Understanding Persistent Cough and Wheezing: When to Seek Help
Wheezing in the lungs? Hello Dr. Yang, I had a slight cold before and went to a small clinic. After taking the medication, I felt somewhat better, so I thought I didn't need to go back. However, it's been a month and I'm still not well enough to return for a second...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Xiao Yang: There are many reasons why a cough may persist after a cold. I recommend that you consult a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray and a physical examination to check for conditions such as asthma. Additionally, it would be advisable to limit the intake of cold and raw...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough and Wheezing: When to Seek Help
Understanding Lung Function Tests and Asthma Treatment in Taiwan
I have a question to ask? Hello, doctor: At the end of last year, I was hospitalized due to asthma triggered by a cold. During my hospitalization, I underwent pulmonary function tests. However, I was curious why I had to inhale the same substance multiple times before blowing int...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Xiaofang: The substance you inhaled during the examination and the injection you received afterward are best clarified by your original attending physician. My personal speculation is that the substance you inhaled for the first time may have been a bronchial provocation ag...[Read More] Understanding Lung Function Tests and Asthma Treatment in Taiwan
Understanding Unmentioned Asthma: Key Insights from Pulmonology
excuse me? Hello, doctor: Could you please explain what is meant by "unmentioned asthma"?
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Xiaofang: Your symptoms may resemble asthma, but they are not as severe as an acute asthma attack. To determine if you truly have asthma, further pulmonary function tests are necessary. The issues you mentioned are simply translations of the International Classification of ...[Read More] Understanding Unmentioned Asthma: Key Insights from Pulmonology
Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Pulmonary Care
Left chest pain? Hello Dr. Yang, Three weeks ago, I started experiencing intermittent sharp pain in the lower left side of my chest, which radiated to my back. After a few days, the pain intensified and lasted longer. Since I had gastritis last year, I initially thought it was g...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Belle: Since your ultrasound and chest X-ray (which should have been done during your hospitalization) did not indicate any issues in the left lower lung, and there are currently no new blisters on your skin, it is not shingles. Therefore, neuropathic pain remains the most ...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Pulmonary Care
What Does Whiteness on Lung X-Ray Indicate? Understanding the Condition
What does it mean when a chest X-ray shows pulmonary opacities? The presence of opacities or whiteness on a chest X-ray can indicate several conditions affecting the lungs. This phenomenon, known as "pulmonary opacification," may suggest the presence of pneumonia, pulmo...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Machelle: In a standard chest X-ray, the white, gourd-shaped area in the middle represents the heart. The dark areas on both sides are the lungs (which are filled with air and appear black on the X-ray). When the lungs appear white, it may indicate conditions such as lung i...[Read More] What Does Whiteness on Lung X-Ray Indicate? Understanding the Condition
Inhalation of Bleach and Hydrogen Peroxide: Urgent Medical Advice Needed
Inhalation of mixed bleach solution~~~Urgent Dear Dr. Yang, I used a mixture of bleach (sodium hypochlorite) and regular hydrogen peroxide while cleaning, and I did not dilute them, resulting in a concentrated solution. Afterwards, I experienced some dizziness. Upon researching ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Kiki, under normal short-term use of cleaning products such as bleach, there may only be a pungent irritating smell, and inhalation can lead to temporary chest tightness or coughing, but it will not result in poisoning or complications such as bronchitis or pulmonary edema ...[Read More] Inhalation of Bleach and Hydrogen Peroxide: Urgent Medical Advice Needed
Learning to Suction: A Guide for Caregivers of Patients with Excess Mucus
Suctioning of sputum Hello: My father has excessive phlegm in his lungs, and the hospital physician said we need to learn how to suction phlegm because he will rely on us for this after returning home. I would like to ask: 1. Is learning to suction phlegm very scary? 2. Is it dan...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello MARRY: Could you please ask the respiratory therapist or nursing staff at the hospital for technical guidance? Under the instruction of professionals, there should be no risk involved, and they will also teach you the precautions to take. Learning through diagrams is not as...[Read More] Learning to Suction: A Guide for Caregivers of Patients with Excess Mucus
Understanding Pneumonia in Parkinson's Patients: Care and Recovery Insights
