Post-Choking Symptoms: When to See a Specialist for Breathing Issues
Post-aspiration complications? Hello, Dr. Yang. Recently, I choked on some spicy soup, which went down the wrong way and caused me to swallow it back down. After two or three days, I visited a clinic for a check-up, and the doctor did not detect any foreign body. Currently, I do ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is possible that the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract have been irritated by spicy soup. It is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist first![Read More] Post-Choking Symptoms: When to See a Specialist for Breathing Issues
Understanding Pneumothorax: Exercise Risks and Recurrence Rates
Exercise Related to Pneumothorax I am currently a freshman, and I experienced a spontaneous pneumothorax about a year ago. At that time, I underwent chest tube drainage to remove the air but did not have any other procedures. I would like to know what the future recurrence rate m...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The recurrence rate of spontaneous pneumothorax ranges from 7.6% to 52%, with a higher incidence occurring between 6 months to 2 years after the first episode. Most pneumothorax cases occur at rest and are not directly related to physical activity. Smoking and climate chan...[Read More] Understanding Pneumothorax: Exercise Risks and Recurrence Rates
Understanding Intercostal Pain: Causes and Solutions for Chest Discomfort
Pain between the breasts? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing a subtle, sharp pain at the lower edge of the groove between my breasts in the morning. Recently, it has become more pronounced, and I also feel a sensation similar to being stabbed with a knife. This occurs about ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: If you have discomfort in the upper abdomen or occasionally experience acid reflux, it may be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and you should see a gastroenterologist. If you do not have these symptoms, it could be neuropathic pain, and you may want to consult a pul...[Read More] Understanding Intercostal Pain: Causes and Solutions for Chest Discomfort
Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain During Postpartum Recovery
Sharp pain in the center of the chest? This month, I am in confinement after giving birth. For the past few days, I have been experiencing sharp pain in the center of my chest (in the cleavage area) every morning. The pain doesn't last long and goes away on its own after a w...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The cause is uncertain and should not be related to dietary supplements. Please pay attention to stretching your muscles and finding ways to relax and ease your mind![Read More] Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain During Postpartum Recovery
Understanding Throat and Lung Cancer Risks for Smokers: Key Insights
Lung cancer, laryngeal cancer I have been smoking for 20 years, and I am 34 years old. I have a hoarse voice and a dry cough, smoking more than a pack a day. I went to an ENT specialist for a laryngoscopy. 1. Can a laryngoscopy detect laryngeal cancer? I noticed the doctor used...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. An examination by an otolaryngologist can visualize the pharynx and larynx, confirming that there are no growths and initially ruling out tumors! 2. A low-dose computed tomography scan will require out-of-pocket payment based on your age and condition. 3. Quitting smoki...[Read More] Understanding Throat and Lung Cancer Risks for Smokers: Key Insights
Frequent Yawning and Breathing Difficulties: Understanding the Connection
Frequent yawning and difficulty breathing? Hello doctor, I have been yawning frequently for nearly two weeks, with this occurring almost every day, mostly in the afternoon and evening. I yawn about ten times or less in the evening, and after that period, it tends to decrease. How...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is recommended to see a neurologist, adjust your sleep patterns, find opportunities to exercise during the day, and your nighttime sleep quality may improve![Read More] Frequent Yawning and Breathing Difficulties: Understanding the Connection
Understanding Chest Pain, Breathing Issues, and Dizziness: A Guide
Chest issues, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and other related problems? My aunt is currently 51 years old and has hypertension, which she is managing with medication. She previously had a lump in her breast, but after examination, it was determined to be benign, and she underg...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: If blood pressure is well controlled, symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, and headaches may be related to cerebral circulation. Pay attention to sleep patterns, and consider consulting a neurologist![Read More] Understanding Chest Pain, Breathing Issues, and Dizziness: A Guide
Understanding Persistent Cough and Chest Tightness: Is It Asthma?
Suspected asthma with difficulty breathing and chest tightness? Around mid-February, I experienced a mild cough with a lot of clear phlegm, but it wasn't obstructive. I had to expectorate every half hour, and this condition persisted until the end of May. One time after eati...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: First, please consult a pulmonologist to confirm whether you have asthma. If there is no clear diagnosis and you are experiencing side effects from medication, it may be advisable to try traditional Chinese medicine for a period of time. Focus on symptom improvement first....[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough and Chest Tightness: Is It Asthma?
Is Inhaling Alcohol Safe? Understanding Risks and Health Concerns
Regarding alcohol inhalation? Hello Doctor, due to the current pandemic, my father is very anxious and has been looking for ways to cope. He mentioned that he sprayed 75% alcohol onto a cotton ball and inhaled it three times (according to his own account). Is this safe? Could it ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Currently, there is no practice of using alcohol to prevent COVID-19 infection. It is recommended to wear a mask when entering hazardous places![Read More] Is Inhaling Alcohol Safe? Understanding Risks and Health Concerns
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and Concerns of Breathing Difficulties
Dyspnea Hello, doctor! I am 180 cm tall and weigh 75 kg, with a smoking history of 1-2 cigarettes per day. A few days ago, I suddenly felt like I had phlegm stuck in my lungs while sleeping at night. It felt very uncomfortable, and I couldn't cough it out. When I woke up, th...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: If you have thick mucus that is difficult to cough up, you can use some expectorants. Avoid cold drinks and sweets, and drinking hot water may be helpful![Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and Concerns of Breathing Difficulties
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and Concerns for Students
Chest issues As I am still a student, I often take naps by resting my head on the desk. However, I have noticed that sometimes when I am lying down, I experience a cramping sensation near my right chest. I am slightly overweight; could this be related, or could there be another i...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: For example, caused by poor posture.[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and Concerns for Students
Understanding Left Lower Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Pain under the left chest? Last year, I had an ultrasound that showed mild mitral regurgitation. Currently, I am taking medication for hyperthyroidism. Today, while sitting, I suddenly experienced pain under my left chest, which disappeared after bending over within a few seconds...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It seems more like neuropathic pain; heart pain tends to last longer and is usually more intense during exertion or physical activity. Relaxation can be quite helpful. In the summer, it's advisable to avoid consuming too many cold foods and fruits![Read More] Understanding Left Lower Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Persistent Phlegm After Cold: When to See a Pulmonologist?
Persistent phlegm after a cold? Hello Doctor, I have never had a cough or phlegm, but after a severe cold in mid-July (with yellow nasal discharge, fever, and cough), I have been feeling like there is phlegm in my throat every day, which is difficult to expel. When I do manage to...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is recommended to primarily focus on symptomatic treatment for now, and to recheck the chest X-ray or consider additional out-of-pocket cancer marker tests in 3 to 6 months.[Read More] Persistent Phlegm After Cold: When to See a Pulmonologist?
Understanding Lung Shadows in Company Health Checkups: What You Need to Know
The company health check revealed pulmonary shadows? Hello Doctor: After my company health check-up, the report mentioned "left upper lung field linear opacity." During high school and college, I experienced pneumothorax twice, once on the left side and once on the righ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. X-rays can visualize surgical sutures (metal wires). 2. There is a minimal relationship between throat clearing and lung inflammation![Read More] Understanding Lung Shadows in Company Health Checkups: What You Need to Know
Understanding Lung Nodules: Monitoring Guidelines and Cancer Risks
The CT scan of the lungs shows an abnormality identified as a granuloma, which is mostly benign. However, early-stage lung cancer cannot be ruled out. It may also be due to a bacterial infection or a history of pulmonary tuberculosis. If previous X-rays or CT scans of the same lo...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is recommended to follow up with X-rays every three months! A CT scan should be done after one year! Additionally, there is no general screening data on nodule prevalence! Since you have detected a nodule, regular monitoring is necessary![Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Monitoring Guidelines and Cancer Risks
Understanding Elevated Cyfra 21-1 Levels: Should You See a Pulmonologist?
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Screening Hello, doctor. I recently had a health check-up, and my tumor markers SCC, NSE, and CEA were all normal. However, my Cyfra 21-1 level was 3.47, which is above the normal range, and I'm a bit concerned. I don't smoke or drink,...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Currently, cancer markers are not used to diagnose lung cancer; they are only used to monitor the treatment response in patients who have already been diagnosed. It is recommended that you check the CYFRA 21-1 marker again in six months.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Cyfra 21-1 Levels: Should You See a Pulmonologist?
Should You Self-Monitor Rib Discomfort Before Seeking Medical Help?
Abnormal Sensation in the Ribs (Continued) Doctor, I would like to ask if it is advisable to self-monitor first and see how the situation develops, as my breathing is still manageable. I don't feel very short of breath, but sometimes I do experience chest tightness. I looked...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Please continue to follow the previous advice, and get an X-ray if you experience significant difficulty breathing or chest pain![Read More] Should You Self-Monitor Rib Discomfort Before Seeking Medical Help?
Understanding Left Abdominal Discomfort: Muscle or Gastrointestinal Issues?
I have an unusual sensation in my left abdomen? I experience soreness in my left abdomen every morning when I wake up, similar to the feeling after doing sit-ups. However, the soreness disappears after I get out of bed, and instead, it feels like something is pressing against my ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is recommended to refer to a gastroenterologist for a response.[Read More] Understanding Left Abdominal Discomfort: Muscle or Gastrointestinal Issues?
Unusual Rib Sensation: Understanding Potential Causes and Concerns
Abnormal sensation in the ribs? Hello doctor, I've been feeling some discomfort under my rib cage these past few days. There's no difficulty in breathing, but I'm wondering if it could be due to doing sit-ups. I had a pneumothorax surgery a few years ago, and I...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is possible that the muscle pain is caused by doing sit-ups. If there is any shortness of breath, a chest X-ray should be performed.[Read More] Unusual Rib Sensation: Understanding Potential Causes and Concerns
Understanding Cough and Phlegm: When to See a Pulmonologist
Please ask your question? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a lot of nasal discharge, some phlegm, and a slight sore throat, with minimal coughing except for occasional attempts to clear my throat. I visited a general clinic and was prescribed medication; the doctor mentione...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Common symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis include a cough lasting more than two weeks, fever, fatigue, and weight loss, especially if there has been contact with a family member who has tuberculosis. It is recommended to have a chest X-ray if the cough persists for more th...[Read More] Understanding Cough and Phlegm: When to See a Pulmonologist