Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Help for Lung or Heart Issues
Shortness of breath? If you have a smoking habit and have recently experienced shortness of breath, chest tightness, dry mouth, post-nasal drip, muscle stiffness in the shoulders, neck, and back, along with some palpitations, it is important to seek medical attention. Given your ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: At this age, it is unlikely to have cardiopulmonary issues. It would be better to quit smoking, drink more water, exercise more, and manage stress; these measures can help alleviate symptoms.[Read More] Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Help for Lung or Heart Issues
Understanding Bronchitis: Contagion Risks, Dietary Tips, and Exercise Guidelines
Bronchitis Hello, doctor. I am currently suffering from bronchitis triggered by a cold. I would like to inquire whether bronchitis is easily transmissible to others, as well as some dietary restrictions and recommended foods for bronchitis. Additionally, can I engage in more inte...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: 1. Acute bronchitis is not contagious to others. 2. Drink plenty of water; it is generally advised to avoid citrus and pear, which are considered cold fruits, and do not engage in intense exercise. 3. If a cough persists, a chest X-ray and pulmonary function tests should b...[Read More] Understanding Bronchitis: Contagion Risks, Dietary Tips, and Exercise Guidelines
Understanding Chest Discomfort When Carrying Your Child
Holding a baby can be stifling? Hello Doctor, my child is currently 1 year old and weighs 8.5 kg. Whenever I carry my child with one hand, resting against my left chest, I feel a sensation of tightness in my chest. I'm not sure if this is related to my fuller figure, but I o...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: As long as the electrocardiogram and chest X-ray are normal, there should not be any significant heart or lung issues. It may be that using the left hand is more strenuous, or that the heart is slightly to the left, causing some pressure when holding a child too close to t...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort When Carrying Your Child
Can Lung LDCT Replace Chest X-Ray for Health Screenings?
Can lung LDCT replace chest X-ray? Hello, the chest X-ray included in the health check-up package can be omitted if your wife is undergoing a lung LDCT (Low-Dose Computed Tomography) scan. The LDCT is more sensitive and provides a detailed assessment of the lungs compared to a st...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: LDCT, while significantly reducing radiation exposure compared to traditional CT scans, still has a higher radiation dose than a chest X-ray. However, it provides much clearer images of the lungs than a chest X-ray. For individuals in high-risk groups for lung cancer, LDCT...[Read More] Can Lung LDCT Replace Chest X-Ray for Health Screenings?
Understanding Mild Fibrotic Changes and Pleural Thickening in Lung Health
Bilateral upper lobe fibrosis with pleural thickening at both apices? Hello Dr. Yang, I have received my chest X-ray results from my health check-up, which indicate no definite active pulmonary infiltration or consolidation in this study. However, there are mild fibrotic change...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Based on the description, it seems more like a scar left from a previous inflammatory lesion. It should be monitored once a year.[Read More] Understanding Mild Fibrotic Changes and Pleural Thickening in Lung Health
Understanding Coughing and Wheezing: Are They Signs of Lung Cancer?
Pulmonary issues Doctor, I quit smoking for over a month, but then I started smoking again for more than a month. I had an X-ray about a month ago, and there were no abnormalities. Recently, I've started to experience a bit of coughing and wheezing, along with a sore throat....
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Most coughs are due to bronchitis, but for smokers, it is still recommended to see a pulmonologist and get a chest X-ray.[Read More] Understanding Coughing and Wheezing: Are They Signs of Lung Cancer?
Understanding Coughing and Chest Pain After Smoking Relapse
Pulmonary issues Doctor, I quit smoking for over a month, but after feeling down, I started smoking again for over a month. About a month ago, I had a chest X-ray, which showed no abnormalities. Recently, I've started experiencing a bit of cough and wheezing, along with a so...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: It may be an allergic reaction of the respiratory tract, and a pulmonary function assessment can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Coughing and Chest Pain After Smoking Relapse
Can Tuberculosis Contacts and Latent TB Patients Fly Safely?
Can individuals who have been in contact with tuberculosis (TB) or those with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) travel by airplane? 1. Recently, an elderly family member at home was diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB). However, due to my work schedule, I only spend less than five...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Many people around the world have been in contact with tuberculosis patients, and they can fly without informing anyone, as they are unlikely to transmit the infection to others. Generally, only those with cumulative exposure time exceeding 40 hours will be listed by healt...[Read More] Can Tuberculosis Contacts and Latent TB Patients Fly Safely?
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Chest pain, sharp and stabbing? Hello doctor, I've been experiencing sharp pain in my left chest and sudden stabbing pain in my right chest over the past couple of days. Additionally, when I laugh too hard, I feel pain in the middle of my chest (around the ribs). Sometimes, ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to see a pulmonologist and get a chest X-ray to check for pneumothorax or lung diseases. If there are no issues, it is more likely to be neuralgia![Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Do Hospital Workers in Taiwan Need Annual Chest X-Rays for TB?
Do hospital workers need to undergo annual chest X-ray screening for tuberculosis? Is it not sufficient to first perform a PPD/TST test? In my previous work at a hospital in the United States, I only had to undergo a chest X-ray upon starting my job, and then an annual PPD test, ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: The radiation dose from a chest X-ray is extremely low, and chest X-ray examinations are not only for detecting tuberculosis, lung tumors, or other pulmonary diseases; they remain the primary method for chest imaging. In Taiwan, many individuals may test positive on the PP...[Read More] Do Hospital Workers in Taiwan Need Annual Chest X-Rays for TB?
