Unexpected Lung Fibrosis in an 18-Year-Old: Causes and Concerns
An 18-year-old child, who has never smoked, has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis based on X-ray examination? Hello Doctor: My child often experiences sudden pain in the stomach and chest. One day, we took him to the hospital, where an X-ray revealed pulmonary fibrosis. The ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: If you had pneumonia (lung infection) during childhood, there is a possibility of developing fibrosis. Please discuss the severity with your physician.[Read More] Unexpected Lung Fibrosis in an 18-Year-Old: Causes and Concerns
Concerns About Choking on Water: Risks of Aspiration Pneumonia
Frequently choked? Hello doctor, I have been frequently choking on water lately. It's not very serious, just a few coughs and then I'm fine, but since it happens often, I'm a bit worried about whether any water might remain in my trachea. If I choke on water and do...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Water that aspirates into the bronchi/alveoli can mix with bacteria from the oral cavity and other chemicals, increasing the risk of pneumonia.[Read More] Concerns About Choking on Water: Risks of Aspiration Pneumonia
Key Questions About Tuberculosis: Travel, Treatment, and Prevention
Questions related to tuberculosis (TB)? Hello, doctor. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I have a family member with open pulmonary tuberculosis. 1. Can a person with latent tuberculosis travel by plane internationally? 2. The doctor mentioned that after sta...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. Individuals in the latent phase are asymptomatic and non-infectious, and they can travel abroad. 2. After taking anti-tuberculosis medication for two weeks, the infectiousness of pulmonary tuberculosis patients decreases; however, the potential for transmission varies b...[Read More] Key Questions About Tuberculosis: Travel, Treatment, and Prevention
Can Lung LDCT Replace Chest X-Ray for Health Screenings?
Can lung LDCT replace chest X-ray? Hello, the chest X-ray included in the health check-up package can be omitted if your wife is undergoing a lung LDCT (Low-Dose Computed Tomography) scan. The LDCT is more sensitive and provides a detailed assessment of the lungs compared to a st...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: LDCT, while significantly reducing radiation exposure compared to traditional CT scans, still has a higher radiation dose than a chest X-ray. However, it provides much clearer images of the lungs than a chest X-ray. For individuals in high-risk groups for lung cancer, LDCT...[Read More] Can Lung LDCT Replace Chest X-Ray for Health Screenings?
Understanding Coughing and Chest Pain After Smoking Relapse
Pulmonary issues Doctor, I quit smoking for over a month, but after feeling down, I started smoking again for over a month. About a month ago, I had a chest X-ray, which showed no abnormalities. Recently, I've started experiencing a bit of cough and wheezing, along with a so...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: It may be an allergic reaction of the respiratory tract, and a pulmonary function assessment can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Coughing and Chest Pain After Smoking Relapse
Understanding Lung Nodules: Concerns and Follow-Up Recommendations
Pulmonary nodule concerns? In 2016, during a health check at my company, the chest X-ray report indicated a suspected lung nodule in the lower left lung. When I consulted with the doctor, they reviewed the images and asked me to place a paper clip at the nipple area for a repeat ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: The shadow of the nipple may vary slightly in intensity due to the proximity of the film to the imaging receptor during the photo capture. The situation described is possible, so please discuss it further with your physician.[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Concerns and Follow-Up Recommendations
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Further Medical Help
Chest pain Hello, doctor. I have cough-variant asthma and a history of mediastinal emphysema about three years ago. On November 18, I accidentally ate spicy food and started coughing violently. From November 21, I began experiencing pain in my right chest. On November 22, I went ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on what has been described, a muscle strain remains a possible cause, but please consult a pulmonologist for further evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Further Medical Help
Understanding Thoracentesis: Risks and Procedures for Pleural Effusion Drainage
The fluid drained from pleural effusion is extracted from the pleural space surrounding the lungs. Unfortunately, I cannot provide images, but you can find diagrams of the pleural cavity and pleural effusion in medical textbooks or reputable medical websites? 1. As per the title,...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. Pleural effusion cannot be aspirated with a needle; the correct term is pleural cavity effusion. 2. The pleural cavity is the space between the lung and the chest wall, which normally contains only a thin layer of fluid that is not visible to the naked eye. When fluid a...[Read More] Understanding Thoracentesis: Risks and Procedures for Pleural Effusion Drainage
Understanding Throat Itching Near the Collarbone After a Cold
Itching in the lower throat area down to the clavicle region? Hello, about 2.3 weeks ago, I had a cold with nasal congestion and runny nose, which then turned into an itchy sensation in the lower throat, approximately near the clavicle. This feels different from my usual cold sym...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: You can first visit an otolaryngologist to assess the situation and then discuss it with the physician. (The otolaryngologist has a laryngoscope for examination.)[Read More] Understanding Throat Itching Near the Collarbone After a Cold
Understanding Persistent Left Rib Swelling: Causes and When to Seek Help
Swelling of the left rib cage? Hello Dr. Zhou, About five years ago, I felt a warm, tight, and uncomfortable sensation under my left rib cage, in the upper left abdomen. The last rib on the left side also felt swollen. After a few weeks, the warm, tight, and uncomfortable feeli...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: You can first visit an orthopedic specialist for evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Left Rib Swelling: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Sudden Cough and Wheezing: Possible Causes and Concerns
Coughing and wheezing, among other symptoms? Hello Doctor, a few days ago I suddenly developed a fever along with wheezing, so I went to the emergency room. Initially, it was suspected that my child might have transmitted influenza A to me, but after a rapid test, it turned out I...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
The described condition should be evaluated by a pulmonologist for further assessment and explanation by the physician.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Cough and Wheezing: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Yellow Phlegm: When to Seek Medical Attention
The issue of yellow phlegm? I recently noticed that my phlegm has a yellowish color, and I've been trying to induce coughing to see how the phlegm looks, but I haven't experienced any coughing or other issues. I visited a nearby clinic and saw a doctor who prescribed me...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Please visit the pulmonology department for consultation.[Read More] Understanding Yellow Phlegm: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Chest Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest pain Hello Dr. Zhou, I recently experienced compression in the area between my chest, and now I have pain in both sides of my chest. Sometimes, I also feel pain in my left and right chest. I haven't seen a doctor yet, so I wanted to ask what this might indicate. Thank ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: It may be a neuromuscular strain; please seek medical attention from a physician for diagnosis and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Lung Nodules: Risks of Sarcoma vs. Tuberculosis and Dietary Tips
Recently, my mother underwent a health check-up and it was found that she has nodules in her lungs, and there seem to be some on her back as well, but they are not close to the edges of the lungs. The doctor said it is unlikely to be cancer and is more similar to a sarcoma or pul...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Therefore, this issue requires clinical judgment. Please consult with a physician in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine or Thoracic Surgery for further discussion.[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Risks of Sarcoma vs. Tuberculosis and Dietary Tips
Gas Inhalation: When to Seek Medical Attention for Chest Pain and Dizziness
Inhalation of gas Hello doctor, I was cooking and the gas stove went out because there was water at the bottom of the pot. I inhaled a little gas and felt a bit dizzy with some chest tightness and pain. After more than 20 minutes, it hasn't improved. Should I seek medical at...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: If you still feel unwell, please seek medical treatment.[Read More] Gas Inhalation: When to Seek Medical Attention for Chest Pain and Dizziness
Understanding Lung Nodules: Comparing CT Scan Results for Clarity
Inquiry about lung nodules on CT scan? Hello Dr. Zhou: This year during my health check-up, a nodule was found in my left lung. I compared it with previous imaging studies and would like to confirm whether this nodule has been present before. Below are the images from this time (...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Please discuss clinical judgment with a physician in the department of pulmonary medicine or thoracic surgery.[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Comparing CT Scan Results for Clarity
Understanding Chest Tightness and Facial Numbness: Causes and Concerns
Chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and numbness in the chest and face? Recently, I have been experiencing occasional chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Even when I take deep breaths, it feels like I can't get enough air. After a while, I also experience numbness i...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: It seems more like hyperventilation, but a physician's assessment is necessary. Please consult a pulmonologist for evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Facial Numbness: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Persistent Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Coughing symptoms Since January of this year, I have been experiencing recurrent colds due to taking care of children, resulting in two to three episodes of illness. Although the colds have resolved, I have been suffering from a persistent cough. Before the Lunar New Year, I took...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on what has been described, it is more likely to be caused by a sensitive trachea or post-nasal drip. However, since this is not an in-person consultation, please visit a pulmonologist for evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Understanding CT Scan Reports for Lung Cysts and Cancer Staging
Computed Tomography Report Hello Doctor, my mother has been monitoring a lung cyst. On July 10, 2017, she underwent a CT scan, which reported the cyst size as 2.6 cm, and she was referred to Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where it was determined that there were no issues...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. This is a preliminary imaging report. The diagnosis of stage III can only be established if the left upper lung shadow is confirmed to be lung cancer; further examinations are necessary for confirmation before determining if it is indeed lung cancer, which will allow fo...[Read More] Understanding CT Scan Reports for Lung Cysts and Cancer Staging
Is It Normal to Experience Chest Pain After Pneumothorax Recovery?
Pain persists even with deep breathing in cases of pneumothorax? I have experienced recurrent pneumothorax three times over the past six years. The first two times involved drainage tubes and surgery on the left side, but this time it occurred on the right side, requiring another...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. If the follow-up X-ray shows no recurrent pneumothorax, it may just be neuromuscular pain. 2. Additionally, consider discussing with your physician whether a chest CT scan is necessary for further evaluation.[Read More] Is It Normal to Experience Chest Pain After Pneumothorax Recovery?