Can You Get Tonsillitis After Tonsillectomy? Understanding Bronchitis Risks
If I have had my tonsils removed, can I still experience inflammation? Is there a possibility of developing bronchitis as a complication? I just went to the emergency room, and the doctor ordered an X-ray. He said I had bronchial issues and bronchitis, and that I had a high fever...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The diagnosis of bronchitis can be somewhat ambiguous; generally, if there are symptoms of coughing, it can be considered bronchitis. A chest X-ray may not necessarily show significant abnormalities. As for whether your tonsils were completely removed over ten years ago (s...[Read More] Can You Get Tonsillitis After Tonsillectomy? Understanding Bronchitis Risks
Persistent Cough with Phlegm: Seeking Solutions for Ongoing Symptoms
Cough with phlegm? I have a scratchy throat and a cough, and when I cough up phlegm, it's white with yellow. I also have sneezing but no nasal discharge, and I feel a bit congested. I had the same situation last year, went to the hospital for an X-ray and sputum tests, and c...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It sounds like chronic pharyngitis or respiratory allergies. Chronic conditions require changes in constitution for improvement. In addition to medications prescribed by a physician to control symptoms, you may consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner (as Wester...[Read More] Persistent Cough with Phlegm: Seeking Solutions for Ongoing Symptoms
Managing Asthma Symptoms for Military Physical Exams
Regarding asthma certification? The current age for military service medical examinations requires individuals to provide proof of asthma symptoms within the past year (evidenced by wheezing during breathing). Although the condition is not severe, it is still a constitutional iss...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello TC: The evaluation of asthma control for conscripts places greater emphasis on objective assessments (such as pulmonary function test data; if lung function is normal, a bronchial provocation test can be performed, and records of emergency room visits or chest clinic consul...[Read More] Managing Asthma Symptoms for Military Physical Exams
Understanding Right Chest Pain: Symptoms and Insights from a Pulmonologist
Right chest pain (various presentations) Hello Dr. Yang: I have the following symptoms and would appreciate your insights: 1. When I inhale to about 60-70% capacity, I experience a sharp pain in my right chest that lasts only for a moment; when I continue to inhale, the pain disa...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Mr. Tseng: Due to the very short duration and non-persistent nature of your symptoms, it seems less likely to be an issue with the internal organs or chest wall muscles, and more akin to nerve-related pain. It is recommended to avoid cold beverages or foods, ensure adequate...[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Pain: Symptoms and Insights from a Pulmonologist
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Left-sided chest pain (continued inquiry) Hello Doctor, this is a question I asked you last year. My issue has been ongoing for two months now. Previously, I frequently did push-ups and jogging. From my perspective, the pain is located slightly to the left of the center. I used t...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, A-Bao: Your issue seems more like a chronic strain of the costal cartilage or muscles (possibly from a vigorous chest expansion, such as push-ups). A chest X-ray may not be very helpful. It is recommended to gradually warm up with exercise and to avoid excessive chest expa...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Chest Cavity Issues: Symptoms and Concerns
Thoracic issues There is no severe cough, but it is accompanied by a foul odor that is nauseating. Sometimes the sputum appears liver-colored. At night, it worsens after falling asleep. For the past two days, there has been a feeling of chest tightness. Please respond, thank you.
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Mr. Chang: Your issue may be more related to nasal or oral problems. It is recommended to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water, and practice good oral hygiene by brushing and rinsing after meals. If you have any dental or gum issues, please see a dentist, and also cons...[Read More] Understanding Chest Cavity Issues: Symptoms and Concerns
Risk of Tuberculosis Infection from Brief Indoor Exposure
Infection issues Hello, I spoke with a person suspected of having tuberculosis at a distance of about 1.5 meters in a well-ventilated indoor setting for approximately one minute. Am I at risk of contracting tuberculosis? I'm a bit worried, thank you.
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Generally speaking, close contacts have a higher risk of infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are two definitions for close contacts: 1. Continuous contact for more than 8 hours (such as family members or roommates living toge...[Read More] Risk of Tuberculosis Infection from Brief Indoor Exposure
Understanding Chest X-rays: What They Reveal About Lung Health
Chest X-ray examination Hello, doctor. I do not consume tobacco, alcohol, or betel nut. Previously, I mentioned that I occasionally notice blood streaks in my throat (not during coughing or expectoration), and I do not have any other obvious respiratory symptoms. I have undergone...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Chen: A chest X-ray should be able to detect nodules (small tumors) larger than 1 cm. Given your age and the fact that you do not smoke or drink, you are not considered a high-risk group for lung cancer. We do not recommend an immediate CT scan (which would cost around 4000...[Read More] Understanding Chest X-rays: What They Reveal About Lung Health
Understanding Blood Streaks in the Throat: Causes and Concerns
Blood streaks in the throat? Hello, doctor. Over the past month, I have noticed blood streaks on the walls of my throat three to four times. I have visited the hospital multiple times for examinations, including nasal endoscopy, nasal X-rays, gastroscopy, and chest X-rays, all of...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Chen: If the chest X-ray is normal, we will not consider lung issues for now. The presence of blood streaks on the throat wall is most commonly associated with ENT (which you have already checked and found no major issues) and oral (including dental) problems. I recommend t...[Read More] Understanding Blood Streaks in the Throat: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Chest Pain After a Car Accident: What to Watch For
Thoracic issues Hello doctor, a few days ago I was in a car accident where I experienced a strong forward impact and the seatbelt tightly constricted my chest, resulting in chest pain without any external injuries. Due to my pregnancy, I am unable to undergo an X-ray, and the eme...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. If there is difficulty breathing, seek medical attention; typically, in the absence of trauma, it does not lead to rib fractures or internal bleeding. 2. If necessary, during the 6-9 months of pregnancy, abdominal protection can be added when taking a chest X-ray. Best ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain After a Car Accident: What to Watch For
Understanding Bronchial Provocation Tests and Cancer Concerns
Bronchial provocation test I have been experiencing chest tightness and coughing for a while, and I am concerned about the possibility of a lung tumor, so I went to the hospital for an examination. The doctor arranged for a bronchial provocation test using methacholine at concent...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Ah Yan: 1. The stimulation concentration is very low, so it should not reach as many as 40 times. 2. There are no reports of carcinogenicity for this drug, so please rest assured. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Bronchial Provocation Tests and Cancer Concerns
Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Left chest pain (continued inquiry) Thank you, Dr. Yang, for taking the time to respond despite your busy schedule. I would like to ask you further: since the end of August, I have been experiencing chest pain that occurs when I take a deep breath, specifically near the left side...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Ping Ping: Tumors that are very small (such as those less than 1 centimeter) are generally difficult to detect with X-rays. Currently, chest pain or headaches are not typically symptoms related to tumors (these symptoms usually appear later when there is metastasis to the p...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Chest Pain After Coughing: When to Seek Medical Advice
Chest pain issues? I would like to ask the doctor, ever since I contracted the flu at the end of August and experienced severe coughing, I have had pain in my ribs whenever I cough, and it continues to this day. I still have a slight cough, and every time I cough or sneeze, my en...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Xiao Shui Li: Having chest pain for such a long time is not normal. Generally, pain from chest trauma or muscle, soft tissue, or rib injuries caused by coughing should have eased after three weeks. I recommend seeing a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray to evaluate if there a...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain After Coughing: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Rib Pain After Severe Coughing: Causes and Insights
Rib issues I would like to ask the doctor, I previously had a severe cough due to the flu that caused pain in my ribs whenever I coughed. Now my cough is almost resolved and the rib pain has significantly decreased, only hurting when I cough or press on it. However, I still feel ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Peach: The rib pain and cough have both improved, which should be reassuring! The "wheezing" sound during breathing can sometimes be caused by mucus in the alveoli, where the alveoli expand during inhalation, creating a friction sound between the alveolar walls a...[Read More] Understanding Rib Pain After Severe Coughing: Causes and Insights
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Left chest pain? Hello Doctor: On the evening of August 22, I began experiencing pain in the left side of my chest, near the heart. The pain worsened with breathing; inhaling a certain amount would cause a dull ache. By the 23rd, the pain had become sharp and gradually radiated t...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Pingping: After the cardiologist's evaluation, including an electrocardiogram and X-ray examination, heart disease has been largely ruled out. However, your symptoms seem not to have completely resolved. Given your history of bronchial sensitivity, it is suspected that...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Coughing and Rib Pain: Understanding Your Symptoms and Causes
Cough-related rib pain? I have been coughing for almost a week due to the flu, and every time I cough, it feels like my ribs are about to break from the pain. When I raise both arms, I feel a tightness in my ribs and a painful sensation. Occasionally, I also experience a sharp pa...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Yuzu: Some individuals may experience rib fractures after severe coughing, but most people only suffer from muscle strains. If your pain has not improved, it is advisable to see a pulmonologist and get an X-ray to check for any abnormalities in the lungs or ribs. Best wish...[Read More] Coughing and Rib Pain: Understanding Your Symptoms and Causes
Managing Persistent Cough with Phlegm: Effective Strategies for Relief
Cough with phlegm? In June, I had an X-ray and sputum test done. The smear results were normal, but I was told that it would take some time to get the results for the tuberculosis bacteria. Until now, I have been experiencing symptoms such as having phlegm in my chest, and I have...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello MOMO: If you are still experiencing respiratory symptoms that are affecting your daily life, it is recommended to continue symptomatic treatment (medication). Sometimes it may take a bit longer for the symptoms to resolve. Once we have clearer results from sputum cultures o...[Read More] Managing Persistent Cough with Phlegm: Effective Strategies for Relief
Is My Persistent Cough a Sign of Tuberculosis? Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
I am really scared that I have tuberculosis! I have been coughing for nearly three weeks. I had an X-ray done, and the doctor said there were no significant abnormalities. He asked if I had a lot of phlegm and suggested a test. However, I cough up phlegm every morning but can...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Momo: If the X-ray is normal and both sputum tests show no abnormalities, tuberculosis can be ruled out. Some symptoms may take time to completely resolve, so please be patient, take your medication, and ensure you get enough rest for improvement. Wishing you well![Read More] Is My Persistent Cough a Sign of Tuberculosis? Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Persistent Cough for Two Weeks: When to Seek Medical Advice
I have been coughing for two weeks? Initially, I had a scratchy throat and a dry cough, which a few days later developed into a productive cough with phlegm. However, the phlegm is white and not particularly thick, resembling regular mucus! It has been 2 weeks! I have been taking...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
If your cough persists for more than three weeks, it is recommended to undergo a chest X-ray examination. Your symptoms suggest bronchial hypersensitivity, so it is advisable to limit the intake of cold foods (such as melons and bamboo shoots). Best wishes![Read More] Persistent Cough for Two Weeks: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding the Implications of Lung Nodules: A Patient's Journey
The shape of black spots? About a month ago, my father had a CT scan in Chengqing, which revealed a small dark spot. He was then referred to Veterans General Hospital, where the doctor interpreted it as having irregular edges. The hospital conducted blood tests for cancer markers...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Ms. Wu: The inflamed area can present in any shape, and its disappearance is a reassuring outcome. It is advisable to follow the attending physician's recommendation for regular monitoring. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding the Implications of Lung Nodules: A Patient's Journey