Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Sleep Problems and Liver Health
Hello, doctor? Hello, Doctor! I have been unable to sleep in July and August this year, only falling asleep around 7 AM the next day. I have a long history of insomnia and irregular sleep patterns, but it was particularly severe this past July and August. In September, while taki...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. Fecal occult blood testing can be performed. 2. Eliminate poor dietary habits / weight loss. 3. Medications may be necessary to manage digestive symptoms. 4. Psychological evaluation may be needed for insomnia medication.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Sleep Problems and Liver Health
Understanding Persistent GERD: Causes, Treatment, and Weight Loss Concerns
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Doctor, I have a question. Since June until now, I had an endoscopy in September, which showed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastric erosion, and mild esophagitis. I have been taking medication prescribed by the hospital since mid-...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is necessary to schedule an earlier follow-up appointment to discuss adjustments to medication or tests.[Read More] Understanding Persistent GERD: Causes, Treatment, and Weight Loss Concerns
Can Fatty Liver Disease Be Reversed? Understanding Your Health Risks
Fatty liver disease issues? Hello, doctor. During my recent health check-up, my liver enzymes were slightly abnormal. After an ultrasound, I was diagnosed with mild fatty liver disease. I am already planning to lose weight. I would like to know if this condition can be cured. I a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Weight loss can lead to a cure.[Read More] Can Fatty Liver Disease Be Reversed? Understanding Your Health Risks
Managing Nausea and GERD: Insights from Gastroenterology
Dry heaving, nausea, gastritis, GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) Q: After lying down and getting up, I feel nauseous and need to eat or drink something to alleviate it. Examination: Gastritis (no Helicobacter pylori), excessive gastric acid after 8 hours of NPO, gastroesoph...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Medication can be discussed with the primary care physician (medications to be taken at bedtime? Some may require out-of-pocket expenses?) along with weight loss, increased physical activity, and dietary adjustments.[Read More] Managing Nausea and GERD: Insights from Gastroenterology
Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Abnormal liver function tests? Hello, doctor. I have always had a high body weight. In July of this year, I had a blood test that revealed abnormal liver enzyme levels (AST 69 / ALT 147 / GGT 155). The doctor suspected that this might be related to the fact that I had chickenpox ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Fatty liver disease, drug-induced/alcoholic hepatitis, and even autoimmune hepatitis are possible conditions that require diagnosis and treatment by a hepatologist. Dietary changes, exercise, weight loss, and abstaining from alcohol are initial steps that can be taken independent...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Right Side Abdominal Pain and Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Sharp pain below the right rib cage. Abdominal bloating, gastrointestinal distension? Hello, Doctor. I currently have two issues: 1. I experience sharp pain in the right side of my waist (below the rib cage) after bowel movements. It feels like a burning pain even when I haven&...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Mr. Zhang Ke0: How long have you been experiencing this condition? Have you had any previous illnesses? What diagnoses did your previous doctors provide? What does the CT scan report indicate? Are there any other reports? It is recommended that you discuss the follow-up tre...[Read More] Understanding Right Side Abdominal Pain and Bloating: Causes and Solutions
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 Right Side Abdominal Pain and Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Sharp pain below the right rib cage. Abdominal bloating and pain? Hello Doctor, I currently have two issues: 1. I experience sharp pain in the right side of my waist (below the rib cage) after bowel movements. It feels like a burning pain even when I haven't eaten anythi...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is still recommended that a clinical physician make the assessment and arrange appropriate examinations. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Right Side Abdominal Pain and Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Assessing Colorectal Cancer Risk: Family History and Symptoms
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello Doctor, the issue I mentioned last time has not recurred in the past two weeks. However, after asking my family, I found out that my grandfather's brother had colon cancer but recovered after hospitalization when he was in...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There is no objection to starting fecal occult blood testing at age 40 and undergoing a colonoscopy every 5 to 10 years, along with actively pursuing weight loss.[Read More] Assessing Colorectal Cancer Risk: Family History and Symptoms
Understanding Right Side Abdominal Pain: Causes and Diagnostic Approaches
Sharp pain below the right rib cage. Abdominal bloating and pain? Hello, Doctor. I'm not sure if my previous message was sent, so I'm asking again. I currently have two issues: 1. I experience sharp pain in the right side of my abdomen (below the rib cage) after bowel...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A complete examination has been conducted. Please follow the physician's medication and dietary recommendations, and continue to monitor your condition.[Read More] Understanding Right Side Abdominal Pain: Causes and Diagnostic Approaches
Understanding Floating Oil in Stool: Is It Normal?
Floating stools with an oily appearance? In recent weeks, I have noticed that after bowel movements, there are several strands of oil floating on the surface of the water, similar to the oiliness you see when you drink water after having oily food. The stools are mostly loose, un...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Maintain a normal weight and reduce greasy foods in your diet.[Read More] Understanding Floating Oil in Stool: Is It Normal?
