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 Chest Cavity Issues: Symptoms and Concerns
Thoracic issues There is no severe cough, but it is accompanied by a foul odor that is nauseating. Sometimes the sputum appears liver-colored. At night, it worsens after falling asleep. For the past two days, there has been a feeling of chest tightness. Please respond, thank you.
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Mr. Chang: Your issue may be more related to nasal or oral problems. It is recommended to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water, and practice good oral hygiene by brushing and rinsing after meals. If you have any dental or gum issues, please see a dentist, and also cons...[Read More] Understanding Chest Cavity Issues: Symptoms and Concerns
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: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Left chest pain (continued inquiry) Thank you, Dr. Yang, for taking the time to respond despite your busy schedule. I would like to ask you further: since the end of August, I have been experiencing chest pain that occurs when I take a deep breath, specifically near the left side...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ping Ping: Tumors that are very small (such as those less than 1 centimeter) are generally difficult to detect with X-rays. Currently, chest pain or headaches are not typically symptoms related to tumors (these symptoms usually appear later when there is metastasis to the p...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Increased Lung Shadows: What Could It Mean?
Pulmonary shadowing Hello Dr. Huang: A few days ago, my father underwent a health check-up, and an X-ray revealed an increased shadow in the lower area adjacent to the right hilum, raising suspicion for a possible lesion. The imaging findings are non-specific, and follow-up is re...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Ms. Hsiao-Ju: Regarding the issue you mentioned, it may be an accumulation of shadows formed by the right hilum, blood vessels, trachea, and lymphatics. However, to be on the safe side, please follow up at the thoracic clinic. Thank you. Huang Yi-Wen[Read More] Understanding Increased Lung Shadows: What Could It Mean?
Understanding Chest Discomfort: When to See a Specialist
Chest tightness, chest pain, loss of appetite? Hello Director Huang: Recently, I have been experiencing increasingly noticeable symptoms of chest tightness, chest pain, and loss of appetite. The frequency of chest tightness has also been increasing. A few months ago, I was diagno...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsu: I apologize for the late response to your question. The possible causes of gynecomastia in males include congenital familial inheritance, hormonal imbalances, tumors, liver cirrhosis, unhealthy dietary habits, and environmental hormone influences. Additionally, medi...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: When to See a Specialist
Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues: What to Do Next?
Chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and a cough with a popping sound? Hello Doctor: Since the end of last year, I have been experiencing shortness of breath and chest tightness. After undergoing a chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram, the results were normal, and I do not have...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Jamie: Your concerns must have troubled you for a long time, so let me clarify a few points for you: 1. Since you have already undergone X-rays, an electrocardiogram, and blood tests, heart, lung, and hyperthyroid conditions, as well as anemia, have been initially ruled out...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues: What to Do Next?
Understanding Cough, Chest Tightness, and Anxiety: A Guide for Patients
Itchy throat, cough, and chest tightness? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. I have been experiencing intermittent dry cough at night for the past couple of days. When I take deep breaths or exhale forcefully, I feel a tightness in my chest and ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, regarding your questions, here is a brief summary: 1. A scratchy throat and cough, especially when others do not have similar symptoms, is not considered normal. It is advisable to have a medical professional evaluate for any significant organ abnormalities. 2. A persisten...[Read More] Understanding Cough, Chest Tightness, and Anxiety: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Sternum Issues
Chest issues? I have a noticeable protrusion of my sternum on both sides, extending up to my collarbone, which feels strange. When I wear clothes, the fabric pressing against the bones creates a sensation of tightness and pressure. During deep breaths, I feel a tightness in my le...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Abnormalities of the sternum (thoracic deformities) can be evaluated by a thoracic surgeon who can assist with pneumothorax surgery. You may also visit a pulmonology clinic for pulmonary function tests to determine if your chest tightness is related to lung function. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Sternum Issues
Chest Tightness and Pain After Exercise: Causes and Solutions
Chest tightness and pain while breathing after exercise? After each workout (running), I experience a tight pain in my chest (likely around the trachea) when taking deep breaths, which can trigger coughing and even nausea. It's quite uncomfortable, and I can only breathe in ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Mandy: Your issue may be related to a sensitive trachea. Generally, gradually increasing your exercise intensity should help you adapt over time. It is recommended to progressively increase your activity level, and if you experience chest pain, take a moderate rest before c...[Read More] Chest Tightness and Pain After Exercise: Causes and Solutions
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
Is Chest Tightness While Running a Sign of Pneumothorax?
Experiencing chest tightness while running could be a sign of pneumothorax? Hello, Dr. Huang. I usually don't exercise much, and when I do, it's mostly activities like shooting hoops or playing badminton, which don't make me breathless. Recently, I've started ...
