Breathing Difficulties While Walking: Possible Causes Beyond Asthma
Shortness of breath while walking? I have a history of asthma and four weeks ago I had a suspected asthma attack that required an emergency room visit. I experience shortness of breath while walking, along with chest tightness and pain (near the heart area), and I also have a dry...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is recommended that you continue to have regular follow-ups with a pulmonologist to assess whether there is a need for further evaluation of asthma.[Read More] Breathing Difficulties While Walking: Possible Causes Beyond Asthma
Should You Worry About Lung Cancer Symptoms with Persistent Chest Pain?
Should long-term chest pain symptoms raise concerns about the early stages of lung cancer? Since June, I have been experiencing respiratory symptoms that feel like tightness in my airways, accompanied by pain in the left side of my chest. My shoulders feel forward, and I also exp...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Your physician has actively arranged for the relevant examinations. Both asthma and mitral valve prolapse can potentially cause chest tightness. Currently, the chest pain seems more like neuropathic pain. Early-stage lung tumors rarely cause chest pain. It is recommended t...[Read More] Should You Worry About Lung Cancer Symptoms with Persistent Chest Pain?
Post-Pneumothorax Surgery: Understanding Breathing Issues and Pain
Post-pneumothorax surgery Hello doctor, I am a high school sophomore. I had a right-sided pneumothorax in August. After being discharged from the hospital, about a week later, one day at school, after climbing stairs, I suddenly felt very short of breath, and I experienced a shar...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Sometimes when climbing stairs, you may experience a pulling sensation in the pleura due to forceful breathing (the pleura may adhere together after surgery), which can cause pain or a stabbing sensation. It is advisable to avoid exercising or to climb stairs slowly, and t...[Read More] Post-Pneumothorax Surgery: Understanding Breathing Issues and Pain
Understanding Breathing Difficulties in Teenagers: Causes and Solutions
Shortness of breath? Hello doctor, I am a 16-year-old female high school student. Recently, for almost a month, I have been experiencing some difficulty breathing. At first, I had chest tightness, but lately, I don't feel that anymore; I just feel like I can't get enoug...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Sometimes high stress can also cause similar symptoms! It is still recommended to see a pulmonologist to evaluate for asthma and then consult the physician regarding medication.[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties in Teenagers: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Chest Discomfort When Lying Down: Causes and Insights
Chest tightness or pain? I only feel a tightness in my chest when lying flat. It's uncomfortable, but currently, there's not much of a serious issue. I've been searching for information for a long time and still haven't found anything related, so I'm here...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: If walking for exercise does not cause any discomfort, there should be no major issues. However, if you are still concerned, you can see a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray to check for any abnormalities in the lungs and heart.[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort When Lying Down: Causes and Insights
Can I Get Infected with Tuberculosis in a Confined Space?
Is it possible to transmit? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if there is a chance of being infected with tuberculosis after being in the same room with a tuberculosis patient (who has been on medication for about two months) for about 20-30 minutes. The room is located in the b...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The patient has been on medication for two months, and the exposure time was less than eight hours, so there should be no concern about the risk of transmission![Read More] Can I Get Infected with Tuberculosis in a Confined Space?
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Heart and Lung Health Concerns
Cardiopulmonary issues Hello doctor, I would like to know what the issue is if I can't catch my breath during exercise after less than 10 minutes. Additionally, I experienced shortness of breath while hiking with friends, and my friend mentioned that it's normal for you...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is recommended to first consult a pulmonologist. If an evaluation indicates a heart issue, you can then be referred to a cardiologist for further assessment. Additionally, it is advised to walk for 30-40 minutes daily, starting with a slow pace. If you do not experience...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Heart and Lung Health Concerns
Should Motorcycle Riders Consider Low-Dose CT Screening for Lung Cancer?
Do motorcycle riders need low-dose computed tomography screening? I have been riding a motorcycle to work for 7 years, and I have never smoked or consumed betel nut. I drink alcohol, but it's less than 250cc a year and with an alcohol content of less than 5%. I almost always...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The motorcycle community does not smoke as severely as the rumors suggest, with claims of daily consumption of 400 cigarettes. Current research does not support the recommendation for regular low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans for this group. If you do not smoke, cons...[Read More] Should Motorcycle Riders Consider Low-Dose CT Screening for Lung Cancer?
Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma Screening Age for Smokers
Age for lung adenocarcinoma screening? I have been smoking for over 7 years. Originally, it was 8 years, but I don't smoke on Saturdays and Sundays, so I'm not sure if I can count it as over 7 years. Is that a valid way to calculate it? I quit smoking a year ago. After ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Congratulations on quitting smoking for a year! From now on, your risk of developing lung cancer should be similar to that of non-smokers, so there’s no need to worry excessively![Read More] Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma Screening Age for Smokers
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Is It Heart Issues or Acid Reflux?
Recently, I've been experiencing a feeling of tightness in my chest, and it seems like my heart is racing? Two days ago, I started experiencing a feeling of tightness in my chest, which worsens after eating. It's hard to describe, but it feels like something is stuck be...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Your symptoms are more indicative of a gastrointestinal condition (such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or gastritis). It is recommended that you see a gastroenterologist.[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Is It Heart Issues or Acid Reflux?
