Understanding Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Is it a spontaneous pneumothorax? I sometimes experience shortness of breath, to the point of feeling nauseous. My heart beats particularly fast, and I have a stabbing pain in my chest (which once led me to the emergency room). I consulted a cardiologist, but they couldn't d...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on the described symptoms, if there are abnormalities in the electrocardiogram and mitral valve prolapse after examination by a cardiologist or neurologist, further discussion with a cardiologist is recommended. Additionally, obtaining a chest X-ray can help determin...[Read More] Understanding Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Persistent Throat Mucus: Causes and Effective Treatment Options
Chronic phlegm in the throat? Hello, doctor: I have been experiencing phlegm in my throat for a long time, especially after consuming sweet or spicy foods, or sometimes for no apparent reason. I usually take a herbal remedy called Qili San, but it hasn't been very effective....
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Persistent phlegm in the throat can sometimes be due to chronic bronchitis, but it may also be caused by post-nasal drip. Certain irritating foods may increase mucus production. For throat issues, you can consult an otolaryngologist.[Read More] Persistent Throat Mucus: Causes and Effective Treatment Options
Post-Pneumothorax Care: Essential Tips for Recovery and Management
Pneumothorax Condition and Management Hello Doctor: My past experiences with pneumothorax have not been typical; the bubbles were not large and resembled a deflating balloon. This is now the third occurrence. I would like to know what precautions I should take after pneumothorax ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: For the third occurrence of pneumothorax, you may discuss with your physician the possibility of undergoing a CT scan to check for any structural abnormalities, such as blebs. Further management can be determined based on the findings. Additionally, it is important to redu...[Read More] Post-Pneumothorax Care: Essential Tips for Recovery and Management
Understanding Rapid Heartbeat: Causes and Concerns in Thoracic Health
Rapid heartbeat Hello doctor, I would like to ask, this afternoon I suddenly felt my heart racing. What could be the possible causes? I had surgery for a pneumothorax last year, or could it be related to emotional issues?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are many factors that can affect heart rate; please discuss and have it checked with your physician.[Read More] Understanding Rapid Heartbeat: Causes and Concerns in Thoracic Health
Is It Normal to Experience Chest Tightness After Pneumothorax Surgery?
Post-Pneumothorax Surgery It is normal to occasionally experience chest tightness and the urge to burp after surgery. However, if these symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Occasionally, there may be some neuropathic pain and other sequelae after chest surgery. Please return to the original surgeon for further evaluation and treatment. Sincerely, Zhou Ziguan.[Read More] Is It Normal to Experience Chest Tightness After Pneumothorax Surgery?
Understanding Pneumothorax: Impact on Exercise and Recovery
Pneumothorax and Exercise Hello Doctor, I usually exercise regularly, but the week before last, I choked on a drink and ended up with a pneumothorax. At first, I didn't understand what a pneumothorax was, and I continued to exercise, running and doing push-ups, which only ca...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, in the future, the likelihood of experiencing a pneumothorax is higher than that of the general population. It is advisable to avoid activities or movements that involve rapid changes in air pressure. Best wishes for your health, Dr. Chou-Tzu-Kuang.[Read More] Understanding Pneumothorax: Impact on Exercise and Recovery
Understanding Persistent Throat Discomfort After a Cold: Causes and Tips
Cough and dry throat? When I have a cold, my throat feels uncomfortable and scratchy, and it itches, which makes me want to cough, but there's no phlegm and no nasal discharge. This has lasted for nearly two weeks. Drinking warm water helps reduce the urge to cough and makes...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, based on what you've described, it is possible that you have nasal allergies/bronchitis, which may also be accompanied by a bacterial infection. Please consult with an otolaryngologist or a pulmonologist. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat Discomfort After a Cold: Causes and Tips
Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Left chest tightness and pain? Hello doctor, I have been smoking intermittently. Two weeks ago, I experienced pain in my left chest (I was smoking more heavily at that time, and I felt the pain after smoking). I immediately stopped smoking, but recently I still have some tightnes...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: An evaluation by an internal medicine specialist (such as a pulmonologist or cardiologist) can be conducted first, followed by a discussion among physicians to determine if a referral to another specialty is necessary for further assessment.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Hemoptysis: Causes of Coughing Blood and Chest Pain
Coughing up blood, chest pain, chest tightness, and phlegm? Hello Dr. Zhou: Four years ago, I underwent a biopsy for a lung nodule, which turned out to be fine! Since then, I have often had phlegm in my throat, and sometimes I feel chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Althou...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, 1. If the nodule has not changed over the past four years and a biopsy has been performed, the likelihood of it being benign is highest. 2. If the computed tomography shows bronchiectasis, this condition may present with symptoms such as hemoptysis and sputum production...[Read More] Understanding Hemoptysis: Causes of Coughing Blood and Chest Pain
Understanding Recurrence Rates After Pleural Adhesion Surgery
Could you please provide more context or specify what information you need regarding post-surgery? Hello, I would like to ask about the recurrence rate after undergoing pleurodesis six years ago. Is it safe for me to engage in heavy physical work?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, after six years of stability following pleural adhesion surgery, it is possible to engage in more strenuous physical activities, which is related to the current lung function (vital capacity). As for pneumothorax, it is not necessarily the case. Best wishes for health, Dr....[Read More] Understanding Recurrence Rates After Pleural Adhesion Surgery
Understanding Chest Pain and Skin Sensitivity After Lung Surgery
