Morning Sore Throat and Phlegm: Possible Causes and Solutions
Sore throat or phlegm? Hello Doctor: I always experience a sore throat after waking up, but it improves after a while. After eating, I often have phlegm in my throat and cough, but it also resolves shortly after. (I had an episode of gastroesophageal reflux before). Thank you for...
Dr. Tao Ruiming Reply:
Hello: Please visit the otolaryngology outpatient clinic for consultation.[Read More] Morning Sore Throat and Phlegm: Possible Causes and Solutions
Persistent Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Medical Help
Persistent cough I have a question for the doctor. Last year, I was diagnosed with a condition that caused a cough, which lasted for almost two months before it improved. This April, I started experiencing a dry cough again, which has persisted until now in July. There were a few...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ah-Sheng: It has been a while since you were diagnosed, and the cough that has developed may require further examination for possible phlegm obstruction in the throat. There are many related factors, such as post-nasal drip, autonomic nervous system dysregulation, and airway...[Read More] Persistent Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Medical Help
Upper Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention and Which Specialist to See
Pain in the upper center of the chest? Hello Doctor, I have recently noticed a pain in the area just below the collarbone in the center of my chest. It feels similar to being struck hard (though there have been no recent injuries or impacts). I usually do not feel pain when at re...
Dr. Cai Zongwei Reply:
Hello: If there is pain in the sternum area (extrathoracic, related to movement), you can request an evaluation from the surgical department (orthopedics or thoracic surgery). If there are concerns about potential pulmonary lesions or accompanying respiratory symptoms, you may co...[Read More] Upper Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention and Which Specialist to See
Post-COVID Cough and Breathing Issues: Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Asthma symptoms after diagnosis? Hello, doctor. First of all, I had asthma when I was a child, but I rarely experienced episodes as I grew older, and I have had very few symptoms over the past ten years. However, three weeks ago, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 for the second time....
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If symptoms do not improve or if you hear wheezing sounds while breathing, it is recommended to see a pulmonologist to assess for possible asthma recurrence![Read More] Post-COVID Cough and Breathing Issues: Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Left chest pain? Today, I felt a slight intermittent pain in my left chest, and throughout the day, the pain has been quite frequent. Recent chest X-ray results from a health check showed everything to be normal. Aside from the mild intermittent pain in my left chest, I have no o...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to see a cardiologist for an examination to check for any issues. If there are no problems with the thoracic cavity and heart, it may be intercostal neuralgia.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Is Your Cough and Fever a Sign of Lung Inflammation?
Having a slight fever after choking? Hello, doctor. Last Thursday, I accidentally inhaled some black rice into my trachea and started coughing at that moment, but I'm not sure if I coughed it out. Since last Friday until today, Wednesday, my temperature has been around 37.5 ...
Dr. Wang Zhengde Reply:
Dear Ms. Yuan, Based on your description, it is possible that a foreign object has aspirated into your lungs. While generally healthy adults should be able to cough out foreign objects, if you are experiencing fever or persistent coughing, I recommend that you visit a nearby hos...[Read More] Is Your Cough and Fever a Sign of Lung Inflammation?
Choking on Food: Signs of Aspiration and When to Seek Help
Choking on food and unsure if it was coughed out? Hello doctor, yesterday I choked on some Job's tears while eating, and I had a severe coughing fit at the time, but I'm not sure if I coughed it out. Today, I feel a tightness in my chest and have a persistent urge to co...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Yu: It cannot be ruled out that food may be lodged in the trachea based on clinical symptoms. If there is no improvement, it is advisable to consult a pulmonologist for a bronchoscopy. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Choking on Food: Signs of Aspiration and When to Seek Help
Concerns About Pneumothorax or Chest Injury After Trauma?
Is there a concern for pneumothorax or chest contusion? Four days ago, I experienced a blunt force impact to the lower left rib cage, similar to the sensation of chest compressions during CPR. At that moment, I felt air being forcibly expelled from my chest cavity, followed by a ...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: You should see a pulmonologist to determine if it is a pneumothorax or just a contusion.[Read More] Concerns About Pneumothorax or Chest Injury After Trauma?
Understanding Post-Choking Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Symptoms after choking? Hello Doctor: On May 26, while drinking milk tea and eating a hamburger, I choked while talking to a colleague. I felt like I choked because there were people around, but I still swallowed it down. After that, I went to the restroom and coughed. A day or t...
