] Understanding Low-Grade Esophageal Variations: Diagnosis and Treatment Options


Understanding Bloating: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues

Gastrointestinal bloating Hello Doctor: Before I had an upset stomach, I could consume foods like bananas, purple rice, and soy milk without experiencing bloating. Since I had an upset stomach, I took gastrointestinal medication prescribed by a general practitioner for about two ...


Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
It is recommended to: 1. Avoid gas-producing, coarse, or high-fiber foods, such as legumes, onions, potatoes, milk, carbonated beverages, and limit sweets. 2. Do not drink too much soup or liquid during meals; instead, hydrate between meals. 3. Follow the principle of eating smal...

[Read More] Understanding Bloating: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues


Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Dietary Solutions

Gastrointestinal discomfort for about a week? Hello Doctor: I had fried takeout for lunch on Tuesday, and prior to that, I had takeout for three consecutive days, which resulted in an unbalanced diet and poor lifestyle. Starting Tuesday night, I began to feel constipated, spendin...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please maintain a balanced diet, eat more fruits and vegetables (such as bananas), and drink plenty of water. Take a walk after meals instead of sitting for long periods, and consider using medication as needed for assistance.

[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Dietary Solutions


Safe Pain Relief Options for Patients with Stomach Ulcers

Medication Issues for Peptic Ulcers Hello, doctor. A family member has a severe gastric ulcer and has previously been hospitalized for bleeding and received a blood transfusion. We suspect that the long-term use of pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication (PBF "NAPTONS.R...


Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding should be evaluated by a physician to determine the appropriateness of using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for treatment. If the patient has a long-term migraine issue, it is advisable t...

[Read More] Safe Pain Relief Options for Patients with Stomach Ulcers


Why Is My Stomach Growling Loudly? Causes and Solutions Explained

The abdominal sounds suddenly became very loud? Hello, doctor. Since I started university, I often have to stay up late for my studies (sleeping around 1 to 3 AM), and I have also started drinking coffee. However, I have noticed that my stomach growls very loudly, whether I am hu...


Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Borborygmi is the sound produced by the movement of the intestines during peristalsis. It can be triggered by water, food, air, or hunger and is considered a normal physiological phenomenon. If the sounds are louder or more frequent but are not accompanied by other symptoms such ...

[Read More] Why Is My Stomach Growling Loudly? Causes and Solutions Explained


Understanding Muddy Stool: Gastrointestinal Concerns and Next Steps

Gastrointestinal and bowel-related issues? Hello Doctor: For the past 5-7 days, my stools have been muddy and coffee-colored. Prior to this, I experienced stomach pain and bloating, which led me to visit the emergency room for blood and urine tests. The emergency physician indica...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea improved after medication, but after three days, there are still gastrointestinal discomfort, poor appetite, and muddy, coffee-colored stools. It is possible that the gastroenteritis has not completely resolved. It is recommended to pay atte...

[Read More] Understanding Muddy Stool: Gastrointestinal Concerns and Next Steps


Understanding Persistent Candida in the Esophagus: Causes and Concerns

Esophageal candidiasis? Dr. Chen: Hello, I have intestinal metaplasia in my stomach, so I undergo annual gastroscopy for monitoring. However, each time I find that there is Candida in my esophagus. Although the doctor has prescribed Fluconazole, it still appears every year. My at...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Related to personal immunity, blood sugar, peristalsis, and gastric acid, they are mostly harmless, but it is still advisable to understand the causes and seek treatment as necessary.

[Read More] Understanding Persistent Candida in the Esophagus: Causes and Concerns


Understanding Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Remedies

Upper abdominal discomfort or pain? In the middle of the night, I suddenly experienced a feeling of pressure and discomfort in my upper abdomen, but it wasn't very painful—just a dull ache that gradually lessened, allowing me to fall back asleep. A few hours later, I was awa...


Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
It is advisable to observe whether dietary factors are causing the discomfort. If the pain persists, please seek medical attention promptly. Thank you.

[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Remedies


Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Is It Related to the Pancreas?

Upper abdominal pain, abdominal ultrasound concerns? Hello Doctor, over the past year, I have occasionally experienced pain in the upper abdomen, particularly in the left upper quadrant. There is usually a specific point that is painful when pressed, and sometimes it seems to be ...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Pain in the upper left abdomen is more commonly associated with issues related to gastric acid. Pancreatic problems are less likely unless there is a history of long-term alcohol consumption or hypertriglyceridemia. If the symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a gas...

[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Is It Related to the Pancreas?


Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions

Occasional discomfort in the right upper abdomen? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing occasional discomfort in my upper right abdomen for the past 3 to 4 months. The discomfort is located approximately at the junction of the upper right abdomen and the rib cage, and it feels l...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Some individuals may experience similar discomfort, which could be related to peristaltic digestion. Dietary adjustments and medication can help manage the symptoms, and long-term follow-up will likely lead to improvement, so please rest assured.

[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions


Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: Symptoms and Solutions

Gastrointestinal discomfort? Doctor, I have been experiencing increased saliva production with foam in my mouth due to gastroesophageal reflux lately. Could this be caused by stomach acid? I also feel a tightness in my chest!


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is recommended to manage medication for treatment and to limit the intake of acidic and sweet foods, as well as coffee.

[Read More] Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: Symptoms and Solutions


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