Understanding Bloating: Causes, Symptoms, and Self-Care Tips
The discomfort of bloating? Dear Dr. Yuan, I have been experiencing occasional bloating symptoms for the past six months, but recently the symptoms have become more severe. Here are the details: 1. Timing: After meals or just before bedtime. 2. Bloating symptoms: Gas often gets...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: Bloating can be caused by organic factors such as ulcers, intestinal obstruction, or issues related to the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, or endocrine system. It can also be due to functional problems, such as poor motility caused by stress, anxiety, or panic, or dietary fa...[Read More] Understanding Bloating: Causes, Symptoms, and Self-Care Tips
Understanding Stomach Discomfort: Eating vs. Not Eating
Whether I eat or not, my stomach feels uncomfortable? Hello Doctor: For the past two weeks, I've been experiencing discomfort in my stomach, which has been quite bothersome. I can barely eat a few bites before feeling bloated; shortly after, I feel nauseous from hunger and I...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: Sometimes after gastroenteritis, functional dyspepsia may occur. Thyroid issues can also lead to abdominal bloating. If thyroid function is normal but you still frequently feel uncomfortable, especially with accompanying weight loss, anemia, or gastrointestinal bleeding, i...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Discomfort: Eating vs. Not Eating
Feeling Sleepy in Hot Weather: Is It Related to Fatty Liver?
I have been feeling sleepy in the past few days, but it's not due to fatigue? Hello Doctor, Recently the weather has been very hot, and I've been feeling sleepy during the day. I have fatty liver disease, which was confirmed by an ultrasound last May, and I do not hav...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: Fatty liver can cause abnormal liver enzyme levels. Simply paying attention to diet, losing weight, and abstaining from alcohol can improve fatty liver and lower liver enzyme levels. Feeling sleepy should not be attributed to liver dysfunction; sometimes stress, anxiety, a...[Read More] Feeling Sleepy in Hot Weather: Is It Related to Fatty Liver?
Could Your Fatigue and Symptoms Indicate Liver Issues?
Am I having liver problems? I have been feeling very sleepy and fatigued lately, even after sleeping for more than 10 hours, and I still don’t feel rested. I often feel unwell, sometimes experiencing palpitations and shortness of breath, along with dizziness, eye strain, and a lo...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Pregnancy, excessive work fatigue, high stress, and endocrine disorders can all contribute to fatigue. It is recommended to consult with an internist or a family medicine specialist. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Internal Medicine.[Read More] Could Your Fatigue and Symptoms Indicate Liver Issues?
Understanding Black Oily Spots in Stool: Possible Causes and Concerns
Black oily stools after a bowel movement? In the past few days, I have noticed small black oil droplets floating on the surface of the water after bowel movements. The stools are relatively soft and a deep brownish-yellow color. On two occasions, I passed about 1cc of a yellowish...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: Oily stools may indicate issues with the liver, pancreas, or small intestine, leading to poor digestion and absorption of fats. Weight loss medications may also have side effects that result in fatty stools, while honey vinegar does not cause fatty stools. It is advisable ...[Read More] Understanding Black Oily Spots in Stool: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Intestinal Adhesions: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Intestinal adhesions? Hello Doctor: My appetite is moderate, but every time I finish eating, I have a strong urge to have a bowel movement. However, when I go to the bathroom, I squat for a long time but cannot pass anything. Throughout the day, I constantly feel the need to go, ...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: General intestinal adhesions may cause abdominal cramping, vomiting, and bloating. Based on your description, the likelihood of adhesions seems to be lower. If you do not have anemia, weight loss, or blood in your stool, and your symptoms fluctuate, it is more likely to be...[Read More] Understanding Intestinal Adhesions: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Diarrhea Hello Dr. Yuan: For the past month, my gastrointestinal health seems to be poor... I often experience diarrhea... However, when I palpate my abdomen, I do not feel any pain. I saw a doctor who diagnosed me with gastroenteritis... I took medication and followed a light di...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: The most common causes of diarrhea are gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, or side effects from diet or medications. If there is no blood in the stool, weight loss, anemia, family history of colorectal cancer, or worsening symptoms, it is advisable to relax, maintai...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Understanding Morning Nausea and Diarrhea: Possible Causes and Solutions
Diarrhea..? Recently, I've been experiencing nausea and diarrhea every morning upon waking up. The diarrhea is yellow and watery. What could be wrong with me?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The causes of vomiting and diarrhea may include poor gastrointestinal function, gastrointestinal inflammation, contaminated food, emotional factors, infections, pregnancy, and colds. It is recommended to avoid spicy foods and beverages, and to consume a light diet while ma...[Read More] Understanding Morning Nausea and Diarrhea: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Persistent Diarrhea and Discomfort
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Dr. Yuan, I hope you are doing well. I would like to ask you a few questions amidst your busy schedule. For the past month, I have been experiencing diarrhea and have visited the hospital multiple times. Initially, the doctor suggested it might be ga...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: I would like to know if you have experienced any blood in your stool, weight loss, fever, anemia, or a family history of colorectal cancer. If none of these apply, it is more likely that you are experiencing irritable bowel syndrome following gastroenteritis. However, othe...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Persistent Diarrhea and Discomfort
Understanding Esophageal Reflux: Treatment Options and Surgical Considerations
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Dear Doctor: I started experiencing gastroesophageal reflux issues about a year ago after traveling abroad. I have been taking over-the-counter antacids for about a year, which provided some improvement; however, I still experienced intermit...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: 1. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) suppress gastric acid secretion, so during gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the absence of gastric acid prevents discomfort. However, once the medication is discontinued, gastric acid secretion resumes, and symptoms may reappear. T...[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Reflux: Treatment Options and Surgical Considerations
Risks of Untreated Fatty Liver: Symptoms and Treatment Options Explained
