Asthma or Autonomic Nervous System Disorder: Understanding Your Symptoms
Is it asthma or autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Hello, doctor. I have asthma due to family history (my grandfather had asthma), but under the misconception that I no longer had asthma symptoms after middle school, my parents didn't let me use a dry powder inhaler, fear...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms still resemble asthma. The pulmonary function test showed improvement in symptoms after inhalation of a short-acting bronchodilator. The report can be further interpreted by your physician. The difficulty in breathing affects the autonomic nervous system as a...[Read More] Asthma or Autonomic Nervous System Disorder: Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Blood Test Results: Can GERD Affect Your Health?
Blood test Hello Doctor, a few days ago I went to the emergency room due to fever, chest tightness, pain, and difficulty breathing. I had blood tests and an X-ray. It was found that my white blood cell count was slightly elevated, and my troponin (Tn) level was over a thousand, w...
Dr. Zhang Youzheng Reply:
Hello: Upon checking, there is no Tn index. Please confirm if the value is correct. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Can GERD Affect Your Health?
Does an Acute Asthma Attack Impact Lung Function Permanently?
Does an acute asthma attack affect lung function? Hello, doctor. My situation is that I had asthma during elementary school, but I haven't had an attack for a long time. During this period, I engaged in vigorous activities such as running and dancing without any issues or as...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: In theory, when asthma is not exacerbated, lung function should return to its original state. It is recommended that you undergo another pulmonary function test to determine if any changes to your medication are necessary![Read More] Does an Acute Asthma Attack Impact Lung Function Permanently?
Understanding Unexplained Chest Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
For examinations with no clear diagnosis? I have been experiencing chest tightness and difficulty breathing for the past week, but it has become more pronounced in the last two days, especially at night. I even have to take a breath while eating. I went to a clinic where they mea...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Ms. Hsiao, regarding your family medical history, the information provided has been evaluated with an X-ray, which has initially ruled out some acute conditions. You are experiencing symptoms such as cough and sputum production. For further evaluation, it is recommended tha...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Chest Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Chest Pain and Throat Irritation: Possible Causes and Solutions
Chest pain and dry, itchy throat? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing chest pain for the past two months. Initially, the pain was only on the left side, but now it has also started on the right side. Sometimes, I also feel pain in my back and shoulders. I have researched onlin...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, Haoxuan. You have been experiencing chest pain for two months, which has changed from being unilateral to bilateral, along with pain in your back and shoulders. X-rays show no abnormalities, so it may be worth considering other causes of soft tissue inflammation, such as m...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Throat Irritation: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Discomfort in the Stomach, Chest, and Throat: A Guide
Discomfort in the stomach, chest, and throat? Hello, doctor. Last October, I experienced stomach discomfort (loss of appetite, feeling full after eating a little, and nausea) and went to a gastroenterologist for an endoscopy. The doctor informed me of mild inflammation and prescr...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: After undergoing an endoscopy, it has been confirmed that there are no tumors in the esophagus. Dietary changes and continued use of gastric medications should lead to improvement in gastroesophageal reflux. For the sensation of a foreign body in the throat, you may first ...[Read More] Understanding Discomfort in the Stomach, Chest, and Throat: A Guide
Understanding Hemoptysis: Causes, Risks, and Smoking's Impact
Hemoptysis of unknown origin? Hello Doctor, my father is 53 years old and has been smoking for 40 years, currently smoking an average of 20 cigarettes a day. Three months ago, he coughed up blood-tinged sputum. He had an X-ray done at the hospital, but the doctor did not provide ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Large tumors and typical cavitary lung infiltrates are more easily diagnosed by X-ray, while small nodules may simply indicate bronchitis or early-stage pulmonary nodules. It is generally safer to follow up after three months to check for any changes, and follow-up examina...[Read More] Understanding Hemoptysis: Causes, Risks, and Smoking's Impact
Unexplained Hemoptysis: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Hematemesis for about a week with no identifiable cause? A family member, a 23-year-old male currently abroad, has a history of tuberculosis that has been resolved. Around the end of March this year, he experienced severe coughing symptoms without hemoptysis, which was diagnosed ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: First, use hemostatic medications to control the bleeding. Avoid heavy lifting or constipation, and do not consume spicy foods, supplements, fried foods, or dishes with alcohol, as these may cause microvascular rupture in scar tissue. Also, avoid drinking very hot water or...[Read More] Unexplained Hemoptysis: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and When to Seek Help
Shortness of breath? Hello, Doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing frequent breathing difficulties, especially before bedtime. It feels like my breathing is not smooth, and I have a sensation of pressure on my chest. If I pay special attention to my breathing rhythm, it fe...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, "In recent months, I have often experienced difficulty breathing, especially before sleep, feeling as if something is pressing on my heart." "I have also been experiencing frequent post-nasal drip and nasal congestion. I'm not sure if this is directly r...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Tuberculosis Testing and Preventive Treatment for Young Children
Tuberculosis testing and the use of prophylactic medication for young children? Hello, Doctor. I would like to inquire about the tuberculosis (TB) testing and the use of preventive medication for young children. My child is currently 1 year and 4 months old, and we live in Austra...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Ann, here are the answers to your questions: 1. Currently in Taiwan, only contacts of tuberculosis (TB) patients undergo the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), unless there is a specific history of exposure or suspicion of active disease. 2. Clinically, a nine-month treatment reg...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Testing and Preventive Treatment for Young Children
Is Chest Tightness a Sign of Asthma? Understanding Your Symptoms
Is chest tightness a sign of asthma? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing intermittent shortness of breath and chest tightness for many years. Usually, I feel a slight tightness, but I often need to take deep breaths. During severe episodes, it feels very uncomfortable, as if I...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Pudding: Based on your description, it has indeed been a while. Given your history of asthma in childhood, it is most likely that you are still experiencing asthma. You may consider undergoing an asthma provocation test and checking some biomarkers. Foster is primarily a mai...[Read More] Is Chest Tightness a Sign of Asthma? Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Drainage Issues in Spontaneous Pneumothorax Treatment
Issues Related to Drainage in Pneumothorax Treatment Hello, Dr. Yang. I am currently in the hospital being treated for a spontaneous pneumothorax. However, the drainage device suddenly shows no signs of activity. In other words, there is no air being expelled when I cough. Connec...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: I would like to consult the doctor again. If there is no more air leakage, there will be no movement (bubbling). If the X-ray results are normal, the doctor will assess the timing for tube removal![Read More] Understanding Drainage Issues in Spontaneous Pneumothorax Treatment
Understanding Tuberculosis Testing: Risks and Precautions for Family Members
If tuberculosis tests yield inconsistent results, could this lead to an unnoticed infection? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask a question. Previously, a family member was diagnosed with tuberculosis, so both my mother and I received a notice from the health department to undergo...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. For tuberculosis contact screening, a chest X-ray is typically performed first. According to the information provided, this was conducted at Hospital A. Initially, there were concerns regarding your mother's X-ray results, but upon re-examination, no lesions were f...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Testing: Risks and Precautions for Family Members
Can You Have Asthma Without Coughing? Understanding Allergies and Symptoms
Can asthma be diagnosed without a cough? Hello Doctor: I have a history of allergies, and both of my parents are allergic as well, but neither of them has asthma. I have had dermatitis and rhinitis since childhood, and I gradually developed urticaria. Recently, we got a dog at ho...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, based on your questions, I have categorized them into the following points: 1. Regarding symptoms such as dermatitis, rhinitis, and urticaria, along with increased allergies triggered by pets, you may also experience a tight and itchy throat. If your throat suddenly feel...[Read More] Can You Have Asthma Without Coughing? Understanding Allergies and Symptoms
Should I Discuss LDCT with My Doctor After Lung X-Ray Results?
I am unsure whether it is necessary to discuss with the attending physician about undergoing a further examination with LDCT (Low-Dose Computed Tomography)? Hello Doctor, I hope it's not too presumptuous of me to ask about my two chest X-ray results. I am unable to understan...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Previously, there were no signs of recurrence at the primary site after early treatment and subsequent follow-up of the tumor. It is unlikely that there will be sudden distant metastasis. It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist to assess whether the small nodules in t...[Read More] Should I Discuss LDCT with My Doctor After Lung X-Ray Results?
Understanding Persistent Chest Discomfort: Causes and Treatment Options
The sensation of a foreign body in the chest, accompanied by itching and mild pain, could be attributed to several potential causes. These may include allergic reactions, respiratory infections, inflammation of the airways (such as bronchitis), or even conditions like gastroesoph...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: There could be many possible reasons; it is recommended to consult a pulmonologist and discuss with the physician.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Chest Discomfort: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Chest and Back Pain: Anxiety and Digestive Issues Explained
Chest pain and back pain? Recently, I have been feeling anxious and tense, and when my body feels unwell, I worry about what might be wrong. Initially, I experienced stomach pain and slight chest discomfort, but I did not have any fever or cold symptoms. I have normal bowel movem...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: As long as you can control bowel movements with medication or diet to less than three times a day and ensure they are not watery, other symptoms are related to stress and anxiety. Try to relax, as the COVID-19 situation in Taiwan is not severe![Read More] Understanding Chest and Back Pain: Anxiety and Digestive Issues Explained
Understanding Right Upper Back Pain: Is It Muscle Strain or Lung Issues?
Occasional mild pain near the spine on the right side of the back? Hello, doctor. While I was eating, my nose suddenly became very itchy, and I felt the urge to sneeze but couldn't. At that moment, I had taken a bite of white rice and felt like something had momentarily gone...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If there is no severe coughing, it is unlikely that food particles have aspirated into the lungs.[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Back Pain: Is It Muscle Strain or Lung Issues?
Understanding Mild Pulmonary Infiltration: When to Seek Medical Attention
Mild pulmonary infiltration Hello Doctor, I recently completed a health check at my company, and the hospital called me to pick up my report for further examination. The reason is a mild nonspecific infiltrative shadow lesion in the right upper lobe of my lung, with no other sign...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to visit the pulmonology outpatient clinic for a follow-up and to obtain a chest X-ray to confirm whether the infiltrative shadow is still present. If there is still infiltration, please have the physician evaluate further examinations or follow-up.[Read More] Understanding Mild Pulmonary Infiltration: When to Seek Medical Attention
Managing Excessive Mucus After Tracheostomy: Effective Strategies and Solutions
What should I do if I have excessive secretions after a tracheostomy that I can't clear? My mother suffered a ruptured intracranial aneurysm in September last year, which required emergency surgery after intubation. She spent 21 days in the intensive care unit before transit...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. Excessive phlegm indicates that there may be chronic inflammation or allergies in the airways; please have the physician adjust the medication accordingly (allergies or inflammation may not resolve quickly). 2. If the phlegm is too thin, reduce the use of expectorants o...[Read More] Managing Excessive Mucus After Tracheostomy: Effective Strategies and Solutions