Struggling with Bloating and Constipation: Seeking Effective Solutions
Abdominal bloating and constipation? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing constipation since I was young, and it has not improved as I grew up. I have tried various methods without much effect. When I visited a gastroenterologist, they only prescribed medication for me. However...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Constipation is indeed a common concern for many women. Medications may only provide temporary relief, addressing the symptoms rather than the root cause. Here are several recommendations: 1. It is essential to consume a large amount of vegetables. Try to avoid replacing vegeta...[Read More] Struggling with Bloating and Constipation: Seeking Effective Solutions
Effective Strategies to Manage Persistent Edema: A Patient's Guide
How can edema be improved? Hello, doctor... I have asked a question recently. I previously visited a family medicine doctor who ruled out issues with my liver, kidneys, and heart. My blood tests have been normal for several years. I inherited my father's genetic tendency to ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. First of all, I would like to express that everyone has a different definition of edema. Since I have not seen you in person and you did not mention your current weight, I cannot assess the degree of your edema. 2. You mentioned that you have seen a family physician, who has ...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Manage Persistent Edema: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Weight Loss: Thyroid vs. Gastrointestinal Issues
Gastrointestinal issues / Thyroid problems Recently, I have noticed a slight trend of weight loss. Last September, I weighed 60 kg, and by last Tuesday, I was around 58 kg, and this morning, I weighed 57 kg. Although my eating habits have changed (I no longer eat late-night snack...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptom description, it does not appear to be typical hyperthyroidism symptoms. As for the weight change, a fluctuation of one kilogram is not significant and may not indicate actual weight loss. The increased hunger you are experiencing is likely due to bein...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss: Thyroid vs. Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Radiation Exposure in Abdominal Medical Imaging
Abdominal medical radiation examinations and medical history inquiry? Condition: Recently, I have had a poor appetite and felt unwell overall. I have developed an aversion to food and experienced some watery diarrhea, but without abdominal pain. I have been having bowel movements...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: A diagnosis can only be confirmed after arranging for examinations. Generally, a CT scan of the abdomen does involve radiation exposure, but it is within safe limits. Additionally, an endoscopy may be arranged to check for Helicobacter pylori infection, as this bacterium c...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure in Abdominal Medical Imaging
Assessing HIV Risk: Symptoms and Concerns After Multiple Encounters
Symptoms related to HIV/AIDS? Hello, doctor. Since around September of last year, I have had sexual encounters with over ten sex workers. Among these encounters, there were a few instances of unprotected oral sex, but all vaginal intercourse was protected, and there was no anal i...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: According to the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://www.cdc.gov.tw/professional/list.aspx?treeid=7B56E6F932B49B90&nowtreeid=8CFCD9975BC5720FA. The transmission routes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are as follows: 1...[Read More] Assessing HIV Risk: Symptoms and Concerns After Multiple Encounters
Understanding Yellow and Black Stool: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Occasional diarrhea with stool that is yellowish-black? Hello doctor, for the past few months, my bowel movements have been alternating between ribbon-like, scattered, and loose forms. For instance, I might have ribbon-like stools for two days, followed by scattered or loose stoo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, indeed, the actual food we consume can affect the color of our stool, making it difficult to determine the presence of disease based solely on color. However, concerning problematic stools, we typically refer to "melena," which is characterized by a black, tarry ...[Read More] Understanding Yellow and Black Stool: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Gastrointestinal issues Hello doctor, I am 16 years old. This year, I have been experiencing constipation issues and have been going to a large hospital, where I have a bowel movement approximately every 3 to 4 days. The doctors have only prescribed me Laxative Granules, which ha...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the main issue seems to be constipation. There are several risk factors associated with constipation, including lack of exercise, insufficient intake of vegetables, irregular sleep patterns, and frequent late nights. It is likely that these risk ...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Understanding the Link Between Acute Tonsillitis and Worsening Hyperthyroidism
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism significantly worsened after acute tonsillitis? Hello, Doctor Gao. I have a few questions to ask you. Last week, I visited a large hospital due to acute tonsillitis. While examining my neck, I noticed some swelling, so I asked the doctor to order a blo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I am an allergist and immunologist, so my experience with thyroid dysfunction (endocrinology) is limited. I recommend that you consult with an endocrinologist regarding your concerns. As for traditional Chinese medicine, it is advisable to see ...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Acute Tonsillitis and Worsening Hyperthyroidism
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
Rectal bleeding Hello, doctor. In the past few months, I have noticed blood on the toilet paper after wiping, although there is no blood in the stool. The blood is bright red. This situation usually occurs a few days before or after my menstrual period, but it does not happen eve...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptom description, it is indeed most likely hemorrhoids; however, other causes cannot be ruled out. Hemorrhoids are primarily caused by difficulty in bowel movements. I recommend that you drink plenty of water, increase your intake of fruits and vegetables,...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
Managing Diabetes: Tips for Blood Sugar Control and Digestive Health
Diabetes issues Hello Doctor, last month I went to the hospital due to blurred vision and was diagnosed with diabetes (blood sugar over 300). The doctor prescribed Metformin HCl 500 mg, to take half a tablet before breakfast and dinner, and to monitor my blood sugar two hours aft...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. Your blood sugar shows "improvement"; however, to determine if it has reached the control target, we still need to refer to your hemoglobin A1c levels. 2. A postprandial blood sugar of 110 is not considered high. It is possible for blood sugar levels to decrea...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Tips for Blood Sugar Control and Digestive Health
Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Regarding sharp pain in the right upper abdomen? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. I have been experiencing a sudden feeling of hunger shortly after meals, which feels somewhat like an empty stomach sensation without the typical stomach growling. If I eat too quickly, I might even feel hungry ha...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Shi: 1. Regarding your upper right abdominal pain, I believe it may be what is commonly referred to as side stitch, as mentioned in my response on June 27, 2016. Therefore, I recommend that you consult a coach to learn proper breathing techniques while running to avoid ...[Read More] Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Blood in Stool: Causes and What You Should Know
Blood in the stool? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing bleeding during bowel movements for about a week. I have a history of constipation and have been taking traditional Chinese medicine to help with bowel movements. However, for the past week, I have been bleeding every tim...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Huang: 1. Generally speaking, the presence of bright red blood in the stool indicates lower gastrointestinal bleeding, and conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, infections, colorectal cancer, and immune-related disorders should be con...[Read More] Blood in Stool: Causes and What You Should Know
Understanding Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Constipation Hello, doctor. A few months ago, I was having regular bowel movements at least once a day. Recently, I have experienced a small amount of bright red blood during bowel movements, accompanied by severe pain. Now, when I feel the urge to go again, I am afraid to do so ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsiao Lai: 1. Generally speaking, the presence of blood in the stool is indicative of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. The primary diagnoses to consider clinically include hemorrhoids, colon ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, infectious bowel diseases, colorectal canc...[Read More] Understanding Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Understanding Your Digestive Symptoms
Is it irritable bowel syndrome? Hello, Dr. Hsiao! I would like to ask you some questions... For the past few months (over 3 months), I have been experiencing some unusual bowel habits. I have been having bowel movements 4-5 times a day, and about 10 minutes after eating, I feel t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen: 1. The diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) lacks effective physical examination or biochemical blood markers. It is generally accepted that abdominal pain lasting more than three months, occurring more than three days per month, along with any two of the f...[Read More] Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Understanding Your Digestive Symptoms
Understanding Digestive Issues: What Your Stool Color and Changes Mean
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor: Two weeks ago, I noticed that the color of my stool was very dark, but it wasn't as black as melena. I also feel that my bowel movements have decreased; sometimes I have one stool, sometimes two. Additionally, I have the urge to defecate...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Sam: 1. The color of feces is influenced by many factors, including bilirubin pigments, food, enzymes secreted by the intestines, bleeding and its location, medications, and other influencing factors. If there is a presence of black, tarry stools, one should consider up...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: What Your Stool Color and Changes Mean
Possible Causes of Left Upper Abdominal Pain: What to Know
Left upper abdominal pain? Hello doctor, my girlfriend has been experiencing sharp pain in her upper left abdomen near the ribs. The pain worsens with deep breaths, and she has a decreased appetite. Her bowel movements are normal, and this has been ongoing for about two days. Cou...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If symptoms persist, it is recommended to visit a hospital for further examination, such as an abdominal X-ray or abdominal ultrasound, to accurately identify the cause. Thank you for your message![Read More] Possible Causes of Left Upper Abdominal Pain: What to Know
Understanding Chronic Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Gastrointestinal discomfort I have been experiencing long-term gastrointestinal discomfort without specific treatment. I have had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for a long time. My bowel movements are regular, occurring once a day and are healthy. Occasionally, I experien...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to visit a hospital for examination. If there is an infection with Helicobacter pylori in the stomach, it often presents with the symptoms mentioned above. Identifying the cause is essential for thorough improvement. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Chronic Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Headaches and Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Headache in the upper right side of the head before and after bowel movements, discomfort in the inner posterior area of the right thigh, and pain in the sole of the right foot? Hello doctor, I work long hours on the computer, am unmarried, and my blood pressure is around 80-90/5...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you follow up with a neurologist.[Read More] Understanding Headaches and Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Pellet-Like Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Pellet-like stools Hello doctor, for the past two to three weeks, my bowel movements have been consistently pellet-like. However, everything else is normal; I don't have abdominal pain or constipation, and my bowel movements are smooth. It's just that the stools come ou...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Anonymous Sir: 1. If you have bowel movements more than three times a week without straining, and your stools are not hard (like pebbles) or causing any blockage at the anal opening, it should be fine. However, it is recommended that you increase your intake of vegetables ...[Read More] Understanding Pellet-Like Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Abdominal Distension: Causes and Concerns for Women
The abdomen feels bloated, and there is discomfort when pressure is applied? Recently, I have noticed a sudden increase in the size of my lower abdomen. As a naturally slim woman, my abdomen used to be completely flat, but now it appears more protruded than before. When I have a ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Lulu: 1. There are many causes of abdominal discomfort, which are often difficult to diagnose. However, symptoms that physicians tend to pay more attention to include fever and chills, nausea and vomiting, belching and bloating, dry mouth, diarrhea, hematemesis, melena, we...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Distension: Causes and Concerns for Women