Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Sharp pain on the left side of the chest? Two months ago, I experienced a sharp pain on the left side of my chest once. Today, while sitting in a chair, it happened again when I stood up. It felt like an invisible needle was piercing the area where the heart and lungs overlap on ...
Dr. Zhang Youzheng Reply:
Hello: The common causes of chest pain can be categorized into three types: (1) caused by cardiac diseases, (2) caused by thoracic diseases, and (3) caused by neuropathic pain. It is recommended that you undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG) and related cardiac examinations, as well...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Pain Under Left Rib: Understanding Symptoms and Causes
Pain upon palpation of the lower left rib cage? I have a history of arrhythmia. Last week, I experienced pain in the left side of my chest when pressing between my nipples. This pain gradually shifted to the area just below the left nipple, specifically the rib area, where pressi...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, there is insufficient information to provide a clear answer to your question. If you continue to experience related symptoms, I recommend visiting a pulmonology clinic for further evaluation. Thank you![Read More] Pain Under Left Rib: Understanding Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Pulmonary Nodules: Insights from Chest X-Ray Findings
Chest X-ray screening revealed pulmonary nodules? Hello Doctor: In August 2015, during a routine health check, a nodule was found in my left upper lung lobe on a chest X-ray. I subsequently had a follow-up visit and underwent a CT scan, during which the doctor mentioned that the ...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Ms. Emma, the chest X-ray screening presents many issues that can be difficult to interpret. However, if you have undergone a CT scan, it is recommended to return to the original hospital for follow-up imaging for comparison, which will provide a clearer understanding. The ...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Nodules: Insights from Chest X-Ray Findings
Understanding Left Diaphragmatic Elevation: Causes and Implications
Left diaphragmatic hernia? In November, I underwent a company health check, and in January, the report indicated a left-sided diaphragmatic elevation on the chest X-ray. I would like to understand the possible causes of this condition.
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen: The spleen and stomach are located below the left diaphragm. There are many possible reasons for the protrusion, including lung atrophy causing upward displacement or pressure from below. If the condition is severe, a CT scan should be performed for differential di...[Read More] Understanding Left Diaphragmatic Elevation: Causes and Implications
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest pain Hello Doctor: I have tenderness in the center of my chest, which worsens with breathing, coughing, and movement. This condition has lasted for a day. What could be the issue?
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, the symptoms appear to be more like localized inflammation of the soft tissues in the muscles. It is recommended to monitor the symptoms, and if they worsen, seek medical attention. This message is from the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Changhua Hospital, Ministry of...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Emphysema-Like Changes: What You Need to Know
Emphysematous changes I am approximately 180 cm tall and weigh 69 kg. A recent health check-up X-ray showed "emphysematous changes." Does this condition definitively indicate emphysema? I have never smoked, do not have a cough, and maintain a regular exercise routine wi...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, "emphysematous changes" were only identified through a chest X-ray. Generally, to diagnose emphysema, it is important to consider the patient's medical history (such as smoking habits and past occupations), the patient's sympt...[Read More] Understanding Emphysema-Like Changes: What You Need to Know
Feeling a Tightness in the Chest: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
It feels like there is a lump in my chest? Hello doctor, for the past couple of days, I have been feeling like there is something stuck in my chest that I need to cough out, which has resulted in a cough. However, my body temperature is normal (around 36.3-36.4°C), and I do not h...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Cold weather or increased life stress can both contribute to such feelings. If you are concerned, you can visit a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray to rule out any active lung diseases.[Read More] Feeling a Tightness in the Chest: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Pain Below the Right Clavicle: Causes and Solutions
Pain below the right clavicle? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about a pain point located just below my right clavicle, near the chest cavity. It is not a constant pain, but it becomes very noticeable when I stretch. This symptom appeared suddenly about a month ago, and th...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Ms. Q, if the raised area is the painful point, it is usually indicative of localized soft tissue inflammation, and there may be associated pain with movement. Typically, resting (avoiding exercise/training) and possibly using a topical spray can lead to improvement. If the...[Read More] Understanding Pain Below the Right Clavicle: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Sharp pain below the left chest? Hello, I have been experiencing frequent sharp pain in the lower left chest area recently. I have had similar pain before, but it was only occasional. The pain location is in the lower left chest, specifically at the curve of the lower edge of the...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Ms. Maggie, it seems that your pain has intensified, and your daily activities have not changed, but you are experiencing some respiratory pain. It is recommended that if the situation persists, you should first visit a pulmonologist or cardiologist to rule out more serious...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Next Steps
Tightness and warmth in the upper right abdomen near the rib cage? Recently, I have been experiencing a tight sensation in the upper right abdomen (approximately from above the navel to below the lower rib margin). Sometimes, it feels warm (similar to the sensation of a heating p...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Mr. Ken, based on your symptoms and the tests conducted, the most common issue appears to be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its related symptoms. This is usually associated with abnormal eating habits (e.g., eating late-night snacks before lying down) or irregul...[Read More] Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Next Steps
Breathing Difficulties: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Dyspnea I am a senior student who has less than a month left before the university entrance exam. Recently, I often feel like something is choking my neck, making it hard to breathe, along with slight chest tightness, dizziness, and symptoms of hypoxia. I also frequently experien...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Ms. Yan, based on the description of your symptoms, it is often the case that physiological conditions are triggered by emotional stress. I recommend that you first consult a general internist to rule out any vital sign issues, and then consider seeking care from a psychoso...[Read More] Breathing Difficulties: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Understanding Bilateral Lower Lobe Pneumonia from Your X-Ray Report
X-ray report results Hello, doctor. I underwent a health check on December 13 and received the report on December 21. The chest X-ray results indicate the presence of pneumonia in both lower lung lobes. I would like to ask what "presence of pneumonia in both lower lung lobes...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it appears that inflammation changes have been found in the bilateral lower lung zones on the X-ray. It is recommended that you return to the pulmonology outpatient clinic at your original hospital for further evaluation. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Bilateral Lower Lobe Pneumonia from Your X-Ray Report
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Help for Intermittent Symptoms
Chest pain? Hello Doctor, recently I have been experiencing a sharp pain near the center of my left chest, about one finger's length below the clavicle. Sometimes it feels like a throbbing pain, but it is always in the same spot, occurring intermittently for two to three min...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your condition appears to involve some nonspecific symptoms, which do not necessarily indicate that there is a problem with your body. It is recommended that you first visit a pulmonology clinic for some basic examinations. If the test results ar...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Help for Intermittent Symptoms
Understanding Shortness of Breath and Chest Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Difficulty breathing can cause wheezing, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and sharp pain in the heart? There is no family history of asthma or similar conditions. Recently, I have started to feel that I need to take deep breaths to feel like I'm getting enough air, and t...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, there is currently insufficient information to determine the cause of your condition. It is recommended that you visit a pulmonology clinic for further evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath and Chest Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Persistent Throat and Chest Discomfort: Possible Causes
Itchy trachea, difficulty breathing, and tightness near the clavicle? I have been experiencing a dry and itchy throat since May of this year. After seeing a doctor and taking medication, it improved for a while, but soon the itching returned. Recently, I have started to feel a lo...
Dr. Wang Zhengde Reply:
Hello: Based on your age and symptom description, it is highly likely that you have asthma. Asthma is an allergic airway disease that can vary in severity, with mild symptoms that may resolve on their own, and severe cases that can lead to respiratory failure or death. Online con...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat and Chest Discomfort: Possible Causes
Understanding Elevated Cyfra21-1 Levels: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Cyfra 21-1 Hello doctor, recently during the company health check, my Cyfra21-1 level was elevated at 5.9, whereas in previous years it was around 1.x. I have previously experienced chest tightness and pain, and I have visited three hospitals where I underwent X-rays, but no abno...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Cyfra21-1 is a tumor marker found in the blood, and its test values can be influenced by many factors, leading to a higher rate of false positives. Generally, tumor markers are used to monitor the condition of cancer patients after treatment and are not suitable for early ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Cyfra21-1 Levels: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Chronic Cough After Giant Cell Tumor Surgery: When to Get a CT Scan?
Coughing for three months: is it appropriate to perform a CT scan? Giant cell tumor of bone? I previously had a giant cell tumor of bone, which was found on my lumbar spine. Not long after, I underwent surgery with a neurosurgeon in February to remove it. Currently, I am using de...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Mr. Mi, there are many questions: 1. Regarding the main issue: Is it possible to get a CT scan after coughing for three months? If you are paying out of pocket, it depends on whether you want to spend the money and expose yourself to radiation; if you want insurance cover...[Read More] Chronic Cough After Giant Cell Tumor Surgery: When to Get a CT Scan?
Understanding Occasional Left Chest Discomfort While Lying Down
When lying down, there is a fluttering sensation in the left chest, but it is not painful? Hello doctor, I usually don't have such issues, but today I felt very uncomfortable due to bloating after eating too much meat for lunch. I didn't eat much for dinner, just had tw...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it does not currently appear to be a heart issue. I recommend monitoring your condition for another day or two. If symptoms persist, please visit a pulmonology clinic for further evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Occasional Left Chest Discomfort While Lying Down
Can You Work in a Cleanroom After Recovering from Tuberculosis?
Lung issues Hello, doctor. I had tuberculosis a few years ago, but I am completely recovered now. However, the X-ray still shows scarring. I experience shortness of breath when walking too quickly, but I would like to pursue a job that requires wearing a cleanroom suit. Is this s...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, Xiao Li. Typically, after tuberculosis, respiratory issues such as wheezing can occur, often due to pulmonary obstruction (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). If you are concerned, you may consider visiting a pulmonology department for a chest X-ray and pulmonary funct...[Read More] Can You Work in a Cleanroom After Recovering from Tuberculosis?
Understanding Persistent Cough with Phlegm: When to Seek Medical Attention
Frequent coughing with phlegm? My father is 65 years old and has never smoked. However, over the past year or two, he has experienced intermittent coughing with phlegm, which comes and goes. Previous chest X-rays have shown no abnormalities, so he is reluctant to see a doctor. Re...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, Xiaoting. Your father is 65 years old, a non-smoker, but is exhibiting symptoms of chronic bronchitis, and his X-ray results are clear. Recently, he has had an exacerbation, which may be related to air quality or seasonal changes, but could also be due to other allergies o...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough with Phlegm: When to Seek Medical Attention