Should You Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Breathing Issues?
Should you seek medical attention for shortness of breath immediately, or can you wait a week before seeing a doctor? I have been experiencing a persistent cough and have been diagnosed with fungal and tuberculosis infections, for which I regularly see a pulmonologist. I have no ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. If you experience new symptoms or develop shortness of breath or fever, seek medical attention promptly. 2. If your respiratory condition worsens, temporarily discontinue exercise and have your physician reassess during your appointment.[Read More] Should You Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Breathing Issues?
Should You Get a Low-Dose CT Scan After Smoking? Expert Insights
X-ray and low-dose CT (computed tomography)? Hello Doctor: I have a smoking history of 15 years and have quit for about a year. On January 30 of this year, due to my past smoking habits, I wanted to get a low-dose CT scan in the pulmonology department. However, after getting an X...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Chest pain cannot definitively indicate the presence or absence of lung cancer. If you are still concerned, you may consider undergoing a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan.[Read More] Should You Get a Low-Dose CT Scan After Smoking? Expert Insights
Post-COVID Chest Tightness: Understanding Symptoms and Solutions
The symptoms that occur after contracting COVID-19? There is a feeling of tightness near the left chest close to the shoulder, left armpit, left side, and left ribs. Breathing is not smooth, and there is a slight feeling of chest tightness. Two months ago, X-rays and blood tests ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: The described symptoms are non-specific and require evaluation by a physician.[Read More] Post-COVID Chest Tightness: Understanding Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Sudden Breathing Issues During Sleep and Wakefulness
Respiratory issues Hello Doctor, recently I've been experiencing episodes where I suddenly take a deep breath and wake up after falling asleep while using my phone in bed (either just falling asleep or accidentally dozing off). I've also noticed that during class, I som...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: You can first visit a general internal medicine clinic for an examination. If there are no abnormalities, you can then see a psychiatrist.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Breathing Issues During Sleep and Wakefulness
Persistent Cough: Seeking Solutions for Ongoing Symptoms
Persistent cough that does not resolve? The patient was diagnosed with a fever around February 1, lasting for three days. After taking medication for one week, there was slight improvement, but the cough persisted. On February 8, the patient took a traditional Chinese medicine (T...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: You can go to the thoracic medicine outpatient clinic for a chest X-ray and pulmonary function re-evaluation. Dr. Wu Ying-Hsun (acting).[Read More] Persistent Cough: Seeking Solutions for Ongoing Symptoms
Understanding Pulmonary Fibrosis: Discrepancies in Lung Health Reports
Pulmonary fibrosis In mid-January, my labor health examination report indicated mild fibrosis in my upper lung, but I later received my military health examination report from December of last year stating that my lungs were normal. Is it possible to have different results in suc...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: The chest X-ray may exhibit slight variations due to the angle of exposure and the settings used. Different physicians may also report slightly different findings on the same X-ray, especially regarding shadows that are not significant, uncertain, or of limited clinical re...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Fibrosis: Discrepancies in Lung Health Reports
Understanding Chest Discomfort: When to See a Specialist
Chest tightness? I have been experiencing frequent chest tightness on the left side and increased shortness of breath compared to before. I underwent an examination in the cardiology department, and everything appeared normal. During the echocardiogram, it was noted that my heart...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: You may first visit the pulmonary medicine department for consultation.[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: When to See a Specialist
Intermittent Chest Pain: Understanding Causes and Symptoms
Intermittent chest tightness or discomfort? Hello Doctor, I experience episodes of uncomfortable chest tightness and pain every once in a while, usually occurring at night while resting. This happens about two to three times a year, with intervals sometimes exceeding six months, ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are many causes of chest pain. If you have already consulted a pulmonologist, other factors (such as gastroesophageal reflux disease) should also be considered. You may want to see a pulmonologist again (the X-ray was done last year), or consult a gastroenterologist ...[Read More] Intermittent Chest Pain: Understanding Causes and Symptoms
Chest Pain When Sleeping on Side: Causes and Solutions
Chest pain when sleeping on the left or right side? Recently, I've noticed that when I sleep on my side at night, I experience chest pain. It's not very severe, but the discomfort persists as long as I'm lying on my side. When I lie flat, the pain goes away. Additi...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are many causes of chest pain, often due to musculoskeletal pain. Please consult a pulmonologist for evaluation and treatment by a physician.[Read More] Chest Pain When Sleeping on Side: Causes and Solutions
Throat Irritation and Blood-Streaked Phlegm: What to Do?
Itchy throat, with phlegm containing streaks of blood and occasional blood clots? Hello doctor, this morning I woke up with a slight discomfort in my throat and occasional dry cough. I've never experienced this before. After drinking some hot beverages, I felt a bit better, ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Please visit the pulmonology or otolaryngology department for evaluation and treatment by a physician.[Read More] Throat Irritation and Blood-Streaked Phlegm: What to Do?
Understanding Hemoptysis in Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients Post-Surgery
Pulmonary adenocarcinoma with hemoptysis? Hello, I am diagnosed with stage 3B lung adenocarcinoma and currently undergoing treatment with Alectinib. I had surgery on November 3rd, and it has been almost two months since the operation. Recently, I have noticed a small amount of bl...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: If there are no signs of deterioration on the CT scan, it is still possible that the microvascular structures near the trachea may be more prone to bleeding. Please discuss this with your physician and seek medical attention for evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Hemoptysis in Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients Post-Surgery
Understanding Hard Lumps in the Chest: Causes and When to Seek Help
There is a hard lump in the chest? Hello, the patient is a 31-year-old male who has a small hard lump near the lower left chest that can only be felt with firm pressure. It has been present for two years and occasionally causes discomfort, though not frequently. What could be the...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Please consult a thoracic surgeon for examination.[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps in the Chest: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding the Impact of Propranolol on Asthma and COPD Symptoms
Drug side effects in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? I consulted a cardiologist two years ago who was unaware of my asthma condition. They strongly encouraged me to take the sedative Ambien and the antiarrhythmic drug Propranolol. After a month of taking these medic...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Please first visit the pulmonary medicine department for treatment, adjust your medication, and provide your past medical history (including medications).[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Propranolol on Asthma and COPD Symptoms
Understanding Tightness in Chest and Shortness of Breath: Causes and Concerns
Chest tightness, shortness of breath, and strong heartbeats? I have asthma, and this year I suddenly experience persistent shortness of breath with any activity (such as eating, climbing stairs, or walking), and my heart feels very tired, making it difficult to engage in activiti...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: These differential diagnoses require professional judgment from a physician, and examinations should be arranged. Please visit a specialty hospital for consultation.[Read More] Understanding Tightness in Chest and Shortness of Breath: Causes and Concerns
Post-Rib Surgery Complications: Managing Pain and Breathing Issues
Postoperative Issues After Rib Surgery Hello, doctor. I recently had a titanium alloy plate removed from my rib. It has been almost three months since the removal, and during this time, I have experienced severe phlegm in my throat. I have consulted with both pulmonology and otol...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: You can visit the thoracic surgery department at a general hospital or return to the hospital where the surgery was performed for further evaluation and treatment by a physician.[Read More] Post-Rib Surgery Complications: Managing Pain and Breathing Issues
Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: What to Do After Abnormal Results
Concerns about health check-up report? I underwent a health check-up in mid-July 2022 and today received the report indicating "a localized shadow in the right hilum of the lung and increased pulmonary markings in both lower lung fields," which requires follow-up at a p...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: For matters involving professional judgment, please consult a pulmonologist (it would be even better if you bring your imaging studies) for evaluation by a physician.[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: What to Do After Abnormal Results
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Chest pain? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about some recent symptoms I've been experiencing. I've been having sudden pain on the outer side of my left chest, which is followed by intermittent sharp pains. I also feel a tightness in my throat, which is quite uncomfor...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: You can visit the pulmonology or cardiology department for consultation.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Chest Pain: When to See a Specialist for Your Symptoms
I don't know what disease it is? Two days ago, I felt a dull pain at the bottom of my right rib cage, about a finger's width away. I thought resting would help, but when I woke up yesterday morning, the pain had shifted to a deep, dull ache in the area of my right nippl...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: You can first visit a small clinic for an evaluation by a primary care physician. If there are still concerns, you can proceed to see a pulmonologist for further examination.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to See a Specialist for Your Symptoms
Breathing Difficulties When Standing: Is Poor Posture to Blame?
Difficulty breathing while standing upright? Hello, doctor. Due to my work, I spend long hours using a computer, and I often have a habit of leaning forward and crossing my legs while sitting. Recently, I've been feeling tightness in my upper abdomen when I stand up straight...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: You may first consult a pulmonologist. If there are no thoracic diseases, you can seek recommendations from a rehabilitation specialist or orthopedic doctor on how to improve your posture.[Read More] Breathing Difficulties When Standing: Is Poor Posture to Blame?
Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: What They Mean for Your Health
Inquiry about the report content? The chest X-ray (CXR) in the posteroanterior (PA) view shows: Normal heart size. Bilateral parahilar infiltration with increased thickness of the bronchiolar walls, suggesting bronchiolitis, bronchitis, or pulmonary congestion. No definite destru...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Please visit the original hospital's pulmonary department for evaluation and treatment by a physician.[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: What They Mean for Your Health