Understanding Left Breast Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Treatments
Left breast pain? Doctor, for the past two to three days, I've been experiencing intermittent sharp pain in my left breast. I've tried searching online but couldn't find a clear answer. I've also taken pain medication for neuropathy (600 mg of Ibuprofen) and m...
Dr. Lu Mingzhi Reply:
Hello: You have already undergone an X-ray, which showed no abnormalities, essentially ruling out the possibility of lung issues. It is recommended that you arrange for cardiac-related examinations (such as an electrocardiogram or echocardiogram) to rule out the possibility of he...[Read More] Understanding Left Breast Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Treatments
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest tightness or chest pain? Hello Doctor, in the past few weeks, I've been experiencing a tight sensation in my chest. Although it doesn't reach the level of pain, I feel slightly uncomfortable when performing certain movements, as if it's constricted. Additiona...
Dr. Lu Mingzhi Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it seems more like muscular nerve pain, but cardiac issues cannot be ruled out. I recommend getting an X-ray and arranging for cardiac-related examinations.[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Tuberculosis Skin Test Results and Follow-Up Options
Subcutaneous Tuberculin Test On September 1st of this year, the first tuberculin skin test was negative, with normal blood tests and chest X-ray results. On November 3rd, the second skin test showed a result of 13mm, indicating a positive reaction. The health center issued a refe...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: 1. Blood tests can be performed to measure interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) for decision-making. 2. The chance of misdiagnosis is low; it is not uncommon to have a negative result on the first test and a positive result on the second. 3. Prior vaccination with BCG ma...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Skin Test Results and Follow-Up Options
Understanding Abnormal Shadow on Right 8th Rib: What to Know
Abnormal shadow in the right 8th rib? A 49-year-old male patient, who is generally healthy and rarely experiences colds, recently received an abnormal health check report from a small hospital commissioned by his school. The report indicated a blood pressure of 144/98 mmHg and a ...
Dr. Lu Mingzhi Reply:
Hello: The chest X-ray shows abnormal shadows in the ribs, which may indicate rib ossification or overlapping abnormalities in the lungs. It is recommended to follow up with the Department of Thoracic Medicine at our hospital, and a computed tomography (CT) scan may also be consi...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Shadow on Right 8th Rib: What to Know
Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathlessness: When to Seek Further Treatment
Chest tightness with a sensation of suffocation? Hello, doctor! Previously, I often experienced chest tightness and a sensation of suffocation. During a cardiology examination, I was found to have mitral and tricuspid valve prolapse, but I still feel short of breath. Therefore, t...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: The provided information is incomplete; it's unclear what the number 70 represents. If the pulmonologist has not treated it, it should not be serious. Please consult another pulmonologist, and if the answer is the same, it should not be serious.[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathlessness: When to Seek Further Treatment
Understanding Breathing Issues: Causes and Solutions for Chest Discomfort
Respiratory issues Hello Doctor, I feel that the air I breathe in through my nose is cool, and I have a sensation of not being able to get enough air. My chest feels tight, and then I start to feel anxious. I need to have cold air blown on me, drink ice water, or apply cold compr...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to see a gynecologist first![Read More] Understanding Breathing Issues: Causes and Solutions for Chest Discomfort
Understanding Exercise-Related Discomfort: Is It Serious?
Sudden discomfort during exercise? Hello Doctor, a few days ago while doing aerobic boxing, I felt a significant difficulty in breathing halfway through. My chest felt tight, I felt nauseous, a bit weak, and generally unwell, so I took a break. I noticed that squatting made me fe...
Dr. Lu Mingzhi Reply:
Hello: Difficulty breathing and chest tightness during intense exercise are primarily caused by increased workload on the heart and lungs. Generally, these symptoms should improve after resting; however, if you experience cold sweats or even fainting, it is important to consider ...[Read More] Understanding Exercise-Related Discomfort: Is It Serious?
Is It Asthma or Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction?
Is it an issue with the autonomic nervous system or asthma? Hello doctor, I am 19 years old, 172 cm tall, and weigh 64 kg, with no family history of illness. One night, I suddenly experienced palpitations (around 110 bpm) and shortness of breath. After the doctor prescribed antia...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Please check with the gastroenterology department for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and with the otolaryngology department for allergic rhinitis.[Read More] Is It Asthma or Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction?
Understanding Persistent Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Please inquire about chest pain issues? Hello Doctor, the chest pain is located just below the clavicle, and there is some tenderness upon palpation. It has been intermittent for about three weeks. I initially thought it was due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and consu...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: It sounds a bit like fasciitis or chondritis. If the examinations by the pulmonology, cardiology, and gastroenterology departments show no issues, please consult an orthopedic or rehabilitation specialist.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Concerns About Tuberculosis Exposure for Newborns: What You Need to Know
Contact with individuals suspected of having tuberculosis? Hello, I would like to ask about my mother, who is a long-term care worker taking care of a patient suspected of having tuberculosis. I am a postpartum mother and just learned today that my mother has been caring for a su...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Contact with a tuberculosis patient does not necessarily mean that one is infected with the tuberculosis bacteria; a blood test for IGRA is needed to determine this. If infected, it does not guarantee that one will develop the disease; a chest X-ray or sputum test is requi...[Read More] Concerns About Tuberculosis Exposure for Newborns: What You Need to Know
Understanding Your Chest X-Ray: What Does Mild Fibrosis Mean?
