Breathing Difficulties While Walking: Possible Causes Beyond Asthma
Shortness of breath while walking? I have a history of asthma and four weeks ago I had a suspected asthma attack that required an emergency room visit. I experience shortness of breath while walking, along with chest tightness and pain (near the heart area), and I also have a dry...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you continue to have regular follow-ups with a pulmonologist to assess whether there is a need for further evaluation of asthma.[Read More] Breathing Difficulties While Walking: Possible Causes Beyond Asthma
Understanding Cough-Variant Asthma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
About Asthma I have been experiencing discomfort in my nose and chest. After a physical examination, the doctor diagnosed me with a cold and chest discomfort caused by the cold. After taking medication for three days, I still felt unwell. During my follow-up visit, the doctor men...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Based on your description, it is possible that you have asthma. It is advisable to visit a pulmonologist for further confirmation. A peak flow meter should first be used to determine your personal best value (the best value when asthma is fully controlled). The emergency inhaler ...[Read More] Understanding Cough-Variant Asthma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Should You Worry About Lung Cancer Symptoms with Persistent Chest Pain?
Should long-term chest pain symptoms raise concerns about the early stages of lung cancer? Since June, I have been experiencing respiratory symptoms that feel like tightness in my airways, accompanied by pain in the left side of my chest. My shoulders feel forward, and I also exp...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your physician has actively arranged for the relevant examinations. Both asthma and mitral valve prolapse can potentially cause chest tightness. Currently, the chest pain seems more like neuropathic pain. Early-stage lung tumors rarely cause chest pain. It is recommended t...[Read More] Should You Worry About Lung Cancer Symptoms with Persistent Chest Pain?
Understanding Breathing Difficulties in Teenagers: Causes and Solutions
Shortness of breath? Hello doctor, I am a 16-year-old female high school student. Recently, for almost a month, I have been experiencing some difficulty breathing. At first, I had chest tightness, but lately, I don't feel that anymore; I just feel like I can't get enoug...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Sometimes high stress can also cause similar symptoms! It is still recommended to see a pulmonologist to evaluate for asthma and then consult the physician regarding medication.[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties in Teenagers: Causes and Solutions
Persistent Cough: Seeking Solutions for Unresolved Symptoms
Persistent cough that does not resolve? Hello Dr. Yang! I have been experiencing a sore throat and cough since December 26, 2016. I have seen a clinic doctor three times; the sore throat has improved, but the cough has not. On February 13 and March 4, 2017, I visited the chest me...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your condition appears to be related to bronchial hypersensitivity (reactive allergy), particularly in response to temperature changes. It is recommended that you undergo pulmonary function tests to rule out the possibility of asthma. Traditional Chinese medicine may requi...[Read More] Persistent Cough: Seeking Solutions for Unresolved Symptoms
Understanding Chest Pain and Weakness: Key Insights for Patients
Chest pain and weakness? Hello, doctor. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. After my last inquiry regarding cold symptoms leading to hemoptysis, I have recovered over the past two weeks. However, I have been experiencing chronic asthmatic cough symptoms for a mo...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Here is a brief response: 1. First, confirm whether you have asthma. If diagnosed with asthma, the main treatment medications are inhaled corticosteroids and inhaled bronchodilators! 2. Theophylline may have some gastrointestinal side effects; if you do not notice signific...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Weakness: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Symptoms: Should You Worry About Lung Cancer?
Symptoms of lung cancer? Hello Doctor, I have long experienced symptoms of cough and poor cold resistance, often diagnosed as asthma. On May 13, I had acute cold symptoms such as fever and cough, which triggered severe coughing episodes resembling asthma attacks. Around May 25, t...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: A normal chest X-ray indicates that there are no obvious lung tumors and no extrapulmonary symptoms. Your related tests do not appear to be typical of asthma. If the medication provides improvement, it is recommended to continue using it, as these medications can help with...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Should You Worry About Lung Cancer?
Acute vs Chronic Bronchitis: Understanding Your Symptoms and Diagnosis
Is this acute bronchitis or chronic bronchitis? Since I developed bronchitis after a cold in college, I have had issues with my bronchial tubes whenever I catch a cold. However, in the past couple of years, it seems that when I cough from a cold, it takes about two weeks or more ...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: It leans towards chronic bronchitis, and it may be necessary to check for underlying causes such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).[Read More] Acute vs Chronic Bronchitis: Understanding Your Symptoms and Diagnosis
Is It Really Asthma? Understanding Your Diagnosis and Lung Function Tests
Unsure if it is asthma? Hello, I was diagnosed by a doctor with moderate persistent asthma. I have symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and producing phlegm, but I haven't undergone any actual tests. Today, I had a pulmonary function test, which came back normal. Does this m...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
It may not be the case, but the diagnosis should be combined with clinical symptoms. During an episode, the decision should be made based on whether there is an improvement in lung function after inhaling a bronchodilator.[Read More] Is It Really Asthma? Understanding Your Diagnosis and Lung Function Tests
Understanding Coughing Up Blood: When to Seek Medical Attention
Evaluation for Hemoptysis Hello Doctor, I usually have bronchial issues and often experience coughing for one to two months, especially when I stay up late and my immune system is compromised. A doctor has diagnosed me with asthma symptoms. Two weeks ago, I had cold symptoms, inc...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: Severe coughing may result in blood-tinged sputum. The sensitivity of low-dose computed tomography (CT) is better than that of a chest X-ray. It is recommended to undergo low-dose CT to check for any subtle changes.[Read More] Understanding Coughing Up Blood: When to Seek Medical Attention
Effective Use of Allergy Medications for Bronchial Allergies: Dosage and Timing
Bronchial treatment Can the allergy relief film-coated tablets effectively treat bronchial allergies? How should they be taken? Can they be taken only at night?
