Rib Pain from Coughing: When to See a Doctor for Your Symptoms
Coughing to the point of rib pain? Tracheal mucus? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing pain in my right rib cage for the past few days. I now feel significant pain when taking deep breaths, turning over, or raising my arms. There is noticeable tenderness between two ribs at th...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan reply Pulmonology
Hello, typically, ribs require a significant amount of external force to fracture, making rib fractures relatively uncommon. They are more likely to occur in individuals with osteoporosis or those with rheumatologic conditions who have been on long-term corticosteroid therapy. Re...[Read More] Rib Pain from Coughing: When to See a Doctor for Your Symptoms
Do You Need an Air Purifier for Your 8th Floor Apartment?
Regarding air purifiers? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if we need an air purifier in our home. We live on the 8th floor, right next to a busy street with heavy traffic. We recently purchased an air purifier, but I started to wonder if exhaust fumes from vehicles would reach ...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan reply Pulmonology
Hello, among air pollutants, PM2.5 is particularly associated with lung cancer. If indoor PM2.5 levels are high, you may consider using an air purifier. If you are already using one, check if the filters need to be replaced regularly and ensure proper ventilation. The Department ...[Read More] Do You Need an Air Purifier for Your 8th Floor Apartment?
Understanding Long-Term Effects of Pleural Adhesions After Pneumonia
Lung issues? At the age of 12, the child was hospitalized due to pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma, requiring chest tube drainage for pleural effusion. The hospitalization lasted over a month. Later, at 17, during a health check while working, it was noted that there was pleural adh...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan reply Pulmonology
Hello Candy, in adults, pleuritis often results in pleural thickening or adhesions (which may appear similar to fluid accumulation) or calcified nodules, even after drainage. Typically, these conditions only require monitoring, and it is essential to compare the initial imaging w...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Effects of Pleural Adhesions After Pneumonia
Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: What to Do Next?
Chest X-ray report Hello, doctor. I recently received my health check report, and the chest X-ray indicated "suspected aortic arch curvature," "suspected bilateral hilar enlargement," and "suspected increased interstitial infiltration in both lungs."...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan reply Pulmonology
Hello Mr. Yu, the reported aortic arch curvature can usually be monitored, but the bilateral hilar enlargement and increased interstitial infiltration should be evaluated based on actual X-rays. It is recommended that you consult a pulmonologist. Changhua Hospital's Departme...[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: What to Do Next?
Understanding Side Effects of Levalbuterol and Budesonide for Asthma
The side effects of Levalbuterol (often referred to as Xopenex) and Budesonide/Formoterol (commonly known as Symbicort) include: Levalbuterol: - Tremors - Nervousness - Headache - Dizziness Hello, doctor. I had asthma frequently when I was a child, but it almost disappeared as ...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan reply Pulmonology
Hello, if the physician recommends long-term use, it indicates that the occurrence of asthma attacks may lead to subsequent effects on lung function and other symptoms. Current studies have reported only a few instances of emotional impacts or oral thrush infections due to poor o...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Levalbuterol and Budesonide for Asthma
Delivery Riders and Lung Cancer Risk: What You Need to Know
Delivery workers and lung cancer? Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask the following questions: 1. Due to financial reasons, I have to spend a lot of time riding a scooter for food delivery (Foodpanda). If I continue this for 20 years, will my risk of developing lung cancer be si...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan reply Pulmonology
1. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) currently classifies PM2.5 from air pollution as a Group 1 carcinogen (sufficient evidence), but the levels do not matter for individuals; it is simply a matter of presence or absence. 2. To state the conclusion directly...[Read More] Delivery Riders and Lung Cancer Risk: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Is It Related to Intense Exercise?
Chest pain or discomfort? While using the computer in the evening, I suddenly felt a mild aching sensation in my chest, primarily characterized by a feeling of soreness. This soreness seemed to radiate to my upper back as well. After the chest discomfort, I also experienced some ...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan reply Pulmonology
Hello, Starfish. The symptoms described are a feeling of soreness and pain, which tends to alleviate after massage. This is often related to exercise, but whether it is due to just starting an exercise routine or exercising too intensely needs to be evaluated by a relevant specia...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Is It Related to Intense Exercise?
