Occasional Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns Explained
Occasional sharp or cramping pain in the upper left abdomen? Since yesterday, I have been experiencing occasional sharp or cramping pain in the upper left abdomen near the rib cage, with varying intervals. I had an abdominal ultrasound two months ago, which showed mild fatty live...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Further observation is recommended. If symptoms worsen or there is significant weight loss, consider further examination.[Read More] Occasional Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns Explained
Understanding Long-term Bloating and Changes in Bowel Habits
Chronic bloating and changes in bowel habits? Hello Doctor, thank you for answering my questions. I am a 19-year-old student. Since early December 2019, I have been experiencing upper abdominal bloating. After undergoing ultrasound, blood tests, and an endoscopy, I was diagnosed ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to follow up with the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for treatment. After the colonoscopy, please review the report. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool, malnutrition, weight loss, and fever. A colon...[Read More] Understanding Long-term Bloating and Changes in Bowel Habits
Understanding Digestive Issues: From Diarrhea to Constipation
Bowel movement issues I used to have daily bowel movements without paying attention to the appearance of my stool. Last week, after possibly consuming spoiled food, I experienced severe diarrhea, to the point where it was more than urination. After taking medication similar to lo...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Ms. BU, your symptoms are likely a post-gastroenteritis condition. Please monitor your situation for a few days, and if your bowel movements do not return to normal, please visit the gastroenterology department at the internal medicine clinic. Thank you for your inquiry, and Chan...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: From Diarrhea to Constipation
Understanding Post-Meal Bloating and Nausea: Causes and Solutions
Postprandial abdominal distension, pain, and nausea? Hello, for the past month, I have been feeling full after eating very little, and I often experience bloating and nausea after meals (even when I don't eat much). During the day, the symptoms are somewhat manageable, but t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
In conjunction with the adjustments made by the gastroenterologist regarding medication and dietary changes, if there is a significant weight loss, further examinations can be discussed.[Read More] Understanding Post-Meal Bloating and Nausea: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Digestive Issues: Weight Loss, Bloating, and Soft Stools
Dyspepsia, weight loss, abdominal bloating, and loose stools? Hello, I have had gastrointestinal issues since childhood, often experiencing nausea due to stress and anxiety. However, at the end of January, due to increased stress and anxiety, I began to experience symptoms of blo...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If symptoms persist and there is weight loss, it is recommended to visit a larger hospital's gastroenterology department for relevant examinations.[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Weight Loss, Bloating, and Soft Stools
Understanding Liver Function Tests: What Your ALT and AST Levels Mean
Liver function inquiry? Hello Dr. Chen, my blood test results show an ALT of 47 and an AST of 24. Three months ago and six months ago, my ALT levels were 61 and 45, respectively. The doctor also tested for hepatitis B and C, and there were no issues. I would like to ask if these ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Liver-protective medications may not be necessary, but it is important to actively lose weight, primarily through dietary control (reducing caloric intake) and supplemented by exercise, aiming for a weight loss of 3-5%.[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: What Your ALT and AST Levels Mean
Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: Symptoms, Treatment, and Alcohol Consumption
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Hello Doctor, I am 20 years old and have had stomach issues since childhood. I often experience vomiting after meals and when I have a cold. In recent years, I have had occasional gastritis (I don't drink alcohol frequently), but I have...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. If the issue is due to being underweight causing insufficient fat at the gastroesophageal junction, surgery may not be necessary; moderate weight gain could suffice. However, if there are other underlying causes, surgery may be required for improvement. 2. Moderate and ...[Read More] Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: Symptoms, Treatment, and Alcohol Consumption
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Blood in Stool and Colonoscopy Concerns
Gastrointestinal issues I have been experiencing symptoms of blood in my stool for the past two to three years. The bleeding usually occurs at the front end of the stool, with blood mixed in, and sometimes it is accompanied by mucus (I have hemorrhoids, which typically cause blee...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. Z, 1. If you are experiencing blood in your stool along with weight loss, please seek immediate evaluation from a nearby medical facility. 2. The accuracy of endoscopic examinations depends on factors such as cleanliness, cooperation, equipment, and the physician&#x...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Blood in Stool and Colonoscopy Concerns
Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Seek Help from a Gastroenterologist
Bowel movement issues Hello doctor, recently my stool has been somewhat concerning. At first, it was about two fingers wide and had some cracks, but the later stools were compressed and smooth. Is there anything I should pay attention to regarding this? I've also been eating...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may be related to the amount of dietary fiber, and further observation is warranted. If concerned, a stool occult blood test can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Seek Help from a Gastroenterologist
Understanding Gastric Discomfort: Causes and Concerns After Ulcer Treatment
Stomach discomfort? Hello, doctor! In early November 2019, I underwent an endoscopy due to stomach pain, which confirmed that I have a gastric ulcer. The pathology report indicated it is an atypical ulcer. The doctor advised me to take my medication seriously, or it could lead to...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If the medication has been taken as prescribed, you can return to your original physician to determine if further examination is necessary. Additionally, pay attention to your diet and emotional stress to see if any adjustments are needed. Changhua Hospital cares about you...[Read More] Understanding Gastric Discomfort: Causes and Concerns After Ulcer Treatment
Understanding Persistent Bowel Noises After Flu: Causes and Solutions
Borborygmi Hello, doctor. I previously had a severe cough for two to three weeks due to the flu, and I have now recovered. However, my stomach has been making gurgling noises continuously, regardless of whether I am hungry or full, and sometimes it's loud enough for people n...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, I have experienced abdominal rumbling accompanied by a cold for three weeks, with no other symptoms. Although abdominal rumbling can be embarrassing at times, it indicates intestinal peristalsis. During intestinal infections or in individuals with sensitive constitutions, ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Bowel Noises After Flu: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Appetite Loss: Is It Physical or Medication-Related?
