Understanding Chest X-Ray Reports: Should You Seek Further Evaluation?
Regarding the X-ray health examination report? Hello Dr. Kuo, I had a health check-up at a medical center in southern Taiwan, and the chest X-ray report showed an abnormality: "suspected overlapping shadow of the nipple in the right lower lung, differential diagnosis is a ...
Dr. Guo Hongyi reply Pulmonology
Dear public, please note that the internet cannot provide diagnoses or interpret chest X-rays. If the nipple shadow is indeed normal, but you still have concerns, you may visit a medical facility for evaluation. However, please be aware that the medical facility may require you t...[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Reports: Should You Seek Further Evaluation?
Understanding Chest Pain: Is It Costochondritis or Something Else?
Uncertain if it is costochondritis? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing recurrent colds lately, and the symptoms are quite similar each time. However, this time I am unsure if the cold is due to the colder weather or some other reason. I have noticed that whenever I cough, I ...
Dr. Guo Hongyi reply Pulmonology
Hello: Dear public, chest pain can have many possible causes. If you are experiencing discomfort, it is advisable to visit a pulmonology outpatient clinic directly, where the attending physician can evaluate you and arrange for relevant tests and treatments as needed. Thank you f...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Is It Costochondritis or Something Else?
Understanding Your Chest X-Ray Results: Next Steps for Nodular Shadows
X-ray Examination Report Hello, doctor. I recently had a chest X-ray, and I saw the results on the health insurance app. The report states: "Chest PA or AP: With AI-assisted report: Presence of nodular shadow over the left lower lung field is noted, and it is difficult to co...
Dr. Guo Hongyi reply Pulmonology
Dear public, the interpretation of chest X-rays should be based on the actual X-ray images and clinical conditions. It is not possible to inform you via the internet whether any action should be taken. If you have any questions, please return to the original outpatient clinic to ...[Read More] Understanding Your Chest X-Ray Results: Next Steps for Nodular Shadows
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Risks and Decisions for Elderly Patients
Other diseases that can lead to pulmonary edema issues? My mother is 81 years old and is currently hospitalized for treatment of pulmonary edema. The doctor suspects that it may be liver cancer or metastasis from another organ, and a liver biopsy is needed. She has not previously...
Dr. Guo Hongyi reply Pulmonology
Hello: Dear public, pleural effusion can indeed be caused by cancer metastasis. When the cause of the effusion cannot be determined through routine examinations, a biopsy is necessary. It is true that elderly patients face higher risks with invasive procedures. However, the decis...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Risks and Decisions for Elderly Patients
Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Smokers
My father suddenly experienced sharp pain in his left chest? Hello Dr. Kuo, I would like to ask you two questions. 1. I am inquiring on behalf of my father. Last night, while he was using his phone, he suddenly felt a cramping sensation above his left chest, near his heart, whi...
Dr. Guo Hongyi reply Pulmonology
Hello: Dear public, chest pain can have many factors, including the heart, lungs, and musculoskeletal system, and the presentation can vary among individuals. It is advisable for your father to consult a pulmonologist or cardiologist for an examination. Thank you for your inquiry...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Smokers
Understanding Cough and Chest Pain: When to See a Specialist
Coughing with pain below the chest and above the abdomen? I have high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels. Starting on November 26, I caught a cold, initially experiencing symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, and a sore throat. By November 27, the...
Dr. Guo Hongyi reply Pulmonology
Hello, the public. Online consultations are not available. We still recommend that you visit the thoracic medicine outpatient clinic in person. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Cough and Chest Pain: When to See a Specialist
Understanding CT Scan Reports for Pneumonia: Key Insights
CT report of pneumonia I would like to ask the doctor if there are any issues with this report, or if it is normal. The CT scan of the chest without IV contrast enhancement shows: - minor or non-specific lung parenchymal changes. - no definite pleural effusion. - no definite medi...
Dr. Guo Hongyi reply Pulmonology
Dear public, hello. CT imaging should still be corroborated with clinical symptoms and the patient's history for a more accurate assessment. It is advisable to discuss and inquire with your primary physician. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding CT Scan Reports for Pneumonia: Key Insights
Understanding Blood-Streaked Sputum in Long-Term Smokers: What to Know
Long-term smoking with a small amount of blood in the sputum? Hello Dr. Kuo, I am asking on behalf of my father. He is currently 59 years old and has been a long-term smoker, smoking two packs every three days. About a year ago, he began experiencing chronic cough and sputum prod...
Dr. Guo Hongyi reply Pulmonology
Hello: Dear public, coughing after smoking is a common occurrence. It is recommended to quit smoking. Quitting smoking may involve medication assistance, but it also requires personal willingness and willpower; others can only offer advice. There are many causes for coughing up b...[Read More] Understanding Blood-Streaked Sputum in Long-Term Smokers: What to Know
Understanding Sternum Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Pain upon palpation of the sternal manubrium? I have been experiencing pain in the sternal notch for the past two weeks. I have a history of hypertension, and when I am not in pain, I take one 5 mg pill of Amlodipine, which helps maintain my blood pressure at around 100/80 in the...
Dr. Guo Hongyi reply Pulmonology
Dear public, hello: There are many causes of chest pain. If it is related to muscle or bone pain, it is recommended to consult an orthopedic specialist or a pulmonologist. For blood pressure issues, you should seek assistance from a cardiologist or a family medicine physician. It...[Read More] Understanding Sternum Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Left Chest Pain and Shoulder Discomfort: When to Seek Help
Left chest pain and left shoulder and neck discomfort? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing intermittent sharp pain in my left chest, along with discomfort in my left shoulder, neck, and back over the past few days. No matter what I do, I feel soreness, and lying on my side is ...
Dr. Guo Hongyi reply Pulmonology
Dear public, hello: Chest pain may be related to muscular, neurological, pulmonary, or cardiac issues. If you are feeling unwell, it is recommended that you visit a family medicine physician, a pulmonologist, or a cardiologist. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain and Shoulder Discomfort: When to Seek Help
Feeling of Throat Obstruction After Choking: When to Seek Further Care?
Choking on the trachea? Hello, I choked while eating last night and now I feel like there's a foreign body in my throat that I can't cough out, but it feels like it's moving. After visiting an ENT clinic, the doctor used a nasopharyngoscope and said there was no fo...
Dr. Guo Hongyi reply Pulmonology
Hello, if there is a foreign object in the trachea, most people will cough. However, if you are feeling very uncomfortable, you should seek medical attention.[Read More] Feeling of Throat Obstruction After Choking: When to Seek Further Care?
Managing Carbon Dioxide Retention in Advanced Cancer Patients
Difficulty in exhaling carbon dioxide? Hello Doctor, my mother is a breast cancer patient, and the cancer cells have metastasized to various organs for several years. Recently, she has been hospitalized due to excessive carbon dioxide accumulation and currently requires a bi-leve...
Dr. Guo Hongyi reply Pulmonology
Hello, It is a normal physiological phenomenon for the body to produce carbon dioxide; however, certain factors can disrupt the balance between production and elimination, necessitating external medical intervention. Generally, the body expels carbon dioxide primarily through r...[Read More] Managing Carbon Dioxide Retention in Advanced Cancer Patients
Post-Thoracoscopy Recovery: Exercise Guidelines and Precautions
Post-pneumothorax surgery I just had a thoracoscopy and pleural adhesion procedure at the end of September, and I've seen information suggesting that I should engage in active exercise to promote good lung expansion. Is this information correct? Also, is it true that lifting...
Dr. Guo Hongyi reply Pulmonology
Hello: Dear public, moderate exercise can enhance cardiovascular and pulmonary function, which is beneficial. Lifting heavy objects can increase intrathoracic pressure, thereby raising the likelihood of pneumothorax, which is reasonable. Intense exercise can indeed lead to a recu...[Read More] Post-Thoracoscopy Recovery: Exercise Guidelines and Precautions
Understanding Chronic Right Chest Pain: Causes and Specialist Guidance
Chronic right chest pain Dear Doctor: I have been experiencing persistent dull pain in my right chest for quite some time. The pain intensifies when I breathe using my chest. However, when I lie down and use abdominal breathing, I do not feel any pain. When I stand up, it feels a...
