Post-Cold Cough: When to Seek Medical Advice and Treatment Options
Coughing after a cold? Hello doctor, my wife caught a cold about two weeks ago (I think I transmitted it to her). Her only symptom was a cough, which was quite severe. Since there were no other symptoms, she did not see a doctor and took over-the-counter medication, which helped ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: If cough symptoms persist for more than three weeks, it is recommended to undergo a chest X-ray examination. Whether medication is needed should be determined by a physician.[Read More] Post-Cold Cough: When to Seek Medical Advice and Treatment Options
Managing Bronchiectasis in Elderly: Tips for Reducing Hospital Visits
Bronchiectasis Hello doctor, my grandmother has bronchiectasis and, due to her advanced age, is unable to undergo surgical treatment. She is currently receiving medication, but she often ends up in the emergency room and gets hospitalized due to difficulty breathing. Is there any...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It's best to consult her attending physician for a clearer understanding of grandma's condition, as I cannot provide online diagnosis or recommendations.[Read More] Managing Bronchiectasis in Elderly: Tips for Reducing Hospital Visits
Understanding Chest Pain, Breathing Issues, and Throat Nodules
Chest pain, difficulty breathing, and throat nodules? Hello Doctor: 1. I have been experiencing chest pain and tightness since February of last year. It doesn't hurt when I walk normally, but I feel a sharp pain when I puff out my chest or exert pressure on my chest, with ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Your questions are summarized as follows: 1. Rib dislocation is rare unless there is significant external impact. 2. It usually does not have a major impact on normal breathing. 3. A laryngeal nodule, unless large, typically does not affect breathing. 4. For gastroesophage...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain, Breathing Issues, and Throat Nodules
Persistent Cough: Exploring Causes and Solutions for Your Health
Persistent cough Hello Dr. Yang, my mother has been suffering from a persistent dry cough for the past few years, without any phlegm, and there is no specific time when she coughs. She has seen a pulmonologist and undergone two chest X-rays (with an interval of about two to three...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on your description, the most likely cause of your mother's cough is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and dysphagia, leading to recurrent aspiration pneumonia. It is recommended to have small, frequent meals (avoid overeating), seek treatment from a gastro...[Read More] Persistent Cough: Exploring Causes and Solutions for Your Health
Chest Pain Between Nipples: Possible Causes and Concerns
Tenderness in the middle of the chest? I experience pain when pressing about 3 centimeters towards the center from both nipples, with the left side being more pronounced, feeling like a bruised pain. The pain is manageable when standing, but becomes more noticeable when lying dow...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Allergic reactions in the nose can worsen with exposure to pet dander or cold weather. It is recommended to wear a mask and maintain good ventilation. As for the tenderness in the costal cartilage of the chest, it is advised not to press on it to test for pain. It will nat...[Read More] Chest Pain Between Nipples: Possible Causes and Concerns
Can I Skip Taking Pain Relievers If I Don't Have a Fever?
Bolex Pain Relief Tablets I have type B influenza, and the doctor prescribed me Berol pain relief tablets. After taking them, I feel a bit nauseous. Can I skip taking them if I don't have a fever? The doctor prescribed them for me to take four times a day.
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Pain relievers or antipyretics are not necessary if there is no pain or if the body temperature does not exceed 38.5 degrees Celsius.[Read More] Can I Skip Taking Pain Relievers If I Don't Have a Fever?
Managing Severe Allergies and Asthma: Insights on Immunoglobulin Therapy
Allergies, asthma, and immunoglobulins? I apologize for the lengthy question, but it has been troubling me for a long time. I was diagnosed with severe allergies and severe allergic asthma in childhood. After years of treatment, although my allergy symptoms are still difficult to...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Some special medications have regulations for health insurance coverage. Typically, these are for patients with severe allergic conditions who have reached the maximum dosage of existing medications without a reduction in asthma attacks. You may consult your attending phys...[Read More] Managing Severe Allergies and Asthma: Insights on Immunoglobulin Therapy
Understanding Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment: Your Questions Answered
Diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello, I submitted my first sputum sample for testing on October 27 (actually, I had no sputum, just saliva; should saliva not be used for testing if there is no sputum?). I submitted samples again on October 31 and November 2. The staining re...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: We respect the physician's diagnosis and treatment regarding your condition. If there is a case review, two experts will further validate your diagnosis. Please do not worry! If you have difficulty communicating or asking questions to your attending physician, you may...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment: Your Questions Answered
Persistent Chest Pain and Throat Issues: Seeking Answers for Chronic Symptoms
Chest pain, sore throat, and difficulty breathing? I have been smoking for 14 years, and I experience pain in the center of my chest whenever I expand my chest. Deep breathing also causes discomfort, and my breathing feels labored. However, X-rays and electrocardiograms have show...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: First, it is important to confirm that you have quit smoking. Has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) been diagnosed through an endoscopy? Please take antacids as prescribed, and avoid sweet foods, greasy items, fried foods, and traditional Chinese medicinal soups. It i...[Read More] Persistent Chest Pain and Throat Issues: Seeking Answers for Chronic Symptoms
Persistent Cough: When to Seek Medical Attention and Which Specialist to Consult
Persistent cough that does not resolve? Hello, doctor. I have been coughing for the past few months. I have visited three clinics and taken medication, but I haven't felt any improvement. The cough doesn't seem to be due to a cold; rather, it starts with an itchy throat...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist for evaluation![Read More] Persistent Cough: When to Seek Medical Attention and Which Specialist to Consult
Understanding COPD Medications: Risks for Non-COPD Patients
What are the medication issues related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? Hello, Director. My elder family member had a long-term smoking habit in their youth, which they have quit for many years. However, they were diagnosed with tuberculosis over twenty years ago ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
1. The presence or absence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is still more reliably assessed through pulmonary function tests, depending on whether the elderly patient can complete the examination. 2. Bronchodilators (commonly referred to as medications related to...[Read More] Understanding COPD Medications: Risks for Non-COPD Patients
Understanding Costal Muscle Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Regarding the sternocleidomastoid muscle? In the past, I occasionally experienced muscle-like pain near the gastroesophageal junction, specifically at the xiphoid process and in the midsection or left side of the xiphoid. The pain was localized to an area of about 5 centimeters a...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: If you have symptoms such as ulcers in your stomach and esophagus or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it may feel more like pain in the xiphoid process and costal cartilage. It is recommended to soak in warm water and avoid further pressure; the symptoms should alle...[Read More] Understanding Costal Muscle Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Health Risks of Inhaling Chalk Dust: What You Need to Know
Frequent inhalation of chalk dust can lead to respiratory issues, including irritation of the airways, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Prolonged exposure may increase the risk of developing chronic respiratory conditions, such as bronchitis or asthma. It is important to minim...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: There is not much literature mentioning the side effects of chalk dust. When foreign particles are inhaled, the bronchial mucosa and ciliated tissue will attempt to remove them through mucus. There should not be significant issues, and improving ventilation or reducing dus...[Read More] Health Risks of Inhaling Chalk Dust: What You Need to Know
Understanding Breathing Difficulties and Yawning After Nasal Surgery
Constantly feeling the need to take deep breaths or yawn? Hello, Doctor: Two months ago, I underwent minimally invasive surgery on my inferior turbinate. Since then, my right nostril still feels somewhat congested. Recently, I have been experiencing sudden deep breaths as if I ne...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. Despite a history of nasal surgery, there should not be any issues with oxygen deficiency, so there is no need to worry! 2. It may be due to the right nostril being much more open than before, leading to an adjustment period. 3. If you feel tired when yawning, please im...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties and Yawning After Nasal Surgery
Left Chest Pain When Coughing: Causes and Concerns Explained
Left chest pain when coughing? Hello Doctor, I have a question to ask. I do not smoke or drink alcohol, and as a software engineer, my work environment does not expose me to harmful gases. I usually do not cough, but occasionally I experience a scratchy throat or cough reflexiv...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The chest X-ray shows only calcifications, indicating a past lung inflammation that has healed, leaving small scars. Currently, there are no active pulmonary lesions! Forceful coughing may cause pleuritic pain due to irritation of the pleura surrounding the lungs. Finding ...[Read More] Left Chest Pain When Coughing: Causes and Concerns Explained
Understanding Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Chest pain due to pneumothorax? Hello, doctor. I am a high school student experiencing left-sided chest pain. The hospital examination revealed a pneumothorax, with a chest X-ray showing normal findings but a 2 cm area compressing the lung by 3.5 cm. The doctor recommended a drai...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: First, alleviate the symptoms (oxygen therapy or chest tube drainage). Follow up with X-rays; if there is no absorption or improvement after two weeks, consider surgery. A chest CT scan can also be referenced. If there are still other subpleural blebs in the lungs (unruptu...[Read More] Understanding Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Persistent Cough: Seeking Solutions for Ongoing Symptoms
Persistent cough Hello Doctor: My mother has been coughing for 2-3 months. At first, we thought it was a cold and visited an ENT clinic, but the cough persisted. The main symptom is a dry cough, accompanied by a tickling sensation in her throat, with episodes lasting 2-3 minutes ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: My mother has undergone a chest X-ray, which did not reveal any significant abnormalities. It seems more like an issue of bronchial hyperreactivity. We will first have a pulmonologist assess for asthma. If there is no improvement after adjusting the medication for two week...[Read More] Persistent Cough: Seeking Solutions for Ongoing Symptoms
Chronic Cough: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Effective Treatment
Chronic cough, persistent cough not resolving 2 (ID #130047) Hello Dr. Yang, I've been very busy with school lately, and my persistent cough has severely affected my daily routine and academic performance. It took me a while to find time to read your response. My chest X-ra...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: I understand your current concerns, and here is a brief response: 1. Please consider having another chest X-ray. If the physician agrees, arrange for pulmonary function tests to clarify the causes of any lung parenchymal disease and ventilation impairment. 2. A regular ...[Read More] Chronic Cough: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Effective Treatment
Chronic Cough: Understanding Persistent Symptoms and Seeking Solutions
Chronic cough, persistent cough that does not resolve? Hello, Doctor: (The following content is a bit long; thank you for your patience!) This year, I have once again relapsed with my chronic issue: coughing. I remember being frequently ill since the first grade of elementary sch...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The chest X-ray is normal, which rules out pulmonary infections, tuberculosis, and parenchymal lung diseases such as bronchiectasis. However, it does not exclude tracheal hypersensitivity or asthma, especially since your response to bronchodilators is not significant. I am...[Read More] Chronic Cough: Understanding Persistent Symptoms and Seeking Solutions
Is It Pneumonia or Tuberculosis? Understanding Cough Symptoms
Could it be pneumonia or tuberculosis? Hello doctor, my mother is 40 years old and has been coughing up phlegm (white) for a while. She has visited a small clinic twice and hasn't shown any improvement. The doctor at the clinic mentioned that it could possibly be pneumonia. ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
If there is currently no fever, the likelihood of pneumonia is low. It is recommended to see a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray evaluation if the cough persists for more than two weeks.[Read More] Is It Pneumonia or Tuberculosis? Understanding Cough Symptoms