Concerns About Asbestos Exposure from Peeling Paint in Rental Homes
Paint peeling I recently read an article about the serious hazards associated with asbestos, which seems to be related to the work environment. I am currently a doctoral student renting an apartment, and there is wall dampness causing paint to peel. I am somewhat concerned that t...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: The impact of environmental exposure on health depends on whether the substances involved are harmful, the duration of exposure, and the individual's sensitivity. If the paint does not contain asbestos, it is naturally unrelated to asbestos. However, if it contains ch...[Read More] Concerns About Asbestos Exposure from Peeling Paint in Rental Homes
Understanding Your Lung Test Results: What They Mean for Your Health
Lung Examination Report Hello Dr. Zhou, I visited a pulmonologist due to chest tightness and difficulty breathing. The doctor ordered some tests and prescribed medication, asking me to return for a follow-up appointment in a month after the tests. However, I still felt unwell and...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: The interpretation of the examination report should still be correlated with the clinical condition. Please return for a follow-up visit for the physician's explanation.[Read More] Understanding Your Lung Test Results: What They Mean for Your Health
Persistent Pain Below the Nipple: When to Seek Medical Advice
Tenderness below the lateral aspect of the nipple? There is tenderness about 2 cm below the lateral aspect of the nipple, with a sensation similar to that of a bruise when pressed between two ribs. I have no recollection of any trauma or injury, and I wonder if I might have unint...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: You may first visit the thoracic surgery or orthopedic department for evaluation by a physician.[Read More] Persistent Pain Below the Nipple: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Right Lower Chest Pain and Night Sweats: When to Seek Help
Localized sharp pain in the lower right side of the chest (bone) with occasional body fever? Approximately four to five years ago, around 2018/2019, I started experiencing a dull sensation in a fixed point on the lower right side of my chest (bone), which would occur occasionally...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: You can first visit the pulmonology department for evaluation by a physician.[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Chest Pain and Night Sweats: When to Seek Help
Should You Follow Up on a Detected Lung Nodule After a Health Check?
The health check report indicates a solid nodule in the right upper lobe of the lung. Should it be monitored? Dear Dr. Zhou, I am currently about to turn 30 in a month. I had a health check-up in early May, which included a low-radiation chest CT scan. Recently, I received the r...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: As previously suggested, please visit the pulmonology department for an evaluation of the "risk factors" by a physician, and then discuss the follow-up with the doctor.[Read More] Should You Follow Up on a Detected Lung Nodule After a Health Check?
Understanding Rib Pain: Causes and Next Steps for Diagnosis
Rib pain Hello doctor, I have been experiencing sharp pain on the left side of my rib cage for the past two months. There is also tenderness when I press on the area, and it feels like inflammation with a wide range of discomfort. Currently, I am also experiencing similar pain in...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: If there are no results after being treated by a pulmonologist, you may consider consulting a neurologist for further evaluation by a physician.[Read More] Understanding Rib Pain: Causes and Next Steps for Diagnosis
Challenges in Changing Tracheostomy Tubes: A Case Study
Issues with Changing Tracheostomy Tubes Hello Dr. Zhou, Background of the issue: My 65-year-old mother has a tracheostomy tube that needs to be replaced in about a month. After a consultation with the ENT department at Hospital C, an endoscopy revealed that there is dry secretio...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: The question involves the patient's actual condition and the existing equipment at the hospital, which requires clinical evaluation. Please discuss the follow-up treatment plan with the original physician.[Read More] Challenges in Changing Tracheostomy Tubes: A Case Study
Unexplained Chest Pain and Gastrointestinal Distress: Seeking Answers
Chest tightness, difficulty breathing, bloating, and dizziness? I have been experiencing a sensation of tightness in my chest when taking deep breaths, along with stomach bloating and pain that becomes unbearable before bed and upon waking. A week ago, I visited a pulmonologist d...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: According to the content, it is advisable to visit a regional-level hospital or higher for consultation and treatment by a physician.[Read More] Unexplained Chest Pain and Gastrointestinal Distress: Seeking Answers
Is a Whiter Right Lung a Sign of Disease or Just Normal Variation?
The right lung appears whiter than the left lung? The doctor performed an X-ray and lung function tests, and everything appeared normal. However, he noted that the right lung seems to be whiter than the left lung. Normally, lung images should be symmetrical. The physician suggest...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: This pertains to a clinically specific interpretation of an X-ray. Please discuss this with your physician during your appointment.[Read More] Is a Whiter Right Lung a Sign of Disease or Just Normal Variation?
