Understanding Chest Pain and Shoulder Discomfort: Possible Causes and Concerns
Chest pain and shoulder pain? Hello doctor, I have recently been experiencing chest tightness, sharp pain along the edges of my ribs, and pain in my back and right shoulder. I had an X-ray in May of this year which showed: No active lung lesions, normal heart size, symmetry of bo...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Early-stage lung cancer typically does not show rapid changes on a chest X-ray, but there are many blind spots that may not be visible. A chest computed tomography (CT) scan can be performed; however, since the chest X-ray appears normal, health insurance may not cover the...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Shoulder Discomfort: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Intermittent Chest Tightness and Cough: Causes and Solutions
Persistent intermittent chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing chest tightness for five years. The symptoms occur irregularly, possibly every two to three months, lasting for about three to four days, during which I feel unable...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The intermittent cough and chest tightness seem less likely to be due to any significant lung or tracheal pathology. It may be related to irregular exercise habits or the temperature of food and fruits consumed. It is recommended to establish a regular exercise routine and...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Chest Tightness and Cough: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Left Chest Pain and Numbness: Possible Causes and Concerns
Left chest tightness and numbness in the left hand and left foot? Hello, doctor. During my recent yoga practice, I suddenly experienced a sharp pain in my left chest. I managed to finish the exercise, but the pain did not subside. After eating and resting, the pain persisted, and...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The initial analysis suggests that it resembles muscle pain, possibly related to insufficient warm-up during yoga practice or sleeping posture. If there is no improvement after a while, it is advisable to get a chest X-ray (to check for any significant abnormalities in the...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain and Numbness: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Bronchitis: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Bronchitis? Hello Doctor: Recently, members of my family have gradually developed coughing symptoms. My older brother and younger brother are getting better, but my mother and I are still coughing. My condition is more severe; I can't help but cough, and it feels like my ent...
Dr. Zhang Youzheng Reply:
Hello: There are many possible causes for a cough. Given your situation, it is advisable to first visit a pulmonologist at the hospital for a chest X-ray to conduct an evaluation. The most common condition is chronic bronchitis following a cold, but it could also be due to other ...[Read More] Understanding Bronchitis: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Air Travel and Boat Safety After Pneumothorax Drainage: What You Need to Know
Pneumothorax wounds and issues related to air travel and maritime travel? Hello doctor, I had a drainage procedure for a left-sided pneumothorax in early April this year. Is it normal for the wound to feel tight occasionally, about once a day? However, it has been infrequent. Las...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: Traveling by boat is acceptable, but flying is not recommended. Generally speaking, if a patient has undergone surgery to remove unhealthy alveoli, the chance of pneumothorax recurrence decreases from over 50% to 5-10%, and there are no specific restrictions on flying.[Read More] Air Travel and Boat Safety After Pneumothorax Drainage: What You Need to Know
Understanding Lung CT Findings: Ground-Glass Nodules and Next Steps
CT report of pulmonary issues? Imaging findings: The MDCT of the chest was performed without intravenous contrast medium enhancement and revealed the following: The lung parenchyma is well demonstrated with some ground-glass opacities in both lungs. The bilateral mainstem bronchi...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Lu: A 2.2 cm tumor that is indeed removed is a good thing; the absence of lymph node involvement is a positive sign, indicating that there has been no metastasis. To rule out distant metastasis, a PET scan can be performed for early detection, which can be managed effectivel...[Read More] Understanding Lung CT Findings: Ground-Glass Nodules and Next Steps
Understanding Long-Term Chest Tightness and Anxiety Symptoms
Long-term chest tightness and hypochondriasis? About seven years ago, the patient sought medical attention due to sudden shortness of breath, feeling unable to take a full breath, especially during physical activity, which caused some wheezing. After undergoing several tests, the...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: If you visit the pulmonology clinic to check for asthma or post-COVID sequelae and find none, it is advised to be kind to yourself. Wishing you peace and safety.[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Chest Tightness and Anxiety Symptoms
Understanding the Progression of Lung Cancer Metastasis: Key Insights
The progression of lung cancer metastasis occurs through several stages. Initially, cancer cells may invade nearby lung tissue. From there, they can enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system, allowing them to spread to other parts of the body. Common Hello, Doctor. Currently, the...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to seek consultation for diagnosis. The progression of cancer varies significantly among individuals. The size of a nodule is not a definitive indicator of metastasis; there are cases where small malignant lung tumors have already metastasized. I understa...[Read More] Understanding the Progression of Lung Cancer Metastasis: Key Insights
Understanding Chest X-Ray Results: Concerns About Pleural Plaques and Cancer
Inquire about the chest X-ray report? Hello Doctor: My mother had an X-ray at the hospital yesterday, and today I saw this note on the National Health Insurance Quick Translation: pleural plaque, suspected of metastasis. (She had a previous mastectomy for breast cancer.) I would ...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: Please first consult your primary physician. This is merely a suspicion, and it is necessary to compare with previous images and arrange for further examinations to confirm. As for subsequent treatment recommendations, our department is unable to provide you with an answer...[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Results: Concerns About Pleural Plaques and Cancer
