Understanding Persistent Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Coughing symptoms Since January of this year, I have been experiencing recurrent colds due to taking care of children, resulting in two to three episodes of illness. Although the colds have resolved, I have been suffering from a persistent cough. Before the Lunar New Year, I took...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Based on what has been described, it is more likely to be caused by a sensitive trachea or post-nasal drip. However, since this is not an in-person consultation, please visit a pulmonologist for evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Why Does My Throat Itch and Cause Coughing While Eating?
Experiencing throat irritation and coughing while eating? Hello Doctor: For the past few months, I have been experiencing sudden and intense itching in my throat, accompanied by severe coughing. It feels like there is an increase in mucus in my throat, which leads me to constantl...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Cindy: You have issues with post-nasal drip and gastroesophageal reflux, which can lead to a persistent cough that is difficult to treat. As for the choking cough, the esophagus and trachea are very close together, and when swallowing food, the trachea can be affected by tem...[Read More] Why Does My Throat Itch and Cause Coughing While Eating?
Persistent Cough: Exploring Causes and Solutions for Your Health
Persistent cough Hello Dr. Yang, my mother has been suffering from a persistent dry cough for the past few years, without any phlegm, and there is no specific time when she coughs. She has seen a pulmonologist and undergone two chest X-rays (with an interval of about two to three...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, the most likely cause of your mother's cough is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and dysphagia, leading to recurrent aspiration pneumonia. It is recommended to have small, frequent meals (avoid overeating), seek treatment from a gastro...[Read More] Persistent Cough: Exploring Causes and Solutions for Your Health
Chronic Cough: Understanding Persistent Symptoms and Seeking Solutions
Chronic cough, persistent cough that does not resolve? Hello, Doctor: (The following content is a bit long; thank you for your patience!) This year, I have once again relapsed with my chronic issue: coughing. I remember being frequently ill since the first grade of elementary sch...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The chest X-ray is normal, which rules out pulmonary infections, tuberculosis, and parenchymal lung diseases such as bronchiectasis. However, it does not exclude tracheal hypersensitivity or asthma, especially since your response to bronchodilators is not significant. I am...[Read More] Chronic Cough: Understanding Persistent Symptoms and Seeking Solutions
Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia and Secondary Drowning Risks in Children
Drowning and near-drowning incidents in swimming pools can lead to aspiration pneumonia and symptoms of secondary drowning? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you about aspiration pneumonia and secondary drowning. I am currently a student and work as a lifeguard at a swimming poo...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: In theory, aspiration of water, which is not sterile, can potentially lead to pneumonia, coughing, wheezing, and other symptoms. It is advisable to monitor the situation, and if fever or respiratory symptoms develop, seek medical attention.[Read More] Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia and Secondary Drowning Risks in Children
Persistent Cough with Choking Sensation: When to Seek Further Evaluation?
Persistent cough that feels somewhat like choking when coughing? The mother is 58 years old. Due to concerns about her uncle being suspected of having tuberculosis, she also needs to be monitored. The doctor at the chest hospital mentioned that the mother currently has no issues,...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your question can be briefly answered as follows. A chest X-ray is used to assess whether there are any abnormal shadows or nodules in the lungs. If abnormalities are found, further diagnostic tests may be arranged to confirm the diagnosis (such as tuberculosis, lung cance...[Read More] Persistent Cough with Choking Sensation: When to Seek Further Evaluation?
Is Your Sore Throat from Choking or a Cold? When to See a Doctor
Throat irritation or choking sensation? Hello, doctor: I started experiencing a sore throat yesterday. I'm not sure if it's caused by a cold or if I choked on my saliva, as I did choke on it before the pain started. Now, swallowing saliva causes pain in my throat. Shoul...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If you experience mild choking while swallowing saliva that is intense enough to cause pain, it is recommended to see an otolaryngologist. Please do not self-medicate by purchasing over-the-counter medications![Read More] Is Your Sore Throat from Choking or a Cold? When to See a Doctor
Understanding Throat Tightness and Chest Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Throat tightness, chest tightness, and tension in the upper back and chest cavity? Recently, while eating snacks and laughing, I felt something foreign enter my throat and get stuck at the level of the Adam's apple. My voice changed, and I started to cough violently after on...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Luo: Thank you very much for your support of the Taiwan e-Hospital. The purpose of this platform is to help the public clarify doubts or provide preliminary advice. Of course, the medical field is quite complex, and some questions may not be answered satisfactorily or ma...[Read More] Understanding Throat Tightness and Chest Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Coughing from Foreign Objects: Risks and Remedies
Suspected foreign body aspiration? Hello Doctor: If a foreign object enters the respiratory tract and causes a cough reflex, is it possible to suppress the cough by swallowing if the object is not expelled? If it is suppressed but the object is still not coughed out, will the cou...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: If a foreign body is not coughed out, it may lead to obstructive pneumonia. Chronic coughing may result in the foreign body being swallowed into the stomach, which is generally not a major concern unless it is a hard object. The irritation caused by the foreign body in the...[Read More] Understanding Coughing from Foreign Objects: Risks and Remedies
