Bowel movements, Internal Medicine FAQ

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Understanding Soft Stool: Parasite Infection or Medication Side Effects?

Parasitic infection Hello Dr. Lin, I experienced a mental health crisis in April 2021. To avoid being forcibly taken to a hospital by my family, I hid in a public restroom at a temple. During that time, I completely lost my rationality and felt excessively thirsty. Believing I ha...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Theoretically, for the toilet water in a public restroom to contain parasites, it would require that a person who had feces with parasites used the toilet just before. Additionally, parasites cannot survive outside the human body for an extended period, so the likelihood o...

[Read More] Understanding Soft Stool: Parasite Infection or Medication Side Effects?


Understanding Abdominal Heat: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Abdominal heat flow Hello, Doctor. About a week ago, I experienced a warm sensation in the middle-left area of my abdomen (slight warmth and mild pain when pressed). I have noticed an increase in flatulence and burping. Four days ago, I visited a doctor who prescribed medication ...


Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: The gastroscopy examination showed no issues, but taking stomach medication from the pharmacy has improved your condition. It is recommended that if symptoms persist, you should consult a gastroenterologist to identify the underlying problem. Thank you for your message!

[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Heat: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options


Understanding Long Intestines: When to Consider Surgery for Constipation

Longer intestines Hello, Doctor. I have been experiencing occasional constipation for a long time, but it has become very noticeable in the past two months, with bowel movements occurring only 1-2 times a week, producing very small amounts of stool, about the size of a fingernail...


Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Since I am unaware of your specific clinical issues, I cannot provide you with concrete advice. However, you may try taking medication or consuming certain foods. If there is no improvement, please discuss the next steps with your physician. Thank you for your message!

[Read More] Understanding Long Intestines: When to Consider Surgery for Constipation


Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help

Rectal bleeding Hello Doctor: I was shocked to find blood in my stool tonight. There was about 2cc of blood mixed with the stool in the water. At first, I thought it might be my menstrual period or that I had eaten dragon fruit, but then I realized my period just ended yesterday ...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: If there is blood covering normal stool, and the bleeding is mostly near the anal opening, the most common cause is a rupture of internal hemorrhoids (which are usually painless), possibly due to a harder stool during a bowel movement. It is advisable to observe if it happ...

[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help


Persistent Symptoms: Constipation and Discomfort for Three Days

Hello, this symptom has been persistent for three days? On the first day, I suddenly experienced constipation along with difficulty in bowel movements; sitting down was very uncomfortable. The next day, I used a mentholated oil to relieve the bloating, which helped me pass gas, b...


Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
A user is experiencing anal pain with a sensation of a foreign body, making it difficult to sit down. After defecation, an unknown fluid is being discharged. Based on your description, it is not possible to determine the condition. It is recommended to consult a colorectal surgeo...

[Read More] Persistent Symptoms: Constipation and Discomfort for Three Days


Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and Seeking Medical Advice

Frequent occurrence of styes? Hello Doctor: Since last year, I have been preparing for the national exam, and starting in May of this year, I have been experiencing frequent styes, approximately once a month. Recently, just last week, I had a stye on my left eye, and today I have...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Since the symptoms are mostly non-specific, it is difficult to pinpoint where the issue lies. If you are very concerned, you may consider undergoing a comprehensive health check-up. If the results are normal but you continue to experience recurr...

[Read More] Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and Seeking Medical Advice


Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help

Frequent occurrence of styes? Hello Doctor: Since last year, I have been preparing for the national exam, and starting in May of this year, I have been experiencing frequent styes, approximately once a month. Recently, just last week, I had a stye on my left eye, and today I deve...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Since the symptoms are mostly non-specific, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact issue. If you are very concerned, you may start with a comprehensive health check-up. If the results are normal but you continue to experience recurrent styes or c...

[Read More] Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help


Understanding Throat and Gastrointestinal Discomfort: When to Seek Help

Throat and gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my recent symptoms. Sometimes I wake up with a bitter taste in my mouth and a feeling of nausea. I also have a slight cough and find myself swallowing excessively for no apparent reason. I recently vi...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you frequently experience dry mouth and dry tongue, consider consulting an immunologist to check for any autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Understanding Throat and Gastrointestinal Discomfort: When to Seek Help


Accidentally Ingesting Louisa's Sandwich Wrapper: What to Do?

Accidental ingestion of Louisa's paper? If you accidentally swallowed a piece of paper while eating a sandwich, it is generally not harmful, as paper is mostly made of cellulose, which is not digestible but is non-toxic. However, you should monitor for any unusual symptoms s...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The piece of paper is very small, and it should not pose any issues. I believe there is no need for concern. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is here to support you.

[Read More] Accidentally Ingesting Louisa's Sandwich Wrapper: What to Do?


Understanding Brown Stringy Vomit: Causes and Concerns

Vomiting with brown, stringy material? Hello Doctor: Since last night, I have been experiencing abdominal bloating and nausea, but I only vomited this morning. After vomiting, I noticed that the yellow vomit contained brown, thread-like substances, and I am concerned it might be ...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it is difficult to confirm whether there is mild bleeding. In fact, during vomiting, the esophagus can sometimes stretch forcefully, which may lead to tearing and result in mild bleeding. If there is gastric bleeding, the vomit is typically tarry in appearance. It is advis...

[Read More] Understanding Brown Stringy Vomit: Causes and Concerns


Understanding Urine Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice

Urinary issues and proteinuria? Hello, doctor. On the evening of May 2nd, I visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and explained that my urine in the morning was darker yellow, with a lot of bubbles that lasted longer than ten minutes. Aside from the first morning ur...


Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of foamy urine, including disease-related factors (such as proteinuria) and general physiological states (such as higher urea concentration in the first morning urine). This phenomenon serves as a preliminary assessment tool for individuals to evaluat...

[Read More] Understanding Urine Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice


Concerns About Infection Risks from Toilet Use: A Medical Perspective

Infection issues? Hello, Doctor. 1. Is there a concern about contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from using a seated toilet? - It is a home toilet that hasn't been used for a while. - I have wiped the toilet seat but did not disinfect it with alcohol. 2. Is...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two conditions you mentioned should not raise concerns about sexually transmitted infections. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Toilet Use: A Medical Perspective


Understanding Increased Bowel Movements: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Bowel movements 4 to 5 times a day? Hello Doctor, since December, my bowel movements have increased from 1-2 times a day to 4-5 times a day. I have diabetes and usually have a bowel movement once after breakfast, which is typically well-formed. However, in the afternoon, I experi...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is indeed possible that it could be irritable bowel syndrome or food-related issues, such as dragon fruit, which can easily cause diarrhea. It is recommended to first consult a gastroenterologist or a family medicine physician to check for any issues with your stool. Af...

[Read More] Understanding Increased Bowel Movements: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?


Concerns About Parasites and Blood Test Results After Undercooked Meat

Suspected parasitic infection and blood test values? Hello, on October 1st, I consumed a steak that was not cooked to the required doneness (I requested medium, but some parts were rare to medium-rare). I am concerned about parasites (specifically, tapeworms) and have since been ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The pork tapeworm can also be killed by freezing. 2. Each individual's condition varies significantly, ranging from a few months to several years. 3. Based on your clinical symptoms and blood test results, it currently does not appear to be a parasitic infection. T...

[Read More] Concerns About Parasites and Blood Test Results After Undercooked Meat


Understanding Loss of Appetite: Causes and Concerns for Your Health

Loss of appetite I have been experiencing a loss of appetite for two weeks. It started with nausea due to lack of sleep, and since then, I have not felt hungry at all, even having a constant sensation of fullness. My weight has dropped from 43 kg to 40 kg, and my BMI has fallen t...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, insufficient sleep can indeed affect appetite. As for whether there are issues with the liver or other organs, such as the thyroid, a detailed examination may be necessary to determine that. It is recommended to visit a family medicine clinic for a thorough evaluation. Tha...

[Read More] Understanding Loss of Appetite: Causes and Concerns for Your Health


Understanding Your Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention

Medical issues? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing persistent dull pain in my lower right abdomen for two weeks, which is why I consulted a gastroenterologist this week. I have undergone eight blood tests, a fecal occult blood test, and an abdominal X-ray, and I am currently ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, your previous abdominal pain was indeed evaluated by a gastroenterologist. However, the subsequent dizziness and shortness of breath may not necessarily be related to the abdominal pain. It might be necessary to check for issues in other systems. I recommend scheduling an ...

[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention


Understanding Recurring Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions for Your Gut Health

Diarrhea issues Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing recurrent diarrhea for over a week. Initially, on the first day, my stool was soft but formed. However, during the second and third bowel movements that day, the stools were small and pellet-like, resembling diarrh...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, the causes of diarrhea may be related to food, lifestyle stress, or daily routines. For example, consuming dragon fruit can easily lead to diarrhea. Additionally, high levels of stress or anxiety can also contribute to this condition. Generally, having ...

[Read More] Understanding Recurring Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions for Your Gut Health


Understanding Mucus and Blood in Stool: Is It a Sign of Colon Cancer?

Stool with mucus and blood? Hello Doctor, my gastrointestinal health has not been good for the past two months (slow gastrointestinal motility after a viral infection). Two months ago, when my stomach issues were not as severe, I had an endoscopy. Recently, I still feel short of ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I would like to know if you are seeing fresh blood or black stools? If it is fresh blood, it may be due to hemorrhoidal bleeding caused by constipation. If there is a large amount of fresh blood, a colonoscopy is recommended. If it is black stools, it could indicate gastro...

[Read More] Understanding Mucus and Blood in Stool: Is It a Sign of Colon Cancer?


Understanding Upper Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Solutions

Upper abdominal bloating and pain? Hello Doctor, in the past couple of years, due to exam preparations, I have been sitting a lot and exercising less. I have experienced mild gastric discomfort before several major exams, but recently I have been frequently experiencing upper abd...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, your stomach pain is likely primarily caused by exam stress, which is exacerbated by your menstrual period. It is expected that your symptoms will improve after the exams are over and the stress is relieved. During this time, I recommend engaging...

[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Solutions


Understanding Persistent Inflammation After COVID-19: When to Seek Medical Help

Multiple inflammations Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 on May 24, and it has been over a month now. I have been experiencing persistent gastrointestinal discomfort, and I often feel a dull pain during bowel movements. Additionally, I have a sensation of ongoing inflam...


Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: The five most common symptoms of MIS-A are fever (96%), hypotension (60%), decreased cardiac function (54%), difficulty breathing or wheezing (52%), and diarrhea (52%). However, various possibilities cannot be ruled out. If you experience any discomfort, it is advisable to...

[Read More] Understanding Persistent Inflammation After COVID-19: When to Seek Medical Help


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