Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Tips for Healthy Weight Gain
Gastrointestinal issues I sometimes experience bloating after eating only a small amount of food. I can still eat, but I feel very bloated, which prevents me from eating more. This doesn't happen every day, but it occurs quite frequently. Since middle school, I have been ver...
Dr. Zhang Siyuan Reply:
To Toast: Although your current physique is somewhat lean, the frequent occurrence of postprandial bloating indicates that you do not fall into the category of "healthy thin." It is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for a thorough examination, including an upper...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Tips for Healthy Weight Gain
Understanding Liver Function Changes: Is It Early Cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis Dear Dr. Chen, Here are my liver function test results from the past six months: - September 5, 1996: GOT: 47, GPT: 629 - October 25, 1996: GOT: 43, GPT: 60 - January 28, 1997: GOT: 20, GPT: 33, AFP: 3.28, TBIL: 0.99 - March 6, 1997: GOT: 21, GPT: 30 I have undergone...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Miss Hsiao-Wen, As long as you confirm that there is no hepatitis B or C, adjust your diet, control your weight, avoid taking medications that can harm the liver, and have your liver function checked every three months, you should be fine. Changhua Hospital cares about you...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Changes: Is It Early Cirrhosis?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: GERD, Symptoms, and Cancer Concerns
Physical discomfort? During the Lunar New Year, I overate and have been experiencing persistent burping. Initially, I felt a sour taste coming up with the burps, but it later developed into a burning sensation in my chest. I consulted a doctor who diagnosed me with gastroesophage...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Web7: Your symptoms are primarily related to gastrointestinal dysfunction and are not associated with colorectal cancer (considering your young age, absence of blood in stool, and lack of family history). With patience in taking medication and adjusting your lifestyle s...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: GERD, Symptoms, and Cancer Concerns
Understanding Hiccups and Stomach Noises: Causes and Solutions
Embarrassing burps and stomach growling? Hello Doctor: I often experience hiccups, usually after being hungry for a long time, but sometimes I also get hiccups after eating a large meal. I would like to know why this happens and how I can avoid (or reduce the frequency of) hiccup...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, Hiccups are caused by stimulation of the diaphragm nerve and can arise from various reasons, including gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, obstruction, and tumors of the esophagus and stomach. Non-gastrointestinal causes can also lead to h...[Read More] Understanding Hiccups and Stomach Noises: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Causes, Risks, and Solutions
Liver dysfunction Hello Doctor, I recently had a health checkup at school and found that my liver function is somewhat problematic with GOT at 39 and GPT at 90. My family has a history of liver diseases, and I also tend to stay up late. 1. I would like to ask if there are medic...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, Student Lin. 1. When liver function is abnormal, it is important to identify the cause and provide targeted treatment rather than simply controlling the values with medication. In cases of viral hepatitis, types B and C can easily become chronic and require monitoring. C...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Causes, Risks, and Solutions
Understanding Binge Eating: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Discomfort
Binge eating Hello doctor, recently I’ve been experiencing something strange. I keep eating without feeling very hungry, and I can't seem to control myself; I just keep putting things in my mouth. This has led to some discomfort and pain in my stomach, and at night my belly ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Meow: If there is no thyroid disease (accompanied by palpitations, increased energy, and difficulty gaining weight), gastrointestinal discomfort may be the issue. You can take medication (gastrointestinal medication) to see how you respond, and then further evaluation c...[Read More] Understanding Binge Eating: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Discomfort
Understanding Blood in Stool: Is It Hemorrhoids or a Gut Issue?
Hematochezia I have been experiencing chronic constipation, and recently I noticed some blood on the toilet paper after having a bowel movement. The last time I went to the bathroom, there was blood in the stool, and the blood on the toilet paper was bright red, with a significan...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Ms. Fish A: Please monitor for any changes in bowel habits and weight loss. Additionally, take a stool softener and use hemorrhoid ointment. If there is no improvement, a colonoscopy (sigmoidoscopy) is recommended. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Sincerely, Chen S...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Is It Hemorrhoids or a Gut Issue?
