Understanding Summer Breathlessness: Causes and Solutions
Shortness of breath? I would like to ask the doctor, I experience more difficulty breathing during the summer, whether I am standing or lying down, and I need to take deep breaths to feel somewhat better. I have previously undergone examinations, including X-rays and an electroca...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Xiao Xu: You are only 26 years old, and unless you have a congenital heart defect, the chances of developing heart disease are very low. Additionally, heart disease rarely has seasonal occurrences in the summer. Your chest X-ray and electrocardiogram are both normal, indic...[Read More] Understanding Summer Breathlessness: Causes and Solutions
Can Small Objects Be Inhaled into the Lungs? Key Signs to Watch For
Can it be inhaled into the lungs? Can small objects be inhaled into the lungs through the nostrils? If so, how can this be determined? Thank you.
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Ms. Chang: The lungs are the respiratory organs, and airborne dust or bacteria can enter the lungs through breathing. Some individuals in dusty work environments may wear masks to filter out some of these particles. Particles that are too small will be exhaled. If they reac...[Read More] Can Small Objects Be Inhaled into the Lungs? Key Signs to Watch For
Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest pain Hello, Doctor: I have been experiencing pain in my right chest for a month, especially when I bend down. The pain becomes more pronounced when I exert pressure on my chest, as if something is pressing down. When I am not exerting pressure, I feel a dull ache in my ches...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Chu, there are many causes of chest pain. In younger patients, common causes include pneumothorax (which can be diagnosed with an X-ray) or neuropathy (where the X-ray appears normal). I recommend that you first get an X-ray. If the X-ray is normal, you can take some pain r...[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Can People with G6PD Deficiency Smoke? Understanding the Risks
Smoking Can you tell me if my friend has G6PD deficiency and he smokes? Is it safe for someone with this condition to smoke?
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Smoking has numerous adverse effects on human health, posing threats to both individuals with G6PD deficiency and those without it (although some reports suggest that the impact may be less severe for individuals with G6PD deficiency). However, smoking can lead to a decl...[Read More] Can People with G6PD Deficiency Smoke? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Lung Fibrosis: Is It a Disease or Just a Healing Scar?
excuse me? Fibrosis is a remnant of tissue healing after inflammation. Therefore, left upper lung fibrosis indicates that the left upper lung has experienced inflammation (such as pneumonia), which may have been mistaken for a prolonged cold and not detected through an X-ray at t...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Dear Mr. Lai, In response to your inquiry, if there is no previous record of left upper lung fibrosis, it is still recommended to visit the pulmonary medicine outpatient clinic for a re-evaluation. Each physician may have different criteria for interpreting fibrosis, so it is mo...[Read More] Understanding Lung Fibrosis: Is It a Disease or Just a Healing Scar?
Understanding Left Upper Lung Fibrosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Left upper lung fibrosis? My mother is 45 years old and recently went to the hospital for a health check-up. The results indicated that she has fibrosis in the upper left lung. What does this mean, and does she need treatment?
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Mr. Lai. Fibrosis is a remnant of tissue healing and repair after inflammation. Therefore, left upper lung fibrosis indicates that there was a previous inflammation in the left upper lung (such as pneumonia, which may have been mistaken for a prolonged cold without an X-ray...[Read More] Understanding Left Upper Lung Fibrosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment: Key Questions Answered
Pulmonary tuberculosis Hello: Recently, I sought medical attention due to a lower respiratory tract infection (cough with sputum) that had not improved for 10 days. After an X-ray, there were signs of calcification, and the doctor suspected tuberculosis. Currently, all three sput...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, 1. The chest X-ray shows calcification; it is best to have X-rays from more than six months ago for comparison to confirm that the calcified lesion has not changed (stable, to determine it as inactive, and antibiotic treatment is not necessary). 2. Currently, sputum te...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment: Key Questions Answered
Natural Supplements for Asthma Relief: Do They Really Work?
Asthma Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my 26-year-old male friend who has asthma. Besides the medications prescribed by his doctor, what kind of health supplements or dietary options can he take to reduce the frequency of asthma attacks? I have seen online that reishi mu...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Tears: Currently, there are no specific dietary supplements. However, you may consult an experienced Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner to assess his constitution and determine which foods may be unsuitable or beneficial for him, as foods can be classified as ...[Read More] Natural Supplements for Asthma Relief: Do They Really Work?
Understanding Qi-Regulating Chinese Medicine for Chest Discomfort
The Qi-regulating herbs you mentioned in Traditional Chinese Medicine..? Hello, Dr. Yang, who is skilled in medicine: You mentioned the Qi-regulating herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine. What are some of these herbs? I have previously taken some Qi-moving and Qi-regulating medi...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Ahsin: There are many types of Qi-regulating herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Typically, these herbs are prescribed after a TCM practitioner conducts a diagnosis and identifies the appropriate remedies for the patient's constitution. Adjustments are made b...[Read More] Understanding Qi-Regulating Chinese Medicine for Chest Discomfort
Understanding Post-Pneumothorax Complications: Seeking Answers and Support
Complications of pneumothorax? Medical Condition Description: Eleven months ago, a pneumothorax occurred due to needle knife therapy, leading to intubation at the hospital. Since then, there has been a sensation of the diaphragm being unable to descend, accompanied by weak cardio...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Ashin: Since most of your tests are normal, there shouldn't be any major issues. It seems to be more related to what Traditional Chinese Medicine refers to as "Qi stagnation." I recommend reducing the intake of gas-producing foods (such as legumes), taking a ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Pneumothorax Complications: Seeking Answers and Support
Understanding Throat Sounds: When to See a Specialist
excuse me? I would like to ask why my boyfriend often makes strange sounds, as if something is stuck in his throat. Can you tell me what this might be? If I want to make an appointment, which department should I see?
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Pudding: I suggest that your boyfriend should first see a pulmonologist. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Throat Sounds: When to See a Specialist
Can Dust Exposure from Counting Money Harm Your Lungs?
Can dust cause lung disease? Hello Dr. Yang, I am a bank teller who has been working at the counter for ten years. Due to the daily use of a currency counting machine to handle large amounts of cash, I encounter a lot of dust and particulate matter, especially from old bills. Th...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Steve: 1. Dust can lead to pulmonary disorders, but generally, dust exposure is associated with industrial activities (such as mining, tunneling, and stone quarrying). The amount of dust in a typical office setting is unlikely to cause pneumoconiosis. To prevent dust-rela...[Read More] Can Dust Exposure from Counting Money Harm Your Lungs?
Understanding Chest Tightness and Cough: When to Seek Medical Advice
Frequently experiencing chest tightness? Hello Doctor: Whenever I feel tired or have stayed up late, the next morning I often experience a feeling of tightness and discomfort in my chest, accompanied by a strong cough, although I don't usually cough much. I also feel this ti...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Feng: Basically, your chest X-ray was done last year. Recently, you have been experiencing chest tightness and coughing, which may require priority evaluation of your heart or lungs. I recommend that you make an appointment with a pulmonologist for a thorough examination an...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Cough: When to Seek Medical Advice
Help! Unraveling the Mystery of Persistent Chest Pain Symptoms
Help me! Strange illness? These symptoms of chest pain, chest tightness, tinnitus, dizziness, and gradually decreasing physical strength have persisted for several months. Could the hand sweating surgery I had several years ago be the cause? Additionally, I had acute gastroenteri...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Penny: If your chest X-ray is normal, it essentially rules out lung and heart diseases. However, I understand that chest pain is still troubling you. Based on my assessment, it is more likely that your chest pain is neuropathic in nature. Stress, disorganization, insufficie...[Read More] Help! Unraveling the Mystery of Persistent Chest Pain Symptoms
Understanding Tuberculosis: Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment Duration
Regarding tuberculosis (TB)? Hello Doctor: I have been in contact with someone who has tuberculosis, but I am unsure if they have open or closed tuberculosis. I have been coughing for a month, and I have had an X-ray, which showed no issues. However, latent tuberculosis may not b...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Ms. Ting, here are the brief answers to your questions: 1. The occurrence of extrapulmonary tuberculosis is much less common, and symptoms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (such as hematuria or bone pain) usually manifest years after exposure. It is advisable to seek medica...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis: Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment Duration
Understanding Persistent Cough and Throat Irritation: When to Seek Help
A scratchy throat can cause coughing? Hello, Doctor: About a month ago, I first noticed my voice was a bit hoarse, which improved after a day or two. Then I started to cough. The coughing occurs throughout the day and at night while sleeping, and I don't feel it is worse at ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Ruiven: The X-ray results show no issues, and major pulmonary diseases (including tuberculosis, pneumonia, and lung tumors) have been ruled out. The remaining concern is the excessive sensitivity of the trachea and nasal passages. In addition to medication, it is important...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough and Throat Irritation: When to Seek Help
Understanding Coughing with White Foamy Phlegm During Pregnancy
The phlegm is white and frothy during coughing? Hello, I have been coughing for over a month and I am four months pregnant. The cough fluctuates between better and worse, but it has not stopped. Recently, when I cough, the phlegm is white and bubbly, and I experience pain inside ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Coughing usually indicates bronchitis, which is not as severe as pneumonia (which typically presents with fever and yellow sputum). Chest pain may be due to neuralgia. A chest X-ray should be performed; however, it is not suitable at this time since you are pregnant. From a tradi...[Read More] Understanding Coughing with White Foamy Phlegm During Pregnancy
Understanding Chest Numbness: When to Seek Medical Advice
Numbness in the chest? Doctor Yang, today I went out with my girlfriend, and she told me that her chest felt numb. Then, while we were shopping, she went up a flight of stairs and I noticed she seemed a bit short of breath. She also mentioned that this rarely happens, maybe once ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Mr. Tsai: Your girlfriend's symptoms do not indicate a specific disease. Several conditions or insufficient rest could present similar symptoms. It is recommended to consult a family medicine specialist or a general internal medicine clinic. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Chest Numbness: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Symptoms of Lung Diseases: A Guide for Concerned Families
Could you please specify the suspected pulmonary diseases? Hello Doctor: My father is nearly sixty years old, and he has recently exhibited the following symptoms: (1) About 3 to 4 months ago, he started coughing persistently every night, leading to chronic sleep deprivation. He ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Xiaomi, Your father currently has several issues to address: 1. After a confirmed diagnosis of tuberculosis, he needs to adhere to the medication regimen for 6 to 9 months, and most cases can be cured. 2. During the medication period, it is important to monitor for any si...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms of Lung Diseases: A Guide for Concerned Families
Could Your Breathing Issues Be Asthma Symptoms? Expert Insights
Is this a symptom of asthma? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about a recent issue I've been experiencing. I often suddenly feel short of breath, as if I can't get enough air, especially in the early morning, evening, and when I'm about to catch a cold. These epi...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Apple: Asthma patients often have an allergic constitution (such as atopic dermatitis or allergic rhinitis) and are prone to attacks in the early morning and at midnight (coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath). Attacks can also occur after exercise or during a cold, bu...[Read More] Could Your Breathing Issues Be Asthma Symptoms? Expert Insights