Delivery Riders and Lung Cancer Risk: What You Need to Know
Delivery workers and lung cancer? Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask the following questions: 1. Due to financial reasons, I have to spend a lot of time riding a scooter for food delivery (Foodpanda). If I continue this for 20 years, will my risk of developing lung cancer be si...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
1. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) currently classifies PM2.5 from air pollution as a Group 1 carcinogen (sufficient evidence), but the levels do not matter for individuals; it is simply a matter of presence or absence. 2. To state the conclusion directly...[Read More] Delivery Riders and Lung Cancer Risk: What You Need to Know
The Impact of Secondhand and Thirdhand Smoke on Family Health
The impact of secondhand and thirdhand smoke from neighbors on family members? Hello Doctor, due to the old wiring in our home, secondhand smoke from our neighbor often circulates into our bathroom through the ducts, and the smell is quite strong. This situation has persisted for...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello, sir. Research indicates a strong correlation between smoking and the incidence of lung cancer. Clinically, it is also challenging to determine whether lung cancer patients are related to secondhand smoke exposure, considering that air pollution, occupational dust and chemi...[Read More] The Impact of Secondhand and Thirdhand Smoke on Family Health
Health Risks of Long-Term Exposure to Factory Emissions: A Guide
Factory smoke and oil fume issues? Hello Doctor, my parents are currently 50 years old and have been working in a CNC factory for 30 years, inhaling industrial oil mist and exhaust gases. Although the factory has ventilation, I would like to ask the doctor a few questions: 1. Doe...
Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Hello: The public is aware that air pollution in the environment and workplace can indeed increase risks, but the risk associated with airborne contaminants in the workplace cannot currently be quantified. Generally, regular occupational health examinations are conducted for norm...[Read More] Health Risks of Long-Term Exposure to Factory Emissions: A Guide
Should You Follow Up on a Detected Lung Nodule After a Health Check?
The health check report indicates a solid nodule in the right upper lobe of the lung. Should it be monitored? Dear Dr. Zhou, I am currently about to turn 30 in a month. I had a health check-up in early May, which included a low-radiation chest CT scan. Recently, I received the r...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: As previously suggested, please visit the pulmonology department for an evaluation of the "risk factors" by a physician, and then discuss the follow-up with the doctor.[Read More] Should You Follow Up on a Detected Lung Nodule After a Health Check?
Do Cigarette Butts Contribute to Air Pollution? Health Concerns Explained
Do cigarette butts cause air pollution? I live on the first floor. When I open the window in my room, it leads to the balcony, where not only is the exhaust vent located, but also people occasionally throw cigarette butts down from above. Over time, there have been hundreds of th...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear food: It can have an impact, or we can find ways to improve the environment, as such conditions are detrimental to both mental and physical health. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Do Cigarette Butts Contribute to Air Pollution? Health Concerns Explained
Managing Worsening Symptoms During Tuberculosis Treatment: Key Insights
Worsening during the treatment process of pulmonary tuberculosis (2) Thank you, Director Jian, for your detailed response last time! Since there is no reply function, I have to trouble you again. Thank you, Director Jian. After I mentioned that my condition had worsened, I hurrie...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
1. After contracting tuberculosis, the lungs may be damaged and become more sensitive, leading to increased coughing due to air pollution and colds. 2. It is not necessary to take tuberculosis medication for a lifetime, and a cold will not trigger tuberculosis. 3. If there ar...[Read More] Managing Worsening Symptoms During Tuberculosis Treatment: Key Insights
Understanding Mild Emphysema: Post-Surgery Care and Health Monitoring
Mild emphysema in both lungs? Hello, Director! I was hospitalized in the emergency department of Taichung Veterans General Hospital at the end of February this year due to a spontaneous pneumothorax, and I ultimately underwent a wedge resection and pleurodesis. My recovery post-s...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Emphysema is an imaging diagnosis observed on chest X-rays; however, to confirm the presence of emphysema, further examinations are necessary. Please consult a pulmonologist at the Veterans General Hospital. It is advisable to avoid air pollution, secondhand smoke, and toxic subs...[Read More] Understanding Mild Emphysema: Post-Surgery Care and Health Monitoring