Understanding Shortness of Breath: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing? Hello Doctor: I am 183 cm tall and weigh 122 kg. This week, I experienced two episodes of sudden discomfort and pain in my right chest, feeling as if my breathing had stopped, and I suddenly couldn't catch my breath. After lightly t...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist to clarify the cause. Based on the description, asthma is a possible diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Rib Pain: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Rib pain Hello Doctor: About a month ago, I started experiencing occasional pain in the upper abdomen. After taking stomach medication for a few days, the pain gradually subsided. Then, I began to feel a slight soreness near the last rib on both sides, similar to muscle soreness ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your pain is not localized, which is not typical for bone metastasis. If you have had a chest X-ray in the past six months that showed no nodules or tumors, then you should not consider this possibility. It is more likely related to muscle soreness after exercise or nerve ...[Read More] Understanding Rib Pain: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Rib Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Pain upon palpation below the rib cage? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing localized pain under my rib cage for the past three days. It hurts when I press on it or when I stretch. The pain is specifically located in the middle, slightly to the left, beneath the ribs. I would...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: It may be pain from the chest wall tissues, including fascia, muscles, nerves, cartilage, and ribs. Please consult a pulmonologist.[Read More] Understanding Rib Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Is Cold Freezer Air Harmful? Understanding Chest Discomfort and Coughing
Choking on cold freezer air? When retrieving items from the depths of an upright freezer, I inhaled a breath of cold air from the freezer. At that moment, I felt a slight irritation in my nose, a bit of a burning sensation, and some discomfort in my chest. I intentionally coughed...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: Humans can live in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, so you don't need to worry too much.[Read More] Is Cold Freezer Air Harmful? Understanding Chest Discomfort and Coughing
Understanding Lung Nodules: Monitoring, Risks, and Follow-Up Guidelines
Lung nodule follow-up? 1. In the report, SRS stands for "Size Rating Scale," which is a scoring system used to assess the size of pulmonary nodules, while IM stands for "Impression Measurement," which may refer to the evaluation of the characteristics of the n...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended to continue regular follow-ups as advised by your attending physician. However, for stable nodules, you may consider extending the interval between follow-ups. 2. During the two CT follow-up periods, you can also monitor with chest X-rays every six mon...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Monitoring, Risks, and Follow-Up Guidelines
Rib Pain from Coughing: When to See a Doctor for Your Symptoms
Coughing to the point of rib pain? Tracheal mucus? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing pain in my right rib cage for the past few days. I now feel significant pain when taking deep breaths, turning over, or raising my arms. There is noticeable tenderness between two ribs at th...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, typically, ribs require a significant amount of external force to fracture, making rib fractures relatively uncommon. They are more likely to occur in individuals with osteoporosis or those with rheumatologic conditions who have been on long-term corticosteroid therapy. Re...[Read More] Rib Pain from Coughing: When to See a Doctor for Your Symptoms
Understanding Lung Patterns: Interpreting Increased Lung Markings vs. Infiltrates
Chest examination The X-ray examination shows increased lung markings, while another hospital mentioned lung infiltration without mentioning lung markings. Are lung markings and lung infiltration interpreted as the same thing? Will it resolve on its own? What kind of pathological...
Dr. Zhang Youzheng Reply:
Hello: The pulmonary markings seen on a chest X-ray refer to the vascular patterns in the lungs. Even if the report indicates an increase in these markings, it usually leans towards being non-pathological. Infiltrates typically suggest some degree of inflammation or infection in ...[Read More] Understanding Lung Patterns: Interpreting Increased Lung Markings vs. Infiltrates
Understanding Elevated Cypra21-1 Levels: When to Seek Chest Specialist Care
Abnormal Cypra21-1 in two health check-ups? Hello Dr. Yang, Three years ago during my health check-up, my Cypra21-1 value was 3.4 (normal is less than 3.3). A month later, I had another blood test at the lab, and the results were normal, so I did not require any special follow-u...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The Cypra21 value is expected to fluctuate. It is recommended to follow up every 3 to 6 months, along with X-ray examinations, and to have a thoracic specialist evaluate and provide recommendations.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Cypra21-1 Levels: When to Seek Chest Specialist Care
Understanding Chest Discomfort After Food Aspiration: When to Seek Help
Grain obstruction? Hello Dr. Jian: On May 29, while having dinner, I accidentally inhaled a grain of rice, which did not go down the correct path. After the meal, I became more aware of this phenomenon. At that moment, I actively initiated a cough, hoping to expel it. During the ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: You can first go to the pulmonology department for a chest X-ray, and then consult with the pulmonologist on how to proceed with follow-up care.[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort After Food Aspiration: When to Seek Help
Understanding Low-Dose Lung CT Findings: Endobronchial Nodules Explained
Questions regarding low-dose lung CT report? Dear Director, Recently, a low-dose lung CT report indicated a suspicious pneumonia-related mass measuring over 2 cm. Upon follow-up with another low-dose lung CT two months later, it was found that the original mass had nearly resolv...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The size of the bronchial nodules was not mentioned, and it is uncertain whether the scanning angle may have caused artifacts. It would be best to discuss this further with the attending physician, ideally waiting at least two months since the last outpatient visit to bett...[Read More] Understanding Low-Dose Lung CT Findings: Endobronchial Nodules Explained
Can You Fly After Recovering from Pneumothorax Drainage?
Can a patient fly after recovering from a pneumothorax drainage? Hello, Doctor! My husband experienced chest pain on March 8 and was diagnosed with a pneumothorax. Due to the large size of the pneumothorax, the doctor recommended immediate chest tube insertion for drainage and pu...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: Not recommended.[Read More] Can You Fly After Recovering from Pneumothorax Drainage?