Understanding Cough, Chest Pain, and Lung Nodules: Key Concerns
Recent concerns about cough, chest pain, and pulmonary nodules? Due to a family history of lung cancer (grandmother) and experiencing some respiratory symptoms earlier this year, I paid out of pocket for a low-dose CT scan, which revealed a 0.45 cm lung nodule. At that time, the ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
1. If the nodule is malignant, it may increase in size after six months. If it does increase, a biopsy may need to be considered. If you are still concerned about the 0.45 cm nodule, you can discuss with a thoracic surgeon the possibility of an earlier biopsy. 2. Coughing is usua...[Read More] Understanding Cough, Chest Pain, and Lung Nodules: Key Concerns
Understanding the Link Between Pneumothorax and Lung Cancer Risks
Questions about pneumothorax and lung cancer? Hello Doctor, I will be turning 25 this year. About seven years ago, I experienced a spontaneous pneumothorax, which was treated successfully after a week of hospitalization. I often feel a slight stabbing pain in my chest, but it is ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. Pneumothorax is not a common risk factor for lung cancer; smoking is the most significant risk factor. 2. If there is an increase in sputum volume or a change in color, please consult a pulmonologist.[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Pneumothorax and Lung Cancer Risks
Understanding Flu Symptoms: Chest Pain and Abdominal Issues Explained
Influenza, chest, and abdominal issues? Hello doctor, a few days ago I went to the clinic and was diagnosed with influenza. I was prescribed medication, including antibiotics. After that, my fever subsided, and my body aches improved. My cough and runny nose also got better, but ...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: Severe coughing can lead to chest pain and abdominal pain. If there are concerns about pneumonia, a chest X-ray can be performed to rule it out. Additionally, antibiotics can also cause diarrhea, which should improve after discontinuing the medication.[Read More] Understanding Flu Symptoms: Chest Pain and Abdominal Issues Explained
Acute vs Chronic Bronchitis: Understanding Your Symptoms and Diagnosis
Is this acute bronchitis or chronic bronchitis? Since I developed bronchitis after a cold in college, I have had issues with my bronchial tubes whenever I catch a cold. However, in the past couple of years, it seems that when I cough from a cold, it takes about two weeks or more ...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: It leans towards chronic bronchitis, and it may be necessary to check for underlying causes such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).[Read More] Acute vs Chronic Bronchitis: Understanding Your Symptoms and Diagnosis
Is It Really Asthma? Understanding Your Diagnosis and Lung Function Tests
Unsure if it is asthma? Hello, I was diagnosed by a doctor with moderate persistent asthma. I have symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and producing phlegm, but I haven't undergone any actual tests. Today, I had a pulmonary function test, which came back normal. Does this m...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
It may not be the case, but the diagnosis should be combined with clinical symptoms. During an episode, the decision should be made based on whether there is an improvement in lung function after inhaling a bronchodilator.[Read More] Is It Really Asthma? Understanding Your Diagnosis and Lung Function Tests
Understanding Coughing Up Blood: When to Seek Medical Attention
Evaluation for Hemoptysis Hello Doctor, I usually have bronchial issues and often experience coughing for one to two months, especially when I stay up late and my immune system is compromised. A doctor has diagnosed me with asthma symptoms. Two weeks ago, I had cold symptoms, inc...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: Severe coughing may result in blood-tinged sputum. The sensitivity of low-dose computed tomography (CT) is better than that of a chest X-ray. It is recommended to undergo low-dose CT to check for any subtle changes.[Read More] Understanding Coughing Up Blood: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Bacterial Infections and Treatment in Respiratory Health
Bacterial and pleural infiltration..? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a few questions... I developed yellow, foul-smelling nasal discharge due to a cold, and after seeing a doctor, it did not improve. It progressed to an upper and lower respiratory tract infection, with sinusit...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is common for normal nasal cavities and respiratory tracts to coexist with commensal bacteria, so the presence of bacteria in cultures does not necessarily indicate an infection or disease. However, based on your description, this condition may involve sinusitis and a m...[Read More] Understanding Bacterial Infections and Treatment in Respiratory Health
Understanding Left Chest Discomfort: A Comprehensive Guide to Symptoms and Solutions
Discomfort in the upper left side of the body? A few months ago, I experienced rapid heartbeat and chest tightness, which led to a feeling of heat throughout my body. I went to the emergency room at midnight, where I had an electrocardiogram and chest X-ray, both of which were no...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: You can visit the pulmonology and cardiology departments to clarify whether there are any heart or thoracic issues. If both are normal, you may consider consulting a psychosomatic medicine specialist to explore if there are recent stress-related factors.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Discomfort: A Comprehensive Guide to Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Cough Variant Asthma: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Cough-variant asthma Doctor, I previously had acute bronchitis, and now I am experiencing coughing with phlegm at night. The phlegm is clear and bubbly. Could this be a case of cough-variant asthma?
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR ARTHUR: Cough variant asthma refers to a type of asthma that primarily presents with a cough rather than wheezing. Clinically, it is often associated with nighttime cough and morning cough, and may sometimes be accompanied by allergic nasal symptoms. Cough variant asthma can...[Read More] Understanding Cough Variant Asthma: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Persistent Cough and Chest Pain During Pregnancy: What to Do?
