Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Chest pain? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing pain in the center of my chest recently. I do not have a cough, and an X-ray showed no issues. The pain does not occur when I am still, but it does hurt when I take a deep breath, and it also hurts when I perform chest expansion ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: A normal chest X-ray should not show any significant lung disease; it is more likely to be neuralgia. You can take muscle relaxants or pain relievers for 2-3 days in the short term. Maintain a regular daily routine and ensure adequate rest, which should help improve your c...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Assessing the Need for CT Scans in Pediatric Lung Calcification Cases
Pulmonary calcification A 7-year-old child was found to have a pulmonary calcification (one calcified area) at the end of October 2016. Follow-up X-rays were taken in November and January, with the January 24th X-ray showing no changes compared to previous images, although the do...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: If you have a history of allergies, you can discuss with your physician the option of not administering contrast agents, unless the physician considers the presence of a vascular tumor or other lesions that may benefit from enhanced imaging with contrast agents, or you may...[Read More] Assessing the Need for CT Scans in Pediatric Lung Calcification Cases
Understanding Lung Calcification in Children: When to Consider CT Scans
Discovery of pulmonary calcification issues? A 7-year-old child was found to have a pulmonary calcification (one calcified area) at the end of October 2016. Follow-up X-rays were taken in November and January, and on January 24, the doctor reviewed the new and old X-rays and repo...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Calcified nodules may be scar tissue resulting from previous inflammation, and their shape and size are unlikely to change significantly. Since they occupy only a very small portion of the lungs, they will not affect respiratory function. It is recommended that no further ...[Read More] Understanding Lung Calcification in Children: When to Consider CT Scans
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and Concerns for Smokers
Feeling empty in the chest? Hello doctor, I am a smoker. Recently, around 11 PM every night, I feel a hollow sensation in my chest, but there is no pain. Sometimes, if I eat too much, I experience a feeling of wanting to vomit accompanied by belching. I would like to ask what pro...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Your symptom description is more indicative of gastrointestinal issues. It is recommended to see a gastroenterologist. If you are concerned about how smoking may affect your lung health, quitting smoking sooner would be beneficial for your health and can also protect your ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and Concerns for Smokers
Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma: Risks and Screening for Non-Smokers
Regarding lung adenocarcinoma? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my mother, who is in her 50s. She undergoes annual health check-ups and regularly gets chest X-rays. Her overall health is good, her diet is normal, and she does not smoke. There is no family history of lung ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The causes of cancer are still not clearly understood, with both environmental and genetic factors playing a role. It is recommended to have regular X-ray examinations annually, and considering low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans of the lungs every 2-3 years is also ad...[Read More] Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma: Risks and Screening for Non-Smokers
Understanding Left Rib Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Left rib cage Hello doctor, my father has recently been experiencing pain in his left rib area and back. Can an X-ray detect this? Is it possible that it is a strain, or which department should I consult? Thank you.
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is recommended to first obtain an X-ray to rule out any issues with the lungs or bones, and then consider the possibility of muscle or soft tissue strain.[Read More] Understanding Left Rib Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Sudden Chest Tightness: Causes and Concerns
Sudden onset chest tightness? Hello Doctor: My mother is 45 years old and has no history of heart disease. Yesterday, she suddenly experienced chest tightness with a feeling of pressure, as if her chest was tightly bound, which lasted all day. Today, along with the chest tightnes...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Although there are many causes of chest tightness, if it persists for a long time, it is important to investigate the possible reasons. It is recommended to first see a cardiologist to rule out heart disease, and then consult a pulmonologist. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Sudden Chest Tightness: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Lung Atrophy: Managing Cough and Mucus in Seniors
Mother has pulmonary atrophy, cough, and sputum production? Hello Dr. Yang, my mother has not been feeling well lately. She mentioned that she has lung atrophy, and recently her phlegm has increased, along with a persistent cough. She has been taking medication for about six mont...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Your mother's lungs may have developed pulmonary fibrosis or localized atrophy due to a previous lung infection. The structure and function of the affected area are compromised, making it prone to cough or bacterial infections due to difficulty in clearing mucus. It i...[Read More] Understanding Lung Atrophy: Managing Cough and Mucus in Seniors
Understanding Chest Pain and Breathing Issues: What You Need to Know
For over a month, I have been experiencing sharp and dull pain in my chest, along with a wheezing sensation in my chest while breathing? Hello Doctor, I had a mild mitral valve prolapse during my health check-up two years ago. For the past month, I have been experiencing a dull, ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Your symptoms have been evaluated and examined by a specialist, and major cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases should have been ruled out. There is no need to worry excessively. In addition to taking your medication as prescribed, relaxing and adjusting your lifestyle can...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Breathing Issues: What You Need to Know
Understanding Changes in Ground-Glass Nodules: What You Need to Know
Nodule enlargement? Dr. Yang, I would like to ask about the CT scans. Today, I compared a CT scan from two years ago with one from a month ago. The doctor mentioned that I have two larger ground-glass nodules from last month; one of them has not changed much since two years ago, ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Basically, not having an increase in size for two years is good news. As long as you do not smoke, it is recommended to have a chest X-ray every six months for monitoring. Whether it is scar tissue is subjective, and without a biopsy report, it cannot be confirmed. Follow-...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Ground-Glass Nodules: What You Need to Know
Understanding Coughing and Lung Health: Should You Worry About Lung Cancer?
