Understanding Chronic Cough: Causes, Concerns, and Diagnostic Options
Chronic cough Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing a chronic cough for about several months, with the main symptoms being a dry cough and an itch in my chest (not in my throat). The most notable feature is that I do not cough at night, but I do cough during the day when I am wo...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear N: Early screening for lung cancer primarily relies on low-dose CT scans. The clinical symptoms of cancer are not specific, so using symptoms for comparison lacks consistency. Based on your description, the likelihood of allergic cough should be considered as the main possib...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Cough: Causes, Concerns, and Diagnostic Options
Chest Pain When Pressing: Understanding Your Symptoms and Causes
Chest pressure can cause pain? Recently, I have been experiencing pain between my breasts whenever I move (for example, when I turn or apply pressure), and I can pinpoint the exact location. Recently, I have also noticed a similar issue in the middle part of my right chest. Addit...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: The pain may be caused by inflammation of the sternum.[Read More] Chest Pain When Pressing: Understanding Your Symptoms and Causes
Persistent Cough: Understanding Chronic Bronchitis and Its Treatment
Persistent cough? Hello Dr. Huang! I would like to consult you regarding my persistent cough. Since March 2016, after being infected with a cold from a family member, I have been experiencing a continuous cough for over a month now. I have visited five different clinics without i...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Lin: There are many causes of cough. Usually, a persistent cough is unlikely to be just a simple cold. The most common causes include chronic bronchitis, asthma, post-nasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux, pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, and lung tumors. However, consid...[Read More] Persistent Cough: Understanding Chronic Bronchitis and Its Treatment
Understanding Coughing: When to Seek Medical Advice for Respiratory Issues
Questions related to cough? Hello, Dr. Wu. I would like to ask about a recent issue I've been experiencing. For about a week now, it feels like there is water in my trachea, and I occasionally feel the urge to cough when I take a deep breath. I might be more concerned about ...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello, it may be related to phlegm, and the urge to cough when inhaling is a respiratory allergic reaction. If symptoms persist, a chest X-ray should be performed first. Wishing you good health, Dr. Wu Ying-Hsun.[Read More] Understanding Coughing: When to Seek Medical Advice for Respiratory Issues
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Solutions
Shortness of breath? About two months ago, I started experiencing shortness of breath occasionally when walking a bit faster or talking a lot, even though I wasn't doing much. It wasn't extremely difficult to breathe, but this situation has been persistent. Recently, ov...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear e: Based on your description, it seems more likely that you are experiencing bronchospasm, commonly known as asthma. Given your age, the likelihood of other malignant conditions is low. Therefore, I recommend that you visit a hospital for a chest X-ray and a pulmonary functi...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Cough and Chest Pain: Insights from Pulmonary Medicine
Cough with chest pain? Hello doctor, my mother started coughing around the 20th of last month and now her speech is reduced to a whisper. She is currently speaking with little strength. She has been visiting clinics for treatment and was referred to a larger hospital last week. I...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Based on what has been mentioned, the most important factor may still be the results of the CT scan, which will help determine if further examinations are necessary. The report should be available in 1-2 days. If you need to see a doctor urgently, you can inquire with the ...[Read More] Understanding Cough and Chest Pain: Insights from Pulmonary Medicine
Can Pneumonia Lead to Sepsis and Lung Cancer? Understanding the Risks
Can pneumonia lead to sepsis? My mother has been coughing for a long time, and the doctor treated her for tuberculosis. However, after taking medication for more than six months, her cough has not improved. Later, she developed shortness of breath and required an oxygen machine t...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If a patient continues to experience wheezing after six months of tuberculosis treatment, it is possible that extensive lesions in both lungs were present at the time of diagnosis. Even after treatment, fibrosis may remain and affect lung function. Additionally, there may ...[Read More] Can Pneumonia Lead to Sepsis and Lung Cancer? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Pleural Effusion After 3 Weeks of TB Treatment
My father developed pleural effusion after taking tuberculosis medication for three weeks? My father has been taking tuberculosis medication for three weeks. Two days ago, he had approximately 500cc of pleural effusion drained. What could be the possible conditions and what tests...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your father's pleural effusion examination typically includes tests related to tuberculosis (to determine if the effusion is caused by tuberculosis), general bacteriological tests (as some bacteria can also cause effusion), or tests for malignant cells (malignant pleu...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion After 3 Weeks of TB Treatment
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Itchy Sensations and Possible Causes
Itchy sensation in the thoracic cavity? Hello Dr. Zhang, Last year, I experienced a recurring itchiness in my right thoracic cavity when breathing. I visited a pulmonologist and underwent a CT scan, which showed no issues with my lungs. However, when I press on my right sternum,...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, if the pulmonologist has conducted examinations and even completed a chest CT scan, substantial issues can likely be ruled out. Pulmonary function tests may provide some additional insights. For detailed information, please consult your treating physician. Changhua Hospita...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Itchy Sensations and Possible Causes
Should You Get Tested for Tuberculosis After a Cough?
Tuberculosis (TB) issues? About a month ago, I had a persistent cough with phlegm that lasted for a while. After approximately 2-3 weeks, I gradually recovered, and I am currently no longer coughing. Initially, aside from the cough, I did not have any other significant symptoms. ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Currently, there are no symptoms! Just waiting for notification for the examination, and then we will check the X-ray for any abnormalities! Best wishes![Read More] Should You Get Tested for Tuberculosis After a Cough?
