Understanding Chronic Cough: Causes, Concerns, and Diagnostic Options
Chronic cough Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing a chronic cough for about several months, with the main symptoms being a dry cough and an itch in my chest (not in my throat). The most notable feature is that I do not cough at night, but I do cough during the day when I am wo...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear N: Early screening for lung cancer primarily relies on low-dose CT scans. The clinical symptoms of cancer are not specific, so using symptoms for comparison lacks consistency. Based on your description, the likelihood of allergic cough should be considered as the main possib...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Cough: Causes, Concerns, and Diagnostic Options
Understanding the Difference Between Restrictive and Obstructive Lung Disorders
Ventilation impairment Hello, I have asthma and mild COPD. Recently, I saw the terms "restrictive ventilatory defect" and "thoracic deformity" on someone else's immunization certificate. I would like to inquire about the difference between restrictive ven...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: COPD may occur in individuals over 40 years old. Your asthma must have previous medical diagnosis documentation or emergency room visit records as evidence, along with a visit to a pulmonologist for pulmonary function tests (which can differentiate between obstructive or r...[Read More] Understanding the Difference Between Restrictive and Obstructive Lung Disorders
Understanding Tightness in the Chest: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
The trachea feels tight, but there is no sensation of shortness of breath? Hello doctor, I haven't worked outside for seven years due to a serious illness; I underwent a liver transplant. I started working on March 15, and on the 19th, I suddenly felt tightness between my co...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Hui-Wen: The trachea is located in the middle of the clavicle. Since the examination has already revealed insufficient lung capacity that can be improved with bronchodilators, it is recommended to use a long-acting bronchodilator for maintenance. It is more reasonable to add...[Read More] Understanding Tightness in the Chest: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Persistent Cough: Understanding Chronic Bronchitis and Its Treatment
Persistent cough? Hello Dr. Huang! I would like to consult you regarding my persistent cough. Since March 2016, after being infected with a cold from a family member, I have been experiencing a continuous cough for over a month now. I have visited five different clinics without i...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Lin: There are many causes of cough. Usually, a persistent cough is unlikely to be just a simple cold. The most common causes include chronic bronchitis, asthma, post-nasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux, pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, and lung tumors. However, consid...[Read More] Persistent Cough: Understanding Chronic Bronchitis and Its Treatment
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Solutions
Shortness of breath? About two months ago, I started experiencing shortness of breath occasionally when walking a bit faster or talking a lot, even though I wasn't doing much. It wasn't extremely difficult to breathe, but this situation has been persistent. Recently, ov...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear e: Based on your description, it seems more likely that you are experiencing bronchospasm, commonly known as asthma. Given your age, the likelihood of other malignant conditions is low. Therefore, I recommend that you visit a hospital for a chest X-ray and a pulmonary functi...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Solutions
Can Pneumonia Lead to Sepsis and Lung Cancer? Understanding the Risks
Can pneumonia lead to sepsis? My mother has been coughing for a long time, and the doctor treated her for tuberculosis. However, after taking medication for more than six months, her cough has not improved. Later, she developed shortness of breath and required an oxygen machine t...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If a patient continues to experience wheezing after six months of tuberculosis treatment, it is possible that extensive lesions in both lungs were present at the time of diagnosis. Even after treatment, fibrosis may remain and affect lung function. Additionally, there may ...[Read More] Can Pneumonia Lead to Sepsis and Lung Cancer? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Persistent Chest Discomfort: Weather Effects and Treatment
Chronic chest tightness and pain? Chest tightness, pain, and discomfort that worsen with weather changes can persist for about a month. I have seen a doctor and taken medication, which has helped somewhat, but after finishing the medication, I still experience some tightness. I s...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: First, do you have asthma? You may need to consult a pulmonologist for a diagnosis through pulmonary function tests and other allergy-related examinations. If asthma is confirmed (which is a chronic airway inflammatory response), you should use inhaled corticosteroids (pos...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Chest Discomfort: Weather Effects and Treatment
Improving Lung Health: Tips for Managing Shortness of Breath and Infections
How to improve persistent wheezing in the lungs? Dr. Yang, I am your patient. I have half of my lung remaining, and I experience shortness of breath whenever I catch a cold. Is it safe for me to buy an oxygen tank to increase my oxygen levels? Are there any side effects? Addition...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: With only half of the lungs remaining, it is even more important to take good care of the remaining lung. Additionally, with asthma, long-term planning is necessary for the use of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators. A small amount of inhaled corticoste...[Read More] Improving Lung Health: Tips for Managing Shortness of Breath and Infections
Breathing Difficulties, Chest Tightness, and Coughing Up Blood: What to Do?
Shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing up blood? I have mild asthma and recently I've been feeling tightness in the area between my throat and collarbone, making it difficult to breathe smoothly. I also experience wheezing when I breathe and have nasal congestion...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen: Asthma patients who do not use inhaled corticosteroids or long-acting bronchodilators regularly are at risk of asthma exacerbations during weather changes. If you experience wheezing or shortness of breath, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly! Hemop...[Read More] Breathing Difficulties, Chest Tightness, and Coughing Up Blood: What to Do?
Understanding Asthma: Evaluating Bronchial Hyperreactivity and Treatment Effects
Is it asthma? Hello, doctor. The bronchial provocation test was positive, and you explained that this may indicate bronchial hyperresponsiveness, with a very high likelihood of asthma, but it is not 100% certain and requires further clinical observation for confirmation. However,...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: No, the treatment should be correct. Sincerely, Jian Shun.[Read More] Understanding Asthma: Evaluating Bronchial Hyperreactivity and Treatment Effects
Can You Diagnose Asthma Without Coughing Symptoms?
Is it asthma? Hello doctor, I later went for a consultation and underwent a bronchial provocation test, which came back positive. The diagnosing physician diagnosed me with asthma. Aside from sudden shortness of breath, chest tightness, and a feeling of bronchial constriction, I ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: This indicates bronchial sensitivity and hyperreactivity, which has a very high likelihood of being asthma; however, it is not 100% certain and requires further clinical observation for determination. Respectfully, I submit this for your consideration.[Read More] Can You Diagnose Asthma Without Coughing Symptoms?
Persistent Cough for Over Two Months: Causes and Concerns
Coughing intermittently for more than two months? Hello, doctor. I traveled abroad in December, and during that time, I started to catch a cold, which later developed into a cough. Initially, around January, my cough became severe, and the phlegm was green. After seeing the docto...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: It may be chronic bronchitis. The primary recommendation is to quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke and air pollution. When air quality is poor, it is advisable to wear a mask. To determine if there is lung cancer, a chest X-ray or CT scan is necessary, as a diagnosis c...[Read More] Persistent Cough for Over Two Months: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Itchy Sensations in the Left Chest: Causes and Concerns
Itchy sensation in the left thoracic cavity? Hello Dr. Jian: I previously had a cold and coughed up blood. I later had a CT scan, and the doctor said my lungs were fine and my lung function was normal. However, I now cough less, but I often feel an itch in my left chest cavity (w...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to perform a bronchoscopy. Sincerely, [Your Name].[Read More] Understanding Itchy Sensations in the Left Chest: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Chronic Intermittent Cough: Causes and Treatment Options
Chronic intermittent cough? Hello, Dr. Zhou. I have been experiencing intermittent coughing for a year. I always feel like I can't clear my left lung, and my left throat is itchy. Whenever it itches, I feel the urge to cough. Occasionally, I have some clear phlegm, which is ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. There are many causes of chronic cough. In addition to issues related to the lungs and bronchitis, it may also be due to post-nasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asthma, and other possibilities that require further differential diagnosis. 2. For the pulm...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Intermittent Cough: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Nasal Congestion and Persistent Phlegm: Causes and Solutions
Nasal congestion with phlegm in the throat? Hello doctor, I have a problem with nasal allergies. I have been smoking for 12 years, and recently I often have phlegm in my throat (all day long), which is colorless and requires a lot of effort to cough up. Coughing hard causes chest...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your main issue is still nasal allergies and post-nasal drip. It is recommended that you regularly consult an otolaryngologist for treatment and advice. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Nasal Congestion and Persistent Phlegm: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Left Chest Pain and Breathing Difficulties: A Guide
Left chest tightness and difficulty breathing? Hello, doctor. I have arrhythmia and often end up in the emergency room. However, my cardiologist said that the X-ray and 24-hour Holter monitor results were normal, but the resting ECG showed abnormalities. I frequently experience l...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear QW: Hello, based on the description, symptoms, and age, it is possible that you have asthma, as bronchoconstriction can also cause chest pain, especially if it occurs at night. However, you still need to visit a pulmonologist for a definitive diagnosis. Changhua Hospital car...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain and Breathing Difficulties: A Guide
Managing Chronic Bronchitis and Lung Pain After Pneumonia: Key Insights
Chronic bronchitis and respiratory issues accompanied by lung pain..? This summer, I had pneumonia for a whole month, and afterwards, I was diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. During the first three weeks of pneumonia, I was treated with UNASYN, but since the bacteria continued to...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ling: The entire process sounds strange. Typically, pneumonia treatment does not last that long, especially with antibiotics for the first three weeks, which should not be allowed under health insurance. If the antibiotics were ineffective, they should have been changed earl...[Read More] Managing Chronic Bronchitis and Lung Pain After Pneumonia: Key Insights
Is It Asthma? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns for Teens
I'm not sure if it's asthma? My brother is 15 years old. Last Sunday, he had an asthma attack. Since we play wind instruments, our teacher said it was because of the cold weather and that he didn't wear enough clothing. However, I think that's unlikely because...
Dr. Huang Ruiming Reply:
Dear online friend, The symptoms of asthma typically include coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Since your brother is only 15 years old, it is likely that there may be a family history of the condition. Therefore, I recommend visiting an outpatient clinic for p...[Read More] Is It Asthma? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns for Teens
Potential Lung and Bronchial Risks from Inhalation of Cleaning Agents
Regarding inhalation cleaning agents? Hello, doctor. Today, while cleaning the bathroom, I was too close to the cleaning agent and inhaled it, which made me feel very uncomfortable and I started coughing. I only inhaled it briefly and left the area immediately, but I still feel a...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Being overwhelmed by the smell of cleaning agents is typically a temporary and minor issue, unless an asthmatic patient experiences an acute asthma attack leading to difficulty breathing and wheezing. Most people will not feel any effects after a few days! Since you have a...[Read More] Potential Lung and Bronchial Risks from Inhalation of Cleaning Agents
Chest Tightness and Phlegm Without Coughing: When to Seek Medical Help
Feeling phlegm without coughing, sometimes accompanied by chest tightness? Hello, Doctor: I would like to inquire about a sensation of chest tightness that I have been experiencing frequently over the past few days, and I even feel a bit short of breath. Sometimes I feel like the...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Dominique: Hello, based on your description, it may be asthma, just a matter of severity. You can come to our hospital for further evaluation. Wishing you good health, Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Chest Tightness and Phlegm Without Coughing: When to Seek Medical Help