Understanding Smoking Habits and Lung Cancer Risks for Young Adults
Smoking cessation issues Hello, doctor: I have two questions I would like to ask. I will turn 22 in three months. I have been smoking for about 8-9 years, averaging around a pack a day (sometimes I smoke only 4-5 cigarettes). On days when I go out, I might smoke up to 2 packs, bu...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: If you can refrain from smoking on weekends, it indicates that your nicotine addiction is not very deep. If you quit now, your risk of developing lung cancer will be equivalent to that of the general population. Wishing you success in quitting smoking! Give yourself the be...[Read More] Understanding Smoking Habits and Lung Cancer Risks for Young Adults
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Sharp pain in the center of the chest? Currently, every time I take a deep breath, I experience chest pain that feels like being squeezed tightly. Sometimes it hurts quite a bit, and other times it's less painful. I used to enjoy watching horror movies, and I would feel a sl...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Your chest X-ray is normal, which suggests that there are no significant lung or heart diseases. Your chest tightness and pain seem more like neuralgia. It is recommended to avoid cold foods, refrain from staying up late, and ensure adequate rest, as these measures should ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Chest tightness? Hello! I am an 18-year-old female. Since I can remember, I have occasionally experienced sharp pain in my left or right chest, usually near the rib area. This happens about once every few weeks and lasts no more than 3 minutes. However, last night, I suddenly exp...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is recommended that you see a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray to check for any lung diseases, especially pneumothorax. If the X-ray is normal, it is more likely to be neuralgia. You should try to get enough rest, avoid staying up late, and limit the intake of cold foods...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Pleural Effusion and Lung Cancer Treatment Options
Regarding pleural effusion? Hello, doctor. A few weeks ago, my father was hospitalized at Lin Shin Hospital, where his blood sugar was found to be over 700, and he was subsequently diagnosed with diabetes. He is now monitoring his blood sugar daily, which has been controlled. How...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The classification of lung cancer should be based on the pathology report and cannot be inferred. The side effects of current chemotherapy and radiation therapy have significantly decreased, and most patients can tolerate them. For treatment details, it is best to consult ...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion and Lung Cancer Treatment Options
Understanding Chest Pain: Insights on Respiratory and Cardiac Issues
Respiratory issues I have been experiencing pain in my trachea and left chest area for almost a week now. I can't pinpoint a specific pain location, and I can only exhale slowly and gently. I feel my heart rate increasing and it's somewhat uncomfortable (my mother has c...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The X-ray showed no abnormalities, and the doctor has examined you and stated that there are no heart or lung issues. Therefore, your chest pain is more likely related to muscle or nerve pain, possibly due to prolonged sitting, poor posture, or a stressful and busy lifesty...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Insights on Respiratory and Cardiac Issues
Concerns About Breathing Difficulties: A Guide to Chest Health Issues
People who are concerned about their health? Hello, doctor! Well, sometimes after work at the factory, I come home and cook, and if I can't finish my meal, I freeze it for the next meal. I also eat very hot soup and tend to eat until I'm very full. In June of this year,...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Since I haven't seen your X-ray, I'm not sure if there are any other issues. It seems that you may not have taken a deep enough breath during the imaging, as the lungs appear somewhat opaque. There should not be any problems. I recommend that you regularly follow...[Read More] Concerns About Breathing Difficulties: A Guide to Chest Health Issues
Understanding Pleural Effusion and Lung Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Pleural effusion and lung cancer? Hello Doctor, my mother is 61 years old (she has diabetes and is undergoing interferon treatment for hepatitis B). She experienced shortness of breath while walking, and an X-ray at a hospital revealed fluid accumulation in her right lung. After ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. If no abnormalities are found in the PET scan, the likelihood of cancer is low, and you can continue to monitor with imaging or consider further pleural biopsy (of course, there should be enough pleural effusion to ensure safety during the procedure). 2. Targeted therap...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion and Lung Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Understanding Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know About Your Health
Regarding lung issues? My wife participated in a company health check in mid-April and recently received a report stating: "Suspected small nodule in the right upper lung, possibly a granuloma." Since last year's report did not show any abnormalities, we took her t...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Pulmonary nodules may be related to infections (usually accompanied by cough symptoms) such as tuberculosis, fungal infections, or residual scarring from pneumonia. They may also indicate early-stage tumors (but growth rate should be monitored, typically every 2-3 months)....[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know About Your Health
How to Obtain an Asthma Certification from a Public Hospital in Taiwan
Public hospital certification for asthma? Hello, doctor. I urgently need a public hospital certificate for asthma. However, my asthma attacks occurred when I was 10 and 11 years old, and I was treated at a private clinic where I was diagnosed with asthma by a physician. The treat...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Please visit the pulmonology department of a public hospital for asthma-related examinations, and then the physician will determine and issue a diagnosis certificate. The information from private hospitals can still be used as supplementary reference! Best wishes![Read More] How to Obtain an Asthma Certification from a Public Hospital in Taiwan
Understanding Cough and Abdominal Pain After Acute Bronchitis
Cough and abdominal pain? I recently had a cold with a cough and wheezing. I visited a pulmonologist on Tuesday, and after an X-ray, I was diagnosed with acute bronchitis. Today, I started experiencing abdominal pain when I cough, but my other symptoms have improved significantly...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: As long as your symptoms have not completely resolved, it is recommended to schedule a follow-up appointment! Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Cough and Abdominal Pain After Acute Bronchitis
Understanding Lung Fibrosis, Calcification, and Acid-Fast Bacilli Testing