Managing Diuretics for Ascites in Cirrhosis: Dosage Adjustments Explained
Diuretics Hello! My father has cirrhosis. He saw the doctor yesterday, and since his overall condition has improved, the doctor reduced his diuretics from taking half a tablet of Lasix (Furosemide) daily (20mg) and two tablets of Aldactone (Spironolactone) (totaling 50mg) to just...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Wang Hong, The management of ascites due to liver cirrhosis often requires the use of Aldactone (spironolactone) in combination with Lasix (furosemide), along with the restriction of salt and fluid intake. Changhua Hospital is concerned about your health. Sincerely, ...[Read More] Managing Diuretics for Ascites in Cirrhosis: Dosage Adjustments Explained
Managing Bloating and Constipation: Natural Solutions Beyond Medication
Constipation and bloating? Hello, Doctor: Three years after my surgery, I have become prone to bloating, constipation, and excessive flatulence. Recently, my abdomen has become excessively distended (even though my weight has not increased). The doctor performed an X-ray and said...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
After abdominal surgery, the intestines are more prone to adhesions. It is important to pay extra attention to your diet, avoiding fried and irritating foods that are difficult to digest. Chew your food thoroughly and increase your intake of fiber-rich foods, such as fresh fruits...[Read More] Managing Bloating and Constipation: Natural Solutions Beyond Medication
Is an Endoscopy Necessary for My Stomach Pain?
Is it necessary to undergo an endoscopy? Hello, doctor. About two years ago, I experienced stomach pain, which occurred when I was hungry, and I also felt pain after eating. Later, the doctor mentioned that I might have a slight gastric ulcer (at that time, I did not undergo an e...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. EVA: For individuals under 40 years of age without significant swallowing difficulties, melena, or weight loss, it is advisable to start with medication and dietary improvements (less sugar, less acidity, and smaller, more frequent meals). However, if there are signific...[Read More] Is an Endoscopy Necessary for My Stomach Pain?
Is Reishi Mushroom Effective for Fatty Liver? Expert Insights and Check-Up Recommendations
Is reishi mushroom effective for treating fatty liver disease? Hello, my father has liver issues and I've heard that reishi mushrooms are effective. I would like to seek professional advice on this matter. Additionally, could you please tell me how often a 50-year-old person...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Huang Chih-Chieh, 1. There is no evidence that reishi mushroom can treat fatty liver disease. 2. The primary step in managing fatty liver disease is to rule out hepatitis B/C, alcoholic liver disease, and drug-induced liver injury. After that, the focus should be on con...[Read More] Is Reishi Mushroom Effective for Fatty Liver? Expert Insights and Check-Up Recommendations
Understanding Digestive Discomfort: Causes of Abdominal Pain and Gas Issues
Difficulty passing gas? Hello, I would like to ask the following questions: 1. I have been experiencing pain about 3-4 fingerbreadths above my navel and in my left abdomen 2-3 times within the past week. What organs are located in this area? What could be the possible causes of...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. The organs associated with your pain include the stomach, small intestine, pancreas, and transverse colon. Pain in this area may be related to gastrointestinal diseases (including gastritis, esophagitis, peptic ulcers, tumors, and polyps), liver, gallbladder, and panc...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Discomfort: Causes of Abdominal Pain and Gas Issues
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Signs and Concerns for Your Health
What are the gastrointestinal issues? Hello, Dr. Lin. I am someone who often eats out and usually have greasy takeout for my meals. I typically have a bowel movement once a day. I do not smoke or drink alcohol. In the past, I would often experience stomach pain right after breakf...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. The consistency of stool is related to diet; consuming greasy foods can lead to diarrhea, while increasing the intake of vegetables and fruits to boost fiber can result in more formed stools, which does not necessarily indicate disease. 2. Symptoms of colorectal cancer ...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Signs and Concerns for Your Health
Understanding Incomplete Bowel Movements: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Bowel issues Hello Doctor: For a long time (for several years), I have been experiencing a feeling of incomplete bowel movements. My stools are unformed, very soft, and often fragmented; I rarely have a complete bowel movement. Sometimes I go several times a day, and sometimes ju...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by abdominal pain and discomfort related to bowel movements, without any organic disease. The diagnosis is primarily based on the Rome II criteria, which require that over a period of at least one year, the patient experiences abdom...[Read More] Understanding Incomplete Bowel Movements: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Is Drinking 4000ml of Water Daily Harmful for Your Digestive Health?
Water This year, I've been drinking 4000ml of water daily due to acne. I thought that since I'm taking medication every day, it could alleviate the burden on my kidneys. Is this correct? Recently, I've lost 7.8 kilograms, and I can't find the reason. Could it ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Weight loss should be investigated for underlying causes. 2. Drinking water before meals should not negatively affect digestion; the digestion and absorption of food are influenced by various factors, including the type of food and thorough chewing, as well as the se...[Read More] Is Drinking 4000ml of Water Daily Harmful for Your Digestive Health?
Understanding Frequent Hunger and Quick Satiety: Possible Causes and Solutions
Easily hungry, easily full? Hello, doctor. Recently, I often feel very hungry, and I get full quite easily. When I am hungry, I often experience a painful sensation of hunger. What could this be a symptom of? Thank you!
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, your issue of experiencing pain when hungry and a feeling of fullness may include differential diagnoses such as dyspepsia, functional gastrointestinal disorders, acid-related diseases, peptic ulcers, inflammation, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hepatobiliary ...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Hunger and Quick Satiety: Possible Causes and Solutions
Managing Fatty Liver: Concerns and Lifestyle Changes for Health
Fatty liver has persisted for one to two years? Hello doctor, my father is 49 years old. The doctor diagnosed him with fatty liver, but said that medication is not necessary yet since the condition is not severe. However, for the past two years, his liver tests have consistently ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. A-Jie: The treatment prescription for fatty liver is "weight loss," so please focus on dietary and exercise control. Additionally, there are no very effective medications for fatty liver, and it rarely progresses to cirrhosis, but it is important to be aware t...[Read More] Managing Fatty Liver: Concerns and Lifestyle Changes for Health
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Symptoms After Extreme Weight Loss
Neck pain, dizziness, palpitations, tremors, and dull pain in the right abdomen? Since last year, I decided to lose weight and have tried various methods, possibly too extreme (such as inducing vomiting, following a monk's diet by not eating after 2 PM, and if hungry, drinki...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Miss Xiao Bi, Discomfort in the upper right abdomen may be due to causes such as duodenal ulcers, gallstones, or right kidney stones. Generally, if medication adjustments do not alleviate the discomfort, an ultrasound should be performed, and if necessary, an upper gastroin...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Symptoms After Extreme Weight Loss
Understanding Colorectal Cancer Symptoms: What to Watch For
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer? Hello Dr. Liu, I would like to ask you about my mother. Recently, she went to the hospital for a colonoscopy due to rectal bleeding, but only hemorrhoids were found. However, her symptoms are somewhat similar to those of colorectal can...
Dr. Liu Nanshan Reply:
Colorectal cancer does not have specific symptoms; the symptoms you mentioned are all possible. Clinically, rectal bleeding (which must be distinguished from hemorrhoidal bleeding) is common, and chronic iron deficiency anemia is the most frequent presentation. Since your mother’...[Read More] Understanding Colorectal Cancer Symptoms: What to Watch For
Unexplained Left Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Next Steps
There is a sensation of a foreign body in the left abdominal area? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a question: About two years ago, I started experiencing a sensation of something foreign (possibly related to the kidney?) on the left side of my back, near the end of the rib ca...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
You are experiencing abnormal bowel movements, but feel more comfortable after passing gas, along with symptoms of abdominal burning. The most common cause could be irritable bowel syndrome. Given your family history of colorectal cancer, it is advisable to test your stool for oc...[Read More] Unexplained Left Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Next Steps