Understanding Your Annual Health Check: A Guide to ECG and Chest X-Ray Findings
Health Check Report Hello, Dr. Zhou! During my annual health check-up, the electrocardiogram showed premature atrial contractions, and the chest X-ray indicated a suspected partial atelectasis of the left lower lung. I have no physical discomfort. Should I seek further treatment?...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: The health check is for screening purposes, and an unclear shadow was found in the lower left lung on the chest X-ray. It is advisable to follow up with a pulmonologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Your Annual Health Check: A Guide to ECG and Chest X-Ray Findings
Understanding Recurrence of Pneumothorax After Surgery: What to Do?
Recurrent pneumothorax after surgery? Hello Doctor, about three months ago I underwent surgery for bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax, which included lung tissue resection. However, in the past week, I have experienced another pneumothorax on the left side. It is painful when I b...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Although the recurrence rate is not high, there is still a possibility, and pneumothorax carries certain risks. It is recommended to promptly visit a thoracic specialist for re-evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Recurrence of Pneumothorax After Surgery: What to Do?
Post-Pneumothorax Surgery: Is Chest Tightness and Shortness of Breath Normal?
Post-Pneumothorax Surgery Hello, Doctor: I underwent surgery for a pneumothorax on June 1 of this year. Currently, I occasionally experience chest tightness, and sometimes I need to exert a bit of effort to breathe while climbing stairs. Is this normal?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
After chest surgery, there may be a period of reduced lung capacity, which is related to the size and extent of the surgery. It is advisable to discuss this with your thoracic surgeon.[Read More] Post-Pneumothorax Surgery: Is Chest Tightness and Shortness of Breath Normal?
Understanding Diaphragmatic Abnormalities: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Diaphragmatic abnormality Hello, Dr. Zhou. In mid-October, I underwent a medical examination for work purposes, and the X-ray showed an abnormal elevation of my right diaphragm, as well as a left lung that appears higher than the right. However, since I did not personally collect...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Diaphragmatic abnormalities are caused by phrenic nerve paralysis, but other abnormalities must still be ruled out, such as partial lung collapse, lesions near the diaphragm, hepatomegaly, or other causes of phrenic nerve dysfunction. It is still recommended to seek medica...[Read More] Understanding Diaphragmatic Abnormalities: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Understanding Suspected Tuberculosis Infection: Key Questions and Answers
Suspected pulmonary tuberculosis infection? Dear Doctor: My friend has been coughing for several days with frequent phlegm and sometimes experiences itching in the trachea. After seeking medical attention and undergoing tests, the sputum culture came back positive, and the CT sca...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. Pulmonary infection with tuberculosis bacteria may not be detectable if there are no bacteria in the sputum. Generally, in such cases, clinicians make a comprehensive judgment, diagnosis, and treatment based on symptoms, medical history, other imaging studies (CT or che...[Read More] Understanding Suspected Tuberculosis Infection: Key Questions and Answers
Understanding Cryptococcal Infection: Treatment and Recovery Insights
Cryptococcal infection Hello, doctor: Recently, during a check-up at the hospital, an abnormality was found in my lungs, and a blood test showed a cryptococcal antigen titer of 1:128. However, I have no symptoms. The doctor prescribed medication for me, but I found online that so...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on the attached information, there are pulmonary abnormalities and a cryptococcal antigen titer of 1:128 (+). Clinically, it is reasonable to suspect an infection. Whether it can resolve on its own or the duration for recovery will depend on factors such as the size ...[Read More] Understanding Cryptococcal Infection: Treatment and Recovery Insights
Understanding Chest Pain: Is It Just a Muscle Strain?
Chest tightness, stabbing pain, and mild shortness of breath? Hello doctor, I am inquiring on behalf of a friend. After waking up from a nap, they started experiencing symptoms of chest tightness, which progressed to persistent sharp pain by the evening, located slightly below th...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are many reasons for discomfort in the left chest. If there is noticeable tenderness or pain in a specific position, it is more likely to be a muscle strain. Other causes, such as gastroesophageal reflux or heart problems, still require medical evaluation and treatme...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Is It Just a Muscle Strain?
Understanding Chest Pain During Vomiting: What You Need to Know
Vomiting pain Hello doctor, I would like to ask if the chest muscles are used during vomiting? Because just now, while I was vomiting, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my left chest. I have a history of pneumothorax and have had surgery, so I am quite afraid of a recurrence.
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Abnormal postures or movements during vomiting may indicate a possible sprain, but given the history of pneumothorax, it is still recommended to perform a chest X-ray examination.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain During Vomiting: What You Need to Know
Managing Lung Fibrosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: Which Specialist to See?
Lungs and Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, I am a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, and during a recent health check, I was found to have pulmonary fibrosis infiltration. Should I first consult my rheumatologist about this condition, or should I go directly to a pulmonologist for dia...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis may also have changes associated with pulmonary fibrosis. It is advisable to consult a pulmonologist for diagnosis and then discuss with a rheumatologist.[Read More] Managing Lung Fibrosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: Which Specialist to See?
Understanding Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria: Treatment and Recovery Options
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) Hello Dr. Zhou: Recently, I went for a medical check-up and found out that there seems to be an abnormality in my lungs. The tests indicate a high possibility of non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection. Will this resolve on its own, or are there...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: If a non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung infection is confirmed and meets the criteria for medication, treatment is still recommended. Please discuss this with your pulmonologist or infectious disease specialist.[Read More] Understanding Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria: Treatment and Recovery Options
Understanding Lung Issues: Exploring Possible Causes Beyond Inflammation
Lung issues Hello Doctor: Recently, I received my health check-up report and found an abnormality in the left lower lobe of my lung. The outpatient physician explained that it was pneumonia and prescribed medication for me. After a month, I returned for another X-ray, but there w...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on the described condition, it is not possible to determine a more likely diagnosis. Pneumonia, bronchiectasis, malignant diseases, or other chronic inflammatory conditions cannot be ruled out. Please consult with a pulmonologist for further discussion.[Read More] Understanding Lung Issues: Exploring Possible Causes Beyond Inflammation
Understanding Pleural Effusion from Pneumonia: Pain Management and Recovery
Pneumonia with pleural effusion? Hello, Doctor. I was hospitalized from June 3 to June 10 this year due to pleural effusion caused by pneumonia. During my hospitalization, I received antibiotics and took the pain medication Ultracet. Since my discharge, I have continued to experi...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Long-term use of painkillers requires monitoring for side effects such as liver and kidney function. Generally, the resolution of pneumonia on imaging may take several days to weeks, so please discuss your current condition with your physician.[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion from Pneumonia: Pain Management and Recovery
Understanding Chest Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Attention
Chest tightness or pain? Hello doctor, when I was a child, I experienced chest tightness and went to the hospital for an examination, but there were no issues. Now, occasionally in the mornings, I feel chest tightness. This phenomenon has occurred from elementary school to middle...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Please return for a follow-up in the Pulmonology department.[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Calcified Nodules in the Lungs: What You Need to Know
Calcified nodules Today, I went to pick up my health examination report and found that the X-ray section noted: multiple calcified nodules in the upper and middle parts of the right lung, and it is recommended to consult a pulmonologist for further examination. I would like to as...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Generally, calcified pulmonary lesions are often old pulmonary lesions (i.e., scars left after previous inflammation). However, it is still necessary to compare them with previous imaging. You can go to the original hospital or obtain copies of the old images and bring the...[Read More] Understanding Calcified Nodules in the Lungs: What You Need to Know
Managing Bronchiectasis: Resources and Support in Kaohsiung
Bronchiectasis Hello, Doctor! I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis in 2012. During this time, I have frequently experienced coughing and occasional sputum production. In the past three months, my symptoms of bronchiectasis have worsened, with frequent chest tightness, coughing up ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition characterized by symptoms such as excessive sputum production and wheezing. It is advisable to perform techniques like chest percussion to help with mucus clearance. In the event of an acute exacerbation (such as fever or increased pro...[Read More] Managing Bronchiectasis: Resources and Support in Kaohsiung
Managing Coughing with Blood in a 72-Year-Old Patient
The mother is coughing up blood-tinged sputum? Hello! My mother is 72 years old and has hypertension for which she is taking medication. Recently, she has been coughing for the past few months, and after an X-ray, the doctor said there were no issues. However, she has recently st...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. Some antihypertensive medications may have a side effect of cough; you can discuss this with your physician. 2. If the X-ray shows no abnormalities, you can discuss possible diagnoses or further diagnostic procedures with your physician.[Read More] Managing Coughing with Blood in a 72-Year-Old Patient
Understanding Foul-Smelling Cough: A Guide to Pulmonary Issues
Lung issues Coughing may produce a foul odor.
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: It may be necessary to consider the possibility of a bacterial infection, sinusitis, etc. Please consult a pulmonologist.[Read More] Understanding Foul-Smelling Cough: A Guide to Pulmonary Issues
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Chest pain in the center? Hello, I have been experiencing a rapid heartbeat frequently recently. I also have a mild, intermittent pain in the center of my chest around the third rib below the collarbone. Breathing and coughing do not cause pain, but occasionally I feel a slight p...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: You can first visit the pulmonology department, and then the physician will assess your condition.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Severe Obstructive Lung Disease: Causes and Implications
Obstructive lung disease Hello, doctor. My previous health check-up report indicated severe obstructive pulmonary dysfunction. Could you please explain what this condition entails? Thank you. (I smoke about one pack a day.)
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
It is usually manifested as airway obstruction and is often a manifestation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (such as in long-term smokers) or asthma. Please consult a pulmonologist.[Read More] Understanding Severe Obstructive Lung Disease: Causes and Implications
Persistent Phlegm: Should You Be Concerned About Your Symptoms?
Persistent phlegm? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about having phlegm since childhood. I haven't seen a doctor because I don't have a cough or any pain. The phlegm is colorless, but it changes color based on what I eat; for example, it turns black after eating chocol...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, there are many reasons for phlegm in the throat, with common causes including post-nasal drip. It is recommended to visit a pulmonology and otolaryngology outpatient clinic for an examination and discussion with a physician. Thank you, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang, Department of Rad...[Read More] Persistent Phlegm: Should You Be Concerned About Your Symptoms?