Understanding Chest Pain and Discomfort: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Chest tightness and sharp pain in the upper back? Hello, doctor. For over a year, I have frequently experienced chest tightness, stabbing pain in my back, and difficulty breathing, especially during fatigue or significant weather changes. Initially, I underwent a gastrointestinal...
Dr. Li Shiwei reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. The X-ray is the same, but the focus of the thoracic physician and the cardiologist differs; however, this does not mean that there are no issues in the thoracic region. 2. It cannot be determined. 3. Consider pulmonary function and lateral X-ray. 5. It is not necessary...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Discomfort: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Chest Bone Protrusions and Breathing Difficulties
I have a protruding bone in my chest, but recently I have been experiencing difficulty breathing? Hello Doctor, I woke up the day before yesterday with pain in the protruding area behind my ear. I have a protrusion in my chest bone (the bone located at the heart area) that has be...
Dr. Li Shiwei reply Pulmonology
Dear Lorence: The protrusion of the thoracic bones and difficulty in breathing are not directly related. The protrusion of the thoracic bones refers to the xiphoid process of the sternum, which is normal in most individuals. Difficulty in breathing may be related to asthma, so it...[Read More] Understanding Chest Bone Protrusions and Breathing Difficulties
Understanding Pulmonary Hemorrhage: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Lung problems Hello Doctor, My nephew experienced a sudden and severe pulmonary hemorrhage for unknown reasons. After undergoing emergency intubation and fighting between life and death, he has finally passed the critical period and is now extubated and admitted to a general war...
Dr. Li Shiwei reply Pulmonology
Hello, A-Ning: Hemoptysis can sometimes be associated with kidney issues. This may occur due to autoimmune problems leading to vasculitis, which can result in both hemoptysis and hematuria. Therefore, it is clinically recommended that patients undergo a kidney biopsy for differen...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Hemorrhage: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Chest Issues: Possible Causes and Recovery Time
Lung issues My father had a chest X-ray in May 2005, which showed no issues. However, before the Lunar New Year in 2006, he noticed a protrusion about 2 cm on the lower left side of his chest that was painful to the touch and also caused discomfort in his back. In the past two da...
Dr. Li Shiwei reply Pulmonology
Hello: Your issue cannot be adequately addressed in writing; it is best to have an X-ray comparison and an in-person consultation with the patient for diagnosis. We warmly welcome your father to visit our hospital for a consultation with Dr. Li Shih-Wei in the Internal Medicine d...[Read More] Understanding Chest Issues: Possible Causes and Recovery Time
Can Tuberculosis Medications Cause Vision Loss and Blindness?
Can damage to the optic nerve caused by tuberculosis medication lead to blindness? I started taking tuberculosis medication in June of this year. In early October, I experienced a sudden blurriness in my vision and returned to the hospital for a follow-up. After informing the phy...
Dr. Li Shiwei reply Pulmonology
Response: Hello. Question: Can medication be changed if there is a significant deterioration in vision? Answer: The tuberculosis medication, ethambutol, may cause optic neuritis as a side effect, so it is advisable to discontinue ethambutol or switch to another medication. Questi...[Read More] Can Tuberculosis Medications Cause Vision Loss and Blindness?
Understanding Right Chest and Arm Pain: Causes and Concerns
Pain around the right rib cage and right arm? Dr. Li: I apologize for interrupting you during your busy schedule. I have been feeling anxious all day and afraid to seek medical attention. The issue began with pain around my right rib cage, which sometimes radiates to my right arm...
Dr. Li Shiwei reply Pulmonology
Hello Mr. Wang: The pain around your right chest ribs and right arm is likely due to inflammation of the chest wall. However, if you are concerned about any lung issues, it is advisable to visit a pulmonology clinic for a thorough physical examination and a chest X-ray. Sincerely...[Read More] Understanding Right Chest and Arm Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Left Lower Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Pain in the lower left chest? I have been experiencing persistent pain in the area about a fist's width below my left chest for several days. A few years ago, I had pneumonia and also had pleural effusion, and I have a smoking habit. However, I have been too busy with work t...