Lung issues The chest X-ray report indicates "no active tuberculosis lesions in the lungs, mild apical fibrosis," but the reference values state there are no significant abnormalities. I would like to inquire what this means and whether there is any issue with the lungs...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Fibrosis indicates that there are small scars left in the lung tissue after previous inflammation, representing non-active changes. It's similar to small scars from childhood injuries that no longer require ointment. Mild fibrosis means the affected area is very small...[Read More] Understanding Your Chest X-Ray: What Does Mild Fibrosis Mean?
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Help for Possible Tumors
Chest pain and stabbing discomfort? In the past few days, I initially experienced pain in the right side of my chest, but now I feel pain on both sides. I had an X-ray done, and the doctor said it shouldn't be a lung issue. However, when I press on the right side, I can feel...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Lung tumors are typically not palpable and should be visible on X-rays if they are larger than one centimeter. I believe it may be soft tissue (fat or muscle) in the chest wall. The chest wall can often be painful with pressure, so I recommend avoiding further pressure. Ge...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Help for Possible Tumors
Understanding Dirty Lungs: What Chest X-Ray Results Mean for You
Lung issues The chest X-ray showed that the lungs appear "dirty." What does this mean?
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: The presence of more prominent markings may indicate bronchitis or other conditions, but it could also simply be more visible blood vessels, which is actually normal. Please consult your attending physician for further clarification.[Read More] Understanding Dirty Lungs: What Chest X-Ray Results Mean for You
Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Chest pain? Yesterday afternoon, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my chest that radiated to my back, but it only lasted for a moment and then went away. Sometimes, when I do a small stretch to reach for something, the pain starts again. After the pain, I feel a tightness in my che...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Dear Hong, the symptoms are manageable, but if you experience persistent pain, shortness of breath, or more severe chest tightness, you should go to the emergency room or consult a pulmonologist. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Tuberculosis Testing and Its Implications for Family Health
Tuberculosis (TB) screening? If a family member's sputum test has confirmed the presence of tuberculosis bacteria, and the health department has notified you to undergo re-examination, it is important to understand the implications. If the chest X-ray results are normal, it ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mei Mei: The presence of tuberculosis bacteria in sputum indicates open pulmonary tuberculosis, which is contagious. If the X-ray shows no abnormalities, it is also uncommon to perform sputum tests. Sputum contamination is not impossible; it depends on the testing conditions...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Testing and Its Implications for Family Health
Understanding Persistent Chest Tightness: Emotional vs. Physical Causes
I have been troubled by chest tightness for a long time? Since I started a relationship in my sophomore year, I've often experienced chest tightness and difficulty breathing when I cry. After the breakup, I frequently felt unexplained chest discomfort, and now, nearly three ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Please visit a pulmonologist for an examination, as a physician must conduct a personal assessment and interpretation to make a diagnosis. It is not possible to determine the issue based solely on your description.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Chest Tightness: Emotional vs. Physical Causes
Distinguishing Between Pneumonia and Fibrosis on Chest X-rays
Pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis? My father was hospitalized due to pneumonia, and the X-ray showed signs of pneumonia along with fibrosis. Can the doctor differentiate between fibrotic inflammation and pneumonia inflammation based on the X-ray? Since this is an emergency situati...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: If there are previous images for comparison, it will be clearer whether the new lesions are new or old.[Read More] Distinguishing Between Pneumonia and Fibrosis on Chest X-rays
Understanding Pleural Thickening: Next Steps for Lung Health
Chest issues Hello, I had a chest X-ray on October 7, 2020, followed by a CT scan on October 14, 2020. The radiologist's report noted defined pleural thickening at the left apical lung, with the nature to be determined. Tumor growth cannot be completely ruled out. Comparing ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Without seeing the images, I cannot make a judgment. You can obtain a copy of all the imaging studies and consult another pulmonologist for a second opinion. Ultimately, the final decision on the management plan will need to be made by yourself.[Read More] Understanding Pleural Thickening: Next Steps for Lung Health
Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Pain on the right side of the chest when pressure is applied? Hello, doctor. About a month ago, I experienced dizziness, nausea, and occasional rapid heartbeat, so I went to the hospital for an examination. I underwent blood tests, an electrocardiogram, and X-rays. The doctor sai...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Please first visit the pulmonologist for a chest X-ray examination, followed by a physical examination by the physician to determine the diagnosis and underlying cause. Further referrals will be made based on the pulmonologist's recommendations. Thank you. Sincerely, ...[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chronic Chest Tightness and Post-Meal Phlegm: What You Need to Know
Chronic chest tightness with phlegm after meals? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing long-term chest tightness, which worsens to include pain in my back and throat. However, this condition does not occur every day; it tends to happen more often after prolonged sitting or lying...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to see a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray evaluation.[Read More] Chronic Chest Tightness and Post-Meal Phlegm: What You Need to Know