Can Lung Atrophy Lead to Breathing Failure and Death?
Will lung atrophy gradually lead to death due to respiratory failure? I previously received a misdiagnosis from a cardiologist and was prescribed sedatives, after which I experienced significant chest tightness and difficulty breathing. I had to exert a lot of effort to breathe, ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Vivian: The right lung has three lobes, while the left lung has two lobes. Lung atrophy refers to partial collapse. The human body has compensatory mechanisms, so it will not gradually deteriorate. If you are still concerned, please visit the thoracic medicine outpatient cli...[Read More] Can Lung Atrophy Lead to Breathing Failure and Death?
Understanding Chest X-Ray Shadows: Should You Be Concerned?
The chest X-ray shows an opacity? Hello, my family member recently had a health check-up, and before receiving the report, we were notified that there were shadows on the X-ray, and an outpatient appointment has already been scheduled. Is this situation considered urgent? I am co...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Mr. Shen: The X-ray shows shadows that need to be evaluated based on their location, size, and comparison with previous X-rays. Since you already have an appointment, please wait for further examination. It should not be an emergency situation, but you still need to follow u...[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Shadows: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Left chest pain? A few days ago, I felt some pain near my heart on the left side of my chest. For the past two days, I've experienced pain on both sides, but when I press on the painful area, I don't feel much discomfort. Doctor, could this indicate a problem with my he...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Anonymous: There are many causes of chest pain. The key factors to consider are whether there is referred pain, whether there is cold sweating, the frequency of the pain, and so on. Therefore, it can be somewhat difficult to determine based solely on description. It is advis...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Thymus Remnants: Implications for Chronic Cough and Health
Please let me know your questions regarding the examination report? Hello Dr. Huang, I have been experiencing a persistent cough and often feel phlegm in my throat. I have seen many doctors at various clinics and taken numerous medications without improvement. Eventually, I went ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Feng: The remnant of the thymus has no clinical significance. Your symptoms are likely due to an allergic reaction, which includes all respiratory issues. The chest pain is caused by chest tightness. Changhua Hospital is concerned about you.[Read More] Understanding Thymus Remnants: Implications for Chronic Cough and Health
Understanding Increased Lung Markings in Chest X-Ray Reports
Chest X-ray report - Increased pulmonary markings? Hello Dr. Huang, I recently received a chest X-ray report with the following findings. Are there any specific issues I should be concerned about? It mentions increased lung markings; could this be related to the cough and sputum ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Xiao Zhu: The increased lung markings on the chest X-ray report do not have any significant clinical implications. This phenomenon can occur simply due to whether the lungs were fully inflated or not during the imaging. Some cases of bronchitis may also be related to this fi...[Read More] Understanding Increased Lung Markings in Chest X-Ray Reports
Understanding Back Pain in Lung Cancer Patients: Causes and Management
Lower back pain? Hello, I am diagnosed with stage 3B lung adenocarcinoma and currently undergoing treatment with Alectinib. Recently, I have been experiencing lower back pain and discomfort around my buttocks. The pain is not severe, but it can be uncomfortable during movement, a...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Xiao Ke: Pain is not necessarily indicative of metastasis; neuromuscular strains can also cause pain. If short-term use of pain relievers does not lead to improvement, a bone scan may be recommended. For now, it is advisable to consult an orthopedic specialist to rule out ot...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain in Lung Cancer Patients: Causes and Management
Understanding Hemoptysis After Lung Adenocarcinoma Surgery: What to Know
Pulmonary adenocarcinoma with hemoptysis? Your question: Hello, I am a stage 3B lung adenocarcinoma patient currently undergoing treatment with Anlotinib. I had surgery on November 3rd, and it has been almost two months since the operation. Recently, I have noticed a small amount...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Xiao Ke: Taking Alectinib is appropriate for cases of ALK-positive lung adenocarcinoma. After surgery, having just completed a CT scan with no signs of deterioration suggests that it is likely not a progression of the disease. It could be caused by a cough leading to minor p...[Read More] Understanding Hemoptysis After Lung Adenocarcinoma Surgery: What to Know
Persistent Cough for a Month: Understanding Allergies and Asthma Symptoms
Sudden cough lasting for one month? I have a history of nasal allergies. Last month, one night I suddenly felt an itch in my throat, and since then I've been coughing intermittently. I have never experienced these symptoms before. The cough is accompanied by a severe wheezin...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Xiao Xi: A common cold typically does not cause a cough that lasts this long. Based on your description, it seems to be a cough triggered by an acute asthma attack. Simply treating the cough will not be effective; it is necessary to address the asthma itself. Improvement in ...[Read More] Persistent Cough for a Month: Understanding Allergies and Asthma Symptoms
Can Sweater Fibers Inhale Affect Lung Function?
Thoracic questions? Hello, I would like to inquire whether wearing a sweater can lead to inhaling fibers from the sweater, potentially affecting lung function.
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Mr. Cheng: Generally, this should not be a problem as most materials are made of fiber and do not emit odors when simply inhaled through the nose. However, air quality can indeed have an impact. Changhua Hospital is concerned about your well-being.[Read More] Can Sweater Fibers Inhale Affect Lung Function?
