Understanding Blood-Streaked Stool: Is It Hemorrhoids or Something Else?
Bowel issues with what appears to be blood streaks? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about some bowel issues I've been experiencing over the past four days. On the first day, I felt something unusual with my stool, and when I wiped with toilet paper, it appeared to be a thi...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Blood in the stool is an abnormal phenomenon. While the likelihood of hemorrhoidal bleeding is the highest, there are many potential causes for rectal bleeding. The entire gastrointestinal tract could be the source of the bleeding. To avoid unnecessary speculation and anxiety, it...[Read More] Understanding Blood-Streaked Stool: Is It Hemorrhoids or Something Else?
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
What should I do if I have rectal bleeding? I would like to ask why for the past two days, my stools have been a dark brown color and there is a layer of blood around them, but the bowel movements are smooth and not painful. Could this indicate some internal issue, or is it cause...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Blood in the stool is an abnormal phenomenon, and there are many potential causes for rectal bleeding. The entire gastrointestinal tract could be a source of the bleeding. To avoid unnecessary speculation and anxiety, it is recommended that you visit a hospital's surgical or...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Blood in Stool: Should You Worry About Colon Cancer?
Blood in the stool? Hello: Two years ago, I had a very alarming experience where after a bowel movement, the entire toilet was filled with blood, bright red, and it lasted for several days. Every time I had a bowel movement, there was a lot of blood. Eventually, it returned to no...
Dr. Huang Zhihui Reply:
If bright red blood is confirmed to be coming from the anus, it is generally indicative of an issue at the anal region, with hemorrhoids (internal hemorrhoids) being the most common cause of bleeding. However, bleeding from higher up in the gastrointestinal tract, such as tumors,...[Read More] Blood in Stool: Should You Worry About Colon Cancer?
Red Mucus in Stool: What It Could Mean for Your Health
More than half of the stool contains red mucus? Hello, I am 21 years old, but I have had a habit of constipation since middle school. At its worst, I would only have a bowel movement once a month and needed medication to relieve it. Three years ago, I underwent a colonoscopy, and...
Dr. Huang Zhihui Reply:
Based on your description, the presence of bright red blood from the anus is generally indicative of issues at the anal region, with hemorrhoids (internal hemorrhoids) being the most common cause of bleeding. However, bleeding may also originate from higher up in the gastrointest...[Read More] Red Mucus in Stool: What It Could Mean for Your Health
Understanding Bowel Movements and Related Concerns: A Guide for Patients
Inquiry about bowel movements and their associated substances? Dear Dr. Ke, Thank you very much for your thoughtful response to my previous inquiry regarding Ah Xiang, which has alleviated some of my concerns. I would like to extend my questions to you as follows: 1. This morni...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
1. In this case, it seems that the likelihood of hemorrhoidal bleeding is higher, and it would be advisable to observe for a few more days. 2. Due to the peristaltic movements of the gastrointestinal tract, if there is gastric bleeding, it would present as a uniform black color...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Movements and Related Concerns: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Blood on Toilet Paper: Causes and When to Seek Help
There is blood on the toilet paper after wiping? Hello Dr. Ke, My name is Ah Xiang, and I have some symptoms that I would like to clarify with you. Symptom complaint: This morning (April 7), I had a bowel movement. The stool was soft but formed, and I did not experience any s...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello, Ah Xiang: In addition to the possibility of gastrointestinal bleeding, dark stool color can also be caused by the consumption of red meat, blood products, and dark-colored fruits and vegetables. The likelihood of bleeding is higher with hemorrhoidal bleeding. It is recomme...[Read More] Understanding Blood on Toilet Paper: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Upper abdominal pain? Hello, doctor. This morning while I was at work, I suddenly felt abdominal pain. The pain has been increasing, located above the navel and extending down to below the chest, with a cramping sensation. It hurts more when I press on it, and I feel weak all ove...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Dear Dr. Hsu Kai-Hsi of the Department of Surgery at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: The symptoms you described are quite complex, including abdominal pain and bloody stools, which may indicate various conditions affecting both the upper and lower gastrointestin...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Dark Red Rectal and Vaginal Bleeding: Causes and Concerns
Rectal and vaginal bleeding? After using the restroom, I noticed blood on the toilet paper (not bright red, but dark red) coming from both the anus and the vagina. The amount is not significant. This happened a while ago but stopped, and now it has started again. It's not me...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Dear Dr. Hsu Kai-Hsi of the Department of Surgery at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: Based on your description, possible sources of bleeding include the gastrointestinal tract and the urogenital system. It is recommended that you visit the surgical outpatient cli...[Read More] Understanding Dark Red Rectal and Vaginal Bleeding: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Diagnostic Insights
Blood in stool A year ago, I had external hemorrhoids (I could clearly feel a soft protrusion outside the anus, and it was painful to sit and walk). I gradually improved with sitz baths, and the pain and protrusion disappeared. At that time, I experienced minor rectal bleeding du...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
1. It is possible. 2. This refers to upper gastrointestinal imaging or small bowel imaging, which is suitable for examining lesions in the stomach, duodenum, or small intestine. I'm not sure which part of the intestine you are referring to; if you mean the large intestine, t...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Diagnostic Insights
Understanding Noisy Stomach Sounds: When to Worry About Digestive Issues
The gastrointestinal tract often produces sounds? Hello doctor, I often notice that when I lie down before sleeping, my gastrointestinal tract makes noises that are not due to hunger. It seems like the sounds are related to digestion or intestinal peristalsis, and they are quite ...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
The loud sounds of gastrointestinal peristalsis are not indicative of a disease; rather, they are caused by an increased amount of air in the gastrointestinal tract, which results in louder sounds during peristaltic waves. It is recommended to consume more fiber-rich foods to hel...[Read More] Understanding Noisy Stomach Sounds: When to Worry About Digestive Issues
Understanding Recurrence of Gallstones: Causes and Dietary Restrictions
The issue of recurrent liver stones? Hello, doctor. My mother underwent surgery for liver stones ten years ago, but they recurred a few years later, requiring another operation. She has just recently recovered, and it’s always difficult for me to see her suffer during these episo...
Dr. Xie Wenhuai Reply:
Intrahepatic stones, usually composed of calcium bilirubinate, are difficult to dissolve with medication. They often present with chronic inflammation, and their quantity can vary from few to many. Diagnostic methods include ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and cholangiograp...[Read More] Understanding Recurrence of Gallstones: Causes and Dietary Restrictions
Understanding Post-Appendectomy Pain and Recovery Challenges
Appendectomy for appendicitis? Hello, doctor. My boyfriend underwent laparoscopic appendectomy on July 1st around noon, and the surgery was completed by around 2 PM. When I visited him at around 6 PM, he said, "The pain is unbearable." The nurse administered a strong pa...
Dr. Lai Jihong Reply:
1. Endoscopic surgery requires general anesthesia, which can affect gastrointestinal motility due to the anesthesia, leading to bloating and discomfort or pain in the abdomen. 2. Generally, it takes about half a day to a day for normal motility to resume after surgery. If there ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Appendectomy Pain and Recovery Challenges
Risks of Peritoneal Infection and Splenectomy in Cirrhosis Patients
The risks of performing peritonitis and splenectomy in patients with liver cirrhosis? My mother is suffering from liver cirrhosis and lymphoma, for which she is undergoing chemotherapy and taking liver support medications. Recently, she was hospitalized due to hematuria. During h...
Dr. Huang Zhihui Reply:
Peritonitis is classified into primary and secondary types. Primary peritonitis is mostly caused by decreased immunity due to liver cirrhosis, has a low incidence rate, and requires the exclusion of secondary peritonitis as a possibility for diagnosis. However, this exclusion pro...[Read More] Risks of Peritoneal Infection and Splenectomy in Cirrhosis Patients
Understanding Rectal Tumors: What You Need to Know Before Surgery
Rectal carcinoid tumor I have a rectal carcinoid tumor that needs to be removed on July 24th. I don't understand what a rectal carcinoid tumor is.
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Director Hsu Kai-Hsi of the Surgical Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, respectfully addresses you: Rectal carcinoid tumors are a type of carcinoid tumor. Carcinoids originate from primitive stem cells in the gastrointestinal tract and...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Tumors: What You Need to Know Before Surgery
Sudden Rectal Bleeding After Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns
Sudden rectal bleeding after a bowel movement? Recently, due to feeling down, my eating and sleeping patterns have been irregular. As a result, this morning I experienced some abdominal cramping and had diarrhea. Afterward, I felt like I couldn't fully empty my bowels, and w...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, small amounts of blood in the stool combined with anal pain are often caused by anal fissures, which are typically due to diarrhea or constipation. Based on your description and medical history, it does seem to be an anal fissure. Generally, t...[Read More] Sudden Rectal Bleeding After Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Test: What It Reveals About Colon Health
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) Is the fecal occult blood test solely for detecting the presence of blood in the stool? If other causes of bleeding, such as anal fissures, can also result in a positive reaction, does the test include other parameters to determine the possibility o...
Dr. Hou Yongji Reply:
Hello: There are currently two methods for fecal occult blood testing: 1. The traditional biochemical method, which tests for the presence of iron in the stool (since blood, particularly red blood cells, contains iron). Therefore, any bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract can be...[Read More] Understanding Fecal Occult Blood Test: What It Reveals About Colon Health
Understanding Rectal Bleeding and Abdominal Pain: What You Need to Know
Blood in stool, abdominal pain? Hello: About two to three weeks ago, I started noticing blood in my stool. At first, it was just a small amount that looked like undigested bits of carrot. I thought I would observe it for a few more days, but yesterday there was suddenly a large a...
Dr. Hou Yongji Reply:
Hello: In addition to hemorrhoids, other conditions such as polyps, inflammation, and tumors can also cause bleeding. These issues can occur in young individuals as well, so performing a lower gastrointestinal barium study is considered a very appropriate examination.[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding and Abdominal Pain: What You Need to Know