Struggling to Breathe: Understanding Throat Tightness and Hyperventilation
Experiencing difficulty in breathing while also hyperventilating? I have two questions: 1. Recently, I have been experiencing a tightening sensation in my throat and difficulty breathing. Just now, I felt like I couldn't breathe (and I still do). I stood up and took a few ...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: It could be a post-viral syndrome following COVID-19, or it might be asthma. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, there has indeed been an increase in patients like you in outpatient clinics. Most of them are able to adapt and recover. You may also consult with an otolaryngolog...[Read More] Struggling to Breathe: Understanding Throat Tightness and Hyperventilation
Understanding Intermittent Chest Tightness and Cough: Causes and Solutions
Persistent intermittent chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing chest tightness for five years. The symptoms occur irregularly, possibly every two to three months, lasting for about three to four days, during which I feel unable...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The intermittent cough and chest tightness seem less likely to be due to any significant lung or tracheal pathology. It may be related to irregular exercise habits or the temperature of food and fruits consumed. It is recommended to establish a regular exercise routine and...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Chest Tightness and Cough: Causes and Solutions
Is It Right to See an ENT for Mild Nasal Congestion and Back Pain?
Mild nasal congestion, back pain, and difficulty breathing? Since childhood, I have experienced nasal congestion when lying down. I just recovered from a cold two weeks ago, but this week, after getting better, I started to have nasal congestion and some difficulty breathing, alt...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: Yes! If the symptoms persist without improvement, you may go to a nearby hospital for examination. Thank you.[Read More] Is It Right to See an ENT for Mild Nasal Congestion and Back Pain?
Understanding Long-Term Chest Tightness and Anxiety Symptoms
Long-term chest tightness and hypochondriasis? About seven years ago, the patient sought medical attention due to sudden shortness of breath, feeling unable to take a full breath, especially during physical activity, which caused some wheezing. After undergoing several tests, the...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: If you visit the pulmonology clinic to check for asthma or post-COVID sequelae and find none, it is advised to be kind to yourself. Wishing you peace and safety.[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Chest Tightness and Anxiety Symptoms
Understanding Shortness of Breath: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing? Hello Doctor: I am 183 cm tall and weigh 122 kg. This week, I experienced two episodes of sudden discomfort and pain in my right chest, feeling as if my breathing had stopped, and I suddenly couldn't catch my breath. After lightly t...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist to clarify the cause. Based on the description, asthma is a possible diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Lung Fibrosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Monitoring
Pulmonary fibrosis Regular X-ray examinations show an increase in lung markings, while another hospital reported lung infiltration without mentioning lung markings. Can lung markings and lung infiltration improve, or could they progress to pulmonary fibrosis? Currently, there are...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: 1. Essentially, pulmonary infiltration indicates the presence of inflammation, which may be symptomatic. Increased lung markings may suggest denser vascularity (clinically asymptomatic), and the interpretation of both can sometimes be subjective; a computed tomography (CT)...[Read More] Understanding Lung Fibrosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Monitoring
Understanding Your Breathing Issues: Is It COPD or Mild Asthma?
I often feel anxious because I can't catch my breath. I'm afraid it might be COPD or obstructive pneumonia? Hello, doctor. I am very grateful for your help in addressing my recent experience of feeling unable to take a full breath. I often feel the urge to take deep bre...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Based on the description, it may be asthma, and currently, there is no COPD. Please quit smoking as soon as possible and follow up at the pulmonology outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Your Breathing Issues: Is It COPD or Mild Asthma?
Understanding Chest Discomfort After Food Aspiration: When to Seek Help
Grain obstruction? Hello Dr. Jian: On May 29, while having dinner, I accidentally inhaled a grain of rice, which did not go down the correct path. After the meal, I became more aware of this phenomenon. At that moment, I actively initiated a cough, hoping to expel it. During the ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: You can first go to the pulmonology department for a chest X-ray, and then consult with the pulmonologist on how to proceed with follow-up care.[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort After Food Aspiration: When to Seek Help
Understanding Recurrence of Spontaneous Pneumothorax: When to Seek Help
Spontaneous pneumothorax recurrence About 4.5 years ago, I was diagnosed with a spontaneous pneumothorax and underwent pleurodesis. After that, I had a normal recovery period without any issues until two days ago when I suddenly felt a sharp pain in the right side of my chest whi...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: It's reassuring to have an X-ray examination; thank you. Hospitalization is not necessarily required.[Read More] Understanding Recurrence of Spontaneous Pneumothorax: When to Seek Help
Choking Hazards: Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia Risks in Seniors
Choking, wheezing, coughing, and respiratory issues? An elderly person who accidentally ingests a large amount of lotion and subsequently experiences coughing, vomiting, and difficulty breathing may be at risk for aspiration pneumonia. Thank you.