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Left chest pain? Hello, doctor. I am currently a student. During high school, I had an electrocardiogram (ECG) done, and no abnormalities were found at that time. I experienced a pain during my freshman year; it occurred suddenly while I was at home in the evening. The pain was i...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Young individuals experiencing chest pain should visit a thoracic specialist for a chest X-ray to rule out pulmonary diseases and assess for any potential heart issues![Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Survival Rates and Exercise Benefits for Emphysema Patients
Survival rate of emphysema? 1. What is the survival rate for emphysema? 2. Does daily exercise increase the survival rate? 3. What types of exercise are most suitable for patients with emphysema? 4. How much exercise is needed to maintain lung capacity and slow the decline of lun...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Its function is only about 70% -- this is classified as mild impairment. As long as one avoids exposure to air pollution, quits smoking, and steers clear of secondhand smoke, the lifespan should be quite long. Daily exercise can increase survival rates. If lung function is at 70%...[Read More] Survival Rates and Exercise Benefits for Emphysema Patients
Understanding Mucus Consistency: What Does 'Pearl-Like Sputum' Indicate?
Phlegm resembling tapioca pearls? Hello: --- Explanation --- 1. I have been smoking for about ten years. 2. I usually do not cough, but I experience shortness of breath. 3. Recently, I often cough up phlegm that resembles tapioca pearls (the shape of the pearls in bubble tea). 4....
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. The viscosity and color of sputum can change depending on whether there is inflammation in the lungs or the degree of air pollution inhaled. Essentially, sputum is the body's method of expelling abnormal secretions from the lungs or clearing foreign substances fr...[Read More] Understanding Mucus Consistency: What Does 'Pearl-Like Sputum' Indicate?
Persistent Cough for Over Two Months: Causes and Concerns
Coughing intermittently for more than two months? Hello, doctor. I traveled abroad in December, and during that time, I started to catch a cold, which later developed into a cough. Initially, around January, my cough became severe, and the phlegm was green. After seeing the docto...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: It may be chronic bronchitis. The primary recommendation is to quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke and air pollution. When air quality is poor, it is advisable to wear a mask. To determine if there is lung cancer, a chest X-ray or CT scan is necessary, as a diagnosis c...[Read More] Persistent Cough for Over Two Months: Causes and Concerns
How to Alleviate Throat Discomfort from Inhaled Exhaust Fumes
Inhalation of exhaust fumes? Hello: This morning while riding my motorcycle, I was behind a large truck that started emitting a significant amount of exhaust fumes. By the time I got to the office, I began to feel discomfort in my throat. What methods can I use to alleviate this ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Exhaust fumes can irritate the throat and trachea, leading to inflammation. It is recommended to wear a mask, avoid smoking, secondhand smoke, and air pollution. Drink plenty of water and limit the intake of fried, spicy, and sour foods. Best regards.[Read More] How to Alleviate Throat Discomfort from Inhaled Exhaust Fumes
Understanding Bronchiectasis: Symptoms, Risks, and Management Strategies
Bronchiectasis Hello Dr. Yang, I am Sandy, who consulted you about bronchiectasis on November 22. I appreciate your response, but I still have some concerns I would like to discuss. I have been suffering from recurrent pneumonia for the past seven years, which has led to localize...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: First of all, congratulations on the improvement of your respiratory symptoms. The 20-30 chest X-rays and the bronchiectasis currently do not show any correlation with the incidence of lung cancer, so please do not worry! Inhaling lung irritants or secondhand smoke is some...[Read More] Understanding Bronchiectasis: Symptoms, Risks, and Management Strategies
Is Lung Lavage Right for You? Understanding Benefits and Risks
Regarding pulmonary lavage? I had a smoking history of seven years, and although I have quit for several years now, I believe that the five years of smoking may have caused some pollution in my lungs. Additionally, living in a big city for many years, I have been exposed to the e...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Lung lavage is typically used for diagnosing difficult cases, and its therapeutic application is limited to very few diseases (such as proteinaceous lung disease). There is no theoretical basis or practicality for using it to wash out smoke or dust. You have been smoke-free for s...[Read More] Is Lung Lavage Right for You? Understanding Benefits and Risks
Understanding Cough: Tests and Concerns for Lung Health
Cough examination Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing a persistent cough and some phlegm in my throat. Besides getting a chest X-ray at the pulmonology department, what blood tests can I undergo to feel more at ease? How long does it typically take for lung cancer to develop f...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen: You have been experiencing respiratory symptoms for a long time! As a general principle, you should first consult a pulmonologist, who will conduct a thorough assessment based on their expertise. The radiation exposure from a CT scan is significantly higher than t...[Read More] Understanding Cough: Tests and Concerns for Lung Health
Morning Phlegm: Understanding Causes and Solutions for Chest Health
I cough up thick phlegm every morning upon waking up? Hello Dr. Yang, I do not have a cough, but every morning after waking up, I cough up thick phlegm. This has been happening for a month, and I do not feel unwell otherwise. Could you please advise what kind of condition this mi...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiao Bao: Typically, sputum is produced due to secretion or inflammation of the bronchial mucosa. It may also be caused by sinusitis or post-nasal drip (which you may feel or notice an unusual odor in the nasal cavity). Additionally, exposure to air pollution, inhalation o...[Read More] Morning Phlegm: Understanding Causes and Solutions for Chest Health
Understanding Asthma Symptoms: Seasonal Triggers and Breathing Difficulties
Symptoms of asthma Doctor: There is no family history of asthma at home. However, I often feel short of breath with seasonal changes. There have been a few occasions when I drank alcohol and experienced difficulty breathing, wheezing, and chest pain. I used a bronchodilator, whic...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Furong: Even without a family history, asthma can still be triggered by air pollution or other allergens. If you experience wheezing and find relief with bronchodilators, it resembles bronchial symptoms. I recommend visiting a major hospital's pulmonary department for...[Read More] Understanding Asthma Symptoms: Seasonal Triggers and Breathing Difficulties
Understanding Shortness of Breath After a Cold: Causes and Solutions
Shortness of breath!! I'm not sure what's going on, but recently after catching a cold, I've been experiencing difficulty breathing. The left side of my chest feels tight, and I only feel a bit of relief when I take a deep breath, but afterwards, I feel quite uncom...
Dr. Lin Zhuorui Reply:
Hello Ah Hong, regarding your question, it is indeed common for some patients with a general cold to experience discomfort. There are many potential issues that could arise, and further outpatient follow-up examinations are necessary. Common problems include bronchitis caused by ...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath After a Cold: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Allergies and Asthma: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Allergy? Asthma? Hello Doctor: This situation has troubled me for a long time, as I have had this issue since childhood. When I was younger, the problem was not very noticeable, so I did not pay much attention to it. I often cough during climate changes, especially from autumn to...
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
The most common symptoms of asthma include wheezing and chest tightness. Sometimes, patients may experience a feeling of breathlessness and difficulty breathing. Coughing is also a frequent symptom of asthma and may be the only symptom during an asthma attack. Here are five types...[Read More] Understanding Allergies and Asthma: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Asthma: Managing Symptoms and Concerns for Aging Parents
Asthma Hello, doctor. In recent months, I have noticed that my mother's asthma seems to be worsening. She mentioned that she had episodes of asthma when she was a child, but it was normal during adulthood (seemingly cured) until it recurred in the past two years. Initially, ...
Dr. Guo Lucheng Reply:
There are many causes of toe cramps, and a thorough investigation is necessary to determine the underlying reason, which may include electrolyte imbalances and may not necessarily be related to medications. Allergic predisposition can be hereditary, but the manifestation varies a...[Read More] Understanding Asthma: Managing Symptoms and Concerns for Aging Parents