Understanding Persistent Throat and Chest Discomfort: Is It a Foreign Body?
Throat tightness, chest tightness, and tension in the back of the neck and occipital region? I would like to ask the doctor, if there is indeed a foreign object in the trachea or vocal cords, even something as small as an insect or food residue, will it definitely trigger a stron...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: The presence of a foreign body in the trachea typically causes coughing and inflammation. It is unclear whether this is related to the current symptoms. It is recommended to perform a chest X-ray, as determining whether a foreign body has entered and remained in the trache...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat and Chest Discomfort: Is It a Foreign Body?
Understanding Throat Tightness and Chest Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Feeling of throat obstruction and chest tightness? Hello, doctor: I once choked while eating, which caused severe coughing. Later, I forced myself to swallow to suppress the reflexive cough. After suppressing it, I felt a contraction in my throat muscles, and I started experienci...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: A chest CT scan may provide a clearer view of subtle changes in the lungs.[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
Unexplained Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns Explored
Unexplained pain in the left chest? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your patient response to another question. I do not smoke or drink alcohol, but I have been experiencing chronic post-nasal drip and gastroesophageal reflux. I have been on choles...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Thank you for your clear description! Based on the previous suggestion, you can consider seeing a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to adjust your constitution and modify certain lifestyle habits.[Read More] Unexplained Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns Explored
Chronic Cough: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Treatment
Persistent cough that does not improve? I have been coughing for a long time, at least a year. It started as a cold, and I often had colds. I remember two years ago I just felt like I had phlegm, but then I don't know when it started that I began to cough continuously. Somet...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Yise: There are many causes of chronic cough, but based on your description and age, I personally believe it may be due to allergies. You should consider going to the hospital for further examination, especially regarding asthma-related tests, as this condition can sometimes...[Read More] Chronic Cough: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Treatment
Understanding Latent vs. Active Tuberculosis: What You Need to Know
Question about pulmonary tuberculosis? In the case of tuberculosis (TB), if a person shows no symptoms, has no discomfort, and experiences no cough, but a chest X-ray reveals shadows in the lungs, and subsequent tests show a negative sputum smear for TB bacteria but a positive ba...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: It is still classified as open, with a transmissibility of 17%.[Read More] Understanding Latent vs. Active Tuberculosis: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Heart Health
Mild chest pain? Hello Doctor: During high school, I occasionally experienced a squeezing pain in my heart. As I got older, the squeezing pain became associated with a feeling of not being able to breathe, requiring me to take deep breaths. I can feel my heart beating very strong...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: You are still young and not yet at the age of vascular aging. Some young individuals may experience heart valve issues. Since you are concerned about potential heart problems, it is advisable to consult a cardiologist for peace of mind![Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Heart Health
Understanding Coughing Up Blood: Causes and Next Steps for Patients
Coughing and sneezing with the presence of blood-tinged sputum, blood streaks, or blood spots? The patient has a long-term history of post-nasal drip and gastroesophageal reflux, has been taking cholesterol-lowering medication for an extended period, exercises infrequently, and h...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Based on the above, it seems that the microvasculature of the nasal cavity, throat, or trachea is relatively fragile and can easily rupture and bleed due to increased pressure (such as from coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects). The bleeding is usually minimal and ...[Read More] Understanding Coughing Up Blood: Causes and Next Steps for Patients
Understanding X-Ray Findings: Are 'Snowflake Opacities' a Sign of Lung Cancer?
X-ray examination issues? Hello Doctor, I have been coughing for the past few months. A couple of days ago, I woke up to find pink blood in my sputum, and I also have back pain. I have a long history of smoking and am concerned it might be a lung issue, so I went to the hospital ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The X-ray shows a snowflake-like hazy infiltration, which is primarily considered to be due to infection or inflammation. After treatment, a follow-up X-ray can be performed. If the condition persists after two weeks of treatment, further examinations (such as a CT scan) s...[Read More] Understanding X-Ray Findings: Are 'Snowflake Opacities' a Sign of Lung Cancer?
Understanding Coughing and Blood in Sputum: Is Lung Cancer a Concern?
Please consult a doctor? Hello Doctor, I have a smoking habit and occasionally experience a few coughs and a scratchy throat. This morning, when I woke up and coughed up phlegm, I noticed that it seemed to have blood in it; it was a light pink color mixed with clear phlegm. I...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Here are three simple suggestions! 1. First, consult an otolaryngologist to confirm that the blood-tinged sputum is not due to mucosal damage in the nasal cavity, throat, or oral cavity (including the gums)! 2. If the otolaryngologist confirms that it is not from the above...[Read More] Understanding Coughing and Blood in Sputum: Is Lung Cancer a Concern?
Can Tuberculosis Still Be Contagious After Completing Treatment?
Can tuberculosis still be contagious after completing medication treatment? My father-in-law has tuberculosis but has completed his medication treatment and is currently going to the hospital for regular check-ups and follow-ups. My child is currently over three months old, and m...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: After completing treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis, the chance of relapse is less than 5%. If regular follow-up chest X-rays show stability and there are no symptoms such as fever or significant cough with sputum, you should be treated like a normal person, and there wi...[Read More] Can Tuberculosis Still Be Contagious After Completing Treatment?