Chest Discomfort and Finger Numbness: What Tests Should You Consider?
Chest tightness and finger numbness? The main issue is that my father, who is nearly 60 years old, has a habit of smoking and drinking alcohol. He often experiences chest tightness (without a specific area in the chest) and sometimes has numbness in his left fingers. The symptoms...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Symptoms of chest tightness along with numbness in the left fingers, with a history of smoking, suggest that you should first see a cardiologist. If the cardiac examination shows no abnormalities, then you can consult a pulmonologist.[Read More] Chest Discomfort and Finger Numbness: What Tests Should You Consider?
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns Explained
Left chest discomfort (2) I am 127095. Perhaps I didn't explain well last time. The X-ray in November was just because I was scared; at that time, there was nothing wrong. The mild pain is something I just noticed yesterday. Could it be that the problem has just arisen now? ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
It is recommended to see a pulmonologist and have another chest X-ray taken. Only the pulmonologist can explain the examination results to give you peace of mind.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns Explained
Understanding the Need for PET Scans in Unclear Chest Imaging Results
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) My mother is 54 years old and was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer four years ago. In recent years, her follow-up examinations have shown no abnormalities. However, during a check-up earlier this month, a shadow was detected on her chest X-r...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: If you want to examine shadows in the breast or lungs, a CT scan is appropriate. Positron emission tomography (PET) can help determine whether the shadow is more likely to be a metastatic tumor rather than a benign inflammatory lesion. PET can also assess areas outside the...[Read More] Understanding the Need for PET Scans in Unclear Chest Imaging Results
Understanding Left Chest Discomfort: Should You Be Concerned?
Left chest discomfort? I have been smoke-free for over a year, and I have been smoking for about 7 years in total. Initially, for the first 3 to 4 years, I smoked less than half a pack a day, and even less than 5 cigarettes a day during the first 1 to 2 years. Last November, I ha...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are many causes of chest pain, and most tumors that cause chest pain are already relatively large (the small tumor shadow should have been visible on the X-ray last November). Pain occurs when the tumor invades the pleura or bones, and it is a persistent pain, not ju...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Discomfort: Should You Be Concerned?
Chest Pain Relief: Heat vs. Ice Therapy Explained
Sharp pain in the center of the chest? Hello doctor, I have seen your response, but the day before yesterday I tried heat therapy, and when I woke up in the morning, the pain intensified, so I switched to ice therapy. Should I still consider using heat therapy?
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Avoid excessive heat. Cold compresses may not be very helpful. If there is no improvement, you might consider seeing a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to try some herbal remedies.[Read More] Chest Pain Relief: Heat vs. Ice Therapy Explained
Understanding Tracheal Issues: Symptoms and Solutions for Better Breathing
Tracheal issues? I apologize for the lengthy content. Since early July, I have been experiencing some issues. I rarely cough, but my throat always feels like it has phlegm. Sometimes, I feel phlegm in my trachea or bronchi. Recently, I have also felt a contraction of the muscles ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Make sure to get enough rest! Avoid consuming too many cold foods! Also, try not to eat too many sweets! The amount of phlegm should improve![Read More] Understanding Tracheal Issues: Symptoms and Solutions for Better Breathing
Managing Tuberculosis While Working Abroad: Treatment Options Explained
Contracted tuberculosis while on assignment? Hello, doctor. I am currently residing in Vietnam for work and return to Taiwan approximately every three months. I have been diagnosed with tuberculosis. Do I need to resign from my job and return to Taiwan for treatment, or can I con...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The treatment for tuberculosis is becoming increasingly standardized worldwide. It is recommended that you do not need to resign from your job. Before returning to Taiwan, you can ask a local physician to provide a treatment record and a copy of your chest X-ray. Upon your...[Read More] Managing Tuberculosis While Working Abroad: Treatment Options Explained
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and Remedies for Muscle Strain
Sharp pain in the center of the chest? Hello Doctor, about a month ago during weight training, I worked on my chest muscles and experienced a prickling sensation in the center of my chest for several days afterward. This condition has persisted for a month now, and I haven't...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on your description, it seems more likely that you have a strain at the junction of the ribs and sternum involving the muscles or soft tissues. I recommend applying heat, and if necessary, using topical analgesics or pain relief patches.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and Remedies for Muscle Strain
Understanding Chest Tightness: Common Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest tightness? My mom often feels a tightness in her chest, and she doesn't know what the cause is.
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are many possible causes for chest tightness and pain, but heart or thoracic diseases are more common. It is recommended to visit either a cardiologist or a pulmonologist for an evaluation, so the physician can explain the possible causes.[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness: Common Causes and When to Seek Help
Persistent Cough: Seeking Solutions for Unresolved Symptoms
Persistent cough that does not resolve? Hello Dr. Yang! I have been experiencing a sore throat and cough since December 26, 2016. I have seen a clinic doctor three times; the sore throat has improved, but the cough has not. On February 13 and March 4, 2017, I visited the chest me...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Your condition appears to be related to bronchial hypersensitivity (reactive allergy), particularly in response to temperature changes. It is recommended that you undergo pulmonary function tests to rule out the possibility of asthma. Traditional Chinese medicine may requi...[Read More] Persistent Cough: Seeking Solutions for Unresolved Symptoms