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR ANGLE: The current usage is once a day before bedtime. Its effectiveness in treating bronchial allergies is not very clear, and it is rarely used clinically. Asthma treatment is based on the severity levels according to guidelines. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Effective Use of Allergy Medications for Bronchial Allergies: Dosage and Timing
Understanding Cough Variant Asthma: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Cough-variant asthma Doctor, I previously had acute bronchitis, and now I am experiencing coughing with phlegm at night. The phlegm is clear and bubbly. Could this be a case of cough-variant asthma?
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR ARTHUR: Cough variant asthma refers to a type of asthma that primarily presents with a cough rather than wheezing. Clinically, it is often associated with nighttime cough and morning cough, and may sometimes be accompanied by allergic nasal symptoms. Cough variant asthma can...[Read More] Understanding Cough Variant Asthma: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Understanding Duasma HFA 200 Inhaler: Usage, Duration, and Treatment Insights
Duasma spray The Duasma HFA 200 inhaler is typically prescribed for use twice a day, with two puffs each time. The duration of a single inhaler can vary based on individual usage, but generally, it may last about one month if used as directed. This medication is primarily for tre...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: I recommend that you consult your attending physician or asthma case manager regarding your questions![Read More] Understanding Duasma HFA 200 Inhaler: Usage, Duration, and Treatment Insights
Chronic Cough: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Treatment
Persistent cough that does not improve? I have been coughing for a long time, at least a year. It started as a cold, and I often had colds. I remember two years ago I just felt like I had phlegm, but then I don't know when it started that I began to cough continuously. Somet...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Yise: There are many causes of chronic cough, but based on your description and age, I personally believe it may be due to allergies. You should consider going to the hospital for further examination, especially regarding asthma-related tests, as this condition can sometimes...[Read More] Chronic Cough: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Treatment
Managing COPD in Elderly Patients: Key Questions for Better Care
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Hello Dr. Huang, my grandmother is currently 86 years old and has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stage III asthma, pneumonia, and stage IV chronic kidney disease. Her lung function is at 53%. She was recently hospitalize...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR PIG50658: Thank you for your concern for Grandma. If the diagnosis is correct, the current three-in-one medication is the standard treatment. Of course, if you still feel it is not satisfactory, there are two additional oral medications, XANTHIUM and PDE4 inhibitors, that ca...[Read More] Managing COPD in Elderly Patients: Key Questions for Better Care
Managing Symptoms of Pulmonary Edema: Non-Medical Approaches
How to alleviate symptoms of pleural effusion before seeking medical attention? Hello Dr. Huang, my family member is 43 years old and lives abroad, making it inconvenient for him to seek medical care. I would like to ask if there are any non-pharmacological methods to alleviate h...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Hsieh Jola: The symptoms of pleural effusion include persistent shortness of breath, occurring both day and night. While it may resemble asthma, it is important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. It is not advisable to engage in strenuous exercise ...[Read More] Managing Symptoms of Pulmonary Edema: Non-Medical Approaches
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Risks, and Management in Elderly Patients
Pleural effusion Hello doctor, my grandfather is in his 80s and has a history of hypertension, diabetes, asthma, poor lung function, oxygen deficiency, and excessive phlegm (he used to smoke). He has been hospitalized for about 15 days. Today, the doctor explained that he may hav...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It's best to consult the attending physician to better understand the overall condition and treatment direction for grandpa.[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Risks, and Management in Elderly Patients
Assessing the Need for CT Scans in Pediatric Lung Calcification Cases
Pulmonary calcification A 7-year-old child was found to have a pulmonary calcification (one calcified area) at the end of October 2016. Follow-up X-rays were taken in November and January, with the January 24th X-ray showing no changes compared to previous images, although the do...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If you have a history of allergies, you can discuss with your physician the option of not administering contrast agents, unless the physician considers the presence of a vascular tumor or other lesions that may benefit from enhanced imaging with contrast agents, or you may...[Read More] Assessing the Need for CT Scans in Pediatric Lung Calcification Cases
Effective Ways to Care for Your Airways and Prevent Asthma
How to care for the airways in asthma? Hello, doctor: Could you please tell me if vitamin C, vitamin D, or essential oils are beneficial for maintaining bronchial health? What should I do on a regular basis to prevent asthma? Thank you.
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Miss Chen: There is no specific medical evidence supporting the use of the trachea in your manner. Asthma is assessed by severity, and it is important to consider whether to use it. Changhua Hospital is concerned about your well-being.[Read More] Effective Ways to Care for Your Airways and Prevent Asthma
Understanding Lung Calcification in Children: When to Consider CT Scans
Discovery of pulmonary calcification issues? A 7-year-old child was found to have a pulmonary calcification (one calcified area) at the end of October 2016. Follow-up X-rays were taken in November and January, and on January 24, the doctor reviewed the new and old X-rays and repo...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Calcified nodules may be scar tissue resulting from previous inflammation, and their shape and size are unlikely to change significantly. Since they occupy only a very small portion of the lungs, they will not affect respiratory function. It is recommended that no further ...[Read More] Understanding Lung Calcification in Children: When to Consider CT Scans