Understanding Family History of Lung Cancer: Key Definitions and Guidelines
Definition of Family History of Lung Cancer Hello, doctor. Thank you for your response to my previous question; I will return for my report. I would like to inquire about the definition of a family history of lung cancer. I am 41 years old, do not smoke or drink, and would like t...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Question 1: The Ministry of Health and Welfare defines a family history of lung cancer as having a parent, child, or sibling diagnosed with lung cancer. Can I use this standard to assess whether I have a family history of lung cancer? Answer: 1. According to the National H...[Read More] Understanding Family History of Lung Cancer: Key Definitions and Guidelines
Can a Cold Affect LDCT Results? Important Considerations for Patients
Is it safe to undergo LDCT while having a cold? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing a long-term cough with blood, and I have scheduled a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan for next Monday, May 22. However, I currently have a cold and a sore throat. Will having a cold af...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Generally, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is used for lung cancer screening. If there are acute symptoms, there may be pneumonia or other pulmonary infiltrates, which could present additional abnormal shadows on the imaging. However, if the purpose is to perform a che...[Read More] Can a Cold Affect LDCT Results? Important Considerations for Patients
Understanding Low-Dose Chest CT Reports: Implications for Cancer Recurrence
Low-Dose Computed Tomography Report of the Lungs The CT of the chest without contrast enhancement shows: - Low sensitivity of non-contrast CT scan. - Irregular opacity in the left upper lobe (1.5 cm, SE5 IM35). - No mediastinal or hilar lymphadenopathy. Given the history of gastr...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: A 1.5 cm shadow has been detected; please consult a thoracic surgeon for evaluation to determine if there is a suspicion of a tumor. It is important to assess whether surgical intervention is necessary, especially if it is a new formation. The potential for recurrence or m...[Read More] Understanding Low-Dose Chest CT Reports: Implications for Cancer Recurrence
Understanding the Anxiety of Low-Dose CT Scans for Lung Cancer Detection
Patients with severe anxiety disorder experience heightened anxiety during low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans? Hello Doctor, I have two questions I would like to ask, and I hope you can help clarify them for me. Thank you. I have generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compu...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. The presence or absence of a disease will not change the results of the report, regardless of whether you review the report. Please return for a follow-up to discuss the report with your physician. 2. Different populations cannot be directly compared in data.[Read More] Understanding the Anxiety of Low-Dose CT Scans for Lung Cancer Detection
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes, Relief, and When to Seek Help
Chest tightness issue? Hello Dr. Zhou: I have been experiencing a feeling of tightness and pressure near the indentation in my chest, and sometimes I feel a bit of shortness of breath. It seems that as long as I don't pay attention to the tightness in my chest, I don't ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Please visit the pulmonology department for a consultation with a physician.[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes, Relief, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Left Lower Lung Nodule: Next Steps After Abnormal X-Ray
Bilateral calcified nodule in the left lower lobe (size not specified)? The health check X-ray results are abnormal, indicating a calcified nodule in the left lower lobe (size not specified). Should I go directly to a large hospital for further examination or first consult a smal...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Please return for a follow-up with the pulmonology department.[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Lung Nodule: Next Steps After Abnormal X-Ray
Understanding Sudden Left Chest Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Sharp pain at the lower edge of the left chest? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing sudden sharp pain at the lower edge of my left chest. The pain can occur whether I'm standing, sitting, lying flat, lying on my side, or even prone. I can't pinpoint a s...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are many potential causes of chest pain, including neuromuscular issues, lung conditions, heart problems, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is important to seek medical attention and discuss with a physician for proper diagnosis and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Left Chest Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Chest and Respiratory Issues: When to Seek Medical Help
Respiratory and thoracic-related issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you some questions. My current situation is a bit complicated. I previously experienced autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and I have some tightness in the upper part of my neck that hasn't complet...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Please continue to seek treatment from a physician.[Read More] Understanding Chest and Respiratory Issues: When to Seek Medical Help
Chest Pain During Deep Breathing: Possible Causes and Insights
Experiencing chest pain when taking deep breaths? Hello, Dr. Zhou. I have noticed that when I take a deep breath, I experience pain about 30 degrees to the left and slightly above my right nipple, approximately 4 centimeters below my clavicle. This pain occurs during forceful dee...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Please visit the pulmonology department for evaluation by a physician.[Read More] Chest Pain During Deep Breathing: Possible Causes and Insights
Understanding Pain Under the Left Rib: Possible Causes and Insights
Pain beneath the rib cage? Hello Doctor, since around November of last year, I have been experiencing intermittent pain near the lower edge of my left rib cage close to the abdomen. Currently, the frequency is about four times a week, and the pain lasts only a few seconds each ti...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: For medical diagnosis and treatment, you can visit the Department of Pulmonary Medicine or the Department of Thoracic Surgery.[Read More] Understanding Pain Under the Left Rib: Possible Causes and Insights
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Help for Lung Discomfort
Chest and lung discomfort or pain? My husband often experiences a painful tightness in both lungs (the kind that is very painful). It gets a bit better after resting, but then the pain starts again. Previously, he had X-rays and an electrocardiogram, which showed no abnormalities...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: If you have already seen a cardiologist and a pulmonologist with no abnormalities found, you can consult a neurologist or a pain specialist.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Help for Lung Discomfort