Chest Tightness and Phlegm Without Coughing: When to Seek Medical Help
Feeling phlegm without coughing, sometimes accompanied by chest tightness? Hello, Doctor: I would like to inquire about a sensation of chest tightness that I have been experiencing frequently over the past few days, and I even feel a bit short of breath. Sometimes I feel like the...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Dominique: Hello, based on your description, it may be asthma, just a matter of severity. You can come to our hospital for further evaluation. Wishing you good health, Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Chest Tightness and Phlegm Without Coughing: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Chest Tightness: Causes and Solutions
I feel a bit of tightness in my chest? I often feel a tightness in my chest, and sometimes my breathing feels restricted, especially when lying down. My nose occasionally feels congested, similar to having a stuffy nose. Could this be related to my habit of drinking cold beverage...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, if you occasionally experience nasal congestion without symptoms of a cold (such as body aches, sore throat, or fever), you should consider the possibility of nasal allergies. Individuals with nasal allergies have a 50% chance of also having bronchial allergies, which can ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness: Causes and Solutions
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?
Understanding Hematemesis in Acute Bronchitis: Causes and Concerns
Acute bronchitis with hemoptysis? Recently, I sought medical attention due to severe coughing and a fever reaching 39°C. An X-ray revealed that I have acute bronchitis. After taking medication for a few days, my fever subsided, but I experienced vomiting after taking the medicati...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Severe vomiting may cause tears at the gastroesophageal junction, leading to minimal bleeding (stool may not appear black). If there is persistent bleeding or discomfort in the upper abdomen while eating, it is recommended to undergo an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (co...[Read More] Understanding Hematemesis in Acute Bronchitis: Causes and Concerns
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 Bronchitis: Persistent Hoarseness and Coughing Concerns
Bronchitis Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing a dry cough and hoarseness that fluctuates, along with dry mouth, after inhaling cold air. I visited a family physician, who diagnosed me with mild bronchitis through auscultation. After taking medication, the cough has...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, in summary: Bronchitis is inferred from your long-term dry cough. For your hoarseness, there are two specialties you must consult. First, see an otolaryngologist to determine if there are any issues with your vocal cords. Second, visit a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray to ...[Read More] Understanding Bronchitis: Persistent Hoarseness and Coughing Concerns
Managing Bronchiectasis: Resources and Support in Kaohsiung
Bronchiectasis Hello, Doctor! I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis in 2012. During this time, I have frequently experienced coughing and occasional sputum production. In the past three months, my symptoms of bronchiectasis have worsened, with frequent chest tightness, coughing up ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition characterized by symptoms such as excessive sputum production and wheezing. It is advisable to perform techniques like chest percussion to help with mucus clearance. In the event of an acute exacerbation (such as fever or increased pro...[Read More] Managing Bronchiectasis: Resources and Support in Kaohsiung
Chronic Respiratory Infections: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms
Tricky issue? Hello, Dr. Huang. During my military service, I had a cold and did not seek medical attention due to my duties, which eventually led to a severe case of tonsillitis. For the next two to three years, I frequently experienced tonsillitis or suppuration. After that, ev...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear BEE: I apologize for the delayed response. Based on your medical history, it appears to resemble bronchiectasis, which is a condition that can be congenital or acquired, leading to recurrent infections that cause the local bronchial mucosa to lose its ciliary function. This ...[Read More] Chronic Respiratory Infections: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms
Understanding Yellow Phlegm Without Cough: Is It Pneumonia?
There is no cough, but the phlegm that is coughed up is slightly yellow? Hello, doctor. After catching a cold, I always experience lower respiratory tract infections. I visited an ENT specialist who prescribed antibiotics. After recovering from the cold, I still feel like there’s...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Typical pneumonia is characterized by persistent fever and cough, but you do not exhibit either symptom, which is not typical. If there is no nasal discharge, it seems more like bronchitis. It is recommended to reduce the intake of sugary foods and cold drinks, as this sho...[Read More] Understanding Yellow Phlegm Without Cough: Is It Pneumonia?
