Managing Hypertension and Chest Discomfort: Key Insights for Patients
Hypertension and chest tightness issues? 1. Three years ago, my blood pressure was over 150/100. After starting medication, it has been more stable and usually ranges between 120-135/70-85. I have tried not taking the medication for two days, and my blood pressure remained stable...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. Long-term medication may still be necessary unless blood pressure is too low. 2. Please consult a cardiologist first to determine whether it is related to the heart or a muscle strain.[Read More] Managing Hypertension and Chest Discomfort: Key Insights for Patients
Persistent Yellow Phlegm After Flu: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Yellow phlegm in the throat? Hello, doctor. I had influenza type A a month ago, and after I stopped having a fever, I continued to cough up yellow phlegm. It took three weeks of medication for my condition to improve. I have severe allergies and chronic bronchitis, and I used to ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: You may first consult a pulmonologist to determine if it is bronchitis or an infection. If it is a nasal issue, then you should see an otolaryngologist.[Read More] Persistent Yellow Phlegm After Flu: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Chest tightness or chest pain? I have been experiencing a cold for the past two to three weeks and have been visiting the clinic. My symptoms include coughing, runny nose, and phlegm. However, starting today, I have been feeling a tight pain in my chest. On the day I experienced ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are many causes of chest tightness; please seek medical attention from a physician.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding CYFRA 21-1 Levels in Lung Cancer Screening
Lung cancer screening CYFRA 21-1 On March 18, during a health check, I underwent lung cancer screening with CYFRA 21-1 (normal range 0-3.3 ng/mL), and my result was exactly 3.3 ng/mL. I have a smoking habit. 1. Which specialist should I see? 2. What additional tests do I need to ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. You may first consult with the physician regarding the health check-up explanation. 2. If a chest examination is needed, you can visit a pulmonologist.[Read More] Understanding CYFRA 21-1 Levels in Lung Cancer Screening
Understanding Shortness of Breath in Patients with Congenital Heart Defects
Shortness of breath? Hello Doctor, I have a congenital ventricular septal defect. When I was younger, Dr. Hong Qi-Ren diagnosed me and indicated that surgery was not necessary, as there was a high possibility of natural recovery. Therefore, I didn't pay much attention to it....
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Please first visit a cardiologist for examination and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath in Patients with Congenital Heart Defects
Persistent X-ray Findings in Pneumonia: Bacterial Pathogen Insights
X-ray findings of pneumonia? Which pathogens show prolonged X-ray findings even after the symptoms of pneumonia have improved, compared to other pathogens? Thank you.
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: The X-ray findings are related to the pathogens and the patient's immune status, and cannot be generalized. Certain specific pathogens may present more typical imaging characteristics, but this is not absolute.[Read More] Persistent X-ray Findings in Pneumonia: Bacterial Pathogen Insights
Understanding Chest Itching: Causes and Next Steps for Relief
Itchy sensation in the thoracic cavity? Hello Dr. Chou, Last year, I experienced recurrent colds and bronchitis. I feel an itch in my right chest cavity when I breathe, which makes me very worried. I have already visited a pulmonologist and had a CT scan, and the doctor said the...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Most structural issues should be clear from the CT scan. Other functional tests, such as pulmonary function tests, may also be necessary. For further invasive examinations like bronchoscopy, please discuss with a pulmonologist whether it is needed.[Read More] Understanding Chest Itching: Causes and Next Steps for Relief
Understanding Left Chest Pain and Neck Nerve Issues After an Accident
Left chest pain and cervical nerve issues? I had a motorcycle accident today and felt shocked. When I got home, I noticed pain in my left chest and nerve compression in my neck. I'm not sure what happened; could you please advise me, doctor?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: If the symptoms occurred after a fall from a bike, please visit an orthopedic specialist.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain and Neck Nerve Issues After an Accident
Understanding Imaging Interpretation in Lung Adenocarcinoma Management
Imaging Interpretation of Lung Adenocarcinoma Dear Dr. Zhou, My wife was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma three years ago, which has spread to both lungs. After examination, the doctors determined that targeted therapy was not suitable, and the effectiveness of conventional ch...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Imaging studies may not definitively tell you what it is. Therefore, each method of monitoring or biopsy has its pros and cons. From a diagnostic standpoint, to confirm the possibility, surgery may still be necessary. However, since it is an invasive procedure, please disc...[Read More] Understanding Imaging Interpretation in Lung Adenocarcinoma Management
Understanding Post-Pneumothorax Recovery: Common Concerns and Symptoms
Questions Regarding the Treatment of Pneumothorax Hello, doctor. I underwent a chest tube insertion surgery yesterday due to a pneumothorax caused by acupuncture. I am currently using underwater drainage with the chest tube. This morning, I used a wall suction device and have bee...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, the question you raised requires clinical judgment and should be assessed by your physician. Please direct your inquiries to your healthcare provider. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chou-Tzu-Kuang.[Read More] Understanding Post-Pneumothorax Recovery: Common Concerns and Symptoms
Am I Suffering from Chronic Bronchitis? Understanding the Symptoms
Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? Am I suffering from chronic bronchitis?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Chronic cough with phlegm persists, indicating chronic bronchitis. Identifying the primary cause can lead to improvement after treatment.[Read More] Am I Suffering from Chronic Bronchitis? Understanding the Symptoms
Persistent Cough and Sore Throat: Is It Bronchitis or GERD?
