Understanding Chest Tightness: Causes and Solutions for Persistent Symptoms
Chest tightness? Hello, Doctor: Recently, I have been suffering from a prolonged cold that hasn't improved. My symptoms include sore throat, cough, phlegm, occasional headaches, and nasal congestion. The most distressing symptom is a heavy feeling in my chest. I have visited...
Dr. Xie Weiming Reply:
Hello: Based on the description above, it seems to be an allergic cough, possibly indicating asthma, which could explain the persistent cough and chest tightness. Some asthma medications may cause an increased heart rate. It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist for further e...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness: Causes and Solutions for Persistent Symptoms
Understanding Sudden Limb Pain: Causes and Concerns for Left Femur
Frequent episodes of sharp pain in the limbs, especially in the left femoral head? Hello Dr. Zhao, Two years ago, I started experiencing deep, intermittent pain in my limbs that lasts about two to five seconds and occurs several times a day. I am a single parent, and I am very a...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Pain in the femoral head region is uncommon. Since you have seen an orthopedic specialist and likely had X-rays, bone cancer can be ruled out. The intermittent pain lasting two to five seconds is neuropathic pain, not muscular pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or muscle spasms assoc...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Limb Pain: Causes and Concerns for Left Femur
Understanding Steroid Use for Asthma: Dosage, Side Effects, and Diagnosis
Corticosteroids Doctor, I had a check-up at the hospital a year ago due to chest tightness and asthma symptoms. The bronchial provocation test was positive (with a 26% decrease in FEV1). The doctor mentioned that I have suspected asthma. However, since I did not have any episodes...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your symptoms and lung function suggest asthma. The standard treatment during an acute exacerbation is to take oral steroids for one week (6 tablets per day). Once your symptoms improve, you can switch to inhaled corticosteroids. Rinsing your mou...[Read More] Understanding Steroid Use for Asthma: Dosage, Side Effects, and Diagnosis
Understanding Aspirin Allergies and NSAIDs: What You Need to Know
Could you please provide more details about the allergy issue? Hello Doctor: I once received an injection (STIN) for a fever, which is a type of aspirin medication, and as a result, my eyes swelled up. I would like to know if being allergic to aspirin means I will definitely be a...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: The reaction you have experienced is a manifestation of an allergic reaction known as angioedema. Allergic reactions can present in various forms, including skin rashes, asthma attacks, anaphylactic shock, fever, and joint pain, among other symptoms. NSAIDs refer to a gene...[Read More] Understanding Aspirin Allergies and NSAIDs: What You Need to Know
Understanding Allergy Testing: Identifying Triggers for Better Management
Allergen testing Dear Dr. Tseng, I have allergic reactions to medications (such as antipyretics and analgesics) as well as environmental factors and air quality (like seasonal changes and poor ventilation). My allergic symptoms manifest as asthma, starting with persistent coughi...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello! Allergen testing can help you identify the causes of your allergies, allowing you to avoid them and potentially better control your symptoms or reduce medication use. There are two clinical methods for measuring allergens: (1) CAP (Chemiluminescent Allergen-specific IgE te...[Read More] Understanding Allergy Testing: Identifying Triggers for Better Management
Understanding Cold Sweats and Rapid Heartbeat: Causes and Solutions
Cold sweats and rapid heartbeat? Doctor Li, I have been experiencing frequent cold sweats and a rapid heartbeat lately. I'm not sure what to do.