Pneumonia Hello Doctor, my father has Parkinson's disease and has been bedridden for a long time. He later had a nasogastric tube inserted and is now unable to cough up phlegm on his own, experiencing prolonged fever. He is currently in the intensive care unit requiring mech...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Ms. Chen, 1. The ability to successfully wean off the ventilator in patients with chronic illness and respiratory failure needs to be assessed by the attending physician. If the evaluation indicates poor ability to breathe independently or excessive sputum production, a tr...[Read More] Understanding Pneumonia in Parkinson's Patients: Care and Recovery Insights
Understanding the Significance of Asthma Status in Medical Records
What is the significance of status asthmaticus? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask about a diagnosis in my medical record that states "asthma without mention of status asthmaticus." What does this mean? Does it indicate that my asthma is not currently exacerbated? Howe...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, A-Fu: You have a history of asthma and experienced an acute exacerbation with difficulty breathing, prompting you to visit the emergency department. The physician, of course, issued a diagnostic certificate based on your condition. Asthma exacerbation status refers to a si...[Read More] Understanding the Significance of Asthma Status in Medical Records
Understanding TB Tests and BCG: Your Questions Answered
TB Test and BCG Vaccine I moved to the United States at the age of four. In Taiwan, I received the BCG vaccine, and in 1996, I had a TB test that was negative. During a school health check this year, the doctor asked me to return in 48 hours to check the results, but due to circu...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Albert: Hello, I will briefly answer your questions as follows: 1. A positive tuberculin skin test indicates that you have been infected with the tuberculosis bacteria (approximately one-third of the global population has been infected), but you are not currently ill (no pulmonar...[Read More] Understanding TB Tests and BCG: Your Questions Answered
Understanding Asthma: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Treatment
Could you please clarify your question regarding asthma? 1. Is asthma diagnosed through pulmonary function tests? If I had to blow several times during the test and the nurse only said the last attempt was acceptable, but I was already fatigued by that point, could this affect th...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Day: Here are brief responses to your concerns: (1) Pulmonary function tests should be conducted with standard procedures, which may require multiple attempts. Even if you feel fatigued by the end, there should be data from your tests that can be referenced by your physicia...[Read More] Understanding Asthma: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Treatment
Why Do I Experience Breathing Difficulties Underwater While Swimming?
Why does breathing become obstructed when the chest enters the water? Since I was young, I considered myself to be quite good at various sports, but swimming has always been a challenge for me. Even completing 25 meters leaves me gasping for air. During one of my swimming session...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Spawn, as you mentioned, your choice of sports is quite good, which indicates that your heart and lung functions should be fine! The feeling of tightness in the chest while swimming is mostly due to not being relaxed enough or feeling too anxious. It’s best to swim at a slo...[Read More] Why Do I Experience Breathing Difficulties Underwater While Swimming?
Understanding Non-Open Tuberculosis: Risks and Precautions for Families
Non-open pulmonary tuberculosis Hello doctor, my older brother has been diagnosed with non-open tuberculosis and requires medication treatment. There are two young children in the household, and I am also pregnant. I would like to ask the doctor, even though my brother has non-op...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
1. As long as the sputum smear test for tuberculosis in the older brother shows no evidence of the bacteria, it indicates that the infectiousness is very low. Children who have received the BCG vaccine should have some degree of protection; however, it is still recommended that c...[Read More] Understanding Non-Open Tuberculosis: Risks and Precautions for Families
Understanding My Mother's Lab Results: Key Health Concerns Explained
Please provide the details of your mother's test report so I can help explain its meaning? Hello, I am the person who asked about my mother's long-term cough issue a few days ago. A few days ago, my mother had blood and urine tests done at a medical laboratory (but did ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Mr. Chiu: Thank you for your detailed explanation, which makes the questions easier to address! TG: 155, the blood sugar level is at the upper limit, and the platelet issue can be temporarily disregarded as it is still within the normal variation range. For the hepatitis C ...[Read More] Understanding My Mother's Lab Results: Key Health Concerns Explained
How Soon Can You Schedule a Follow-Up Medical Check-Up?
