Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain: Causes and Insights
Pain between the breasts? Doctor, I woke up in August 2015 with pain in my chest. For the next half day, I experienced persistent dull pain. In the following days, any exertion in my upper chest would intensify the pain, but it was usually brief, lasting no more than 15 seconds, ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Please visit the pulmonology department to discuss further with the physician.[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain: Causes and Insights
Can Chest X-rays and CT Scans Detect Pleural Mesothelioma?
Regarding pleural mesothelioma? I would like to ask if pleural mesothelioma can be seen on chest X-rays, low-dose lung CT scans, and PET scans?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: CT scans cannot differentiate cell types; however, abnormal shadows of a certain size can be detected, which can then be further evaluated through clinical diagnosis.[Read More] Can Chest X-rays and CT Scans Detect Pleural Mesothelioma?
Post-Surgery Concerns: Can I Hike After Spontaneous Pneumothorax?
Postoperative issues Hello doctor, I underwent surgery for spontaneous pneumothorax on both sides in April and May of last year. I would like to ask if it is safe for me to go to high altitudes now?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Please discuss with your surgeon. Thank you![Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: Can I Hike After Spontaneous Pneumothorax?
Integrating Traditional and Western Medicine for Emphysema Treatment
Integrative treatment of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine? I have emphysema and am currently receiving medical treatment, but a friend recommended traditional Chinese medicine. I am unsure if it is appropriate to take both Western and Chinese medications simultan...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
It is necessary to consider whether there are interactions between the actual medications; please discuss this with your physician.[Read More] Integrating Traditional and Western Medicine for Emphysema Treatment
Understanding Noisy Breathing: Causes and Concerns After a Cold
Audible deep breathing? Hello, doctor. Recently, for the past week, I have been experiencing a friction sound (a wheezing sound) during the first few deep breaths while lying down at night before sleep and in the morning upon waking up. After that, it goes away (it only happens w...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. You may first visit an otolaryngologist to examine your throat. 2. Please consult a pulmonologist.[Read More] Understanding Noisy Breathing: Causes and Concerns After a Cold
Understanding Left Lower Chest Pain: Causes and Solutions
Left lower chest pain? Hello doctor, recently I've been experiencing a sudden sharp pain near the fifth rib (lower left chest area) at a specific point in my chest cavity. It doesn't feel like it's coming from the muscles. I have to hold my breath slightly and then...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are many causes of chest pain, commonly including muscle strain and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A physician's assessment is necessary, and it is still recommended to seek medical evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Chest Pain: Causes and Solutions
Should You Follow Up on Right Lung Calcification After Company Health Check?
Company health check for lung issues? The detection of "calcification in the right upper lung" raises questions about the need for follow-up. Should I continue to monitor this condition? (I have heard of similar cases from people around me.) My follow-up appointment was...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is recommended to follow up with a pulmonologist. (It would be preferable to go to the hospital where you previously had a chest X-ray.)[Read More] Should You Follow Up on Right Lung Calcification After Company Health Check?
Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: CA199 Levels and Heart Palpitations
There are white spots in the thoracic cavity, and the CA 19-9 level is 37.41? I have a family history of palpitations and anemia. Recently, I experienced a recurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). I have changed my diet and no longer eat fried or spicy foods. I lost ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: There is a localized protrusion in the right upper mediastinum. Please visit the pulmonology department for a follow-up examination as soon as possible. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: CA199 Levels and Heart Palpitations
Impact of Frequent Chest X-rays on Health: A Guide for Patients
Frequency of chest X-rays Hello Doctor, I am a contact of tuberculosis and have been under surveillance for two years. I have had chest X-rays almost every year due to school entrance examinations and military service physicals, and I even had them twice in one year. Will this fr...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: The radiation exposure from a chest X-ray is approximately 0.02 millisieverts. According to the data from the Atomic Energy Commission, a dose below 100 millisieverts will not cause clinical functional impairment. (A round trip from Taipei to the U.S. West Coast is about 0...[Read More] Impact of Frequent Chest X-rays on Health: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission and Dust Exposure Risks
Tuberculosis and Dust Exposure Concerns I would like to ask the doctor if tuberculosis can be transmitted through objects. I am particularly concerned about whether I could get infected if I visit a convenience store where an employee is infected. Recently, I noticed that the sta...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. Tuberculosis (TB) is transmitted through the air, especially in enclosed spaces where individuals are in close proximity for extended periods; it is not transmitted through food. 2. Long-term inhalation of dust can damage the lungs.[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission and Dust Exposure Risks
