Understanding Shortness of Breath: When to See a Pulmonologist or Cardiologist
Take a deep breath? Sometimes I feel like I can't get enough air, and I want to take a deep breath or hold my breath for a moment to expand my lungs, which makes me feel more comfortable. I exercise 1 to 2 times a week, and my heart rate is about 90 to 160 beats per minute d...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear A-san: Taking a deep breath shows no particular abnormalities, but my heart rate is about 50 beats per minute while sleeping. It may be necessary to consult a cardiologist at Changhua Hospital for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: When to See a Pulmonologist or Cardiologist
Concerns After 5-Year-Old Swallows Vitamin C Gummy: What to Do?
My five-year-old daughter swallowed a whole vitamin C gummy? Hello Doctor: A week ago, my daughter accidentally swallowed a whole vitamin C gummy while jumping up and down. She coughed and managed to spit it out, but then accidentally swallowed it again, which may have caused her...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Ms. Wu: Regarding the foreign body ingestion, since it is a soluble substance, it may be difficult to visualize on X-rays. It would be advisable to consult a pediatric pulmonologist for further evaluation. However, in my personal opinion, performing prone positioning and e...[Read More] Concerns After 5-Year-Old Swallows Vitamin C Gummy: What to Do?
How Long Does Tuberculosis Treatment Last and When Can Patients Leave Isolation?
How long does tuberculosis treatment last? Dear Doctor, My father was admitted to the hospital at the beginning of the month due to difficulty breathing and was diagnosed with tuberculosis after being transferred from the emergency room to the intensive care unit. He has been re...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Ryan: Generally, after two weeks of medication, the infectiousness is very low. Currently, there is no need for mandatory isolation in a negative pressure room if the patient's condition allows. A regular single room is sufficient. Caregivers and patients should wear ma...[Read More] How Long Does Tuberculosis Treatment Last and When Can Patients Leave Isolation?
Understanding Rib Pain: Causes and Treatment Options Explained
Rib pain Hello Doctor: I have pain in my ribs, and if I rub the painful area, it becomes red. Applying a pain relief ointment helps a bit. However, my rib pain has been ongoing for a while, and I would like to ask what might be causing this. Thank you, Doctor.
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear A-Hsiao: Given your age, it is likely that you are experiencing neuropathic pain. Although there are some differential diagnoses, it is mostly neuropathic pain, such as from a bruise or poor posture. I recommend getting a chest X-ray at the hospital. In the meantime, avoid s...[Read More] Understanding Rib Pain: Causes and Treatment Options Explained
Understanding Low Oxygen Levels: Causes and Management in Respiratory Health
Hypoxemia Hello doctor, around October last year, I started coughing up yellow sputum in the mornings. I went to the hospital, and the sputum test indicated a Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) infection. I took Cravit for several weeks, but there was no improvement. In December, a low-d...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear EVAN: 1. Continuous KP infection is quite unusual, as clinically there should be symptoms such as fever, productive cough, and abnormal white blood cell counts. Please confirm with the hospital whether bronchiectasis has been diagnosed, and if so, consider using postural dr...[Read More] Understanding Low Oxygen Levels: Causes and Management in Respiratory Health
Understanding Aortic Curvature and Lung Expansion Issues in Chest Health
Curvature of the aorta and mild linear expansion insufficiency of both lower lungs? Hello! Based on my recent health check results, the chest X-ray shows a curvature of the thoracic aorta and mild linear expansion insufficiency in both lower lungs. I have also noticed that I ofte...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Mr. Chuang: The curvature of the thoracic aorta is a normal phenomenon that changes with age. Bilateral lower lung expansion deficiency can affect sputum production and lead to increased phlegm (bronchiectasis), but it has less correlation with wheezing unless the expansio...[Read More] Understanding Aortic Curvature and Lung Expansion Issues in Chest Health
Understanding Post-Thoracoscopic Surgery Nerve Pain: Causes and Solutions
I would like to inquire about nerve pain issues after thoracoscopic surgery? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask you about an issue I have been experiencing. About two weeks ago, I underwent a wedge resection for a pulmonary nodule (0.3 cm). Starting from the fifth day post-surgery...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Ivy: It is true that there can be neuropathic pain after thoracoscopic surgery, primarily because there are nerve distributions between the ribs. Since thoracoscopy is performed through the intercostal space, it is unavoidable that there may be some impact. The duration of p...[Read More] Understanding Post-Thoracoscopic Surgery Nerve Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Left Diaphragmatic Elevation: Causes and Implications
Left diaphragmatic hernia? In November, I underwent a company health check, and in January, the report indicated a left-sided diaphragmatic elevation on the chest X-ray. I would like to understand the possible causes of this condition.