Understanding Lung Nodules: Concerns and Follow-Up Recommendations
Pulmonary nodule concerns? In 2016, during a health check at my company, the chest X-ray report indicated a suspected lung nodule in the lower left lung. When I consulted with the doctor, they reviewed the images and asked me to place a paper clip at the nipple area for a repeat ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: The shadow of the nipple may vary slightly in intensity due to the proximity of the film to the imaging receptor during the photo capture. The situation described is possible, so please discuss it further with your physician.[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Concerns and Follow-Up Recommendations
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Further Medical Help
Chest pain Hello, doctor. I have cough-variant asthma and a history of mediastinal emphysema about three years ago. On November 18, I accidentally ate spicy food and started coughing violently. From November 21, I began experiencing pain in my right chest. On November 22, I went ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Based on what has been described, a muscle strain remains a possible cause, but please consult a pulmonologist for further evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Further Medical Help
Should You See a Doctor for Chest Discomfort After Eating?
Do I need to see a doctor? Hello Doctor, on the evening of November 30th, while I was eating enoki mushrooms and chatting with my mother, I might have eaten a bit too quickly and possibly inhaled some enoki mushrooms into my airway (though I'm not entirely sure). After that,...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If food is accidentally aspirated into the trachea, it is likely to cause severe coughing. Since the angle of the left bronchus is wider, it is less likely for food to enter that airway. It is recommended to see a pulmonologist only if there is persistent coughing or fever...[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for Chest Discomfort After Eating?
Coughing After Catheter Ablation: Causes and Duration Explained
Coughing after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation? Hello Doctor: At the beginning of November, I underwent catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. The doctor said the procedure was very successful. However, a week after returning home, I started experiencing a dry cough...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Cases like yours are not common. The symptoms should gradually improve over time. During this period, you can visit a pulmonologist to receive some cough suppressants, which should help alleviate your symptoms![Read More] Coughing After Catheter Ablation: Causes and Duration Explained
Post-Surgery Follow-Up for Stage 1A Lung Adenocarcinoma: CT Options
Postoperative follow-up for stage 1A lung adenocarcinoma? Hello Dr. Huang, I would like to ask whether, after being diagnosed with stage 1A lung adenocarcinoma and having undergone surgery 4.5 years ago, I should have follow-up imaging with a chest CT without contrast (approximat...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Joytu: Both options are acceptable, but LDCT is not covered by health insurance. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Post-Surgery Follow-Up for Stage 1A Lung Adenocarcinoma: CT Options
Mild Lung Fibrosis Detected in Low-Dose CT Scan: What You Should Know
Low-dose computed tomography results: Mild fibrosis in the right middle lobe and left lower lobe of the lungs? Hello Dr. Huang, on November 7, 2018, I underwent a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan at the hospital. The results are as follows: Mild fibrotic change over the rig...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen: The issue you described is likely a scar left after an infection. If there are no symptoms, it is recommended to follow up in one year. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Mild Lung Fibrosis Detected in Low-Dose CT Scan: What You Should Know
Understanding Thoracentesis: Risks and Procedures for Pleural Effusion Drainage
The fluid drained from pleural effusion is extracted from the pleural space surrounding the lungs. Unfortunately, I cannot provide images, but you can find diagrams of the pleural cavity and pleural effusion in medical textbooks or reputable medical websites? 1. As per the title,...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. Pleural effusion cannot be aspirated with a needle; the correct term is pleural cavity effusion. 2. The pleural cavity is the space between the lung and the chest wall, which normally contains only a thin layer of fluid that is not visible to the naked eye. When fluid a...[Read More] Understanding Thoracentesis: Risks and Procedures for Pleural Effusion Drainage
Sudden Chest Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Possible Causes
Sudden, lingering pain in the right chest area for several hours? Hello Doctor, this afternoon I suddenly felt a slight pain in my chest, but it wasn't very severe. After taking a shower in the evening, I felt my heart racing and experienced a bit of shortness of breath, but...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
It is recommended that you visit a medical facility to have a physician assess your condition. Wishing you good health![Read More] Sudden Chest Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Possible Causes
Understanding Symptoms: Coughing, Breathing Issues, and Chest Discomfort
Coughing up phlegm, difficulty breathing, mild chest pain? Hello, doctor. On October 1st, I visited the clinic due to symptoms such as a runny nose and fatigue. I've had a history of nasal allergies since childhood, experiencing persistent runny nose, especially in the morni...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms are more indicative of allergic rhinitis and post-nasal drip. Taking antihistamines for allergies often leads to symptoms of throat dryness and itchiness. It is recommended to drink plenty of warm water and to avoid cold foods. For fruits, it is advisable to ...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Coughing, Breathing Issues, and Chest Discomfort
Understanding Recent Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Recently, I have been experiencing chest tightness and pain? Recently, I've been experiencing chest tightness and sometimes feel like there's something stuck in my chest, making it difficult to breathe. My heart occasionally feels tight, almost like it's being sque...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The left rib being higher than the right should not affect your health. A chest X-ray can diagnose the presence of a pneumothorax. It is recommended that you consult a pulmonologist (if a cardiologist has already performed an X-ray, a pneumothorax can likely be ruled out)....[Read More] Understanding Recent Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns