Understanding Throat Itching Near the Clavicle: Allergies or Asthma?
Itching near the throat and clavicle area? Hello Dr. Yang, About six months ago, I started experiencing an itchy sensation in my throat (near the clavicle). I have a history of allergic rhinitis and consulted an otolaryngologist who prescribed antihistamines, but the throat itch...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. Nasal discharge can be diagnosed through an examination by an otolaryngologist. 2. Esophageal itching is relatively uncommon; the area you are experiencing itching likely hasn't reached the esophagus, and since you have seen improvement after using Pulmicort and Sy...[Read More] Understanding Throat Itching Near the Clavicle: Allergies or Asthma?
Healthy Habits and Exercises for Lung Health After Smoking
Lung health issues Hello Dr. Yang: I have been smoking for 20 years. Previously, I sought medical help for bronchitis, and the doctor advised me to quit smoking, which I did. I previously asked you about the question "Are apples the janitors of the lungs?" and you menti...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Tom, 1. The impact of previous smoking on bronchial inflammation should no longer affect bronchitis after 20 years of quitting smoking. 2. Deep red fruit skins may be beneficial, but it is important to be aware of potential pesticide or preservative residues. 3. Healthy...[Read More] Healthy Habits and Exercises for Lung Health After Smoking
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Insights from a Pulmonologist
There is a tightening sensation in the center of the chest? Hello Dr. Chen, First of all, I am uncertain whether this is a cardiac issue. I have had a stent placed for one year and eight months. Over this period, I have occasionally experienced discomfort or sharp pain in the c...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Mr. Chang: Hello, based on your description, since the cardiology department has already examined you, I think your symptoms resemble gastroesophageal reflux. Of course, autonomic nervous system dysfunction is also one of the differential diagnoses, and asthma is a possibility as...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Insights from a Pulmonologist
Managing Asthma Symptoms for Military Physical Exams
Regarding asthma certification? The current age for military service medical examinations requires individuals to provide proof of asthma symptoms within the past year (evidenced by wheezing during breathing). Although the condition is not severe, it is still a constitutional iss...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello TC: The evaluation of asthma control for conscripts places greater emphasis on objective assessments (such as pulmonary function test data; if lung function is normal, a bronchial provocation test can be performed, and records of emergency room visits or chest clinic consul...[Read More] Managing Asthma Symptoms for Military Physical Exams
Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Left chest pain (continued inquiry) Thank you, Dr. Yang, for taking the time to respond despite your busy schedule. I would like to ask you further: since the end of August, I have been experiencing chest pain that occurs when I take a deep breath, specifically near the left side...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ping Ping: Tumors that are very small (such as those less than 1 centimeter) are generally difficult to detect with X-rays. Currently, chest pain or headaches are not typically symptoms related to tumors (these symptoms usually appear later when there is metastasis to the p...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Left chest pain? Hello Doctor: On the evening of August 22, I began experiencing pain in the left side of my chest, near the heart. The pain worsened with breathing; inhaling a certain amount would cause a dull ache. By the 23rd, the pain had become sharp and gradually radiated t...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Pingping: After the cardiologist's evaluation, including an electrocardiogram and X-ray examination, heart disease has been largely ruled out. However, your symptoms seem not to have completely resolved. Given your history of bronchial sensitivity, it is suspected that...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Severe Obstructive Lung Disease: Causes and Implications
Obstructive lung disease Hello, doctor. My previous health check-up report indicated severe obstructive pulmonary dysfunction. Could you please explain what this condition entails? Thank you. (I smoke about one pack a day.)
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
It is usually manifested as airway obstruction and is often a manifestation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (such as in long-term smokers) or asthma. Please consult a pulmonologist.[Read More] Understanding Severe Obstructive Lung Disease: Causes and Implications
Understanding Lung Nodules: What Elevated CA153 and CEA Levels Mean
Pulmonary nodules? Dear Dr. Huang, I would like to ask a few questions regarding my mother's condition. Here is the situation: My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer 15 years ago and underwent a right mastectomy. Since then, there has been no recurrence (the right axill...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear: Based on your description, it is most likely a recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer. Although CA 15-3 can be elevated in other cancers, it is more specific to breast cancer. Generally, the higher the tumor marker levels, the worse the prognosis. The purpose of monitor...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: What Elevated CA153 and CEA Levels Mean
Is Allergic Bronchitis Considered Asthma? Understanding Your Symptoms
Is bronchial allergy considered asthma? I have been coughing for almost two months, often experiencing a scratchy throat and cough, and recently I've also had difficulty breathing and feeling short of breath. I went to the hospital for pulmonary function tests and a bronchia...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, excessive airway responsiveness is commonly seen in patients with asthma, but other conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can also present with excessive airway responsiveness. However, airway obstruction caused by asthma is often reversible, whil...[Read More] Is Allergic Bronchitis Considered Asthma? Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Symptoms: Eye Redness, Headaches, Fatigue, and Numbness
Red and swollen eyes, headaches and dizziness, fatigue, and numbness in the hands and feet? Red and swollen eyes, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, numbness in the hands and feet, and discomfort in the heart—what could be the underlying causes of these symptoms? I have visited many ...
Dr. Huang Ruiming Reply:
Dear Miss Hsiu-Mao, Regarding the symptoms you mentioned, there are many possible causes. Additionally, since you have experienced asthma symptoms, I recommend that you visit our Pulmonary Medicine outpatient clinic for further integrated medical services. We are available ever...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Eye Redness, Headaches, Fatigue, and Numbness
Understanding Lung Shadows and Fluid: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
The presence of shadows and fluid in the lungs may indicate several conditions, such as pneumonia, pulmonary edema, lung tumors, or pleural effusion. It is essential to conduct further diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies or laboratory tests, to determine the underlying caus...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello, there are many reasons for the presence of shadows in the lungs along with fluid accumulation, such as inflammation, pneumonia, tuberculosis, tumors, etc. Further examinations are necessary to establish a diagnosis, and treatment can only be provided based on that diagnosi...[Read More] Understanding Lung Shadows and Fluid: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Breathing Polluted Air: Understanding Chest Tightness and Lung Health
Inhaling polluted air can cause chest tightness? Hello, Dr. Huang. I often ride my motorcycle outdoors, and whenever I inhale too much exhaust, I feel a tightness in my chest. Could this indicate a lung condition? Thank you.
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear: This may be an allergic reaction in the respiratory tract. You can visit the pulmonology clinic for some tests, which may include asthma testing. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Huang Yi-Wen.[Read More] Breathing Polluted Air: Understanding Chest Tightness and Lung Health
Understanding Positive Bronchodilator Test Results and Lung Function Impairment
Bronchodilation Report Recently, I received the results of my re-examination for military service, and I'm still confused. It states that the bronchodilator test is positive. My FEV1 is 2.63 and FVC is 4.82, which is 54%. Does this indicate that I have bronchial dilation wit...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Xiaomai: This involves using medication to differentiate your response to drugs, indicating an assessment of your asthma, which may exempt you from military service. Of course, there are also provocation tests, which use medication to induce an asthma response. If you have a...[Read More] Understanding Positive Bronchodilator Test Results and Lung Function Impairment
Understanding Chest Tightness: When to Worry About Heart Issues
Chest tightness Hello, Doctor. I would like to inquire about something. Sometimes I experience a feeling of tightness in my left chest, and at times it feels like I can hardly breathe. Does this indicate a heart problem? What kind of examinations should I undergo?
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Judy: There are many types of chest discomfort, and different considerations apply depending on age. The most basic examinations include X-rays, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and pulmonary function tests. First, we need to rule out acute conditions such as pneumothorax and myoc...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness: When to Worry About Heart Issues
Persistent Cough and Chest Tightness After a Cold: What to Know
Chest tightness and persistent cough? Hello, doctor: Recently, after catching a cold, I have been experiencing persistent coughing and a feeling of chest tightness. Could this be because my cold hasn't fully resolved?
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Miss Chen: For a common cold, it is usually sufficient to drink plenty of water and rest, and the cough will gradually improve. However, if you have a persistent cough along with chest tightness, it may be indicative of bronchial hyperreactivity, commonly known as asthma. In...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Chest Tightness After a Cold: What to Know
Foods to Avoid for Cough and Asthma Relief
Cough and asthma? Which foods should be avoided for cough and asthma? Thank you.
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Huang: Coughing and asthma should primarily be evaluated through allergen testing to avoid exposure. As for food, there is not much concrete evidence, but we generally recommend avoiding irritant foods during acute episodes, such as cold, greasy, fried, and spicy foods, as s...[Read More] Foods to Avoid for Cough and Asthma Relief
Understanding Increased Lung Markings: Chronic vs. Acute Bronchitis
Increased pulmonary markings? Recently, I participated in a general health examination for workers, and during the chest X-ray, it was noted that there was an increase in lung markings. Nine months ago, I had a health check at another hospital, and the chest X-ray showed no abnor...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Qiang Qiang: I apologize for the late response to your question, as I just returned from abroad. The term "increased lung markings" does not necessarily imply a comparison with previous X-rays. Lung markings refer to the visualization of blood vessels and small bro...[Read More] Understanding Increased Lung Markings: Chronic vs. Acute Bronchitis
Understanding DLCO in Autoimmune Conditions and Breathlessness Management
Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? Hello Doctor, thank you for your previous response. I have a question I would like to ask because I have autoimmune issues (not clearly diagnosed, but I have a history of intestinal vasculitis and positive AN...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, If there are autoimmune rheumatic diseases, it is necessary to consult a rheumatologist for a proper diagnosis. If not well controlled, it may lead to pulmonary fibrosis, which can affect DLCO (usually in the late stages, after middle age). As long as pulmonary function ...[Read More] Understanding DLCO in Autoimmune Conditions and Breathlessness Management
Understanding Lung Function Tests: What Your Results Mean for Asthma and Interstitial Lung Disease
Pulmonary function test Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing chronic cough for over a month, mostly occurring at night, and sometimes I wake up suddenly due to coughing. Initially, the doctor suspected asthma because my IgE level is 200 and ECP is 50, along with occasional whe...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The bronchial provocation test is negative, which almost rules out asthma. The DLCO value is still considered normal after correction, but it does not resemble what would be expected for an 18-year-old. Forget about it! The "fatty fish" is of limited help to you ...[Read More] Understanding Lung Function Tests: What Your Results Mean for Asthma and Interstitial Lung Disease
Understanding Asthma and Emphysema: Key Insights for Patients
Asthma and emphysema issues? Hello, Doctor: I had a cold and cough for over a month, which led to wheezing, and I went to the hospital for an X-ray. The doctor said I have emphysema (I don't smoke, but I have a history of asthma, and the doctor suspects it might be poorly co...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Yuting: Here are the brief responses to your questions: 1. A definitive diagnosis of emphysema requires a lung biopsy to observe abnormal enlargement of the alveoli (the smallest structural units of the lung) along with destruction of the alveolar walls. This condition t...[Read More] Understanding Asthma and Emphysema: Key Insights for Patients