Risk of lung cancer? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing occasional coughing for almost a month now, along with some phlegm. Sometimes I hear sounds from my airways and feel like there is phlegm inside. When I manage to cough up some phlegm, the airway sounds go away. I don&#x...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Most lung cancers do not grow rapidly in a short period of time. Since a CT scan last July did not reveal any suspicious tumor lesions, it would be advisable to get a chest X-ray for the physician to interpret. Your symptoms are more indicative of allergic rhinitis and bro...[Read More] Understanding Coughing and Lung Health: Should You Worry About Lung Cancer?
Understanding Small Lung Nodules: Concerns and Connections
Small pulmonary nodules issue? Hello doctor, I had a low-dose CT scan in August 2015, which revealed a nodule measuring 0.2 to 0.3 cm in the upper lobe of my right lung. I have been undergoing follow-up scans every three months, and two additional CT scans during this period show...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The first nodule has not increased in size, which is likely less related to the second nodule. Congratulations on successfully quitting smoking! For follow-up, you only need to have chest X-rays every six months. Typically, nodules larger than 0.7-0.8 centimeters can be de...[Read More] Understanding Small Lung Nodules: Concerns and Connections
Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: Is It Intercostal Neuralgia?
Transient tightness and pain in the upper left chest? Hello Dr. Yang, I apologize for the interruption, but I would like to ask you about a sudden, brief tightening pain in my left chest. The pain is localized to a specific point between the sternum and the left nipple, in the u...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on the symptoms you described, which come on quickly and resolve just as quickly, it seems more like neuralgia or muscle strain pain. However, I still recommend getting a chest X-ray to rule out any significant lung pathology for peace of mind. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: Is It Intercostal Neuralgia?
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Worry and What It Could Mean
Chest pain? About six months ago, while exercising, I suddenly felt a cool sensation in my chest that lasted for about two weeks, after which it disappeared. Not long after, I experienced a sensation similar to a muscle strain when exerting myself, followed by chest tightness and...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The lymph nodes have diminished, which may be related to an upper respiratory infection. As for the feelings of chest tightness, pressure, or mild pain, a chest X-ray is necessary to rule out any significant pulmonary pathology. As you mentioned, if you have a habit of poo...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Worry and What It Could Mean
Persistent Phlegm and Snoring After Cold: What Could Be Wrong?
Persistent phlegm in the throat and snoring? Since I caught a cold last November, I've had phlegm in my throat continuously. I've seen the doctor twice, but it hasn't improved. Additionally, since that illness, I've started snoring while sleeping. What could b...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: For snoring issues, first consult an otolaryngologist. If you have excessive phlegm that hasn't resolved, check for post-nasal drip (otolaryngology examination). If the X-ray is also normal and there is just an abundance of secretions, it is also advisable to see a tr...[Read More] Persistent Phlegm and Snoring After Cold: What Could Be Wrong?
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Insights from Chest Medicine
Shortness of breath? I often feel very stuffy and short of breath, but when I went to see a doctor, they said my lung capacity is not good. However, when I feel stuffy and short of breath, turning on a fan and directing it towards my face alleviates the stuffiness and shortness o...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: To determine if lung capacity is sufficient, a pulmonary function test is usually required. If the chest X-ray is normal and there are no abnormalities in the thorax or heart disease, lung capacity should not be an issue. It is often observed that individuals experiencing ...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Insights from Chest Medicine
Understanding Stages, Treatments, and Survival Rates of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Could you please clarify your question, doctor? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask the following questions: 1. Does non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have different stages? 2. How is each stage treated? 3. What is the 5-year survival rate for each stage? Thank you!
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: I recommend visiting the websites of major hospitals or the Taiwan Cancer Foundation to download educational pamphlets related to lung cancer. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Stages, Treatments, and Survival Rates of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Understanding Lung Nodules: Risks, Asbestos Exposure, and Treatment Options
CT lung nodule issues Hello Doctor: Recently, my health check report showed six small nodules measuring 3.0 to 5.5 mm. Three years ago, I had a CT scan that showed no abnormalities, and I consulted with Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where they mentioned that some of these might b...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The original attending physician explained things quite clearly and suggested that you continue follow-up with the original physician's outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Risks, Asbestos Exposure, and Treatment Options
Which Specialist to Consult for Lung Nodules: A Guide
Which specialty should I see for a nodule? Hello doctor, I have a lung nodule and I'm wondering which department I should see. I initially went to thoracic surgery, and the nurse mentioned that I should have seen internal medicine first. However, the doctor still allowed me ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: In principle, lung nodules can be evaluated by either a pulmonologist or a thoracic surgeon, as the assessment principles and content are quite similar. If surgery is needed, it is also advisable to seek a second opinion from another pulmonologist or thoracic surgeon. Best...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Lung Nodules: A Guide
Is Further Testing Necessary After a Normal Chest X-Ray at 20?
Chest X-ray Hello, since I am 20 years old and my X-ray results are normal with no other symptoms, is there a need for further examination?
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: If you have persistent symptoms, it is necessary to see a physician for evaluation. For older individuals with a long history of smoking or a family history of cancer, even if the X-ray results are normal, it may be advisable to consider self-paying for a low-dose computed...[Read More] Is Further Testing Necessary After a Normal Chest X-Ray at 20?