Understanding Chest Medicine: Is Hand Numbness Normal After Breathing Exercises?
Which department should I see? Hello. I would like to ask if it is normal to experience numbness and soreness in the elbows to the palms of both the left and right hands after about 5 minutes of inhaling through the nose and forcefully exhaling through the mouth. The strength app...
Dr. Tao Ruiming Reply:
Hello: You have created "hyperventilation syndrome" for yourself! Don’t do it again.[Read More] Understanding Chest Medicine: Is Hand Numbness Normal After Breathing Exercises?
Post-COVID Cough and Breathing Issues: Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Asthma symptoms after diagnosis? Hello, doctor. First of all, I had asthma when I was a child, but I rarely experienced episodes as I grew older, and I have had very few symptoms over the past ten years. However, three weeks ago, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 for the second time....
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If symptoms do not improve or if you hear wheezing sounds while breathing, it is recommended to see a pulmonologist to assess for possible asthma recurrence![Read More] Post-COVID Cough and Breathing Issues: Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Concerns About Pneumothorax or Chest Injury After Trauma?
Is there a concern for pneumothorax or chest contusion? Four days ago, I experienced a blunt force impact to the lower left rib cage, similar to the sensation of chest compressions during CPR. At that moment, I felt air being forcibly expelled from my chest cavity, followed by a ...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: You should see a pulmonologist to determine if it is a pneumothorax or just a contusion.[Read More] Concerns About Pneumothorax or Chest Injury After Trauma?
Understanding Post-Choking Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Symptoms after choking? Hello Doctor: On May 26, while drinking milk tea and eating a hamburger, I choked while talking to a colleague. I felt like I choked because there were people around, but I still swallowed it down. After that, I went to the restroom and coughed. A day or t...
Dr. Cai Zongwei Reply:
Hello: If you have persistent hoarseness in your throat (which is part of the upper respiratory tract), please consult an otolaryngologist. If there is a foreign body in the bronchi (which is part of the lower respiratory tract), small foreign objects may be coughed out on their ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Choking Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Challenges in Changing Tracheostomy Tubes: A Case Study
Issues with Changing Tracheostomy Tubes Hello Dr. Zhou, Background of the issue: My 65-year-old mother has a tracheostomy tube that needs to be replaced in about a month. After a consultation with the ENT department at Hospital C, an endoscopy revealed that there is dry secretio...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: The question involves the patient's actual condition and the existing equipment at the hospital, which requires clinical evaluation. Please discuss the follow-up treatment plan with the original physician.[Read More] Challenges in Changing Tracheostomy Tubes: A Case Study
Unexplained Chest Pain and Gastrointestinal Distress: Seeking Answers
Chest tightness, difficulty breathing, bloating, and dizziness? I have been experiencing a sensation of tightness in my chest when taking deep breaths, along with stomach bloating and pain that becomes unbearable before bed and upon waking. A week ago, I visited a pulmonologist d...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: According to the content, it is advisable to visit a regional-level hospital or higher for consultation and treatment by a physician.[Read More] Unexplained Chest Pain and Gastrointestinal Distress: Seeking Answers
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and When to Seek Help
Shortness of breath Recently, I have been experiencing difficulty breathing when lying down, making it hard to sleep. I need to elevate my head and neck to feel somewhat better, but even with that, I've still been having some breathing difficulties. Additionally, I suddenly ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Fa-Fa: Based on the symptoms you described, it seems more likely to be autonomic nervous system dysfunction. However, it is advisable to have further examinations conducted by relevant specialists. Starting with a cardiologist at Changhua Hospital would be a good option for ...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Your Chest Scan: Key Insights for Chronic Cough and Throat Phlegm
Hello, doctor. I would like to ask for your help in reviewing my test results, as I have some questions I would like to discuss? I have been experiencing a long-term cough and often feel phlegm in my throat. I have seen many doctors at various clinics and taken numerous medicatio...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to consult the original prescribing physician regarding the relevant test reports, as they can provide explanations in conjunction with your original symptoms, other medical history, or family history.[Read More] Understanding Your Chest Scan: Key Insights for Chronic Cough and Throat Phlegm
Understanding Your Chest X-Ray and Blood Test Results: Key Insights
Hello Dr. Huang, I would like to ask you about the X-ray report and blood test report. Thank you for your help? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing breathing difficulties for over 10 years. Sometimes, I feel a sensation of constriction in my airways, and when I breathe forcefu...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ming: From your report, it is clear that you are experiencing an allergic reaction. The persistent cough is related to this, and the test data, especially the IgE levels, are very indicative. It is likely asthma. Further pulmonary function tests should be conducted. The thic...[Read More] Understanding Your Chest X-Ray and Blood Test Results: Key Insights
Chest Pain During Deep Breathing: Possible Causes and Insights
Experiencing chest pain when taking deep breaths? Hello, Dr. Zhou. I have noticed that when I take a deep breath, I experience pain about 30 degrees to the left and slightly above my right nipple, approximately 4 centimeters below my clavicle. This pain occurs during forceful dee...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Please visit the pulmonology department for evaluation by a physician.[Read More] Chest Pain During Deep Breathing: Possible Causes and Insights
Understanding Throat Irritation and Dry Cough: Is It Asthma?
