Concerns About Digestive Issues: What Your Symptoms Might Indicate
Issues related to the digestive system? Hello doctor, I am a 21-year-old college student. I have a history of peptic ulcer and diverticulitis, and I have also undergone an appendectomy. I would like to ask you about something. This morning, my stool was mushy and brown in color. ...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
There are many factors that can affect stool, including diet and lifestyle habits, which may lead to changes in stool characteristics. If you visually suspect the presence of blood, it is considered an abnormal symptom, and it is recommended that you visit a hospital for further ...[Read More] Concerns About Digestive Issues: What Your Symptoms Might Indicate
Post-Surgery Care Challenges for Perforated Ulcer and Peritonitis Patients
Case #165471 Follow-up - Home Care Issues After Surgery for Perforated Stomach Causing Peritonitis Dear Dr. Chen, Thank you for your response. This morning, my family member began experiencing sharp pain in the swollen area, so we hurried back to the original hospital's eme...
Dr. Chen Jiaming Reply:
As you mentioned, the emergency physician expressed a significant amount of purulent fluid from the umbilical wound, and the patient's temperature is elevated. This "wound infection with subcutaneous abscess formation" increases the likelihood of elevated white blo...[Read More] Post-Surgery Care Challenges for Perforated Ulcer and Peritonitis Patients
How Often Should You Monitor a Pituitary Tumor Without Medication?
How often should a pituitary tumor be monitored if medication is not being taken? Twelve years ago, I developed hyperprolactinemia due to medication for a peptic ulcer, which led to an MRI revealing a pituitary tumor measuring less than 1 cm. The neurosurgeon who initially examin...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is recommended to follow up every one to three years.[Read More] How Often Should You Monitor a Pituitary Tumor Without Medication?
Understanding Stool Color Changes: What Your Symptoms Might Indicate
Stool color Hello doctor, I have been experiencing constipation (due to not drinking enough water), which has caused painful bowel movements and bleeding when wiping. However, a few days ago, my stool was dark in color or yellow-brown mixed with some dark shades. But in the last ...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Based on your description, it seems more like the typical symptoms of an anal fissure, which include pain during bowel movements accompanied by slight bleeding. The common causes are often related to constipation or diarrhea. The fundamental treatment is to improve bowel habits, ...[Read More] Understanding Stool Color Changes: What Your Symptoms Might Indicate
Understanding Gastrointestinal Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Gastrointestinal pain Hello Doctor: I often feel bloated after eating, and I frequently burp. I also experience a dull pain in my stomach, which sometimes becomes so severe that I need to take antacids for relief. However, my bowel movements are normal. This situation has been on...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
This situation is often related to peptic ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can also be caused by slower gastric motility. It is advisable to start with a light diet and avoid overeating or greasy foods. If symptoms do not improve, it is important to consult...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain and Bowel Issues in Teens
Lower abdominal pain and bowel issues? Hello, Doctor. I have a few questions. I recently finished my menstrual period, and I sometimes feel pain in my lower abdomen, on both the left and right sides. Last night, when I went to the bathroom, my stool was a bit hard, and I noticed ...
Dr. Chen Jiaming Reply:
Lower abdominal pain right after your menstrual period is often related to the menstrual cycle. If you notice something that looks like fiber in your stool, it is indeed fiber; the human digestive system does not absorb fiber. As for occasional red streaks without accompanying sy...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain and Bowel Issues in Teens
Is Non-Surgical Treatment for Appendicitis Risky? Understanding Recurrence Rates
Is the likelihood of recurrence high if appendicitis is not treated surgically? Doctor, I visited a nearby clinic on March 15th due to upper abdominal pain, and I was diagnosed with gastroenteritis. Three days later, as the pain shifted to my lower right abdomen, I went to a larg...
Dr. Chen Jiaming Reply:
Basically, if acute appendicitis is diagnosed and there are no specific reasons that make anesthesia and surgery inappropriate, such as poor cardiopulmonary status in the elderly or severe coagulopathy, it is generally recommended to arrange for an appendectomy as the appropriate...[Read More] Is Non-Surgical Treatment for Appendicitis Risky? Understanding Recurrence Rates
Understanding Persistent Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Stomach discomfort and pain for three months? Hello Doctor, I have a dull pain above my navel, especially when I'm hungry; it hurts more on an empty stomach. After eating, it feels much better, but after 1 to 2 hours, the dull pain starts again. Sometimes I also feel slight ...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Based on your description, it seems more like a peptic ulcer. I recommend undergoing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Cardiovascular diseases can also present with similar symptoms, so if there is a history of hypertension, it would be advisable to consult a cardiologist for ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Weight Loss Due to Peptic Ulcers: Is PPI Use a Normal Factor?
Weight loss caused by peptic ulcers? Hello Dr. Ke, thank you for addressing my concerns regarding rectal bleeding. Additionally, is it normal to experience weight loss when taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for peptic ulcers? About six months ago (September 2015), my weight wa...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for peptic ulcers does not cause weight loss; rather, it is more likely due to changes in dietary habits after being diagnosed with a peptic ulcer. If there have been no changes in diet or exercise habits, it is important to first check bl...[Read More] Weight Loss Due to Peptic Ulcers: Is PPI Use a Normal Factor?
Managing GERD and Gastroenteritis: When to Seek Medical Attention
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with gastroenteritis? I have been taking antihypertensive medication and started experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) since September of last year. After undergoing an endoscopy, the doctor diagnosed me with mild GERD, and at ...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
You have previously undergone an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and were diagnosed with mild gastroesophageal reflux disease. You have been taking the relevant medications, but your condition has not fully improved. It is possible that a peptic ulcer has not healed completely. ...[Read More] Managing GERD and Gastroenteritis: When to Seek Medical Attention
Is It Possible That These Symptoms Indicate Colon Cancer?
Is it possible that this could be colon cancer? Hello Doctor: My grandfather recently underwent surgery to remove an abdominal aneurysm. Since the surgery, his appetite has worsened, and he has lost a significant amount of weight. Recently, he has started experiencing bloody stoo...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
If the stool color is as dark as tar, it may indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding, especially after abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery, where anticoagulants are commonly prescribed. Some anticoagulants can lead to peptic ulcers. It is advisable to take your grandfather to see ...[Read More] Is It Possible That These Symptoms Indicate Colon Cancer?
Understanding Occasional Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns
There is sometimes a small amount of blood in the stool? Hello doctor, recently I have noticed a small amount of blood in my stool. Sometimes it appears as bright red and watery, while other times it looks dark and sticky, but the amount is always very small, and it varies from t...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
This situation likely indicates a higher possibility of hemorrhoidal bleeding. As long as there is no further bleeding, it should not be a concern. It is recommended to avoid constipation during this period and to shorten the time spent on bowel movements. You may also purchase o...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Blood in Toilet Water: Causes and When to Seek Help
The toilet water appears slightly red during bowel movements? I have not experienced diarrhea in the past few instances. On September 2nd, I had a bowel movement, and the stool was black, shaped like a thick log. Since it was the first time I encountered this situation, I felt a ...
Dr. Huang Zhihui Reply:
Based on your age and your description, it is likely that you have mild hemorrhoids, which could be causing the slight rectal bleeding. However, for safety reasons, it is recommended that you visit a specialist for an anoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. If the physician suspects a...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Toilet Water: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Decreased Appetite: Possible Causes and Solutions
Decreased appetite? Recently, my appetite has decreased. I feel hungry, but I get full after eating just a little bit. I used to finish my lunch box, but now I almost always leave half of it. If I force myself to finish the lunch box, my stomach feels very uncomfortable and bloat...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
The symptoms of early satiety, poor appetite, and bloating, accompanied by a persistent feeling of hunger, are most likely indicative of a peptic ulcer. It is recommended that you visit a gastroenterologist for an endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential co...[Read More] Understanding Decreased Appetite: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Lower Abdominal and Anal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Lower abdominal pain with anal pain? Hello Dr. Ko, a few days ago, shortly after lunch, I experienced severe abdominal pain and had difficulty having a bowel movement. The pain was intense enough to make me feel dizzy. After a while, I vomited, and afterward, I felt somewhat bett...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Postprandial abdominal pain should raise the suspicion of peptic ulcer disease, and it is advisable to undergo an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Anal pain with thinner stools in young individuals is often related to hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Is there any history of constip...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal and Anal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Severe Nighttime Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns After Surgery
Severe abdominal pain in the middle of the night? Every night, I experience severe pain on the right side of my abdomen, which feels similar to intestinal pain. Sometimes, I also have a fever. What could this condition be? I have previously undergone surgery for a hernia. If I ne...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
If there is pain in the right upper abdomen, it is commonly associated with liver or gallbladder diseases, and peptic ulcers are also a possibility. It is important to consult a physician to determine the underlying issue and assess the need for a colonoscopy. However, generally ...[Read More] Severe Nighttime Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns After Surgery
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Right lower abdominal pain? Hello Doctor: For the past two days, I have been experiencing pain in my lower right abdomen (the pain worsens with turning, stretching, movement, or when pressure is applied). I visited a gastroenterology clinic where the doctor performed an ultrasoun...
Dr. Huang Zhihui Reply:
When a young person experiences right lower abdominal pain for the first time, acute appendicitis is indeed the primary consideration. For most general surgeons, the diagnosis is usually not too difficult and relies mainly on symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and b...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Can People with Stomach Ulcers Drink Yogurt? Understanding the Risks
Can people with gastric ulcers drink yogurt? Hello Doctor: My mother is currently suffering from a gastric ulcer and has paid for tests to check for bacteria in her stomach, but the results will take some time. Additionally, my mother has sciatica, which causes numbness in her le...
Dr. Huang Zhihui Reply:
Due to a small percentage of individuals having difficulty digesting milk, it can lead to the retention of curds, which continuously stimulates gastric acid secretion. However, this varies from person to person. Generally speaking, as long as it is unsweetened, milk does not have...[Read More] Can People with Stomach Ulcers Drink Yogurt? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Varicose Veins: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care Tips
Varicose veins Hello, I often bruise my legs, and they turn dark and itch. It might be varicose veins. Is it okay to take baths frequently? How can I restore the darkened areas? Do I have to wear compression stockings? [I can't tolerate them because they are too tight and un...
Dr. Lin Zhemin Reply:
Hello: People with varicose veins can still take baths and enjoy hot springs, but it is best to elevate the legs to promote better venous return. Exercise and wearing compression stockings are effective for early-stage varicose veins. If left untreated, the condition will worsen,...[Read More] Understanding Varicose Veins: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care Tips