Having fatty liver disease without actively participating in treatment can pose risks. If left unmanaged, it may progress to more severe liver conditions, such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, or cirrhosis. Additionally, it can increase the risk of cardiovascula...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Baolilong, Fatty liver is primarily caused by insufficient glucose utilization in the liver (insulin resistance). The main approach to management remains exercise and dietary modification to prevent the future onset of diabetes and related complications. The efficacy of...[Read More] Risks of Untreated Fatty Liver: Symptoms and Treatment Options Explained
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Insights on Digestive Health and Treatment
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor: Since January of this year, my bowel movements have not been normal. Each time I have a bowel movement, there are many undigested food particles, and the shape is quite abnormal. I have also noticeably lost weight and feel easily fatigued. My...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: If there is a significant weight loss (more than 10% of the original body weight) but appetite remains good, it may be necessary to consider hyperthyroidism or diabetes. If diarrhea is also present, issues related to small intestine absorption or pancreatic digestion shoul...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Insights on Digestive Health and Treatment
Long-Term Liver Function Abnormalities: Risks and Management for Hepatitis B Carriers
Chronic liver dysfunction Hello doctor, I would like to ask a question. I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been undergoing liver examinations every year. For the past 2 to 3 years, my liver function tests have shown slightly elevated levels, ranging from 40 to 65. Both alpha-...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Although you have inflammation, the degree is relatively mild. Generally, the cause of this inflammation is likely related to your fatty liver, as inflammation caused by the hepatitis B virus typically presents with higher levels. Therefore, you might want to start with we...[Read More] Long-Term Liver Function Abnormalities: Risks and Management for Hepatitis B Carriers
Understanding Post-Meal Diarrhea: Causes and Considerations
Diarrhea after eating? Hello Dr. Yuan: My spouse has been experiencing immediate bowel movements after eating since her hysterectomy over a year ago. However, this year, she has started to experience abdominal pain and diarrhea right after eating. We are unsure of the cause. What...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: After eating, it can stimulate colonic peristalsis, which may lead to the urge to have a bowel movement. If there is no weight loss, along with symptoms such as rectal bleeding, anemia, fever, and fluctuating symptoms—especially if relief occurs after a bowel movement, wit...[Read More] Understanding Post-Meal Diarrhea: Causes and Considerations
Understanding Bowel Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Issues
Bowel discomfort? Recently, I have been experiencing difficulty with bowel movements, but it is not constipation. I have a large appetite, yet my stool volume has decreased (I have daily bowel movements) and I always feel like I am not completely emptying my bowels. It takes a lo...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: If there is no family history of colorectal cancer and symptoms such as weight loss and bleeding are present, it may still be caused by abnormal intestinal motility. I recommend drinking plenty of water, eating more papaya, bananas, and vegetables, and increasing physical ...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Issues
Understanding Liver Health: Concerns About Elevated Triglycerides and Treatment Options
Liver function tests (LFTs) I previously underwent a health check-up and found that my triglyceride level was 509 mg. They prescribed me a strong liver medication. Could this be problematic? Should I inform my doctor that my grandfather also passed away due to liver disease? Addi...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: The "triglyceride index" refers to the level of triglycerides in the blood. If this is the case, dietary changes should be considered first (avoid greasy foods, abstain from alcohol, and increase vegetable intake; if overweight, weight loss is recommended) along ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Concerns About Elevated Triglycerides and Treatment Options
Understanding Orange Oil in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Stool with oil? After having a bowel movement, I was shocked to see orange oil floating on the surface of the water. I'm very scared and wondering what could be wrong. I've never experienced this issue before. Today, I ate an oat bar for the first time. Could this be re...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The reasons for oily stools include: 1. Excessive oily food leading to malabsorption. 2. Certain weight loss medications can cause oily stools. 3. Liver, gallbladder, or pancreatic diseases may also result in steatorrhea. It is advisable to maintain a light diet, and if sy...[Read More] Understanding Orange Oil in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
It hurts so much..? Hello, Dr. Yuan... For the past year or two, I have been experiencing significant discomfort in my gastrointestinal tract. Often, I wake up in the middle of the night with severe stomach pain. Recently, regardless of whether I eat or not, my intestines seem to...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: If you experience upper abdominal pain at midnight that improves after eating, you may need to consider a duodenal ulcer. It is recommended to undergo an endoscopy for confirmation. Additionally, if you have bloating, gas, and rapid intestinal motility but are gaining weig...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Nocturnal Stomach Noises and Abdominal Discomfort After Dinner
Stomach rumbling? Hello, I have two questions to ask. 1. In recent years, I have occasionally heard my stomach making noises similar to hunger sounds at night after having dinner, but I didn't pay much attention to it. Recently, I have been hearing it more often. Is this n...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: 1. This is the reason for increased gastrointestinal motility, provided there is no abdominal pain, vomiting, or other related issues. 2. If there is no weight loss, anemia, diarrhea, or fever, and the symptoms are intermittent, it is most likely functional dyspepsia cause...[Read More] Understanding Nocturnal Stomach Noises and Abdominal Discomfort After Dinner
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Gastrointestinal discomfort Recently, after eating, I feel like food is stuck in my esophagus and my stomach becomes very bloated. I constantly feel the urge to burp, but it feels blocked and I can't. It seems like if I do burp, I might also vomit the food. What could be the...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: It may be a functional disorder caused by abnormal gastrointestinal motility, or it could be due to pathological changes in the digestive tract. If there is weight loss, anemia, blood in the stool, fever, or if symptoms persist and worsen, it is advisable to seek medical e...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions