Chronic Cough and Chest Tightness: Understanding Your Symptoms
Persistent cough and chest tightness? Hello, doctor. After catching a cold in early 2015, I experienced a persistent cough for over two weeks and visited a pulmonologist. An X-ray showed no abnormalities, and the doctor prescribed a herbal syrup (I remember it was either made fro...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello, based on your current symptom description, it appears to be an acute asthma attack. I recommend that you visit a pulmonology clinic for further evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Chronic Cough and Chest Tightness: Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Lung Atrophy: Managing Cough and Mucus in Seniors
Mother has pulmonary atrophy, cough, and sputum production? Hello Dr. Yang, my mother has not been feeling well lately. She mentioned that she has lung atrophy, and recently her phlegm has increased, along with a persistent cough. She has been taking medication for about six mont...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your mother's lungs may have developed pulmonary fibrosis or localized atrophy due to a previous lung infection. The structure and function of the affected area are compromised, making it prone to cough or bacterial infections due to difficulty in clearing mucus. It i...[Read More] Understanding Lung Atrophy: Managing Cough and Mucus in Seniors
Understanding Coughing and Lung Health: Should You Worry About Lung Cancer?
Risk of lung cancer? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing occasional coughing for almost a month now, along with some phlegm. Sometimes I hear sounds from my airways and feel like there is phlegm inside. When I manage to cough up some phlegm, the airway sounds go away. I don&#x...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Most lung cancers do not grow rapidly in a short period of time. Since a CT scan last July did not reveal any suspicious tumor lesions, it would be advisable to get a chest X-ray for the physician to interpret. Your symptoms are more indicative of allergic rhinitis and bro...[Read More] Understanding Coughing and Lung Health: Should You Worry About Lung Cancer?
Understanding Upper Left Back Pain: Gastrointestinal or Musculoskeletal Issues?
Left upper back pain? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask some questions. I have had gastrointestinal issues for a long time, experiencing gastroenteritis at least a dozen times since childhood. Last April, I felt unwell, and the examination revealed that my dizziness was caused by...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to have a chest X-ray and then consult a pulmonologist for further advice.[Read More] Understanding Upper Left Back Pain: Gastrointestinal or Musculoskeletal Issues?
Understanding Calcifications in the Right Lung: What You Need to Know
Calcification nodules in the right lung detected during health check-up? Hello Doctor: About two months ago, I underwent a comprehensive health check-up, and the chest X-ray revealed a few small white spots in my right lung. The physician mentioned that these are likely calcifica...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Please bring all relevant information, including the CT scan and chest X-ray, to consult with a pulmonologist.[Read More] Understanding Calcifications in the Right Lung: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chest X-Ray Results: Are You Really in the Clear?
Chest X-ray Hello, I had a chest X-ray at the end of August, and the results showed no abnormalities. Does this mean everything is okay? Recently, I came across this news article about lung cancer in young adults, and it made me a bit anxious, especially since I don't have a...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Chest X-rays are a quick and convenient tool for the initial screening of pulmonary parenchymal density. If a lesion is smaller than 1 centimeter, it may be difficult to detect, or there may be functional changes (such as bronchoconstriction due to an asthma attack) where ...[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Results: Are You Really in the Clear?
Persistent Cough and Rib Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Coughing for a month, currently experiencing a dry cough and unbearable rib pain? Hello, doctor. I currently live abroad, and it's inconvenient for me to see a doctor. Last month, I had a persistent cough for about a month and relied on over-the-counter medications. During t...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: You should get a chest X-ray to clarify the cause of your chest pain. If you have phlegm that is difficult to cough up, you still need to visit a hospital or clinic. In case of emergency medical care abroad, you can report it to the National Health Insurance Administration...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Rib Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Traveling in China: Cough and Phlegm Concerns During Business Trip
Currently on a business trip in China, worried about developing pneumonia? Hello Dr. Jian, I am currently on a business trip in China. Three days ago, I started experiencing symptoms of a cold and cough. I have brought along fever-reducing medication and symptomatic treatment, ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: If you have obvious symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sore throat, it resembles a cold. However, if there are no significant cold symptoms and the fever persists for more than three days, it may indicate pneumonia or influenza. You can visit a nearby hos...[Read More] Traveling in China: Cough and Phlegm Concerns During Business Trip
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Insights for Asthma and Exercise
Shortness of breath? Hello, doctor. I have a history of asthma and I smoke, which often triggers my asthma attacks, but I can't seem to quit smoking. I have never exercised before, but recently I thought I would try jogging to see if it could improve my lung function and ast...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Please visit a pulmonologist for an evaluation to determine if it is uncontrolled asthma or another issue. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Insights for Asthma and Exercise
Is It Normal to Still Cough After Pneumonia Treatment?
Is it normal to still have a persistent cough even though pneumonia is improving? About a month ago, a chest X-ray revealed an unclear white shadow in the right upper lobe, but no treatment was initiated. A week ago, a follow-up chest X-ray was performed, and the shadow had signi...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Further follow-up is necessary. If the cough persists, there may be other underlying causes. Please consult your pulmonologist to determine if sputum analysis or other tests are needed. Thank you. Sincerely, Jian Shun Tian.[Read More] Is It Normal to Still Cough After Pneumonia Treatment?
