Understanding Elevated CYFRA 21-1 Levels During Pregnancy: Next Steps
The CYFRA 21-1 test result is elevated? Hello Doctor: I had a company health check today in January while I was 8 months pregnant. The test report showed a CYFRA 21-1 level of 2.16 in red. After giving birth, I had a follow-up chest X-ray in April, which showed no abnormalities. ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Vicjy: During pregnancy, CYFRA 21-1 levels may increase. Postpartum X-rays are normal. You can have another CYFRA 21-1 test, and if the results are normal, no further testing is needed. However, this marker is not exclusive to lung cancer; other conditions such as breast can...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CYFRA 21-1 Levels During Pregnancy: Next Steps
Persistent Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Medical Help
Persistent cough I have a question for the doctor. Last year, I was diagnosed with a condition that caused a cough, which lasted for almost two months before it improved. This April, I started experiencing a dry cough again, which has persisted until now in July. There were a few...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Ah-Sheng: It has been a while since you were diagnosed, and the cough that has developed may require further examination for possible phlegm obstruction in the throat. There are many related factors, such as post-nasal drip, autonomic nervous system dysregulation, and airway...[Read More] Persistent Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Your Chest CT Results: Ground Glass Nodules Explained
Hello, doctor. I live in Changhua County and would like to inquire about issues related to CT nodules? Hello Doctor, I live in Changhua County and would like to consult you in advance for any future issues regarding my health. I have been diagnosed with myasthenia gravis through ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Ah Xiang: You seem to have misunderstood. The report Se/Img refers to a specific coordinate position in the fourth series on the 50th image. Changhua Hospital is concerned about you.[Read More] Understanding Your Chest CT Results: Ground Glass Nodules Explained
Choking on Food: Signs of Aspiration and When to Seek Help
Choking on food and unsure if it was coughed out? Hello doctor, yesterday I choked on some Job's tears while eating, and I had a severe coughing fit at the time, but I'm not sure if I coughed it out. Today, I feel a tightness in my chest and have a persistent urge to co...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Yu: It cannot be ruled out that food may be lodged in the trachea based on clinical symptoms. If there is no improvement, it is advisable to consult a pulmonologist for a bronchoscopy. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Choking on Food: Signs of Aspiration and When to Seek Help
Common Concerns About Lung Health: Answers for Anxiety Patients
Could you please provide some specific questions regarding lung examinations? Hello, Doctor. I am a patient with anxiety disorder and health anxiety. I would like to ask you some questions, and I appreciate your help. Thank you, Doctor. 1. I was diagnosed with COVID-19 last yea...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear JAMES: First, I apologize for the late response. 1: The impact of COVID-19 on the lungs, if there are no significant symptoms at the time of infection, is unlikely to lead to changes such as pulmonary nodules; the primary effect on the lungs would be fibrosis. 2: No. 3: No, ...[Read More] Common Concerns About Lung Health: Answers for Anxiety Patients
Post-Surgery Chemotherapy Consultation for Stage 2A Lung Adenocarcinoma
Consultation for Chemotherapy Medications After Surgery for Stage 2A Lung Adenocarcinoma? Regarding the topic, there are two questions: 1. After surgery, starting oral UFUR capsules for two years, will such a long treatment duration potentially lead to drug resistance in the futu...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear wfchen: If you have concerns about UFUR after the 2A surgery, you can discuss with your attending physician whether it is necessary to take it, as clinical practice can indeed involve just monitoring. There is no need to worry about antibiotic resistance. The effect of Silym...[Read More] Post-Surgery Chemotherapy Consultation for Stage 2A Lung Adenocarcinoma
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and When to Seek Help
Shortness of breath Recently, I have been experiencing difficulty breathing when lying down, making it hard to sleep. I need to elevate my head and neck to feel somewhat better, but even with that, I've still been having some breathing difficulties. Additionally, I suddenly ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Fa-Fa: Based on the symptoms you described, it seems more likely to be autonomic nervous system dysfunction. However, it is advisable to have further examinations conducted by relevant specialists. Starting with a cardiologist at Changhua Hospital would be a good option for ...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Your Chest X-Ray and Blood Test Results: Key Insights
Hello Dr. Huang, I would like to ask you about the X-ray report and blood test report. Thank you for your help? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing breathing difficulties for over 10 years. Sometimes, I feel a sensation of constriction in my airways, and when I breathe forcefu...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Ming: From your report, it is clear that you are experiencing an allergic reaction. The persistent cough is related to this, and the test data, especially the IgE levels, are very indicative. It is likely asthma. Further pulmonary function tests should be conducted. The thic...[Read More] Understanding Your Chest X-Ray and Blood Test Results: Key Insights
Understanding Occasional Cough: Is It a Sign of Lung Cancer?
