Understanding Pneumothorax: Recurrence Risks and Precautions
The recurrence rate of pneumothorax without surgical intervention? I would like to ask about my situation. I had a pneumothorax last year, and since it was my first occurrence, I did not undergo surgery. What should I be aware of moving forward? What is the likelihood of recurren...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Activities that cause rapid changes in intrathoracic pressure, such as diving, should be avoided. The recurrence rate is variable, approximately 20-60%.[Read More] Understanding Pneumothorax: Recurrence Risks and Precautions
Understanding Persistent Chest Tightness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Persistent chest tightness? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing chest tightness and a desire to take deep breaths, which usually occurs during seasonal changes. I typically don't have any issues, but this has been persistent for nearly two weeks now, almost continuously ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Mitral valve prolapse can sometimes cause chest discomfort; it is advisable to discuss your condition further with a cardiologist.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Chest Tightness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Left Chest Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
I have been experiencing a feeling of tightness in my left chest recently? Hello, since last Friday, I have been feeling a dull sensation in my left chest, which feels different from my right chest. A few days ago, it was accompanied by slight stabbing pain, but for the past two ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: In the above situation, medical treatment is still necessary. You may first visit a cardiologist.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Lower Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Pain below the chest? I've been experiencing pain in the lower part of my chest for the past few days. When I gently press on the sides of my chest, it feels somewhat okay, but the center is more painful. Stretching my back also causes noticeable soreness. I feel a tightness...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: You can first visit the pulmonology department for evaluation by a physician.[Read More] Understanding Lower Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
How to resolve and prevent pleural effusion? Hello, Dr. Chou. My uncle is a police officer and a heavy smoker. He occasionally drinks alcohol. A few days ago, he was hospitalized due to a minor stroke. He was supposed to be discharged this Friday, but last night he suddenly exper...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is important to address the underlying cause of pulmonary edema; please discuss this with your physician.[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Understanding Medication Side Effects: When to Seek Help for Persistent Symptoms
The pulmonologist diagnosed pneumonia and mentioned that it is a side effect of the medication, recommending intravenous therapy? Hello Dr. Zhou, I really don't know what to do. I visited a pulmonologist on Tuesday evening because I was drooling and had bubbles in my saliva,...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. Please discuss in detail with your physician. 2. If drooling persists, you may request an evaluation by a neurologist.[Read More] Understanding Medication Side Effects: When to Seek Help for Persistent Symptoms
Understanding Cough and Nasal Congestion: Possible Causes and Solutions
Cough and nasal congestion? Doctor, I have been experiencing nasal allergy issues for the past few years, with frequent itching and sneezing. However, since last winter, I have been dealing with daily nasal congestion, itching, and sneezing. In the past two months, I have also st...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: If you have allergic rhinitis or sinusitis, you may want to consult an otolaryngologist or a pulmonologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Cough and Nasal Congestion: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Lung X-Ray Results: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Pulmonary X-ray issues? I would like to ask the doctor, our school had a chest X-ray last month (to check for pulmonary tuberculosis), and today we received the examination report ------------------------------ Examination Item: Abdominal X-ray (one view) Result: Suspected round ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: The circular artifact on the X-ray may be a foreign object on clothing, but please consult a pulmonologist for confirmation.[Read More] Understanding Lung X-Ray Results: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Managing Excessive Salivation and Coughing After Pneumonia Treatment
Pneumonia Hello, I have pneumonia and have been experiencing excessive salivation with bubbles. What should I do? I was hospitalized from April 14 to April 19, and since then I have been taking medication but still have a cough, phlegm, and shortness of breath. After taking medic...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, it may be due to medication side effects or changes in your condition. Please schedule a follow-up appointment for treatment. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang.[Read More] Managing Excessive Salivation and Coughing After Pneumonia Treatment
Understanding Cough and Chest Pain: Insights from Pulmonary Medicine
Cough with chest pain? Hello doctor, my mother started coughing around the 20th of last month and now her speech is reduced to a whisper. She is currently speaking with little strength. She has been visiting clinics for treatment and was referred to a larger hospital last week. I...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on what has been mentioned, the most important factor may still be the results of the CT scan, which will help determine if further examinations are necessary. The report should be available in 1-2 days. If you need to see a doctor urgently, you can inquire with the ...[Read More] Understanding Cough and Chest Pain: Insights from Pulmonary Medicine
Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain: Causes and Management
Chest pain I have been experiencing intermittent chest pain since middle school. The pain is so severe that it hurts even when I breathe. It would go away after a while, but it occasionally flares up. Recently, over the past few weeks, the pain has started again, but the episodes...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are many causes of chest pain, including esophageal issues, musculoskeletal problems, and cardiac conditions, which require professional evaluation by a physician.[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain: Causes and Management
Is Inhaling Lithium Battery Fumes Harmful to Your Health?
