Managing Diarrhea for Effective Weight Gain: Tips and Advice
Diarrhea issues Hello doctor, I want to gain weight. I am 179 cm tall and weigh 63 kg. I supplement with chicken breast or boiled eggs at night and intentionally eat more during my three meals, but I often experience diarrhea or loose stools, which slows down my weight gain. Do y...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Diarrhea is defined by an increase in the frequency of bowel movements, an increase in stool volume, and a change in stool consistency (watery stools). If the increase in stool volume is due to an increase in food intake, leading to stools that are loose or even watery bec...[Read More] Managing Diarrhea for Effective Weight Gain: Tips and Advice
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Next Steps
Gastrointestinal discomfort Hello Dr. Tsai, I would like to consult you regarding my gastrointestinal discomfort that has persisted for the past two months. It initially started with watery diarrhea, but at that time, I also had a cold, so I am unsure if the two are related. Aft...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Essentially, whether or not to undergo an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy should be determined by the clinical judgment of the physician. Helicobacter pylori infection does not equate to gastric pain, and not all Helicobacter pylori infections will lead to gastric ulcers ...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Next Steps
Post-Surgery Appetite Loss in Hepatitis C Patients: Dietary Tips
Hepatitis C has undergone surgery; dietary considerations? Hello Dr. Tsai, I would like to ask you about my grandfather. He was diagnosed with hepatitis C after a blood test, and the doctor recommended surgery. Now that the surgery has been completed, he has been experiencing a c...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: I would like to know if I can take supplements, drink chicken essence, and have questions about dietary types. It is advisable to consult the surgeon for appropriate recommendations, as the reasons for undergoing surgery and any contraindications can vary depending on the ...[Read More] Post-Surgery Appetite Loss in Hepatitis C Patients: Dietary Tips
Understanding Bowel Issues: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Constipation Hello Doctor: Thank you for your previous response. It has been about a week since I experienced rectal bleeding, and I currently feel a constant acidic and itchy sensation inside the anus (which I believe is related to the intestines), accompanied by a slight pain, ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms generally seem to be more consistent with internal hemorrhoids. If you are concerned, you can consult a gastroenterologist or a colorectal specialist for a digital rectal examination or a sigmoidoscopy to better understand your condition. Changhua Hospital ca...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Understanding Heartburn: Causes, Treatments, and Dietary Tips
Regarding heartburn? Hello Doctor: Thank you for taking the time to respond despite your busy schedule. I have been experiencing stomach discomfort, heartburn, and have been taking medication for over a month. Initially, due to stomach discomfort, I occasionally had heartburn, an...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) You can eat things that may not make you feel comfortable, but you should try to avoid drinking tea, coffee, soda, eating chocolate, sweets, glutinous rice products, high-fat/high-protein foods, overeating, smoking, drinking alcohol, chewing betel nut/gum, or allowing ...[Read More] Understanding Heartburn: Causes, Treatments, and Dietary Tips
Understanding Esophageal and Throat Issues Related to Stomach Ulcers
Gastric ulcer and difficulty distinguishing whether it is the throat or esophagus that is affected? Hello... In February of this year, I experienced gastroesophageal reflux and a sensation of tightness in my throat. Initially, after undergoing an endoscopy, I was diagnosed with a...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: I would like to know if you consume tea, coffee, soda, chocolate, sweets, glutinous rice products, high-fat/high-protein foods, have a habit of overeating, smoke, drink alcohol, chew betel nut/gum, or are overweight. If so, it is advisable to make improvements in these are...[Read More] Understanding Esophageal and Throat Issues Related to Stomach Ulcers
Understanding Changes in Stool Size: When to Seek Medical Advice
The stool seems to have become thinner? Recently, I have been experiencing frequent twisting pain in my lower left abdomen, and it feels like my stool has become narrower, about the size of a finger and a half, approximately 2-3 cm. Is this normal? Additionally, I had a colonosco...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Mr. Jacky, a stool width like this is still considered normal. However, if the pain persists, it is advisable to consult a doctor. If a colonoscopy is necessary, it can still be arranged. Changhua Hospital cares about your health.[Read More] Understanding Changes in Stool Size: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Yellow Mucus and Bloating: Gastrointestinal Concerns Explained
Mucus expulsion I have been experiencing frequent bloating lately, and when I wipe after a bowel movement, there is yellow mucus even though my stools are normal and there is no blood. Could you please tell me what this might be?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The colon naturally secretes mucus to serve as a lubricant for the passage of stool, so there is no need to worry excessively. It is recommended to develop a habit of daily bowel movements. However, if you experience accompanying abdominal pain, increased bloating, a decre...[Read More] Understanding Yellow Mucus and Bloating: Gastrointestinal Concerns Explained
Understanding Irregular Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Difficulty in passing stool in a formed shape? My bowel movement schedule is irregular, with at least one bowel movement every one to two days; however, the stool shape is difficult to form into a long shape, appearing instead as scattered, mushy, or flat pieces, but it is not di...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to visit the gastroenterology department for a stool and colon examination. If the results are normal, consider enzyme therapy. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Chi-Feng, Attending Physician, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health an...[Read More] Understanding Irregular Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Symptoms and Solutions
Gastrointestinal discomfort issues Hello Doctor: I have been troubled by gastrointestinal discomfort for more than a month. Here is my overall condition: around October 20th, I experienced mild cramping in my lower abdomen, which occurred a few times over several days but without...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: It is likely that you have irritable bowel syndrome. However, to rule out other underlying causes, it is recommended to check for fecal occult blood (to exclude inflammatory and cancerous issues) and to consider a self-paid (non-invasive) gastroscopy. Changhua Hospita...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Floating Oil in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Persistent fecal oil floatation Hello Dr. Lin, I have noticed a symptom of floating oil in my stool. Here are the relevant details: **Symptoms**: The stool has some floating oil (a slight amount of oil that can be seen reflecting on the water's surface, rather than a thick...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello Xiaoming, please reduce your intake of fried foods. Excessive floating oil in your stool indicates possible indigestion. You may want to test your stool for floating oil and check for any liver, gallbladder, or pancreatic diseases. Some medications (such as weight loss drug...[Read More] Understanding Floating Oil in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Is Your Changing Stool a Sign of Colon Cancer? Understanding the Symptoms