Regarding health check-ups? How long after applying for a re-examination can a physician schedule an appointment for the examination?
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Katsu: Your question is not very clear. Why do you need to undergo another medical examination? What specific abnormalities were found in your last examination that require further investigation? Please provide more details so that I can offer you appropriate advice![Read More] How Soon Can You Schedule a Follow-Up Medical Check-Up?
Chronic Cough in My Mom: What Specialist Should We Consult?
Please provide more details about your mother's condition so I can assist you better? My mother has been coughing for many years, and it is not due to a cold. When she coughs, it lasts for several minutes as she tries to expel the phlegm from her throat. She has gone to the ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Dear Mr. Chiu: Your mother has been coughing for many years, and if her chest X-ray is normal, it essentially rules out more than 90% of pulmonary diseases. Other causes of chronic cough include: 1. Allergic bronchitis or asthma, for which pulmonary function tests may be consider...[Read More] Chronic Cough in My Mom: What Specialist Should We Consult?
Understanding Chest Pain During Swimming: Causes and Concerns
Chest pain When I swim for a prolonged period, I experience pain about 7 centimeters above the sternum, slightly to the right of the center (about an inch), lasting for 1 to 2 minutes. After resting for a moment, it returns to normal. However, playing table tennis, even vigorousl...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Kiki: Holding your breath while swimming can sometimes trigger nerve pain, whereas playing table tennis does not require breath-holding. I recommend that you warm up adequately before swimming and avoid holding your breath for too long; this should help improve the situati...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain During Swimming: Causes and Concerns
Should You Use Contrast in CT Scans for Possible Tuberculosis?
Computed Tomography... Contrast Agent Hello Dr. Yang: Five years ago, I had pneumonia, and three years ago, my X-ray results were normal. However, during a recent health check-up, my X-ray indicated a possible tuberculosis infection. A family member has open tuberculosis, but I a...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are no effective preventive methods for tuberculosis; the best approach is to maintain your immune function at an optimal level through exercise, nutrition, and sleep to avoid infection. Your chest X-ray shows suspected pulmonary tuberculosis lesions, and you have a ...[Read More] Should You Use Contrast in CT Scans for Possible Tuberculosis?
Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues: Causes and Solutions
Chest tightness... accompanied by shortness of breath and coughing? Dear Dr. Yang, For the past year, I have been troubled by a persistent issue, but I am unsure of where to seek help. Sometimes I experience chest tightness and difficulty breathing, which leads me to take deep b...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Xiao Ru: Your main symptom is difficulty breathing. If a recent chest X-ray has ruled out any diseases of the chest or heart, it is likely related to stress. I recommend avoiding cold or icy foods (you may consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner), and try to re...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Fibrotic Calcification in the Left Upper Lung Field: Causes and Treatment
Fibrotic calcific lesion in the left upper lung field? In August of this year, I went to Taipei City Hospital, Zhongxiao Branch, for a health check-up. The results showed a "fibrotic calcified lesion in the left upper lung field," and I was advised to return to the hosp...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Xiaolala: Generally speaking, a chest X-ray report indicating fibrotic calcified lesions represents non-active, old scars (similar to scars left on the skin from past deeper injuries). This suggests that there was a previous pneumonia in the left upper lung (which you may ...[Read More] Understanding Fibrotic Calcification in the Left Upper Lung Field: Causes and Treatment