Understanding Throat Obstruction: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Throat obstruction, headache, tightness? Hello Doctor: Recently, while eating snacks and laughing, I felt something foreign enter my throat and get stuck at the level of my Adam's apple. My voice changed, and I started coughing violently after only a few words, but I didn&#x...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If the CT scan and ENT examination do not reveal any foreign objects, there is no need to worry about the presence of a foreign body. However, the forceful passage of a foreign object through the larynx and severe coughing can cause localized inflammation and tension in th...[Read More] Understanding Throat Obstruction: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
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
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 I Dive or Skydive After Heart Surgery and Pneumothorax?
Diving or skydiving activities? Hello, doctor. I underwent surgery for a ventricular septal defect when I was 3 years old and had surgery for a spontaneous pneumothorax at 16. I am currently 26 years old and can participate in various sports like a normal person without any disco...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Skydiving may not pose any issues, but diving is generally less suitable for patients with pneumothorax. It is advisable to first undergo a CT scan to assess whether there are any remaining small air bubbles in the lungs (which could rupture due to pressure). If there are ...[Read More] Can I Dive or Skydive After Heart Surgery and Pneumothorax?
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
Assessing the Need for CT Scans in Pediatric Lung Calcification Cases
Pulmonary calcification A 7-year-old child was found to have a pulmonary calcification (one calcified area) at the end of October 2016. Follow-up X-rays were taken in November and January, with the January 24th X-ray showing no changes compared to previous images, although the do...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If you have a history of allergies, you can discuss with your physician the option of not administering contrast agents, unless the physician considers the presence of a vascular tumor or other lesions that may benefit from enhanced imaging with contrast agents, or you may...[Read More] Assessing the Need for CT Scans in Pediatric Lung Calcification Cases
Understanding Lung Calcification in Children: When to Consider CT Scans
Discovery of pulmonary calcification issues? A 7-year-old child was found to have a pulmonary calcification (one calcified area) at the end of October 2016. Follow-up X-rays were taken in November and January, and on January 24, the doctor reviewed the new and old X-rays and repo...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Calcified nodules may be scar tissue resulting from previous inflammation, and their shape and size are unlikely to change significantly. Since they occupy only a very small portion of the lungs, they will not affect respiratory function. It is recommended that no further ...[Read More] Understanding Lung Calcification in Children: When to Consider CT Scans
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
Understanding Persistent Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Further Testing
I have been experiencing chest pain for three weeks? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to explain my situation. I had a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan last June, which showed no issues. However, since the Lunar New Year this year, I have been experiencing intermitt...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, Xiao Rong. If there were no significant issues in the previous LDCT and there was no mention of the need for regular follow-up, based on the symptoms mentioned, the likelihood of developing a new tumor is relatively low. It may be worth considering a consultation with a ca...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Further Testing
Surgical Treatment Options for Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma: Risks and Benefits
Surgical treatment for stage IV lung adenocarcinoma? Director Huang, I would like to seek your expertise regarding my mother, who is 68 years old. In January 2017, a CT scan revealed a 2 cm tumor in the lower right lung. Follow-up biopsies and Tc-99m MDP scans confirmed stage IV ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR AKIRA: Stage IV lung cancer is generally inoperable; however, if there is downstaging after targeted therapy, surgery is certainly recommended as it tends to have a higher survival rate. If surgery is not an option, there are many medications available for lung adenocarcinom...[Read More] Surgical Treatment Options for Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma: Risks and Benefits
Understanding Changes in Ground-Glass Nodules: What You Need to Know
Nodule enlargement? Dr. Yang, I would like to ask about the CT scans. Today, I compared a CT scan from two years ago with one from a month ago. The doctor mentioned that I have two larger ground-glass nodules from last month; one of them has not changed much since two years ago, ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Basically, not having an increase in size for two years is good news. As long as you do not smoke, it is recommended to have a chest X-ray every six months for monitoring. Whether it is scar tissue is subjective, and without a biopsy report, it cannot be confirmed. Follow-...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Ground-Glass Nodules: What You Need to Know
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 Small Lung Nodules: Concerns and Connections
Small pulmonary nodules issue? Hello doctor, I had a low-dose CT scan in August 2015, which revealed a nodule measuring 0.2 to 0.3 cm in the upper lobe of my right lung. I have been undergoing follow-up scans every three months, and two additional CT scans during this period show...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The first nodule has not increased in size, which is likely less related to the second nodule. Congratulations on successfully quitting smoking! For follow-up, you only need to have chest X-rays every six months. Typically, nodules larger than 0.7-0.8 centimeters can be de...[Read More] Understanding Small Lung Nodules: Concerns and Connections
Understanding Lung Nodules: Is a Biopsy Necessary for Diagnosis?
Regarding pulmonary nodules? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about pulmonary nodules. If we want to take an active approach, should we first perform a biopsy? Is the biopsy of a pulmonary nodule done by inserting a needle directly through the skin? Thank you!
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: The evaluation of pulmonary nodules depends on various factors such as size, location, and shape. It is advisable to consult a pulmonologist or a thoracic surgeon for recommendations based on the actual condition of the CT scan images.[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Is a Biopsy Necessary for Diagnosis?
Understanding Lung Nodules: Risks, Asbestos Exposure, and Treatment Options
CT lung nodule issues Hello Doctor: Recently, my health check report showed six small nodules measuring 3.0 to 5.5 mm. Three years ago, I had a CT scan that showed no abnormalities, and I consulted with Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where they mentioned that some of these might b...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The original attending physician explained things quite clearly and suggested that you continue follow-up with the original physician's outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Risks, Asbestos Exposure, and Treatment Options