Loss of appetite Recently, I have been experiencing a lack of appetite. Although my food intake remains the same as before, I now feel like I am 90% full instead of 70%, accompanied by bloating, belching, and nausea (though I am unable to vomit). These symptoms began at the end o...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The likelihood of symptoms being caused by a psychiatric condition is higher. Initially, medication should be used for control, along with gastrointestinal agents for follow-up. Additionally, attention should be paid to maintaining weight.[Read More] Understanding Appetite Loss: Is It Physical or Medication-Related?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: From Constipation to Digestive Discomfort
Gastrointestinal and bowel issues? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about a sore throat that started on December 20. I feel discomfort when swallowing saliva, and I begin to have a runny nose when I eat hot foods. I have a history of urinary tract infections, and my BMI is norma...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Claire, if you are concerned about any issues, you can discuss with your physician whether further examinations are necessary. For daily living, it is recommended to exercise more, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and drink plenty of water. Exercise should be done for 2...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: From Constipation to Digestive Discomfort
Understanding Weight Loss and GERD: Causes and Management Tips
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and weight loss? Hello Doctor: I often feel liquid rising from my stomach, so I visited a gastroenterologist. I was diagnosed with mild gastric ulcers and gallstones, but there were no signs of reflux. Initially, I was prescribed a milder me...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You may consider taking the medication before bedtime to see how it affects you. Please discuss the weight loss aspect further with your physician.[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss and GERD: Causes and Management Tips
Understanding Digestive Issues: Daily Diarrhea and Gut Health Concerns
Feeling something is off when having a bowel movement? About a month and a half ago, I started experiencing daily diarrhea, with the stool color being a normal yellow-brown, occasionally darker. Sometimes my stomach makes noticeable gurgling sounds and has mild pain, but there ar...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
I also believe it is hyperactivity disorder. Please rest assured and cooperate with the physician for diagnosis and follow-up.[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Daily Diarrhea and Gut Health Concerns
Understanding Positive FIT Test Results: What You Need to Know
Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) result: positive? Hello, doctor. I previously asked you some questions about stool issues in article #151505. Currently, I am studying abroad and cannot return to Taiwan for an immediate examination. I have seen a doctor here and requested a fecal ...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello, Miss Hsieh. Question 1: I cannot provide the context in which the physician ordered this test, but it is likely intended to check if you have folate deficiency anemia. Question 2: If there is a positive reaction, it is advisable to promptly check for any diseases in th...[Read More] Understanding Positive FIT Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Concerns
Hepatic hemangioma issues? In August 2018, an abdominal ultrasound at the clinic revealed a 2.2 cm liver tumor, mild fatty liver, and a 0.4 cm gallbladder polyp. Tests for hepatitis B and C were conducted, and both liver function tests and alpha-fetoprotein (cancer marker) were n...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. Rarely increases. 2. Not often missed. 3. Common artifacts; please cooperate with follow-up.[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Concerns
Understanding Irregular Bowel Movements: Causes and Concerns
Gastrointestinal issues: The stool has soft ends with occasional indentations, and diarrhea has persisted for nearly six months? Frequent bowel movements resembling ice cream, with the stool sometimes showing indentations at the end, and occasionally formed but disintegrating upo...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello, Ms. Hsieh—regarding your questions: 1. Polyps do not present any symptoms, so it is not possible to diagnose the presence of polyps as you mentioned. 2. A weight change from 55 to 52 kilograms over a year is not considered rapid weight loss, although it is still a decrease...[Read More] Understanding Irregular Bowel Movements: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Elevated GPT Levels: Should You See a Family Doctor?
Abnormal findings in health check report GPT? Hello Doctor, I recently received my employee health check report for October, which shows a GPT level of 38 (the report states normal range: 10-35). Five years ago, my GPT level was 21. I found that the normal range for GPT is below ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Follow up in three months. If overweight or diagnosed with fatty liver, prioritize weight loss.[Read More] Understanding Elevated GPT Levels: Should You See a Family Doctor?
Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: Frequency and Shape Concerns
Frequency and shape of bowel movements? Last year, I didn't pay much attention, but since the beginning of this year, after reading some online medical articles, I've been constantly worried about whether my bowel movements are normal. There is no family history of colo...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Hard and bulky stools may be related to not having a bowel movement for several days. There's no need to worry too much, but if you still have concerns, you can consult a gastroenterologist at Changhua Hospital for your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: Frequency and Shape Concerns