Can CT Scans Detect Foreign Objects in the Trachea and Bronchi?
Tracheal issues Can a CT scan detect the presence of foreign bodies in the trachea or bronchi?
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, here is a brief response: The presence of a foreign body in the bronchus typically follows a significant event of inhaling a solid object, leading to severe and uncontrollable coughing. A CT scan can only detect foreign bodies in the larger airways and main branches; small...[Read More] Can CT Scans Detect Foreign Objects in the Trachea and Bronchi?
Understanding Chest Tightness: When to Seek Pulmonary Care
Need to take a deep breath? Hello Doctor: I often need to take deep breaths to alleviate the feeling of chest tightness! However, occasionally when I take a deep breath, I feel as if something is blocking my blood vessels, which makes me hesitant to breathe deeply, worsening the ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Zhenzhen: Given your age, if there are no abnormalities in your work or exercise, your lung ventilation function should be fine. Common phenomena include a busy lifestyle, high stress, excessive consumption of cold drinks or fruits and vegetables, or prolonged exposure to ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness: When to Seek Pulmonary Care
Persistent Throat Mucus: Causes and Solutions for Chronic Discomfort
Chronic slight phlegm in the throat? Hello, Dr. Yang! About six months ago, I had a cold, and since then, I have been experiencing persistent phlegm in my throat (not a lot, just a slight amount). Because of this, I often feel the need to clear my throat, but the phlegm is presen...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Persistent phlegm may be related to bronchial hypersensitivity. It is often associated with a constitution that is more prone to cold or dampness, as well as the consumption of cold or hard-to-digest foods. It is recommended to consult a traditional Chinese medicine practi...[Read More] Persistent Throat Mucus: Causes and Solutions for Chronic Discomfort
Sudden Breathing Difficulties: Understanding Symptoms and Emergency Responses
Sudden inability to breathe? Hello, I would like to describe my mother's symptoms. It started with a cough, and after seeing a doctor and taking medication, she continued to cough. Then she went to a pharmacy and bought a Japanese cough medicine, which she took for about two...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. It is difficult to diagnose diseases based solely on verbal descriptions; it is more reliable to leave the assessment to clinical physicians. 2. Burping and experiencing smoother breathing indicates that gastric distension is affecting ventilation. It is important to mo...[Read More] Sudden Breathing Difficulties: Understanding Symptoms and Emergency Responses
Three-Month Cough: Is It Related to Latent Tuberculosis?
Coughing for three months? Three months ago, I had a cold and started coughing, which has persisted until now. During this time, I had contact with a tuberculosis patient, and I became concerned that my cough might be caused by tuberculosis. Therefore, I went to Taichung Veterans...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, in summary: Latent tuberculosis infection typically does not present with a cough (chest X-ray is normal, with no obvious lesions). The cough should be managed to control it (first alleviate, without the expectation of complete resolution). Best wishes![Read More] Three-Month Cough: Is It Related to Latent Tuberculosis?
Understanding Chest Tightness: Causes and Solutions
I feel a bit of tightness in my chest? I often feel a tightness in my chest, and sometimes my breathing feels restricted, especially when lying down. My nose occasionally feels congested, similar to having a stuffy nose. Could this be related to my habit of drinking cold beverage...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, if you occasionally experience nasal congestion without symptoms of a cold (such as body aches, sore throat, or fever), you should consider the possibility of nasal allergies. Individuals with nasal allergies have a 50% chance of also having bronchial allergies, which can ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness: Causes and Solutions
Is Walking Enough? Exercise Tips for Lung Health
Exercise-related issues Hello Dr. Yang: Previously, I asked you about the lifestyle habits and exercises necessary for lung health, and your response was that healthy lifestyle habits include not smoking, getting adequate sleep of 7-8 hours, and exercising at least three times a ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Walking is fine, but it's important to include some time for brisk walking or other exercises to strengthen heart function! Best wishes![Read More] Is Walking Enough? Exercise Tips for Lung Health
Understanding Right Lower Chest Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Discomfort in the central area of the right lower chest? Hello, Doctor. I have the following symptoms and would appreciate your insights. For the past week, I have been feeling a persistent tightness in the lower right center of my chest. I have previously experienced chest pain ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello AIW: Here are a few suggestions for your consideration: 1. First, take a chest X-ray to ensure there are no lesions in the lungs. 2. Treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (usually requires an endoscopy report before long-term use of proton pump inhibitors for 3-6 ...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Chest Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Severe Trauma Recovery: Managing Anxiety and Lung Health Post-Accident
The man's car accident was very serious? Hello doctor, my husband was in a car accident and is currently in the intensive care unit undergoing intubation treatment. He has lung contusions, fractured ribs, a skull fracture of 3-4 cm, a broken clavicle, and a fractured femur. ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Jin: If my close relative were in such a situation, I would also be very worried and anxious. Your husband has a history of panic disorder, and now he is uncomfortable due to intubation and unable to speak (unable to express his opinions). Additionally, his condition remain...[Read More] Understanding Severe Trauma Recovery: Managing Anxiety and Lung Health Post-Accident
Understanding Throat Itching Near the Clavicle: Allergies or Asthma?
Itching near the throat and clavicle area? Hello Dr. Yang, About six months ago, I started experiencing an itchy sensation in my throat (near the clavicle). I have a history of allergic rhinitis and consulted an otolaryngologist who prescribed antihistamines, but the throat itch...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. Nasal discharge can be diagnosed through an examination by an otolaryngologist. 2. Esophageal itching is relatively uncommon; the area you are experiencing itching likely hasn't reached the esophagus, and since you have seen improvement after using Pulmicort and Sy...[Read More] Understanding Throat Itching Near the Clavicle: Allergies or Asthma?
Understanding Hematemesis in Acute Bronchitis: Causes and Concerns
Acute bronchitis with hemoptysis? Recently, I sought medical attention due to severe coughing and a fever reaching 39°C. An X-ray revealed that I have acute bronchitis. After taking medication for a few days, my fever subsided, but I experienced vomiting after taking the medicati...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Severe vomiting may cause tears at the gastroesophageal junction, leading to minimal bleeding (stool may not appear black). If there is persistent bleeding or discomfort in the upper abdomen while eating, it is recommended to undergo an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (co...[Read More] Understanding Hematemesis in Acute Bronchitis: Causes and Concerns
Persistent Shortness of Breath: Seeking the Right Specialist for Relief
Persistent wheezing Hello, the patient is currently 77 years old, with a height of 160 cm and a weight of around 65 kg. He has a history of smoking but has significantly reduced his intake, averaging about one and a half packs per week. He previously had a coronary stent placed. ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Jason: Your friend has been experiencing shortness of breath related to fluid accumulation, and the fluid extracted is clear pleural effusion. Relevant tests have ruled out infections (including tuberculosis) and malignancies, suggesting that the issue may be related to the...[Read More] Persistent Shortness of Breath: Seeking the Right Specialist for Relief
Healthy Habits and Exercises for Lung Health After Smoking
Lung health issues Hello Dr. Yang: I have been smoking for 20 years. Previously, I sought medical help for bronchitis, and the doctor advised me to quit smoking, which I did. I previously asked you about the question "Are apples the janitors of the lungs?" and you menti...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Tom, 1. The impact of previous smoking on bronchial inflammation should no longer affect bronchitis after 20 years of quitting smoking. 2. Deep red fruit skins may be beneficial, but it is important to be aware of potential pesticide or preservative residues. 3. Healthy...[Read More] Healthy Habits and Exercises for Lung Health After Smoking
Understanding Persistent Yellow Phlegm: Should You Request Bacterial Culture?
Bacterial culture? Hello, Doctor. Every time I catch a cold, it almost always leads to a lower respiratory tract infection or yellow nasal discharge. During different episodes of colds, I have taken various antibiotics such as Amoxicillin, Lincomycin, and second-line antibiotics ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: First, you should see an otolaryngologist to check for chronic sinusitis. In principle, if a chest X-ray shows no pneumonia, pulmonologists are unlikely to use antibiotics for treatment. It is also very important to change your lifestyle habits (such as diet and exercise) ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Yellow Phlegm: Should You Request Bacterial Culture?
Understanding Bronchitis: Persistent Hoarseness and Coughing Concerns
Bronchitis Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing a dry cough and hoarseness that fluctuates, along with dry mouth, after inhaling cold air. I visited a family physician, who diagnosed me with mild bronchitis through auscultation. After taking medication, the cough has...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, in summary: Bronchitis is inferred from your long-term dry cough. For your hoarseness, there are two specialties you must consult. First, see an otolaryngologist to determine if there are any issues with your vocal cords. Second, visit a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray to ...[Read More] Understanding Bronchitis: Persistent Hoarseness and Coughing Concerns
Can Apples Improve Lung Health? Exploring the Benefits for Ex-Smokers
Is an apple a cleanser for the lungs? Hello Dr. Yang: I came across an article online that discusses the benefits of apples for lung health. The article can be found at the following URL: http://su5118.myweb.hinet.net/fruit17.htm. Is the information in the article accurate? I hav...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Tom: 1. Currently, there is no consensus in medical literature, but fruits contain various vitamins that are beneficial for health. 2. Lung health relies on healthy lifestyle habits combined with exercise. 3. Congratulations on quitting smoking, as you have eliminated the n...[Read More] Can Apples Improve Lung Health? Exploring the Benefits for Ex-Smokers
Concerns About Respiratory Infections from Coughing Strangers
Coughing in someone's face? Hello Dr. Yang: Today, while waiting for the bus at the bus stop, I turned to walk to the other side when a female passerby (or fellow passenger) directly coughed several times in front of me. From the sound, it seemed like she had phlegm, and she...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Here are brief answers to your three questions: 1. The situations in which you encounter patients with coughs are in open spaces with wind and airflow, where any infectious droplets are quickly dispersed or diluted. Additionally, the contact time is brief, so the risk of...[Read More] Concerns About Respiratory Infections from Coughing Strangers
Understanding Yellow Phlegm Without Cough: Is It Pneumonia?
There is no cough, but the phlegm that is coughed up is slightly yellow? Hello, doctor. After catching a cold, I always experience lower respiratory tract infections. I visited an ENT specialist who prescribed antibiotics. After recovering from the cold, I still feel like there’s...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Typical pneumonia is characterized by persistent fever and cough, but you do not exhibit either symptom, which is not typical. If there is no nasal discharge, it seems more like bronchitis. It is recommended to reduce the intake of sugary foods and cold drinks, as this sho...[Read More] Understanding Yellow Phlegm Without Cough: Is It Pneumonia?
Impact of Inhaling Bus Emissions on Lung Health: A Doctor's Insight
Inhaling exhaust fumes from buses? Hello Dr. Yang: As a motorcycle rider, I often inhale exhaust fumes from vehicles. Sometimes I wear a mask for protection, but other times I forget and end up inhaling the exhaust directly. Today, I forgot to wear a mask and was riding behind a ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Ah-Hsiang: It is difficult for motorcycle riders to avoid inhaling the air in the atmosphere, which includes exhaust emissions from vehicles. Typically, long-term and substantial exposure is required to have an impact on the respiratory epithelium or alveoli (occupational ...[Read More] Impact of Inhaling Bus Emissions on Lung Health: A Doctor's Insight
Understanding Pectus Carinatum: Symptoms, Treatment, and Surgery Options
Pectus excavatum symptoms I apologize for not being able to find a thoracic surgeon, so I am asking an internist. I am 18 years old and have pectus carinatum. Although I have no symptoms, I am very dissatisfied with my appearance. My pectus carinatum gradually protrudes, with the...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, your question is indeed specific to the field of thoracic surgery, and it is quite in-depth. I recommend that you visit a thoracic surgery clinic in person to clarify all your concerns. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Pectus Carinatum: Symptoms, Treatment, and Surgery Options