Discomfort Below the Sternum: Possible Causes and Concerns
Discomfort in the middle of the ribs? Hello, since the day before yesterday, I've been feeling a crackling sensation in the middle of my ribs, just below the xiphoid process, especially when I exhale forcefully or cough. Coughing causes some pain, and it feels like there...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Please visit the pulmonology department for evaluation and consider getting a chest X-ray.[Read More] Discomfort Below the Sternum: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Left chest pain? Dear Doctor, I have been experiencing persistent left-sided chest pain (which feels like pressure) for the past year. The pain worsens with coughing and tilting my head back. I had a chest X-ray in January 2018, which was normal (I have had three X-rays during th...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. If the chest X-ray and low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) do not show any lesions sufficient to explain the chest pain, you may first consult with an orthopedic or cardiology specialist. 2. The LDCT report from June 2016 indicates infiltration; the follow-up interval s...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Understanding Shoulder Pain After Pneumonia Treatment: When to Seek Help
Pneumonia shoulder pain? Hello Doctor: I have been coughing for over a week and have thick yellow phlegm. I do not have a fever and had a chest X-ray on Wednesday, which showed a white area in the lower left lung. The doctor diagnosed me with pneumonia and prescribed antibiotics....
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: If you have new symptoms, consider returning for a follow-up appointment with your physician, especially if you are experiencing worsening shortness of breath, as it is important to seek medical attention promptly.[Read More] Understanding Shoulder Pain After Pneumonia Treatment: When to Seek Help
Understanding Abnormal Chest X-Ray Results: Next Steps and Specialist Consultations
Abnormal chest X-ray findings? Hello Doctor: During a recent health check-up, an abnormality was found in my chest X-ray: thickening of the left pulmonary hilum bronchial wall. I researched and found that most related keywords refer to bronchial wall dilation, but I do not have a...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: There are no symptoms. It is recommended to return to the thoracic clinic for a follow-up chest X-ray in three months. Please ask the physician to assist with the interpretation![Read More] Understanding Abnormal Chest X-Ray Results: Next Steps and Specialist Consultations
Could It Be Lung Cancer? Understanding Persistent Cough Symptoms
Could it be lung cancer? Three months ago, I had a fever and cold, and ever since recovering from the cold, I have been coughing non-stop. It's been almost three months since I got sick, and the medication hasn't helped. I’ve been increasingly stressed and worried about...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ah-Cheng: I have reviewed your description, and lung cancer should be ruled out. Based on your age, chest X-ray, and the interpretation by the pulmonologist, early-stage or even late-stage lung cancer may not necessarily present with symptoms. Common symptoms such as cough, ...[Read More] Could It Be Lung Cancer? Understanding Persistent Cough Symptoms
Left Chest Pain When Lying on Side: Causes and Solutions
Left chest pain while lying on the side? Experiencing pain in the left chest when lying on the side (recent occurrence).
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Please go to the pulmonology department for a chest X-ray examination. Thank you.[Read More] Left Chest Pain When Lying on Side: Causes and Solutions
Persistent Cough for Over a Month: Understanding Viral Infections and Treatment Options
Coughing for over a month? Hello, doctor. I have been coughing for over a month with a lot of nasal discharge, which is green in color. The phlegm is not yellow, and I often feel a tickling sensation in my airways, leading to persistent coughing that produces a "hih hih"...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is likely just bronchitis or tracheal allergy. If there are no abnormalities on the X-ray, it is recommended to consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to adjust the body's constitution.[Read More] Persistent Cough for Over a Month: Understanding Viral Infections and Treatment Options
Understanding Persistent Asthma and Pulmonary Nodules: What You Need to Know
Since October, I have been experiencing frequent asthma attacks, and an X-ray shows the presence of a nodule? Hello Doctor: I have a history of nasal allergies and have experienced intermittent asthma attacks in the past (which can be relieved with a bronchodilator). However, sin...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The X-ray should be fine, but allergic rhinitis (sometimes with sinusitis causing yellow nasal discharge) and asthma still require regular visits to the pulmonology department![Read More] Understanding Persistent Asthma and Pulmonary Nodules: What You Need to Know
Chest Tightness and Pain: Could It Be Early Lung Cancer?
Chest pain and lung cancer? Hello doctor, this month I have been experiencing occasional feelings of tightness and dull pain in my left chest, without a fixed point of pain (sometimes it occurs in the right chest as well). Occasionally, it is accompanied by palpitations, but it i...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Early-stage lung cancer usually has no symptoms. Your symptoms seem more like nerve pain. Learning to relax and getting plenty of rest should help improve your condition![Read More] Chest Tightness and Pain: Could It Be Early Lung Cancer?
Understanding Unexplained Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Unexplained chest pain Hello doctor, my chest has been experiencing tightness and pain whenever I exert myself or take deep breaths for the past year. I have a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and anxiety disorder. Recently, I've been coughing up yellow phle...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If you are taking a PPI, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) usually improves. Last year's X-ray was normal, but if your chest symptoms have worsened recently, it may be worth considering another X-ray to rule out pulmonary diseases, alleviating concerns about seri...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Pneumonia Risks After Influenza: What You Need to Know
Pneumonia issues I was diagnosed with influenza B last Wednesday and have completed my antiviral medication, but I am still worried about the possibility of severe complications, such as pneumonia. However, I am not coughing; I just have a little phlegm, nasal congestion, and a f...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Pneumonia typically presents with more pronounced respiratory symptoms, such as a productive cough or persistent fever. If these symptoms are evident, it is advisable to consult a pulmonologist and obtain a chest X-ray to confirm whether pneumonia is present.[Read More] Understanding Pneumonia Risks After Influenza: What You Need to Know
Understanding Side Chest Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and When to Seek Help
Side chest pain Hello Doctor: Sometimes when I exercise or exert myself, I experience a sudden cramping pain in my side chest that gradually intensifies, to the point where I can only curl up and remain still. This lasts for several minutes, and after a while, I feel I can move a...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It seems more like muscle nerve pain; I recommend seeing a rehabilitation specialist.[Read More] Understanding Side Chest Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Chest Pain: Differentiating Between Costochondritis and Other Conditions
Mediastinal tumor? Lung cancer? Costochondritis? I was born in 1984 and have been working in an office for six years. I have been troubled by chronic nasal allergies, but I generally do not have any major health issues. I play basketball regularly, averaging about 3-4 times a wee...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: After spending so much time describing your painful experiences, I can understand your anxiety and suffering. I would like to provide some preliminary responses and suggestions regarding your final question, point 13: 1. What is wrong with me? Based on your symptoms, the...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Differentiating Between Costochondritis and Other Conditions
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Sharp pain in the center of the chest? Hello, I have been experiencing sharp chest pain for about six months, located roughly at the position where CPR compressions are applied, specifically at a point in the middle of my chest. The pain occurs only when I carry heavy objects or ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: There are no issues with breathing, and there are no obvious symptoms. The chest should not have significant problems. It is recommended to minimize chest expansion exercises or avoid drastic changes in posture, which should help improve the situation.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Sudden Sharp Pain Near the Left Chest and Armpit
Cramping pain near the left chest close to the armpit? Hello doctor, I have a question. Recently, I've been experiencing sudden sharp pain near my left chest close to the armpit. It feels like a stabbing sensation that lasts about 5-10 seconds and has been occurring intermit...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If there is no difficulty in breathing and it feels more like nerve pain, slow breathing can help alleviate it. Trying to relieve life stress can help reduce its occurrence. If it continues to happen, it is recommended to see a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray evaluation![Read More] Understanding Sudden Sharp Pain Near the Left Chest and Armpit
Post-Cold Cough: When to Seek Medical Advice and Treatment Options
Coughing after a cold? Hello doctor, my wife caught a cold about two weeks ago (I think I transmitted it to her). Her only symptom was a cough, which was quite severe. Since there were no other symptoms, she did not see a doctor and took over-the-counter medication, which helped ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If cough symptoms persist for more than three weeks, it is recommended to undergo a chest X-ray examination. Whether medication is needed should be determined by a physician.[Read More] Post-Cold Cough: When to Seek Medical Advice and Treatment Options
Understanding Chest Pain, Breathing Issues, and Throat Nodules
Chest pain, difficulty breathing, and throat nodules? Hello Doctor: 1. I have been experiencing chest pain and tightness since February of last year. It doesn't hurt when I walk normally, but I feel a sharp pain when I puff out my chest or exert pressure on my chest, with ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your questions are summarized as follows: 1. Rib dislocation is rare unless there is significant external impact. 2. It usually does not have a major impact on normal breathing. 3. A laryngeal nodule, unless large, typically does not affect breathing. 4. For gastroesophage...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain, Breathing Issues, and Throat Nodules
Persistent Cough: Exploring Causes and Solutions for Your Health
Persistent cough Hello Dr. Yang, my mother has been suffering from a persistent dry cough for the past few years, without any phlegm, and there is no specific time when she coughs. She has seen a pulmonologist and undergone two chest X-rays (with an interval of about two to three...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, the most likely cause of your mother's cough is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and dysphagia, leading to recurrent aspiration pneumonia. It is recommended to have small, frequent meals (avoid overeating), seek treatment from a gastro...[Read More] Persistent Cough: Exploring Causes and Solutions for Your Health
Chest Pain Between Nipples: Possible Causes and Concerns
Tenderness in the middle of the chest? I experience pain when pressing about 3 centimeters towards the center from both nipples, with the left side being more pronounced, feeling like a bruised pain. The pain is manageable when standing, but becomes more noticeable when lying dow...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Allergic reactions in the nose can worsen with exposure to pet dander or cold weather. It is recommended to wear a mask and maintain good ventilation. As for the tenderness in the costal cartilage of the chest, it is advised not to press on it to test for pain. It will nat...[Read More] Chest Pain Between Nipples: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment: Your Questions Answered
Diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello, I submitted my first sputum sample for testing on October 27 (actually, I had no sputum, just saliva; should saliva not be used for testing if there is no sputum?). I submitted samples again on October 31 and November 2. The staining re...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: We respect the physician's diagnosis and treatment regarding your condition. If there is a case review, two experts will further validate your diagnosis. Please do not worry! If you have difficulty communicating or asking questions to your attending physician, you may...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment: Your Questions Answered