Concerns About Dark Stools from Long-term Use of Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Inquiry about medication for ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, doctor! My partner has ankylosing spondylitis and is currently taking one and a half tablets of Voltaren (diclofenac) per day. However, the color of their stool is dark (closer to black), and we are concerned whether thi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Dark stools (such as dark green stools) can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from true melena caused by gastrointestinal bleeding. However, while Diclofenac is generally less irritating to the stomach and relatively safe, it is still an an...[Read More] Concerns About Dark Stools from Long-term Use of Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Blood in the stool? Doctor, I have blood in my stool, and I'm not sure what the cause is. I have taken a photo; can you please help me take a look?
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
If a person notices blood in their stool, it is important to assess the color of the blood (ranging from bright red to tarry black) and how it is mixed with the stool (whether it is just on the surface or mixed throughout) to help identify potential causes. It is advisable to con...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Black Stool: Causes and Concerns About Stomach Issues
Bowel and gastric issues? Today, I noticed that my stool is black, but it doesn't happen every day; it occurs occasionally along with some mild nausea (not sure if it's psychological). I would like to know if this could be stomach cancer, or if infrequent fruit consumpt...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe the likelihood of gastric cancer is low, while the chances of gastrointestinal ulcers, such as gastric or duodenal ulcers, are higher. If there is bleeding from an ulcer in the stomach or duodenum, it can lead to black stools due to d...[Read More] Understanding Black Stool: Causes and Concerns About Stomach Issues
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues in Elderly Patients with Lung Fibrosis
Gastrointestinal issues My mother is 84 years old and has had pulmonary fibrosis for many years, sometimes requiring oxygen therapy during severe episodes. Recently, she has experienced sudden episodes of facial discoloration due to hypoxia, which have occurred three times. In th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Vomiting blood of 1000cc along with bloody stools is very serious, and I recommend that you seek emergency care immediately. Although the elderly may not be able to undergo an endoscopy, the emergency department or gastroenterology can still pro...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues in Elderly Patients with Lung Fibrosis
Persistent Foamy Urine and Nausea: Understanding Possible Causes
For a year, I've been experiencing foamy urine and nausea, and this has been ongoing for three to four years? A year ago, I experienced a panic attack and took a lot of pain relief and psychiatric medications for a month or two. After stopping the medication, I started notic...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you notice bubbles in your urine, please follow up with a nephrologist. Nausea and vomiting are likely not related to the bubbly urine. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Persistent Foamy Urine and Nausea: Understanding Possible Causes
Concerns About Parasite Infection After Eating Raw Fish Delivery
Sashimi rice bowl delivered on a hot summer day? Hello Doctor, due to my internship, I am currently in Shanghai. On May 17, 2024, during a hot day, I had delivery of chopped sashimi, which included fresh Norwegian salmon, Arctic sweet shrimp, and Arctic surf clams. In the afterno...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, leaving raw food at higher temperatures significantly increases the risk of bacterial growth, which can lead to gastroenteritis. In contrast, the relationship between parasites and temperature is minimal (if food contains parasites, they do not proliferate within the food)...[Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infection After Eating Raw Fish Delivery
Understanding Fecal-Oral Infections: Parasites and Pathogenic Bacteria
Fecal-oral transmission of parasites or pathogenic bacteria? Hello Dr. Lin, I previously inquired about chronic diarrhea and suspect that it may be due to a parasitic or pathogenic bacterial infection from an incident over three years ago when I accidentally ingested toilet water...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. There are many bacteria, predominantly Escherichia coli. 2. Parasites are typically present in individuals who have been recently infected; thus, the water in the toilet may contain parasites only if someone with a parasitic infection has used it (parasites cannot survive long...[Read More] Understanding Fecal-Oral Infections: Parasites and Pathogenic Bacteria
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 Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes and Remedies for Stomach Pain
Gastrointestinal issues Hello, doctor. I went to the night market yesterday and ate a lot of food. Around 2 AM, I experienced about 20 minutes of abdominal cramping (some time had passed since I finished eating). I felt the urge to have a bowel movement but couldn't, and the...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If you are not experiencing any further cramping, then there is no need for concern. Blood in the stool is more commonly associated with hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Anal fissures tend to be painful, whereas if there is no pain, it is more like...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes and Remedies for Stomach Pain
Concerns About Undercooked Dumplings: Should You Get Tested?
After eating dumplings, I found a small red piece in the center and I'm worried that I might have swallowed a piece of pork tapeworm tissue? Hello, Doctor. On March 16, 2024, while eating dumplings, I suddenly thought to check if they were fully cooked. I found that one dump...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
In principle, as long as one does not consume undercooked pork, beef, or chicken, the risk of contracting animal parasites is generally low. The cases presented in textbooks are more extreme; therefore, prioritizing safety over taste by consuming properly cooked food is the corre...[Read More] Concerns About Undercooked Dumplings: Should You Get Tested?
Is Rapid Weight Loss Normal? Understanding Healthy Weight Fluctuations
Weight loss On December 25, 2023, my weight was 134 pounds, and by January 7, 2024, it had dropped to 129 pounds. Is this rapid weight loss? I started exercising to lose weight on December 25, and initially, the weight dropped quickly. After that, I was losing about 1-2 kilograms...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: If you are eating normally without any special restrictions, losing 1-3 kilograms in a week is not very common. However, it does not necessarily indicate a problem. It is still advisable to consult a physician, especially since you have noticed blood in your stool. Please ...[Read More] Is Rapid Weight Loss Normal? Understanding Healthy Weight Fluctuations
Is Rapid Weight Loss Normal? Understanding Healthy Weight Fluctuations
Weight loss On December 25, 2023, my weight was 134 pounds, and by January 7, 2024, it had dropped to 129 pounds. Is this rapid weight loss? I started exercising to lose weight on December 25, and initially, the weight dropped quickly. After that, I was losing about 1-2 kilograms...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: If you are eating normally without any special restrictions, losing 1-3 kilograms in a week is not very common. However, it doesn't necessarily indicate a problem. It is still advisable to consult a physician, especially since you have noticed blood in your stool. Ple...[Read More] Is Rapid Weight Loss Normal? Understanding Healthy Weight Fluctuations
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 Low-Grade Dysplasia: What It Means for Your Health
Low-grade dysplasia refers to a condition where there are abnormal changes in the cells of a tissue, but these changes are not severe enough to be classified as cancer. It is Hello Dr. Cheng: During the Lunar New Year, I suddenly experienced abdominal pain (just above the navel),...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello Mr. Hsieh: Low-grade dysplasia refers to a stage where cells exhibit abnormal proliferation but have not yet transformed into cancer cells. The causes of abnormal proliferation may be related to environmental factors (such as Helicobacter pylori, high salt or pickled diets,...[Read More] Understanding Low-Grade Dysplasia: What It Means for Your Health
Why Is My Stool Floating with an Oily Surface? When to See a Doctor
Stool that floats on water and has a shiny, oily appearance? Starting about 2 to 3 months ago, without any changes in diet, my stools have suddenly begun to float on the water, and there is a thin layer of oil on the surface. Should I see a doctor for this condition?
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If it persists, please follow up with a gastroenterologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Why Is My Stool Floating with an Oily Surface? When to See a Doctor
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 Black Stool: Causes and Concerns During Menstruation
Black stool color? Hello, doctor. Thank you for taking the time to reply 😊. I just started my period two days ago, and today during a bowel movement, I noticed a stool that was black in color... I'm a bit scared 😱 and I'm not sure if it's related to my period... I ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Black stools may be due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding or the use of iron supplements. To determine the cause, a medical examination is necessary. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Black Stool: Causes and Concerns During Menstruation
Concerns About HIV Infection from Contaminated Toilet Encounter
Concerns about HIV infection? Hello doctor, earlier at school when I went to the restroom, I saw that the toilet had someone else's stool that seemed to be unflushed and had some blood in it. I thought they might have just finished using the toilet and left, so I didn't...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The HIV virus can survive outside the human body for more than ten minutes, so there is no need to worry about that; instead, attention should be paid to fecal-oral transmission, such as certain intestinal bacteria or viruses. Therefore, it is important to wash hands thoroughly b...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Infection from Contaminated Toilet Encounter
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