Chest Pain When Sneezing: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest pain when sneezing? In the past month, I have experienced mild chest pain when sneezing, but it resolves quickly. When pressing on certain areas of my chest, I also feel similar sensations. Additionally, while stretching my chest, I occasionally feel mild pain on the right ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Tenderness is often associated with muscle strains, but a diagnosis should be made by a physician. It is advisable to consult a thoracic surgeon first. Thank you![Read More] Chest Pain When Sneezing: Causes and When to Seek Help
Sudden Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Medical Attention
Sudden inability to breathe? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing a sudden tightness in my chest (a feeling of constriction) accompanied by difficulty breathing, but it resolves after a few seconds. This used to happen infrequently, but I have noticed an increase in frequency r...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Please visit a pulmonologist or cardiologist for evaluation and treatment by a physician.[Read More] Sudden Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Lung Nodules: What New Spots on X-Ray Mean
Pulmonary nodules? Hello, doctor. My mother had a chest X-ray last year that revealed a white spot, and the doctor recommended continuous monitoring. Recently, during her follow-up X-ray, the original spot had not changed, but a new spot appeared. The doctor suggested a low-dose ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: The chest X-ray follow-up shows new lesions that require further evaluation. You can wait for the CT scan to be completed before discussing with the physician.[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: What New Spots on X-Ray Mean
Understanding Pain Under the Right Rib: Causes and Solutions
Pain below the right rib cage? I had a cough for half a month, and the day I stopped coughing, I started experiencing pain under my right rib cage. When I lie down and feel the urge to cough or sneeze, I have to press on the right side of my body to avoid the pain; otherwise, I h...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Pain upon palpation is more likely to be due to rib or muscle pain. You may consider getting a chest X-ray for further evaluation. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Pain Under the Right Rib: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Chest Discomfort and Breathing Issues: Causes and Solutions
Chest tightness, difficulty breathing? I have occasionally experienced chest tightness and pain for a long time, sometimes on the left or right side, and at other times near the heart. However, every time I undergo tests, the results show normal findings. Recently, I suddenly wok...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Unable to make a diagnosis based on the information provided, please consult a pulmonologist or cardiologist.[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort and Breathing Issues: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Chest and Abdominal Masses: Symptoms and Specialist Guidance
Hello, doctor! My father has developed a mass between the thoracic and abdominal cavities? Hello, Doctor! My father has recently developed a hard lump, about the size of an egg, between his chest cavity and abdominal cavity, which is visibly protruding. I would like to ask what s...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: If the described condition is a visible hard lump, you may first consult a general surgeon. If it is seen on an X-ray, you should see a pulmonologist.[Read More] Understanding Chest and Abdominal Masses: Symptoms and Specialist Guidance
Post-Surgery Breathing Issues: Understanding Your Symptoms
Respiratory issues Hello Doctor: I recently underwent surgery for varicocele and was discharged with prescriptions for pain relief medication and a gastric stabilizer. After following the doctor's instructions for two days, I gradually began to feel a sensation of air in my ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: You may first consult a physician in the pulmonology department for evaluation.[Read More] Post-Surgery Breathing Issues: Understanding Your Symptoms
Chest Injury and Blood in Stool: Understanding the Connection
Chest contusion, rectal bleeding? Hello, Dr. Zhou: Two weeks ago, I fell down the stairs and impacted my chest (around the middle of the ribs). There were no visible bruises, and I went to a large hospital for an X-ray, which showed no abnormalities. However, I still experience p...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Gastrointestinal bleeding can cause blood in the stool, so please consult a gastroenterologist for a follow-up examination. If you still experience chest pain, further evaluation with a chest X-ray can be considered.[Read More] Chest Injury and Blood in Stool: Understanding the Connection
Managing Severe Nighttime Cough After Ventilator Weaning: Common Concerns
Discharged from the ventilator and sent home, experiencing severe coughing at night? My father has been undergoing respiratory training for two years and has been off the ventilator for over a month now, receiving care at home. Since returning home, he has been experiencing sever...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. A proper diagnosis may require an actual examination, as it cannot be determined solely from written information. 2. If the condition of the tracheostomy tube is the same, it may be necessary to first consider whether there are any allergens or irritants in the home env...[Read More] Managing Severe Nighttime Cough After Ventilator Weaning: Common Concerns
Difficulty Breathing While Sleeping: Causes and When to Seek Help
Difficulty breathing during sleep? Since the night before last, I have been feeling weak all over when lying down to sleep. I experience numbness from my neck to my back, difficulty swallowing saliva, and a sensation of breathlessness where I can't seem to get enough air. I ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: You can first visit the pulmonology department for a diagnosis by a physician.[Read More] Difficulty Breathing While Sleeping: Causes and When to Seek Help