Irritable bowel syndrome, Internal Medicine FAQ

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Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Solutions for IBS Symptoms

Rectal bleeding Recently, I seem to have developed irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). I often go to the bathroom two to three times a day; sometimes I have diarrhea, and other times I just pass gas without having a bowel movement. Most of the time, my stools are somewhat constipated...


Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello: If there is bleeding when wiping the anus but no blood is found in the stool, it may be due to hemorrhoids. Contributing factors include a diet low in fiber, frequent diarrhea or constipation, prolonged sitting or standing, and irregular lifestyle habits. If there is persi...

[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Solutions for IBS Symptoms


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?


Understanding Chronic Loose Stools: IBS and Gastrointestinal Concerns

I have been experiencing issues with frequent loose stools? Hello, doctor. I started experiencing diarrhea and almost daily soft stools (with a slight shape, small lumps) at the beginning of the year. Later, during a health check, I had a positive fecal occult blood test. Followi...


Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: It may be an issue related to irritable bowel syndrome. Since the colonoscopy results are normal, you might consider starting medication to see if your symptoms improve. If you frequently experience acid reflux, it would also be advisable to undergo an upper endoscopy. Tha...

[Read More] Understanding Chronic Loose Stools: IBS and Gastrointestinal Concerns


Understanding Sudden Fainting: Causes and Concerns for Your Health

Sudden fainting? Around 12:20 AM today, my mother (52 years old) was talking before going to the bathroom when she suddenly fainted just as she was about to enter. I heard a noise and rushed to check, finding her collapsed at the doorway. She regained consciousness after about 30...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it is likely that the alcohol caused vasodilation, leading to a sudden drop in blood pressure, combined with urine production activating the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in a temporary fainting episode. It is recommended that if she drinks alco...

[Read More] Understanding Sudden Fainting: Causes and Concerns for Your Health


Understanding Bloating and Constipation: Insights for Relief

Abdominal bloating and constipation? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing abdominal bloating for almost six months now, with the bloating sensation primarily located on the right side of my abdomen. I have undergone a colonoscopy during this period, which was normal. Currently,...


Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Gastrointestinal abnormalities are common clinical issues that can be challenging to manage. The causes are numerous, including physiological, psychological, medication-related, dietary, and lifestyle factors. It is difficult to determine the cause and appropriate management base...

[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Constipation: Insights for Relief


Understanding Dark Stool: Should You Worry About Colon Cancer?

Bowel issues Hello Doctor, two Saturdays ago after using the restroom, I noticed that the water in the toilet had a dark coffee color, and it seemed slightly red, resembling coffee with a hint of red. Could this be a sign of colon cancer or other bleeding symptoms? I do not feel ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the chili powder in the spicy chicken leg burger may cause a deep red discoloration, but it's not just the chili powder; many foods, especially vegetables and fruits, can contain food coloring. Therefore, it may not necessarily indicate bleeding. However, since your f...

[Read More] Understanding Dark Stool: Should You Worry About Colon Cancer?


Understanding Orange-Red Water in Toilet: Causes and Concerns

The toilet water is orange-red? Hello Doctor, over the past few months, I've occasionally noticed orange-red liquid next to my stool after having a bowel movement (the stool itself and the color when wiping are normal brownish-yellow). A few days before experiencing this sym...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is true that consuming certain food colorings, such as those found in carrots, can cause stool to appear discolored, making it difficult to distinguish from actual blood. However, if there is gastrointestinal bleeding, the color is usually dark red or bright red, rather...

[Read More] Understanding Orange-Red Water in Toilet: Causes and Concerns


Understanding Rectal Concerns: Symptoms, Risks, and Screening Guidelines

Rectal issues Hello Doctor, three years ago I had a colonoscopy, which only showed irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids, with no other issues. For the past six months, while showering, I have been using body wash as a lubricant to insert my finger into my rectum to check for ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you are feeling are the folds and mucosa of the rectum, which is a normal finding. As for polyps, they are usually small and cannot be definitively diagnosed by palpation; a colonoscopy is necessary for diagnosis. Given your age, unless there is a family history of co...

[Read More] Understanding Rectal Concerns: Symptoms, Risks, and Screening Guidelines


Possible Causes of Rectal Bleeding Beyond Colon Cancer: A Guide

I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello, Doctor. I would like to inquire about the possible causes of bleeding that are not related to colorectal cancer. I have irritable bowel syndrome, and I experienced diarrhea the day before (with a dark brown color), followed by...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, any inflammation or injury in the gastrointestinal tract can lead to bleeding. Common causes include infections, inflammation, hyperplasia, injuries, and hemorrhoids. It may not be possible to distinguish the source of bleeding solely based on color distribution; actual te...

[Read More] Possible Causes of Rectal Bleeding Beyond Colon Cancer: A Guide


Understanding Orange-Red Toilet Water: Causes and Concerns

The toilet water is orange-red? Hello Doctor, I occasionally notice that the toilet water is slightly orange-red after having a bowel movement (the stool itself is not discolored). However, the orange-red color doesn't seem to resemble blood. I would like to ask if this is r...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the orange color could be due to bleeding or food coloring. It may not be possible to determine the exact cause solely based on description and observation; it is best to conduct another fecal occult blood test to confirm whether there is bleeding. As for colorectal cancer...