Itchy throat and dry cough? I have a habit of running 10 kilometers or hiking regularly, and I participate in full marathon events. I do not smoke or drink alcohol. I have been experiencing nasal allergies, often sneezing, and I frequently have a scratchy throat and dry cough, al...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: You may have allergic rhinitis, so be careful not to consume overly cold foods. If you are not experiencing difficulty breathing, you might consider not using bronchodilators for the time being![Read More] Understanding Throat Irritation and Dry Cough: Is It Asthma?
Should You Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Breathing Issues?
Should you seek medical attention for shortness of breath immediately, or can you wait a week before seeing a doctor? I have been experiencing a persistent cough and have been diagnosed with fungal and tuberculosis infections, for which I regularly see a pulmonologist. I have no ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. If you experience new symptoms or develop shortness of breath or fever, seek medical attention promptly. 2. If your respiratory condition worsens, temporarily discontinue exercise and have your physician reassess during your appointment.[Read More] Should You Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Breathing Issues?
Understanding Sudden Breathing Difficulties and Throat Spasms
Feeling of insufficient breath, sudden sensation of spasms from the larynx to the trachea? Since middle school, I have occasionally experienced a sudden feeling of not being able to get enough air, requiring me to take a deep breath through my mouth. Usually, this resolves the is...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Shaqima: Based on your description, it seems to be a type of allergy, possibly related to variant asthma. I recommend undergoing relevant allergen testing. Sometimes, certain environmental factors or food allergies can trigger symptoms even without direct contact. It’s best ...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Breathing Difficulties and Throat Spasms
Post-COVID Chest Tightness: Understanding Symptoms and Solutions
The symptoms that occur after contracting COVID-19? There is a feeling of tightness near the left chest close to the shoulder, left armpit, left side, and left ribs. Breathing is not smooth, and there is a slight feeling of chest tightness. Two months ago, X-rays and blood tests ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: The described symptoms are non-specific and require evaluation by a physician.[Read More] Post-COVID Chest Tightness: Understanding Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Left Rib and Throat Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Pain from the left rib cage to the throat? Hello doctor, recently I have been experiencing mild pain intermittently in the area below and inside the left rib cage, extending up to the left side of my throat, which occurs in sync with my breathing. I would like to know if this cou...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen: Based on the symptoms you described, a diagnosis cannot be made immediately. Please visit the pulmonary medicine outpatient clinic for further examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health.[Read More] Understanding Left Rib and Throat Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Traveling with Pleural Effusion: Important Tips for Air Travel
What precautions should be taken when traveling abroad with pleural effusion? Hello Director Huang, My mother is planning to fly to Japan in April. Considering she currently has about 300cc of pleural effusion, are there any recommendations or precautions regarding high altitud...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear A-Fei: The side effects of general immunosuppressants are usually mild, as indicated in the package insert. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, please seek medical attention promptly: difficulty breathing, severe abdominal or back pain, fever, numbness ...[Read More] Traveling with Pleural Effusion: Important Tips for Air Travel
Understanding Sudden Breathing Issues During Sleep and Wakefulness
Respiratory issues Hello Doctor, recently I've been experiencing episodes where I suddenly take a deep breath and wake up after falling asleep while using my phone in bed (either just falling asleep or accidentally dozing off). I've also noticed that during class, I som...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: You can first visit a general internal medicine clinic for an examination. If there are no abnormalities, you can then see a psychiatrist.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Breathing Issues During Sleep and Wakefulness
Understanding Tuberculosis Recurrence: Symptoms, Testing, and Follow-Up Care
Pulmonary tuberculosis may relapse after treatment? Hello Doctor: Thirteen years ago, I was diagnosed with asymptomatic pulmonary tuberculosis and completed a two-year treatment course as directed by my physician. I did not have any follow-up afterward. In January and February of...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Peipei: Regarding your questions, 1. Abdominal tuberculosis indeed requires a pathological and microbiological diagnosis for confirmation. 2. It is recommended that TB patients undergo a chest X-ray (CXR) annually for monitoring. 3. Currently, the diagnosis cannot be confirm...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Recurrence: Symptoms, Testing, and Follow-Up Care
Managing Sleep and Breathing Issues in Elderly Patients with Lung Conditions
Respiratory issues Grandma is 81 years old and has been in a respiratory care center for three weeks, undergoing rehabilitation treatment for lung collapse. She needs to wear a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask for six hours at night to reduce carbon dioxide levels,...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Xiao Wei: Using a CPAP machine helps reduce carbon dioxide levels, especially since nighttime sleep can lead to easier occurrences of elevated CO2. It is not recommended to stop using it at night as it may disrupt your sleep. You might consider trying a nasal CPAP machine. P...[Read More] Managing Sleep and Breathing Issues in Elderly Patients with Lung Conditions
Understanding Lung Atrophy: Causes, Treatments, and Rehabilitation Options
Lung atrophy Hello, this month's low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan shows lung atrophy. What are the possible causes of atrophy? Are there any treatment or rehabilitation options available? Thank you for your response. Low-dose CT of the chest without contrast enhancem...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Health: Lung atelectasis is incomplete expansion, generally due to the degeneration of the ciliated epithelium in the trachea or is often a result of previous infections. As long as there is no mucus accumulation, no special treatment is necessary. You can perform deep breat...[Read More] Understanding Lung Atrophy: Causes, Treatments, and Rehabilitation Options