Persistent Chest Pain and Throat Issues: Seeking Answers for Chronic Symptoms
Chest pain, sore throat, and difficulty breathing? I have been smoking for 14 years, and I experience pain in the center of my chest whenever I expand my chest. Deep breathing also causes discomfort, and my breathing feels labored. However, X-rays and electrocardiograms have show...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: First, it is important to confirm that you have quit smoking. Has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) been diagnosed through an endoscopy? Please take antacids as prescribed, and avoid sweet foods, greasy items, fried foods, and traditional Chinese medicinal soups. It i...[Read More] Persistent Chest Pain and Throat Issues: Seeking Answers for Chronic Symptoms
Understanding COPD Medications: Risks for Non-COPD Patients
What are the medication issues related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? Hello, Director. My elder family member had a long-term smoking habit in their youth, which they have quit for many years. However, they were diagnosed with tuberculosis over twenty years ago ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
1. The presence or absence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is still more reliably assessed through pulmonary function tests, depending on whether the elderly patient can complete the examination. 2. Bronchodilators (commonly referred to as medications related to...[Read More] Understanding COPD Medications: Risks for Non-COPD Patients
Understanding Costal Muscle Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Regarding the sternocleidomastoid muscle? In the past, I occasionally experienced muscle-like pain near the gastroesophageal junction, specifically at the xiphoid process and in the midsection or left side of the xiphoid. The pain was localized to an area of about 5 centimeters a...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If you have symptoms such as ulcers in your stomach and esophagus or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it may feel more like pain in the xiphoid process and costal cartilage. It is recommended to soak in warm water and avoid further pressure; the symptoms should alle...[Read More] Understanding Costal Muscle Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Understanding Breathing Difficulties and Yawning After Nasal Surgery
Constantly feeling the need to take deep breaths or yawn? Hello, Doctor: Two months ago, I underwent minimally invasive surgery on my inferior turbinate. Since then, my right nostril still feels somewhat congested. Recently, I have been experiencing sudden deep breaths as if I ne...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. Despite a history of nasal surgery, there should not be any issues with oxygen deficiency, so there is no need to worry! 2. It may be due to the right nostril being much more open than before, leading to an adjustment period. 3. If you feel tired when yawning, please im...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties and Yawning After Nasal Surgery
Left Chest Pain When Coughing: Causes and Concerns Explained
Left chest pain when coughing? Hello Doctor, I have a question to ask. I do not smoke or drink alcohol, and as a software engineer, my work environment does not expose me to harmful gases. I usually do not cough, but occasionally I experience a scratchy throat or cough reflexiv...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The chest X-ray shows only calcifications, indicating a past lung inflammation that has healed, leaving small scars. Currently, there are no active pulmonary lesions! Forceful coughing may cause pleuritic pain due to irritation of the pleura surrounding the lungs. Finding ...[Read More] Left Chest Pain When Coughing: Causes and Concerns Explained
Understanding Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Chest pain due to pneumothorax? Hello, doctor. I am a high school student experiencing left-sided chest pain. The hospital examination revealed a pneumothorax, with a chest X-ray showing normal findings but a 2 cm area compressing the lung by 3.5 cm. The doctor recommended a drai...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: First, alleviate the symptoms (oxygen therapy or chest tube drainage). Follow up with X-rays; if there is no absorption or improvement after two weeks, consider surgery. A chest CT scan can also be referenced. If there are still other subpleural blebs in the lungs (unruptu...[Read More] Understanding Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Severe Pain Between the Second and Third Ribs: Causes and Treatments
Localized pain upon breathing between the second and third ribs on the right side of the chest? Hello, doctor! I've been coughing for two weeks. A few days ago, while fishing, I was lying on the ground picking up floating debris, which put pressure on my right chest. At that...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Pain during pressure is often due to a neuromuscular strain, but please seek medical attention for a professional evaluation by a physician.[Read More] Severe Pain Between the Second and Third Ribs: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Increased Right Hilar Shadowing in Pediatric Chest X-rays
"Enlarged shadow in the right hilum." Hello, doctor: The school health check for my child indicated an "increased shadow of right hilar enlargement." Could you please explain what right hilar enlargement is? Thank you.
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Typically, aside from the normal right pulmonary hilum vascular shadows, if there is an increase in shadows or the presence of abnormal shadows, further examination is required to confirm, such as checking for any growths.[Read More] Understanding Increased Right Hilar Shadowing in Pediatric Chest X-rays
Chronic Cough: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Coughing for several years? I have a history of nasal allergies, and previous visits to the doctor indicated that my chest X-ray was normal. I underwent pulmonary function tests in middle school, which showed that I have allergic asthma. I often experience post-nasal drip and hav...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: It may be worth exploring treatment for asthma and consulting a pulmonologist.[Read More] Chronic Cough: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Is It Related to Nasal Allergies?
Dyspnea Hello doctor, I have nasal allergies and recently with the cold weather, I occasionally experience chest pain. I also find it easy to burp after eating, and sometimes I feel a tightness in my chest. I have difficulty sleeping as well. I would like to know if this is relat...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms described, there may also be gastrointestinal issues in addition to nasal problems. It is recommended to consider visiting the pulmonology or gastroenterology outpatient clinic, and please follow the advice of the treating physician. Changhua Hospital...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Is It Related to Nasal Allergies?