Dr. Guo Hongyi reply Pulmonology
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. There are many possible causes for chest pain and tightness. It is advisable for you to consult with a pulmonologist and a cardiologist for a proper evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Right Chest Pain: Causes and Specialist Guidance
Intermittent Chest Tightness and Lung Sounds When Lying Down
Intermittent chest tightness and the sensation of sounds in the lungs when lying down? Hello doctor, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 three months ago. After recovering, I occasionally experience shortness of breath and chest tightness, but I do not have a cough. I visited a family ...
Dr. Guo Hongyi reply Pulmonology
Hello, thank you for your message. We recommend that you visit the pulmonology outpatient clinic for relevant examinations such as a chest X-ray and pulmonary function tests. This will help clarify whether the issue is physiological or related to autonomic nervous system conditio...[Read More] Intermittent Chest Tightness and Lung Sounds When Lying Down
When to Seek Medical Attention for Elderly COPD Patients: Key Signs and Guidelines
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Hello, doctor. I have an elderly family member who is 87 years old and has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They are currently in a long-term care facility and are experiencing shortness of breath and low blood oxygen leve...
Dr. Guo Hongyi reply Pulmonology
Hello, the long-term care center should have medical personnel to assist in assessment. Additionally, the evaluation of shortness of breath and blood oxygen levels must be based on the patient's condition at the time, as each patient's baseline can vary significantly. G...[Read More] When to Seek Medical Attention for Elderly COPD Patients: Key Signs and Guidelines
Understanding Pneumothorax Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Symptoms of pneumothorax? Previously, it was confirmed as a pneumothorax, and since there was improvement in the two X-rays, I was advised to rest at home. I would like to ask if dizziness and headaches are related symptoms? If they occur, is there a need for immediate medical at...
Dr. Guo Hongyi reply Pulmonology
Hello: If a pneumothorax leads to a decrease in blood oxygen saturation, it can cause dizziness; however, dizziness does not necessarily indicate a pneumothorax. If you are experiencing discomfort, please seek medical attention for evaluation and consultation with a physician.[Read More] Understanding Pneumothorax Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Back Pain and Shortness of Breath After Argument: Is It Lung Issues?
I have back pain after arguing with my mom today? After arguing loudly with my mom today, I started experiencing back pain and tenderness, and I have difficulty breathing and speaking. It feels like an elephant is sitting on my back, and I feel weak all over. Could this be relate...
Dr. Guo Hongyi reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is difficult to provide a diagnosis based on this online description. If you are feeling unwell, I recommend that you seek medical attention directly. Thank you.[Read More] Back Pain and Shortness of Breath After Argument: Is It Lung Issues?
Health Risks of Long-Term Exposure to Factory Emissions: A Guide
Factory smoke and oil fume issues? Hello Doctor, my parents are currently 50 years old and have been working in a CNC factory for 30 years, inhaling industrial oil mist and exhaust gases. Although the factory has ventilation, I would like to ask the doctor a few questions: 1. Doe...
Dr. Guo Hongyi reply Pulmonology
Hello: The public is aware that air pollution in the environment and workplace can indeed increase risks, but the risk associated with airborne contaminants in the workplace cannot currently be quantified. Generally, regular occupational health examinations are conducted for norm...[Read More] Health Risks of Long-Term Exposure to Factory Emissions: A Guide
Persistent Cough with Phlegm: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Persistent cough with phlegm unresolved? Hello, Doctor: Since being diagnosed in early June, I have been experiencing a persistent cough with phlegm. However, in early July, the symptoms suddenly worsened, and I began to experience an itchy throat at night, which led to coughing....
Dr. Guo Hongyi reply Pulmonology
Dear public, if you feel unwell, it is recommended that you go directly to the hospital for examination and treatment.[Read More] Persistent Cough with Phlegm: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?