Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Is It Related to Allergic Rhinitis?
Shortness of breath Hello, doctor. When I was a child, I was diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, but it was only mild discomfort in areas with poor air quality. Recently, I have experienced the following symptoms and am unsure if they are related to my allergic rhinitis. After taki...
Dr. Chen Baoli Reply:
Hello Miss Lu: From your description of the problem, it seems that you have been diagnosed with allergic rhinitis since elementary school. I would like to know if you regularly use medication to manage it. How often and under what circumstances do your allergic rhinitis symptoms ...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Is It Related to Allergic Rhinitis?
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 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
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: Symptoms, Treatment, and Exercise Tips
Heart valve Thank you for your response, Director. In 1995, I experienced palpitations, arrhythmia, and high blood pressure, which led me to see a cardiologist. I was diagnosed with mild mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation. Since then, I have been...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions: 1. Mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation is mostly asymptomatic; however, it can occasionally cause chest pain, palpitations, fatigue, or shortness of breath. In severe cases, these symptoms may be more pronounced. The conditions of your m...[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Treatment, and Exercise Tips
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?
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and When to Seek Help
Shortness of breath? Recently, I have been experiencing occasional shortness of breath and difficulty catching my breath. At times, my palms and face feel numb. I consulted a cardiologist who found nothing unusual and prescribed Xanax 0.5 mg, but there has been no improvement. Wh...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Shuna: It is recommended that you undergo examination and treatment in the pulmonology department (such as X-rays, pulmonary function tests, and blood oxygen saturation tests, as well as thyroid function tests). If everything is normal, it may be anxiety disorder or adjustm...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Chest Discomfort and Coughing: Occupational Health Insights
Could it be an occupational disease caused by long-term work in a plastic company? I often feel a tightness in my chest, frequently cough, and have thick saliva. However, an X-ray at the hospital showed everything is normal. What could be the reason for this? If it is simply a de...
Dr. Guo Conghuai Reply:
Hello Mr. Chuo: Working in a plastic factory, certain chemical components such as ethylene vapors can indeed cause allergic symptoms in the airways. X-rays typically do not show abnormal findings unless the condition is in its late stages. I recommend that you undergo a comprehen...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort and Coughing: Occupational Health Insights
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
Persistent Chest Discomfort: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
Chest tightness with a strong sensation of obstruction? Hello Dr. Kuo, I have been experiencing long-term discomfort that began after I underwent gynecological surgery in March 1998, during which I had anesthesia and intubation. Following the surgery, I coughed up blood for sev...
Dr. Guo Conghuai Reply:
Hello Miss Green: Based on your description, it seems that you have been troubled for quite a long time. You may be a patient who becomes anxious and has difficulty sleeping over minor issues (Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome). If your lung function indicates that you truly have br...[Read More] Persistent Chest Discomfort: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Bronchial Fibrosis and Aspiration Pneumonia Symptoms
Bronchial fibrosis. Aspiration pneumonia? Hello, Dr. Kuo. 1. What are the symptoms of bronchial fibrosis? If the bronchus remains inflamed and is not treated, how long does it take for it to develop into fibrotic bronchus? Is there mucus, white phlegm, or clear phlegm present? ...
Dr. Guo Conghuai Reply:
Hello Miss Xiao Mei: 1. Bronchial fibrosis is an inflammatory process, similar to scarring of the skin. If the fibrosis is severe, it may lead to symptoms of wheezing. Generally, inflammation tends to resolve on its own, except in cases of bacterial infection, which requires one...[Read More] Understanding Bronchial Fibrosis and Aspiration Pneumonia Symptoms
Understanding Lung Function Tests for Asthma Management
Pulmonary function tests for asthma? I would like to ask the doctor a question: I have asthma (which I feel is quite severe, and I frequently use bronchodilators). I want to undergo pulmonary function testing. Should the test be conducted during an asthma attack to accurately ass...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, Chih-Hsiang: During an asthma attack, lung function will definitely decline, and the severity will be greater. Even when not experiencing an attack, lung function is often abnormal. For more accurate testing, bronchodilators should be discontinued for at least seven to eig...[Read More] Understanding Lung Function Tests for Asthma Management
Understanding Thyroid Function and Allergies: A Patient's Inquiry
Medical consultation Thank you, Dr. Ke, for your letter. I have visited the general surgery outpatient clinic and had a blood test to check my thyroid function. The test results were normal. The doctor prescribed antihistamines and some hormones. I also experience wheezing at tim...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Dear Ms. Lu, There are many reasons for experiencing shortness of breath while walking. Arranging for pulmonary function tests, exercise electrocardiograms, and chest X-rays can serve as initial screenings to identify the cause.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function and Allergies: A Patient's Inquiry
Communicating with Doctors: Heart and Lung Function Tests for Hypertension
Cardiopulmonary function tests and cardiovascular diseases? Dear Dr. Ke, I have been suffering from hypertension for many years, and in the past, I also had hyperlipidemia, arrhythmia, gastric ulcers, Helicobacter pylori infection, urinary tract infections, and ureteral stones. ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Dear Mr. Shih Ping-Ming: Our hospital (Hsinchu Hospital, Department of Health) has been offering a cardiology education clinic every Tuesday evening from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM since January of the 90th year. Dr. Po Shih-Chun will be available for consultations to provide you with de...[Read More] Communicating with Doctors: Heart and Lung Function Tests for Hypertension
Natural Remedies for Lung Health: Foods and Herbs to Consider
Lung issues My father has developed a lot of dust in his lungs due to his work at a urea plant. He has already seen a doctor. Could you please advise if there are any vegetables, fruits, or traditional Chinese medicine that could help improve this condition? Thank you.
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Please visit the Department of Pulmonary Medicine for a detailed X-ray and pulmonary function tests. Dr. Cheng-Chang Ke, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Hsinchu Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Natural Remedies for Lung Health: Foods and Herbs to Consider