Inhalation of lithium battery fumes? Today, I opened the back cover of my phone to replace the battery and noticed a plastic-like odor. The smell was even stronger when I brought the battery closer, resembling a type of electronic odor. After a few minutes, my throat started to i...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. The components of the odor may be unknown; it may depend on the material of the phone. 2. Sometimes, certain irritant gases can cause adverse reactions in individuals with more sensitive respiratory tracts. If you experience discomfort, please consult a pulmonologist.[Read More] Is Inhaling Lithium Battery Fumes Harmful to Your Health?
Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: Nodules and Fibrosis Explained
X-ray report issues? Hello: During my previous health check-up, the report indicated a suspected small nodule shadow or shadow overlap in the right lung apex, with mild fibrosis in the left lung apex. What does this mean? Is further examination necessary? Thank you.
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are many causes for small nodules: foreign bodies outside the lung, normal bone shadows, normal vascular shadows, or the presence of actual lung masses. Please consult a thoracic specialist for further evaluation. Additionally, fibrosis is usually a result of previou...[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: Nodules and Fibrosis Explained
Understanding Sleep-Related Breathing Difficulties: Causes and Solutions
Difficulty breathing during sleep? Hello Doctor, I have recently experienced difficulty breathing during sleep, triggered by emotions in my dreams, which causes me to feel like I can't get enough air and then I wake up. Should I be concerned about this or where should I go f...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: When experiencing nasal congestion, you may also feel difficulty in breathing. It is advisable to first consult an otolaryngologist. If there is no improvement, you may then visit a pulmonologist.[Read More] Understanding Sleep-Related Breathing Difficulties: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest pain? Today at noon, I jogged for a short distance, and about five minutes into the run, I started experiencing sharp pain in my stomach. The pain gradually moved from my stomach to my left chest and has been persistent. I have a history of abnormal gastric acid secretion, ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: The above symptoms still need to be evaluated by a physician. Please consult a pulmonologist.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Persistent Coughing: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Persistent cough? Hello, doctor. I left my job at an electronics factory a year ago after working in a chemical environment for 10 years. I have been experiencing noticeable fatigue and occasional coughing when I smell chemicals, which led me to leave. I do not like spicy food (m...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Please visit the pulmonology department for an examination.[Read More] Persistent Coughing: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Recent Chest Pain Symptoms: Causes and Solutions
Recently appeared symptoms? Since yesterday morning, I've been experiencing intermittent chest pain when I stretch. Even a slight stretch causes discomfort in my chest. I would like to ask the doctor how to resolve this issue. I don't often stay up late; occasionally, I...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: If it is related to posture, the likelihood of a muscle strain is higher. You still need to seek treatment from a pulmonologist, so please visit the pulmonology department.[Read More] Understanding Recent Chest Pain Symptoms: Causes and Solutions
Is There a Link Between Left Lung X-Ray Abnormalities and Rapid Heartbeat?
Is there a relationship between abnormalities in the upper left lung X-ray and a rapid heartbeat? My mother is 65 years old (non-smoker, non-drinker, with a light diet, and no family history). A year ago, an X-ray revealed mild pneumonia in the lower right lung, which was treated...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. There is a pre-existing mitral valve prolapse, which may cause chest discomfort symptoms; further evaluation by a cardiologist is recommended. 2. The abnormality in the left upper lung cannot be determined from the text; a follow-up examination at the original hospital ...[Read More] Is There a Link Between Left Lung X-Ray Abnormalities and Rapid Heartbeat?
Dealing with Persistent Phlegm: Causes and Solutions
Issues with phlegm? Hello doctor, I have been catching colds frequently in the past six months. Each time I finish my medication, I still don't feel better, and I've seen the doctor five times last month. Currently, I don't have much cold symptoms, but I still have...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: If you have been coughing for several weeks, it is advisable to get a chest X-ray. Please visit a pulmonologist.[Read More] Dealing with Persistent Phlegm: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Chest Tightness After Gastrointestinal Illness: Key Insights
Chest tightness or pressure? Hello Doctor, a few days ago I had a gastroenteritis, and for almost a week I had a poor appetite, dizziness, headaches, and nausea. The last two days have been better, and I no longer have those symptoms, but I still feel a bit lightheaded and have a...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is recommended to first follow up at a family medicine or pulmonology outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness After Gastrointestinal Illness: Key Insights