Persistent Cough: Seeking Solutions for Ongoing Symptoms
Persistent cough Hello Doctor: My mother has been coughing for 2-3 months. At first, we thought it was a cold and visited an ENT clinic, but the cough persisted. The main symptom is a dry cough, accompanied by a tickling sensation in her throat, with episodes lasting 2-3 minutes ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: My mother has undergone a chest X-ray, which did not reveal any significant abnormalities. It seems more like an issue of bronchial hyperreactivity. We will first have a pulmonologist assess for asthma. If there is no improvement after adjusting the medication for two week...[Read More] Persistent Cough: Seeking Solutions for Ongoing Symptoms
Persistent Cough: Seeking the Right Specialist for Diagnosis and Treatment
Persistent cough Hello Doctor: My mother has been coughing for over two months. We initially thought it was a cold, but there has been no improvement. She has visited a pulmonologist and undergone a chest X-ray and auscultation to check for any abnormal lung sounds. The doctor pr...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: If there is no improvement after taking the medication, please consult a pulmonologist for further evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Persistent Cough: Seeking the Right Specialist for Diagnosis and Treatment
Understanding Increased Lung Infiltration After Pleurodesis Surgery
Pneumothorax surgery and increased pulmonary infiltration? Hello doctor, I had a pleural adhesion procedure on my left chest over a year ago, and during a recent health check, it was noted that there is an increase in localized infiltration in the left lower lung. Is this normal?...
Dr. Huang Ruiming Reply:
Dear Mr. Sky: Regarding the issue you raised, it is recommended to visit the pulmonology outpatient clinic for a more accurate diagnosis by a physician. Hualien Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, cares about your health.[Read More] Understanding Increased Lung Infiltration After Pleurodesis Surgery
Chronic Cough: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Effective Treatment
Chronic cough, persistent cough not resolving 2 (ID #130047) Hello Dr. Yang, I've been very busy with school lately, and my persistent cough has severely affected my daily routine and academic performance. It took me a while to find time to read your response. My chest X-ra...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: I understand your current concerns, and here is a brief response: 1. Please consider having another chest X-ray. If the physician agrees, arrange for pulmonary function tests to clarify the causes of any lung parenchymal disease and ventilation impairment. 2. A regular ...[Read More] Chronic Cough: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Effective Treatment
Chronic Cough: Understanding Persistent Symptoms and Seeking Solutions
Chronic cough, persistent cough that does not resolve? Hello, Doctor: (The following content is a bit long; thank you for your patience!) This year, I have once again relapsed with my chronic issue: coughing. I remember being frequently ill since the first grade of elementary sch...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The chest X-ray is normal, which rules out pulmonary infections, tuberculosis, and parenchymal lung diseases such as bronchiectasis. However, it does not exclude tracheal hypersensitivity or asthma, especially since your response to bronchodilators is not significant. I am...[Read More] Chronic Cough: Understanding Persistent Symptoms and Seeking Solutions
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Chest pain issues? Hello Doctor: The night before last, I had a slight cough due to an itchy throat, and then I started to feel a tight pain in my left chest. The pain persisted throughout the next day, but it seemed to be more pronounced with certain positions. This morning when...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: If there are no symptoms, no asthma, the likelihood of a pneumothorax is quite low. However, to rule out the possibility of a pneumothorax, a chest X-ray is still necessary.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Subpleural Lung Infiltrates: Causes and Follow-Up Care
Pulmonary infiltration Hello Doctor, I underwent a full-body MRI check-up last August due to discomfort, and there were some areas that needed follow-up. One finding was a 1.3 cm subpleural pulmonary infiltration in the right lower lobe, which was suggested to possibly be due to ...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
A 1.3 cm subpleural pulmonary infiltrate is likely just a remnant from a past inflammation and should not be directly related to the current symptoms. It is recommended to first follow up with a pulmonology clinic to assess whether further evaluation (such as a CT scan) is necess...[Read More] Understanding Subpleural Lung Infiltrates: Causes and Follow-Up Care
Potential Side Effects of COPD Medications in Non-COPD Patients
Taking medications related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) without having the condition? Hello Doctor: My elder family member has been suffering from a chronic cough for about twenty years. They previously had tuberculosis but were cured with medication. After con...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: The subsequent physician believes it is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which involves clinical diagnosis. Please discuss this further with your doctor.[Read More] Potential Side Effects of COPD Medications in Non-COPD Patients
Chest Pain When Landing After Jumping: Causes and Solutions
Chest pain when landing on the ground? I noticed today that I experience pain in the center of my chest when I jump or run, and there is also a feeling of pressure when I breathe. Additionally, I feel pain when I sleep on my left side. Previously, I sometimes heard a sound from m...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: You can first visit the orthopedic department, or you may also consult the pulmonology department.[Read More] Chest Pain When Landing After Jumping: Causes and Solutions
Bilateral Hilar Calcifications: What You Need to Know
Bilateral hilar calcifications? Hello Doctor: I had a comprehensive health check-up on October 6th, and the chest X-ray showed bilateral hilar calcifications. I had the same result during my health check-up last year. I do not smoke, and my blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: It is usually calcified lymph nodes; please follow up with the pulmonology department.[Read More] Bilateral Hilar Calcifications: What You Need to Know