Dr. Li Shiwei reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are many causes of chest pain, ranging from inflammation of the chest muscles, pneumonia, to myocardial infarction. Since you have a smoking habit, it would be best to take some time to visit a pulmonology clinic for an examination. Sincerely, Dr. Li Shih-Wei, Intern...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Calcified Nodules in the Right Lower Lung: What You Need to Know
What is a calcified nodule in the right lower lobe of the lung? What are its potential effects? Hello Dr. Lee: I would like to ask you about the issue of a calcified nodule in the right lower lobe of the lung. My brother's recent chest X-ray report indicated that he has a ca...
Dr. Li Shiwei reply Pulmonology
Dear Fanny, The calcified nodule in the right lower lobe of the lung is a lesion left over from inflammation, possibly indicating calcification after the resolution of primary pulmonary tuberculosis. The pneumothorax is mostly spontaneous, resulting from the rupture of abnormal ...[Read More] Understanding Calcified Nodules in the Right Lower Lung: What You Need to Know
Understanding Bronchiectasis: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
A patient with bronchiectasis inquires? 1. For patients with bronchiectasis, the daily sputum production can range from approximately 30 cc to 100 cc, but this can vary widely depending on the severity of the condition. 2. Yellow sputum may indicate a bacterial infection, sugges...
Dr. Li Shiwei reply Pulmonology
Reply: Hello, 1. The amount of sputum in patients with bronchiectasis varies from person to person and is related to the extent and location of the bronchiectasis, as well as the presence of infection. 2. An increase in sputum volume or a change to a yellow color often indica...[Read More] Understanding Bronchiectasis: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
Managing Winter Asthma: Tips for Soldiers to Stay Healthy
Winter onset Hello, Doctor: I am about to serve my country (in the military), and I am concerned about my asthma issues. My asthma only occurs in the winter, and I do not experience any symptoms during the other three seasons. However, in winter, I often have attacks that require...
Dr. Li Shiwei reply Pulmonology
Hello, I apologize for the delay in responding to your questions. Asthma is caused by a combination of individual predisposition and environmental factors. Since it is related to personal constitution, this condition will accompany the patient throughout their life. Patients must...[Read More] Managing Winter Asthma: Tips for Soldiers to Stay Healthy
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Chest pain Doctor: Hello, I have been experiencing chest pain for some time. I have also undergone an X-ray at the hospital, which showed no abnormalities. However, when the pain occurs, it also hurts to breathe, and there seems to be a lump on the right side of my chest. What ki...
Dr. Li Shiwei reply Pulmonology
Hello: You can schedule an appointment with either the Pulmonary Medicine or Cardiology department for evaluation and treatment by a specialist. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Managing Recurrent Transudative Pleural Effusion in Ventilator-Dependent Patients
How to manage recurrent transudative pleural effusion? Chronic mechanical ventilator dependence, poor nutrition, but normal albumin levels and normal heart function. How to manage recurrent transudative pleural effusion?
Dr. Li Shiwei reply Pulmonology
Dear YOYO, regarding your question, I hope the following response meets your satisfaction. If your patient does not have an infection and there are no issues with respiratory function, then observation is sufficient. Sincerely, Dr. Li Shih-Wei, Internal Medicine.[Read More] Managing Recurrent Transudative Pleural Effusion in Ventilator-Dependent Patients
Can Wearing Masks Prevent Respiratory Illnesses in Urban Areas?
Wearing masks can help prevent the worsening of respiratory diseases and reduce the risk of contracting respiratory infections? In urban areas of Taiwan, wearing a mask (a clean one) can help prevent the worsening of respiratory diseases and reduce the risk of contracting respira...
Dr. Li Shiwei reply Pulmonology
Hello: Regarding the *mask issue* you raised, here are the responses: 1. The purpose of wearing a mask is to prevent the transmission of diseases through airborne particles and droplets. 2. Applicable situations: (1) When in close contact with patients suffering from drop...[Read More] Can Wearing Masks Prevent Respiratory Illnesses in Urban Areas?