Family medicine, Surgery FAQ

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Understanding Anal Leakage: Causes and When to Seek Help

Anal discharge I have not been diagnosed with hemorrhoids, nor do I feel like I have them. Sometimes when I pass gas or accidentally, there is a watery discharge from my anus, but it has no odor. Recently, I've also experienced issues with incomplete bowel movements and a co...


Dr. Zhang Shuhao Reply:
Based on your description, it may be a functional gastrointestinal issue. You can start by increasing your fluid intake and dietary fiber, engaging in moderate exercise, and relaxing your mind. If symptoms persist, consider visiting a gastroenterologist or a family medicine clini...

[Read More] Understanding Anal Leakage: Causes and When to Seek Help


Red Streaks in Stool: Is It Blood or Food Residue?

There is red in the stool, and I'm not sure if it's bleeding? There is red in the stool, and I'm not sure if it's bleeding, but only one segment has some red stool, which does not dissolve into red in the water. Could this possibly be food residue? I ate a lot...


Dr. Zhang Shuhao Reply:
The image cannot be displayed, but red stools can indeed be caused by food, such as red foods like chili peppers, tomatoes, or beets. The residue from these foods may not be completely broken down during digestion, resulting in red coloration in the stool. However, to rule out ot...

[Read More] Red Streaks in Stool: Is It Blood or Food Residue?


Managing Constipation and Anal Fissures: Alternatives to Long-Term Herbal Use

Laxative dependence, anal fissure? Hello, Doctor. My problem is as follows: Whenever my stool is hard (but not rock-like), it causes anal fissures. I previously tried drinking Uni-President high-fiber soy milk (chicory fiber) to maintain softer stools, but sometimes my stool is s...


Dr. Zhang Shuhao Reply:
The ingredients and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine are unclear, but if you have been taking it for five years and have only recently experienced weight loss, it may not necessarily be related to the herbal medicine. If you are concerned about gastrointestinal issues, ...

[Read More] Managing Constipation and Anal Fissures: Alternatives to Long-Term Herbal Use


Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Worry About Symptoms

Bowel issues Hello Doctor: Recently, I've been feeling a bloated sensation in my lower left abdomen, near the bladder, especially when I exert myself. When I have a bowel movement, I need to push a bit, but the stool that comes out is not much and tends to be thin and interm...


Dr. Zhang Shuhao Reply:
The shape of stool can sometimes be related to the way one exerts pressure during bowel movements. If there is no bleeding, you can continue to monitor the situation. Given your age, the likelihood of colorectal cancer is low. If you are concerned, you can consult a gastroenterol...

[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: When to Worry About Symptoms


Understanding Anxiety-Related Issues from Bowel Movements

Anxiety-related issues caused by bowel movements? Hello Dr. Chang, thank you for taking the time to address my concerns despite your busy schedule. Here is my current situation: 1. My father has esophageal cancer, and there are no other cases within the third-degree relatives. 2...


Dr. Zhang Shuhao Reply:
1. Black or orange-red residue is usually related to food and is completely normal, with no bleeding involved. 2. If there is suspected bleeding, it may present as black stools, brick-red stools, or stools with blood streaks. For cases where blood is not visible to the naked ey...

[Read More] Understanding Anxiety-Related Issues from Bowel Movements


Understanding Red Residue in Stool: Causes and Concerns

Red residue in stool? Hello Doctor: I had a normal bowel movement yesterday morning, but later in the evening, I might have eaten something too oily. Shortly after taking probiotics, I experienced diarrhea. Since I had diarrhea once before bed the previous night, I didn't fe...


Dr. Zhang Shuhao Reply:
Given your age, unless there is a significant family history of cancer, your risk of cancer is quite low. The symptoms you described are more likely related to dietary issues. It is advisable to continue monitoring for any blood in the stool or other abdominal discomfort. You may...

[Read More] Understanding Red Residue in Stool: Causes and Concerns


Post-Accident Wound Care: Expert Advice on Stitch Management

After a car accident on the night of December 11, how to properly care for sutures? Hello Dr. Lee, I had a car accident on December 11, resulting in an injury above my ankle. I received nine stitches in the emergency room. The photo below was taken on the morning of December 16 w...


Dr. Li Zhonghuai Reply:
Hello! The photo appears to show cellulitis, and the blood circulation is not very good. After changing the dressing, clean the area with sterile saline solution; of course, the tissue fluid inside should be drained, apply ointment, and cover it with a gauze. The wound should not...

[Read More] Post-Accident Wound Care: Expert Advice on Stitch Management


Understanding Anal Abscess: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Anal abscess Hello Doctor, I started experiencing pain around my anus on November 30th, which has affected my daily life. On December 1st, I visited my family doctor who suspected it was hemorrhoids and prescribed antibiotics and an ointment. However, on the evening of December 2...


Dr. Zhang Shuhao Reply:
The family medicine physician prescribed antibiotics and ointment, indicating that the doctor also suspects an anal abscess. If it ruptures on its own, it's fine; you can clean and disinfect the area and gently express the pus. Continue applying the ointment to the wound. Af...

[Read More] Understanding Anal Abscess: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options


Understanding Digestive Issues: From Stress to Potential IBS Concerns

Bowel movement issues Hello, doctor! After entering junior high school, I don't know if it's due to increased stress, but I've started experiencing a habit of abdominal pain and diarrhea. It was fine before, but it became uncontrollable after I entered the second y...


Dr. Zhang Shuhao Reply:
Hello, if there is no significant family history of disease, the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer at your age is very low. It is more likely that irregular gastrointestinal motility is caused by stress, which is a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS can be ma...

[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: From Stress to Potential IBS Concerns


Understanding Anal Skin Tags: Symptoms, Concerns, and When to Seek Help

External anal skin tag Hello Doctor, about two years ago, I felt a small lump between my anus and vagina. There was no bleeding after bowel movements, but it felt a bit itchy when touched. I have already consulted a colorectal surgeon at the hospital, who performed a physical exa...


Dr. Zhang Shuhao Reply:
The colorectal surgeon diagnosed the polyps caused by excessive straining during bowel movements, which are actually anal skin tags commonly associated with anal fissures. They typically do not present any symptoms, but may occasionally become swollen and painful due to external ...

[Read More] Understanding Anal Skin Tags: Symptoms, Concerns, and When to Seek Help


Understanding Abdominal and Waist Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice

There are lumps or nodules along the abdomen and waist? Hello, doctor. Recently, over the past month or two, I've noticed several lumps on my side that I can feel but cannot see. There are lumps on both sides, and when I touch my lower back, it feels like there are many soft...


Dr. Chen Bingze Reply:
Hello, it sounds like you're not quite sure what the issue is. If possible, you could schedule an appointment with a family medicine physician at the hospital, who can then assess whether a referral to another specialist is necessary.

[Read More] Understanding Abdominal and Waist Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice


Post-Surgery Concerns After Anal Fistula Procedure: Your Questions Answered

Post-anal fistula surgery Hello Doctor, I apologize for bothering you multiple times. I underwent a fistula micro-surgery in January, and it has been about four months since then. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. I still experience some pain at the surgical site ...


Dr. Zhang Shuhao Reply:
1. The size of the surgical wound for a fistula may take several months to heal completely. A qualified colorectal surgeon's assessment of the fistula's condition is generally reliable. If a more skilled surgeon believes the surgery has failed, it is advisable to consul...

[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns After Anal Fistula Procedure: Your Questions Answered


Understanding Rectal Issues: Blood in Stool or Digestive Problems?

Colorectal issues In recent weeks, I have noticed that my stool contains something resembling red chili flakes after bowel movements. I usually experience constipation, and my bowel habits have not changed significantly. Occasionally, I feel a dull sensation in my lower left abdo...


Dr. Zhang Shuhao Reply:
If the red, flat lesions are mostly related to food residues, you can observe whether there is black stool or brick-red stool, and whether there is accompanying anal pain during bowel movements, as well as symptoms like bloating or abdominal pain. If these symptoms persist, it is...

[Read More] Understanding Rectal Issues: Blood in Stool or Digestive Problems?


Which Medical Specialty to Consult for Embedded Thorn in Finger?

You should see a hand surgeon or an orthopedic specialist? Four weeks ago, I accidentally pricked the tip of my right finger with a thorn from a winter melon. I have been unable to remove it, and while there is no visible foreign body upon surface examination, I occasionally expe...


Dr. Peng Xianwen Reply:
General surgery, plastic surgery, and orthopedics are all suitable, while dermatology is less appropriate. Director Peng Hsien-Wen of the General Surgery Department at Nantou Hospital.

[Read More] Which Medical Specialty to Consult for Embedded Thorn in Finger?


Post-Surgery Pain and Swelling After Glass Puncture: What to Expect

After glass puncture wound debridement and suturing, there is swelling and pain near the healed wound? Hello, I sustained a deep wound from a glass puncture at the end of July. At that time, my family medicine physician advised me to let it heal on its own and administered a teta...


Dr. Li Zhonghuai Reply:
Hello! Since the depth of the glass fragments is unknown and may have penetrated into the subfascial fat layer, a more extensive debridement is recommended. However, this may result in a longer healing time. Wishing you a safe recovery! Changhua Hospital cares about you!

[Read More] Post-Surgery Pain and Swelling After Glass Puncture: What to Expect


Understanding Rectal Discomfort: Insights on Hemorrhoids and Treatment

Hello, Dr. Chang. I have been to the clinic for an examination, and a finger palpation was performed? I went to the clinic, and during the doctor's examination, I felt quite uncomfortable. I know it sounds trivial, but I've heard some people say that a digital rectal ex...


Dr. Zhang Shuhao Reply:
1. The sensation of a foreign body caused by hemorrhoids is similar to the feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation, as if something is stuck at the anal opening. However, this can vary from person to person depending on the condition, and your symptoms may also be due to a hemorrh...

[Read More] Understanding Rectal Discomfort: Insights on Hemorrhoids and Treatment


Right Upper Abdomen Pain After Sports Injury: When to Seek Medical Attention?

Hit the upper right abdomen while playing ball? Last Friday (4/1), I bumped my right upper abdomen while playing basketball. It hurt a lot at the moment, but after resting for a while, it felt better. However, I still occasionally feel a twisting sensation in my abdomen. After ea...


Dr. Chen Bingze Reply:
Hello, this sounds more like an upper gastrointestinal bleeding issue. It is recommended to seek immediate medical attention from a physician in gastroenterology, family medicine, or general surgery (gastrointestinal surgery).

[Read More] Right Upper Abdomen Pain After Sports Injury: When to Seek Medical Attention?


Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test After Clear Colonoscopy: What to Do?

Seven months after a normal colonoscopy... fecal occult blood test positive? Hello Dr. Chen, 1. As mentioned, the colonoscopy on April 9 was normal, but the fecal occult blood test on November 17 was positive. 2. My family medicine physician advised me to undergo another colon...


Dr. Chen Bingze Reply:
Hello, the majority of colonoscopies are performed personally by the attending physician, unless the physician is unavailable, in which case another physician may assist. Regarding colonoscopy, the chance of missing a significant malignant tumor is quite low. However, there is a ...

[Read More] Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test After Clear Colonoscopy: What to Do?


Orange-Red Water Near Stool: Is It a Sign of Bleeding?

There is orange-red liquid near the stool? Hello Doctor, I occasionally notice orange-red water next to my stool after using the bathroom. I would like to ask if this could be a sign of bleeding? This happened once today (I ate some carrot pieces last night), and a few weeks ago ...


Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Abnormal stool color is often caused by food residues, with common culprits including carrots, dragon fruit, tomatoes, and pumpkin. Fruit seeds may also be a contributing factor. It is advisable to temporarily avoid dark-colored foods. If the issue persists, a consultation with a...

[Read More] Orange-Red Water Near Stool: Is It a Sign of Bleeding?


Understanding Orange-Red Toilet Water: Possible Causes and Concerns

The toilet water is orange-red? Hello Doctor, recently I had a day when my bowel movement consisted of only small pieces of stool. However, I noticed that after urinating, the toilet water appeared to have an orange-red pigment leaching from the stool, turning the toilet water ye...


Dr. Chen Jiaming Reply:
You have not clarified or assessed the conditions of your stool/urine and dietary habits, and medically, there is no specific indication of a higher risk for colorectal cancer. However, you are concerned and believe that an examination is necessary to completely rule it out.

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


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