Struggling to Breathe: Understanding Throat Tightness and Hyperventilation
Experiencing difficulty in breathing while also hyperventilating? I have two questions: 1. Recently, I have been experiencing a tightening sensation in my throat and difficulty breathing. Just now, I felt like I couldn't breathe (and I still do). I stood up and took a few ...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: It could be a post-viral syndrome following COVID-19, or it might be asthma. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, there has indeed been an increase in patients like you in outpatient clinics. Most of them are able to adapt and recover. You may also consult with an otolaryngolog...[Read More] Struggling to Breathe: Understanding Throat Tightness and Hyperventilation
Understanding Intermittent Chest Tightness and Cough: Causes and Solutions
Persistent intermittent chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing chest tightness for five years. The symptoms occur irregularly, possibly every two to three months, lasting for about three to four days, during which I feel unable...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The intermittent cough and chest tightness seem less likely to be due to any significant lung or tracheal pathology. It may be related to irregular exercise habits or the temperature of food and fruits consumed. It is recommended to establish a regular exercise routine and...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Chest Tightness and Cough: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Long-Term Chest Tightness and Anxiety Symptoms
Long-term chest tightness and hypochondriasis? About seven years ago, the patient sought medical attention due to sudden shortness of breath, feeling unable to take a full breath, especially during physical activity, which caused some wheezing. After undergoing several tests, the...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: If you visit the pulmonology clinic to check for asthma or post-COVID sequelae and find none, it is advised to be kind to yourself. Wishing you peace and safety.[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Chest Tightness and Anxiety Symptoms
Understanding Shortness of Breath: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing? Hello Doctor: I am 183 cm tall and weigh 122 kg. This week, I experienced two episodes of sudden discomfort and pain in my right chest, feeling as if my breathing had stopped, and I suddenly couldn't catch my breath. After lightly t...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist to clarify the cause. Based on the description, asthma is a possible diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Rib Pain from Coughing: When to See a Doctor for Your Symptoms
Coughing to the point of rib pain? Tracheal mucus? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing pain in my right rib cage for the past few days. I now feel significant pain when taking deep breaths, turning over, or raising my arms. There is noticeable tenderness between two ribs at th...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, typically, ribs require a significant amount of external force to fracture, making rib fractures relatively uncommon. They are more likely to occur in individuals with osteoporosis or those with rheumatologic conditions who have been on long-term corticosteroid therapy. Re...[Read More] Rib Pain from Coughing: When to See a Doctor for Your Symptoms
Understanding Your Breathing Issues: Is It COPD or Mild Asthma?
I often feel anxious because I can't catch my breath. I'm afraid it might be COPD or obstructive pneumonia? Hello, doctor. I am very grateful for your help in addressing my recent experience of feeling unable to take a full breath. I often feel the urge to take deep bre...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Based on the description, it may be asthma, and currently, there is no COPD. Please quit smoking as soon as possible and follow up at the pulmonology outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Your Breathing Issues: Is It COPD or Mild Asthma?
Understanding Side Effects of Levalbuterol and Budesonide for Asthma
The side effects of Levalbuterol (often referred to as Xopenex) and Budesonide/Formoterol (commonly known as Symbicort) include: Levalbuterol: - Tremors - Nervousness - Headache - Dizziness Hello, doctor. I had asthma frequently when I was a child, but it almost disappeared as ...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, if the physician recommends long-term use, it indicates that the occurrence of asthma attacks may lead to subsequent effects on lung function and other symptoms. Current studies have reported only a few instances of emotional impacts or oral thrush infections due to poor o...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Levalbuterol and Budesonide for Asthma
Managing Chronic Throat Dryness and Excess Mucus: Seeking Solutions
Chronic throat dryness (slight pain), excessive white phlegm (without blood). No cough, no chest tightness or pain? Hello Doctor: During my high school years, I experienced a persistent cough that lasted for at least a month, prompting me to see a doctor. After some time, I was t...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear ANNA: The symptoms you described can be caused by post-nasal drip and gastroesophageal reflux. Since you have already taken so many medications, it is advisable to refrain from further medication and to relax. Ensuring adequate sleep may help improve your condition. Changhua...[Read More] Managing Chronic Throat Dryness and Excess Mucus: Seeking Solutions
Understanding Elevated ECP Levels: What It Means for Chronic Cough Management
Chronic cough I previously had a severe cough and visited a large hospital for consultation. After several visits and blood tests, I was supposed to return for a follow-up appointment to review the results. However, on the day of the follow-up, my child fell ill, and since my cou...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Apple: The reference value for Eosinophil Cationic Protein (ECP) is < 13.3, which indicates that eosinophils are associated with inflammatory responses caused by various allergic diseases, particularly in patients with asthma. In the inflamed tissues of asthma patients, e...[Read More] Understanding Elevated ECP Levels: What It Means for Chronic Cough Management
Why Sleeping on Your Left Side Causes Breathing Issues at Night
Sleeping on the left side can cause shortness of breath and wheezing sounds? It only occurs at night and is severe enough to cause difficulty breathing. When it happens, lying on my right side alleviates the symptoms.
Dr. Zhang Youzheng Reply:
Hello: Experiencing shortness of breath at certain angles, especially more pronounced at night, is likely indicative of asthma. It is recommended to return to the pulmonology clinic for an asthma evaluation and subsequent treatment.[Read More] Why Sleeping on Your Left Side Causes Breathing Issues at Night
Understanding Blood-tinged Phlegm and Nasal Discharge After COVID-19
Hemoptysis and epistaxis? Hello Doctor, I am currently 23 years old, do not smoke, and have no history of asthma (although I had acute bronchitis several years ago). Since being diagnosed with COVID-19 early last year, I have frequently felt a buildup of thick phlegm in my chest ...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to seek medical attention at our hospital to clarify your condition. Indeed, most mycoplasma infections can resolve on their own without medication due to the immune response; however, if it progresses to pneumonia, specific pharmacological treatment is n...[Read More] Understanding Blood-tinged Phlegm and Nasal Discharge After COVID-19
Understanding Chest Pain and Cough: Seeking Effective Treatment Options
Chest pain/chest tightness/shortness of breath & cough/medication consultation Hello, Doctor. Since around the middle of last year, I have been experiencing severe coughing at night/midnight, which I initially thought was due to an unresolved cold (I returned from Europe at t...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear K: I apologize for the delayed response due to the holiday. Based on your symptom description, it is likely that you have atypical asthma. However, the treatment approach needs to be adjusted. You can start with inhaled corticosteroids for control, or you may visit the outpa...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Cough: Seeking Effective Treatment Options
Persistent Cough with Mucus and Blood: Understanding Your Symptoms
Persistent cough with purulent nasal discharge (nasal discharge also contains blood) and hemoptysis? Hello doctor, on the first day, my symptoms included vomiting everything I ate, along with thick phlegm and nasal discharge, and a very sore throat with some blood streaks. I went...
Dr. Cai Zongwei Reply:
Hello: If there are blood streaks in the nasal mucus, you should consult an otolaryngologist to examine the "upper respiratory tract." If there is wheezing, bronchial asthma (with possible lower respiratory tract involvement) cannot be ruled out, and it may be necessary...[Read More] Persistent Cough with Mucus and Blood: Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Breathlessness and Frequent Exhalation: Possible Causes
Difficulty breathing with frequent exhalation? Since childhood, I have had nasal allergies and poor bronchial function. In the past, I would cough excessively during seasonal changes. Recently, I often feel the urge to exhale continuously, regardless of whether my lungs have air ...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it may be asthma. You can visit the pulmonology outpatient clinic, where the physician will perform basic examinations to make a diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Breathlessness and Frequent Exhalation: Possible Causes
Persistent Mild Cough and Shortness of Breath: When to Seek Chest Specialist?
Persistent mild dry cough with slight shortness of breath? Hello Doctor: Due to family members exhibiting cold symptoms, I began experiencing throat discomfort in mid-October. On October 17, I visited an ENT specialist after my family members had already shown symptoms. After thr...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If respiratory symptoms persist, it is recommended to visit the thoracic medicine clinic for a chest X-ray for further evaluation![Read More] Persistent Mild Cough and Shortness of Breath: When to Seek Chest Specialist?
Long-Term Use of Duasma: Risks of Glaucoma and Eye Pressure
Duasma (Dushuman) Issues Hello doctor, due to my asthma, the doctor prescribed Duasma for me. He mentioned that long-term use would not have significant issues because the dosage is low. However, the medication's information does mention side effects such as glaucoma or incr...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Liu: It is true that the main ingredient of Duasma is a steroid, but because it is inhaled, the amount is indeed very small. The warning is merely a reminder; the actual likelihood of occurrence is minimal and only relevant if there are specific issues. You may refer to ...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Duasma: Risks of Glaucoma and Eye Pressure
Monitoring Lung Nodules and Local Fibrosis: Key Insights and Follow-Up
Follow-up on pulmonary nodules and localized fibrosis? Dear Director, I hope you are well. I previously consulted you on this platform on September 7, 2021, regarding my health check in October 2020, which showed pulmonary nodules and localized fibrosis on a low-dose CT scan (the...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Congratulations on your recent CT report showing that the 3mm nodule has not increased in size and is no longer visible. It is likely that it was just an inflammatory lesion that has been absorbed. Local pleural thickening usually does not change significantly or disappear...[Read More] Monitoring Lung Nodules and Local Fibrosis: Key Insights and Follow-Up
Is It Normal to Experience Coughing and Chest Discomfort After Inhaler Use?
Is it normal to experience worsened sleep, coughing, and a sensation of heartbeat and chest tightness when using a bronchodilator? On July 13 of this year, I was diagnosed and have had a cough for over three weeks, accompanied by wheezing, choking cough, and a sensation of my hea...
Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Dear public, We recommend that you first confirm whether you are using the correct method for inhaling your medication. You can search online for instructional videos on the proper inhalation technique. If you continue to experience discomfort after using the medication correct...[Read More] Is It Normal to Experience Coughing and Chest Discomfort After Inhaler Use?
Post-COVID Cough and Breathing Issues: Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Asthma symptoms after diagnosis? Hello, doctor. First of all, I had asthma when I was a child, but I rarely experienced episodes as I grew older, and I have had very few symptoms over the past ten years. However, three weeks ago, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 for the second time....
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If symptoms do not improve or if you hear wheezing sounds while breathing, it is recommended to see a pulmonologist to assess for possible asthma recurrence![Read More] Post-COVID Cough and Breathing Issues: Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Asthma Medication: Concerns and Management Strategies
Questions about asthma medications? Hello Dr. Tsai: My son is 31 years old. He had several episodes of asthma during preschool, but the doctor's treatment consisted of a 3-day medication course and a rescue inhaler for emergencies. He experienced an episode during elementary...
Dr. Cai Zongwei Reply:
Hello: The timing for asthma medication includes regular maintenance therapy (such as Relvar) and rescue therapy during an attack (such as albuterol). Whether to reduce or discontinue medication in the future depends on how well the condition is controlled (which should be assess...[Read More] Understanding Asthma Medication: Concerns and Management Strategies