Caring for Elderly Patients with Tuberculosis: Best Practices and Considerations
How to care for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis? 1. My father-in-law, who is 88 years old, was diagnosed with open pulmonary tuberculosis in mid-April. He was hospitalized at Taipei Veterans General Hospital for two weeks, during which three sets of sputum tests were conduct...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. The condition of sputum produced varies with each set, and the bacterial load may differ. 2. Aside from cases with infectious potential, caregivers should have protective measures and pay special attention to possible side effects of medications; otherwise, general care...[Read More] Caring for Elderly Patients with Tuberculosis: Best Practices and Considerations
Understanding Pneumothorax: Impact on Exercise and Recovery
Pneumothorax and Exercise Hello Doctor, I usually exercise regularly, but the week before last, I choked on a drink and ended up with a pneumothorax. At first, I didn't understand what a pneumothorax was, and I continued to exercise, running and doing push-ups, which only ca...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, in the future, the likelihood of experiencing a pneumothorax is higher than that of the general population. It is advisable to avoid activities or movements that involve rapid changes in air pressure. Best wishes for your health, Dr. Chou-Tzu-Kuang.[Read More] Understanding Pneumothorax: Impact on Exercise and Recovery
Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia: Recovery and Prevention Tips
Aspiration pneumonia Hello! I would like to ask about a family member who frequently experiences choking while eating, leading to aspiration pneumonia, resulting in frequent hospitalizations. How soon can they recover? What preventive measures should be taken after being discharg...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, when considering aspiration pneumonia, it is important to evaluate its causes. If swallowing difficulties are ruled out, options such as a nasogastric tube or gastrostomy tube may be considered, or one might avoid or reduce the intake of liquid foods. It is also essential ...[Read More] Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia: Recovery and Prevention Tips
Understanding Throat Discomfort: Symptoms and Risks of Enlarged Larynx
Suspected enlargement of the larynx with discomfort in the throat? I have a noticeable swelling of an unknown object in my throat, and my voice is slightly hoarse. My breathing is somewhat obstructed, and when I swallow saliva or drink water, I can feel a slight movement of the s...
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
Your symptoms are quite complex, but it seems necessary to consult an otolaryngologist for an examination. An endoscopic examination may be required.[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort: Symptoms and Risks of Enlarged Larynx
Post-Tracheostomy Care: Addressing Wound Healing and Future Risks
What special considerations should be taken after the wound of a tracheostomy patient has healed? Hello, thank you for your previous response. My mother has had her tracheostomy tube removed for over three months now, and she is recovering well. However, the healing wound on her ...
Dr. Zhuang Ziyi Reply:
Hello: 1. The tracheostomy wound will gradually heal on its own over time, and it is generally covered with a scarf for both aesthetic and practical purposes. 2. It may not necessarily be a complication of the tracheostomy. Older patients often have reduced elasticity in the ...[Read More] Post-Tracheostomy Care: Addressing Wound Healing and Future Risks
Understanding Tracheostomy: Managing Mucus and Breathing Difficulties in Elderly Patients
Tracheostomy My grandfather is 92 years old and was recently admitted to the intensive care unit due to choking on food. The doctors have informed us that they are unable to suction out the mucus from his lungs, and he is also having difficulty breathing on his own. He has been o...
Dr. Zhuang Ziyi Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. In healthy individuals, the respiratory tract produces a certain amount of mucus daily, which is propelled upward from the deep lung areas to the trachea and even the vocal cords by the cilia on the surface of the respiratory epithelial cells. This mucus can ...[Read More] Understanding Tracheostomy: Managing Mucus and Breathing Difficulties in Elderly Patients
Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Aspiration pneumonia My father was admitted to the emergency room the day before yesterday due to abnormal breathing caused by choking. He was subsequently diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia, as food was extracted from his trachea. After consulting with the physician, it was det...
Dr. Jiang Zhenyuan Reply:
1. Dysfunction of the epiglottis is often associated with neurological disorders (such as those caused by stroke) and can be evaluated by an otolaryngologist or a neurologist. If the neurological condition cannot be improved, there is no specific pharmacological treatment availab...[Read More] Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Managing Persistent Phlegm After Aspiration Pneumonia: Causes and Solutions
Post-inhalation pneumonia, characterized by excessive sputum production, can be attributed to several factors. The inflammation and irritation of the airways may lead to increased mucus secretion. Additionally, residual infection or bronchial hyperreactivity can contribute to ong...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
It may be related to bronchiectasis following pneumonia, or injury to the mucosa of the throat after intubation, or frequent choking incidents. The sputum associated with bronchiectasis requires time to heal, so it is advisable to avoid cold drinks and cold foods such as radishes...[Read More] Managing Persistent Phlegm After Aspiration Pneumonia: Causes and Solutions