Managing Persistent Cough in Lung Cancer Patients: Key Considerations
Could you please provide more details about the persistent cough issue? Thank you? Dear Dr. Jian, My mother was diagnosed with early-stage lung adenocarcinoma after surgery last year. Recently, due to the cold weather and significant temperature fluctuations between day and nigh...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello, Ah-Ching. 1. Please consult a pulmonologist to determine whether the cough is due to asthma, a viral infection, or a bacterial infection. 2. In theory, it is acceptable to receive the flu vaccine without a fever; however, since your child has been coughing, receiving th...[Read More] Managing Persistent Cough in Lung Cancer Patients: Key Considerations
Can Allergies Trigger Asthma Symptoms in Teens? Expert Insights
Hello, Dr. Yang? Hello, Dr. Yang. I would like to ask about my younger brother (14 years old). He has nasal allergies, and sometimes his eyes itch, which leads to dark circles under his eyes. Recently, for some reason, he has been experiencing nasal congestion, frequent sneezing,...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiao Wei: Your brother's symptoms resemble allergic rhinitis combined with nasal congestion and itchy eyes. Due to the nasal blockage, he has to breathe through his mouth. If there is no increased respiratory rate or wheezing sounds (like a cat's meow or a whistl...[Read More] Can Allergies Trigger Asthma Symptoms in Teens? Expert Insights
Understanding Hidden Asthma: Differences from Typical Asthma Symptoms
Latent asthma Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about something. When I was a child, a doctor mentioned that I had "latent asthma," but I didn't quite understand what that meant. How does it differ from regular asthma? Is this term actually used? I only know t...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Dyspnea refers to "difficulty in breathing," which can be caused by various factors including chronic lung diseases, pneumonia, pneumothorax, as well as heart diseases and anemia. Symptoms often worsen during physical activity. "Asthma," correctly termed "...[Read More] Understanding Hidden Asthma: Differences from Typical Asthma Symptoms
How to Identify Asthma Symptoms During Pregnancy: A Guide
How to differentiate if there is asthma? Hello, doctor. Could you please tell me if I have asthma? When I was younger, I would get short of breath after running, and I experienced chest pain and dizziness. My colds would take about two weeks to resolve, and I would feel chest tig...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your symptoms are very similar to asthma. It is recommended to perform pulmonary function tests for confirmation. Pregnant patients with asthma require treatment to prevent hypoxia that could affect the fetus. The combined use of inhaled corticos...[Read More] How to Identify Asthma Symptoms During Pregnancy: A Guide
Breathlessness While Speaking: Understanding Your Symptoms and Solutions
Difficulty catching your breath while speaking? Hello Dr. Yang, I had a cold and throat inflammation at the end of last month. After seeking medical attention, my throat has improved. However, recently, while talking with colleagues, I have been experiencing difficulty breathin...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Xiaohong: Some individuals with allergic rhinitis or asthma may experience exacerbation of their symptoms when exposed to allergens or upper respiratory infections (such as a cold), leading to difficulty breathing or wheezing at night (similar to a cat's meow). The qui...[Read More] Breathlessness While Speaking: Understanding Your Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Asthma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Asthma issues? Dear Doctor, I experienced severe asthma symptoms during high school and college, particularly at night after drinking cold water immediately following exercise. However, I never had any daytime episodes, and vigorous exercise did not trigger any symptoms. During...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Sam: Your symptoms and good response to bronchodilators strongly support a diagnosis of asthma. However, the inhaled corticosteroids have caused inflammation of your vocal cords, leading to your discomfort. The short-acting bronchodilators have a relatively brief duration o...[Read More] Understanding Asthma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Summer Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Medical Help