Waiting Times for Bronchial Cancer Biopsy in Northern Taiwan Hospitals
Waiting time for bronchial cancer tissue biopsy? Hello doctor, my grandfather underwent a positron emission tomography (PET) scan abroad, and the report suggests a suspicion of bronchial cancer. A biopsy is needed for further testing, but the wait time for the biopsy abroad is ov...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Ms. Feng: The scheduling for examinations in Taiwan varies by hospital, but they can all be completed within a week. Changhua Hospital is concerned about you.[Read More] Waiting Times for Bronchial Cancer Biopsy in Northern Taiwan Hospitals
Understanding CT and PET Scan Results in Stage IIIB Lung Adenocarcinoma
CT Scan Report I was diagnosed with stage IIIB lung adenocarcinoma in March of this year and am currently undergoing treatment with Anlotinib. I have a few questions regarding my condition: 1. This is my first PET scan, and the report shows increased uptake in the hilar region o...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Xiao Ke: The hilar mediastinal lymph nodes were noted in the CT scan from March. Therefore, the subsequent PET scan likely shows the previously identified areas lighting up, which may be interpreted differently due to their locations. Essentially, this indicates the presence...[Read More] Understanding CT and PET Scan Results in Stage IIIB Lung Adenocarcinoma
Understanding PET and CT Reports for Lung Cancer Management
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) Report Here is the translation of the provided medical content: The following is the chest computed tomography report from September: **Computed Tomography of Chest With and Without Enhancement Shows:** **Techniqu...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Koko: 1. According to the attached report, there is no deterioration, and we cannot determine the drug resistance issue based on the absence of deterioration; continuous observation is necessary. 2. The current report is indeed accurate. 3. An MRI of the brain is more pr...[Read More] Understanding PET and CT Reports for Lung Cancer Management
Chest Pain When Exhaling: Possible Causes and Concerns
Experiencing chest pain while exhaling? Hello, doctor. I have asthma and bronchial sensitivity issues. Sometimes I cough during an episode, but I haven't coughed recently. However, I've noticed that when I exhale forcefully, I feel a tight, painful sensation between my ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Nini: Based on your description, it seems to be a small bronchial obstruction related to your asthma, which can be improved with bronchodilators. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Chest Pain When Exhaling: Possible Causes and Concerns
Breathing Difficulties and Chest Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Help
Difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and a sensation of something stuck while swallowing? Recently, when I wake up, I feel like I can't breathe properly and can't get enough air. My esophagus feels like it's blocked when swallowing saliva, and I have a sensation ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Lingling: You can visit the Department of Thoracic Medicine and the Department of Gastroenterology at Changhua Hospital for your concerns.[Read More] Breathing Difficulties and Chest Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Discomfort in the Trachea: Causes and Solutions
Discomfort in the trachea? Hello doctor, recently I haven't been coughing much, but I feel a tight and painful sensation in my trachea that is quite uncomfortable. Sometimes, even a slight cough makes the pain more pronounced. Could you please tell me what this condition mig...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Xiaoyu: Based on the description, it is somewhat difficult to determine, but from experience, it may be a precursor to allergic asthma. It is recommended that you visit the pulmonary department at the hospital for a detailed examination. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Discomfort in the Trachea: Causes and Solutions
Managing Lung Nodules in Elderly Patients: A Case Study
Pulmonary nodular disease progression Hello, Dr. Huang. My grandmother is 83 years old and has hypertension. A CT scan revealed a 2.8 cm solid and ground-glass nodule. A follow-up CT scan three months later showed no changes or signs of metastasis. She has undergone pulmonary fun...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Mr. Lin: I apologize for the late response to your question. 1. The replication time for typical lung adenocarcinoma is approximately 1 to 3 months. Age does not significantly accelerate this process. 2. Tumors that can be surgically removed generally have a better prognosis...[Read More] Managing Lung Nodules in Elderly Patients: A Case Study
Are Three Monthly CT Scans Safe for Lung Nodules? Understanding Risks and Concerns
Is there any harm to the body from having a chest CT scan every three months? I would like to consult a doctor about ground-glass nodules in the lungs, which are said to be post-inflammatory granulomas. What is this condition? The doctor told me there is an 80% chance that it wil...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Yao Yao: I apologize for the late response regarding the ground-glass nodules and granulomas. Generally, they do not disappear, and it is important that they do not continue to enlarge. Ground-glass nodules can indeed have the potential to be associated with lung adenocarcin...[Read More] Are Three Monthly CT Scans Safe for Lung Nodules? Understanding Risks and Concerns
Understanding 5mm Ground Glass Nodules: What You Need to Know
5mm ground-glass nodule Hello Doctor, I went to a major hospital at the end of June for a lung CT scan, and the report indicated: "There is a 5mm ground-glass nodule (5mm, Se3/Im58-59) in the superior basal segment of the left lower lobe. Post-inflammatory granuloma is highl...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Miss Dou: It is correct to recommend a follow-up in 3 to 6 months for the 5 mm lesion. This recommendation is based on the tumor replication time, indicating that if there are no changes within this interval, it is relatively reassuring. There are many patterns of ground-g...[Read More] Understanding 5mm Ground Glass Nodules: What You Need to Know
Understanding White Spots on X-rays: What They Mean for Lung Health
Lower lung bones Hello Doctor, I have a question. I have a history of missed diagnoses, so I had a chest X-ray done. The results showed that my lungs are normal, but there is a white spot on the bone below the lungs. The doctor couldn't determine what it was and advised me t...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Yao Yao: Most confirmed cases show no significant changes on X-rays. Lung adenocarcinoma typically does not present in this manner. Based on your description, the white spots may be calcifications (it is possible they are cross-sections of blood vessels), but X-ray descripti...[Read More] Understanding White Spots on X-rays: What They Mean for Lung Health
Understanding a White Spot on Bone After Clear Lung X-Ray Results
The chest X-ray shows no issues with the lungs, but there is a white spot on the bone beneath the lung? Hello Doctor, today I went to the municipal hospital for an X-ray (since I have been diagnosed before). The report came out today, and my lungs are very healthy. However, the d...
Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Ms. Dou: Lung adenocarcinoma would not present in this manner. If you are truly concerned, a 64-slice computed tomography (CT) scan would suffice. The hospital should be able to handle this; Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding a White Spot on Bone After Clear Lung X-Ray Results