Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Dr. Lin, I have some gastrointestinal issues I would like to ask about. On April 20, 21, and 22, whatever I ate caused diarrhea, which was watery. At night, I felt very uncomfortable in my stomach, and afterwards, I couldn't have a bowel movemen...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: If you are experiencing diarrhea with watery stools and irregular bowel movements, it may be related to gastroenteritis, which can be associated with the food you consume, your water intake, and possible infections. It is advisable to review your diet, ensuring it is balan...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Do You Need a Colonoscopy? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Is there a need to get a colonoscopy? Weight loss from 58 kg to 55 kg, with slightly thinner stools and a strange feeling in the lower right abdomen, though not painful. I am considering getting a colonoscopy. Is it necessary? There is no family history, but I am concerned due to...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. Weight loss of 3 kilograms should be evaluated over what period of time. 2. If the stool varies between being thin and thick, it may indicate a rectal function issue. 3. Diagnosing cancer based on symptoms is not that straightforward, and colorectal conditions are not l...[Read More] Do You Need a Colonoscopy? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Managing Liver Health: Addressing Fatty Liver and Cholesterol Concerns
Dumbbell body examination Hello, I have been a carrier of hepatitis C for a long time, and I have not undergone treatment due to concerns about the side effects. My AST levels are normal, and my ALT levels are mostly below 60. However, I have fatty liver and high cholesterol. I g...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Fatty liver and high cholesterol require long-term dietary weight control and exercise to see results. The use of cholesterol-lowering medications must be evaluated before use. 2. Prolonged fasting can lead to the production of ketones. 3. For chronic hepatitis C and ab...[Read More] Managing Liver Health: Addressing Fatty Liver and Cholesterol Concerns
Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children: Symptoms and Treatment
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Hello, I am an anxious mother. My 5-and-a-half-year-old daughter has been coughing and clearing her throat frequently. The pediatrician said there are no issues with her nose or trachea, and after a simple chest X-ray, the doctor suggested s...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: A chest X-ray cannot detect gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); the physician makes a judgment based on symptoms and preliminary examinations. Of course, a definitive diagnosis requires an endoscopy. However, due to the patient's young age, an endoscopy is usually...[Read More] Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children: Symptoms and Treatment
Understanding Bloating: Symptoms and Concerns in Gastrointestinal Health
Bloating feels unusual? I am 22 years old, male, and there is no family history of colorectal cancer. From December 27 to January 27, I had a leg injury and was in a cast. I attended classes as usual, but when I wasn't in class, I stayed at home, mostly sitting and being ina...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist for further examination. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Understanding Bloating: Symptoms and Concerns in Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Pancreatic Issues: Risks and Options for Surgery
Hello, doctor. I would like to ask some questions about the pancreas? Two years ago, I experienced pain in my right upper abdomen and underwent numerous tests at a hospital in China. Eventually, I had a small bowel endoscopy, which led to a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis confirm...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Li Dawei: Several senior physicians have suggested that you should consider (after reviewing the actual data) consulting a surgeon regarding surgical-related issues (you may want to inquire at two medical centers), as this involves surgical equipment and individual skil...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Issues: Risks and Options for Surgery
Understanding Hiatal Hernia and GERD: Do You Need Surgery?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) I have symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and after undergoing an endoscopy, I was graded as A. However, the report indicated that I have a hiatal hernia, stating that my stomach has moved up slightly. I am currently experie...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Currently, the mainstream treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) involves medication and lifestyle modifications. Surgery is generally not recommended unless medication fails and causes significant disruption to daily life. The surgical approach can utilize l...[Read More] Understanding Hiatal Hernia and GERD: Do You Need Surgery?
Chronic Abdominal Pain Without Diagnosis: What Are Your Options?
If you are experiencing chronic abdominal pain and cannot find the cause, it is important to take the following steps: 1. **Consult a Healthcare Professional**: Schedule an appointment with a primary care physician or a gastroenterologist to discuss your symptoms in detail. 2. ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to perform a stool test. If the results are normal, it is likely post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome following gastroenteritis, and you will need to regulate your gastrointestinal function. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital...[Read More] Chronic Abdominal Pain Without Diagnosis: What Are Your Options?
Understanding Fatty Liver: Should I Get Additional Blood Tests?
Please inquire about fatty liver disease? Hello Doctor: Last year, due to gastroesophageal reflux issues, I had an ultrasound and adult health screening done. The ultrasound results showed a small cyst on my liver, but everything else was normal, and my blood tests were within st...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: For the diagnosis of fatty liver, blood tests should include GOT (AST) and GPT (ALT), triglycerides, and also cholesterol levels, including LDL and HDL (low-density and high-density lipoproteins). The key is to work on returning to your normal weight, avoid alcohol, mainta...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Should I Get Additional Blood Tests?
Understanding Bloating and Bowel Issues After Quitting Smoking
Abdominal bloating and bowel issues? Hello, doctor. I quit smoking about four years ago, and since then, my bowel habits have become irregular, changing from daily to once every 1-3 days. Sometimes my stools are narrower, and I often experience bloating and flatulence. Three year...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Based on the current symptoms, it is recommended to undergo further gastrointestinal examination. Of course, functional issues can also present with these symptoms. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Bowel Issues After Quitting Smoking
Post-Surgery Recovery: Understanding Delayed Bowel Function in Seniors
Please consult a doctor? My grandfather, who is 70 years old, underwent surgery for adhesive intestinal obstruction (fortunately, his intestines did not necrose). However, it has been two weeks since the surgery, and he still cannot eat or drink, resulting in significant weight l...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Recovery after surgery is influenced by various factors such as age, the function of the heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs, as well as chronic medical history (including diabetes and hypertension), immune status, and overall nutritional condition. It is not possible to dete...[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery: Understanding Delayed Bowel Function in Seniors
Am I Experiencing Hormonal Imbalance or Digestive Issues?
