Understanding Persistent Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Please inquire about chest pain issues? Hello Doctor, the chest pain is located just below the clavicle, and there is some tenderness upon palpation. It has been intermittent for about three weeks. I initially thought it was due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and consu...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: It sounds a bit like fasciitis or chondritis. If the examinations by the pulmonology, cardiology, and gastroenterology departments show no issues, please consult an orthopedic or rehabilitation specialist.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Concerns About Tuberculosis Exposure for Newborns: What You Need to Know
Contact with individuals suspected of having tuberculosis? Hello, I would like to ask about my mother, who is a long-term care worker taking care of a patient suspected of having tuberculosis. I am a postpartum mother and just learned today that my mother has been caring for a su...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: Contact with a tuberculosis patient does not necessarily mean that one is infected with the tuberculosis bacteria; a blood test for IGRA is needed to determine this. If infected, it does not guarantee that one will develop the disease; a chest X-ray or sputum test is requi...[Read More] Concerns About Tuberculosis Exposure for Newborns: What You Need to Know
Understanding Dirty Lungs: What Chest X-Ray Results Mean for You
Lung issues The chest X-ray showed that the lungs appear "dirty." What does this mean?
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: The presence of more prominent markings may indicate bronchitis or other conditions, but it could also simply be more visible blood vessels, which is actually normal. Please consult your attending physician for further clarification.[Read More] Understanding Dirty Lungs: What Chest X-Ray Results Mean for You
Managing Acute Asthma: Can You Work in a Cleanroom Environment?
Acute asthma attack Hello, Dr. Jian. I was recently hospitalized for a week due to acute asthma. Since last year, I have been experiencing recurrent episodes approximately every one to two months. I often have excessive phlegm and cough, and sometimes I struggle to breathe and ca...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: Theoretically, clean rooms have no direct relationship with asthma attacks, unless there are other chemical substances present in the clean room that could trigger asthma or latex allergies. It appears that asthma is poorly controlled, and it is advisable to consult a pulm...[Read More] Managing Acute Asthma: Can You Work in a Cleanroom Environment?
Understanding Persistent Chest Tightness: Emotional vs. Physical Causes
I have been troubled by chest tightness for a long time? Since I started a relationship in my sophomore year, I've often experienced chest tightness and difficulty breathing when I cry. After the breakup, I frequently felt unexplained chest discomfort, and now, nearly three ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: Please visit a pulmonologist for an examination, as a physician must conduct a personal assessment and interpretation to make a diagnosis. It is not possible to determine the issue based solely on your description.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Chest Tightness: Emotional vs. Physical Causes
Understanding Pleural Thickening: Next Steps for Lung Health
Chest issues Hello, I had a chest X-ray on October 7, 2020, followed by a CT scan on October 14, 2020. The radiologist's report noted defined pleural thickening at the left apical lung, with the nature to be determined. Tumor growth cannot be completely ruled out. Comparing ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: Without seeing the images, I cannot make a judgment. You can obtain a copy of all the imaging studies and consult another pulmonologist for a second opinion. Ultimately, the final decision on the management plan will need to be made by yourself.[Read More] Understanding Pleural Thickening: Next Steps for Lung Health
Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Pain on the right side of the chest when pressure is applied? Hello, doctor. About a month ago, I experienced dizziness, nausea, and occasional rapid heartbeat, so I went to the hospital for an examination. I underwent blood tests, an electrocardiogram, and X-rays. The doctor sai...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: Please first visit the pulmonologist for a chest X-ray examination, followed by a physical examination by the physician to determine the diagnosis and underlying cause. Further referrals will be made based on the pulmonologist's recommendations. Thank you. Sincerely, ...[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Intermittent Left Chest Discomfort: Heart or Neck Issues?
I have been experiencing intermittent discomfort in my left chest for the past year? In the past year, I have occasionally felt a slight stabbing pain in my left chest and back. It's not daily, but sometimes it lasts for a few seconds. It's not very painful, but at time...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: Please consult a pulmonologist. If there are no issues with the thoracic cavity, then seek an appointment with a cardiologist. If both are clear, you may consider visiting a pain management specialist, orthopedic doctor, or neurologist.[Read More] Intermittent Left Chest Discomfort: Heart or Neck Issues?
Understanding Latent Tuberculosis: Testing and Symptoms Explained
The incubation period of pulmonary tuberculosis? A family member has just been diagnosed with tuberculosis, but the report on whether it is active or not has not yet come out. I would like to ask the doctor: We currently have no symptoms (or perhaps we do but are not aware of the...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. It is recommended to visit a hospital with a pulmonology department for a chest X-ray. 2. To determine if there is a latent infection, a blood test is needed; a positive result along with a chest X-ray showing no tuberculosis lesions is required. Currently, the examinat...[Read More] Understanding Latent Tuberculosis: Testing and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes and Management Tips
Sharp pain in the right chest during breathing? In the morning, upon waking up, I experience sudden pain in my right chest when taking a deep breath. Initially, I thought it was due to poor sleeping posture, but after two weeks, I noticed a sharp pain in my right chest again when...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: If both the chest X-ray and electrocardiogram are normal, it may indicate issues related to the chest wall, muscles, or nerves. If treatment is ineffective, consider seeking a second opinion from another pulmonologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes and Management Tips
Managing Massive Hemoptysis in Patients with Bronchiectasis: A Case Study
Bronchiectasis with hemoptysis? On October 1st, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, my mother suddenly coughed up blood and then went into shock. She was taken to the emergency room, where treatment stopped the bleeding after two days. However, the doctor misdiagnosed her and prescri...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: If the bleeding originates from the left lower lung, surgical intervention is recommended. Please consult with a pulmonologist and a thoracic surgeon.[Read More] Managing Massive Hemoptysis in Patients with Bronchiectasis: A Case Study
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Left chest pain? Yesterday afternoon, I suddenly felt a tightness and pain in my chest. The next day, it turned into pain in my left chest when taking deep breaths (normal breathing does not cause pain). While running, the pain in my left chest intensified, making it impossible t...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: Please refrain from exercising for now and visit the thoracic medicine outpatient clinic as soon as possible.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Right Rib Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Pain below the right rib cage? Hello, Doctor: I have pain when pressing on the area below my right rib cage, about three fingers below my breast. I occasionally feel a dull ache even when not pressing, and it was this dull pain that led me to press and identify the specific point...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. Most pain upon palpation is related to issues in that area. 2. If ultrasound and MRI of the liver show no problems, it is likely not related to the liver. 3. You may consider consulting a pain specialist or a pulmonologist.[Read More] Understanding Right Rib Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Intermittent Cough: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Intermittent cough Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my cough, which has been fluctuating. I'm not sure what the cause is. Previously, I experienced a period of about 2 to 3 months where my cough was accompanied by some white, translucent phlegm, usually occurring aft...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: It may be due to airway sensitivity. Please visit a pulmonologist first. A chest X-ray is recommended, and further examinations should be conducted based on the pulmonologist's advice. Sincerely, Chest Disease Hospital, Jian Shun-Tian[Read More] Intermittent Cough: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Right Apical Pleural Thickening: Should You Be Concerned?
Thickening of the right apical pleura? Recently, during a health check-up, the X-ray examination showed "thickening of the right apical pleura." I would like to ask if this is a serious condition. After obtaining the X-ray film, is it sufficient to follow up with a doct...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Thickening of the pleura at the lung apex is usually a residual fibrotic change following inflammation, with a low likelihood of malignancy. It is recommended to follow up with a chest X-ray every six months. Thank you. Sincerely, Dr. Chien Shun-Tian, Thoracic Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Right Apical Pleural Thickening: Should You Be Concerned?
Impact of Pneumocystis Pneumonia on Lung Fibrosis and Function in Patients
In individuals with pulmonary fibrosis, an infection with Pneumocystis pneumonia can lead to exacerbation of pulmonary fibrosis or further loss of lung function? Hello Doctor: My grandmother was diagnosed with severe pulmonary fibrosis earlier this year, and in mid-August, she wa...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. After an infection, lung function may deteriorate or be lost, with the possibility of partial recovery. If there is lung damage, it cannot return to completely normal levels, and observation is required for at least three months. Currently, due to the deterioration of...[Read More] Impact of Pneumocystis Pneumonia on Lung Fibrosis and Function in Patients
Understanding Spontaneous Pneumothorax Symptoms and Air Travel Concerns
Symptoms of spontaneous pneumothorax and related issues with flying? Hello, Doctor. I am currently nineteen years old (height 170 cm, weight 50 kg). I experienced my first spontaneous pneumothorax in May of last year and was hospitalized for oxygen therapy, after which I was disc...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: (1) You may visit a pulmonologist for a follow-up chest X-ray (CXR). If symptoms persist, a chest computed tomography (CT) scan may be considered to check for mediastinal emphysema and the presence of bullae in the lungs. (2) Currently, there is no strong data regarding th...[Read More] Understanding Spontaneous Pneumothorax Symptoms and Air Travel Concerns
Understanding Blood Oxygen Levels: When to Consult a Pulmonologist
Blood oxygen saturation is 93%? Hello Doctor, I have recently been measuring my blood oxygen levels, and they are only around 93. In the previous year, they were between 98 and 99. Should I be concerned about this? If I need to get checked, should I go to a pulmonologist? I look ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: You need to see the thoracic medicine outpatient clinic immediately and avoid strenuous exercise. Thank you. Sincerely, Jian Shun Tian.[Read More] Understanding Blood Oxygen Levels: When to Consult a Pulmonologist
Understanding Sleep-Related Breathing Difficulties: Could It Be Asthma?
Respiratory issues Hello, Doctor. Over the past six months, I have experienced three episodes of difficulty breathing while sleeping. It feels like my airways suddenly constrict, leading to breathing difficulties that last about 30 seconds. However, this difficulty does not wake ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: Please visit the pulmonology department for further evaluation to check for sleep apnea syndrome, and asthma should also be considered.[Read More] Understanding Sleep-Related Breathing Difficulties: Could It Be Asthma?
Understanding Chest Pain During Stretching: Causes and Symptoms
Chest pain? Sometimes when performing a standing stretch in a wide stance, I experience pain near the sternum, or when twisting my shoulder, I also feel pain in the sternum. What could this symptom indicate?
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Based on the description, it seems more like muscular pain. However, please visit the pulmonology clinic for a chest X-ray to check for any thoracic diseases.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain During Stretching: Causes and Symptoms