Persistent Coughing for Months: Causes and Solutions Explained
I have been coughing for the past month or two! I have been coughing continuously! However, I don't feel like I have a cold or any other discomfort... I have visited more than four clinics, and neither injections nor medications have been effective. Symptoms: I keep coughing...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Please visit the pulmonology department for evaluation by a physician.[Read More] Persistent Coughing for Months: Causes and Solutions Explained
Should You Get a Low-Dose CT Scan for Lung Nodules?
Do nodules require a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan of the lungs? Last year, during a health check-up, a chest X-ray revealed an abnormality in one lung, prompting me to return to the hospital for a follow-up. The doctor arranged for a second set of images that day (the f...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: It is important to inform your physician about your smoking history. It is recommended to have a chest X-ray every six months, and you may consider undergoing a CT scan. Please discuss this further with your pulmonologist. Thank you.[Read More] Should You Get a Low-Dose CT Scan for Lung Nodules?
Managing Tuberculosis Treatment Transition from China to Taiwan: Key Questions
Questions Regarding Changing Treatment Countries for Tuberculosis Hello Dr. Jian, I am a Taiwanese expatriate who has been working in China for many years, and my spouse is Chinese. Recently, I was diagnosed with a positive tuberculosis (TB) test due to persistent coughing in Aug...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
1. Whether there is health insurance; if there is no health insurance, treatment can be provided without insurance status. 2. Whether the individual holds Republic of China (Taiwan) nationality. 3. Whether there is a bacterial strain identification report, whether there is a drug...[Read More] Managing Tuberculosis Treatment Transition from China to Taiwan: Key Questions
Understanding Lung Cancer Symptoms: Chest Pain and Its Differentiation
I would like to inquire about lung cancer? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the more prominent symptoms of lung cancer, such as chest pain. How can we differentiate whether the chest pain is related to lung cancer? For the past 2-3 days, I have experienced sudden shar...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: As long as the chest X-ray does not reveal any tumors, lung cancer should not be considered at this stage. We should prioritize treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) instead![Read More] Understanding Lung Cancer Symptoms: Chest Pain and Its Differentiation
Understanding Chest Pain and Persistent Cough After a Cold
Pain with deep breathing? Hello Doctor: Last month, after having a cold, I have been experiencing a persistent itchy throat and dry cough for the past month. I have taken both Western and Chinese medicine, which have slightly alleviated the cough, but I still have a dry cough. Wh...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: The presence of significant pain points makes the likelihood of lung issues lower. Low-dose computed tomography is used for screening early lung tumors; however, at 26 years old, and without a family history, it is currently not recommended. Nevertheless, if the persistent...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Persistent Cough After a Cold
Accidentally Choked: What to Do If You Inhale a Capsule
Accidentally choked? Hello Doctor: Around 5 PM, I took a lutein capsule with water, but I accidentally swallowed it too quickly (I wasn't talking or joking at the time) and slightly choked, causing a bit of water to go up my nose. However, I'm not sure if I swallowed th...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Typically, when a foreign object is aspirated into the trachea, there should be a forceful cough at the moment, followed by a persistent cough (which is an attempt to expel the foreign object from the airway). If there is a continuous cough or if it is accompanied by a fev...[Read More] Accidentally Choked: What to Do If You Inhale a Capsule
Understanding Your Chest X-Ray Report: What Do Lung Markings Mean?
Interpretation issues of chest X-ray reports? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing difficulty breathing, so I went to a large hospital for a chest X-ray. The radiology report states: "Chest 1 view PA Radiography of chest shows increasing lung markings in bilatera...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
The chest X-ray (1 view PA) shows increased lung markings in the bilateral lower lung fields. Otherwise, no significant abnormalities were identified. This indicates that the chest X-ray reveals an increase in lung markings in the lower lung fields on both sides. This is not nece...[Read More] Understanding Your Chest X-Ray Report: What Do Lung Markings Mean?
Post-Pneumonia Complications: Navigating Medical Consultations and Care
Regarding some sequelae after having pneumonia, please ask? Hello Doctor, my mother was hospitalized for a week last August due to pneumonia caused by a delayed visit to the doctor after catching a cold. After recovering, she lost nearly 10 kg and has been experiencing recurrent ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Lisa: From the clinical symptoms observed in your mother, it appears somewhat similar to tuberculosis; however, myocarditis cannot be ruled out. The examinations should not be very difficult and can include blood tests, sputum analysis, and high-resolution computed tomograph...[Read More] Post-Pneumonia Complications: Navigating Medical Consultations and Care
Could Swelling and Hoarseness Indicate Mediastinitis or Tumors?
Edema and hoarseness—could these symptoms be indicative of mediastinitis? Hello Dr. Yang, I have recently been experiencing some health issues and would like to ask if these symptoms are related to mediastinitis or a mediastinal tumor. Over the past month, I have noticed severe ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Mediastinitis is usually associated with severe chest pain and is extremely rare in clinical practice. It is recommended that you see a thoracic specialist for relevant examinations arranged by a physician![Read More] Could Swelling and Hoarseness Indicate Mediastinitis or Tumors?
Understanding Chest X-Ray Results: Is It Pneumonia?
Chest X-ray issues? Hello, Doctor. Could you please take a look at my mother's X-ray? http://ppt.cc/THUim I would like to ask if this is pneumonia. She is currently hospitalized and receiving penicillin through an IV, along with saline solution, but she has been in the hospi...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is not possible to diagnose a disease solely based on X-rays; it is more appropriate to wait for treatment and then have a follow-up X-ray for the attending physician to explain.[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Results: Is It Pneumonia?