Chest Pain After Pressing: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest compressions can be painful? Hello Doctor: For the past couple of days, I have been experiencing pain in my left chest area. I'm not sure if I pressed too hard, but today, even lightly touching the upper left chest (about five centimeters below the clavicle) causes sig...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Pain upon palpation is more likely indicative of a chest wall contusion or myofascitis, and medical evaluation is still necessary.[Read More] Chest Pain After Pressing: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia and Secondary Drowning Risks in Children
Drowning and near-drowning incidents in swimming pools can lead to aspiration pneumonia and symptoms of secondary drowning? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you about aspiration pneumonia and secondary drowning. I am currently a student and work as a lifeguard at a swimming poo...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: In theory, aspiration of water, which is not sterile, can potentially lead to pneumonia, coughing, wheezing, and other symptoms. It is advisable to monitor the situation, and if fever or respiratory symptoms develop, seek medical attention.[Read More] Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia and Secondary Drowning Risks in Children
Is It Coughing? Understanding Throat Clearing and Health Risks
Is this considered a cough? Is the action of slowly sucking phlegm out of my throat considered coughing? A few months ago, I had an X-ray done, and there were no issues. Previously, I had been forcefully coughing up blood-tinged sputum, and once I had blood-tinged foam. Recently,...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: 1. I regret it and am afraid, so I will quit smoking. After quitting, my physical condition will improve. 2. Is there post-nasal drip? A chest X-ray (CXR) should be done to check for any issues. Coughing forcefully may cause bleeding; a CT scan should be performed if neces...[Read More] Is It Coughing? Understanding Throat Clearing and Health Risks
Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Left chest tightness and pain? Hello Doctor: A few days ago, on August 19th, I choked a bit while drinking water. At that time, I was coughing very forcefully, and I felt that all the pressure from the cough was directed towards my left chest. During the coughing, I experienced p...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Pneumothorax cannot be ruled out; please consult a pulmonologist.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Is It Heart Issues or Acid Reflux?
Recently, I've been experiencing a feeling of tightness in my chest, and it seems like my heart is racing? Two days ago, I started experiencing a feeling of tightness in my chest, which worsens after eating. It's hard to describe, but it feels like something is stuck be...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms are more indicative of a gastrointestinal condition (such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or gastritis). It is recommended that you see a gastroenterologist.[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Is It Heart Issues or Acid Reflux?
Chest Discomfort and Finger Numbness: What Tests Should You Consider?
Chest tightness and finger numbness? The main issue is that my father, who is nearly 60 years old, has a habit of smoking and drinking alcohol. He often experiences chest tightness (without a specific area in the chest) and sometimes has numbness in his left fingers. The symptoms...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Symptoms of chest tightness along with numbness in the left fingers, with a history of smoking, suggest that you should first see a cardiologist. If the cardiac examination shows no abnormalities, then you can consult a pulmonologist.[Read More] Chest Discomfort and Finger Numbness: What Tests Should You Consider?
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns Explained
Left chest discomfort (2) I am 127095. Perhaps I didn't explain well last time. The X-ray in November was just because I was scared; at that time, there was nothing wrong. The mild pain is something I just noticed yesterday. Could it be that the problem has just arisen now? ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
It is recommended to see a pulmonologist and have another chest X-ray taken. Only the pulmonologist can explain the examination results to give you peace of mind.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns Explained
Understanding the Need for PET Scans in Unclear Chest Imaging Results
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) My mother is 54 years old and was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer four years ago. In recent years, her follow-up examinations have shown no abnormalities. However, during a check-up earlier this month, a shadow was detected on her chest X-r...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If you want to examine shadows in the breast or lungs, a CT scan is appropriate. Positron emission tomography (PET) can help determine whether the shadow is more likely to be a metastatic tumor rather than a benign inflammatory lesion. PET can also assess areas outside the...[Read More] Understanding the Need for PET Scans in Unclear Chest Imaging Results
Understanding Left Chest Discomfort: Should You Be Concerned?
Left chest discomfort? I have been smoke-free for over a year, and I have been smoking for about 7 years in total. Initially, for the first 3 to 4 years, I smoked less than half a pack a day, and even less than 5 cigarettes a day during the first 1 to 2 years. Last November, I ha...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of chest pain, and most tumors that cause chest pain are already relatively large (the small tumor shadow should have been visible on the X-ray last November). Pain occurs when the tumor invades the pleura or bones, and it is a persistent pain, not ju...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Discomfort: Should You Be Concerned?
Severe Chest Pain Between Lungs: Possible Causes and Concerns
Severe pain in the center of the chest between the lungs? Three days ago, I woke up feeling chest pain. At first, I thought it wasn't a big deal, so I went to work. However, the pain has persisted for three days and is still present today. It worsens with intense physical ac...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: It may be costochondritis; a chest X-ray can be performed to check for any issues with the lungs.[Read More] Severe Chest Pain Between Lungs: Possible Causes and Concerns
Chronic Dry Cough: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns After Quitting Smoking
Persistent dry cough without phlegm? I have been experiencing a dry cough and itchy throat without phlegm for a year. Before quitting smoking, I would cough and feel chest tightness, but that is no longer the case. Initially, after quitting smoking, I had some black phlegm, but n...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Yi: Congratulations on quitting smoking! This is a great achievement. Your current condition seems more like post-nasal drip or an allergic reaction. If you are concerned about cancer, you can arrange for a low-dose CT scan at Changhua Hospital. They care about you.[Read More] Chronic Dry Cough: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns After Quitting Smoking
Persistent Cough for Five Months: Seeking Answers After 20 Doctor Visits
I have been coughing for five months and have seen over 20 doctors, yet it still hasn't improved? Hello Doctor: I have been coughing since early March and have seen a doctor for the first time. I have continued to see doctors for examinations, and I have seen more than 20 do...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: At the age of 24, the likelihood of developing lung adenocarcinoma is low. Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also be one of the causes of chronic cough. It is important to consider whether the cough is related to occupational exposure. Pulmonary functi...[Read More] Persistent Cough for Five Months: Seeking Answers After 20 Doctor Visits
Understanding Breathlessness: Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and Chest Discomfort
Shortness of breath? Hello Doctor: I have anxiety and panic disorder, and whenever I experience a panic attack, I often feel chest tightness and difficulty breathing, which leads to hyperventilation. Recently, the weather has been extremely hot, making the air feel stifling. When...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Generally, pneumonia will show shadows on a chest X-ray. If the chest X-ray is normal, the likelihood of pneumonia is relatively low. Please discuss this further with your physician.[Read More] Understanding Breathlessness: Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and Chest Discomfort
Understanding Recurring Bruising and Pain After Chest Tube Placement
Postoperative care for pneumothorax? Due to a car accident, there is a "hemothorax" that was treated with a drainage tube. It has been 4 months since the procedure, and the scar at the insertion site is just a thin line. However, there is recurrent bruising around the a...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: The incision from a standard intubation is usually small, and repeated bruising and pain are not normal responses. It is advisable to consult the original attending physician for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Recurring Bruising and Pain After Chest Tube Placement
Understanding Post-Surgery X-Ray Abnormalities After Spontaneous Pneumothorax
Abnormal X-ray findings after spontaneous pneumothorax surgery 10 years ago? Hello, I had surgery for a right-sided spontaneous pneumothorax 10 years ago. In the following years, every time I had a health check, the chest X-ray reports showed abnormalities. Some doctors indicated...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: The X-ray abnormalities you mentioned may occur after surgery. If there are any new changes, you may want to consult your pulmonologist or thoracic surgeon. Best regards, Jian Shun Tian.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery X-Ray Abnormalities After Spontaneous Pneumothorax
Understanding Persistent Pain in the Right Chest and Back
There is persistent pain in the right chest and right back? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing pain in my right chest and back when I take deep breaths. The pain in my right back feels similar to a muscle strain, and it hurts when I slightly shrug my shoulders. Could you plea...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of right chest pain. Based on the description, costochondritis is more likely, but a consultation with a physician is still necessary for proper evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Pain in the Right Chest and Back
Chronic Cough and Chest Pain: Understanding Your Symptoms and Concerns
Chronic cough and chest pain? Hello, Doctor. I've been experiencing a persistent cough for about four years. It tends to improve on its own after a while, but then it recurs. Sometimes, I feel the urge to clear my throat, but I can't seem to produce anything; it just fe...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Based on the information provided, it is necessary to consult a pulmonologist to discuss whether another chest X-ray is needed.[Read More] Chronic Cough and Chest Pain: Understanding Your Symptoms and Concerns
Chest Pain Relief: Heat vs. Ice Therapy Explained
Sharp pain in the center of the chest? Hello doctor, I have seen your response, but the day before yesterday I tried heat therapy, and when I woke up in the morning, the pain intensified, so I switched to ice therapy. Should I still consider using heat therapy?
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Avoid excessive heat. Cold compresses may not be very helpful. If there is no improvement, you might consider seeing a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to try some herbal remedies.[Read More] Chest Pain Relief: Heat vs. Ice Therapy Explained
Understanding Mild Emphysema: Post-Surgery Care and Health Monitoring
Mild emphysema in both lungs? Hello, Director! I was hospitalized in the emergency department of Taichung Veterans General Hospital at the end of February this year due to a spontaneous pneumothorax, and I ultimately underwent a wedge resection and pleurodesis. My recovery post-s...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Emphysema is an imaging diagnosis observed on chest X-rays; however, to confirm the presence of emphysema, further examinations are necessary. Please consult a pulmonologist at the Veterans General Hospital. It is advisable to avoid air pollution, secondhand smoke, and toxic subs...[Read More] Understanding Mild Emphysema: Post-Surgery Care and Health Monitoring
Managing Tuberculosis While Working Abroad: Treatment Options Explained
Contracted tuberculosis while on assignment? Hello, doctor. I am currently residing in Vietnam for work and return to Taiwan approximately every three months. I have been diagnosed with tuberculosis. Do I need to resign from my job and return to Taiwan for treatment, or can I con...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The treatment for tuberculosis is becoming increasingly standardized worldwide. It is recommended that you do not need to resign from your job. Before returning to Taiwan, you can ask a local physician to provide a treatment record and a copy of your chest X-ray. Upon your...[Read More] Managing Tuberculosis While Working Abroad: Treatment Options Explained