Sometimes cough? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my mother. She has had a cough for about three weeks, but her condition is such that she coughs occasionally, not continuously. Sometimes she feels the need to clear her throat or cough lightly a couple of times. She tends ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Xiao Pang: The symptoms of lung cancer are often atypical. Smoking and family history are considered high-risk factors, and low-dose computed tomography (CT) can be used for early diagnosis. There are many causes of coughing; of course, the common cold is the most frequent. ...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Cough: Is It a Sign of Lung Cancer?
Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Right chest pain? Hello, Doctor. Since early November last year, I have been experiencing pain in my right chest, and even now, the issue persists with increased intensity. The pain worsens when I raise my arm, bend my neck, or push myself up. I consulted a doctor who suggested i...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Mr. Meng: Given your age, it is indeed unlikely to consider a tumor, and the absence of any signs on X-rays over such a long period should help rule that out. However, if there has been poor posture over an extended period, it could potentially lead to muscular or neurologic...[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Understanding Lung Nodules: Management and Treatment Options
Pulmonary nodules I would like to ask the doctor, after a CT scan, a 1 cm pulmonary nodule was found in the left upper lung, which has increased by 0.2 cm compared to two years ago. I have seen a surgeon who believes it is a benign hamartoma. What would the doctor recommend for m...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Xiaomei: It is recommended to undergo another CT scan in 6 to 12 months. If you are still concerned, minimally invasive thoracic surgery is very advanced now and can directly remove the issue. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Management and Treatment Options
Chest Pain and Hardness: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Pain in the center of the chest upon pressure? Recently, I have been feeling a hard lump located at the lower center of my chest when lying down. It causes pain when pressed, and while standing, it sometimes feels less pronounced, but it becomes more noticeable when lying down. S...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Ms. Lu: The area you mentioned should be the xiphoid process. In fact, the xiphoid process is a piece of cartilage at the lower end of the sternum. During childhood, it is not very prominent because it is made of cartilage. However, in adulthood, the xiphoid process graduall...[Read More] Chest Pain and Hardness: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Effective Uses of Pefloxacin and Norfloxacin in Treating Infections
Medication Consultation Hello, doctor. Could you please explain the effective uses of the antibiotics Pelvicillin 750 mg and Norfloxacin 625 mg for different symptoms? Thank you.
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Mr. Hsiao: The indications for Pefloxacin 750 mg enteric-coated tablets are community-acquired pneumonia and complicated urethritis, compared to Norfloxacin. Additionally, Pefloxacin has fewer side effects or drug allergies. Norfloxacin is also suitable for mild pneumonia an...[Read More] Effective Uses of Pefloxacin and Norfloxacin in Treating Infections
Understanding Sudden Breathing Difficulties and Throat Spasms
Feeling of insufficient breath, sudden sensation of spasms from the larynx to the trachea? Since middle school, I have occasionally experienced a sudden feeling of not being able to get enough air, requiring me to take a deep breath through my mouth. Usually, this resolves the is...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Shaqima: Based on your description, it seems to be a type of allergy, possibly related to variant asthma. I recommend undergoing relevant allergen testing. Sometimes, certain environmental factors or food allergies can trigger symptoms even without direct contact. It’s best ...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Breathing Difficulties and Throat Spasms
Navigating Critical Care: A Father's Battle with Pneumonia and Ventilation
Dad is intubated in the intensive care unit? Hello, doctor. My father went to the emergency room in early March due to physical discomfort, which was diagnosed as a urinary tract infection (after chest X-ray and CT scan) leading to fever and sepsis (with a white blood cell count ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Ms. Tsai: It is advisable to perform a tracheostomy if you cannot be weaned off the ventilator in the short term. Keeping a chopstick in your mouth continuously is quite uncomfortable. After the tracheostomy, you can still train to wean off the ventilator. If it is truly imp...[Read More] Navigating Critical Care: A Father's Battle with Pneumonia and Ventilation
Understanding Left Rib and Throat Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Pain from the left rib cage to the throat? Hello doctor, recently I have been experiencing mild pain intermittently in the area below and inside the left rib cage, extending up to the left side of my throat, which occurs in sync with my breathing. I would like to know if this cou...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Mr. Chen: Based on the symptoms you described, a diagnosis cannot be made immediately. Please visit the pulmonary medicine outpatient clinic for further examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health.[Read More] Understanding Left Rib and Throat Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Traveling with Pleural Effusion: Important Tips for Air Travel
What precautions should be taken when traveling abroad with pleural effusion? Hello Director Huang, My mother is planning to fly to Japan in April. Considering she currently has about 300cc of pleural effusion, are there any recommendations or precautions regarding high altitud...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear A-Fei: The side effects of general immunosuppressants are usually mild, as indicated in the package insert. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, please seek medical attention promptly: difficulty breathing, severe abdominal or back pain, fever, numbness ...[Read More] Traveling with Pleural Effusion: Important Tips for Air Travel
Managing Respiratory Issues in Elderly Patients: Expert Advice
Respiratory issues Hello Dr. Huang: Following your instructions on March 13, I discussed with Grandma's attending physician. He mentioned that Grandma cannot use a nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device because she keeps her mouth open, but using an oronasal...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Xiao Wei: 1. The use of a respiratory mask at night is to prevent carbon dioxide retention, which can lead to decreased blood oxygen levels and a risk of coma during sleep. During the day, the body's self-regulating mechanisms mitigate this risk, so it is still necess...[Read More] Managing Respiratory Issues in Elderly Patients: Expert Advice
Understanding Tuberculosis Recurrence: Symptoms, Testing, and Follow-Up Care
Pulmonary tuberculosis may relapse after treatment? Hello Doctor: Thirteen years ago, I was diagnosed with asymptomatic pulmonary tuberculosis and completed a two-year treatment course as directed by my physician. I did not have any follow-up afterward. In January and February of...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Peipei: Regarding your questions, 1. Abdominal tuberculosis indeed requires a pathological and microbiological diagnosis for confirmation. 2. It is recommended that TB patients undergo a chest X-ray (CXR) annually for monitoring. 3. Currently, the diagnosis cannot be confirm...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Recurrence: Symptoms, Testing, and Follow-Up Care
Managing Sleep and Breathing Issues in Elderly Patients with Lung Conditions
Respiratory issues Grandma is 81 years old and has been in a respiratory care center for three weeks, undergoing rehabilitation treatment for lung collapse. She needs to wear a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask for six hours at night to reduce carbon dioxide levels,...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Xiao Wei: Using a CPAP machine helps reduce carbon dioxide levels, especially since nighttime sleep can lead to easier occurrences of elevated CO2. It is not recommended to stop using it at night as it may disrupt your sleep. You might consider trying a nasal CPAP machine. P...[Read More] Managing Sleep and Breathing Issues in Elderly Patients with Lung Conditions