Understanding Persistent Chest Discomfort: Weather Effects and Treatment
Chronic chest tightness and pain? Chest tightness, pain, and discomfort that worsen with weather changes can persist for about a month. I have seen a doctor and taken medication, which has helped somewhat, but after finishing the medication, I still experience some tightness. I s...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: First, do you have asthma? You may need to consult a pulmonologist for a diagnosis through pulmonary function tests and other allergy-related examinations. If asthma is confirmed (which is a chronic airway inflammatory response), you should use inhaled corticosteroids (pos...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Chest Discomfort: Weather Effects and Treatment
Is There a Link Between Left Lung X-Ray Abnormalities and Rapid Heartbeat?
Is there a relationship between abnormalities in the upper left lung X-ray and a rapid heartbeat? My mother is 65 years old (non-smoker, non-drinker, with a light diet, and no family history). A year ago, an X-ray revealed mild pneumonia in the lower right lung, which was treated...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. There is a pre-existing mitral valve prolapse, which may cause chest discomfort symptoms; further evaluation by a cardiologist is recommended. 2. The abnormality in the left upper lung cannot be determined from the text; a follow-up examination at the original hospital ...[Read More] Is There a Link Between Left Lung X-Ray Abnormalities and Rapid Heartbeat?
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Chest pain? Hello Doctor: I have chest pain that lasts about 1 to 3 seconds. It's not very intense and occurs more frequently in the left side of my chest near the center, although sometimes I also experience pain on the right side. Recently, I've noticed that the area ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Please consult a pain management specialist or an allergy and immunology specialist, as it may be pain due to fascial inflammation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Persistent X-ray Findings in Pneumonia: Bacterial Pathogen Insights
X-ray findings of pneumonia? Which pathogens show prolonged X-ray findings even after the symptoms of pneumonia have improved, compared to other pathogens? Thank you.
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: The X-ray findings are related to the pathogens and the patient's immune status, and cannot be generalized. Certain specific pathogens may present more typical imaging characteristics, but this is not absolute.[Read More] Persistent X-ray Findings in Pneumonia: Bacterial Pathogen Insights
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Solutions
Difficulty breathing? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing difficulty breathing, and I feel the need to take deep breaths to feel somewhat comfortable. My chest feels tight, and I occasionally have a sharp, dull pain in my left chest. I also have a decreased appetite ...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Based on age and symptoms, if there is persistent shortness of breath or chest pain, it could be a pneumothorax or other musculoskeletal pain. It is still recommended to consult a pulmonologist for examination. Please refer to the treating physician for detailed information.[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Insights
Pleural effusion-related issues? My grandmother has diabetes and hypertension. Recently, after washing the clothes, she called our names, but I didn't respond. Later, when I went to the living room, she started saying she felt palpitations, dizziness, and tremors all over. A...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your filial piety and concern for your grandmother are truly touching. The most suitable person to answer your questions is your grandmother's current attending physician, who can provide specific responses based on the relevant examination reports. This is something ...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Insights
Understanding Chest Itching: Causes and Next Steps for Relief
Itchy sensation in the thoracic cavity? Hello Dr. Chou, Last year, I experienced recurrent colds and bronchitis. I feel an itch in my right chest cavity when I breathe, which makes me very worried. I have already visited a pulmonologist and had a CT scan, and the doctor said the...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Most structural issues should be clear from the CT scan. Other functional tests, such as pulmonary function tests, may also be necessary. For further invasive examinations like bronchoscopy, please discuss with a pulmonologist whether it is needed.[Read More] Understanding Chest Itching: Causes and Next Steps for Relief
Improving Lung Health: Tips for Managing Shortness of Breath and Infections
How to improve persistent wheezing in the lungs? Dr. Yang, I am your patient. I have half of my lung remaining, and I experience shortness of breath whenever I catch a cold. Is it safe for me to buy an oxygen tank to increase my oxygen levels? Are there any side effects? Addition...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: With only half of the lungs remaining, it is even more important to take good care of the remaining lung. Additionally, with asthma, long-term planning is necessary for the use of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators. A small amount of inhaled corticoste...[Read More] Improving Lung Health: Tips for Managing Shortness of Breath and Infections
Understanding SPO2 Levels: Impact of Oxygen Desaturation on Health
SPO2 blood oxygen saturation level Hello, Consultant Huang: My mother (93 years old) accidentally removed her endotracheal tube, and her SPO2 dropped to 66%. I would like to ask: 1. How long does it typically take for SPO2 to drop from 98% to 66%? 2. Does this have any impact on ...
Dr. Huang Ruiming Reply:
If a ventilator is suddenly removed, oxygen saturation can drop to 66% in a very short time. The duration of hypoxia will affect the function of various organs in the body, especially the brain. If the duration is too long, it may even result in a vegetative state. Thank you for ...[Read More] Understanding SPO2 Levels: Impact of Oxygen Desaturation on Health
Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission: Common Myths and Facts
I would like to inquire about tuberculosis infection? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for interrupting you during your busy schedule. I have some questions regarding tuberculosis (TB) and I hope you can help me. Thank you. 1. Can tuberculosis be transmitted through objects, books, cl...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Tuberculosis (TB) is primarily transmitted through airborne droplets. You need not worry excessively about the risk of transmission through objects that the patient has touched, as it is extremely low. If you are in the same space as the patient, normal breathing can poten...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission: Common Myths and Facts