Struggling to Breathe: Understanding Throat Tightness and Hyperventilation
Experiencing difficulty in breathing while also hyperventilating? I have two questions: 1. Recently, I have been experiencing a tightening sensation in my throat and difficulty breathing. Just now, I felt like I couldn't breathe (and I still do). I stood up and took a few ...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: It could be a post-viral syndrome following COVID-19, or it might be asthma. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, there has indeed been an increase in patients like you in outpatient clinics. Most of them are able to adapt and recover. You may also consult with an otolaryngolog...[Read More] Struggling to Breathe: Understanding Throat Tightness and Hyperventilation
Understanding Long-Term Chest Tightness and Anxiety Symptoms
Long-term chest tightness and hypochondriasis? About seven years ago, the patient sought medical attention due to sudden shortness of breath, feeling unable to take a full breath, especially during physical activity, which caused some wheezing. After undergoing several tests, the...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: If you visit the pulmonology clinic to check for asthma or post-COVID sequelae and find none, it is advised to be kind to yourself. Wishing you peace and safety.[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Chest Tightness and Anxiety Symptoms
Understanding Right-Sided Chest Pain After COVID-19: Causes and Next Steps
Right-sided chest pain? After being infected with COVID-19, I have been experiencing pain on the right side of my chest (approximately from the lower edge of the breast to the outer area of the breast) for over three weeks. I have difficulty taking deep breaths, and I feel sharp ...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: The likelihood of neuropathic pain may be higher, and since the examination showed no issues, it should not be an organic problem.[Read More] Understanding Right-Sided Chest Pain After COVID-19: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Blood-tinged Phlegm and Nasal Discharge After COVID-19
Hemoptysis and epistaxis? Hello Doctor, I am currently 23 years old, do not smoke, and have no history of asthma (although I had acute bronchitis several years ago). Since being diagnosed with COVID-19 early last year, I have frequently felt a buildup of thick phlegm in my chest ...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to seek medical attention at our hospital to clarify your condition. Indeed, most mycoplasma infections can resolve on their own without medication due to the immune response; however, if it progresses to pneumonia, specific pharmacological treatment is n...[Read More] Understanding Blood-tinged Phlegm and Nasal Discharge After COVID-19
Understanding Your Chest X-Ray: Chronic Bronchitis Insights
Chronic Bronchitis X-ray Report Hello, doctor. Since my COVID-19 diagnosis last July, my allergic rhinitis has progressed to chronic bronchitis, and I have been coughing for nearly six months. I have been continuously visiting the rheumatology and immunology department, with symp...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The X-ray report appears to show no active pulmonary lesions, and the alveoli are more fully inflated. It is unclear whether this is due to being relatively thin or insufficient exhalation. It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist for further evaluation![Read More] Understanding Your Chest X-Ray: Chronic Bronchitis Insights
Understanding the Long-Term Effects of Cigar Smoking on Lung Health
Tobacco Issues Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you something. About a year ago, due to my lack of understanding, I bought a pack of small cigars from a convenience store. I smoked them like cigarettes, inhaling into my lungs, and each time I would smoke one by one. There was o...
Dr. Cai Zongwei Reply:
Hello: The notion that "cigars are harmless if not inhaled" is an internet myth. Keeping it in the mouth creates an illusion (as the thoracic movement generates negative pressure, causing inhalation through the mouth and nose, which will inevitably lead to some degree o...[Read More] Understanding the Long-Term Effects of Cigar Smoking on Lung Health
Persistent Mild Cough and Shortness of Breath: When to Seek Chest Specialist?
Persistent mild dry cough with slight shortness of breath? Hello Doctor: Due to family members exhibiting cold symptoms, I began experiencing throat discomfort in mid-October. On October 17, I visited an ENT specialist after my family members had already shown symptoms. After thr...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If respiratory symptoms persist, it is recommended to visit the thoracic medicine clinic for a chest X-ray for further evaluation![Read More] Persistent Mild Cough and Shortness of Breath: When to Seek Chest Specialist?
Feeling of Throat Obstruction After Choking: When to Seek Further Care?
Choking on the trachea? Hello, I choked while eating last night and now I feel like there's a foreign body in my throat that I can't cough out, but it feels like it's moving. After visiting an ENT clinic, the doctor used a nasopharyngoscope and said there was no fo...
Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Hello, if there is a foreign object in the trachea, most people will cough. However, if you are feeling very uncomfortable, you should seek medical attention.[Read More] Feeling of Throat Obstruction After Choking: When to Seek Further Care?
Persistent Chest Pain for a Month: Which Specialist Should You See?
If you have been experiencing chest pain for about a month, you should see a cardiologist? Hello, in the past month, I have experienced three episodes of significant chest pain, primarily located on the left side near the heart, occasionally radiating from the center. The first e...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: After undergoing a chest X-ray and pulmonary function tests in the pulmonology department, the cardiology department can perform an echocardiogram and electrocardiogram.[Read More] Persistent Chest Pain for a Month: Which Specialist Should You See?
Intermittent Chest Tightness and Lung Sounds When Lying Down
Intermittent chest tightness and the sensation of sounds in the lungs when lying down? Hello doctor, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 three months ago. After recovering, I occasionally experience shortness of breath and chest tightness, but I do not have a cough. I visited a family ...
Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. We recommend that you visit the pulmonology outpatient clinic for relevant examinations such as a chest X-ray and pulmonary function tests. This will help clarify whether the issue is physiological or related to autonomic nervous system conditio...[Read More] Intermittent Chest Tightness and Lung Sounds When Lying Down
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Concerns
Dyspnea I'm sorry, doctor. Since the beginning of September (last week), I've been experiencing some shortness of breath. Sometimes I need to take deep breaths or yawn to get enough air, but this does not affect my sleep, and there are no accompanying symptoms like coug...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, it is not sufficient for me to make a diagnosis. I recommend that you visit a nearby medical facility for a basic examination to rule out any life-threatening physiological issues. After that, appropriate treatment can be addressed for ...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Concerns
Should COVID-19 Patients Get Chest X-Rays? Key Considerations
Do COVID-19 positive patients need to undergo a chest X-ray examination? Hello, doctor. For individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, is it advisable to get a chest X-ray to check for lung issues when they test negative on a rapid test? In what situations or for which gr...
Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Hello, if you have related pulmonary symptoms, you can visit a medical facility for an evaluation by a physician to determine if a chest X-ray is necessary. Currently, there are no specific regulations or recommendations regarding which groups must undergo a chest X-ray upon diag...[Read More] Should COVID-19 Patients Get Chest X-Rays? Key Considerations
Understanding Ground-Glass Nodules: Risks and Family History Insights
The retest of the ground-glass opacities is still ongoing? Seventeen years ago, my mother discovered an approximately 8mm ground-glass nodule at the age of 46. She underwent surgery at National Taiwan University Hospital, which confirmed it was stage 0 lung adenocarcinoma (she is...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Kai: Regarding your question, 1. The presence of ground-glass opacities is not a concern; however, we cannot rule out the possibility of other issues, so regular HRCT scans are necessary. 2. For the interpretation of the scans, please consult your physician. 3. If you are un...[Read More] Understanding Ground-Glass Nodules: Risks and Family History Insights
Understanding DNR Orders and Prognosis for COVID-19 Patients with Pneumonia
A family member has tested positive for COVID-19 and has a history of chronic pneumonia? An elderly family member (68 years old) tested positive for COVID-19. The clinic physician prescribed the antiviral medication Paxlovid. After three days of treatment, the patient was urgentl...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello, regarding your question, it involves too many professional and medical ethics considerations to answer online. The mortality rate of severe COVID-19 in the elderly is not low, and it is appropriate for the physician to explain this to you and your family. The treatment pro...[Read More] Understanding DNR Orders and Prognosis for COVID-19 Patients with Pneumonia
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
Unexplained Chest Pain and Gastrointestinal Distress: Seeking Answers
Chest tightness, difficulty breathing, bloating, and dizziness? I have been experiencing a sensation of tightness in my chest when taking deep breaths, along with stomach bloating and pain that becomes unbearable before bed and upon waking. A week ago, I visited a pulmonologist d...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: According to the content, it is advisable to visit a regional-level hospital or higher for consultation and treatment by a physician.[Read More] Unexplained Chest Pain and Gastrointestinal Distress: Seeking Answers
Common Concerns About Lung Health: Answers for Anxiety Patients
Could you please provide some specific questions regarding lung examinations? Hello, Doctor. I am a patient with anxiety disorder and health anxiety. I would like to ask you some questions, and I appreciate your help. Thank you, Doctor. 1. I was diagnosed with COVID-19 last yea...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear JAMES: First, I apologize for the late response. 1: The impact of COVID-19 on the lungs, if there are no significant symptoms at the time of infection, is unlikely to lead to changes such as pulmonary nodules; the primary effect on the lungs would be fibrosis. 2: No. 3: No, ...[Read More] Common Concerns About Lung Health: Answers for Anxiety Patients
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 Left Lower Lung Nodule: Next Steps After Abnormal X-Ray
Bilateral calcified nodule in the left lower lobe (size not specified)? The health check X-ray results are abnormal, indicating a calcified nodule in the left lower lobe (size not specified). Should I go directly to a large hospital for further examination or first consult a smal...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Please return for a follow-up with the pulmonology department.[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Lung Nodule: Next Steps After Abnormal X-Ray
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?