Dr. Li Dong'an Reply:
Hello: Sweating and rapid heartbeat are manifestations of heightened sympathetic nervous system activity. There are many possible causes, such as hypoglycemia, hyperthyroidism, diabetic neuropathy, angina, adrenal tumors, arrhythmias, anemia, asthma, infections, fever, consumptio...[Read More] Understanding Cold Sweats and Rapid Heartbeat: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Persistent Cough: When to Seek Medical Advice
Coughing Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my husband, who is 41 years old. For the past month, he has been experiencing a mild cough, but it is not severe. When I asked him, he mentioned that his throat feels itchy. He really enjoys drinking cold beverages (including water...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! If your husband is still smoking or has quit smoking for less than 15 years, it is advisable to continue monitoring with chest X-rays. Just because the X-ray from two years ago was normal does not mean he is not at risk for lung cancer. Even if he does not smoke, if he has...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Weight Loss and Thyroid Concerns
I would like to ask the doctor a question? Dear Dr. Yang, I currently have mitral valve prolapse, but around April and May of this year, I suddenly lost weight and dropped to about 35 kilograms, whereas I was around 37 kilograms before. I am 163 centimeters tall, so there is qui...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include palpitations, tremors, sweating, anxiety, and weight loss. In fact, the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are quite similar to those caused by anxiety. However, the severity of symptoms caused by hyperthyroidism is usually greater than that caused by...[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Weight Loss and Thyroid Concerns
Persistent Cough: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
I have a persistent cough that won't go away? Dear Vice Dean Zhao, My mother has been coughing for two months now. She has seen several doctors and taken various medications, but she still hasn't improved. It doesn't seem like a common cold. Should we consider go...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
If a cough lasts more than three weeks, it is advisable to visit a hospital for a detailed examination. First, it is important to inquire whether the cough is dry or productive, and if productive, whether the sputum is clear, thick, white, yellow, or green, and if it has an odor....[Read More] Persistent Cough: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Understanding Occasional Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Occasional chest pain? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing strange chest pain intermittently for the past two to three years. During these episodes, I feel a stabbing pain in my chest when I move my body, and it is often accompanied by a sharp pain between my ribs when I push ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Chest pain can be caused by various conditions related to the heart (such as angina, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, myocarditis, and pericarditis), lungs and associated structures (such as pneumothorax, pneumonia with pleuritis, rib fractures, pulmonary embolism, and ...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Genetic Risks and Family History
I have mitral valve prolapse? I am 15 years old and during my health check-up in my first year of high school, some issues were found in my electrocardiogram. Later, after experiencing severe chest pain, I went to the hospital for more detailed examinations, and it was discovered...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello Vivi: Mitral valve prolapse is not a hereditary condition, so you don't need to worry too much. Director of the Health Education Department, Chen Ching-Pin.[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Genetic Risks and Family History
Understanding How Steroids Work in the Body: A Comprehensive Guide
What are steroids? Could you explain the mechanism of how steroids work in the body?
Dr. Xie Weiming Reply:
Hello Mr. Zeng: Steroids, commonly known as American magic pills, are very effective medications but can lead to side effects if used improperly. Their primary function is to suppress the immune response in the body, including the actions of neutrophils, cytokines, and immunoglob...[Read More] Understanding How Steroids Work in the Body: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Berodual: Uses, Side Effects, and Proper Administration for Asthma in Children
Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction The child is currently eight years old and has asthma, often experiencing persistent coughing. The doctor prescribed a medication called Berodual. I would like to ask what type of medication this is, whether it has strong side effects, and if ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Berotec is the English name for a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist used for asthma. Common side effects of this type of medication include palpitations and tremors, although these are more pronounced with oral formulations. However, even with tremors, it should not a...[Read More] Understanding Berodual: Uses, Side Effects, and Proper Administration for Asthma in Children
Chronic Cough in Older Adults: Causes and Treatment Options
General Internal Medicine Hello, Dr. Tseng: I am a 60-year-old male with a long-standing cough issue. I have seen both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, but there has been little effect. My cough is dry and very severe, especially before going to bed and often wa...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello Mr. Yang! After reviewing your complaints, your symptoms may resemble chronic cough. Generally, a cough that persists for more than two months can be diagnosed as such. In terms of differential diagnosis, there are several possibilities. First, we need to consider whether y...[Read More] Chronic Cough in Older Adults: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Possible Causes and Solutions
You're welcome! Hello Dr. Lin: I have been experiencing sudden episodes of shortness of breath, even when I am just sitting and not moving or running. My heart rate increases, but the doctors I have seen said it should not be asthma. Recently, I have been producing a lot of ...
