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
Understanding Bronchitis: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Bronchitis? Hello Doctor: Recently, members of my family have gradually developed coughing symptoms. My older brother and younger brother are getting better, but my mother and I are still coughing. My condition is more severe; I can't help but cough, and it feels like my ent...
Dr. Zhang Youzheng Reply:
Hello: There are many possible causes for a cough. Given your situation, it is advisable to first visit a pulmonologist at the hospital for a chest X-ray to conduct an evaluation. The most common condition is chronic bronchitis following a cold, but it could also be due to other ...[Read More] Understanding Bronchitis: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
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 Rapidly Growing Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know
Pulmonary mass of unknown origin? Hello doctor, my mother is 66 years old and has been monitored for pulmonary nodules. We have been doing low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans every six months for the past five years, and there haven't been significant changes. However, d...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: Imaging is necessary for an initial assessment of the likelihood of malignancy or benignity. A short-term follow-up can be chosen initially, and administering antibiotics and expectorants for a period of time may allow for spontaneous resolution. Additionally, among benign...[Read More] Understanding Rapidly Growing Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know
Is Cold Freezer Air Harmful? Understanding Chest Discomfort and Coughing
Choking on cold freezer air? When retrieving items from the depths of an upright freezer, I inhaled a breath of cold air from the freezer. At that moment, I felt a slight irritation in my nose, a bit of a burning sensation, and some discomfort in my chest. I intentionally coughed...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: Humans can live in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, so you don't need to worry too much.[Read More] Is Cold Freezer Air Harmful? Understanding Chest Discomfort and Coughing
Rib Pain from Coughing: When to See a Doctor for Your Symptoms
Coughing to the point of rib pain? Tracheal mucus? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing pain in my right rib cage for the past few days. I now feel significant pain when taking deep breaths, turning over, or raising my arms. There is noticeable tenderness between two ribs at th...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, typically, ribs require a significant amount of external force to fracture, making rib fractures relatively uncommon. They are more likely to occur in individuals with osteoporosis or those with rheumatologic conditions who have been on long-term corticosteroid therapy. Re...[Read More] Rib Pain from Coughing: When to See a Doctor for Your Symptoms
Understanding Elevated Cypra21-1 Levels: When to Seek Chest Specialist Care
Abnormal Cypra21-1 in two health check-ups? Hello Dr. Yang, Three years ago during my health check-up, my Cypra21-1 value was 3.4 (normal is less than 3.3). A month later, I had another blood test at the lab, and the results were normal, so I did not require any special follow-u...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The Cypra21 value is expected to fluctuate. It is recommended to follow up every 3 to 6 months, along with X-ray examinations, and to have a thoracic specialist evaluate and provide recommendations.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Cypra21-1 Levels: When to Seek Chest Specialist Care
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
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
Understanding Tuberculosis Symptoms: Key Questions and Concerns
Symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello Doctor, I have been told by a physician that I might have tuberculosis, but currently, I am unable to produce any sputum for testing. This situation has made me quite anxious. I would appreciate your assistance in clarifying some issues. ...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: Tuberculosis (TB) of the lungs may not always present with symptoms, and having symptoms does not necessarily mean it is tuberculosis. The general diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis involves examining chest X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans. Of course, sputum tests...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Symptoms: Key Questions and Concerns
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
Does Fluoroquinolone Use Affect Tuberculosis Diagnosis?
Does the use of fluoroquinolones affect the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello Dr. Yang, I am a pharmacist. My boyfriend (who is the same age as me) previously went to the emergency room due to a fever, and an X-ray revealed lesions in his lungs. The doctor prescribed flu...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, I will prioritize considering a fungal infection. If the culture results from the second hospital show no tuberculosis, I will be less concerned about tuberculosis. Since the sputum smear is negative, there is no need to wear a mask continuously,...[Read More] Does Fluoroquinolone Use Affect Tuberculosis Diagnosis?
Severe Coughing: Understanding Symptoms and Possible Causes
Sudden worsening of cough? I have been coughing for a long time and didn't think much of it because I have been smoking for many years. Recently, I started experiencing wheezing, especially when lying down, but I can't remember when it started. A couple of days ago, I s...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: It is likely a respiratory disease. I recommend visiting a pulmonology clinic to clarify the cause. Thank you! Wishing you peace and well-being.[Read More] Severe Coughing: Understanding Symptoms and Possible Causes
Understanding Fungal Infections and Tuberculosis: A Patient's Journey
Fungal infection and tuberculosis? On February 17 of this year, I had a fever of 39 degrees Celsius and went to the emergency room. An X-ray revealed a lesion in my right upper lung, and a subsequent CT scan showed a cavity in the right upper lung. The doctor informed me that it ...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to visit our outpatient clinic and bring relevant imaging studies. While it does increase the risk of cancer, there is no need to be overly anxious.[Read More] Understanding Fungal Infections and Tuberculosis: A Patient's Journey
Can Lung Apex Pleural Thickening and Fibrosis Truly Reverse?
Is it possible for long-standing abnormalities on chest X-rays (such as apical pleural thickening and mild fibrosis) to reverse and heal without medication? Hello, I am a 50-year-old male, non-smoker and non-drinker. In 2018, I had my first chest X-ray at Hospital A, which reveal...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: Mild pleural thickening and fibrosis at the lung apex are likely irreversible reactions, but they do not cause chest pain and are considered old lesions. Some physicians may overlook these inactive lesions.[Read More] Can Lung Apex Pleural Thickening and Fibrosis Truly Reverse?
Understanding Right-Sided Chest Pain After COVID-19: Causes and Next Steps
Right-sided chest pain? After being infected with COVID-19, I have been experiencing pain on the right side of my chest (approximately from the lower edge of the breast to the outer area of the breast) for over three weeks. I have difficulty taking deep breaths, and I feel sharp ...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: The likelihood of neuropathic pain may be higher, and since the examination showed no issues, it should not be an organic problem.[Read More] Understanding Right-Sided Chest Pain After COVID-19: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Chest X-Ray Results: Insights and Patient Guidance
Chest X-ray examination Hello Doctor, I recently had a chest X-ray at a hospital in the northern part of Taiwan, and the report stated: "mild infiltrates in both lower lungs. Suggest clinical correlation and follow-up. Blunting of left costophrenic angle. Otherwise, unremark...
Dr. Wang Zhengde Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it seems that your attending physician suspects an infection or other issues in your lungs and needs to obtain relevant specimens. Inhaling steam to help with mucus clearance is a feasible method. Suctioning mucus with a tube is also a commonly u...[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Results: Insights and Patient Guidance
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
Understanding Elevated ECP Levels: What It Means for Chronic Cough Management
Chronic cough I previously had a severe cough and visited a large hospital for consultation. After several visits and blood tests, I was supposed to return for a follow-up appointment to review the results. However, on the day of the follow-up, my child fell ill, and since my cou...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Apple: The reference value for Eosinophil Cationic Protein (ECP) is < 13.3, which indicates that eosinophils are associated with inflammatory responses caused by various allergic diseases, particularly in patients with asthma. In the inflamed tissues of asthma patients, e...[Read More] Understanding Elevated ECP Levels: What It Means for Chronic Cough Management