Understanding Blood-Streaked Sputum: Causes and Concerns
Sputum with blood streaks? Hello doctor, after New Year's Day this year, I noticed blood-streaked phlegm, but I didn't have a cough. It improved for a while, but recently the blood streaks have returned. I had an X-ray at a large hospital on January 30, and the doctor s...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: There are many causes for hemoptysis. It is essential to first ensure that there are no issues with the oral cavity and nasal passages. If the chest X-ray is normal and there are no problems in the oral cavity and nasal passages, then a bronchoscopy and chest computed tomo...[Read More] Understanding Blood-Streaked Sputum: Causes and Concerns
Severe Coughing Leading to Rib Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Coughing to the point of rib pain? Hello Doctor, I have had a cold for about two weeks. Since I am in Europe, it is quite inconvenient to seek medical care, so I have been relying on over-the-counter medications. I have had respiratory issues since childhood, and every time I cat...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, the cause of the pain may still be due to a few infections or more serious possibilities. If the symptoms persist, please seek medical attention, and consult with a physician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Severe Coughing Leading to Rib Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Green Phlegm Cough: Causes and When to Seek Help
Green phlegm cough Hello Doctor, I have been coughing for almost a month. At first, I didn't think much of it, but two weeks ago, I started coughing up green phlegm in the morning, so I went to see a doctor. I took medication for seven days, which included antibiotics. Howev...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: You still need to go to the hospital for a chest X-ray. If there are no issues, you can return to your home country to handle it. If there are any problems, consult your physician for further management.[Read More] Understanding Green Phlegm Cough: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Persistent Cough: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Coughing for over a month? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing a persistent cough for over a month, although it is not severe. About two weeks ago, I coughed up green phlegm, so I went to a clinic and took two different types of antibiotics. The first antibiotic did not improv...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Please consult a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray to check for inflammation or other issues. Lung cancer may not always be visible on a chest X-ray; if there is a history of smoking or a family history of lung cancer, you may consider paying out-of-pocket for a low-dose che...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Understanding Long-Term Chest Tightness: Causes and Initial Lung Tests
Chronic chest tightness? I have been feeling a tightness in my chest lately, making it difficult to breathe. I also often feel bloated and have a sensation of pressure in my throat, as well as overall body tension. I've been coughing frequently. Could this indicate lung inju...
Dr. Huang Ruiming Reply:
Dear Yun-Yun: Based on your condition, it may be an issue with your lungs or simply related to physical and mental stress. I recommend that you visit the thoracic medicine outpatient clinic for an examination. Huang Rui-Ming[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Chest Tightness: Causes and Initial Lung Tests
Understanding Left Chest Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
I have discomfort in my left chest cavity, and it hurts when I breathe? Hello Doctor: I had a cesarean section, and the changes in weather have caused my body to frequently experience issues. I work at a hotel front desk, and the irregular early and late shifts have led to sleep ...
Dr. Huang Ruiming Reply:
Ting: Hello, I feel discomfort in my left chest and pain when breathing. Could this be related to a thoracic condition, or is it just a neuromuscular issue? I recommend visiting a thoracic specialist for a more thorough examination. Thank you for your consultation, Huang Ruiming.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Left Chest Pain and Breathing Difficulties: A Guide
Left chest tightness and difficulty breathing? Hello, doctor. I have arrhythmia and often end up in the emergency room. However, my cardiologist said that the X-ray and 24-hour Holter monitor results were normal, but the resting ECG showed abnormalities. I frequently experience l...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear QW: Hello, based on the description, symptoms, and age, it is possible that you have asthma, as bronchoconstriction can also cause chest pain, especially if it occurs at night. However, you still need to visit a pulmonologist for a definitive diagnosis. Changhua Hospital car...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain and Breathing Difficulties: A Guide
Persistent Coughing: When to Seek Medical Attention for Symptoms
Persistent cough Hello: I have been coughing for a long time. Whenever I talk for too long, I start coughing uncontrollably, and I also feel very weak and easily get sleepy. Am I coming down with a cold? If it is a cold, do I need to see a doctor?
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
I have been coughing for a long time, and it is essential to see a doctor. It is necessary to identify the cause of the cough, which can be very diverse and cannot be explained in detail. Please consult a pulmonologist for evaluation, as you may need a chest X-ray and other tests...[Read More] Persistent Coughing: When to Seek Medical Attention for Symptoms
Breathing Difficulties While Showering: Causes and Solutions
Difficulty breathing while showering? Recently, I have been experiencing nasal congestion without a runny nose, and I often have difficulty breathing while showering. My lungs feel itchy, making it hard to take deep breaths, and if I try to inhale deeply, I end up coughing. When ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms resemble those of respiratory allergies. For nasal allergies, you should consult an otolaryngologist. For respiratory allergies, you can see a pulmonologist to arrange for pulmonary function tests. Best wishes![Read More] Breathing Difficulties While Showering: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Yellow-Green Phlegm: Causes and When to Seek Help
Yellow-green sputum Hello doctor, I have had a mild cough for the past month, and for about two weeks, I've been producing yellowish phlegm. On the morning of January 19th, the first phlegm I coughed up was green, so I immediately went to see a doctor. I recently traveled ab...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, to rule out pneumonia, a chest X-ray (CXR) is necessary for confirmation, and follow-up CXR is also recommended. However, the diagnosis of lung cancer may require more precise examinations, as CXR can only detect larger and more obvious lung cancers. Please consult with th...[Read More] Understanding Yellow-Green Phlegm: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Bronchiectasis: Symptoms, Risks, and Management Strategies
Bronchiectasis Hello Dr. Yang, I am Sandy, who consulted you about bronchiectasis on November 22. I appreciate your response, but I still have some concerns I would like to discuss. I have been suffering from recurrent pneumonia for the past seven years, which has led to localize...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: First of all, congratulations on the improvement of your respiratory symptoms. The 20-30 chest X-rays and the bronchiectasis currently do not show any correlation with the incidence of lung cancer, so please do not worry! Inhaling lung irritants or secondhand smoke is some...[Read More] Understanding Bronchiectasis: Symptoms, Risks, and Management Strategies
Can Bronchitis Cause Chest Cavity Itching? Understanding Your Symptoms
Can bronchitis cause itching in the chest? Dear Doctor: I previously had a cold with bronchitis, and an X-ray showed no pneumonia. However, I have a very sensitive itching sensation inside my right chest cavity (not on the surface), and pressing on it can trigger a cough. Sometim...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: In cases of severe tracheobronchitis or bronchitis, one may experience coughing and a sensation of itchiness behind the sternum, but coughing triggered by pressure on the chest or breast is relatively uncommon. If the chest X-ray shows no abnormalities, you may seek a seco...[Read More] Can Bronchitis Cause Chest Cavity Itching? Understanding Your Symptoms
Sudden Sharp Pain in Right Chest: Causes and When to Seek Help
Sudden sharp pain in the right chest without any apparent cause? Hello, I suddenly experienced sharp pain in my right chest after coughing. It hurts when I inhale, but it's bearable. I couldn't find any information online, and over-the-counter pain medication has provid...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Lion, if chest pain persists, please seek medical attention as soon as possible to confirm with imaging studies. For detailed information, please consult your treating physician. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Sudden Sharp Pain in Right Chest: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Is It Related to Bronchitis?
Bronchitis, itching in the right thoracic cavity? Dear Doctor: I previously had bronchitis due to a cold, and although my X-ray showed no pneumonia, I experience a very sensitive itching sensation inside my right chest cavity (not on the surface). Pressing on it can even trigger ...
Dr. Huang Ruiming Reply:
For allergic bronchitis, if the cough does not improve, it is recommended to visit the pulmonology clinic for a reevaluation. Thank you for your message.[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Is It Related to Bronchitis?
Understanding Chest Trauma: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Blow
A bruise is a pain that breathes? My boyfriend struck me forcefully with his bare hands in the area just below my chest, around the costal arch (slightly to the left of the center below the left breast). At that moment, I was unable to breathe for about one to two seconds, follow...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: 1. A heavy impact to the chest can potentially injure the chest muscles, ribs, lungs, diaphragm, spleen, cardiovascular system, stomach, and other structures, depending on the severity of the impact. 2. Rib fractures may not be visible on an X-ray within the first two days...[Read More] Understanding Chest Trauma: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Blow
Understanding Persistent Throat Discomfort After a Cold: Causes and Tips
Cough and dry throat? When I have a cold, my throat feels uncomfortable and scratchy, and it itches, which makes me want to cough, but there's no phlegm and no nasal discharge. This has lasted for nearly two weeks. Drinking warm water helps reduce the urge to cough and makes...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, based on what you've described, it is possible that you have nasal allergies/bronchitis, which may also be accompanied by a bacterial infection. Please consult with an otolaryngologist or a pulmonologist. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat Discomfort After a Cold: Causes and Tips
Persistent Cough and Back Pain: Is It Just a Cold?
Persistent cough accompanied by lower back pain? I have been experiencing a cold and cough for two weeks. Initially, I visited an otolaryngologist who diagnosed me with acute pharyngitis and prescribed medication. However, after finishing the medication, my condition did not impr...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Student Wu: Since you have been coughing continuously for almost three weeks, it is advisable to visit the hospital for an examination. There are many causes for lower back pain, and considering your age, please pay attention to your body posture. Changhua Hospital cares abo...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Back Pain: Is It Just a Cold?
Unexplained Coughing Up Blood and Chest Pain: Seeking Answers
Hemoptysis and chest pain of unknown origin? Hello Dr. Yang, I have a 15-year smoking history but have quit smoking. I currently have several symptoms that I would like to consult with you about. 1. Chest Pain: Since mid-September, I have experienced slight discomfort and pain ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: I believe the relevant examinations you have undergone are sufficient. The conclusion is that there is mild bronchiectasis or bronchitis, and the hemoptysis caused by either condition may be due to microvascular rupture, typically resulting from severe coughing or inadvert...[Read More] Unexplained Coughing Up Blood and Chest Pain: Seeking Answers
Understanding Hemoptysis: Causes of Coughing Blood and Chest Pain
Coughing up blood, chest pain, chest tightness, and phlegm? Hello Dr. Zhou: Four years ago, I underwent a biopsy for a lung nodule, which turned out to be fine! Since then, I have often had phlegm in my throat, and sometimes I feel chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Althou...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, 1. If the nodule has not changed over the past four years and a biopsy has been performed, the likelihood of it being benign is highest. 2. If the computed tomography shows bronchiectasis, this condition may present with symptoms such as hemoptysis and sputum production...[Read More] Understanding Hemoptysis: Causes of Coughing Blood and Chest Pain
Do You Really Need Antibiotics for Cough and Green Phlegm?
Cold and cough? Hello, Doctor. I have respiratory issues (holding a disability certificate), so I am prone to catching colds with significant weather changes. However, when I visit the hospital, the doctor prescribes antibiotics upon hearing that my cough produces yellow-green ph...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Lin: Regarding your respiratory issues, which specific aspect are you referring to? This is related to subsequent management. Antibiotics are not always necessary; the physician will make a comprehensive judgment. It is not always possible to distinguish between viral an...[Read More] Do You Really Need Antibiotics for Cough and Green Phlegm?