Persistent Cough for Five Months: Seeking Answers After 20 Doctor Visits
I have been coughing for five months and have seen over 20 doctors, yet it still hasn't improved? Hello Doctor: I have been coughing since early March and have seen a doctor for the first time. I have continued to see doctors for examinations, and I have seen more than 20 do...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: At the age of 24, the likelihood of developing lung adenocarcinoma is low. Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also be one of the causes of chronic cough. It is important to consider whether the cough is related to occupational exposure. Pulmonary functi...[Read More] Persistent Cough for Five Months: Seeking Answers After 20 Doctor Visits
Acute vs Chronic Bronchitis: Understanding Your Symptoms and Diagnosis
Is this acute bronchitis or chronic bronchitis? Since I developed bronchitis after a cold in college, I have had issues with my bronchial tubes whenever I catch a cold. However, in the past couple of years, it seems that when I cough from a cold, it takes about two weeks or more ...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: It leans towards chronic bronchitis, and it may be necessary to check for underlying causes such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).[Read More] Acute vs Chronic Bronchitis: Understanding Your Symptoms and Diagnosis
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Left chest tightness and pain, near the heart area? Sudden chest discomfort without any physical impact, characterized by a dull ache rather than sharp pain or palpitations. I have been experiencing intermittent left chest pain for three days (with fluctuations in intensity). Aft...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your age indicates a lower probability of heart disease, and your electrocardiogram shows no abnormalities. It seems more like neuralgia (consider adjusting your lifestyle if you are experiencing high stress and a fast pace of life), or it could be esophageal spasm or gast...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
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 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
How to Treat Phlegm in the Throat: Tips for Relief and Recovery
Phlegm in the throat? Doctor, I have had phlegm in my throat for a week. Yesterday, I noticed that my stomach felt bloated, so I went to see a doctor and took some medication. The bloating has improved a bit. How can I treat and improve the phlegm issue? Will the phlegm in my thr...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: Are there any underlying conditions such as post-nasal drip or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? If so, they may need to be addressed together in order to improve symptoms.[Read More] How to Treat Phlegm in the Throat: Tips for Relief and Recovery
Persistent Throat Phlegm and Itching: Causes and Solutions
I have had phlegm in my throat and a scratchy sensation for about three weeks? Since the last cold, I've started to have phlegm in my throat, and sometimes it feels itchy. The phlegm is white and somewhat transparent, and it's difficult to cough up. What condition could...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear: A sensation of a lump in the throat with phlegm may be due to 1. gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) 2. post-nasal drip 3. autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Please visit the pulmonary medicine outpatient clinic at Changhua Hospital for further evaluation.[Read More] Persistent Throat Phlegm and Itching: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Chest Tightness After Drinking Cold Beverages
Chest tightness? Hello, Doctor. A few days ago, I drank about half a cup of cold alcohol (4% concentration), and I started feeling a tight and uncomfortable sensation in the middle of my chest. It felt like my chest was constricting, and I also felt a similar discomfort in the up...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: At 24 years old, heart issues are likely minimal. It may be related to esophagitis or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Please consult a gastroenterologist to determine if an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is necessary. If there are no issues, then follow up with a...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness After Drinking Cold Beverages
Understanding Left Lower Chest Pain: Causes and Solutions
Left lower chest pain? Hello doctor, recently I've been experiencing a sudden sharp pain near the fifth rib (lower left chest area) at a specific point in my chest cavity. It doesn't feel like it's coming from the muscles. I have to hold my breath slightly and then...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of chest pain, commonly including muscle strain and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A physician's assessment is necessary, and it is still recommended to seek medical evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Chest Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: CA199 Levels and Heart Palpitations
There are white spots in the thoracic cavity, and the CA 19-9 level is 37.41? I have a family history of palpitations and anemia. Recently, I experienced a recurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). I have changed my diet and no longer eat fried or spicy foods. I lost ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: There is a localized protrusion in the right upper mediastinum. Please visit the pulmonology department for a follow-up examination as soon as possible. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: CA199 Levels and Heart Palpitations
Understanding Your Cough: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Doctor, please help me! Thank you! (The content is quite long... I hope you understand, doctor.) Hello, doctor! I have previously undergone an endoscopy, which diagnosed me with mild gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, since one night at the end of June, I experience...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ting-er: Based on your description, I still believe it is related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Given your age, the likelihood of malignancy is relatively low, especially since you have already undergone an X-ray. Now, let's discuss gastroesophageal reflux....[Read More] Understanding Your Cough: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Chest Pain and Throat Discomfort: Is It GERD?
Pain radiating from the back to the lateral side of the chest? Hello, recently I have been experiencing occasional acid reflux, along with pain radiating from the back of my throat to the outer side of my chest, and I also have symptoms of dizziness. Are these signs of gastroesop...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Based on the symptoms described, it is likely gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Please visit a gastroenterologist for an evaluation, and you may need to undergo an endoscopy.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Throat Discomfort: Is It GERD?
Understanding Nighttime Chest Pain and Discomfort in Older Adults
Dad has been frequently waking up in the middle of the night due to upper body pain? Your father, who is 60 years old and has a history of smoking and alcohol use, has been experiencing pain in his upper arms that radiates to his chest during the night. The pain feels like it ori...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, based on the symptom description, if a cardiologist has ruled out myocardial infarction, the next step may involve considering some sleep-related breathing issues (sleep medicine specialty). Other conditions to exclude include obstructive pulmonary disease caused by smokin...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Chest Pain and Discomfort in Older Adults
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Left chest tightness with some pain upon pressure? Hello doctor, I have angina, but recently I've been experiencing a runny nose, nasal congestion, and excessive phlegm. I also have persistent tightness in my left chest, and pressing on a specific point in that area causes p...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to quit smoking and undergo further outpatient examination and treatment, as there may be issues related to bronchitis or soft tissue inflammation. Please refer to your treating physician for detailed information. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Understanding Right Chest Rib Pain and Associated Gastric Discomfort
Right chest rib pain, with accompanying stomach cramps? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask about the pain I experience in my right chest rib area, which extends from my armpit to the upper abdomen. I also have stomach pain (pressing on the ribs is painful, and sometimes I cough)...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Mr. Tsai: Your pain under the right rib cage may have three possible causes: 1. Neuralgia (usually intermittent sharp pain), which is likely related to stress and busyness; it is difficult to improve without changing work habits. 2. Muscle pain (related to coughing forceful...[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Rib Pain and Associated Gastric Discomfort
Persistent Cough and Sore Throat: Is It Bronchitis or GERD?
I have had a cough and sore throat for a month? I had influenza type A a month ago, and my cough and sore throat have not improved at all over the past month. My voice is also hoarse. I visited an otolaryngologist who performed a laryngoscopy and found nothing abnormal, and they ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, to confirm gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you can visit a gastroenterologist and consider undergoing an endoscopy. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chou-Tzu-Kuang.[Read More] Persistent Cough and Sore Throat: Is It Bronchitis or GERD?
Understanding Chronic Intermittent Cough: Causes and Treatment Options
Chronic intermittent cough? Hello, Dr. Zhou. I have been experiencing intermittent coughing for a year. I always feel like I can't clear my left lung, and my left throat is itchy. Whenever it itches, I feel the urge to cough. Occasionally, I have some clear phlegm, which is ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. There are many causes of chronic cough. In addition to issues related to the lungs and bronchitis, it may also be due to post-nasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asthma, and other possibilities that require further differential diagnosis. 2. For the pulm...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Intermittent Cough: Causes and Treatment Options
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
Understanding Chest Pain During Sleep: Causes and Concerns
Experiencing chest pain for the first time while sleeping, and occasionally having chest pain otherwise? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask: Yesterday while sleeping, when I turned to my left side, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my left chest (although I usually sleep on my left ...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: First, assess whether you have hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or diabetes, and a history of smoking. If so, you are at risk for cardiovascular disease. Please consult a cardiologist for evaluation or undergo a chest X-ray to rule out pulmonary issues. Gastroesophageal reflu...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain During Sleep: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Pain near the left chest area, close to the ribs? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing pain in my left chest for about six months. Initially, it was a mild discomfort, and after seeing a doctor, I was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, in the past w...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Xiao Jia: First, we need to know what tests you have undergone. Esophageal reflux is quite vague because a diagnosis requires an endoscopy, and its symptoms typically include a burning sensation in the chest. Based on your description, mild pleural effusion or mild pneumotho...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help