Q&A with Top Doctors

What medication should be taken for mild gastric ulcers?

The treatment of mild gastric ulcers typically requires a combination of medication and lifestyle adjustments.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole and lansoprazole, reduce gastric acid secretion by inhibiting the proton pump activity of gastric wall cells, thereby alleviating symptoms of gastric ulcers. These medications are usually taken orally and are more effective when taken on an empty stomach before meals.

H2 receptor antagonists, such as ranitidine and famotidine, block H2 receptors on gastric wall cells, thereby reducing gastric acid secretion. These medications are also primarily administered orally. Gastric mucosal protectants, such as colloidal bismuth pectin and sucralfate, form a protective layer over the ulcer site, promoting healing.

If the ulcer is caused by Helicobacter pylori, a combination of antibiotics, such as clarithromycin and amoxicillin, should be used together with PPIs and gastric mucosal protectants as part of an eradication regimen. Gastric motility promoters, such as domperidone tablets and mosapride citrate tablets, enhance gastrointestinal motility and improve digestive function, thereby relieving symptoms such as bloating and nausea.

Medications should be selected and used under the guidance of a qualified physician. Additionally, attention should be given to dietary regulation, avoiding spicy and greasy foods, and maintaining a regular作息 schedule.

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Dr. Shen Yonghua
May 23, 2025
Why does taking Orlistat cause black oily stools?

Passing black oily stools is usually a normal response to taking orlistat, but it may also be caused by side effects of the medication or upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Orlistat is a medication commonly used in the treatment of obesity. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting the activity of gastrointestinal lipases, thereby preventing the digestion and absorption of some dietary fats. Unabsorbed fats are excreted in the feces.

The phenomenon of "passing black oil," which may occur after taking orlistat, is actually the result of unabsorbed fats combining with bile acids, altering the color and texture of the stool. The stool may appear oily and black or dark green, a condition medically termed steatorrhea.

Common side effects of orlistat include gastrointestinal discomfort, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. These side effects may lead to changes in stool color and consistency, resulting in the passage of black oily stools. If the stool passed is black and tarry, upper gastrointestinal bleeding should be considered.

It is important to note that long-term and excessive use of orlistat may lead to deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins. When using orlistat, it is essential to follow medical instructions to ensure safe medication use.

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Dr. Shen Yonghua
May 23, 2025
What medication can be taken for stomach gas rising to the throat?

Discomfort caused by gastric distension may be triggered by various factors, such as indigestion, food allergies, or excessive intestinal gas.

Before selecting medications, it is recommended to first try some natural relief methods, such as avoiding foods that easily produce gas, including legumes, onions, and carbonated beverages. Drinking more water and engaging in moderate physical activity can also help promote gastrointestinal motility.

For patients with food intolerances or bloating after meals, digestive enzymes such as lactase, combination digestive enzymes, or pancreatin may be considered. Additionally, supplementing with probiotics like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can help regulate intestinal flora and restore microbial balance.

For patients with weak gastrointestinal motility, serotonin receptor agonists or mosapride may be recommended to help alleviate bloating and symptoms of indigestion. Antiflatulents such as cimetidine or omeprazole can reduce gastric acid secretion and are effective for bloating caused by excess stomach acid.

The above suggestions are for reference only. Specific medications and dosages should be used under the guidance of a physician. Maintaining healthy eating habits and lifestyle practices can also help improve the condition.

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Dr. Shen Yonghua
May 23, 2025
What medication is good for gas in the colon?

Gas accumulation in the colon is usually related to indigestion, gastrointestinal dysfunction, or dietary habits.

Digestive medications such as Compound Pancreatin Tablets, Hawthorn Pills, and Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets can promote the secretion of digestive enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract, increase gastric acid and intestinal fluid, aid in the digestion and absorption of food, and accelerate gastrointestinal motility and emptying, thereby relieving colonic distension.

Gastrointestinal prokinetic agents such as Mosapride Citrate Tablets, Cisapride Tablets, and Domperidone Tablets can enhance the contractile movements of gastrointestinal smooth muscles, accelerate gastrointestinal peristalsis, and increase the secretion of gastric and intestinal fluids, helping to expel food residue and gas from the gastrointestinal tract. However, it should be noted that these medications are not suitable for patients with intestinal obstruction.

Probiotics such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus can help regulate the balance of the intestinal microecology and reduce gas production. For indigestion and gas accumulation caused by insufficient digestive enzymes, appropriate supplementation with digestive enzymes such as pancreatin and pepsin may be considered.

Consult a qualified physician before using any medication, especially for individuals with chronic diseases, those currently taking other medications, pregnant women, or other special populations, to avoid potential drug interactions.

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Dr. Shen Yonghua
May 23, 2025
How long after receiving cefalosporin can one drink alcohol?

After receiving cephalosporin antibiotics, you should wait at least seven days before consuming alcohol.

This is because some cephalosporin antibiotics contain a "methyltetrazole thiol group" that can inhibit the activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase, an enzyme in the liver. When alcohol is consumed, acetaldehyde produced from alcohol metabolism cannot be properly processed and accumulates in the body, triggering a disulfiram-like reaction.

Mild disulfiram-like reactions may present as facial flushing, headache, nausea, and similar symptoms, while severe reactions can cause sudden drops in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and even life-threatening shock. The risks are higher for elderly individuals and those with impaired liver or kidney function. Different cephalosporin drugs are metabolized at varying rates in the body. Although short-acting cephalosporins theoretically have shorter metabolic times, a seven-day interval is still required to avoid residual effects. Medium- to long-acting cephalosporins have longer half-lives and similarly require more than seven days between the last dose and alcohol consumption.

In addition, food or topical products containing alcohol may also trigger reactions. After discontinuation of the medication, if cephalosporins have been used, it is important to confirm that drug concentrations have dropped to a safe level. For safety reasons, it is essential to strictly observe a seven-day alcohol abstinence period after completing cephalosporin treatment and not to rely on luck.

If, after stopping the medication for more than a week, any discomfort or unusual reactions occur, alcohol consumption should be stopped immediately and medical attention sought promptly.

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Dr. Shen Yonghua
May 23, 2025
What are the causes of mild pain in the right abdomen?

Right-sided abdominal discomfort is a common symptom that may be related to gallbladder diseases such as cholecystitis and cholelithiasis. The pain typically occurs in the upper right abdomen and may radiate to the right shoulder and back.

Liver diseases, including hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis, may present with nonspecific or mild pain, among which long-standing dull pain is one of the characteristics. Intestinal adhesions may cause symptoms such as abdominal distension and vomiting, leading to right-sided abdominal discomfort. Metabolic abnormalities or dysfunction of the kidneys may present with sudden severe pain and hematuria.

Poor dietary hygiene, intestinal disorders such as bloating and intestinal spasms, and reproductive system conditions such as salpingitis and pelvic inflammatory disease may also cause right-sided abdominal pain. Musculoskeletal issues, such as intercostal muscle strain or spinal problems, may also manifest as abdominal pain. In the early stages, appendicitis may present as periumbilical or epigastric pain, which later localizes to the right lower quadrant.

Accurate diagnosis of the aforementioned conditions requires a thorough medical history, physical examination, and appropriate imaging and laboratory tests. If right-sided abdominal discomfort persists or worsens, timely medical evaluation is recommended to avoid delays in treatment.

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Dr. Shen Yonghua
May 23, 2025
What are the symptoms of diaphragm spasms?

Hiccups, medically known as diaphragm spasms, are a common physiological phenomenon, usually characterized by continuous, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, causing brief and repeated breathing interruptions and sudden closure sounds during inhalation.

Specific symptoms of diaphragm spasms include repeated, uncontrollable hiccups, which are the most typical symptom, although the sound of hiccups may vary from person to person. Muscle tension and contractions in the chest wall caused by diaphragm spasms may lead to a feeling of pressure or discomfort in the chest.

Diaphragm spasms may affect esophageal peristalsis, making it difficult for food to pass through, resulting in dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). Diaphragm spasms can increase the vertical diameter of the thoracic cavity and reduce thoracic volume, potentially causing dyspnea (difficulty breathing). Nocturnal episodes of diaphragm spasms may affect sleep quality, causing insomnia or interrupted sleep.

In most cases, diaphragm spasms are temporary and can be relieved through simple self-management techniques. If diaphragm spasms occur frequently or last for an extended period (more than 48 hours), medical evaluation may be necessary to rule out underlying conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, neurological disorders, or medication side effects.

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Dr. Shen Yonghua
May 23, 2025
Is it appropriate to use Gentamicin Sulfate Granules for enteritis?

For patients with enteritis caused by bacterial infection, if the pathogen is sensitive to gentamicin, the use of gentamicin sulfate granules may be an appropriate treatment option. It can effectively inhibit or kill the bacteria causing enteritis, thereby alleviating inflammation and associated symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain.

When using gentamicin sulfate granules, it should be noted that this medication may cause certain ototoxicity and affect kidney function. Therefore, it should not be taken for prolonged periods or in excessive doses. Patients with severe liver or kidney dysfunction, as well as infants, young children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women, should use this medication with caution.

Improper use of antibiotics can also lead to increased bacterial resistance, affecting future treatment effectiveness. Therefore, before deciding whether to use gentamicin sulfate granules for treating enteritis, it is recommended to first consult a qualified physician and undergo appropriate examinations and evaluations to determine the most suitable treatment plan.

It is advisable to maintain a bland diet and avoid consuming spicy or irritating foods such as garlic, hot pot, mustard, etc. Adequate rest is also important, and overexertion should be avoided to prevent adverse effects on health. A balanced and diverse diet is recommended in daily life to help maintain overall health.

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Dr. Shen Yonghua
May 23, 2025
Is it normal for an elderly person to not have a bowel movement for six or seven days?

It is usually not normal for elderly individuals to not have a bowel movement for six or seven days, and timely medical consultation is recommended to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a professional physician.

Under normal circumstances, adults typically have a bowel movement 1-2 times per day or once every 1-2 days. Going without a bowel movement for more than three days can be defined as constipation, and six to seven days without a bowel movement clearly exceeds the normal range, which should be taken seriously, especially for elderly individuals.

With aging, the intestinal motility function in elderly individuals gradually weakens. Combined with reduced physical activity and a monotonous diet (e.g., insufficient intake of dietary fiber and inadequate water consumption), this can easily lead to prolonged retention of stool in the intestine, excessive absorption of water, and subsequent constipation. Additionally, elderly individuals who are bedridden for long periods or lack physical activity are more prone to this problem.

Organic lesions such as intestinal obstruction, intestinal tumors, and megacolon may block the intestines and cause difficulty with defecation. Anorectal diseases such as anal fissures and hemorrhoids can cause pain during bowel movements, potentially leading elderly individuals to deliberately suppress defecation, creating a vicious cycle.

If the elderly individual does not exhibit obvious acute abdominal symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, or bloating, it is recommended they pay attention to their bowel habits and take appropriate measures to promote intestinal motility and defecation, such as increasing dietary fiber intake, drinking more water, and engaging in moderate physical activity.

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Dr. Shen Yonghua
May 23, 2025
What medication should be taken for stomach ulcers and bloating?

For the bloating caused by peptic ulcers in the duodenum, medications that inhibit gastric acid secretion can be used under medical guidance, such as rabeprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, and lansoprazole. These drugs effectively reduce gastric acid secretion, thereby alleviating irritation to the ulcer site and promoting ulcer healing.

H2 receptor antagonists such as ranitidine and famotidine can also reduce gastric acid secretion but are less potent than PPIs. Gastric mucosal protectants such as bismuth preparations (colloidal bismuth pectin), sucralfate, etc., can enhance the protective function of the gastric mucosa and accelerate ulcer healing.

Prokinetic agents such as domperidone and mosapride citrate can promote gastrointestinal motility, aid digestion, and relieve bloating. If the ulcer is associated with Helicobacter pylori infection, antibiotics should also be combined for eradication therapy, commonly including clarithromycin, amoxicillin, metronidazole, etc.

During treatment, patients should follow medical advice, adjust dietary habits, avoid spicy and greasy foods, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and maintain healthy lifestyle habits. Regular follow-up examinations should be conducted to monitor disease progression and adjust treatment plans accordingly. Please ensure medication is taken under the guidance of a qualified physician; self-medication or arbitrary dose adjustments are strongly discouraged.

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Dr. Shen Yonghua
May 23, 2025