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: It is advisable to seek medical attention from a pulmonologist for possible aspiration pneumonia.[Read More] Choking Hazards: Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia Risks in Seniors
Managing Recurrent Spontaneous Pneumothorax After Bilateral Pleurodesis
The issue of recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax after bilateral pleural adhesion treatment? Fifteen years ago, I underwent bilateral pleurodesis due to spontaneous pneumothorax, and recently, it has recurred with an estimated air leak of about 30% on both sides, primarily concent...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: Regarding the expertise of a thoracic surgeon, I do not have experience in the surgical aspects, and it is best to consult your original surgeon for specific situations. As for the issue of flying with a pneumothorax, it is not advisable to fly if a pneumothorax is present...[Read More] Managing Recurrent Spontaneous Pneumothorax After Bilateral Pleurodesis
Delivery Riders and Lung Cancer Risk: What You Need to Know
Delivery workers and lung cancer? Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask the following questions: 1. Due to financial reasons, I have to spend a lot of time riding a scooter for food delivery (Foodpanda). If I continue this for 20 years, will my risk of developing lung cancer be si...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
1. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) currently classifies PM2.5 from air pollution as a Group 1 carcinogen (sufficient evidence), but the levels do not matter for individuals; it is simply a matter of presence or absence. 2. To state the conclusion directly...[Read More] Delivery Riders and Lung Cancer Risk: What You Need to Know
Managing Chronic Throat Dryness and Excess Mucus: Seeking Solutions
Chronic throat dryness (slight pain), excessive white phlegm (without blood). No cough, no chest tightness or pain? Hello Doctor: During my high school years, I experienced a persistent cough that lasted for at least a month, prompting me to see a doctor. After some time, I was t...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear ANNA: The symptoms you described can be caused by post-nasal drip and gastroesophageal reflux. Since you have already taken so many medications, it is advisable to refrain from further medication and to relax. Ensuring adequate sleep may help improve your condition. Changhua...[Read More] Managing Chronic Throat Dryness and Excess Mucus: Seeking Solutions
Understanding Persistent Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Shortness of breath? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing difficulty breathing and wheezing at night due to a cold, accompanied by cold sweats and numbness in my fingers. I have visited the emergency room multiple times, but blood tests and X-rays showed no issues. Subsequently...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: We need to check for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and thyroid issues. If the organs are functioning properly, we may need to consider a psychological evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Understanding Upper Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest tightness in the upper chest? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing a sensation of tightness and pain in my upper chest, sometimes on the left side and other times on the right. This usually occurs after sneezing and can last for several days. The area is primar...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It feels more like chest wall muscle pain (it also occurs when holding a child), and sneezing increases muscle tension. If you're concerned, you can get a chest X-ray in the thoracic department.[Read More] Understanding Upper Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Burned Throat: What to Do and When to See a Doctor
Burned throat? I'm sorry to hear that you burned your throat by eating tofu too quickly. It sounds like you might be experiencing some irritation or inflammation. Here are some steps you can take to manage the situation: 1. **Stay Hydrated**: Drink plenty of cool fluids to ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Typically, mucous membranes will naturally heal after being exposed to high temperatures. It is advisable to avoid consuming excessively hot foods or beverages for a short period.[Read More] Burned Throat: What to Do and When to See a Doctor
Why Sleeping on Your Left Side Causes Breathing Issues at Night
Sleeping on the left side can cause shortness of breath and wheezing sounds? It only occurs at night and is severe enough to cause difficulty breathing. When it happens, lying on my right side alleviates the symptoms.
Dr. Zhang Youzheng Reply:
Hello: Experiencing shortness of breath at certain angles, especially more pronounced at night, is likely indicative of asthma. It is recommended to return to the pulmonology clinic for an asthma evaluation and subsequent treatment.[Read More] Why Sleeping on Your Left Side Causes Breathing Issues at Night
Understanding Blood-tinged Phlegm and Nasal Discharge After COVID-19
Hemoptysis and epistaxis? Hello Doctor, I am currently 23 years old, do not smoke, and have no history of asthma (although I had acute bronchitis several years ago). Since being diagnosed with COVID-19 early last year, I have frequently felt a buildup of thick phlegm in my chest ...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to seek medical attention at our hospital to clarify your condition. Indeed, most mycoplasma infections can resolve on their own without medication due to the immune response; however, if it progresses to pneumonia, specific pharmacological treatment is n...[Read More] Understanding Blood-tinged Phlegm and Nasal Discharge After COVID-19
Understanding Chest Pain and Cough: Seeking Effective Treatment Options
Chest pain/chest tightness/shortness of breath & cough/medication consultation Hello, Doctor. Since around the middle of last year, I have been experiencing severe coughing at night/midnight, which I initially thought was due to an unresolved cold (I returned from Europe at t...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear K: I apologize for the delayed response due to the holiday. Based on your symptom description, it is likely that you have atypical asthma. However, the treatment approach needs to be adjusted. You can start with inhaled corticosteroids for control, or you may visit the outpa...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Cough: Seeking Effective Treatment Options
Breathing Training for Vocal Recovery After Tuberculosis Infection
Regarding respiratory training? I previously had a throat infection caused by tuberculosis, which resulted in a loss of voice. Although the tuberculosis has been treated, I still can only speak with a breathy voice. An endoscopic examination revealed that this is due to the inabi...
Dr. Cai Zongwei Reply:
Hello: If the issue with breathy voice is due to the inability of the vocal cords in the upper respiratory tract to close, then training the respiratory muscles should be considered a separate matter. Additionally, general pulmonary function tests primarily measure expiratory vol...[Read More] Breathing Training for Vocal Recovery After Tuberculosis Infection