Understanding the Causes of Throat Burning Sensation and Difficulty Swallowing
There is a burning sensation in the throat? Hello! I would like to ask the doctor why I have a burning sensation in my throat? Sometimes, when I drink water, it feels like it's getting stuck in the middle of my throat, causing temporary difficulty in breathing (this has been...
Dr. Jian Linzhen reply Pulmonology
Your issue requires a detailed consultation in the outpatient clinic for further diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Throat Burning Sensation and Difficulty Swallowing
Understanding How Tuberculosis Bacteria Develop Drug Resistance
How do Mycobacterium tuberculosis develop drug resistance? Hello, Dr. Jian. I heard that irregular medication for tuberculosis can lead to drug resistance. How long does one need to interrupt medication for drug resistance to occur, and how does drug resistance develop? Thank you...
Dr. Jian Linzhen reply Pulmonology
The reason for the development of drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis is due to mutations in genes on the chromosome. Under natural conditions, the probability of such mutations occurring is extremely low. If a patient receives a proper regimen that includes at least is...[Read More] Understanding How Tuberculosis Bacteria Develop Drug Resistance
Understanding Throat Discomfort: Symptoms and Risks of Enlarged Larynx
Suspected enlargement of the larynx with discomfort in the throat? I have a noticeable swelling of an unknown object in my throat, and my voice is slightly hoarse. My breathing is somewhat obstructed, and when I swallow saliva or drink water, I can feel a slight movement of the s...
Dr. Jian Linzhen reply Pulmonology
Your symptoms are quite complex, but it seems necessary to consult an otolaryngologist for an examination. An endoscopic examination may be required.[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort: Symptoms and Risks of Enlarged Larynx
Understanding Pulmonary Fibrosis: What Tests Should You Consider?
Fibrosis Hello, doctor. I am about to undergo a physical examination for military service and have learned that I have bilateral apical pulmonary fibrosis with calcification. What kind of tests should I undergo at the hospital? Do I have tuberculosis? Before I received this infor...
Dr. Jian Linzhen reply Pulmonology
Generally, fibrotic calcification is mostly a remnant of chronic inflammation. The most common cause in the country is pulmonary tuberculosis. It is recommended to visit a pulmonology clinic for sputum examination and chest X-ray.[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Fibrosis: What Tests Should You Consider?
Persistent Cough and Phlegm: Seeking Solutions for Ongoing Symptoms
Coughing for several days? Hello, Dr. Jian. My surname is Yu. I have a female colleague who had a cold last week. When I accompanied her to see the doctor, the physician mentioned that she had a lot of phlegm while listening to her back. My colleague has a history of allergic rhi...
Dr. Jian Linzhen reply Pulmonology
There are many causes of coughing, but if the cough lasts more than three weeks or if there is a fever exceeding 38 degrees Celsius for three days, it is recommended to visit a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray to rule out tuberculosis or pneumonia. Based on your colleague's s...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Phlegm: Seeking Solutions for Ongoing Symptoms
Understanding Hoarseness: Causes, Tonsil Issues, and Treatment Options
Hoarseness I have had a hoarse throat for more than six months, and I often experience voice breaks. During this time, the amount of phlegm has not increased, but my throat frequently feels uncomfortable. I'm not sure what the issue is or if it is related to my tonsils. I ha...
Dr. Jian Linzhen reply Pulmonology
1. The cause of hoarseness is inflammation of the vocal cords. If it has lasted for more than six months, it is advisable to see an otolaryngologist for a vocal cord examination. 2. A sore throat is common with a cold, and these are symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infectio...[Read More] Understanding Hoarseness: Causes, Tonsil Issues, and Treatment Options
Understanding Breathlessness, Dizziness, and Chest Pain: Possible Causes
I'm sorry I often experience shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest pain. What could be the reason for this? I have had a chest X-ray and a CT scan, both of which showed no issues. Can you please explain this, doctor?
Dr. Jian Linzhen reply Pulmonology
Your issue is somewhat difficult to define, but if both the chest X-ray and EKG are normal, then there is likely no major concern. It is advisable to follow up in the outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Breathlessness, Dizziness, and Chest Pain: Possible Causes
Understanding Lung Issues: Coughing, Bronchitis, and Lymph Nodes Explained
Lung issues Hello Dr. Jian: I have been experiencing a cough due to allergic rhinitis. I visited an otolaryngologist about a month ago, but there hasn't been much improvement. The doctor suggested I go to a larger hospital for further evaluation. At Chi Mei Hospital, I had a...
Dr. Jian Linzhen reply Pulmonology
It sounds like you have allergic rhinitis, and the cough is likely caused by post-nasal drip. You should treat the allergic rhinitis to improve the cough. The 0.2 cm circle is probably a blood vessel.[Read More] Understanding Lung Issues: Coughing, Bronchitis, and Lymph Nodes Explained
Hyperventilation or Asthma? Understanding Your Breathing Issues
Hyperventilation? Or asthma? Doctor: I would like to ask, last July, for some unknown reason, I suddenly felt dizzy and then my hands and feet started cramping during work... When I went to the hospital, the doctor said it was hyperventilation. The second episode occurred three m...
Dr. Jian Linzhen reply Pulmonology
The symptoms seem more indicative of hyperventilation. To confirm the diagnosis, a pulmonary function test can be conducted during an episode in the outpatient clinic.[Read More] Hyperventilation or Asthma? Understanding Your Breathing Issues
Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Causes and Solutions
Shortness of breath? Two days ago, I went to bed and woke up at 7:20 AM to find that I was experiencing difficulty breathing regardless of the position I lay in. Even after sitting up, I still felt uncomfortable and had a persistent urge to cough. I'm not sure what I should ...
Dr. Jian Linzhen reply Pulmonology
Based on your symptoms, it seems like you may have asthma. I'm not sure if you've noticed any wheezing sounds while breathing, and whether you have a history of asthma. I recommend visiting a pulmonology clinic for an evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Lung Fibrosis: Surgery Success Rates and Treatment Options
Pulmonary fibrosis Hello Doctor: What is the success rate of lung transplantation for pulmonary fibrosis? Are there any other treatment options besides surgery? Thank you.
Dr. Jian Linzhen reply Pulmonology
Pulmonary fibrosis is a general term that can be caused by various diseases, each with different prognoses. In Taiwan, due to a shortage of lung donors, the likelihood of lung transplantation is very low. Therefore, it is essential to focus on the underlying cause of pulmonary fi...[Read More] Understanding Lung Fibrosis: Surgery Success Rates and Treatment Options
Effective Solutions for Chronic Cough: Expert Advice You Need
How to treat a cough? Dear Dr. Chien, I have been coughing for many years. My older brother, husband, son, and mother, among many others, have all asked me why I haven't seen a doctor. I just don't tell them that I have seen many doctors, but I still haven't gotte...
Dr. Jian Linzhen reply Pulmonology
Chronic cough requires a chest X-ray to rule out pulmonary issues. If no problems are found, consider post-nasal drip, allergic asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), smoking, and the use of ACE inhibitors for hypertension. It is recommended to visit an outpatient clinic...[Read More] Effective Solutions for Chronic Cough: Expert Advice You Need
Persistent Cough and Phlegm: Understanding Your Symptoms and Treatment Options
Coughing up phlegm Dear Dr. Jian, I have been coughing since a cold last year, and it has continued until June. During this time, I have visited many hospitals. Some doctors said it was bronchial allergy, while others diagnosed it as bronchitis. I experienced severe shortness of...
Dr. Jian Linzhen reply Pulmonology
Based on your medical history, it seems that in addition to simple bronchitis, allergic asthma should also be considered. I recommend scheduling a pulmonary function test and an allergy test at the outpatient clinic. Additionally, if you have allergic rhinitis accompanied by a ru...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Phlegm: Understanding Your Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Lung Issues: Insights on Tracheostomy and Fibrosis
Pulmonary disease issues Hello, Dr. Jian: 1. I underwent a tracheostomy in the intensive care unit of a teaching hospital during the New Year holiday in 2003 due to an emergency. I was on a ventilator for a whole month, then transferred to another ventilator unit where I stayed ...
Dr. Jian Linzhen reply Pulmonology
1. Some tracheostomy stomas may heal spontaneously while others may not, and they do not require suturing. 2. Suspect tracheoesophageal fistula. 3. Pulmonary fibrosis leads to decreased lung function. 4. Surgical resection is not necessary, but rehabilitation should be cont...[Read More] Understanding Lung Issues: Insights on Tracheostomy and Fibrosis
Understanding Persistent Cough: Causes and Management Strategies
Coughing Hello, doctor! I've been coughing for a long time, and I'm not quite sure why. It feels like there's air trapped inside, and I really want to cough it out (there's no phlegm). After coughing once or twice, I feel the urge to cough again after a while,...
Dr. Jian Linzhen reply Pulmonology
Coughing for more than three weeks should prompt a chest X-ray to rule out pulmonary parenchymal disease. The most common causes of chronic cough, in order of prevalence, are post-nasal drip, smoking, and asthma. It is recommended to visit a pulmonology clinic for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough: Causes and Management Strategies
Understanding Emphysema: Treatment Options and Home Care Tips
Emphysema Is my father’s emphysema commonly referred to as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? Recently, there have been reports that emphysema can be treated with bronchial unidirectional valves. Which hospitals in the country offer this treatment? If there are none av...
Dr. Jian Linzhen reply Pulmonology
"Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a condition characterized by airflow obstruction caused by chronic bronchitis or emphysema. This airflow obstruction typically progresses slowly, and pulmonary function tests show a reduction in the forced expiratory volume th...[Read More] Understanding Emphysema: Treatment Options and Home Care Tips
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes of Discomfort During Deep Breathing
Deep breathing Hello doctor, I used to occasionally experience a situation where I would feel pain near the lower left rib cage. It would hurt when I breathed to a certain point, and I might slightly lean my upper body forward at that moment. After a while, it would get better. H...
Dr. Jian Linzhen reply Pulmonology
The lungs themselves do not have nerves, and unless the pathology involves the pleura, they typically do not cause chest pain. There are many causes of chest pain. Generally, a thorough physical examination, along with necessary tests such as a chest X-ray or an electrocardiogram...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes of Discomfort During Deep Breathing
Effective Ways to Alleviate Asthma Cough Beyond Medication
In addition to medication, what other methods can help manage asthma and reduce persistent coughing? My mother has asthma and has been coughing severely lately. She has seen a doctor and taken medication, but her cough is still very serious. Are there any methods to help alleviat...
Dr. Jian Linzhen reply Pulmonology
Coughing is a protective mechanism, and it is inappropriate to forcibly suppress it with medication. Chronic cough lasting more than three weeks should be evaluated with a chest X-ray to rule out any underlying pulmonary pathology. For asthma patients, persistent coughing often i...[Read More] Effective Ways to Alleviate Asthma Cough Beyond Medication
Understanding the Link Between Masturbation and Asthma Attacks
Causes of asthma Hello, Doctor. I have had asthma since I was one and a half years old. I was hospitalized several times during elementary school due to asthma attacks. Now that I am nineteen, my condition has improved significantly over the past few years. I rarely experience as...
Dr. Jian Linzhen reply Pulmonology
Based on your symptoms, it appears to be typical asthma. The most common triggers for asthma include dust mites, while other triggers can include indoor and outdoor air pollutants, changes in environmental temperature or humidity, exercise, cold air, and intense emotional fluctua...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Masturbation and Asthma Attacks
Can Bronchiectasis Be Cured with Medical Treatment? Insights and Options
Can bronchiectasis be cured with medical treatment? Hello Dr. Tsai: I am currently suffering from bronchiectasis and have been under treatment by my physician for six months, but the symptoms still persist. I would like to ask Dr. Tsai if it is possible to fully recover from bron...
Dr. Jian Linzhen reply Pulmonology
Bronchiectasis refers to the abnormal and permanent dilation of the bronchi. In patients with this condition, the airways become distorted and lax, often obstructed by thick, and sometimes purulent, secretions, leading to prominent clinical symptoms such as productive cough and d...[Read More] Can Bronchiectasis Be Cured with Medical Treatment? Insights and Options