Lobar pulmonary fibrosis, calcification, and positive acid-fast bacilli test? I am a nursing student. In middle school, I had pneumonia that led to fibrosis in my right upper lung. However, during a health check-up last August, I noticed an increase in lung markings. I have a his...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The previous fibrosis in your right upper lung and the current calcification observed during the physical examination should be considered the same condition, both indicating non-active lesions. Treatment would only be necessary if a tuberculosis culture is positive two mo...[Read More] Understanding Lung Fibrosis, Calcification, and Acid-Fast Bacilli Testing
Persistent Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Chest tightness or pain? Hello, I have been experiencing chest tightness and pain for two months. I went to the hospital and saw a thoracic surgeon, and an X-ray showed no abnormalities, but the pain persists. It hurts when I exert myself, but it doesn't hurt when I'm a...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: If a chest X-ray shows no abnormalities, it indicates that there are no significant issues with the lungs, pleura (such as pneumothorax or pleural effusion), or ribs. It is more likely to be muscle pain (usually with tenderness upon palpation) or costochondritis (which may...[Read More] Persistent Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Lung Cavities: Concerns About Treatment and Diagnosis
Pulmonary cavity Hello Doctor: Previously, I inquired about my mother's issue with coughing up blood. Today, we received the report results, which indicate that there is a cavity in her lungs, and the sputum culture shows the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. I forgot to a...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: In cases of lung inflammation or the presence of cavities (which is different from pneumothorax or hemothorax), it is possible for two or more pathogenic bacteria to coexist. If there is no significant improvement in the lesions after antibiotic treatment for Pseudomonas a...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cavities: Concerns About Treatment and Diagnosis
Understanding Hemoptysis: What to Know About Coughing Up Blood
Coughing up blood? Hello, doctor. Regarding the question I asked yesterday, my mother underwent a sputum culture test in the past two days, and she has been coughing up blood-tinged sputum. Will this affect the interpretation of the test results? The doctor has prescribed medicat...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Improvement of clinical symptoms requires a longer period of time (measured in weeks). The presence of blood in the sputum does not significantly affect the culture report, so please rest assured![Read More] Understanding Hemoptysis: What to Know About Coughing Up Blood
Concerns About a 3cm Tumor in the Left Lung Lobe: What to Know
There is a tumor approximately 3 centimeters in size in the left lung lobe? Hello Doctor: Recently, my mother has been experiencing a cough due to a cold for about a month. Her condition has been fluctuating, and in the past two weeks, she has been coughing up phlegm with blood s...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
A 2-3 cm nodule or mass in the lungs may be indicative of inflammation (such as pulmonary tuberculosis or fungal infection), but it could also be a lung tumor (benign or malignant, which can only be distinguished through pathology reports). The attending physician will arrange fo...[Read More] Concerns About a 3cm Tumor in the Left Lung Lobe: What to Know
Understanding Mucus Consistency: What Does 'Pearl-Like Sputum' Indicate?
Phlegm resembling tapioca pearls? Hello: --- Explanation --- 1. I have been smoking for about ten years. 2. I usually do not cough, but I experience shortness of breath. 3. Recently, I often cough up phlegm that resembles tapioca pearls (the shape of the pearls in bubble tea). 4....
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. The viscosity and color of sputum can change depending on whether there is inflammation in the lungs or the degree of air pollution inhaled. Essentially, sputum is the body's method of expelling abnormal secretions from the lungs or clearing foreign substances fr...[Read More] Understanding Mucus Consistency: What Does 'Pearl-Like Sputum' Indicate?
Am I at Risk of Contracting Tuberculosis After Brief Exposure?
Can one develop tuberculosis (TB)? I have recently experienced nasal congestion and a little phlegm, but due to work requirements, I had to come into contact with a patient who tested positive for tuberculosis. At that time, I was not wearing protective clothing, only a regular m...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. Regular masks cannot block tuberculosis bacteria; the general principle is to have the patient wear a regular mask to reduce the release of infectious droplets. 2. Negative pressure isolation rooms have air exchanges of more than 8 times per hour and are well-ventilated...[Read More] Am I at Risk of Contracting Tuberculosis After Brief Exposure?
Understanding Pleural Effusion Without Cough: Key Insights and Concerns
Pleural effusion without cough? Hello Dr. Yang: My mother is 47 years old and was admitted to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital last week due to pleural effusion. She has undergone MRI, CT scans, fluid analysis, bronchoscopy, and a biopsy from her back, but only the fluid analysis rev...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It can sometimes be challenging to identify the location of the primary tumor in cases of metastatic malignant effusion. Chang Gung Memorial Hospital is well-equipped, and most of the necessary examinations have already been conducted. If biopsy is difficult, we may reques...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion Without Cough: Key Insights and Concerns
Calcium Nodules in Lungs: Understanding TB Risks Without Symptoms
X-ray findings show calcified nodules in the hilar region, which may indicate pulmonary tuberculosis. However, if there are no signs of coughing, is it possible to transmit the infection to others? I sometimes come into contact with dust at work, and even though I wear a mask, I ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Calcified nodules indicate a previous lung inflammation (which may have manifested as a cough or fever years ago, without an X-ray taken). After healing, the tissue at the site of the original inflammation undergoes fibrosis and calcification as a repair process, similar t...[Read More] Calcium Nodules in Lungs: Understanding TB Risks Without Symptoms
Breathing Difficulties: Understanding Shortness of Breath and Coughing
Difficulty breathing and frequent shortness of breath? My mother has been experiencing shortness of breath for the past couple of months, making it difficult for her to lie flat while sleeping. She tends to cough when lying down and can only manage to sleep in a semi-reclined pos...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Mom's condition resembles asthma (as inferred from the physician's prescription of Pulmicort). Asthma can be exacerbated by gastroesophageal reflux, which tends to occur more frequently when lying flat. It is recommended to eat small, frequent meals and avoid ove...[Read More] Breathing Difficulties: Understanding Shortness of Breath and Coughing