Understanding Your Chest X-Ray: Chronic Bronchitis Insights
Chronic Bronchitis X-ray Report Hello, doctor. Since my COVID-19 diagnosis last July, my allergic rhinitis has progressed to chronic bronchitis, and I have been coughing for nearly six months. I have been continuously visiting the rheumatology and immunology department, with symp...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The X-ray report appears to show no active pulmonary lesions, and the alveoli are more fully inflated. It is unclear whether this is due to being relatively thin or insufficient exhalation. It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist for further evaluation![Read More] Understanding Your Chest X-Ray: Chronic Bronchitis Insights
Understanding Ground-Glass Opacity: Key Insights for Lung Health
Ground-glass opacification Hello Dr. Shen, my mother underwent a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan in 2020, which showed no significant nodules, but there was subpleural ground-glass opacification in the right lower lobe. The doctor and the report did not recommend regular...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello, the two are quite different. The term "ground glass opacity" refers to a single lesion, while "infiltration with ground glass pattern" refers to a more diffuse area. You can think of it as the difference between a patch on the skin and a rash. I still r...[Read More] Understanding Ground-Glass Opacity: Key Insights for Lung Health
Understanding Pain Near the Breastbone: Causes and Concerns
Pain upon palpation of the bone beneath the breast? Hello, doctor. A few days ago, I noticed some pain when I touched my left breast. Upon careful examination, I did not find any lumps or hard masses. However, I feel pain when pressing on the bone near the nipple (on the side clo...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: You can consult with a pulmonologist or a breast surgeon.[Read More] Understanding Pain Near the Breastbone: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Lung Nodules and Pseudomasses: A Patient's Guide
Left lower lung papillomatous nodule; external artifacts in both lung apices? Hello, Doctor: Last month, I underwent a health check-up, which included a chest X-ray. The report indicated "a papillomatous nodule in the left lower lung; extrinsic shadows at the apices of both ...
Dr. Cai Zongwei Reply:
Hello: The term "nodule" generally refers to a round shadow (small, not exceeding 3 centimeters). Based on your description, without any imaging reference, it can only be inferred that there is a nodular shadow in the lower left position, resembling a nipple shadow (it ...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules and Pseudomasses: A Patient's Guide
Persistent Cough with Mucus and Blood: Understanding Your Symptoms
Persistent cough with purulent nasal discharge (nasal discharge also contains blood) and hemoptysis? Hello doctor, on the first day, my symptoms included vomiting everything I ate, along with thick phlegm and nasal discharge, and a very sore throat with some blood streaks. I went...
Dr. Cai Zongwei Reply:
Hello: If there are blood streaks in the nasal mucus, you should consult an otolaryngologist to examine the "upper respiratory tract." If there is wheezing, bronchial asthma (with possible lower respiratory tract involvement) cannot be ruled out, and it may be necessary...[Read More] Persistent Cough with Mucus and Blood: Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Smokers
My father suddenly experienced sharp pain in his left chest? Hello Dr. Kuo, I would like to ask you two questions. 1. I am inquiring on behalf of my father. Last night, while he was using his phone, he suddenly felt a cramping sensation above his left chest, near his heart, whi...
Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Hello: Dear public, chest pain can have many factors, including the heart, lungs, and musculoskeletal system, and the presentation can vary among individuals. It is advisable for your father to consult a pulmonologist or cardiologist for an examination. Thank you for your inquiry...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Smokers
Do You Need Follow-Up for Chest X-Ray Findings?
Is follow-up necessary for the X-ray report? Hello, last month my family member was hospitalized for orthopedic surgery. During the hospitalization, a chest X-ray was performed, and now I see the report in the health record as follows: "Increased lung markings, bilateral wit...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: According to the report, there are no significant abnormalities, so follow-up can be done once a year.[Read More] Do You Need Follow-Up for Chest X-Ray Findings?
Understanding Abnormal Chest X-Ray Results from Company Health Check
Abnormal chest X-ray in company health examination? Hello Dr. Wu, I recently had my company's annual health check-up for 2023, and the results showed an abnormal chest X-ray: there is an increased hazy opacity in the peripheral area of the left middle lung, overlapping with ...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: Please schedule an appointment with the pulmonology clinic for the physician to reassess if there are any issues.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Chest X-Ray Results from Company Health Check
Understanding CT Scan Radiation Levels and Health Insurance Subsidies in Taiwan
Could you please provide more details about the issue regarding health insurance subsidies for computed tomography (CT) scans? Hello, doctor. I recently had a chest X-ray and noticed a small white spot. I do not smoke or drink, and I work in an office environment. After reviewing...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello, if you are concerned about radiation exposure, you can opt for a lower radiation dose. The difference lies in the resolution; different hospitals have different machines, and the same amount of radiation can affect image clarity differently. The prices range from $3,000 to...[Read More] Understanding CT Scan Radiation Levels and Health Insurance Subsidies in Taiwan
Understanding Persistent Cough and Palpitations: A Comprehensive Guide
Coughing with wheezing and missed doses? Hello Dr. Shen, I have been experiencing these symptoms for 10 years, but they have recently worsened over the past year. Whenever I engage in physical activity, such as climbing stairs, brisk walking, or during times of emotional stress, ...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it seems that this has been troubling you for a long time. In my opinion, it may be related to autonomic nervous system dysregulation, involving the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. You might consider trying vitamin B supplements....[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough and Palpitations: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Sharp Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Chest pain with a sharp, stabbing sensation? Occasionally, I experience sudden sharp pain in my chest (not very frequent, but it happens once or twice a week). The pain is so intense that I feel the need to hunch over to alleviate it (standing up straight makes it worse). The pai...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: In Taiwan, seeking medical care is very convenient. If you have any concerns, it is advisable to consult a professional doctor in person for reassurance. Based on experience and your medical history, these discomforts may be related to stress-related personality traits, wh...[Read More] Understanding Sharp Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Cough and Chest Pain: When to See a Specialist
Coughing with pain below the chest and above the abdomen? I have high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels. Starting on November 26, I caught a cold, initially experiencing symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, and a sore throat. By November 27, the...
Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Hello, the public. Online consultations are not available. We still recommend that you visit the thoracic medicine outpatient clinic in person. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Cough and Chest Pain: When to See a Specialist
Understanding Breathlessness and Frequent Exhalation: Possible Causes
Difficulty breathing with frequent exhalation? Since childhood, I have had nasal allergies and poor bronchial function. In the past, I would cough excessively during seasonal changes. Recently, I often feel the urge to exhale continuously, regardless of whether my lungs have air ...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it may be asthma. You can visit the pulmonology outpatient clinic, where the physician will perform basic examinations to make a diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Breathlessness and Frequent Exhalation: Possible Causes
Understanding Chest Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Attention
Chest pain and tightness? On the second day of my menstrual period, I started experiencing chest tightness, but it lasted for about 15 to 20 minutes and then went away. Now that my period has ended, I sometimes feel an itchy throat which leads to coughing. However, when I cough, ...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: If you have concerns, please seek medical attention! Online platforms cannot provide accurate diagnoses. Common causes may include gastroesophageal reflux, respiratory allergies, post-nasal drip, and dysmenorrhea, which are generally not life-threatening. When you visit a ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest pain? Hello, Doctor. During lunchtime, I was leaning on my desk reading when I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my chest and abdomen. It came in waves, especially noticeable when I inhaled, and then it suddenly became very painful before stopping abruptly. I would like to ask ...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello, I recommend that you take some time to visit an outpatient clinic to clarify the exact cause of your symptoms. Based on your description and my outpatient experience and relevant knowledge, it is possible that you may be experiencing costochondritis, xiphoid syndrome, gast...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Left Upper Back Pain and Chest Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Left upper back pain and chest tightness or chest pain? Hello doctor, I’m not sure if it’s because I haven’t exercised for a long time, but after starting some light exercise, I woke up the next day with sudden chest tightness and pain in the upper left back, accompanied by diffi...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Based on the described symptoms, there could be many possibilities. It is important to rule out issues related to the heart, lungs, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Please consult a pulmonologist for further evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Left Upper Back Pain and Chest Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Managing Coughing Up Blood Clots After Tracheostomy: A Guide for Caregivers
Tracheostomy with hemoptysis? My father is 62 years old and has undergone a tracheostomy for about 1-2 years. Since the end of last year, he has been coughing up blood, which lasted for a month. Recently, it has started again, but this time it is more severe, with blood clots pos...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to have a chest X-ray or CT scan evaluated by a pulmonology outpatient clinic to check for any issues or lesions in the trachea before proceeding with further management.[Read More] Managing Coughing Up Blood Clots After Tracheostomy: A Guide for Caregivers
Understanding CT Scan Reports for Pneumonia: Key Insights
CT report of pneumonia I would like to ask the doctor if there are any issues with this report, or if it is normal. The CT scan of the chest without IV contrast enhancement shows: - minor or non-specific lung parenchymal changes. - no definite pleural effusion. - no definite medi...
Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Dear public, hello. CT imaging should still be corroborated with clinical symptoms and the patient's history for a more accurate assessment. It is advisable to discuss and inquire with your primary physician. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding CT Scan Reports for Pneumonia: Key Insights
Understanding Your Chest CT Scan Results: What Do They Mean?
Abnormal findings on computed tomography (CT) scan? I would like to ask the doctor if my report from the CT scan I had in mid-August is normal or if there is pneumonia. What does this report mean? The CT scan of the chest without IV contrast enhancement shows: - minor or non-spec...
Dr. Cai Zongwei Reply:
Hello: The literal translation is: Mild or nonspecific pulmonary parenchymal changes. There is only a written report without imaging; it is recommended to return to the original hospital for confirmation and follow-up.[Read More] Understanding Your Chest CT Scan Results: What Do They Mean?
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Solutions for Adults
Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my recent issue of feeling short of breath? Hello, doctor. I am currently 49 years old, 175 cm tall, and weigh 88 kg. Recently, over the past month, I have experienced this situation two or three times. Occasionally, while sitting, I feel ...
Dr. Cai Zongwei Reply:
Hello: Based on the information you provided, you are experiencing issues with shortness of breath. There could be multiple potential causes, including pulmonary problems, cardiac issues, anemia, feelings of suffocation, anxiety disorders, and more. You mentioned a history of hyp...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Solutions for Adults