Understanding Persistent Cough and Throat Irritation: Causes and Solutions
Itchy throat and cough? I often feel an itch in my trachea, which leads to persistent dry coughing. It feels like there is phlegm stuck in my throat, but I can't seem to cough it out. This has been going on for almost two weeks, with symptoms that fluctuate in severity. The ...
Dr. Tao Ruiming Reply:
Hello: It is mostly caused by acute laryngotracheitis, which can be due to viral or streptococcal infections. A chest X-ray can be performed to check for any pulmonary lesions.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough and Throat Irritation: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Lung Cancer Risk in Teens: A Guide for Parents
Lung cancer at the age of 16? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the likelihood of developing lung cancer at the age of 16. My father smokes, which increases my exposure to secondhand smoke. Recently, I've been experiencing some pain in my upper left back, occasional d...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Although you have been exposed to the risk of secondhand smoke, generally speaking, young people are not a high-risk group for lung cancer. Additionally, you have had a chest X-ray that showed no significant issues, so there should not be any major concerns. However, if yo...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cancer Risk in Teens: A Guide for Parents
Difficulty Breathing and Swallowing After Chest Injury: What to Do?
Difficulty breathing and difficulty swallowing? Hello Doctor, 11 days ago, I was hit in the chest by an unknown object while riding my bike. At that moment, I experienced intense pain and immediately pushed it away and discarded it. There was also a thin, transparent foreign obje...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to first see a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray to assess whether it is related to breathing difficulties. If throat or swallowing issues do not improve, you may consider seeing an otolaryngologist![Read More] Difficulty Breathing and Swallowing After Chest Injury: What to Do?
Understanding Bronchitis: Symptoms, Fever, and Throat Pain Explained
Bronchitis Is it normal to still have a fever, rapid heartbeat, and a sore throat with significant pain and bad breath on the second day of bronchitis? I did a rapid test and it was positive, and the X-ray on the first day indicated bronchitis.
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: In the course of COVID-19 infection, it is important to monitor for symptoms such as shortness of breath, increased heart rate, and blood oxygen levels. If the heart rate remains above 110-120 beats per minute and blood oxygen saturation is below 94%, medical attention sho...[Read More] Understanding Bronchitis: Symptoms, Fever, and Throat Pain Explained
Post-COVID Symptoms: Persistent Cough, Chest Pain, and Breathing Issues
After testing positive and completing isolation, there are still symptoms such as coughing with phlegm, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and chest pain? I was diagnosed last week and my condition improved a few days before the end of my quarantine, with only a lingering cou...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: After a COVID-19 infection, upper respiratory symptoms may occur, including cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and so on. These symptoms may not fully improve immediately. It is recommended that you continue to monitor your condition closely. If your symptoms worsen, it...[Read More] Post-COVID Symptoms: Persistent Cough, Chest Pain, and Breathing Issues
Chest Pain and Throat Discomfort: When to See a Specialist?
Sharp pain in the chest, sore throat, and phlegm? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about a recent sudden increase in phlegm in my throat, along with a tight sensation. When I press near my lower jaw while swallowing saliva, it hurts, and I also experience sharp pain when pressin...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your symptoms are more indicative of an upper respiratory infection. I recommend that you visit a pulmonology clinic for further evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Chest Pain and Throat Discomfort: When to See a Specialist?
Understanding Chronic Cough and Asthma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Chronic cough and asthma that have been troubling for a long time? Hello Doctor: I have been coughing since mid-February of this year, and it has been over two months. My symptoms include an itchy throat and trachea, coughing, and a lot of phlegm (all white and transparent foam)....
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The treatment provided by your physician is appropriate, but there may still be other factors that are not well controlled, such as dietary aspects. Western medicine may not emphasize this as much, while traditional Chinese medicine will consider your constitution and prov...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Cough and Asthma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Understanding Right Rib Pain and Chest Tightness: Possible Causes and Concerns
Dull pain below the right rib cage, tightness in the chest, and a history of mild throat irritation? Dear Dr. Wang Lanfu, Since mid-last month, I have been experiencing a dull pain under my right rib cage, along with a mild itch and pain in my throat (coughing without phlegm). R...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your symptoms do not currently appear to be indicative of pulmonary obstruction or pneumonia. I recommend that you visit a pulmonology clinic for further evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Right Rib Pain and Chest Tightness: Possible Causes and Concerns
Left Rib Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Pain in the lower left rib cage? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing soreness in the lower left side of my rib cage for the past couple of days, especially when I cough or turn over while lying down. A few weeks ago, I had a throat bacterial infection caused by post-nasal drip...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your symptoms are more indicative of pain caused by a muscle strain, which may be related to the excessive coughing from your previous upper respiratory infection that led to the muscle strain. It is advisable to monitor the situation, and if the...[Read More] Left Rib Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Symptoms: Is It Allergic Rhinitis or Something Else?
Could you please tell me what this disease is, doctor? Initially, there was an ear infection, and after taking medication, the only remaining symptom is post-nasal drip. Despite multiple visits to the doctor, it hasn't improved. Recently, I've been experiencing an itchy...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms include post-nasal drip and increased nasal secretions, which suggest allergic rhinitis related to your constitution. Improvement of symptoms may not be rapid, so please be patient and continue to follow up for treatment at the otolaryngology clinic![Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Is It Allergic Rhinitis or Something Else?
Understanding Nighttime Discomfort: Bloating and Breathing Issues While Lying Down
At night, when I lie flat to sleep, I experience bloating in my stomach, a feeling of breathlessness, and a sensation as if my throat is blocked. I keep burping air? Hello doctor, in the past year, whenever I lie down to sleep at night, I experience bloating in my stomach, and I ...