Understanding Tracheal Foreign Bodies: Symptoms and Management
Suspicion of tracheobronchial foreign body? If a foreign object comes into contact with the trachea, will it always cause severe coughing? (I do not have coughing symptoms, nor do I have a fever; I just feel a sensation of something stuck in my throat, which makes me suspicious.....
Dr. Zhang Ziyan reply Pulmonology
Hello Mr. Kirin, based on your age, if there is a foreign object, the cough reflex is usually quite intense; if not, there is no need to worry too much. Typically, it has either been coughed out or has moved into the oral cavity. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Tracheal Foreign Bodies: Symptoms and Management
Understanding Sharp Chest Sensations: Should You Worry About Heart Issues?
A prickling sensation in the chest? Hello, I just felt a slight prickling sensation on the left side of my chest, almost like a tightening feeling. It wasn't painful, just a mild prickling and tightening sensation, but it went away after about three minutes. Could this be a ...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan reply Pulmonology
Hello Hao, usually this is not a case of myocardial infarction, but if it occurs repeatedly, you may want to consider consulting a cardiologist to rule out any arrhythmia issues or symptoms related to post-COVID-19. The Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Changhua Hospital cares ...[Read More] Understanding Sharp Chest Sensations: Should You Worry About Heart Issues?
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest pain Hello, I recently noticed that I experience pain when I laugh, sneeze, press on the middle of my chest, or change to certain positions. However, the pain does not last long. What could be the issue?
Dr. Zhang Ziyan reply Pulmonology
Hello, based on your description, slight movement or stimulation can cause pain, which may indicate localized muscle inflammation. This type of pain often resolves on its own with reduced stimulation. However, if the pain continues to worsen or is accompanied by symptoms such as ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Intermittent Left Chest Pain: Possible Causes and Insights
Left chest pain? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing intermittent pain in my left chest, feeling as if something is pressing on my chest. However, it only lasts for a few seconds each time and then disappears. The timing is quite random, and there is no fixed frequen...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan reply Pulmonology
Hello Momoly, although you are still quite young, your symptoms are more indicative of cardiovascular-related issues. It is recommended that if these symptoms persist, you seek evaluation from a cardiologist.[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Left Chest Pain: Possible Causes and Insights
Understanding Side Effects of Moderna Vaccine: When to Seek Medical Help
Side effects of the Moderna vaccine? I received my third dose of the Moderna vaccine on February 11, and by the end of February, I noticed red rashes appearing on my body that were itchy. I visited a dermatologist twice, and while there was slight improvement, the rashes still ap...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan reply Pulmonology
Hello Wen, the timing of these occurrences and the skin symptoms are less common for typical vaccine side effects. Symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and chest pain suggest that you should consult a cardiologist to rule out serious side effects such as perica...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Moderna Vaccine: When to Seek Medical Help
Should You Mix COVID Vaccines? Insights on AZ and BNT for Omicron
Second dose of COVID-19 vaccine? Hello, doctor. I am currently considering getting the second dose of the vaccine. I received the first dose of AstraZeneca (AZ), but with the recent rise of Omicron, I am hesitant about whether to mix the second dose with BioNTech (BNT). I would l...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan reply Pulmonology
Hello Mr. Tsai, currently the data on Omicron is not very complete. However, based on the available research, it is generally recommended that if there are no severe side effects or contraindications, one should consider receiving an mRNA vaccine as a booster after the second dos...[Read More] Should You Mix COVID Vaccines? Insights on AZ and BNT for Omicron
Can Choking on Saliva During Sleep Lead to Aspiration Pneumonia?
Can choking on saliva while sleeping lead to aspiration pneumonia? Last night, I had dinner a bit late, but I waited over two hours before lying down to sleep. At that time, I still felt full. I'm not sure if lying down caused stomach acid to rise and irritate me, or if I ch...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan reply Pulmonology
Hello Mr. Lin, your symptoms indicate gastroesophageal reflux, and a mild cough with choking is quite normal; it does not suggest aspiration pneumonia, so there is no need to worry too much. If you experience worsening symptoms such as fever, increased sputum production, or short...[Read More] Can Choking on Saliva During Sleep Lead to Aspiration Pneumonia?
Blood in Saliva Upon Waking: Possible Causes and Concerns
Blood in saliva while sleeping? Waking up with blood in your saliva after sleeping for almost three months could be indicative of several potential issues. It may be related to gastrointestinal problems, respiratory issues involving the chest or lungs, or other underlying conditi...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan reply Pulmonology
Hello, Xiao Ming. Blood in saliva is most commonly due to bleeding within the oral cavity, followed by bleeding from the nasopharynx, esophagus, or trachea. Therefore, it is recommended that you seek medical evaluation. The Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Changhua Hospital, M...[Read More] Blood in Saliva Upon Waking: Possible Causes and Concerns
Does Vaccination Cause Lung Lobe Fibrosis? Exploring the Connection
Fibrosis of the upper lobe of the lung? Is there a possibility that vaccination could cause pulmonary lobar fibrosis?
Dr. Zhang Ziyan reply Pulmonology
Hello Mr. Yu, according to the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines by the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Centers for Disease Control, the common vaccines in Taiwan do not have pulmonary fibrosis as a side effect. However, if one contracts COVID-19, there is a possibility of ...[Read More] Does Vaccination Cause Lung Lobe Fibrosis? Exploring the Connection
Understanding Chest Pain: When Gastrointestinal Issues Aren't the Cause
I initially thought it was related to my gastrointestinal system, but it seems that it is not? Hello, Doctor. First, let me explain my situation. My health is very poor, and I often experience pain in multiple areas of my body. Because there are so many painful spots, I am unsure...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan reply Pulmonology
Hello, based on your description, did you see a pulmonologist six months ago, and have you since consulted a gastroenterologist or hepatologist? Has there been any improvement after taking medication? However, another six months have passed. If the pain has changed, it is advisab...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When Gastrointestinal Issues Aren't the Cause
Understanding Solid Lung Nodules: Monitoring and Follow-Up Care
Pulmonary nodule (solid) Hello Doctor, my mother underwent a CT scan in September 2020 based on the doctor's recommendation, which revealed multiple solid pulmonary nodules (measuring 0.4, 0.6, and 1 cm). Cancer markers and other tests returned normal results. However, due t...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan reply Pulmonology
Hello Mr. Han, you have three solid pulmonary nodules, the largest measuring 1 cm. It is certainly a good sign that there has been no change after three months of follow-up. However, the actual interpretation will depend on the reader's perspective, whether it leans towards ...[Read More] Understanding Solid Lung Nodules: Monitoring and Follow-Up Care
Should We Take My Father to the ER for Worsening COPD and Lung Cancer?
My father has been getting worse after his recent follow-up visit and hospitalization. Should we go to the emergency room? My father was diagnosed with COPD five years ago, and his lung function has been declining since then. Last year, he was also diagnosed with lung adenocarcin...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan reply Pulmonology
Hello Mr. Tsai, regarding your question about whether to go to the emergency room for hospitalization, let me start with the conclusion: it depends on what you expect the emergency hospitalization to accomplish. During the Lunar New Year period, examinations, medications, and oxy...[Read More] Should We Take My Father to the ER for Worsening COPD and Lung Cancer?
Understanding Lung Nodules: A Patient's Journey Through Medical Follow-Up
Health Report Hello Dr. Zhang, I had a chest X-ray report during my company health check in 2016 that noted "suspected nodular lesions in the left lower lung, recommended outpatient follow-up." I followed up at the hospital that year, and after the doctor marked it with...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan reply Pulmonology
Hello Mr. Lin, if the low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan in February of the 110th year did not reveal any lesions, then there are none. Chest X-rays have many limitations, and the radiologist may have observed artifacts; even if it appears to be a nipple, it must be reported....[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: A Patient's Journey Through Medical Follow-Up