Dr. Cai Zongwei Reply:
Hello: If you have persistent hoarseness in your throat (which is part of the upper respiratory tract), please consult an otolaryngologist. If there is a foreign body in the bronchi (which is part of the lower respiratory tract), small foreign objects may be coughed out on their ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Choking Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Follow-Up Care for Pneumothorax: X-Ray Importance and Recovery
Follow-up for pneumothorax? Hello, I would like to ask: Previously, I had a pneumothorax and had a drainage tube placed to remove the air. When I was discharged, the doctor mentioned that I should have an X-ray during my next follow-up visit to check the situation. However, due t...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello, regarding the question you raised, I cannot accurately determine why your attending physician did not follow up with an X-ray during your return visit, as I am not aware of their primary considerations. If I were your attending physician, it might be because you no longer ...[Read More] Understanding Follow-Up Care for Pneumothorax: X-Ray Importance and Recovery
Can a Cold Affect LDCT Results? Important Considerations for Patients
Is it safe to undergo LDCT while having a cold? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing a long-term cough with blood, and I have scheduled a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan for next Monday, May 22. However, I currently have a cold and a sore throat. Will having a cold af...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Generally, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is used for lung cancer screening. If there are acute symptoms, there may be pneumonia or other pulmonary infiltrates, which could present additional abnormal shadows on the imaging. However, if the purpose is to perform a che...[Read More] Can a Cold Affect LDCT Results? Important Considerations for Patients
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes, Relief, and When to Seek Help
Chest tightness issue? Hello Dr. Zhou: I have been experiencing a feeling of tightness and pressure near the indentation in my chest, and sometimes I feel a bit of shortness of breath. It seems that as long as I don't pay attention to the tightness in my chest, I don't ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Please visit the pulmonology department for a consultation with a physician.[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes, Relief, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Chest and Respiratory Issues: When to Seek Medical Help
Respiratory and thoracic-related issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you some questions. My current situation is a bit complicated. I previously experienced autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and I have some tightness in the upper part of my neck that hasn't complet...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Please continue to seek treatment from a physician.[Read More] Understanding Chest and Respiratory Issues: When to Seek Medical Help
Assessing Lung Cancer and Tuberculosis Risks After Past Coughing Episodes
About seven years ago, I had a cough that lasted for about 3 to 4 weeks, and it resolved with medication. Is there a risk of lung cancer or tuberculosis? Hello, I would like to ask about an episode I had approximately 7 years ago when I experienced an unexplained cough for about ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The likelihood of these two conditions occurring at your age is very low. However, if there are significant abnormalities in your lungs, an X-ray is necessary to confirm.[Read More] Assessing Lung Cancer and Tuberculosis Risks After Past Coughing Episodes
Understanding Your Chest Scan: Key Insights for Chronic Cough and Throat Phlegm
Hello, doctor. I would like to ask for your help in reviewing my test results, as I have some questions I would like to discuss? I have been experiencing a long-term cough and often feel phlegm in my throat. I have seen many doctors at various clinics and taken numerous medicatio...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to consult the original prescribing physician regarding the relevant test reports, as they can provide explanations in conjunction with your original symptoms, other medical history, or family history.[Read More] Understanding Your Chest Scan: Key Insights for Chronic Cough and Throat Phlegm
Understanding Your Chest X-Ray and Blood Test Results: Key Insights
Hello Dr. Huang, I would like to ask you about the X-ray report and blood test report. Thank you for your help? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing breathing difficulties for over 10 years. Sometimes, I feel a sensation of constriction in my airways, and when I breathe forcefu...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ming: From your report, it is clear that you are experiencing an allergic reaction. The persistent cough is related to this, and the test data, especially the IgE levels, are very indicative. It is likely asthma. Further pulmonary function tests should be conducted. The thic...[Read More] Understanding Your Chest X-Ray and Blood Test Results: Key Insights
Understanding Nausea and Coughing in Autonomic Nervous System Disorders
Intermittent nausea with autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about my husband. He has autonomic nervous system dysfunction and experiences intermittent nausea. When he feels nauseous, he coughs and makes a gagging sound, but he usually doe...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If you have a tendency to have a runny nose, you can consult an otolaryngologist to check for post-nasal drip. If there is no post-nasal drip or allergic rhinitis, then you should see a neurologist![Read More] Understanding Nausea and Coughing in Autonomic Nervous System Disorders
Understanding Throat Irritation and Dry Cough: Is It Asthma?
Itchy throat and dry cough? I have a habit of running 10 kilometers or hiking regularly, and I participate in full marathon events. I do not smoke or drink alcohol. I have been experiencing nasal allergies, often sneezing, and I frequently have a scratchy throat and dry cough, al...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: You may have allergic rhinitis, so be careful not to consume overly cold foods. If you are not experiencing difficulty breathing, you might consider not using bronchodilators for the time being![Read More] Understanding Throat Irritation and Dry Cough: Is It Asthma?
Understanding Occasional Cough: Is It a Sign of Lung Cancer?
Sometimes cough? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my mother. She has had a cough for about three weeks, but her condition is such that she coughs occasionally, not continuously. Sometimes she feels the need to clear her throat or cough lightly a couple of times. She tends ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Xiao Pang: The symptoms of lung cancer are often atypical. Smoking and family history are considered high-risk factors, and low-dose computed tomography (CT) can be used for early diagnosis. There are many causes of coughing; of course, the common cold is the most frequent. ...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Cough: Is It a Sign of Lung Cancer?
Should You Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Breathing Issues?
Should you seek medical attention for shortness of breath immediately, or can you wait a week before seeing a doctor? I have been experiencing a persistent cough and have been diagnosed with fungal and tuberculosis infections, for which I regularly see a pulmonologist. I have no ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. If you experience new symptoms or develop shortness of breath or fever, seek medical attention promptly. 2. If your respiratory condition worsens, temporarily discontinue exercise and have your physician reassess during your appointment.[Read More] Should You Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Breathing Issues?