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Rectal bleeding Hello doctor, I have been experiencing constipation issues for a long time. Since I started losing weight in the first half of the year, it has worsened. I usually drink at least 2000cc of water and eat more vegetables, which has helped me have a bowel movement ev...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The highest likelihood of bleeding occurs with combined constipation, hemorrhoids, or anal fissures. If the frequency of bleeding is too high or the volume of bleeding is excessive, please consult a gastroenterologist or a colorectal specialist to evaluate whether a colono...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Morning Nausea and Evening Discomfort: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
Poor appetite in the morning and discomfort in the stomach at night? Hello, doctor. Ever since I had a bout of gastroenteritis, my digestive system has been quite poor. I have been experiencing frequent burping and nausea, along with a feeling of bloating in my stomach. I visited...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: For gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it is essential to prioritize adjustments in dietary and lifestyle habits. If symptoms are more pronounced in the evening, it is advisable to have a light dinner (primarily consisting of bland and easily digestible foods) and to ...[Read More] Morning Nausea and Evening Discomfort: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
Nutritional Support for Elderly with Poor Gastrointestinal Absorption
Elderly individuals often have poor gastrointestinal absorption function? Hello, Doctor! My grandmother is 85 years old. She underwent abdominal surgery in her youth, during which part of her necrotic small intestine (approximately 30 centimeters) was resected. A few years ago, s...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: If you have had surgery on your small intestine, please pay attention to the supplementation of vitamins and trace elements such as zinc, potassium, iron supplements, and digestive aids. If you experience dizziness, be aware of the possibility of anemia. For tube feeding, ...[Read More] Nutritional Support for Elderly with Poor Gastrointestinal Absorption
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
Understanding Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Abdominal Issues: Diarrhea Hello Doctor, I am 18 years old and for the past few weeks, I have noticed an increase in my bowel movements. Previously, I would have a bowel movement every 2 to 3 days, but recently it seems to be daily, and the stools are loose and watery without any...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If there are no obvious signs of infection (such as fever, muscle pain, etc.), it is important to consider whether dietary factors are contributing (such as spoiled or irritating foods). Additionally, if anxiety or emotional stress is present, consider the possibility of i...[Read More] Understanding Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Understanding Fatty Liver: Causes, Risks, and Dietary Solutions
Fatty liver disease issues? Hello Doctor, I have abnormal liver enzyme levels from a blood test: GOT=30 and GPT=52 (with normal values being below 40). My previous blood tests were normal, and this time it is abnormal. The doctor arranged for me to have an ultrasound, which indic...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Severe fatty liver disease (high liver fat content) can lead to liver inflammation (i.e., steatohepatitis), and over time (over several decades), there is a risk of cirrhosis (which can be assessed through out-of-pocket fibrosis markers) and an increased likelihood of developing ...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Causes, Risks, and Dietary Solutions
Do I Need Ongoing Treatment for Mild Acid Reflux? Understanding Risks and Management
Is it necessary to have regular check-ups for mild gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) until it is completely resolved? Hello Doctor, I am 23 years old and have undergone gastroscopy which indicated grade A mild reflux. Over the past ten years, I have had several check-ups wit...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. If there are no symptoms, medication is not necessary. It is sufficient to pay attention to dietary and lifestyle adjustments. Tea (black tea/green tea/milk tea), coffee, chocolate, sweets, spicy foods, fried foods, high-fat, and high-protein foods, as well as being und...[Read More] Do I Need Ongoing Treatment for Mild Acid Reflux? Understanding Risks and Management
Is It Safe for Elderly with Hepatitis B to Get the COVID Vaccine?
I would like to inquire whether my health condition is suitable for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? Hello, doctor. I have an elderly female relative at home who is nearly eighty years old and has hepatitis B. She often develops rashes, and I am unsure if this is related to liver ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The contraindications for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine include allergies to vaccine components. Vaccination should be avoided during acute infections. Individuals with unstable chronic diseases or those who are significantly underweight should not receive the vaccine. Ol...[Read More] Is It Safe for Elderly with Hepatitis B to Get the COVID Vaccine?
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Right lower abdominal pain? Hello Dr. Lin: About a year ago, I started feeling a slight, intermittent pain or a sensation of foreign body in the lower right abdomen (approximately 15 cm to the right of the navel). This year, I underwent gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and abdominal ult...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 51-year-old male is experiencing intermittent pain in the right lower abdomen. He has undergone gastroscopy and abdominal ultrasound, which revealed polyps in the colon. The ultrasound also indicated moderate fatty liver and abnormal liver enzymes (GOT, GPT), suggesting ...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps