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Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
About me
Wu Haiwu, chief physician of gastroenterology, professor, with 22 years of experience. After graduating from university, he has been engaged in clinical work at the People's Hospital of Ganzhou. He has furthered his studies in gastroenterology at Ruijin Hospital in Shanghai and Zhongshan Hospital in Xiamen in 2008 and 2012, respectively, and has abundant theoretical foundation and professional knowledge.
Proficient in diseases
With unique experience in the anti-viral treatment of digestive system diseases such as esophageal, gastric, intestinal, liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic diseases, especially elderly digestive diseases and viral hepatitis and cirrhosis, proficient in dealing with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, severe acute pancreatitis, refractory ascites in cirrhosis, and a series of complicated critical conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, etc., skilled in using gastroscopy and colonoscopy for diagnosis and treatment of diseases, actively participated in the medical emergency response to major public health incidents and government-directed healthcare conferences.
Voices
Does a decreasing platelet count in cirrhosis indicate that the condition is getting more severe?
Liver cirrhosis with increasingly low platelet counts indicates that the condition is becoming more severe. This decline in platelets suggests a more advanced stage of liver cirrhosis, manifesting as significant splenic hyperfunction and splenomegaly. Patients with liver cirrhosis and decreasing platelets may experience spontaneous bleeding, which requires attention. If necessary, surgical intervention such as splenectomy or splenic embolization may be required, along with platelet transfusion treatment. For complications associated with liver cirrhosis, further refinements in gastroscopic examination are needed to determine the presence of portal hypertensive gastropathy or esophagogastric varices. If varices are present, prophylactic banding or sclerotherapy may be needed.
Does early-stage cirrhosis cause bad breath?
Patients with early-stage liver cirrhosis may also experience bad breath. This can be due to functional dyspepsia, characterized by slower gastrointestinal motility leading to bad breath. For such symptoms, consideration can be given to oral medications that regulate intestinal flora and promote digestion. If the patient also experiences symptoms like abdominal bloating, belching, acid reflux, or heartburn, medications that enhance gastrointestinal motility and inhibit stomach acid secretion can be used for treatment. Patients in the early stages of liver cirrosis also need regular medical follow-ups, including gastroscopy, imaging studies of the liver like ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, and routine blood tests to detect any complications of liver cirrhosis early and prevent exacerbation that could endanger the patient's life.
Does anemia caused by upper gastrointestinal bleeding require rest?
After anemia occurs due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding, it is necessary to rest more because if patients continue to move outdoors after developing anemia, it can lead to dizziness and, in severe cases, the possibility of fainting, which can endanger the patient’s life. Therefore, patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding should pay more attention to rest and should appropriately have family members accompany them, as this is safer. The main causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding may include peptic ulcers, acute erosive gastritis with bleeding, etc. Once upper gastrointestinal bleeding occurs, it is necessary to immediately visit the gastroenterology department of a formal hospital for a thorough examination with an electronic gastroscope to confirm the diagnosis.
The difference between gastritis acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease
The difference between gastritis acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) lies in that the main cause of GERD may be the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach contents and gastric acids to reflux into the esophagus, thus leading to GERD. Patients with gastritis acid reflux experience an increase in gastric acid secretion due to gastritis, which leads to acid reflux. The treatment principles for gastritis acid reflux and GERD are roughly the same, involving the use of proton pump inhibitors to suppress gastric acid secretion and increase the pH value inside the stomach. Medications that promote gastrointestinal motility are also needed, such as domperidone, mosapride, and itopride, all of which are quite effective. Additionally, a light diet is recommended. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)
Does atrophic gastritis cause diarrhea?
Generally speaking, atrophic gastritis does not cause diarrhea in patients. The main symptoms of atrophic gastritis include dull pain in the upper abdomen, bloating, belching, or accompanied by symptoms such as weight loss and anemia. If a patient with atrophic gastritis experiences diarrhea, they should promptly visit the gastroenterology department or intestinal clinic of a standard hospital to complete routine stool examinations and tests, and if necessary, an endoscopic examination of the colon. In terms of treatment, antidiarrheal medications such as montmorillonite powder can be used, as well as treatments like Bacillus coagulans to regulate the intestinal flora. It is also advised to drink more water to avoid dehydration.
What is the worst outcome of colitis?
In the most severe cases of colitis, the following can be observed: 1. Extensive uncontrollable bleeding; 2. The appearance of toxic megacolon, which may be accompanied by perforation or infection; 3. Fulminant acute ulcerative colitis that responds poorly to treatment; 4. Severe narrowing of the intestinal lumen leading to intestinal obstruction; 5. Complication of colonic malignancy; 6. Severe ulcerative colitis causing the patient to suffer from severe malnutrition, unable to work normally, participate in social activities, or engage in sexual activities, etc.
Can I drink tea with pancreatitis?
Patients with pancreatitis are advised not to drink tea. If the symptoms are severe, they might experience intense abdominal pain, stomach coldness, fever, and cessation of gas and bowel movements. Under these conditions, patients should not drink water or eat anything, and certainly should not drink tea. The causes of pancreatitis could be biliary stone-related inflammation, excessive drinking or eating, or due to alcohol consumption. A minority of cases might be due to anatomical abnormalities of the pancreas or autoimmune diseases. Therefore, once pancreatitis occurs, it is necessary to identify the cause and take appropriate treatment measures. This includes actively suppressing the secretion of pancreatic enzymes and stomach acid, aggressively rehydrating, and, if necessary, undergoing surgical treatment.
Can cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B be cured by taking Chinese medicine?
Liver cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B cannot be completely cured by Chinese medicine, as the main cause is the presence of the hepatitis B virus. Therefore, antiviral medications are necessary for treatment. Only by eradicating the hepatitis B virus can the patient's cirrhosis be effectively controlled. Certainly, Chinese medicine from traditional practices does have confirmed effects on treating hepatitis B-induced liver cirrhosis, but it cannot completely cure cirrhosis; it can only slow its progression. Hence, once a patient is diagnosed with hepatitis B cirrhosis, it is crucial to actively use antiviral medications for treatment, typically opting for drugs such as entecavir, telbivudine, or tenofovir. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)
Is atrophic gastritis C1 cancerous?
Atrophic gastritis C1 is not a cancerous change; it refers to closed atrophy, limited only to the pyloric antrum and not occurring in parts such as the gastric body or greater curvature. Patients with atrophic gastritis C1 should first be tested for the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection. If the Helicobacter pylori infection is positive, a standardized eradication of Helicobacter pylori should be conducted using a bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for two weeks. Additionally, patients can take Chinese patent medicines like Weifuchun and Monkey Mushroom tablets to repair and protect the gastric mucosa. Moreover, patients with atrophic gastritis C1 should regularly undergo follow-up gastroscopy. Note: Please follow medical advice regarding medication.
Can I eat cake during the treatment of Helicobacter pylori?
During the treatment process for Helicobacter pylori, it is permissible to eat cake, as there are no specific dietary restrictions. However, it is important to avoid spicy and stimulating foods, as well as strong liquor, strong tea, coffee, etc. Treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection may include the use of proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole and lansoprazole combined with antibiotics like amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and metronidazole, often in a quadruple therapy regimen with bismuth citrate for two weeks aimed at eradicating the infection. Patients with Helicobacter pylori infection should consume easy-to-digest, bland foods and avoid overly spicy and stimulating foods. (Please follow your doctor's prescription when using medications.)