Cough Management During Tracheostomy Decannulation Training
Tracheostomy tube decannulation training - Coughing issues? Hello doctor, my grandmother was undergoing tracheostomy tube weaning training today, but she coughs roughly every 15-25 minutes, and each time it is quite severe, lasting about 5-10 seconds. It has been four hours now, ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If the cough is due to excessive phlegm, it can only rely on caregivers to enhance chest physiotherapy and suctioning. If there is not much phlegm and the airways are just more sensitive, cough suppressants can be used to reduce cough sensitivity. Family members should pri...[Read More] Cough Management During Tracheostomy Decannulation Training
Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
About lung adenocarcinoma? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a cold with symptoms of cough, runny nose, and sore throat since mid-February. I have seen 3 to 4 doctors over the course of about 10 days without improvement. Eventually, I discovered that my symptoms were due to ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR LEE: Based on your description, I think one diagnosis that must be considered is tuberculosis. Tuberculous lymphadenitis typically does not present with afternoon fevers, so tuberculosis should be considered. Please visit an otolaryngologist for a biopsy; it is unlikely to b...[Read More] Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission Risks in Family Caregivers
Transmission of Tuberculosis (TB) Hello doctor, my grandfather was suspected of having tuberculosis today and has been moved to an isolation ward. My father visits him every day without wearing a mask and has helped wipe away the phlegm my grandfather coughed up. Now my father ha...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. Please do not worry too much until the doctor confirms that your grandfather has tuberculosis. Additionally, it is recommended to wear a mask (N95) when entering the negative pressure isolation room. 2. The symptoms of tuberculosis can be assessed using the seven-point ...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission Risks in Family Caregivers
Understanding Chest Tightness, Chronic Laryngitis, and Cough Symptoms
Chest tightness & chronic laryngitis & cough Hello doctor, I have been experiencing this issue for about six months. It started after a common cold that took a long time (over two months) to recover from. Since then, I have been left with the following symptoms: 1. My thr...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Currently, there are no significant abnormalities in the Western medical examination results. It is recommended to consult with a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner to see if there are any medications or lifestyle adjustments that can be made.[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness, Chronic Laryngitis, and Cough Symptoms
Could Back Pain and Coughing Indicate Lung Cancer? A Patient's Concern
Experiencing back pain for two months, along with a recent onset of a dry cough, could raise concerns about various conditions, including lung cancer. However, these symptoms can also be associated with other medical issues. It is important to consult a healthcare professional fo...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your age, recent X-ray examination, and history of exposure to carcinogens are not significant. You currently belong to a low-risk group for lung cancer. As for the pain in your upper back, you have already consulted with a rehabilitation specialist. Please follow the phys...[Read More] Could Back Pain and Coughing Indicate Lung Cancer? A Patient's Concern
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Symptoms Explained
Shortness of breath? The doctor would like to ask about recent symptoms of suddenly feeling unable to breathe, experiencing shortness of breath that requires taking a deep breath to alleviate. There is no chest tightness, but currently, there is some phlegm in the throat that can...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Unstable weather can also cause similar symptoms. If the symptoms persist, it is still recommended to visit a pulmonology clinic for evaluation and to undergo a chest X-ray. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Chest pain? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing pain in the center of my chest recently. I do not have a cough, and an X-ray showed no issues. The pain does not occur when I am still, but it does hurt when I take a deep breath, and it also hurts when I perform chest expansion ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: A normal chest X-ray should not show any significant lung disease; it is more likely to be neuralgia. You can take muscle relaxants or pain relievers for 2-3 days in the short term. Maintain a regular daily routine and ensure adequate rest, which should help improve your c...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma: Pain Management and Survival Rates
Stage IV lung adenocarcinoma I would like to ask about a situation where a patient has been coughing for a long time, leading to chest pain and side abdominal pain, and subsequently sought medical attention. It was discovered that there is pleural effusion, and after hospitalizat...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR OZ: Cancer staging is assessed using the T (tumor size), N (lymph nodes), and M (metastasis) system. If pleural effusion is related to cancer, it indicates metastasis. If pain persists, a transdermal fentanyl patch can be used. The average survival period is around 6 to 9 mo...[Read More] Understanding Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma: Pain Management and Survival Rates
Understanding Chest Pain and Breathing Issues After Bronchitis
There are occasional sharp pains on the left side of the chest? Hello, doctor. Here's the situation: I previously had bronchitis due to a cold, and I was feeling a bit better. However, during the holidays, when I went to exercise, I sometimes found it hard to catch my breath...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
Severe coughing due to a respiratory infection may cause chest pain, and playing sports could exacerbate muscle pain. It is recommended to take a break for the time being. If symptoms do not improve with rest, it is advisable to return to the hospital for a follow-up consultation...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Breathing Issues After Bronchitis