I have been pregnant and have had a persistent cold for over a month, with a cough that won't go away. I am also coughing up small amounts of blood and experiencing pain in my chest and back? I am currently 19 weeks pregnant. At first, I thought I had a cold, so I went to th...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
The current cough has been evaluated by several physicians, and given the improvement in symptoms, it is recommended to continue symptomatic treatment. Chronic pharyngitis or mild bronchitis can easily cause slight hemoptysis due to persistent coughing; however, if there is any w...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Chest Pain During Pregnancy: What to Do?
Understanding Throat Tightness and Chest Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Throat tightness, chest tightness, and tension in the back of the neck and occipital region? Recently, while eating snacks and laughing, I felt something foreign enter my throat and get stuck at the Adam's apple. My voice changed, and I started to cough violently after only ...
Dr. Huang Ruiming Reply:
Dear Mr. Anxu, Regarding the issue you raised about multiple symptoms, including a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, it is advisable to come to the outpatient clinic for an examination. Thank you for your concern. Sincerely, Hualien Hospital, Ministry of Health and...[Read More] Understanding Throat Tightness and Chest Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Chest issues I have been feeling a tingling and itching sensation in the middle of my chest for the past two days. Sometimes I cough very hard, but I don't have a fever. What could be the problem?
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If you feel that your respiratory system is more sensitive, it is recommended to first consult an otolaryngologist to check for any abnormalities in the throat or consider an evaluation of your constitution by a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Post-Cold Coughing: Is It a Sign of Chronic Bronchitis?
Post-cold bronchial irritation? Hello Doctor, two months ago I delayed seeking medical attention due to a cold. Initially, I had tonsillitis, which later spread to my trachea. I experienced a persistent cough for about a week that kept me awake at night. Now, two months after rec...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Individuals who do not smoke are less likely to develop chronic bronchitis, so there is no need to worry excessively at this time. Your airways may be more sensitive currently. It is recommended that you consider visiting a traditional Chinese medicine clinic to adjust you...[Read More] Post-Cold Coughing: Is It a Sign of Chronic Bronchitis?
Understanding Chronic Bronchitis: Symptoms and Management Strategies
Chronic bronchitis Hello doctor, I previously had acute bronchitis and saw a doctor and took medication. I had an X-ray, and the doctor said there was no pneumonia. Now, a month has passed, and I occasionally cough. The sputum is clear and bubbly, and sometimes my chest feels itc...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: After acute bronchitis, the airways may still be in an inflammatory or hypersensitive state, requiring some time for recovery. It is recommended to consider visiting a traditional Chinese medicine clinic, as there may be some medications that can help improve airway hypers...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Bronchitis: Symptoms and Management Strategies
Alternative Treatments for Pneumoconiosis: Exploring New Options
Are there other treatment options for pneumoconiosis? My father has been taking medication for pneumoconiosis for 5 to 6 years, but there has been no improvement. A few months ago, he underwent further examination, and the cardiologist noted that there are bacteria in his lungs a...
Dr. Huang Ruiming Reply:
Dear Miss K: Pneumoconiosis is an occupational respiratory disease caused by the inhalation of dust. Currently, it cannot be cured, but to prevent respiratory failure due to infections, it is advisable to seek treatment from a specialist in pulmonary medicine. The Hualien Hospita...[Read More] Alternative Treatments for Pneumoconiosis: Exploring New Options
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
Post-Cold Cough: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery Time
Coughing after a cold? Hello doctor, I previously had acute bronchitis and have seen several doctors and had an X-ray, which showed no pneumonia. It has been a month since the onset of my symptoms, and I still occasionally cough. My throat sometimes feels itchy, and the phlegm is...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Patient: Coughing after a cold is typically a response to irritation of the tracheal mucosa. Generally, this cough should resolve within 1-2 weeks with adequate rest. However, if your immune system is compromised or if you have pre-existing airway hypersensitivity, it may pe...[Read More] Post-Cold Cough: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery Time
Understanding Throat Obstruction: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Throat obstruction, headache, tightness? Hello Doctor: Recently, while eating snacks and laughing, I felt something foreign enter my throat and get stuck at the level of my Adam's apple. My voice changed, and I started coughing violently after only a few words, but I didn&#x...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If the CT scan and ENT examination do not reveal any foreign objects, there is no need to worry about the presence of a foreign body. However, the forceful passage of a foreign object through the larynx and severe coughing can cause localized inflammation and tension in th...[Read More] Understanding Throat Obstruction: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Persistent Dry Cough: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Persistent cough? Hello doctor, I have been coughing for over a month now, and it's a dry cough. It has made my throat very painful and dry, and I also feel some discomfort in my chest. I have seen a doctor and received an injection, but the cough only stopped for one day (t...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: First, see a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray to confirm that there are no abnormalities in the lungs. If there is a poor response to Western medicine, you may also consider consulting a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to discuss any dietary and lifestyle consider...[Read More] Persistent Dry Cough: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Can You Take Antibiotics for Mycoplasma Pneumonia and Flu Meds Together?
Pneumonia and Influenza Hello, I started coughing after developing a fever on February 19, and I was recently diagnosed with pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma infection. After the doctor prescribed medication for me, my household experienced an outbreak of influenza type A, and unfo...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: It is possible to take antibiotics for 7-10 days while also treating influenza A for 5 days.[Read More] Can You Take Antibiotics for Mycoplasma Pneumonia and Flu Meds Together?