Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Right chest pain? I started experiencing pain inside when taking deep breaths and changing positions a week ago. Now, even my upper right back hurts during those movements, but the pain only occurs while moving. What could be the issue?
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If there are no obvious symptoms such as cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath, and it feels more like chest or rib nerve pain, relaxing, engaging in moderate exercise, getting adequate sleep, and reducing the intake of cold beverages should help improve the condition.[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterium Abscessus: Treatment and Management Options
Non-tuberculous Mycobacterium Abscessus Hello Dr. Yang, my mother is 65 years old and has been living in Japan for over 30 years. Due to a persistent cough, she was diagnosed last month at a specialized hospital in Japan with a non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection caused by My...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your mother likely had a culture of Nocardia species from her sputum about ten years ago. However, since her X-rays have been relatively stable, the clinical approach has been to monitor and follow up, as this bacterium is difficult to eradicate and has a high chance of re...[Read More] Understanding Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterium Abscessus: Treatment and Management Options
Is It Asthma? Understanding Chest Discomfort and Breathing Issues
I'm not sure if it's asthma? Recently, I have experienced chest tightness and difficulty breathing after consuming spicy food and inhaling exhaust fumes, sometimes accompanied by a whistling sound. I visited a pulmonologist who conducted pulmonary function tests and blo...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It may also be normal during non-acute episodes, and some asthma patients may not necessarily have elevated IgE levels. If you respond well to bronchodilator therapy, it is likely that you have asthma with allergic (hyperreactive) characteristics. It is recommended to unde...[Read More] Is It Asthma? Understanding Chest Discomfort and Breathing Issues
Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Causes and Solutions
Lung issues Hello doctor, I recently noticed that I feel short of breath while singing, and I sometimes experience a bit of trembling during that time. I also find it easy to become breathless when walking or climbing stairs, and I feel a sense of chest tightness and difficulty b...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Poor vital capacity should not cause coughing. It is usually associated with bronchitis or bronchial allergies. It is recommended to visit a pulmonology clinic nearby for consultation.[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Causes and Solutions
Struggling to Breathe: Understanding Respiratory Issues After Cleaning with Bleach
Breathing requires significant effort to intake air? Hello, doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing a sensation of needing to exert a lot of effort to breathe, which started after using undiluted bleach for cleaning. After feeling unwell while scrubbing the toilet, I quickly o...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The intermittent symptoms should not indicate any significant damage to the trachea or lungs; with some time for adjustment, it should improve! For autonomic nervous system dysregulation and anxiety disorders, it is recommended to have regular follow-ups at a psychosomatic...[Read More] Struggling to Breathe: Understanding Respiratory Issues After Cleaning with Bleach
Understanding Ground-Glass Opacities: Follow-Up Timing and Imaging Options
Ground-glass opacities Hello Doctor, On October 14th of this year, a low-dose chest CT scan revealed a ground-glass opacity measuring approximately 0.7 cm in my left lower lung. I consulted with thoracic surgeons at both Taipei Veterans General Hospital and Mackay Memorial Hosp...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
It is recommended that you follow the follow-up schedule provided by your attending physician. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Ground-Glass Opacities: Follow-Up Timing and Imaging Options
Understanding Lung CT Findings: What Do White Spots Mean?
Pulmonary CT scan ground-glass opacities? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my mother. During her chest X-ray, there were no abnormalities, and she did not exhibit any symptoms (she has been hoarse recently, but fortunately, a laryngoscopy revealed vocal cord nodules). ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Without a pathological biopsy report, it is impossible to determine whether the small nodule is benign or malignant. If it is malignant, it indicates that metastasis has occurred, and the prognosis in three months is likely poor. If it is benign, the small nodule may decre...[Read More] Understanding Lung CT Findings: What Do White Spots Mean?
Understanding Pneumothorax: Recovery, Risks, and Travel Considerations
Complications after pneumothorax? Hello Doctor: I was in a car accident on October 20th, and it seems that the airbag deployed and impacted my chest, leading to a pneumothorax and collapse of my left lung. I was taken to the emergency room, where they performed intubation and dra...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. Your condition is post-traumatic pneumothorax combined with hemothorax, not spontaneous pneumothorax. Unless your CT scan shows abnormal dilated alveoli (bullae) in the normal lung areas, it cannot be assumed that you have a chance of developing spontaneous pneumothorax...[Read More] Understanding Pneumothorax: Recovery, Risks, and Travel Considerations
Understanding Lung CT Findings: What Do the White Spots Mean?
Pulmonary CT scan reveals nodules? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about my mother. When she had a chest X-ray, there were no abnormalities, but during a recent CT scan, round white spots were found near the pulmonary vessels. The doctor mentioned they are about 0.5 cm, bu...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If there is no family history of lung cancer, it is recommended to follow up with a chest X-ray every 3 to 6 months, and then a chest CT scan after one year. If there is a family history of lung cancer, it is advised to have a follow-up CT scan after six months. Best wishe...[Read More] Understanding Lung CT Findings: What Do the White Spots Mean?
Intermittent Cough: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Intermittent cough Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my cough, which has been fluctuating. I'm not sure what the cause is. Previously, I experienced a period of about 2 to 3 months where my cough was accompanied by some white, translucent phlegm, usually occurring aft...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: It may be due to airway sensitivity. Please visit a pulmonologist first. A chest X-ray is recommended, and further examinations should be conducted based on the pulmonologist's advice. Sincerely, Chest Disease Hospital, Jian Shun-Tian[Read More] Intermittent Cough: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Right Apical Pleural Thickening: Should You Be Concerned?
Thickening of the right apical pleura? Recently, during a health check-up, the X-ray examination showed "thickening of the right apical pleura." I would like to ask if this is a serious condition. After obtaining the X-ray film, is it sufficient to follow up with a doct...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Thickening of the pleura at the lung apex is usually a residual fibrotic change following inflammation, with a low likelihood of malignancy. It is recommended to follow up with a chest X-ray every six months. Thank you. Sincerely, Dr. Chien Shun-Tian, Thoracic Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Right Apical Pleural Thickening: Should You Be Concerned?
Unexplained Right Chest Pulsations: Causes and Concerns
Involuntary twitching of the right chest? Hello, Doctor: For more than the past six months, I have been experiencing an involuntary pulsating sensation in the inner part of my right chest, similar to a heartbeat, but more rapid, which causes discomfort. When it becomes severe, it...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: There are two scenarios that can cause a sensation of palpitations: one is a genuinely fast heart rate, and the other is palpitations. Your situation seems to lean towards the latter, as the electrocardiogram and 24-hour monitoring did not show significant tachycardia or a...[Read More] Unexplained Right Chest Pulsations: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Family History and Lung Adenocarcinoma Risk Factors
Questions about lung adenocarcinoma? I have several questions for the doctor. 1. What is the definition of family medical history? If there is only one case of a relative having a condition and no one else in the family has it, does this still fall under the medical definition ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
1. The cause of cancer remains unclear, but the primary culprit is carcinogens, especially smoking. If a second-degree relative has lung cancer, there has been exposure to secondhand smoke, or there has been long-term exposure to other carcinogens in the workplace, and the indivi...[Read More] Understanding Family History and Lung Adenocarcinoma Risk Factors
Can a Cat Jumping on Your Chest Cause Internal Injury?
Could you please clarify your question, doctor? Today, while I was lying down playing with my cat, he wanted to drink water, so he jumped from my chest onto the table. At that moment, I didn't feel any pain, just a sensation of pressure on my chest. After that, I didn't...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: There should be no injury; a cat's paw has thick pads that are not easily bruised, so please do not worry too much.[Read More] Can a Cat Jumping on Your Chest Cause Internal Injury?
Impact of Pneumocystis Pneumonia on Lung Fibrosis and Function in Patients
In individuals with pulmonary fibrosis, an infection with Pneumocystis pneumonia can lead to exacerbation of pulmonary fibrosis or further loss of lung function? Hello Doctor: My grandmother was diagnosed with severe pulmonary fibrosis earlier this year, and in mid-August, she wa...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: 1. After an infection, lung function may deteriorate or be lost, with the possibility of partial recovery. If there is lung damage, it cannot return to completely normal levels, and observation is required for at least three months. Currently, due to the deterioration of...[Read More] Impact of Pneumocystis Pneumonia on Lung Fibrosis and Function in Patients
Persistent Cough and Chest Pain: Seeking Solutions Beyond X-rays
Persistent cough that does not resolve? Hello, Dr. Yang. I do not have a smoking habit, but during a business trip in March of this year, I smoked a few packs while socializing with colleagues and supervisors. Since then, I have experienced intermittent coughing and chest and bac...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Based on several imaging examinations confirming no significant pulmonary parenchymal lesions, you may consider Traditional Chinese Medicine for adjustments and treatment according to your constitution![Read More] Persistent Cough and Chest Pain: Seeking Solutions Beyond X-rays
Understanding Choking Hazards: Symptoms and Management of Aspiration
Questions related to choking? If you accidentally choke while drinking water and cough, it's important to be aware of the potential risks. If a foreign object, such as a piece of glass, were to enter the lungs, it could lead to symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty br...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
Typically, if someone experiences choking, they should first consult an otolaryngologist to check for any structural abnormalities. If functional deterioration is found, a referral to a rehabilitation specialist may be appropriate. If the sensation of food being stuck is felt bel...[Read More] Understanding Choking Hazards: Symptoms and Management of Aspiration
Understanding a Lump Inside the Rib Cage: Possible Causes and Concerns
Inner side of the rib? I would like to ask about a round lump on the inner side of my right rib cage near my chest. What could it be? Some people suggested it might be a lipoma or something similar. It's located close to the liver area. Is this something that has always been...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to see a dermatologist or a general surgeon for an evaluation by a physician.[Read More] Understanding a Lump Inside the Rib Cage: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Spontaneous Pneumothorax Symptoms and Air Travel Concerns
Symptoms of spontaneous pneumothorax and related issues with flying? Hello, Doctor. I am currently nineteen years old (height 170 cm, weight 50 kg). I experienced my first spontaneous pneumothorax in May of last year and was hospitalized for oxygen therapy, after which I was disc...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: (1) You may visit a pulmonologist for a follow-up chest X-ray (CXR). If symptoms persist, a chest computed tomography (CT) scan may be considered to check for mediastinal emphysema and the presence of bullae in the lungs. (2) Currently, there is no strong data regarding th...[Read More] Understanding Spontaneous Pneumothorax Symptoms and Air Travel Concerns
Understanding Sleep-Related Breathing Difficulties: Could It Be Asthma?
Respiratory issues Hello, Doctor. Over the past six months, I have experienced three episodes of difficulty breathing while sleeping. It feels like my airways suddenly constrict, leading to breathing difficulties that last about 30 seconds. However, this difficulty does not wake ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Please visit the pulmonology department for further evaluation to check for sleep apnea syndrome, and asthma should also be considered.[Read More] Understanding Sleep-Related Breathing Difficulties: Could It Be Asthma?