Skin pain Hello, I asked a question yesterday but it seems it didn't go through, so I'm asking again. I have a tumor in my thoracic cavity and underwent an endoscopic resection of the left lung. I feel uncomfortable when lying on my side or flat; is this related to the ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: There is occasional mild pain near the surgical wound postoperatively. If there are any other concerns, please discuss them with the original surgeon.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Skin Sensitivity After Lung Surgery
Understanding Small Nodules in the Left Lung: Tumor Risks and Causes
Small patch in the left hilar region? Hello Dr. Chou, I recently had a chest X-ray, and the results showed a small patchy shadow or a few vascular markings in the left hilum, measuring approximately 1.3 cm. Is there a possibility that this could be a tumor, or could there be othe...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, the health check is a preliminary screening. It may indicate normal results, but there is also a possibility of a tumor. The condition is unclear and requires further evaluation by a thoracic specialist. Best wishes for your health, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang.[Read More] Understanding Small Nodules in the Left Lung: Tumor Risks and Causes
Understanding Chest Pain: When Walking or Climbing Stairs Becomes Difficult
The cardiac CT scan showed no issues, but I feel discomfort or even pain in my chest after brisk walking for a few minutes or climbing stairs to the fifth floor or higher? Dr. Zhou: Hello, I am a 57-year-old male, weighing approximately 66 kg and standing 166 cm tall. I do not sm...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, patients with mitral valve prolapse may sometimes experience chest discomfort. If a cardiologist has ruled out other issues, a chest X-ray can be performed to examine the lungs (by a pulmonologist), and an endoscopy can be done to assess for gastrointestinal disorders. It ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When Walking or Climbing Stairs Becomes Difficult
Understanding Right Lower Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Pain in the lower right chest? Hello doctor, yesterday while laughing, I suddenly felt pain in the lower right side of my chest. It doesn't hurt when I breathe, but for the past two days, I've been experiencing intermittent sharp pain in that area, which feels somewhat ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, based on what has been described, it is more likely to be neuromuscular pain. Please consult a pulmonologist. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang.[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Chest Pain During Coughing After Thoracoscopic Surgery
Chest pain when coughing? Hello, doctor. I underwent thoracoscopic surgery for pneumothorax on both sides in April this year. This week, I caught a cold, and today I experienced pain above my right clavicle after coughing twice in a row, but the pain subsided afterward. Could thi...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, based on the description, it may be a localized muscle strain. Given the history of pneumothorax, it is still recommended to seek medical attention for follow-up X-rays to rule out the possibility of pneumothorax and other conditions. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chou Tzu-...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain During Coughing After Thoracoscopic Surgery
Post-Operative Pain and Discomfort After Pneumothorax Surgery: What to Expect
Post-pneumothorax surgery Hello, doctor. Due to a recurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax, I underwent an endoscopic pleural adhesion surgery on my left lung three weeks ago. Currently, when I wake up, I experience back pain, but it alleviates shortly after sitting up or standing....
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: After surgery, you may sometimes experience localized nerve and muscle pain at the wound site. Please discuss this further with your surgeon.[Read More] Post-Operative Pain and Discomfort After Pneumothorax Surgery: What to Expect
Understanding Pneumothorax Recovery and Safe Weight Lifting Guidelines
Pneumothorax recovery Approximately six years ago, I experienced a spontaneous pneumothorax, which was treated with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Since then, there has been no recurrence. Does this indicate that I have fully recovered? Recently, due to job searching, I am...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: After treatment for spontaneous pneumothorax, the likelihood of experiencing a second pneumothorax remains higher than that of the general population, but it cannot be predicted. As for the ability to lift multiple items, there is no specific activity that will definitely ...[Read More] Understanding Pneumothorax Recovery and Safe Weight Lifting Guidelines
Understanding Pneumothorax Risks During Intubation: A Family's Concern
Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? However, I was very certain that my family member's lungs were not compromised before intubation. The strange thing is that shortly after the intubation, complications arose. Is it possible that there we...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, the procedure of placing an endotracheal tube generally rarely causes pneumothorax. As for whether there was pre-existing pneumothorax or if it occurred after connecting to a ventilator, it cannot be easily determined in clinical practice.[Read More] Understanding Pneumothorax Risks During Intubation: A Family's Concern
Understanding Tracheal Intubation Risks in Patients with Lung Issues
Regarding intubation? Regarding my family member, they have had chronic lung issues and often cough. At the end of October this year, they were hospitalized due to a lung infection. During their stay, they tried four different antibiotics with no effect, which resulted in respira...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, as mentioned, it may be necessary to intubate and use a ventilator due to respiratory failure. However, a small percentage of patients on a ventilator may develop a pneumothorax. It is unlikely that the endotracheal tube "punctured" the lung. The specific situati...[Read More] Understanding Tracheal Intubation Risks in Patients with Lung Issues
Understanding Post-Thoracoscopic Surgery Pain: Is It Normal?
What are the side effects after mucosal resection during thoracic surgery? Hello, Doctor. I have a question. In March of this year, I experienced a spontaneous pneumothorax and underwent thoracoscopic surgery, where some tissue was removed. I was hospitalized for four days and th...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, after chest surgery, there may sometimes be a condition similar to neuropathic pain near the incision site. If follow-up X-rays show no significant pneumothorax, you may consult a neurologist to discuss this issue.[Read More] Understanding Post-Thoracoscopic Surgery Pain: Is It Normal?