Dr. Lin Jizhi Reply:
Sudden onset of rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing in young individuals may be indicative of paroxysmal tachycardia or mitral valve prolapse. However, if accompanied by tinnitus, it is important to consider whether there is dysfunction of the Eustachian tube or bronchiectas...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Possible Causes and Solutions
Can Asthma Patients with Hypoxia Qualify for Disability Certification?
Hypoxia in patients with asthma? As an asthma patient, a friend suggested that I see a pulmonologist and ask for a certification to apply for a disability handbook. In addition to my asthma, I also have issues with hypoxia and symptoms of mitral valve deficiency and regurgitation...
Dr. Xie Weiming Reply:
Hello, Ms. Jan: Whether asthma qualifies for a disability certificate depends on its severity. The disability certificate has detailed regulations and classifications, and it is necessary to conduct pulmonary function tests and blood oxygen measurements to determine eligibility. ...[Read More] Can Asthma Patients with Hypoxia Qualify for Disability Certification?
Effective Strategies to Manage Allergic Rhinitis and Improve Allergy Tolerance
How to Completely Improve Allergic Constitution I have allergic rhinitis triggered by inhalants, with a dust mite allergy test result of 3+. I am currently taking royal jelly and OPC grape seed extract. Will these help improve my allergic condition, or is undergoing allergen immu...
Dr. Lin Jizhi Reply:
In general, the efficacy of health supplements such as royal jelly and OPC grape seed extract has not been established, and therefore cannot be commented on. Allergic rhinitis should be assessed for seasonal patterns, the presence of post-nasal drip, or the possibility of sinusit...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Manage Allergic Rhinitis and Improve Allergy Tolerance
Understanding Heart Pain: Asthma, Medications, and Potential Risks
Chest pain I have asthma, and I have been using maintenance medication for it. My doctor mentioned that the side effects of that medication are minimal. Recently, I've been experiencing intermittent chest pain that comes and goes. I started having these episodes in high scho...
Dr. Lin Jizhi Reply:
During puberty, emotional fluctuations or excitement often lead to a sensation of sharp pain, which typically resolves quickly. This is likely neuropathic pain caused by issues with the autonomic nervous system and should not be attributed to heart problems. Additionally, the use...[Read More] Understanding Heart Pain: Asthma, Medications, and Potential Risks
Is Blood Cleansing Safe? Insights on the Procedure and Its Risks
Could you please provide information regarding blood washing? Hello Dr. Ke: Recently, a friend from China underwent a blood cleansing treatment, where he spent four hours using a machine to draw out blood, cleanse it, and then return it to his body. He described that they extract...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Currently, plasmapheresis is only used for autoimmune diseases (which can generally be performed at medical centers), but the purposes of blood washing at other private clinics, such as fat removal, antioxidant effects, and asthma treatment, are not recognized as reasonable metho...[Read More] Is Blood Cleansing Safe? Insights on the Procedure and Its Risks
Understanding Asthma: Managing Symptoms and Preventing COPD in Adults
Asthma is a chronic Hello, I had asthma from ages 10 to 16, during which I always experienced wheezing during attacks. After moving away for school and work, I no longer had wheezing episodes, but I would experience chest tightness and coughing for a few hours to a few days after...
Dr. Guo Conghuai Reply:
Hello Ms. Gina: Chest tightness or wheezing after a cold does not necessarily indicate asthma. There is a condition known as post-viral wheezing syndrome, which can mimic asthma and often persists for several weeks following a viral respiratory infection. A definitive diagnosis r...[Read More] Understanding Asthma: Managing Symptoms and Preventing COPD in Adults