Am I experiencing an endocrine disorder, or is there an issue with my body? I have recently been feeling constantly hungry and keep eating. If I try to resist eating between meals, I experience stomach pain and cramps. Sometimes, even when my stomach hurts, I feel pain while eati...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms, both endocrine and gastrointestinal diseases are possible. It is advisable to first visit a gastroenterologist for an endoscopy to rule out upper gastrointestinal disorders. If no specific findings are discovered, you should consult a metabolic and e...[Read More] Am I Experiencing Hormonal Imbalance or Digestive Issues?
Understanding Digestive Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Having dark brown stools for three consecutive days can indicate various conditions. It is important to monitor any additional symptoms and consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation? On October 1st, I had three consecutive days of very thin, dark stools. I also ex...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on the symptoms, there is a high possibility of gastroenteritis; additionally, due to the accompanying respiratory symptoms, it is likely a gastrointestinal type of cold. 2. Gastroesophageal reflux often accompanies gastritis or peptic ulcers, which can also lead ...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Bowel Consistency: Insights from Gastroenterology
Issues with stool consistency? Hello Dr. Tsai, My husband has a bowel movement about twice a day, mostly after meals. Sometimes the stools are shaped, varying in thickness, and occasionally they have a slightly higher water content, allowing the shape to be faintly visible, but ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Bowel habits should be compared to your own previous patterns. If your bowel habits have been consistent over a long period, there is usually no need for excessive concern. However, if there are changes in your bowel habits or stool consistency, you should seek medical att...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Consistency: Insights from Gastroenterology
Understanding Normal Bowel Habits and Gas Issues in Adults
Bowel habits Dear Dr. Chen, I apologize for reaching out again. My husband, who is 47 years old, has been having bowel movements 2 to 3 times a day for many years, mostly after meals. There is no blood in his stool, and sometimes the stool is thick while other times it is thin. ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Mrs. Lin should be fine. A stool occult blood test can be performed first. If the result is negative, the risk is lower. After the age of 50, a colonoscopy can be considered once, followed by stool tests every 1-2 years. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Chen Shidian...[Read More] Understanding Normal Bowel Habits and Gas Issues in Adults
Persistent Hiccups and Bloating: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
Persistent hiccups? Hello Dr. Lin: Yesterday morning, I experienced some discomfort in my upper abdomen and severe bloating. I consulted a Western medicine doctor, but today I have been passing gas continuously, and the flatulence is quite noticeable. I also feel like there is so...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, bloating, belching, and flatulence are common gastrointestinal issues. Most of these are caused by gastrointestinal dysfunction. It is recommended to avoid foods and beverages that are likely to produce gas, as well as those that are irritating, fried, or spicy (such as ca...[Read More] Persistent Hiccups and Bloating: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Total bilirubin (T) slightly elevated issue? Hello Doctor, I recently visited a weight loss clinic where the doctor arranged for me to undergo blood tests and an abdominal ultrasound. The abdominal ultrasound showed normal results except for moderate to severe fatty liver, and th...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. There are many common causes of elevated total bilirubin, including hepatitis (alcoholic, viral, autoimmune, or drug-induced), hemolytic anemia, biliary diseases, infections, sepsis, malignancies, Gilbert's syndrome, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cho...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Abnormal liver function tests? Dear Dr. Lin, I hope this message finds you well. Recently, the company sent out the health check report for April, and I noticed some abnormalities in my liver function tests, which has caused me some concern. I would appreciate your assistance in...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Abnormal liver function tests, although not significantly elevated, require investigation to determine the cause and to monitor for chronic Hepatitis B or C. Common causes of liver function abnormalities include fatty liver, alcohol consumption, metabolic syndrome, weight gain, e...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Is My Fatty Liver Causing Inflammation? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Is there liver inflammation? Hello, Director Chen. Previously, during a health check conducted by my company, I was diagnosed with moderate fatty liver, and I was advised to get vaccinated, but I did not produce any antibodies. Since the beginning of this year, I have frequently ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Xiao Chen, your liver function is normal, indicating no liver inflammation. For the fatty liver component, please engage in exercise and weight loss, and continue to monitor your condition. The symptoms of bitter mouth and dry mouth are non-specific, so there is no need to ...[Read More] Is My Fatty Liver Causing Inflammation? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Managing Persistent Abdominal Discomfort After Surgery: Next Steps
What should I do? Hello Dr. Tsai, Medical history description: In February 2012, I experienced severe cramping pain in my abdomen (primarily on the left side, with no diarrhea or vomiting). I went to the emergency department of Hospital A, where I underwent blood tests, urinalys...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: In your description, apart from the pathological tissue obtained from the laparoscopic removal of the appendiceal cyst, there have been no pathological results from inflamed tissue. After all, blood tests, urine tests, stool tests, ultrasound, and computed tomography are a...[Read More] Managing Persistent Abdominal Discomfort After Surgery: Next Steps