Dr. Huang Ruiming Reply:
Dear Xiao Zhi: Spontaneous pneumothorax typically occurs in young, tall, and slender males. If you experience chest tightness and difficulty breathing during exercise, I recommend that you visit the thoracic medicine clinic for further diagnosis. Thank you for your inquiry! Dr. H...[Read More] Is Chest Tightness While Running a Sign of Pneumothorax?
Understanding Post-Pneumothorax Symptoms and Activity Restrictions
Pneumothorax issues? Hello, doctor. I was hospitalized for a spontaneous pneumothorax on June 29 of this year. Since the extent was not large, I was discharged after waiting for it to resolve on its own. A week after discharge, I returned for a follow-up X-ray, which showed no si...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, 1. Generally speaking, if a pneumothorax has fully resolved to normal, symptoms should return to baseline. If there are any recurring symptoms such as chest tightness or shortness of breath, please return for a follow-up examination to check for recurrence. 2. In addit...[Read More] Understanding Post-Pneumothorax Symptoms and Activity Restrictions
Why Do I Feel Chest Tightness After Smoking? Understanding the Symptoms
Recently, I have been experiencing shortness of breath after smoking? Hello, recently after smoking, I feel a tight and painful sensation in my throat and chest when I take a deep breath. What could be the reason for this? I have been smoking for 2 years.
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR J: The strange sensation in your throat and breathing after smoking is primarily due to the inhalation of harmful gases, which causes the smooth muscle on the surface of the alveoli to contract, leading to increased mucus secretion. This can result in a feeling of fullness i...[Read More] Why Do I Feel Chest Tightness After Smoking? Understanding the Symptoms
Breathing Polluted Air: Understanding Chest Tightness and Lung Health
Inhaling polluted air can cause chest tightness? Hello, Dr. Huang. I often ride my motorcycle outdoors, and whenever I inhale too much exhaust, I feel a tightness in my chest. Could this indicate a lung condition? Thank you.
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear: This may be an allergic reaction in the respiratory tract. You can visit the pulmonology clinic for some tests, which may include asthma testing. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Huang Yi-Wen.[Read More] Breathing Polluted Air: Understanding Chest Tightness and Lung Health
Understanding Chest Tightness: When to Worry About Heart Issues
Chest tightness Hello, Doctor. I would like to inquire about something. Sometimes I experience a feeling of tightness in my left chest, and at times it feels like I can hardly breathe. Does this indicate a heart problem? What kind of examinations should I undergo?
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Judy: There are many types of chest discomfort, and different considerations apply depending on age. The most basic examinations include X-rays, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and pulmonary function tests. First, we need to rule out acute conditions such as pneumothorax and myoc...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness: When to Worry About Heart Issues
Persistent Cough and Chest Tightness After a Cold: What to Know
Chest tightness and persistent cough? Hello, doctor: Recently, after catching a cold, I have been experiencing persistent coughing and a feeling of chest tightness. Could this be because my cold hasn't fully resolved?
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Miss Chen: For a common cold, it is usually sufficient to drink plenty of water and rest, and the cough will gradually improve. However, if you have a persistent cough along with chest tightness, it may be indicative of bronchial hyperreactivity, commonly known as asthma. In...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Chest Tightness After a Cold: What to Know
Breathing Difficulties and Chest Tightness: What Could Be Wrong?
Shortness of breath and chest tightness? Last week, I started experiencing dizziness and headaches, so I went to the hospital. The doctor said it might be an initial viral infection, and I had a fever of 37.5 degrees Celsius. After taking medication, my symptoms improved until ye...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
If you are experiencing difficulty breathing or discomfort in your chest, please visit the pulmonary medicine department for further evaluation. Thank you for your attention. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang, Director of the Pulmonary Function Department, Chest Hospital, Ministry of...[Read More] Breathing Difficulties and Chest Tightness: What Could Be Wrong?
Understanding Asthma Attack Phases: Definitions and Medical Insights
Issues during an asthma attack? Hello, I recently heard the term "asthma exacerbation period." I heard someone mention that the N days following the first asthma exacerbation (assuming there is a period without exacerbation) are considered part of the same exacerbation ...
Dr. Huang Ruiming Reply:
Hello Mr. Orsino: During an asthma attack, the main clinical symptoms include coughing, thick and difficult-to-expel mucus, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These symptoms are usually triggered by irregular use of inhaled medications, exposure to allergens, or infections...[Read More] Understanding Asthma Attack Phases: Definitions and Medical Insights
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Chest pain Hello Dr. Zhou, last night before bed, while using the computer, I experienced a rapid progression of discomfort in my chest to a feeling of compressed pain within just a few minutes. After lying in bed for about 10 minutes, the chest pain eased, and my breathing retur...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, there are many common causes of chest pain, including musculoskeletal pain, esophageal issues, heart problems, lung conditions, and pleural diseases. It is advisable to first visit a thoracic specialist for a chest X-ray. If no abnormal...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention