Understanding Intermittent Chest Tightness and Cough: Causes and Solutions
Persistent intermittent chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing chest tightness for five years. The symptoms occur irregularly, possibly every two to three months, lasting for about three to four days, during which I feel unable...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The intermittent cough and chest tightness seem less likely to be due to any significant lung or tracheal pathology. It may be related to irregular exercise habits or the temperature of food and fruits consumed. It is recommended to establish a regular exercise routine and...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Chest Tightness and Cough: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Left Chest Pain and Numbness: Possible Causes and Concerns
Left chest tightness and numbness in the left hand and left foot? Hello, doctor. During my recent yoga practice, I suddenly experienced a sharp pain in my left chest. I managed to finish the exercise, but the pain did not subside. After eating and resting, the pain persisted, and...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The initial analysis suggests that it resembles muscle pain, possibly related to insufficient warm-up during yoga practice or sleeping posture. If there is no improvement after a while, it is advisable to get a chest X-ray (to check for any significant abnormalities in the...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain and Numbness: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Rib Pain: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Rib pain Hello Doctor: About a month ago, I started experiencing occasional pain in the upper abdomen. After taking stomach medication for a few days, the pain gradually subsided. Then, I began to feel a slight soreness near the last rib on both sides, similar to muscle soreness ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Your pain is not localized, which is not typical for bone metastasis. If you have had a chest X-ray in the past six months that showed no nodules or tumors, then you should not consider this possibility. It is more likely related to muscle soreness after exercise or nerve ...[Read More] Understanding Rib Pain: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Lung Nodules: Monitoring, Risks, and Follow-Up Guidelines
Lung nodule follow-up? 1. In the report, SRS stands for "Size Rating Scale," which is a scoring system used to assess the size of pulmonary nodules, while IM stands for "Impression Measurement," which may refer to the evaluation of the characteristics of the n...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. It is recommended to continue regular follow-ups as advised by your attending physician. However, for stable nodules, you may consider extending the interval between follow-ups. 2. During the two CT follow-up periods, you can also monitor with chest X-rays every six mon...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Monitoring, Risks, and Follow-Up Guidelines
Understanding Elevated Cypra21-1 Levels: When to Seek Chest Specialist Care
Abnormal Cypra21-1 in two health check-ups? Hello Dr. Yang, Three years ago during my health check-up, my Cypra21-1 value was 3.4 (normal is less than 3.3). A month later, I had another blood test at the lab, and the results were normal, so I did not require any special follow-u...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The Cypra21 value is expected to fluctuate. It is recommended to follow up every 3 to 6 months, along with X-ray examinations, and to have a thoracic specialist evaluate and provide recommendations.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Cypra21-1 Levels: When to Seek Chest Specialist Care
Understanding Low-Dose Lung CT Findings: Endobronchial Nodules Explained
Questions regarding low-dose lung CT report? Dear Director, Recently, a low-dose lung CT report indicated a suspicious pneumonia-related mass measuring over 2 cm. Upon follow-up with another low-dose lung CT two months later, it was found that the original mass had nearly resolv...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The size of the bronchial nodules was not mentioned, and it is uncertain whether the scanning angle may have caused artifacts. It would be best to discuss this further with the attending physician, ideally waiting at least two months since the last outpatient visit to bett...[Read More] Understanding Low-Dose Lung CT Findings: Endobronchial Nodules Explained
Effective Smoking Cessation: Understanding Nicotine Replacement and Medications
Smoking cessation issues Hello, doctor. I have a few questions. First, I have never used nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Is NRT used through inhalation? If I haven't quit smoking yet, can I use NRT directly to help me quit? If I still have the urge to smoke, can NRT he...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: You have considered many aspects of the issue. I recommend that you directly schedule an appointment at a smoking cessation clinic, where a smoking cessation educator can assess your level of nicotine dependence. A physician can then prescribe medications to assist with wi...[Read More] Effective Smoking Cessation: Understanding Nicotine Replacement and Medications
Managing Severe Side Effects of AkuriT-4 in Tuberculous Pleural Effusion Treatment
Severe discomfort while taking AkuriT-4 for tuberculous pleurisy? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask, if a patient experiences severe side effects after taking medication, can the doctor adjust the medication options only from a 4-in-1 combination to a 3-in-1 or 2-in-1? Or is it...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The benefits of combination therapies such as 3-in-1, 4-in-1, or 2-in-1 medications include a reduced number of pills taken daily, which increases patient adherence. Many patients are already on chronic disease medications, so the total number of pills can be quite substan...[Read More] Managing Severe Side Effects of AkuriT-4 in Tuberculous Pleural Effusion Treatment
Understanding Your CT Scan: No Nodules Found, But Why the Follow-Up?
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan The CT report states "lung: no remarkable nodular lesions (>0.4 cm)," which means there are no significant nodules larger than 0.4 cm in your lungs. However, your doctor may still recommend follow-up imaging for various reasons, such as ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. X-rays cannot detect small nodules less than 0.5 cm, so the X-ray report is normal. 2. CT scans may have difficulty distinguishing small nodules smaller than 0.4 cm from normal vascular tissue, so nodules larger than 0.4 cm are more noteworthy. Your CT scan did not show...[Read More] Understanding Your CT Scan: No Nodules Found, But Why the Follow-Up?
Does Fluoroquinolone Use Affect Tuberculosis Diagnosis?
Does the use of fluoroquinolones affect the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello Dr. Yang, I am a pharmacist. My boyfriend (who is the same age as me) previously went to the emergency room due to a fever, and an X-ray revealed lesions in his lungs. The doctor prescribed flu...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on your description, I will prioritize considering a fungal infection. If the culture results from the second hospital show no tuberculosis, I will be less concerned about tuberculosis. Since the sputum smear is negative, there is no need to wear a mask continuously,...[Read More] Does Fluoroquinolone Use Affect Tuberculosis Diagnosis?
Understanding Rib Cartilage Calcification and Lung Overlap on X-rays
Regarding costal cartilage calcification and lung overlap? Hello, I would like to ask if the finding of costal cartilage calcification overlapping with the lungs on an X-ray after a health check is a normal phenomenon or something that requires attention due to illness? Thank you...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Your X-ray may have shown calcification points within the ribs (commonly referred to as bone islands), which are unrelated to lung health, so there is no need to worry.[Read More] Understanding Rib Cartilage Calcification and Lung Overlap on X-rays
Understanding Upper Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest tightness in the upper chest? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing a sensation of tightness and pain in my upper chest, sometimes on the left side and other times on the right. This usually occurs after sneezing and can last for several days. The area is primar...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It feels more like chest wall muscle pain (it also occurs when holding a child), and sneezing increases muscle tension. If you're concerned, you can get a chest X-ray in the thoracic department.[Read More] Understanding Upper Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Burned Throat: What to Do and When to See a Doctor
Burned throat? I'm sorry to hear that you burned your throat by eating tofu too quickly. It sounds like you might be experiencing some irritation or inflammation. Here are some steps you can take to manage the situation: 1. **Stay Hydrated**: Drink plenty of cool fluids to ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Typically, mucous membranes will naturally heal after being exposed to high temperatures. It is advisable to avoid consuming excessively hot foods or beverages for a short period.[Read More] Burned Throat: What to Do and When to See a Doctor
Understanding Ground-Glass Nodules in Lung Health: What You Need to Know
Ground-glass nodules in the lungs detected during a physical examination? Hello, Doctor. During this year's health check-up, the report indicated a 0.4 cm ground-glass opacity (GGO) nodule in the left lower lung. Could you please help me review the report? What should I be a...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Ground-glass nodules may simply be small inflammations; it is usually recommended to follow up with a CT scan in 12 months.[Read More] Understanding Ground-Glass Nodules in Lung Health: What You Need to Know
Chest Pain After Exercise: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Chest pain after exercise? Hello Doctor, I am 20 years old, and in the past two to three months, I have noticed that whenever I run quickly, regardless of the distance, I experience sharp pain in my left chest, approximately three to four finger widths below the clavicle. It feel...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It feels more like muscle pain. I'm not sure if you usually have a habit of running. Typically, having a routine of brisk walking followed by slow jogging helps to adapt to faster running! I recommend getting an X-ray to ensure there are no issues with your lungs![Read More] Chest Pain After Exercise: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Chest Pain When Bending: Understanding Causes and Relief Strategies
There is a sharp pain in the left chest when bending over, but it can be alleviated when standing upright? I occasionally experience sharp pain in my chest, usually lasting only a few seconds. However, on February 18th, while I was kneeling on the floor cleaning, I suddenly felt ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Your risk of heart disease is relatively low for your age, and it seems more related to a muscle strain in the chest. Please avoid excessive stretching of the left chest area for the time being. If you are still concerned, you can visit a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray.[Read More] Chest Pain When Bending: Understanding Causes and Relief Strategies
Impact of Air Fryer Smoke on Lung Health: What You Need to Know
The impact of cooking fumes on the lungs? I read in the news that the oil smoke from an air fryer is 1,500 times more than that from a traditional frying pan, and I'm concerned about its impact on the lungs. I used it four times at a friend's place in a small apartment ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: In my personal opinion, four times is unlikely to affect the lungs! Otherwise, it would be difficult to promote this product for home use![Read More] Impact of Air Fryer Smoke on Lung Health: What You Need to Know
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Left chest pain? Hello Doctor, recently as we enter winter, I experience a sharp pain while breathing (especially during deep breaths), which sometimes occurs in the following locations: (1. five finger widths below the left nipple, 2. upper left chest near the center of the body...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The chest X-ray shows no abnormalities, indicating that there are likely no substantial lung lesions. It seems more like muscle or nerve pain. Please temporarily refrain from doing push-ups and avoid consuming ice-cold beverages, and observe whether the symptoms improve![Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Persistent Coughing: Seeking Answers from Pulmonology Experts
Coughing issues? Hello Doctor: I have been coughing continuously since early December (for about a month now). I have visited various clinics and taken medications, but there has been little improvement. I also consulted a pulmonologist and had an X-ray, which showed no issues. A...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Most people will feel an itchy cough when pressing below the throat. I have not encountered any cases of hair entering the trachea; if that were the case, there would likely be persistent and unbearable coughing. Your cough is probably intermittent and may be related to si...[Read More] Persistent Coughing: Seeking Answers from Pulmonology Experts
Understanding Your Chest X-Ray: Chronic Bronchitis Insights
Chronic Bronchitis X-ray Report Hello, doctor. Since my COVID-19 diagnosis last July, my allergic rhinitis has progressed to chronic bronchitis, and I have been coughing for nearly six months. I have been continuously visiting the rheumatology and immunology department, with symp...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The X-ray report appears to show no active pulmonary lesions, and the alveoli are more fully inflated. It is unclear whether this is due to being relatively thin or insufficient exhalation. It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist for further evaluation![Read More] Understanding Your Chest X-Ray: Chronic Bronchitis Insights