Is this colorectal cancer? Hello doctor, my bowel movements used to be normal, occurring daily and in well-formed shapes. However, since moving out for college, my stools have occasionally become loose. I thought it might be due to eating out, so I didn't think much of it. A...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: If you are concerned, you can first conduct a stool test to check for occult blood, which can help initially rule out colorectal cancer. Loose stools are mostly caused by diet (high in oil and dairy, or eating too quickly) or individual variations in gastrointestinal...[Read More] Is Your Changing Stool a Sign of Colon Cancer? Understanding the Symptoms
Managing Constipation During Dieting: Tips for Relief and Recovery
Dieting has led to constipation, with bowel movements occurring every 2-3 days. There is difficulty in passing stool, and the stools are small, only 2-3 pellets? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been dieting, which has led to severe constipation. However, I am still eating 2 apple...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: You can take a stool softener for a short period with a physician's prescription. Additionally, if you are eating less, there will be less food residue, and if you do not experience bloating, it may not be necessary to take medication. It is advisable to restore a nor...[Read More] Managing Constipation During Dieting: Tips for Relief and Recovery
Understanding White Mucus in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
There is white mucus in the stool? Hello doctor, I recently noticed that there is white mucus in my stool when I go to the bathroom. Although I haven't seen any blood, I do feel a bit of pain. Are there similar symptoms? I have already made an appointment with a colorectal s...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If there are no accompanying symptoms such as bleeding, diarrhea, constipation, or significant weight loss, changes in bowel habits may not necessarily indicate a pathological condition. You can consult either a gastroenterologist or a colorectal specialist. Changhua Hospi...[Read More] Understanding White Mucus in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Bloating and Poor Appetite: Is It Indigestion?
Is it indigestion? Hello Doctor: Recently, I feel like I've gained weight, but my scale shows I've lost a little, and my body fat has decreased slightly. However, my stomach and abdomen are noticeably protruding. Even when I haven't eaten or have eaten very little,...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If there is no significant weight gain but noticeable abdominal protrusion, it may be necessary to consider whether there is bloating or retained stool, or if it is caused by poor posture. It is recommended to increase fluid intake, enhance fiber consumption, engage in mod...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Poor Appetite: Is It Indigestion?
Understanding Weight Changes: Health Implications for Underweight Individuals
Weight and Body Health I would like to ask the doctor if gaining weight indicates better health for someone who is underweight. I tend to be on the lighter side, but I have noticed that when I gain weight, it often coincides with feelings of dizziness, loss of appetite, fatigue, ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Weight gain or loss cannot be equated with health status. It is recommended to maintain a standard weight (BMI between 18-22). Of course, weight loss may occur when the body is unwell, and a significant weight loss is defined as a reduction of 10% of the original weight wi...[Read More] Understanding Weight Changes: Health Implications for Underweight Individuals
Persistent Lower Abdominal Pain: Should You Consider a Colonoscopy?
Lower abdominal discomfort with tenderness upon palpation for an extended period? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing a dull, pressing pain in my lower abdomen for a long time. The color of my stool is normal, but the shape has changed to a tapered end, and sometimes it appear...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: There is currently no need for further invasive examinations (the likelihood of a normal colonoscopy is quite high). Just be patient and follow up regularly, using symptomatic treatment medications and maintaining a balanced diet to monitor any changes in weight. Chan...[Read More] Persistent Lower Abdominal Pain: Should You Consider a Colonoscopy?
Understanding Changes in Appetite and Abdominal Pain After Weight Loss
Regarding food intake and abdominal pain? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you two questions. 1. Is it normal to experience a decrease in appetite after successfully losing weight through exercise and dietary control? (I have lost about twelve kilograms.) 2. I occasionally ex...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) A reduced appetite can help maintain weight loss; however, it is important to pay attention to a balanced diet. (2) Abdominal pain after exercise may be due to the accumulation of gas in the abdominal muscles (similar to muscle soreness in the legs after exercise). Add...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Appetite and Abdominal Pain After Weight Loss
Understanding Severe Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
I have recently started experiencing severe diarrhea? I have been experiencing frequent diarrhea for the past two months, with a maximum of 10 times a day and at least 5 times daily. Sometimes the stool is solid, but most of the time it is liquid. Before having a bowel movement, ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, in addition to stool tests, colonoscopy or barium enema may be considered. Additionally, it is important to rule out any previous history of antibiotic use. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Attending Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministr...[Read More] Understanding Severe Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Hard Lumps in the Lower Abdomen: Causes and Concerns
There is a hard mass in the lower abdomen? I usually notice that my lower abdomen is particularly protruding when I stand (but I am not overweight; I am relatively slim at 163 cm and 47 kg). However, when I assume a push-up position, that part of my belly seems to drop down, as i...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, you can ask a physician to perform a visual or physical examination to differentiate between adipose tissue, lipomas, or fecal matter (which can be felt in thin individuals). You may consult a family medicine physician, a general internist, or a gastroenterologist at the M...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps in the Lower Abdomen: Causes and Concerns