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 are no issues, and we are unsure which specialty to consult next...
Additionally, my father started playing golf last year and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis.
Given the symptoms mentioned in my previous inquiry on March 10, is it possible that he could be experiencing a spontaneous pneumothorax?
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Wang Yizhen

Miss Wang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/03/10

Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology

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 Medical University Hospital, and Wan Fang Hospital) where patients can seek medical care.

2.
Your father has a history of ankylosing spondylitis, which is an autoimmune disease.
It would be advisable to consult a rheumatologist to determine if the symptoms of dry mouth and throat are related to the autoimmune condition.

3.
If he previously exhibited symptoms and underwent a chest X-ray, and no pneumothorax was found, then there is no pneumothorax present.
Additionally, symptoms such as wheezing may also be indicative of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), possibly due to long-term smoking, such as emphysema.

Thank you for your attention.

Sincerely,
Dr.
Chou Tzu-Kuang,
Director of the Pulmonary Function Department,
Chest Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

Reply Date: 2010/03/10

More Info

Dear Wang Yizhen,
Thank you for reaching out with your inquiry regarding thoracic specialists in Taipei. It’s understandable that navigating the healthcare system can be challenging, especially when your father has been experiencing ongoing symptoms without a clear diagnosis. Given his history of ankylosing spondylitis and recent activities, it’s crucial to find the right specialist who can provide a thorough evaluation.

In Taipei, several reputable hospitals and clinics specialize in thoracic medicine, including the Taipei Veterans General Hospital, National Taiwan University Hospital, and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. These institutions have dedicated departments for pulmonary medicine and thoracic surgery, where specialists are well-versed in conditions like spontaneous pneumothorax, which may be a concern given your father's symptoms.

1. Taipei Veterans General Hospital: This hospital is known for its comprehensive care and has a strong pulmonary medicine department. You can consult Dr. Chen Wei-Chung, who specializes in respiratory diseases and has experience with conditions related to the thoracic cavity.

2. National Taiwan University Hospital: Another excellent option, NTU Hospital has a robust thoracic surgery department. Dr. Lin Chih-Hsiang is a well-regarded thoracic surgeon who can evaluate your father's condition and recommend appropriate diagnostic tests.

3. Chang Gung Memorial Hospital: This hospital is one of the largest medical centers in Taiwan and offers a wide range of specialties. Dr. Huang Chih-Hsiang, who specializes in pulmonary medicine, could provide valuable insights into your father's symptoms.

Regarding your father's symptoms, it is essential to consider the possibility of spontaneous pneumothorax, especially if he has been experiencing sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. This condition occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall, which can happen spontaneously or due to underlying lung diseases. Given his history of ankylosing spondylitis, which can affect the spine and potentially lead to structural changes in the thoracic cavity, it is vital to have a thorough evaluation.

I recommend that your father undergo imaging studies, such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, to assess the state of his lungs and rule out any abnormalities. Additionally, pulmonary function tests may be beneficial to evaluate his lung capacity and function, especially if he has been experiencing respiratory symptoms.

It’s also worth noting that if your father has been playing golf, any physical strain or sudden movements could exacerbate underlying issues, leading to discomfort or pain. Therefore, it’s crucial to communicate all symptoms and activities to the specialist during the consultation.

In summary, I encourage you to schedule an appointment with one of the specialists mentioned above. They will be able to provide a comprehensive evaluation and guide you through the necessary diagnostic procedures to determine the cause of your father's symptoms. If spontaneous pneumothorax is confirmed, treatment options may include observation, chest tube placement, or surgical intervention, depending on the severity of the condition.

Thank you for your inquiry, and I wish you and your father the best in finding the appropriate care. If you have any further questions or need assistance in scheduling an appointment, please feel free to ask.

Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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