Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes, Symptoms, and Duration of Hemorrhoids
Rectal bleeding The stool is both coffee-colored and golden yellow, and it can be as thick as a ten or even fifty NT dollar coin. During bowel movements, there is a sharp pain in the anus, and wiping results in bright red blood the size of a ten NT dollar coin. Initially, the blo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that the bleeding from the anus or hemorrhoids is likely caused by hard or large stools. This usually resolves on its own after some time. It is recommended to increase your intake of vegetables, exercise regularly, and establish a regul...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes, Symptoms, and Duration of Hemorrhoids
Understanding Persistent Stomach Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Persistent abdominal bloating? Hello, doctor. I've been experiencing bloating for the past month. I've seen four or five doctors, and due to accompanying cold symptoms (nasal congestion, itchy throat, etc.), most diagnosed it as a gastroenteritis. While the cold symptom...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on the symptoms you described, it does appear to be a cold, which indicates a higher likelihood of an upper respiratory tract infection given the current community situation in Taiwan. It is advisable to first rule out the possibility of a COVID-19 infection. If the COVID-1...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Stomach Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Dark Green Stool: Causes and Concerns After Iron Supplementation
The stool appears dark green? Hello Doctor: I started taking iron supplements in February of last year, and after stopping the medication in December, I noticed that my stool has consistently been dark green to blackish green until now. During this time, I had a positive fecal oc...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, taking iron supplements can cause the stool to become darker, resembling a dark green color. Additionally, certain foods, such as matcha, can also result in green-colored stool. Furthermore, taking iron supplements may lead to a positive result for occult blood in the stoo...[Read More] Understanding Dark Green Stool: Causes and Concerns After Iron Supplementation
Understanding Loose Stools: When to Seek Medical Advice
Loose stools? In the past two weeks, my stools have been looser; they are formed but break apart when flushed. This used to happen occasionally, but this time it has lasted longer. There are no other symptoms. Dr. Hsieh, do I need to seek medical attention or undergo any tests? T...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: These symptoms may be related to the food you consume or your own emotional state. Additionally, functional gastrointestinal disorders can also present in this manner. It is important to monitor any weight loss; if you experience this, you may need to visit a hospital for ...[Read More] Understanding Loose Stools: When to Seek Medical Advice
Are Undercooked Shrimp Safe? Understanding Risks and Health Concerns
Concerns about Undercooked Food Several years ago, my family became fascinated with a cooking method they saw on a culinary show, which has led to multiple arguments due to the occasional fishy taste in the dishes. I am particularly concerned about shrimp, such as shrimp omelets....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is not always possible to determine the presence of parasites solely based on appearance. Currently, medical practice primarily focuses on patients with gastrointestinal symptoms, who can have their stool tested for parasite eggs. As for blood tests, theoretically, eosi...[Read More] Are Undercooked Shrimp Safe? Understanding Risks and Health Concerns
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
Understanding Anal Fistulas: Surgical Options and Recovery Tips
Anal fistula Last September, I underwent hemorrhoid surgery. By December, I noticed a lump near the anus that was extremely painful. I consulted a specialist, and in late February, I was given a seton placement. However, there is still a small lump in that area, and a few days be...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the surgical removal of an anal fistula primarily depends on whether it causes infection and related complications. Based on your description, it seems to frequently cause discomfort, which is why your physician recommended surgery. As for postoperative care, your doctor s...[Read More] Understanding Anal Fistulas: Surgical Options and Recovery Tips
Understanding Bitter Phlegm and Dry Mouth: Possible Causes and Solutions
Feeling dry in the mouth and experiencing bitter phlegm when coughing? A few days ago, I had nasal congestion, but recently I've started to feel a bitter taste in my phlegm (which is clear), although the nasal congestion has improved. I've also begun to notice a bitter ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
If a person experiences a dry and uncomfortable mouth that does not improve with drinking water, and this has only lasted a few days, it could be due to medication side effects (such as those from decongestants or antihistamines), upper respiratory tract inflammation, or dietary ...[Read More] Understanding Bitter Phlegm and Dry Mouth: Possible Causes and Solutions
Is Your Immune System Weakening? Tips for Improvement
Is the immune system weakened? How can it be improved? Hello, Doctor Gao: Over the past six months, I have experienced occasional small cuts on my fingers that are difficult to heal, often taking 3-4 weeks (each time a small cut turns into a small area of skin ulceration, but th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen, thank you for your message. Your symptoms are nonspecific, making it difficult to determine if there is an underlying immune dysfunction. I have a few suggestions as follows: 1. "Occasional small cuts on the fingers that are slow to heal, taking 3-4 weeks&qu...[Read More] Is Your Immune System Weakening? Tips for Improvement
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Soft Bowel Movements
Blood in the stool? Hello, doctor. I exercise regularly and have daily bowel movements. However, two days ago, I noticed that my stool was soft and yellow, and there were some streaks of blood on the surface. I would like to know what this could indicate, as I have never experien...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: If blood streaks are discovered incidentally, it may be due to internal hemorrhoid bleeding or a rupture of the mucosa in the colon, and there is generally no need for excessive concern. However, if it occurs repeatedly, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for ...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Soft Bowel Movements
Understanding Hard Stools: When to Use Fucidin and Toilet Tips
Please ask your question? Hello Dr. Hong, I would like to ask you a question. It seems that I have been drinking less water lately, and my stools have been harder, which might have caused some minor skin irritation. Although there is no bleeding, I feel a bit of a sting when usin...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Fucidin and tetracycline are both antibiotic ointments that can be used for the skin condition you described. 2. This is likely caused by constipation and should not be related to the use of a bidet. 3. The causes of constipation are usually due to insufficient vege...[Read More] Understanding Hard Stools: When to Use Fucidin and Toilet Tips
Managing Thyroid Nodules: When to Pause Medication for Gastrointestinal Issues
Thyroid nodule During a physical examination, a thyroid ultrasound revealed a 1.8 cm nodule on the right side and a 0.4 cm nodule on the left side. A fine needle aspiration biopsy indicated that the nodules are cysts (fluid-filled). The physician has prescribed Eltroxin (levothyr...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
You may consider having a blood test in advance to check for thyroid antibodies. If thyroid antibodies are present, it is advisable to discontinue medication. As for whether the use of thyroid hormone can inhibit the enlargement of thyroid cysts/nodules, this remains uncertain.[Read More] Managing Thyroid Nodules: When to Pause Medication for Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Testicular Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Abdominal issues? On December 8, I visited a clinic in Tainan due to left testicular pain. The doctor prescribed medication, but after three days of taking it, there was no improvement. On December 12, during a follow-up visit, I asked the doctor if it could be a varicocele. The ...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your abdominal symptoms seem to be more indicative of gastrointestinal motility disorders. It is recommended that you visit a gastroenterology specialist for further evaluation. Additionally, regarding your inquiry about whether surgery for varic...[Read More] Understanding Testicular Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Understanding Unexplained Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea in Seniors
Abdominal pain and diarrhea of unknown origin? Hello Doctor: My mother is 72 years old and recently experienced two episodes of severe abdominal pain of unknown origin, accompanied by "profuse" diarrhea. We were not present at the time, but according to her description,...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: It may be necessary to know the interval between the two occurrences, the characteristics of the diarrhea, whether there is a fever, and any other chronic conditions in order to make a further assessment. Generally, if abdominal pain is accompanied by significant diarrhea,...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea in Seniors
Understanding Mucus and Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Help
Mucous mixed with blood in stool? Hello Dr. Hong, I am currently abroad and it's not very suitable to go out due to COVID-19. I would like to ask about a concern I've been having. For the past few months, after having a bowel movement, I have noticed a mixture of clear ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description of the mucus, I'm not sure if you've recently consumed foods that are higher in mucus content. If there are no other symptoms, it usually isn't a cause for concern. Regarding the blood streaks, I'm curious if you observed this ...[Read More] Understanding Mucus and Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
There is mucus when passing gas and stool? This morning, as usual, I went to the bathroom and felt a release of gas, which made me feel like something else came out. I thought it was stool, so I wiped with toilet paper and noticed some white, slightly transparent mucus. I looked ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
It should be normal colonic mucus. If there are symptoms, you can visit a gastroenterology clinic for evaluation and a fecal occult blood test.[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chronic Cough and Throat Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Throat issues I have been experiencing a persistent cough for several months, starting around July or August, possibly even earlier. Every morning when I wake up, I definitely cough to the point of feeling nauseous. After a while, I also experience a burning sensation in my throa...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I would like to know if you have allergic rhinitis and post-nasal drip, or if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? If you have these two issues, they could be the cause of your cough. You can treat both conditions. If not, it may be necessary to see an otolaryn...[Read More] Chronic Cough and Throat Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Concerns About Swallowing Foreign Objects: What to Know After Biting Down
Biting a black stone? Hello, doctor. While I was having dinner, I bit into a mouthful of rice and suddenly heard a small cracking sound, thinking I had broken a tooth. I quickly spat it out and found a small black object that looked like a stone. Initially, my family thought it w...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, as long as it is not a sharp object, such as a fishbone or small stones, it is unlikely to cause any issues since most of it will pass through the digestive system and be excreted in the stool. Therefore, if there are no specific symptoms, you can observe the situation wit...[Read More] Concerns About Swallowing Foreign Objects: What to Know After Biting Down
Understanding Intermittent Abdominal Cramps: Causes and Solutions
Intermittent cramping abdominal pain? Hello, doctor. Since Wednesday, I've been experiencing intermittent cramping pain in my abdomen. The pain persists even after having a bowel movement, and it feels like the urge to have a bowel movement. Sometimes, during the cramping, I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, are you aware of whether your bowel movements are normal? Do you have diarrhea or constipation? If you have diarrhea along with abdominal pain, it may suggest acute gastroenteritis, possibly due to consuming contaminated food. It is recommended to rest more and drink plent...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Abdominal Cramps: Causes and Solutions
Is Blood in Stool After Medication a Cause for Concern?
Rectal bleeding Hello Doctor: I recently had mumps complicated by epididymitis, and I have been taking anti-inflammatory medication. After recently stopping the medication, I started experiencing pellet-like stools (which has lasted for almost two weeks), and there is a small amo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is likely that the bleeding from the intestinal mucosa is caused by hard stools or hemorrhoidal bleeding. If blood is visible to the naked eye, performing a fecal occult blood test may not be very meaningful. I recommend consulting a colorecta...[Read More] Is Blood in Stool After Medication a Cause for Concern?