[Read More] Understanding Orange-Red Toilet Water: Causes and Concerns


Can Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome Safely Receive Moderna COVID Vaccine?

Can patients with systemic dryness syndrome receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine? Hello, my mother is 74 years old and has Sjögren's syndrome with systemic dryness, rheumatoid arthritis, blepharospasm, arrhythmia, hypertension, chronic heart failure, irritable bowel syndrome...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Based on the condition of the elderly lady you described, I believe she can receive the Moderna vaccine. However, please pay attention to the medications she is taking; some drugs for rheumatoid arthritis should be temporarily discontinued after...

[Read More] Can Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome Safely Receive Moderna COVID Vaccine?


Understanding Tongue Pain: The Role of B12 Deficiency and Parasites

Tongue pain and issues related to vitamin B12 deficiency and parasitic infections (long text)? Hello Doctor, I mainly want to ask about parasites and gastrointestinal issues. Here are my personal details: At the age of 12, I contracted pneumonia and took antibiotics for a month ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
1. Theoretically, eosinophil levels may rise during a parasitic infection; however, this is not absolute, as many individuals with parasitic infections may have normal test results. 2. Indeed, when testing stool for ova, unless the parasite is shedding eggs at the time of testi...

[Read More] Understanding Tongue Pain: The Role of B12 Deficiency and Parasites


Concerns About Wakamoto: Safety and Effects on Health

Dietary Concerns I have suffered from irritable bowel syndrome since a young age, and my weight has always been around 50 kg. I am 178 cm tall. After a minor surgery for a sebaceous cyst last year, I took antibiotics, which worsened my condition and also led to an anal fissure. L...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, beer yeast is essentially a type of yeast that does not contain alcohol, so it does not harm the pancreas. Wakamoto is a probiotic component, similar to many probiotic products available on the market, used for gut health. As long as there are no underlying immune deficien...

[Read More] Concerns About Wakamoto: Safety and Effects on Health


Managing IBS and Varicocele: Is Combining Anticholinergics Safe?

Medication Consultation Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea: Trancolon 7.5 mg three times a day, Avertine 60 mg three times a day. Left varicocele: hyoscyamine 0.125 mg three times a day. I was once sent to the emergency room, underwent KUB imaging, and had ST segment elevatio...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, these two medications have similar mechanisms of action and may indeed have interactions. However, whether the dosage is appropriate should still be based on your clinical symptoms and assessed accordingly. It is advisable to consult your physician or clinical pharmacist f...

[Read More] Managing IBS and Varicocele: Is Combining Anticholinergics Safe?


Am I at Risk for Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Dietary Habits

Am I at risk for diabetes? I am 179 cm tall and weigh 54 kg. Since I contracted pneumonia at the age of 12, I have been experiencing irritable bowel syndrome and fatigue. No matter what I eat, I can't gain weight. After a car accident at 14, I began to show symptoms of traum...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the risk of diabetes is very complex and includes factors such as body composition and genetics, which cannot be generalized. However, it is recommended to reduce the intake of sugary beverages and increase physical activity, as these measures can indeed lower the risk. Ad...

[Read More] Am I at Risk for Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Dietary Habits


Understanding Bowel Sounds and Bloating: Insights on IBS Symptoms

Borborygmi and bloating? A year ago, I experienced constipation due to high stress, with occasional abdominal sounds at midnight, occurring infrequently about once or twice a month. After undergoing surgery for a lipoma and taking amoxicillin for a month, my symptoms worsened. Th...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is indeed possible that you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or that you may be experiencing issues related to fecal impaction. I recommend starting with a regular routine, increasing your intake of vegetables, and exercising more, as these...

[Read More] Understanding Bowel Sounds and Bloating: Insights on IBS Symptoms


Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Symptoms Explained

Sharp pain in the upper left abdomen? The occasional sharp pain in the upper left abdomen that worsens with breathing and varies in frequency, sometimes occurring infrequently and other times more frequently, and that gradually subsides after a bowel movement, could be attributed...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Vick: 1. There are many causes of left upper abdominal pain, including acute gastritis, acute pancreatitis, cardiac diseases, pneumonia, lung tumors, intestinal obstruction, constipation, colitis, colorectal cancer, neuralgia, and urinary tract stones, among others. It ...

[Read More] Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Symptoms Explained


Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Tips for Students Facing Exam Stress

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Doctor, I have been experiencing recurrent diarrhea for the past four months, averaging about 4.5 times a day. I often feel the urge to go right after eating, and this happens even during exams. Sometimes it occurs when I'm out with friends, wh...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, experiencing diarrhea after meals or during stressful situations is indeed a common yet bothersome issue. Here are a few suggestions you might consider: 1. **Dietary Changes**: Increase your intake of vegetables and fiber, which can help form more solid stools. 2. **Avoid...

[Read More] Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Tips for Students Facing Exam Stress


Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: Symptoms and Management Tips

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Before the consultation, I experienced severe bloating that did not improve with burping, and I was unable to have a bowel movement. I also had no appetite. For about three months, I had recurrent gastrointestinal issues approximately three ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your symptom description, there are several possible conditions to consider. First, the most likely cause is chronic constipation, especially if your intake of vegetables is low and you have little time for exercise. This can easily lead to the symptoms you described. ...

[Read More] Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: Symptoms and Management Tips


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?


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