Understanding Chest Pain: Exploring Causes Beyond Muscle Tension
Chest tightness or pain? Hello Dr. Qu: About three to four years ago, I experienced intermittent chest tightness or pain, accompanied by discomfort in my throat and a sensation of phlegm. I consulted with family medicine and pulmonology specialists, and after X-rays, no issues we...
Dr. Qu Changke reply Pulmonology
Hello Ah-Hong: The diagnosis of a disease relies on a comprehensive assessment of medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and other factors. I would like to know if you smoke and whether you have undergone an electrocardiogram (ECG) or pulmonary function tests. T...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Exploring Causes Beyond Muscle Tension
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Pleural effusion Hello, Dr. Qu! My mother experienced pain near the side of her back on April 14th. She visited a doctor who took an X-ray and said there were no significant issues, only inflammation of the muscles, and prescribed medication. After taking the medication for a few...
Dr. Qu Changke reply Pulmonology
Hello, Dolphin: Based on the statement, it is not possible to determine the cause of pleural effusion. However, I will try to provide you with some directions. There are many potential causes of pleural effusion, including heart failure, kidney failure, pneumonia, lung cancer, an...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Asthma: Steroid Inhalers, Side Effects, and Diagnosis Concerns
excuse me? I would like to ask if the inhaler prescribed by the doctor contains steroids. Could it cause side effects? I'm afraid that taking it might harm me, so I haven't used it. I want to know if my condition is really asthma. This situation has occurred in the last...
Dr. Qu Changke reply Pulmonology
Dear Mr. Hong, As you mentioned in your other letter, you have not yet visited my clinic. You may have mistaken the physician's name. Based on your questions, there are a few key points to address: 1. Asthma can be classified into intrinsic and extrinsic types, and it is ...[Read More] Understanding Asthma: Steroid Inhalers, Side Effects, and Diagnosis Concerns
Where to Find Dr. Qu for Pulmonology Consultations in Taipei?
I'm sorry~ I apologize, Dr. Qu. In the previous Q&A, I mistakenly referred to the doctor as Dr. Qu; it should have been Dr. Jian. I'm sorry for the confusion. However, I have a question: I previously chose to visit the thoracic department at Taipei Hospital because ...
Dr. Qu Changke reply Pulmonology
Hello Mr. Hong: To answer your previous question, normal lung function does not rule out asthma. I am currently serving at Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Where to Find Dr. Qu for Pulmonology Consultations in Taipei?
Understanding Wheezing and Coughing at Night: Possible Causes and Solutions
There is a wheezing sound when breathing during sleep? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've noticed that when I lie down to sleep, I sometimes hear a wheezing sound while breathing, which is accompanied by coughing. At times, I feel like I have difficulty breathing. I have visited ...
Dr. Qu Changke reply Pulmonology
Hello Mr. Hong: It is recommended to visit a pulmonologist for a pulmonary function test.[Read More] Understanding Wheezing and Coughing at Night: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Lung Cavities: Causes, Severity, and Diagnosis Explained
Pulmonary perforation Hello: My father has been suffering from a persistent cough and has seen a pulmonologist. After an X-ray, the doctor mentioned that there is a lung cavity and that he needs to be hospitalized for treatment. What could cause a lung cavity? Is having a lung ca...
Dr. Qu Changke reply Pulmonology
Hello Danny: First of all, I would like to answer your question. Almost no disease can be definitively diagnosed through X-rays alone. The primary role of X-rays in clinical practice is to indicate potential diseases. Further examinations are then arranged for confirmation. Tuber...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cavities: Causes, Severity, and Diagnosis Explained
Persistent Cough in a 63-Year-Old: Possible Causes and Concerns
Persistent cough that does not resolve? Hello, my father is 63 years old and has a history of hypertension and diabetes. Since he caught a cold last December, he has been coughing continuously with phlegm. Even after recovering from the cold, he still coughs, and it has gotten wo...
Dr. Qu Changke reply Pulmonology
Hello Magic: For the issue of persistent cough that does not improve, it is advisable to visit a pulmonology clinic for a thorough examination.[Read More] Persistent Cough in a 63-Year-Old: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Symptoms and Recovery After Spontaneous Pneumothorax Surgery
Spontaneous pneumothorax Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my condition. I have a spontaneous pneumothorax, and before I was aware of it, I experienced symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, shortness of breath, and tightness in my neck. A...
Dr. Qu Changke reply Pulmonology
Hello, Xiao He: The common symptoms of pneumothorax include chest pain and shortness of breath, although some patients may be asymptomatic and discover the condition during a physical examination. This means that symptoms can vary from person to person. Typically, symptoms will i...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms and Recovery After Spontaneous Pneumothorax Surgery
Understanding Lung Cancer vs. Tuberculosis: Key Differences and Risks
Regarding the lungs? Hello, what are the differences between lung cancer and tuberculosis? Is lung cancer contagious? My grandfather is 76 years old and seems to have some lung issues recently. The doctor has recommended a CT scan, and I'm worried about whether he is in dang...
Dr. Qu Changke reply Pulmonology
Hello, Ida: Tuberculosis is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is infectious, classified as a notifiable communicable disease. Lung cancer, on the other hand, is caused by cellular mutations leading to malignancy and is not contagious. When lung cancer is suspected, a c...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cancer vs. Tuberculosis: Key Differences and Risks
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
There is some pain in the chest? Hello Doctor, I've been experiencing some chest discomfort for the past two weeks, and there was a moment when the pain was so severe that I could barely breathe. Could this be related to smoking? Recently, I've also been feeling very fa...
Dr. Qu Changke reply Pulmonology
Hello, A-Zhen: There are many causes of chest pain, including conditions related to the heart, lungs, and esophagus, among others. A thorough examination is necessary to determine the cause. Therefore, I recommend that you visit an outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Persistent Chest Tightness: Possible Causes and Solutions
Chest tightness? It has been a year since I have been experiencing a feeling of tightness in my chest every day, and I have to take deep breaths to feel somewhat comfortable. There is some pain when I press on my left rib cage. I had an X-ray, and the doctor said my lungs are fin...
Dr. Qu Changke reply Pulmonology
Hello, Xiaoye: The symptoms you described are not very specific. This means that many diseases can present with similar manifestations. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the results of a physical examination and relevant tests to make a diagnosis. You may need to visit the o...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Chest Tightness: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Coughing During Pregnancy: When to Seek Medical Help
Coughing can cause discomfort in the chest cavity? Hello Doctor: My wife is over three months pregnant and has been coughing due to a cold for nearly a month. The cough is quite severe, and at times there are traces of blood and discomfort in her chest. There have been several ni...
Dr. Qu Changke reply Pulmonology
Hello, Xiaoming: A chest ultrasound may not be very helpful for your wife; however, considering a sputum test could be beneficial. Additionally, there are many causes of coughing, such as bronchitis, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), among others. It is essential to...[Read More] Understanding Coughing During Pregnancy: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Coughing with Phlegm and Breathing Difficulties at Night
Shortness of breath accompanied by productive cough? Hello, I have been experiencing a condition intermittently for the past three to four months. Usually, it occurs at night around 4 or 5 AM, when I have difficulty breathing accompanied by coughing. The cough produces clear phle...
Dr. Qu Changke reply Pulmonology
Hello Sophie: You may first visit the pulmonary medicine outpatient clinic. It is recommended to have a chest X-ray and pulmonary function tests. Of course, the most important thing is to quit smoking.[Read More] Understanding Coughing with Phlegm and Breathing Difficulties at Night
Understanding Persistent Cough: When to Worry About Lung Cancer
Coughing Hello, Dr. Qu: My 55-year-old father has been coughing for three to four months after catching a cold this winter. He has seen several traditional and Western medicine practitioners and has taken codeine, but his condition fluctuates between better and worse. He suspects...
Dr. Qu Changke reply Pulmonology
Hello: Many conditions can present with a cough, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as the pulmonary tuberculosis and lung cancer you mentioned. It is advisable to visit a pulmonology clinic for an evaluation and to arrange any necessary tests...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough: When to Worry About Lung Cancer
Persistent Cough After Cold: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Could you please provide more context or specify your question about coughing? Hello, Doctor. Last October, I caught a cold, and after about a week, I recovered but was left with a persistent cough. By early December, I noticed that the cough had lasted too long, so I visited a p...
Dr. Qu Changke reply Pulmonology
Hello TPE52: The diagnosis of a disease must be based on a comprehensive assessment that includes medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests (such as blood tests, X-rays, etc.). Additionally, X-rays must be reviewed in person for accurate interpretation. Therefor...[Read More] Persistent Cough After Cold: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes and Treatment for Elderly Patients
Pleural effusion Grandma is 90 years old and has mild dementia, degenerative arthritis, a BUN of 32.7, a creatinine level of 2.29, and a uric acid level of 11.0. Last year, she was hospitalized for 10 days at Shou-Ji Medical Center due to intestinal obstruction and diverticulosis...
Dr. Qu Changke reply Pulmonology
Hello Xiaowei: Your grandmother is likely experiencing pleural effusion (sometimes referred to by doctors as pulmonary edema, but the correct term is pleural effusion). There are many causes of pleural effusion, including malignant tumors, pneumonia, heart failure, kidney failure...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes and Treatment for Elderly Patients
Understanding Coughing: Possible Causes and Connections to Sinus Issues
Coughing Hello Doctor: I previously had sinusitis, and since then I have noticed an increase in phlegm, although it is always clear. I have seen an ENT specialist, but the doctor said there was no significant issue. Recently, over the past month or two, I occasionally cough in th...
Dr. Qu Changke reply Pulmonology
Hello Ms. Chen: I believe that the Taiwan e-Hospital consultation website cannot replace an actual clinical examination, especially since chest pain involves a wide range of issues. Therefore, it is not appropriate to make a diagnosis based solely on your description. I still rec...[Read More] Understanding Coughing: Possible Causes and Connections to Sinus Issues
Should You Consult a Pulmonologist for Chest Tightness and Pain?
Pulmonology My mother has been feeling unwell for a month, initially thinking it was a cold. However, after taking medication, her condition did not improve. She often feels tightness in her chest and experiences shortness of breath, along with intermittent headaches. Concerned a...
Dr. Qu Changke reply Pulmonology
Hello A-Jiang: Regarding your question, I recommend visiting the pulmonary medicine outpatient clinic for further evaluation and examination.[Read More] Should You Consult a Pulmonologist for Chest Tightness and Pain?
Exploring Lung Tumor Diagnosis: Beyond Bronchoscopy for 7cm Growth
The lung tumor is 7 centimeters in size? Doctor: My father was recently diagnosed with a 7 cm lung tumor. He has decided not to go to the hospital for further examinations after hearing the news. His blood tests came back normal, and he rarely coughs. Overall, he seems to be doin...
Dr. Qu Changke reply Pulmonology
Hello Weiwei: The methods for obtaining tissue samples for pathological examination of lung tumors primarily include bronchoscopic biopsy, ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy, and CT-guided percutaneous biopsy. However, bronchoscopic examination is essential for staging.[Read More] Exploring Lung Tumor Diagnosis: Beyond Bronchoscopy for 7cm Growth
Am I Experiencing Asthma, COPD, or Another Lung Condition?
Am I suffering from asthma, another condition, or emphysema? In the past week, I have frequently experienced chest tightness with a bit of pain, and I feel like I can't fully inhale, especially when sitting down or driving; it feels like my breathing is not smooth. I have a ...
Dr. Qu Changke reply Pulmonology
Dear Sam, Many diseases can manifest as chest tightness and shortness of breath, such as issues related to the heart and lungs. Therefore, it is not possible to make a judgment based on your description alone. I recommend that you come in for a consultation.[Read More] Am I Experiencing Asthma, COPD, or Another Lung Condition?