I have had a cough and sore throat for a month? I had influenza type A a month ago, and my cough and sore throat have not improved at all over the past month. My voice is also hoarse. I visited an otolaryngologist who performed a laryngoscopy and found nothing abnormal, and they ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, to confirm gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you can visit a gastroenterologist and consider undergoing an endoscopy. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chou-Tzu-Kuang.[Read More] Persistent Cough and Sore Throat: Is It Bronchitis or GERD?
Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: Evaluating Suspicious Shadows
Chest X-ray issues (with image) The report indicates a suspected small square-shaped shadow near the left upper lung in the third intercostal space, close to the mediastinum, which may also be an image of nearby bone. It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist for further evalu...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, you can change your position and take another image or proceed directly with a chest CT scan. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang.[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: Evaluating Suspicious Shadows
Understanding Left Chest Pain Radiating to the Back: Causes and Solutions
Sharp pain in the left chest radiating to the back? Hello Doctor, back in January, one night I suddenly experienced sharp chest pain that was so intense it made me cry. I had to stop breathing for a moment and then slowly resumed breathing, which gradually alleviated the pain. Th...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: If the chest X-ray shows no significant abnormalities and there are arrhythmias, you may first consult a cardiologist for further evaluation and discussion with the physician.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain Radiating to the Back: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Lung X-Ray Findings: What Could 'Grape-Like' Growths Mean?
The chest X-ray shows grape-like structures? Hello, doctor. My mother is 56 years old and has been coughing for nearly a year. After visiting several nearby clinics, she hasn't improved and still coughs occasionally. I took her to the hospital for an X-ray in the past couple...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, without reviewing the X-ray and clinical examination, I cannot provide further advice. Please take the films to a pulmonologist for discussion. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang.[Read More] Understanding Lung X-Ray Findings: What Could 'Grape-Like' Growths Mean?
Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
There is a noticeable pain in the upper right chest and near the armpit? Hello Doctor: 1. I have been smoking for about 10 years. The dentist said I have periodontal disease, and my teeth are prone to inflammation and food getting stuck. Occasionally, I cough up blood, but I&#x...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Chest pain upon palpation is often due to localized neuromuscular pain. When chest pain reaches a certain severity in lung cancer, it is often due to invasion of the pleura. A chest CT scan has been performed; please discuss this further with your physician.[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Three-Week Cough: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns About Lung Cancer
Coughing for approximately three weeks? Hello Doctor, (1) I have been coughing for over three weeks, with symptoms of dryness and itchiness in the throat and trachea that fluctuate; sometimes it itches a lot, and other times it's manageable. (2) I do not cough while sleep...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are many causes of cough, and early-stage lung cancer often presents with non-specific symptoms. Please consult a physician for a diagnosis.[Read More] Three-Week Cough: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns About Lung Cancer
Chronic Cough for Over Two Months: Should I Worry About Lung Cancer?
Intermittent cough for more than two months? Hello doctor, I started coughing about a month ago, accompanied by green sputum. I have seen several doctors and have taken three different antibiotics. The green sputum and cough have improved, but I still occasionally cough a few tim...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. It is recommended to quit smoking. 2. You may go to the pulmonology department for a follow-up chest X-ray.[Read More] Chronic Cough for Over Two Months: Should I Worry About Lung Cancer?
Understanding Blood-Streaked Phlegm: Causes and Concerns
Occasionally, sputum may contain blood streaks? Hello doctor, after New Year's Day this year, I noticed blood-streaked phlegm, but I don't have a cough. It improved for a while, but recently the blood streaks have returned. I had an X-ray at a major hospital on January ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: If there are blood-streaked sputum and no significant lung disease is found after evaluation by a pulmonologist, you may first visit an otolaryngologist to check for any throat issues. Additionally, a follow-up chest X-ray is still necessary.[Read More] Understanding Blood-Streaked Phlegm: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Chronic Intermittent Cough: Causes and Treatment Options
Chronic intermittent cough? Hello, Dr. Zhou. I have been experiencing intermittent coughing for a year. I always feel like I can't clear my left lung, and my left throat is itchy. Whenever it itches, I feel the urge to cough. Occasionally, I have some clear phlegm, which is ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. There are many causes of chronic cough. In addition to issues related to the lungs and bronchitis, it may also be due to post-nasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asthma, and other possibilities that require further differential diagnosis. 2. For the pulm...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Intermittent Cough: Causes and Treatment Options