Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Gastrointestinal issues Hello, I have been experiencing a dull pain in the upper left part of my abdomen, near the ribs. Sometimes it occurs in the upper right or in the middle, but for the past couple of days, it has mainly been concentrated in the upper left area. The pain is n...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. The type of examination should be determined by a clinical physician. If there are no abnormalities in the stool test, dietary adjustments should be made. If there is no improvement, a consultation with a gastroenterologist is necessary. 2. It is recommended to return f...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Frequent Gas and Burping: Understanding Digestive Issues After GERD
Frequent flatulence and belching? At the end of January, I underwent an endoscopy which revealed symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastritis. I have been taking antacids for three months. However, I still experience frequent belching after meals. Since the en...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. A fecal occult blood test can be performed to determine if further examination is necessary. Generally, it is often just an abnormality in gastrointestinal motility, which can be managed with medication (+/- probiotics). Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen...[Read More] Frequent Gas and Burping: Understanding Digestive Issues After GERD
Managing Long-Term Acid Reflux: Surgical Options and Doctor Recommendations
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Hello Doctor: I have been suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for 8 to 9 years and take medication daily. Currently, I am taking Nexium, but I still experience sourness and bad taste in my mouth throughout the day. Sometime...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to improve your condition through diet (tea/coffee/tobacco/alcohol/spicy foods/sweets/overeating/eating at irregular times, etc.), body composition (avoiding being overweight or underweight), emotional stress, and sleep posture. If there is still no impro...[Read More] Managing Long-Term Acid Reflux: Surgical Options and Doctor Recommendations
Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Bowel movement issues Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing bowel issues for the past two to three years. Currently, my bowel movement frequency is one to two times a day, but I still feel some urgency after finishing. When I strain to pass stool, it is usually just a small seg...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: You can increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, stay hydrated, and have daily bowel movements. Monitor your condition to see if there is any improvement. If there is no improvement, you may consult a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr....[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Managing Persistent Abdominal Discomfort After Meals: Expert Insights
There is a sensation of a foreign body in the left lower abdomen, which becomes more pronounced after eating? I have undergone a colonoscopy and an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, as well as a fecal occult blood test, all of which showed no issues. However, I constantly feel a ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. The endoscopy was performed to rule out serious diseases, and it appears that your digestive motility is somewhat abnormal. Since you are more sensitive, it is recommended to eat small amounts, take a walk after meals to avoid exacerbating discomfort, and pay attentio...[Read More] Managing Persistent Abdominal Discomfort After Meals: Expert Insights
Effective Relief Strategies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms
Methods for Relieving Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Hello Dr. Chen, I apologize for the lengthy message. I have been suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for about 10 years, with symptoms including a combination of diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and pain. I only star...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be managed through dietary and lifestyle modifications, including a low-fat, low-dairy, and gentle diet while avoiding stress. It is recommended to use enzymes as medication and to avoid prokinetic agents.[Read More] Effective Relief Strategies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms
Understanding Prolonged Stomach Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
I've been experiencing stomach discomfort for quite a while? Hello, doctor. I'm sorry to bother you. Last time, I mentioned that I've been experiencing stomach discomfort for over three weeks, and I've also noticed significant weight loss. Now, it's been ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. It is important to maintain a balanced diet, including dairy, eggs, fish, meat, beans, and fiber. There is no need to specifically avoid meat. Food should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing, and it is not necessary to only eat congee; sometimes, consuming congee can...[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Stomach Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Upper abdominal pain Three weeks ago (during midterm exam week), I started experiencing bloating and some pain in my upper abdomen. Over the past three weeks, I have seen four doctors. The first doctor performed a physical examination and auscultation, diagnosing me with indigest...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Based on the location you described, it is likely a gastrointestinal issue, particularly related to the stomach. If you have already avoided irritant foods, including caffeinated beverages, and there is still no improvement, it may be necessary to consult a pediatric gastr...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Hepatitis B Relapse After Stopping Medication: Key Insights
Will there be a relapse after stopping liver medication? Hello Doctor: My husband is a carrier of hepatitis B. In June 2015, he visited the hospital due to fatigue, and the results showed GOT 47, GPT 59, indicating abnormal liver function, and triglycerides at 219, with a diagnos...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. Patients with abnormal liver function and hepatitis B can use liver-protective medications covered by health insurance, but the cause of the condition needs to be confirmed at a gastroenterology outpatient clinic. If it is fatty liver, dietary control and weight mana...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Relapse After Stopping Medication: Key Insights
Understanding Digestive Issues: Frequent Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain
Bowel movement issues Hello, in the past few months, I have often experienced cramping pain after eating, followed by diarrhea, usually needing to go to the bathroom about twice to feel comfortable, and this occurs several times a day. However, I do not have cramping pain every d...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Please be mindful of your diet and avoid foods that may promote gastrointestinal motility, such as tea and coffee. Additionally, some over-the-counter medications or probiotics may also have this effect. If you still cannot find the cause, you may consider consulting a gas...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Frequent Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain
How Often Should You Get a Colonoscopy and Endoscopy After Previous Exams?
