Improving Lung Health: Tips for Managing Shortness of Breath and Infections
How to improve persistent wheezing in the lungs? Dr. Yang, I am your patient. I have half of my lung remaining, and I experience shortness of breath whenever I catch a cold. Is it safe for me to buy an oxygen tank to increase my oxygen levels? Are there any side effects? Addition...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: With only half of the lungs remaining, it is even more important to take good care of the remaining lung. Additionally, with asthma, long-term planning is necessary for the use of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators. A small amount of inhaled corticoste...[Read More] Improving Lung Health: Tips for Managing Shortness of Breath and Infections
Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission: Common Myths and Facts
I would like to inquire about tuberculosis infection? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for interrupting you during your busy schedule. I have some questions regarding tuberculosis (TB) and I hope you can help me. Thank you. 1. Can tuberculosis be transmitted through objects, books, cl...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Tuberculosis (TB) is primarily transmitted through airborne droplets. You need not worry excessively about the risk of transmission through objects that the patient has touched, as it is extremely low. If you are in the same space as the patient, normal breathing can poten...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission: Common Myths and Facts
Breathing Difficulties, Chest Tightness, and Coughing Up Blood: What to Do?
Shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing up blood? I have mild asthma and recently I've been feeling tightness in the area between my throat and collarbone, making it difficult to breathe smoothly. I also experience wheezing when I breathe and have nasal congestion...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Mr. Chen: Asthma patients who do not use inhaled corticosteroids or long-acting bronchodilators regularly are at risk of asthma exacerbations during weather changes. If you experience wheezing or shortness of breath, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly! Hemop...[Read More] Breathing Difficulties, Chest Tightness, and Coughing Up Blood: What to Do?
Understanding Dry Cough and Right Chest Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Dry cough with right chest pain? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing low-grade fevers around 37.5-38 degrees Celsius in the afternoons for the past two weeks. About 4-5 days ago, I visited a clinic due to mild coughing symptoms, and after a urine test, the doctor diagnosed me...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Ms. Lin: Since you have been experiencing a cough and low-grade fever for the past two weeks, it is recommended to have another chest X-ray to confirm that there are no signs of lung infection (including tuberculosis). Latent tuberculosis infection indicates that you have b...[Read More] Understanding Dry Cough and Right Chest Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues After a Fall: What to Know
Feeling a tightness in the center of the chest and experiencing difficulty breathing? I fell from the top of a slide and hit my chest. The pain lasted about 2 to 3 minutes, and it was so intense that I couldn't speak, only able to make muffled sounds. I didn't tell my f...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Ms. Wang: Since the chest tightness and pain are not persistent and do not resemble substantial lesions of the lungs or heart, many patients experience similar symptoms without having sustained any trauma to the chest. It is recommended that you practice relaxation techniqu...[Read More] Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues After a Fall: What to Know
Understanding Nasal Congestion and Persistent Phlegm: Causes and Solutions
Nasal congestion with phlegm in the throat? Hello doctor, I have a problem with nasal allergies. I have been smoking for 12 years, and recently I often have phlegm in my throat (all day long), which is colorless and requires a lot of effort to cough up. Coughing hard causes chest...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Your main issue is still nasal allergies and post-nasal drip. It is recommended that you regularly consult an otolaryngologist for treatment and advice. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Nasal Congestion and Persistent Phlegm: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Respiratory Arrest: AHI Levels and Post-Surgery Concerns
Issues Related to Respiratory Arrest The doctor would like to ask a question unrelated to your specialty. Respiratory cessation falls under the scope of pulmonary medicine, and severity is generally assessed using the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). However, my question is about a si...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: If surgery does not completely resolve your sleep apnea issues, it indicates that there are other factors contributing to your breathing problems that still need to be addressed (the upper airway obstruction has already improved), such as weight loss or other factors. It i...[Read More] Understanding Respiratory Arrest: AHI Levels and Post-Surgery Concerns
Understanding Chest Pain During Exercise: Causes and Treatment Options
Chest pain during stretching? Hello, doctor. I have a habit of working out, but about three months ago, I started experiencing discomfort and a feeling of tightness in my chest when leaning back or doing chest expansion exercises. It would culminate in a popping sound, after whic...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Your symptoms are more indicative of a muscle or tendon strain. Currently, before you have fully recovered, please warm up and avoid excessive stretching. You should gradually improve! Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Chest Pain During Exercise: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Chest and Throat Pain: Causes and Remedies
Chest pain + sore throat After having breakfast today, I felt a sensation of something stuck in my chest after a while. When I got home (thinking that eating a meal would help), I found that swallowing saliva was painful, and I experienced chest pain. I thought resting might help...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Your symptoms are more indicative of irritation of the throat or esophageal mucosa, and they may improve in a few days. It is recommended that you purchase some antacids to take, and avoid eating hard or hot foods for the next few days. Wishing you well![Read More] Understanding Chest and Throat Pain: Causes and Remedies
Breathing Difficulties While Showering: Causes and Solutions
Difficulty breathing while showering? Recently, I have been experiencing nasal congestion without a runny nose, and I often have difficulty breathing while showering. My lungs feel itchy, making it hard to take deep breaths, and if I try to inhale deeply, I end up coughing. When ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Your symptoms resemble those of respiratory allergies. For nasal allergies, you should consult an otolaryngologist. For respiratory allergies, you can see a pulmonologist to arrange for pulmonary function tests. Best wishes![Read More] Breathing Difficulties While Showering: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Bronchiectasis: Symptoms, Risks, and Management Strategies
Bronchiectasis Hello Dr. Yang, I am Sandy, who consulted you about bronchiectasis on November 22. I appreciate your response, but I still have some concerns I would like to discuss. I have been suffering from recurrent pneumonia for the past seven years, which has led to localize...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: First of all, congratulations on the improvement of your respiratory symptoms. The 20-30 chest X-rays and the bronchiectasis currently do not show any correlation with the incidence of lung cancer, so please do not worry! Inhaling lung irritants or secondhand smoke is some...[Read More] Understanding Bronchiectasis: Symptoms, Risks, and Management Strategies
Understanding Chest Tightness and Central Chest Pain: Causes and Solutions
Chest tightness accompanied by pain in the center of the chest? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing chest tightness for the past week. I visited the hospital and saw a doctor, took some medication which provided slight improvement. A chest X-ray showed no issues with my lungs,...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Ms. Lin: The chest X-ray is normal, ruling out pulmonary diseases. The sternum is located in the center of the chest, and it is normal to experience pain when pressure is applied. Please pay attention to any discomfort in the stomach and symptoms of acid reflux (if present,...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Central Chest Pain: Causes and Solutions
Chest Pain and Arm Numbness: Understanding Your Symptoms
Chest pain accompanied by arm numbness? Hello doctor, my symptoms are as follows: I have been experiencing pain in the area of my chest near the clavicle, which feels like pressure from a heavy object or a squeezing sensation. This is accompanied by numbness in my arms, and on a ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Since the symptoms occur intermittently on both sides and do not resemble a localized lesion, they are more indicative of neuropathic pain. It is recommended to obtain a chest X-ray to confirm that there are no pulmonary parenchymal lesions or bone abnormalities. Please av...[Read More] Chest Pain and Arm Numbness: Understanding Your Symptoms
Unexplained Coughing Up Blood and Chest Pain: Seeking Answers
Hemoptysis and chest pain of unknown origin? Hello Dr. Yang, I have a 15-year smoking history but have quit smoking. I currently have several symptoms that I would like to consult with you about. 1. Chest Pain: Since mid-September, I have experienced slight discomfort and pain ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: I believe the relevant examinations you have undergone are sufficient. The conclusion is that there is mild bronchiectasis or bronchitis, and the hemoptysis caused by either condition may be due to microvascular rupture, typically resulting from severe coughing or inadvert...[Read More] Unexplained Coughing Up Blood and Chest Pain: Seeking Answers
Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Understanding Possible Causes and Treatments
Persistent recurrent low-grade fever? Three weeks ago, I experienced cold symptoms, including a sore and itchy throat, nasal congestion, mild fever, and muscle aches (ear temperature did not exceed 38.0°C). After visiting an ENT specialist, I started medication and began to devel...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The diagnosis of your condition may need to be determined by the treating physician based on a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms. If the X-ray results are normal, pneumonia can likely be ruled out. If you have yellow nasal discharge, you should consult an ear, nose...[Read More] Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Understanding Possible Causes and Treatments
Understanding Chest Pain: When to See a Specialist for Relief
Chest tightness or pain? I often experience chest pain, sometimes it feels like mild chest tightness, and at other times the pain is more intense. I visited a cardiologist and had an echocardiogram, which revealed mitral valve prolapse and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. I ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is recommended that you continue to follow up with a cardiologist. You may ask your physician to prepare a few days' supply of pain relievers and muscle relaxants for you. Additionally, lifestyle changes are necessary to avoid excessive stress or impatience. Limit ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to See a Specialist for Relief
Understanding Bronchiectasis: Management and Life Expectancy Insights
Bronchiectasis Hello doctor, seven years ago I was hospitalized due to a viral infection and received a week of steroid treatment. After being discharged, I developed pneumonia and have been experiencing monthly colds ever since. Last year, I had pneumonia for the third time, and...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Sandy: Localized bronchiectasis does not affect lung function or survival. It is more common to experience a prolonged cough with sputum following a viral infection, and occasional hemoptysis may occur (it is recommended to avoid spicy, fried, or herbal foods). Currently, y...[Read More] Understanding Bronchiectasis: Management and Life Expectancy Insights
Understanding Suspected Tuberculosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Suspected pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello Dr. Yang, I have been coughing for over two weeks and have visited the clinic twice without improvement. Recently, my cough has worsened, and I am experiencing chest tightness and shortness of breath, so I decided to go to the hospital'...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Ms. Yang: It is recommended that you see a pulmonologist. If you have not been treated for tuberculosis in the past, it is still advisable to include tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis. It would be best to have a specialist evaluate your condition.[Read More] Understanding Suspected Tuberculosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Understanding Elevated Diaphragm: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Options
Diaphragmatic elevation? Hello, Dr. Yang. I recently had a chest X-ray as part of a company-required health check-up, and the results showed that my lungs are uneven, with an abnormal elevation of the right diaphragm. Since I had someone else pick up the results for me, I didn&#x...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The main abnormality in your recent health check report appears to be the abnormal elevation of the right diaphragm. Normally, the right lung is slightly higher than the left due to the presence of the liver, which pushes the diaphragm upward (the liver is larger than the ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Diaphragm: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Options
Impact of Anti-Tuberculosis Medications on Blood Sugar Levels
Antitubercular drugs Hello Doctor: My father's fasting blood sugar was originally in the 90s, but after taking anti-tuberculosis medication for a month, his fasting blood sugar has risen to 105. Does the anti-tuberculosis medication affect blood sugar levels? If he continues...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Whether the fasting blood glucose level is in the 90s or 105, it does not exceed the diagnostic criteria for diabetes (greater than 126 mg/dL). Anti-tuberculosis medications have not been reported to cause diabetes as a side effect, so please rest assured![Read More] Impact of Anti-Tuberculosis Medications on Blood Sugar Levels