Impact of Inhaling Bus Emissions on Lung Health: A Doctor's Insight
Inhaling exhaust fumes from buses? Hello Dr. Yang: As a motorcycle rider, I often inhale exhaust fumes from vehicles. Sometimes I wear a mask for protection, but other times I forget and end up inhaling the exhaust directly. Today, I forgot to wear a mask and was riding behind a ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Ah-Hsiang: It is difficult for motorcycle riders to avoid inhaling the air in the atmosphere, which includes exhaust emissions from vehicles. Typically, long-term and substantial exposure is required to have an impact on the respiratory epithelium or alveoli (occupational ...[Read More] Impact of Inhaling Bus Emissions on Lung Health: A Doctor's Insight
Can You Get Tonsillitis After Tonsillectomy? Understanding Bronchitis Risks
If I have had my tonsils removed, can I still experience inflammation? Is there a possibility of developing bronchitis as a complication? I just went to the emergency room, and the doctor ordered an X-ray. He said I had bronchial issues and bronchitis, and that I had a high fever...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The diagnosis of bronchitis can be somewhat ambiguous; generally, if there are symptoms of coughing, it can be considered bronchitis. A chest X-ray may not necessarily show significant abnormalities. As for whether your tonsils were completely removed over ten years ago (s...[Read More] Can You Get Tonsillitis After Tonsillectomy? Understanding Bronchitis Risks
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 Bronchial Provocation Tests and Cancer Concerns
Bronchial provocation test I have been experiencing chest tightness and coughing for a while, and I am concerned about the possibility of a lung tumor, so I went to the hospital for an examination. The doctor arranged for a bronchial provocation test using methacholine at concent...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ah Yan: 1. The stimulation concentration is very low, so it should not reach as many as 40 times. 2. There are no reports of carcinogenicity for this drug, so please rest assured. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Bronchial Provocation Tests and Cancer Concerns
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
Persistent Cough for Two Weeks: When to Seek Medical Advice
I have been coughing for two weeks? Initially, I had a scratchy throat and a dry cough, which a few days later developed into a productive cough with phlegm. However, the phlegm is white and not particularly thick, resembling regular mucus! It has been 2 weeks! I have been taking...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
If your cough persists for more than three weeks, it is recommended to undergo a chest X-ray examination. Your symptoms suggest bronchial hypersensitivity, so it is advisable to limit the intake of cold foods (such as melons and bamboo shoots). Best wishes![Read More] Persistent Cough for Two Weeks: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Coughing and Itchy Airways: Smoking and Allergies Explained
Itchy throat and cough? Hello Doctor: I have a smoking habit, approximately one pack every three days. Recently, I occasionally feel an itch in my airways that makes me want to cough, but it’s infrequent (about 3-4 times a day) and there is not much phlegm. About six months ago, ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ke: If the recent X-ray shows no abnormalities, there should not be significant issues with the lungs at this time. It may be more related to chronic pharyngitis or bronchitis. Both conditions are closely associated with smoking, so I advise you to quit smoking as soo...[Read More] Understanding Coughing and Itchy Airways: Smoking and Allergies Explained
Understanding Right Hilar Enlargement: Causes and Concerns
Enlargement of the right pulmonary hilum? Doctor, my mother had a health check-up and the X-ray results showed an enlargement of the right hilum of the lung. After further examination at the hospital, the doctor determined that it could possibly be due to vascular enlargement or ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Mr. Yeh, here is a brief response: 1. There is minimal exposure to lint in your work environment. 2. The hilum of the lung is composed of blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and bronchial structures. The chest X-ray only raises suspicion of enlargement, and further clinical e...[Read More] Understanding Right Hilar Enlargement: Causes and Concerns
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 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
Managing Chronic Cough and White Phlegm in Bronchiectasis Patients
Bronchiectasis with frequent coughing and white sputum? Hello Dr. Yang, my mother has been diagnosed with bronchiectasis and has been coughing for over five years. Recently, her condition has worsened. She has been following your advice to drink warm water, practice deep breathin...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
If you do not have a specific physician in mind, you may consider visiting the Traditional Chinese Medicine Department at Taichung Hospital and consult with Director Yang, who is qualified in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine. Best wishes![Read More] Managing Chronic Cough and White Phlegm in Bronchiectasis Patients