Chest Tightness, Throat Discomfort, and Headaches: What to Know
Chest tightness accompanied by throat discomfort and headache (dizziness)? Hello Doctor: I have been feeling a tightness in my chest and a constriction in my throat (more pronounced in the pharyngeal area) over the past few days. I also experience headaches (dizziness) and have l...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, if there are no symptoms such as asthma or cold sweats, the most common cause is still a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. However, with symptoms like chest tightness and nausea, conditions such as pneumothorax or gastrointestinal diseases cannot be ruled out...[Read More] Chest Tightness, Throat Discomfort, and Headaches: What to Know
Seeking Recommendations for Thoracic Specialists in Taipei
Please ask your question? Dear Dr. Zhou, Thank you for your response! May I ask which hospital you are affiliated with? Or could you recommend a physician in Taipei who would be suitable for my father's consultation? The doctors we have seen previously have all said there a...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, 1. I am currently employed at the Chest Hospital of the Department of Health, Executive Yuan, located in Tainan, which is quite far from Taipei. There are several medical centers in Taipei (such as Veterans General Hospital, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei Me...[Read More] Seeking Recommendations for Thoracic Specialists in Taipei
Chronic Throat Inflammation and Breathing Difficulties: Seeking Solutions
Throat inflammation and difficulty breathing? Dear Dr. Zhou, I would like to consult on behalf of my father. He is 56 years old and has a significant smoking addiction. Since October of last year, he has been experiencing a dry and painful throat, chest tightness, and difficulty...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, 1. If you are experiencing a dry throat and discomfort while sleeping, it may be due to mouth breathing or the presence of sleep-related breathing disorders. It is advisable to consult with another pulmonologist, particularly one who specializes in sleep apnea at a medic...[Read More] Chronic Throat Inflammation and Breathing Difficulties: Seeking Solutions
Understanding Pleural Thickening and Fibrosis: Causes and Treatment Options
Thickening and fibrosis of the pleura? Hello doctor, I recently had a health check-up, and today's report indicated that there is thickening and fibrosis of the right pleura, highlighted in red. I have never smoked, but I had a prolonged cough recently and did not see a doct...
Dr. Yang Zhiyun Reply:
Hello, based on your described X-ray findings, they may be due to old pulmonary tuberculosis or an unknown cause. If there are no changes in the X-ray comparison, it is likely a benign lesion. However, if there are changes, further investigation is necessary. These changes may no...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Thickening and Fibrosis: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Chronic Chest Discomfort and Coughing: A Patient's Journey
Chronic chest tightness and cough? Hello Doctor: About three years ago, I started experiencing chest tightness, located in the center of my chest where there is a protruding area. It feels uncomfortable when I walk with my chest out, and the tightness becomes more pronounced when...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello Chris, 1. Based on the examination by the pulmonology and cardiology departments, it seems that the issue is more related to muscle or fascia injury. However, as mentioned by your online friend, if you experience discomfort after eating, it is important to consider the pos...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Chest Discomfort and Coughing: A Patient's Journey
Why You Experience Dry Cough at Night: Causes and Solutions
Occasionally experiencing a dry cough at night while sleeping? As the topic suggests, when you are about to fall asleep at night, you experience an itchy throat and a dry cough that affects your sleep. What could be the cause of this? Thank you.
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, the common causes of throat itching and a soft cough are numerous, such as post-nasal drip, chronic pharyngitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If the discomfort worsens when lying down, cardiac issues should also be considered. Please consult a pulmonologist....[Read More] Why You Experience Dry Cough at Night: Causes and Solutions
Which Specialist to See for Chest Pain When Eating, Drinking, or Breathing?
I'm sorry, but it If eating, drinking, or breathing causes pain, you should see an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist.
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Yiting: Your symptoms are more indicative of neuralgia or esophagitis (pain worsened by eating or drinking). I recommend that you first consult a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray to rule out any significant lung or heart conditions. Following that, the physician can assess w...[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Chest Pain When Eating, Drinking, or Breathing?
Struggling to Breathe: A 36-Year-Old's Journey Through Multiple Specialists
Shortness of breath? I am 36 years old and used to smoke about one and a half packs a day. In May of this year, I suddenly felt very short of breath, with a heavy and painful sensation in my chest. I sought medical attention and felt much better after receiving an injection, but ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Helpless person: First, I would like to confirm if you have quit smoking. If not, it will be difficult to help you! Your condition still resembles allergic rhinitis, which can be triggered by exposure to air conditioning, consuming cold foods or foods with cooling properties (suc...[Read More] Struggling to Breathe: A 36-Year-Old's Journey Through Multiple Specialists
Persistent Cough and Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Persistent cough and chest pain? Hello Doctor: I started experiencing persistent coughing every night between 11 PM and 1 AM about a week ago, which is more pronounced when lying down compared to other positions. I feel an unbearable itch in my throat around the area between my c...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Sam: Based on your respiratory history, including a history of pneumothorax, allergic rhinitis, and chest pain (possibly neuropathic pain), if your symptoms are not too severe, you may choose to monitor your condition. It is advisable to drink plenty of warm water and avoid...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding Shortness of Breath: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients
Shortness of breath? I am 36 years old and used to smoke about a pack and a half a day. In May of this year, I suddenly felt very short of breath, with a heavy and painful sensation in my chest. I sought medical attention, and after receiving an injection, I felt much better. How...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it is recommended to be hospitalized for a detailed examination and treatment, along with smoking cessation for improvement. It is advised to visit our hospital's Pulmonary Medicine outpatient clinic for treatment and to arrange for hospital...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients
Breathlessness While Speaking: Understanding Your Symptoms and Solutions
Difficulty catching your breath while speaking? Hello Dr. Yang, I had a cold and throat inflammation at the end of last month. After seeking medical attention, my throat has improved. However, recently, while talking with colleagues, I have been experiencing difficulty breathin...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Xiaohong: Some individuals with allergic rhinitis or asthma may experience exacerbation of their symptoms when exposed to allergens or upper respiratory infections (such as a cold), leading to difficulty breathing or wheezing at night (similar to a cat's meow). The qui...[Read More] Breathlessness While Speaking: Understanding Your Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Hemoptysis: Causes and Management After Tuberculosis
Hemoptysis My brother had tuberculosis three years ago and was cured after six months of medication. However, over the past year, he has experienced hemoptysis, sometimes coughing up blood once a month and other times every two weeks. He often feels a tickle in his throat at nigh...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Andy: After the cure of pulmonary tuberculosis, the blood vessels in the areas of fibrosis (scarring) may be more prone to rupture and cause hemoptysis, especially after consuming rich foods such as fried foods, alcoholic beverages, or spicy dishes. If follow-up chest X-ray...[Read More] Understanding Hemoptysis: Causes and Management After Tuberculosis
Finding the Right Specialist for Chest Pain and Blood in Saliva
I'm not sure where the problem lies? Recently, I have been waking up in the morning with blood-tinged saliva, and sometimes I experience pain in the center of my chest, although the pain subsides quickly. I visited a pulmonologist and had an X-ray, which showed no significan...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello TCY: The blood-streaked sputum you are experiencing may be caused by the rupture of microvessels in any part of the upper respiratory tract (oral cavity), nasal cavity, or lower respiratory tract (lungs and trachea). You may want to check for blood at the junction of your g...[Read More] Finding the Right Specialist for Chest Pain and Blood in Saliva
Understanding Asthma Symptoms and Chronic Cough: A Patient's Guide
Asthma with chronic cough? Hello Dr. Yang, (1) I am planning to go bungee jumping next month, but during high school, I was randomly selected for a screening that indicated possible asthma symptoms (though I did not follow up with further testing). Additionally, I have a long-te...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Monica: Patients with asthma often have allergic rhinitis, a history of atopic dermatitis in childhood, or a family history of allergic rhinitis or asthma. When asthma patients are not experiencing an attack (such as nighttime cough or wheezing with associated wheezing soun...[Read More] Understanding Asthma Symptoms and Chronic Cough: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Throat Foreign Body Sensation: Causes and Solutions
Sensation of a foreign body in the throat? Hello Doctor, I currently have a sensation of a foreign body in my throat, along with pressure and strong halitosis, which is very distressing for me. I have a sensitive throat, and my first reaction to any foreign sensation is to gag. I...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, if the gastroscopy does not reveal any significant abnormalities (such as ulcers or esophagitis), the likelihood of gastrointestinal issues is low. It is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist. Make sure to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth after each meal. If you ...[Read More] Understanding Throat Foreign Body Sensation: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues After Duodenal Ulcer Treatment
Chest tightness and shortness of breath? Hello doctor, I had an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at Mackay Memorial Hospital at the end of last year, which revealed a duodenal ulcer and Helicobacter pylori infection. The doctor prescribed a week-long course of antibiotics to erad...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
If your chest tightness and shortness of breath have no prior history of asthma, it is more likely to be symptoms caused by gastrointestinal issues. For conditions like duodenal ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it is recommended to take proton pump inhibitors for...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues After Duodenal Ulcer Treatment
Understanding the Causes of Throat Burning Sensation and Difficulty Swallowing
There is a burning sensation in the throat? Hello! I would like to ask the doctor why I have a burning sensation in my throat? Sometimes, when I drink water, it feels like it's getting stuck in the middle of my throat, causing temporary difficulty in breathing (this has been...
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
Your issue requires a detailed consultation in the outpatient clinic for further diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Throat Burning Sensation and Difficulty Swallowing
Managing Asthma Concerns Before Surgery: What You Need to Know
Anesthesia for Asthma Dear Doctor, My husband was diagnosed with white patches in his throat by an ENT specialist a month ago, and he needs to undergo surgery for removal and biopsy. However, on the day of the surgery, the anesthesiologist canceled the procedure due to my husban...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ms. Yang: As long as your asthma is well-controlled with oral or inhaled medications (without significant asthma symptoms or nighttime attacks that prevent sleep), you can proceed with treatments from other specialties (including surgery). If you have no objections to the s...[Read More] Managing Asthma Concerns Before Surgery: What You Need to Know
Understanding Your Breathing Issues: Possible Causes and Solutions
I don't even know what illness I have? Hello Dr. Yang: I have been experiencing difficulty breathing for several years. Two years ago, I was diagnosed with asthma, so I didn't pay much attention to it. However, in the past few days, my condition has worsened significant...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Ms. Zhang: You have a past diagnosis of asthma, so it is recommended that you visit a pulmonology clinic. As for the other symptoms, it is not immediately possible to determine which organ may be involved. However, for dizziness and a feeling of ear fullness, you may want ...[Read More] Understanding Your Breathing Issues: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Shortness of breath? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing shortness of breath lately. Normally, breathing is automatic, but recently I’ve noticed that I have to consciously control my breathing. It has been quite bothersome throughout the day, and I’m not sure why this is happe...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Hello, Avi: I would recommend that you visit the mental health clinic. Perhaps your symptoms will improve once your sleep condition gets better. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Solutions for Relief