Understanding Asthma: Steroid Inhalers, Side Effects, and Diagnosis Concerns
excuse me? I would like to ask if the inhaler prescribed by the doctor contains steroids. Could it cause side effects? I'm afraid that taking it might harm me, so I haven't used it. I want to know if my condition is really asthma. This situation has occurred in the last...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Dear Mr. Hong, As you mentioned in your other letter, you have not yet visited my clinic. You may have mistaken the physician's name. Based on your questions, there are a few key points to address: 1. Asthma can be classified into intrinsic and extrinsic types, and it is ...[Read More] Understanding Asthma: Steroid Inhalers, Side Effects, and Diagnosis Concerns
Where to Find Dr. Qu for Pulmonology Consultations in Taipei?
I'm sorry~ I apologize, Dr. Qu. In the previous Q&A, I mistakenly referred to the doctor as Dr. Qu; it should have been Dr. Jian. I'm sorry for the confusion. However, I have a question: I previously chose to visit the thoracic department at Taipei Hospital because ...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Hello Mr. Hong: To answer your previous question, normal lung function does not rule out asthma. I am currently serving at Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Where to Find Dr. Qu for Pulmonology Consultations in Taipei?
Understanding Wheezing and Coughing at Night: Possible Causes and Solutions
There is a wheezing sound when breathing during sleep? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've noticed that when I lie down to sleep, I sometimes hear a wheezing sound while breathing, which is accompanied by coughing. At times, I feel like I have difficulty breathing. I have visited ...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Hello Mr. Hong: It is recommended to visit a pulmonologist for a pulmonary function test.[Read More] Understanding Wheezing and Coughing at Night: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Winter Breathing Issues: Causes and Concerns
gasping for breath Hello, doctor. Every winter, I find it very easy to experience shortness of breath. Four months ago, I had a severe cold with a bad cough, and I also felt chest tightness. However, the most noticeable symptoms are shortness of breath and yawning. I used to have...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Based on the seasonal variation of symptoms described, it seems more likely to be allergies, asthma, or rhinitis. Please consult a pulmonologist. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang, Director of the Department of Radiology.[Read More] Understanding Winter Breathing Issues: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Coughing During Pregnancy: When to Seek Medical Help
Coughing can cause discomfort in the chest cavity? Hello Doctor: My wife is over three months pregnant and has been coughing due to a cold for nearly a month. The cough is quite severe, and at times there are traces of blood and discomfort in her chest. There have been several ni...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Hello, Xiaoming: A chest ultrasound may not be very helpful for your wife; however, considering a sputum test could be beneficial. Additionally, there are many causes of coughing, such as bronchitis, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), among others. It is essential to...[Read More] Understanding Coughing During Pregnancy: When to Seek Medical Help
Could Your Breathing Issues Be Asthma Symptoms? Expert Insights
Is this a symptom of asthma? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about a recent issue I've been experiencing. I often suddenly feel short of breath, as if I can't get enough air, especially in the early morning, evening, and when I'm about to catch a cold. These epi...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Apple: Asthma patients often have an allergic constitution (such as atopic dermatitis or allergic rhinitis) and are prone to attacks in the early morning and at midnight (coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath). Attacks can also occur after exercise or during a cold, bu...[Read More] Could Your Breathing Issues Be Asthma Symptoms? Expert Insights
Can Asthma Be Cured? Understanding Long-Term Management and Risks
Can asthma be cured? Is asthma curable, doctor? Recently, I was talking to a friend whose parents have no history of asthma. Her mother works out vigorously at the gym every day, and her father rides a bicycle for 10 kilometers daily. I believe that without a certain level of lun...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Da Fei: Asthma may be caused by genetic factors or acquired disorders. As long as asthma is well-controlled, there should not be significant issues with marriage and having children. For further information on related topics, you can visit the Taiwan Asthma Consultation Co...[Read More] Can Asthma Be Cured? Understanding Long-Term Management and Risks
Understanding Persistent Cough: When to Worry About Lung Cancer
Coughing Hello, Dr. Qu: My 55-year-old father has been coughing for three to four months after catching a cold this winter. He has seen several traditional and Western medicine practitioners and has taken codeine, but his condition fluctuates between better and worse. He suspects...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Hello: Many conditions can present with a cough, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as the pulmonary tuberculosis and lung cancer you mentioned. It is advisable to visit a pulmonology clinic for an evaluation and to arrange any necessary tests...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough: When to Worry About Lung Cancer
Persistent Cough and Itchy Throat: Seeking the Right Specialist
Cough and throat itchiness for one to two years? A year or two ago, I had a cold that led to a persistent cough, and since then, my throat has been slightly itchy. The phlegm is white, and it's been quite bothersome. Recently, with the cold front and the drop in temperature,...
Dr. Cai Fushun Reply:
According to the symptoms described in the letter, coughing that worsens with changes in weather temperature is mostly caused by allergies, such as allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis. In particular, allergic rhinitis can sometimes lead to post-nasal drip and a scratchy throat....[Read More] Persistent Cough and Itchy Throat: Seeking the Right Specialist
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Next Steps for Relief
Dyspnea Hello Doctor, for the past two weeks, I have been experiencing difficulty breathing at night, and I even have sharp pain in the area of my heart. I also feel soreness in my back, and my muscles are extremely tense. I have been trying to go to bed before 11 PM, but I am re...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Nini: I apologize for the delay in responding to your question. It seems you are on the right track by consulting a pulmonologist. To confirm whether you have asthma, you may consider scheduling a pulmonary function test and a bronchodilator response test. I hope this infor...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Next Steps for Relief
Understanding Asthma Symptoms: Seasonal Triggers and Breathing Difficulties
Symptoms of asthma Doctor: There is no family history of asthma at home. However, I often feel short of breath with seasonal changes. There have been a few occasions when I drank alcohol and experienced difficulty breathing, wheezing, and chest pain. I used a bronchodilator, whic...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Furong: Even without a family history, asthma can still be triggered by air pollution or other allergens. If you experience wheezing and find relief with bronchodilators, it resembles bronchial symptoms. I recommend visiting a major hospital's pulmonary department for...[Read More] Understanding Asthma Symptoms: Seasonal Triggers and Breathing Difficulties
Am I Experiencing Asthma, COPD, or Another Lung Condition?
Am I suffering from asthma, another condition, or emphysema? In the past week, I have frequently experienced chest tightness with a bit of pain, and I feel like I can't fully inhale, especially when sitting down or driving; it feels like my breathing is not smooth. I have a ...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Dear Sam, Many diseases can manifest as chest tightness and shortness of breath, such as issues related to the heart and lungs. Therefore, it is not possible to make a judgment based on your description alone. I recommend that you come in for a consultation.[Read More] Am I Experiencing Asthma, COPD, or Another Lung Condition?
Persistent Cough: Uncovering Hidden Health Issues in Your Lungs
Persistent cough? Hello, doctor. My mother has been coughing continuously since July of last year, similar to how patients with tuberculosis cough on television, day and night without stopping. Chest X-rays and sputum tests have been done, and she has also seen an ENT specialist,...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Aside from normal chest X-rays and sputum tests (if interpreted by a pulmonologist), there are still many possible causes for coughing, such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, medication effects (such as from antihypertensive drugs), heart disease, bronchial lesions, laryngitis...[Read More] Persistent Cough: Uncovering Hidden Health Issues in Your Lungs
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Solutions
Shortness of breath Hello doctor, I have been experiencing shortness of breath recently, with phlegm in my throat and a feeling of tightness in my throat. There is no significant family medical history. These symptoms have been present for a while and seem to appear with changes ...
Dr. Cai Fushun Reply:
The symptoms mentioned in the letter are somewhat vague. If these symptoms occur around the change of seasons and during the temperature fluctuations in the early morning and evening, it may be necessary to consider respiratory allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis or alle...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Solutions
Is Tracheostomy Necessary for COPD Patients? Understanding the Options
Is it necessary to perform a tracheostomy? Hello Doctor: My father, who is 76 years old, was previously diagnosed with early-stage Parkinson's disease. He was hospitalized in March and April this year due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) leading to asthma. He ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, every intubated patient has the opportunity to wean off the ventilator. However, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may have poor lung function from the start, which could require a longer period for adjustment and training (the duration is unpredic...[Read More] Is Tracheostomy Necessary for COPD Patients? Understanding the Options
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Treatment Options
Dyspnea Hello Dr. Tsai: For a long time, I have experienced difficulty breathing upon waking up in the morning, as if something is pressing on my chest. My pulse is very weak, and at times it becomes severe enough that I cannot speak. Recently, I went to the hospital for an exami...
Dr. Cai Fushun Reply:
Hello: Asthma symptoms typically occur repeatedly, including nighttime coughing and wheezing, along with reported symptoms of shortness of breath. Since your physician has conducted an examination, it is important to continue follow-up treatment with your doctor. If symptoms are ...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Treatment Options
Managing Lymphangioleiomyomatosis: Symptoms, Treatments, and Concerns
Pulmonary Lymphangioleiomyomatosis Hello doctor, I have been suffering from this condition for 4 years. I am currently using inhaled medications such as AsthmaMed and oral bronchodilators, along with corticosteroids, progesterone, and allergy medications. Additionally, I am on 24...
Dr. Zhuang Ziyi Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on the symptoms, it is likely sinusitis, and you may consider consulting an otolaryngologist. If the sputum tests show no issues, it does not appear to be due to disease progression. 2. This condition is a rare disease, with domestic cases likely not exceeding one...[Read More] Managing Lymphangioleiomyomatosis: Symptoms, Treatments, and Concerns
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Is It Asthma or Respiratory Issues?
Asthma I would like to ask Dr. Wu: Sometimes I experience shortness of breath during sleep or in the morning, and I have to take deep breaths to feel better. Could this be asthma, or is it a respiratory issue? Thank you.
Dr. Wu Wenqiu Reply:
Hello, The letter does not mention any past medical history or family history. Asthma can easily be triggered by exposure to allergens or infections (such as upper respiratory infections). The symptoms mentioned in the letter are not clear and seem more like hyperventilation sy...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Is It Asthma or Respiratory Issues?
Can Asthma Cause Numbness in Head and Limbs?
Can asthma cause numbness in the head or limbs? Recently, I have been experiencing frequent asthma attacks, especially at night and during hot weather. In the past few occurrences, I have felt numbness in my head and face, as well as numbness in my mouth. It seems like my nerves ...
Dr. Cai Fushun Reply:
1. Nocturnal asthma is primarily caused by the 24-hour physiological cycle of the human body, which includes variations in hormone levels, adrenaline, the secretion of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (which relaxes the bronchi), and the number and intensity of beta-adrenergic rece...[Read More] Can Asthma Cause Numbness in Head and Limbs?
Understanding Chest Bone Protrusions and Breathing Difficulties
I have a protruding bone in my chest, but recently I have been experiencing difficulty breathing? Hello Doctor, I woke up the day before yesterday with pain in the protruding area behind my ear. I have a protrusion in my chest bone (the bone located at the heart area) that has be...
Dr. Li Shiwei Reply:
Dear Lorence: The protrusion of the thoracic bones and difficulty in breathing are not directly related. The protrusion of the thoracic bones refers to the xiphoid process of the sternum, which is normal in most individuals. Difficulty in breathing may be related to asthma, so it...[Read More] Understanding Chest Bone Protrusions and Breathing Difficulties