How often should colonoscopies and upper endoscopies be recommended for follow-up? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask, if I underwent a painless endoscopy (gastroscopy and colonoscopy) 2 to 3 years ago and there were no significant issues (e.g., polyps), what would be an appropri...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Regarding your gastrointestinal issues, observation along with dietary and medication adjustments should suffice. Liver function can be monitored every 3 to 6 months, and it is important to avoid becoming overweight. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shi...[Read More] How Often Should You Get a Colonoscopy and Endoscopy After Previous Exams?
Do I Need a Colonoscopy After Years of IBS Symptoms?
Hello, I have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome for many years. Do I need to undergo a colonoscopy? Hello Doctor: When I was 23-24 years old, I traveled abroad and ate too much, which led to gastric bleeding and black stools. I was quite anxious at that time, which was...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Anonymous / 33 years old / Male 1. It is urgent and difficult to discuss certain cancers. Tumor markers are not elevated; some people develop polyps, which are benign. After removal, they will not turn into cancer, which is a good outcome. 2. There is a painless colonoscopy avai...[Read More] Do I Need a Colonoscopy After Years of IBS Symptoms?
Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Understanding Your Symptoms and Concerns
Hello, I would like to ask if I have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Hello, I would like to ask if I have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). When I was about 24 years old, I traveled abroad and may have been too stressed. While there, I overindulged in food and experienced gastroint...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If issues related to the organs themselves or dietary causes can be ruled out, then recurrent and regular episodes can be classified as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Understanding Your Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding PPI Use for GERD: When to Continue or Reassess Treatment
Regarding the issue of discontinuing the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Hello, Doctor. I underwent an endoscopy at the Taipei Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare around December 30, 2016. Following that, I regularly too...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Essentially, PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) suppress gastric acid secretion and should not be used long-term, as they may affect digestion, bacterial balance, and calcium absorption. For gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it is recommended to improve lifestyle and diet...[Read More] Understanding PPI Use for GERD: When to Continue or Reassess Treatment
Understanding Your Abdominal Ultrasound Results: Key Insights for Liver and Gallbladder Health
Abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the organs and structures within the abdomen. It is commonly used to evaluate conditions affecting Hello Dr. Tsai, I previously submitted a question but did not recei...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Fatty liver: It is recommended to monitor the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the serum, maintain a light diet, exercise, and pay attention to weight. 2. Blisters: Generally, there are no significant concerns unless the blisters are large and compressing the ...[Read More] Understanding Your Abdominal Ultrasound Results: Key Insights for Liver and Gallbladder Health
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing severe bloating and pain in the upper left abdomen. I visited a gastroenterologist who performed an ultrasound on my pancreas and kidneys, both of which were normal. The doctor mentioned that there is air pr...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Please pay attention to your diet and bowel movements, as they may be related to your symptoms. If medication does not improve your condition, it is necessary to undergo an endoscopy to check for gastrointestinal issues. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai ...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Understanding Abdominal Distension: Causes and Concerns
Abdominal distension I haven't had my period for three months (there's no possibility of pregnancy), my bowel movements are normal, but I'm not sure why my lower abdomen is still protruding. Could this be related to not having my period?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Please pay attention to any weight gain or decreased bowel movements. In rare cases, this could indicate an abdominal tumor. If you have any concerns, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist or a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Distension: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Diarrhea and Weight Issues: A Gastroenterology Perspective
Diarrhea and weight issues? I have been experiencing persistent diarrhea for the past four days. My stools have been somewhat formed, resembling mud, but at times they are watery. Normally, I have a bowel movement once every morning and drink 1000 to 2000 cc of water daily. Howev...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If symptoms occur recently while on long-term medication, they are likely not caused by the medication. Sometimes, changing positions can lead to temporary orthostatic hypotension, which is not necessarily related to hemoglobin levels. If you have not been evaluated for en...[Read More] Understanding Diarrhea and Weight Issues: A Gastroenterology Perspective
Understanding Esophageal Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Attention
Esophageal and gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing frequent hiccups followed by a sensation of stomach acid, which also causes a feeling of something stuck in my esophagus when swallowing. Should I seek medical attention, or will a light ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended to change your diet and observe if there are any changes in symptoms. Avoid drinking tea, coffee, soda, consuming chocolate, sweets, glutinous rice products, high-fat/high-protein foods, overeating, smoking, drinking alcohol, chewing betel nut/gum, exp...[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Frequent Stomach Noises: Causes and Concerns
The stomach often makes noises? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing frequent stomach noises since the beginning of this year (the exact start time is unclear, but it may have begun in the second half of last year). Over the past few days, I noticed that these sounds usually oc...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is not possible to determine whether it is colorectal cancer based solely on some nonspecific symptoms. Weight loss should be considered significant if there is a rapid loss of 10% of the original body weight within 6 months. If symptoms persist, it is advisable to cons...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Stomach Noises: Causes and Concerns