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Ms. Chen: The spleen and stomach are located below the left diaphragm. There are many possible reasons for the protrusion, including lung atrophy causing upward displacement or pressure from below. If the condition is severe, a CT scan should be performed for differential di...[Read More] Understanding Left Diaphragmatic Elevation: Causes and Implications
Understanding the Risks of Ignoring Lung Nodule Follow-ups
Pulmonary nodules are not being monitored regularly? Hello Doctor, the following is a chest CT report from June 2019. I read online that lung nodules are mostly benign, so I did not follow the doctor's advice to have a follow-up once a year. Until this year, I started to fee...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Rui: Hello, the CT report indicates that there are nodules in both lower lung lobes (size not specified) and mild fibrotic changes. Additionally, there are lymph nodes in the mediastinum and axilla, while the rest appears normal. It is personally recommended that you should ...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Ignoring Lung Nodule Follow-ups
Understanding Vaginal Entry Difficulties: Causes and Solutions
Inability to achieve penetration during sexual intercourse? Hello, doctor. I am a virgin, and when I try to have intercourse with my boyfriend, he is unable to penetrate my vaginal opening. I have had an examination by a doctor who said my vagina is normal and prescribed a numbin...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
This question has already been answered.[Read More] Understanding Vaginal Entry Difficulties: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Vaginal Entry Difficulties: Causes and Solutions
Inability to achieve penetration during sexual intercourse? Hello, doctor. I am a virgin, and when I try to have intercourse with my boyfriend, he is unable to penetrate my vaginal opening. I have also had an internal examination by a doctor, who said my vagina is normal and pres...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, Miss Zhen Zhen: The hard area you feel at the front of the vagina is the pubic bone. The anatomical position of the vagina naturally curves downward after the initial entry. The desensitization exercises for vaginal spasms recommended online can help with vaginal relaxatio...[Read More] Understanding Vaginal Entry Difficulties: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Pregnancy Risks After Unprotected Intercourse
Are you pregnant? On October 8th, during the seventh day of menstruation, there was still a little bleeding. After using a condom for the first time and ejaculating, a second condom was put on immediately. I used a wet wipe to clean my hands before putting on the second condom, b...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Thank you for your question. Engaging in sexual intercourse on the seventh day of your menstrual cycle, as it is still some time away from the fertile window, theoretically presents a low chance of pregnancy. Additionally, since you used a condom, the overall likelihood of pregna...[Read More] Understanding Pregnancy Risks After Unprotected Intercourse
Understanding Pregnancy Testing: Timing and Accuracy Explained
Pregnancy test questions? Your menstrual period started on October 1st. You had sexual intercourse on October 8th and were concerned about semen coming into contact with the condom, so you took the emergency contraceptive pill (Plan B) the next day. Then, on the morning of Octobe...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello Mr. Yuan: Based on your situation, the likelihood of your girlfriend being pregnant appears to be very low, so try not to worry too much. The accuracy of a pregnancy test is best after a missed period, and it's still too early for you to test now. I recommend that you ...[Read More] Understanding Pregnancy Testing: Timing and Accuracy Explained
Persistent Throat Itch After Cold: When to Seek Medical Advice?
After catching a cold, my throat has been persistently itchy? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about my condition. Four days ago, I had a high fever (39 degrees Celsius) at night and went to the emergency room. The doctor said it was a common cold and administered IV fluids and...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Mr. Tsai: The symptoms you described may be due to a post-viral irritation of the upper respiratory tract following a cold. Please drink plenty of water, and if there is no improvement, consider visiting Changhua Hospital for further evaluation. We care about your health.[Read More] Persistent Throat Itch After Cold: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Can You Get Pregnant After Unprotected Sex During Your Period?
Can I get pregnant? On October 8, the day of sexual intercourse, it was the seventh day of the menstrual cycle, and there was still a little bleeding. After using a condom for the first time and ejaculating, a second condom was put on immediately. Although hands were wiped with a...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello Miss Fufu: If your boyfriend has been wearing a condom throughout, given the situation you described, the chances of transmission are very low, so you shouldn't worry too much.[Read More] Can You Get Pregnant After Unprotected Sex During Your Period?
Can Unprotected Intercourse During Fertile Days Lead to Pregnancy?
Can unprotected sexual intercourse during the fertile window lead to pregnancy? Engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse during the fertile window can lead to pregnancy, especially if ejaculation occurs inside the vagina. If your period was due on October 3 and has not arrived ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello Miss Xuan Xuan: There is still a chance of pregnancy even without using a condom, although the likelihood is slightly reduced. If your period is already 11 days late and you are concerned about being pregnant, it would be advisable to take a pregnancy test. Of course, consu...[Read More] Can Unprotected Intercourse During Fertile Days Lead to Pregnancy?
Post-Pap Smear Bleeding: Is It Related to Perimenopause?
Bleeding after a Pap smear? Doctor, I usually have a regular menstrual cycle and no gynecological issues, except for uterine fibroids and polyps, with the largest being 6 cm. I have never undergone surgical treatment. I have annual Pap smears and vaginal ultrasounds, and occasion...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
This question has already been answered.[Read More] Post-Pap Smear Bleeding: Is It Related to Perimenopause?
Post-Pap Smear Bleeding: Is It Related to Perimenopause?
Bleeding after a Pap smear? Doctor, I usually have a regular menstrual cycle and no gynecological issues, only uterine fibroids and polyps, the largest being 6 centimeters, and I have not undergone any surgical treatment. I have annual Pap smears and vaginal ultrasounds, and occa...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello Ms. Chen: The two instances of bleeding you experienced on the same day as your Pap smear are likely unrelated to your approach to menopause. Contact bleeding during a Pap smear is relatively common in clinical practice and is usually not a cause for concern. However, a sma...[Read More] Post-Pap Smear Bleeding: Is It Related to Perimenopause?
Understanding Pregnancy Testing and Symptoms: Your Questions Answered
Pregnancy test questions? Hello doctor, my last menstrual period started on August 23rd, and this month it was delayed by five days, arriving on September 28th. However, on the night of September 27th, I experienced severe abdominal bloating that kept me awake. I've never ha...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello Ms. Li: Your situation does not appear to indicate pregnancy, so there is no need to be overly anxious. Mild lower abdominal discomfort or gastrointestinal discomfort during menstruation is quite common in clinical practice. However, your ongoing concern about being pregnan...[Read More] Understanding Pregnancy Testing and Symptoms: Your Questions Answered
Understanding Brown Discharge After Menstruation: Causes and Concerns
Brown discharge after menstruation? I would like to ask, my menstrual cycle has never been very regular. After seeing a doctor previously, I took medication to induce menstruation. This time, my period has only produced a small amount of brown discharge, which has lasted for thre...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, Miss Anonymous: There are many causes of menstrual irregularities, most of which are due to individual constitution. A small portion may be attributed to irregular lifestyle, excessive stress, significant weight gain or loss, or the use of medications, among other factors....[Read More] Understanding Brown Discharge After Menstruation: Causes and Concerns