Dyspnea Hello, doctor. My symptoms have been occurring for the past three to four years. Every summer, I experience difficulty breathing and feel like I can't get enough air, needing to take deep breaths. Even outside of summer, whenever the temperature is hot and humid, I a...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiao Xiao: There are many causes of shortness of breath. Young people are often concerned about asthma issues. I recommend that you schedule an appointment with a pulmonologist for examination and evaluation. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Summer Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Asthma Symptoms and Chronic Cough: A Patient's Guide
Asthma with chronic cough? Hello Dr. Yang, (1) I am planning to go bungee jumping next month, but during high school, I was randomly selected for a screening that indicated possible asthma symptoms (though I did not follow up with further testing). Additionally, I have a long-te...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Monica: Patients with asthma often have allergic rhinitis, a history of atopic dermatitis in childhood, or a family history of allergic rhinitis or asthma. When asthma patients are not experiencing an attack (such as nighttime cough or wheezing with associated wheezing soun...[Read More] Understanding Asthma Symptoms and Chronic Cough: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues After Duodenal Ulcer Treatment
Chest tightness and shortness of breath? Hello doctor, I had an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at Mackay Memorial Hospital at the end of last year, which revealed a duodenal ulcer and Helicobacter pylori infection. The doctor prescribed a week-long course of antibiotics to erad...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
If your chest tightness and shortness of breath have no prior history of asthma, it is more likely to be symptoms caused by gastrointestinal issues. For conditions like duodenal ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it is recommended to take proton pump inhibitors for...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues After Duodenal Ulcer Treatment
Does Burning Grapefruit Peel Harm Lung Health?
Does smoking cause harm to the lungs? Hello Doctor: My mother has a habit of burning dried pomelo peels to repel mosquitoes while doing laundry. Every time she burns the peels, a lot of smoke is produced, and I end up inhaling the irritating smoke while washing clothes. I have to...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Hello: Any type of smoke can damage the bronchial mucosa, and the specific harm can vary depending on its composition. Generally, it is not recommended to smoke any kind of substance, as individual responses can differ and the long-term effects are uncertain. However, when damage...[Read More] Does Burning Grapefruit Peel Harm Lung Health?
Understanding Altitude Sickness: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment
Suspected altitude sickness? Symptoms: While traveling to high mountains, experiencing intense heartbeats, shortness of breath, nausea, cold extremities, cyanosis of the lips, and headaches during brisk walking or vigorous exercise. Occurrence: First episode: While watching th...
Dr. Yang Zhiyun Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms could be indicative of acute mountain sickness (AMS). It is difficult to determine how long you have been at that altitude based on your first experience, as acute mountain sickness has a characteristic delay in onset after reaching high altitude, typically r...[Read More] Understanding Altitude Sickness: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment
Understanding Shortness of Breath and Chest Discomfort: What to Do?
Shortness of breath, chest tightness, and stabbing pain in the stomach? When I work a bit faster, I feel shortness of breath and tightness in my chest. I also experience sharp pain in my stomach, and my inhalations are very shallow. It feels like I can't get enough air and I...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Hello, Dr. Qu is no longer serving at this hospital. I am Dr. Chen from the Department of Pulmonary Medicine. Your condition has many possibilities, such as asthma or pneumothorax. I recommend that you go to the hospital to see a pulmonologist as soon as possible.[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath and Chest Discomfort: What to Do?
Managing Asthma Concerns Before Surgery: What You Need to Know
Anesthesia for Asthma Dear Doctor, My husband was diagnosed with white patches in his throat by an ENT specialist a month ago, and he needs to undergo surgery for removal and biopsy. However, on the day of the surgery, the anesthesiologist canceled the procedure due to my husban...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ms. Yang: As long as your asthma is well-controlled with oral or inhaled medications (without significant asthma symptoms or nighttime attacks that prevent sleep), you can proceed with treatments from other specialties (including surgery). If you have no objections to the s...[Read More] Managing Asthma Concerns Before Surgery: What You Need to Know
Understanding Your Breathing Issues: Possible Causes and Solutions
I don't even know what illness I have? Hello Dr. Yang: I have been experiencing difficulty breathing for several years. Two years ago, I was diagnosed with asthma, so I didn't pay much attention to it. However, in the past few days, my condition has worsened significant...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Ms. Zhang: You have a past diagnosis of asthma, so it is recommended that you visit a pulmonology clinic. As for the other symptoms, it is not immediately possible to determine which organ may be involved. However, for dizziness and a feeling of ear fullness, you may want ...[Read More] Understanding Your Breathing Issues: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Summer Breathlessness: Causes and Solutions
Shortness of breath? I would like to ask the doctor, I experience more difficulty breathing during the summer, whether I am standing or lying down, and I need to take deep breaths to feel somewhat better. I have previously undergone examinations, including X-rays and an electroca...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiao Xu: You are only 26 years old, and unless you have a congenital heart defect, the chances of developing heart disease are very low. Additionally, heart disease rarely has seasonal occurrences in the summer. Your chest X-ray and electrocardiogram are both normal, indic...[Read More] Understanding Summer Breathlessness: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Sleep Quality Issues: Asthma or Heart Problems?
Sleep quality issues Recently, I have been experiencing the following symptoms while sleeping, which have led to insomnia: 1. Difficulty breathing and rapid breathing 2. Numbness in my hands and feet 3. Palpitations 4. Occasional dizziness 5. Increased heart rate. I had asthma sy...
Dr. Cai Fushun Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen: If you have a history of asthma but it has not been frequently occurring, the symptoms you described seem more indicative of sleep apnea, which can sometimes be caused by airway obstruction. If you experience nighttime coughing or cough upon waking in the morning ...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Quality Issues: Asthma or Heart Problems?
Managing Asthma Triggers During Weather Changes: Tips and Strategies
Asthma attacks begin to occur with changes in the weather? Weather changes are the most painful times for me, especially when it's about to rain. I had a tracheostomy at the end of January last year, and it was about 7 to 8 months before it was removed. I still have traces o...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Hello Clementine: Regarding respiratory allergy symptoms caused by external stimuli such as environmental and climatic factors, the primary prevention method is to avoid exposure to allergens. Medications play a supportive role. It is recommended that you visit an outpatient clin...[Read More] Managing Asthma Triggers During Weather Changes: Tips and Strategies
Persistent Coughing: Is It Asthma Triggered by Cold Weather or Food?
Cough? Asthma? Recently, whenever the weather gets cold or I eat oranges or spicy food, I start coughing uncontrollably. Even adding pepper to scallion pancakes triggers this reaction, and I cough so hard that it feels like my trachea is about to come out, producing a terrible so...
Dr. Zhuang Ziyi Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms, it appears to be more like sensitive airways, which can exhibit asthma-like symptoms when exposed to certain triggers. If the allergen test is positive, serum IgE levels are elevated, and there is reversible airway obstruction in lung function tests,...[Read More] Persistent Coughing: Is It Asthma Triggered by Cold Weather or Food?
Natural Supplements for Asthma Relief: Do They Really Work?
Asthma Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my 26-year-old male friend who has asthma. Besides the medications prescribed by his doctor, what kind of health supplements or dietary options can he take to reduce the frequency of asthma attacks? I have seen online that reishi mu...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Tears: Currently, there are no specific dietary supplements. However, you may consult an experienced Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner to assess his constitution and determine which foods may be unsuitable or beneficial for him, as foods can be classified as ...[Read More] Natural Supplements for Asthma Relief: Do They Really Work?
Understanding Nighttime Cough: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Nighttime cough Hello, Dr. Qu. I would like to ask about my mother, who is currently around 51 years old. For nearly the past two years, she has frequently caught colds starting in the fall and continuing until around March or April of the following year. This is often accompanie...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Hello Frank: If you have a persistent cough that does not improve, you should consult a pulmonology clinic. Whether additional X-rays or other tests are needed will depend on clinical evaluation, which cannot be determined here. It is best to visit the clinic for further assessme...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Cough: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help