Choking on Food: When to Seek Medical Help for Airway Concerns
Choked and worried about it going into the airway? I choked on crushed pearls or tapioca while drinking, and I coughed lightly at the moment, feeling like the food went down. Because the particles are smaller, I'm worried that they might have gone into my trachea or bronchi....
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: The bronchial tubes in the human body instinctively produce a cough response to external irritants in order to expel foreign objects. Based on your description, the sago pearls you accidentally inhaled may have already been expelled due to your coughing reflex. Even if the...[Read More] Choking on Food: When to Seek Medical Help for Airway Concerns
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest pain Hello Doctor: I have tenderness in the center of my chest, which worsens with breathing, coughing, and movement. This condition has lasted for a day. What could be the issue?
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, the symptoms appear to be more like localized inflammation of the soft tissues in the muscles. It is recommended to monitor the symptoms, and if they worsen, seek medical attention. This message is from the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Changhua Hospital, Ministry of...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Emphysema-Like Changes: What You Need to Know
Emphysematous changes I am approximately 180 cm tall and weigh 69 kg. A recent health check-up X-ray showed "emphysematous changes." Does this condition definitively indicate emphysema? I have never smoked, do not have a cough, and maintain a regular exercise routine wi...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, "emphysematous changes" were only identified through a chest X-ray. Generally, to diagnose emphysema, it is important to consider the patient's medical history (such as smoking habits and past occupations), the patient's sympt...[Read More] Understanding Emphysema-Like Changes: What You Need to Know
Feeling a Tightness in the Chest: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
It feels like there is a lump in my chest? Hello doctor, for the past couple of days, I have been feeling like there is something stuck in my chest that I need to cough out, which has resulted in a cough. However, my body temperature is normal (around 36.3-36.4°C), and I do not h...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Cold weather or increased life stress can both contribute to such feelings. If you are concerned, you can visit a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray to rule out any active lung diseases.[Read More] Feeling a Tightness in the Chest: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Exposure to Bleach Fumes: Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Help
Inhaled fumes from bleach? While cleaning the bathroom in the evening, I accidentally mixed bleach with other cleaning agents, resulting in inhalation of excessive irritating gases. I immediately rinsed off the cleaning agents with cold water, but I experienced symptoms such as c...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Ms. Wan, the actual situation depends on the composition of the cleaning agent that was mixed with the bleach (brand, product name). Please consult a toxicology department. Additionally, if you continue to experience wheezing, difficulty breathing, or if your symptoms worse...[Read More] Exposure to Bleach Fumes: Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Help
Chronic Cough After Giant Cell Tumor Surgery: When to Get a CT Scan?
Coughing for three months: is it appropriate to perform a CT scan? Giant cell tumor of bone? I previously had a giant cell tumor of bone, which was found on my lumbar spine. Not long after, I underwent surgery with a neurosurgeon in February to remove it. Currently, I am using de...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Mr. Mi, there are many questions: 1. Regarding the main issue: Is it possible to get a CT scan after coughing for three months? If you are paying out of pocket, it depends on whether you want to spend the money and expose yourself to radiation; if you want insurance cover...[Read More] Chronic Cough After Giant Cell Tumor Surgery: When to Get a CT Scan?
Understanding Food Aspiration: Symptoms and What to Do Next
Choking on food? Hello, Doctor. I just experienced a sudden urge to burp while eating, and after burping, I felt food come back up and had a sensation of choking. I then swallowed hard, and now my throat feels itchy, but I am not coughing. Am I at risk of having accidentally swal...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it seems that the irritation is likely caused by stomach acid refluxing into the throat during hiccups, rather than food entering the trachea. Generally, even if a small amount of food does enter the trachea, our cough reflex serves as a protecti...[Read More] Understanding Food Aspiration: Symptoms and What to Do Next
Understanding Persistent Cough with Phlegm: When to Seek Medical Attention
Frequent coughing with phlegm? My father is 65 years old and has never smoked. However, over the past year or two, he has experienced intermittent coughing with phlegm, which comes and goes. Previous chest X-rays have shown no abnormalities, so he is reluctant to see a doctor. Re...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, Xiaoting. Your father is 65 years old, a non-smoker, but is exhibiting symptoms of chronic bronchitis, and his X-ray results are clear. Recently, he has had an exacerbation, which may be related to air quality or seasonal changes, but could also be due to other allergies o...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough with Phlegm: When to Seek Medical Attention
Can Aspiration Pneumonia Occur After Swallowing Issues?
Aspiration pneumonia Hello, I have a swallowing issue. Yesterday, while drinking a nutritional supplement, it seemed like some of it went into the area connecting my mouth and nose. I kept feeling like something was stuck there when I swallowed, and even after drinking water for ...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, there currently seems to be no discomfort. It is possible that the food that was previously lodged has now passed into the esophagus. If the food had entered the trachea, you would likely experience some coughing symptoms. Please monitor your con...[Read More] Can Aspiration Pneumonia Occur After Swallowing Issues?
The Necessity of Switching to Long-Term Asthma Management Medications
The necessity of switching from Ruanwa to a more effective inhaler? Previously, I was diagnosed with allergic asthma due to a wheezing cough. I have been using Ruanwa (Montelukast) and Quyi Le (Budesonide) along with a short-acting bronchodilator as needed. This has been going on...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Yuan, as described, if there are no symptoms during the day and night, we should compare lung function before and after to see if there is a significant difference. If there is not much difference, I personally tend to maintain the original medication regimen. Runwa is a re...[Read More] The Necessity of Switching to Long-Term Asthma Management Medications
Effective Remedies for Cough and Phlegm Relief in Lung Cancer Patients Post-Chemotherapy
What methods can be used to alleviate symptoms of persistent cough and difficulty expectorating phlegm in lung cancer patients after chemotherapy? Dear Doctor, My father needs to undergo an annual health check-up due to his work requirements. Unfortunately, this year's resu...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The cough suppressants and expectorants commonly used in pulmonology are quite similar. It is recommended to discuss with your attending physician to adjust the medication that is more suitable for the patient's constitution. If necessary, a consultation with a tradit...[Read More] Effective Remedies for Cough and Phlegm Relief in Lung Cancer Patients Post-Chemotherapy
Understanding Wheezing: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Sudden wheezing? Hello Dr. Chang, I have been experiencing issues with nasal allergies for a long time. Recently, I have noticed a wheezing sound when I exhale, which seems to have started with the colder weather. However, this sound only occurs during forceful exhalation and not...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Mr. T, as you mentioned, there may be a suspicion of allergies or even the possibility of an asthma attack. It is recommended that you consult with a pulmonologist or visit the emergency department. Regarding lung cancer, the likelihood is relatively low considering your ag...[Read More] Understanding Wheezing: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Left Side Rib Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Pain in the left lower rib cage? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about a pain I am experiencing on the left side of my abdomen (the left side of my stomach). I feel a dull pain when I breathe or take a deep breath, and it is more noticeable during deep inhalation. It feels simi...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If the chest X-ray is normal, common lung diseases such as pneumonia, pleural effusion, or pneumothorax can generally be ruled out. Based on your symptoms, it is possible that you are experiencing neuralgia, which may be related to stress or consuming excessively cold food...[Read More] Left Side Rib Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Persistent Throat Itch After Cold: When to Seek Medical Advice?
After catching a cold, my throat has been persistently itchy? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about my condition. Four days ago, I had a high fever (39 degrees Celsius) at night and went to the emergency room. The doctor said it was a common cold and administered IV fluids and...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Tsai: The symptoms you described may be due to a post-viral irritation of the upper respiratory tract following a cold. Please drink plenty of water, and if there is no improvement, consider visiting Changhua Hospital for further evaluation. We care about your health.[Read More] Persistent Throat Itch After Cold: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Is Your Sore Throat a Sign to See a Doctor?
Sore throat with a burning sensation? An hour ago, I took a nutritional supplement, and then I suddenly felt nauseous and wanted to vomit, which caused me to cough persistently. Now my throat feels irritated and I have the urge to cough, and my throat is slightly sore. Should I s...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Mr. AB, throat pain after vomiting is usually caused by irritating substances from the stomach, as well as coughing. If drinking water does not worsen the condition, you can continue to monitor it. However, the cause of the regurgitation and vomiting needs to be investigate...[Read More] Is Your Sore Throat a Sign to See a Doctor?
Chronic Cough with White Foamy Sputum: Understanding Your Symptoms
Chronic cough with white foamy sputum, no cough at night? Hello, Doctor. I have been experiencing intermittent coughing for about two years (3-4 coughs each time), with periods of no coughing lasting a few months. However, in the past six months, the coughing has resumed. During ...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, you frequently experienced pneumonia due to colds during your childhood, which may have led to bronchiectasis from recurrent inflammation in your lungs, resulting in chronic cough. Additionally, you mentioned that you often experience coughing sy...[Read More] Chronic Cough with White Foamy Sputum: Understanding Your Symptoms
Post-Illness Coughing and Choking Sensations: When to Seek Further Lung Evaluation?
After being sick, sometimes when eating or speaking, there is still a sensation of choking in the trachea? On August 13, I was initially diagnosed with sinusitis at a small clinic, with symptoms including yellow-green nasal discharge and cough. Later, on August 23, I was diagnose...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Ms. W, based on the above, I recommend: 1. First, consult an otolaryngologist to rule out purulent recurrent sinusitis causing post-nasal drip or other ENT issues; 2. Exclude other potential causes of cough and wheezing (consider a chest examination and consult a pulmonolog...[Read More] Post-Illness Coughing and Choking Sensations: When to Seek Further Lung Evaluation?
Understanding Chest Pain After BNT Vaccination: Causes and Solutions
Chest pain Hello, doctor. I have pain in the center of my chest (a pressing sensation) and I feel the urge to cough. Is this related to the BNT vaccination (administered on September 23)? How should I address this?
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Typically, there is not a direct relationship with the vaccine. Localized pain may occur in the chest (bone) with frequent pressing, and it is not recommended to apply pressure without reason. If there is persistent chest pain, it is advisable to consult a pulmonologist![Read More] Understanding Chest Pain After BNT Vaccination: Causes and Solutions
Can Food Particles Accidentally Enter the Lungs During Eating?
Is it possible for small food particles to directly enter the lungs? Hello, Doctor. I ate too quickly, and it feels like some ground meat might have gone into my lungs because my lungs feel strange. I'm not sure if that's possible. After choking, I coughed forcefully se...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: When choking while eating, small particles may sometimes enter the airway, but the trachea still has cilia movement and mucus clearance functions to expel the foreign matter, which can then be swallowed into the stomach. If there is severe coughing or a fever, it is recomm...[Read More] Can Food Particles Accidentally Enter the Lungs During Eating?
Understanding Chest Pain: Could It Be Lung Cancer or Heart Issues?
Hello, doctor? I have been experiencing chest pain for the past month, along with a mild cough that has persisted for quite some time. I visited the doctor three times over the last two weeks and had two X-rays done. The doctors told me that everything was fine. After that, I fel...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Mr. Pigpig, if you have already undergone examinations and the symptoms have extended to so many areas, it usually indicates a serious issue. However, considering your age of 17, the likelihood of lung cancer is very low, as is the possibility of heart problems, unless ther...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Could It Be Lung Cancer or Heart Issues?