Dr. Wang Zhengde Reply:
Hello, Mr. Wu: Based on your statement, a more common condition would be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but other issues (such as dysphagia or esophageal achalasia) should still be considered. It is recommended that you visit a nearby pulmonology or gastroenterology clin...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Discomfort: Bloating and Breathing Issues While Lying Down
Can Choking on Saliva During Sleep Lead to Aspiration Pneumonia?
Can choking on saliva while sleeping lead to aspiration pneumonia? Last night, I had dinner a bit late, but I waited over two hours before lying down to sleep. At that time, I still felt full. I'm not sure if lying down caused stomach acid to rise and irritate me, or if I ch...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Mr. Lin, your symptoms indicate gastroesophageal reflux, and a mild cough with choking is quite normal; it does not suggest aspiration pneumonia, so there is no need to worry too much. If you experience worsening symptoms such as fever, increased sputum production, or short...[Read More] Can Choking on Saliva During Sleep Lead to Aspiration Pneumonia?
Persistent Cold Symptoms: When to Seek Chest Specialist Care?
The symptoms of the cold improved with medication, but they persisted after the medication was finished? Hello, Doctor. I have been experiencing cold symptoms for a long time. In mid-August 2021, I had nasal congestion (more severe on the left side), post-nasal drip, and the mucu...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. Your symptoms resemble allergic rhinitis combined with post-nasal drip, which may be related to your constitution. You may need to use long-term antihistamines or combine them with a corticosteroid nasal spray. If you stop the medication, the symptoms are likely to recu...[Read More] Persistent Cold Symptoms: When to Seek Chest Specialist Care?
Persistent Cough and Shortness of Breath: What You Need to Know
Coughing / Slightly wheezing I would like to ask the doctor about my cough, which has lasted for almost a week. Every time I cough, it is very severe, and I feel like there is something stuck in my throat when I swallow saliva. Since yesterday, I have also been experiencing some ...
Dr. Lu Mingzhi Reply:
Hello: Do you have a history of asthma? Have you experienced any fever or runny nose? It is also advisable to consider undergoing COVID-19 testing. We recommend that you visit our outpatient clinic for a detailed evaluation and examination by a physician.[Read More] Persistent Cough and Shortness of Breath: What You Need to Know
Exposure to Bleach Fumes: Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Help
Inhaled fumes from bleach? While cleaning the bathroom in the evening, I accidentally mixed bleach with other cleaning agents, resulting in inhalation of excessive irritating gases. I immediately rinsed off the cleaning agents with cold water, but I experienced symptoms such as c...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Ms. Wan, the actual situation depends on the composition of the cleaning agent that was mixed with the bleach (brand, product name). Please consult a toxicology department. Additionally, if you continue to experience wheezing, difficulty breathing, or if your symptoms worse...[Read More] Exposure to Bleach Fumes: Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Persistent Throat and Chest Discomfort: Possible Causes
Itchy trachea, difficulty breathing, and tightness near the clavicle? I have been experiencing a dry and itchy throat since May of this year. After seeing a doctor and taking medication, it improved for a while, but soon the itching returned. Recently, I have started to feel a lo...
Dr. Wang Zhengde Reply:
Hello: Based on your age and symptom description, it is highly likely that you have asthma. Asthma is an allergic airway disease that can vary in severity, with mild symptoms that may resolve on their own, and severe cases that can lead to respiratory failure or death. Online con...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat and Chest Discomfort: Possible Causes
Chronic Cough After Giant Cell Tumor Surgery: When to Get a CT Scan?
Coughing for three months: is it appropriate to perform a CT scan? Giant cell tumor of bone? I previously had a giant cell tumor of bone, which was found on my lumbar spine. Not long after, I underwent surgery with a neurosurgeon in February to remove it. Currently, I am using de...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Mr. Mi, there are many questions: 1. Regarding the main issue: Is it possible to get a CT scan after coughing for three months? If you are paying out of pocket, it depends on whether you want to spend the money and expose yourself to radiation; if you want insurance cover...[Read More] Chronic Cough After Giant Cell Tumor Surgery: When to Get a CT Scan?
Understanding Food Aspiration: Symptoms and What to Do Next
Choking on food? Hello, Doctor. I just experienced a sudden urge to burp while eating, and after burping, I felt food come back up and had a sensation of choking. I then swallowed hard, and now my throat feels itchy, but I am not coughing. Am I at risk of having accidentally swal...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it seems that the irritation is likely caused by stomach acid refluxing into the throat during hiccups, rather than food entering the trachea. Generally, even if a small amount of food does enter the trachea, our cough reflex serves as a protecti...[Read More] Understanding Food Aspiration: Symptoms and What to Do Next
Effective Remedies for Cough and Phlegm Relief in Lung Cancer Patients Post-Chemotherapy
What methods can be used to alleviate symptoms of persistent cough and difficulty expectorating phlegm in lung cancer patients after chemotherapy? Dear Doctor, My father needs to undergo an annual health check-up due to his work requirements. Unfortunately, this year's resu...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The cough suppressants and expectorants commonly used in pulmonology are quite similar. It is recommended to discuss with your attending physician to adjust the medication that is more suitable for the patient's constitution. If necessary, a consultation with a tradit...[Read More] Effective Remedies for Cough and Phlegm Relief in Lung Cancer Patients Post-Chemotherapy
Understanding Multiple Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice
Discomfort in multiple areas of the body? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing a dull pain in the middle of my chest, slightly to the left, for the past week. It feels like pressure but doesn't last long. Sometimes, there is discomfort in the lower left part of my chest, a...
Dr. Lu Mingzhi Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you visit a family medicine physician for an initial assessment and examination. Once a preliminary diagnosis is made, you can be referred to the appropriate specialty. If you prefer to seek specialty care directly, based on the symptoms you describe...[Read More] Understanding Multiple Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice