Understanding Upper Left Back Pain: Gastrointestinal or Musculoskeletal Issues?
Left upper back pain? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask some questions. I have had gastrointestinal issues for a long time, experiencing gastroenteritis at least a dozen times since childhood. Last April, I felt unwell, and the examination revealed that my dizziness was caused by...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to have a chest X-ray and then consult a pulmonologist for further advice.[Read More] Understanding Upper Left Back Pain: Gastrointestinal or Musculoskeletal Issues?
Understanding Recurrent Chest Tightness: Possible Pneumothorax Symptoms
Periodic chest cramps sensation, pneumothorax? Symptoms: Discomfort and a feeling of tightness and cramping in the left chest, nausea (feeling like I will vomit if I take another breath, but also feeling a strong urge to breathe), numbness in the left jaw, and severe dizziness th...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
You can first visit a cardiologist or a pulmonologist for an examination (it is recommended to see a specialist in the respective field).[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Chest Tightness: Possible Pneumothorax Symptoms
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Worry and What It Could Mean
Chest pain? About six months ago, while exercising, I suddenly felt a cool sensation in my chest that lasted for about two weeks, after which it disappeared. Not long after, I experienced a sensation similar to a muscle strain when exerting myself, followed by chest tightness and...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The lymph nodes have diminished, which may be related to an upper respiratory infection. As for the feelings of chest tightness, pressure, or mild pain, a chest X-ray is necessary to rule out any significant pulmonary pathology. As you mentioned, if you have a habit of poo...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Worry and What It Could Mean
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Insights from Chest Medicine
Shortness of breath? I often feel very stuffy and short of breath, but when I went to see a doctor, they said my lung capacity is not good. However, when I feel stuffy and short of breath, turning on a fan and directing it towards my face alleviates the stuffiness and shortness o...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: To determine if lung capacity is sufficient, a pulmonary function test is usually required. If the chest X-ray is normal and there are no abnormalities in the thorax or heart disease, lung capacity should not be an issue. It is often observed that individuals experiencing ...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Insights from Chest Medicine
Understanding Chest Pain: Is It a Heart Issue?
Chest pain Recently, I've been experiencing a slight pain in the area of my heart, specifically just below the left nipple. The pain lasts for about 3 seconds and comes on suddenly. I'm confused and worried that it might be a heart issue, which has made me overly sensit...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms, it cannot be ruled out, but considering the age, heart-related issues are less common. If symptoms persist, please consult a cardiologist or a pulmonologist. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Is It a Heart Issue?
Understanding Chest Pain and Breathing Issues After Exercise
Chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and changes in voice? After playing basketball, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my left chest, and it felt like something was stuck in my chest when I breathed. Additionally, my neck felt tight and had a tingling sensation, and my voice chan...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms described, if you are experiencing persistent sharp pain while breathing, please seek an examination from a pulmonologist as soon as possible. It is necessary to rule out the possibility of a pneumothorax. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Breathing Issues After Exercise
Understanding Calcifications in the Right Lung: What You Need to Know
Calcification nodules in the right lung detected during health check-up? Hello Doctor: About two months ago, I underwent a comprehensive health check-up, and the chest X-ray revealed a few small white spots in my right lung. The physician mentioned that these are likely calcifica...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Please bring all relevant information, including the CT scan and chest X-ray, to consult with a pulmonologist.[Read More] Understanding Calcifications in the Right Lung: What You Need to Know
Understanding Bronchial Provocation Testing: What You Need to Know
Pulmonary function challenge test issues? Hello, I would like to ask a question. I have never had asthma issues since childhood, but in the past few months, I have started experiencing shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing whenever I walk quickly. Sometimes, I even f...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
1. Provocation tests are used to assess airway sensitivity, similar to asthma testing. 2. There may be asthma present, with normal lung function during routine assessments, but symptoms indicate poor control; please continue treatment in the pulmonary clinic.[Read More] Understanding Bronchial Provocation Testing: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chest Pain: When to See a Doctor for Symptoms
Chest issues Hello: I experience sharp or stabbing pain in my left chest every day, and I also feel discomfort in my left armpit. There is a painful spot in the upper right area of my left chest that hurts when pressed. Sometimes, I also experience sudden dizziness. I'm not ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Please first consult a pulmonologist for diagnosis and then inquire whether a referral to another specialty is necessary.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to See a Doctor for Symptoms
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest tightness? Hello Dr. Jian, I forgot to mention that I am experiencing numbness and weakness in my left hand. Thank you.
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Please first consult a pulmonologist for diagnosis and then inquire whether a referral to another specialty is necessary.[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
Is Further Testing Necessary After a Normal Chest X-Ray at 20?
Chest X-ray Hello, since I am 20 years old and my X-ray results are normal with no other symptoms, is there a need for further examination?
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If you have persistent symptoms, it is necessary to see a physician for evaluation. For older individuals with a long history of smoking or a family history of cancer, even if the X-ray results are normal, it may be advisable to consider self-paying for a low-dose computed...[Read More] Is Further Testing Necessary After a Normal Chest X-Ray at 20?
Understanding Chest X-Ray Results: Are You Really in the Clear?
Chest X-ray Hello, I had a chest X-ray at the end of August, and the results showed no abnormalities. Does this mean everything is okay? Recently, I came across this news article about lung cancer in young adults, and it made me a bit anxious, especially since I don't have a...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Chest X-rays are a quick and convenient tool for the initial screening of pulmonary parenchymal density. If a lesion is smaller than 1 centimeter, it may be difficult to detect, or there may be functional changes (such as bronchoconstriction due to an asthma attack) where ...[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Results: Are You Really in the Clear?
Persistent Cough and Rib Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Coughing for a month, currently experiencing a dry cough and unbearable rib pain? Hello, doctor. I currently live abroad, and it's inconvenient for me to see a doctor. Last month, I had a persistent cough for about a month and relied on over-the-counter medications. During t...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: You should get a chest X-ray to clarify the cause of your chest pain. If you have phlegm that is difficult to cough up, you still need to visit a hospital or clinic. In case of emergency medical care abroad, you can report it to the National Health Insurance Administration...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Rib Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Sudden Chest Pain and Indentation: Is It Serious?
I suddenly noticed a slight indentation in my chest between the ribs that wasn't there before? Hello doctor, since last week I've been experiencing some pain in my right chest while breathing, and today I still feel a tightness in my chest and discomfort. I also suddenl...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: A single intercostal retraction usually does not indicate any significant pathology. If the chest pain persists, it is advisable to consider getting a chest X-ray. If the lungs appear normal, the likelihood of neuralgia increases. Best wishes![Read More] Sudden Chest Pain and Indentation: Is It Serious?
Managing Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Exercise Guidelines and Breathing Techniques
What should be noted for spontaneous pneumothorax? A few weeks ago, I experienced my first pneumothorax, but I did not require surgery since it was not severe and only needed observation. I would like to ask about information I found online stating that pneumothorax is not associ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. It is not recommended to engage in activities that cause rapid changes in atmospheric pressure or intrathoracic pressure, such as diving, skydiving, or activities that involve sudden exertion. 2. If you experience any related discomfort, such as chest pain or shortness ...[Read More] Managing Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Exercise Guidelines and Breathing Techniques
Traveling in China: Cough and Phlegm Concerns During Business Trip
Currently on a business trip in China, worried about developing pneumonia? Hello Dr. Jian, I am currently on a business trip in China. Three days ago, I started experiencing symptoms of a cold and cough. I have brought along fever-reducing medication and symptomatic treatment, ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: If you have obvious symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sore throat, it resembles a cold. However, if there are no significant cold symptoms and the fever persists for more than three days, it may indicate pneumonia or influenza. You can visit a nearby hos...[Read More] Traveling in China: Cough and Phlegm Concerns During Business Trip
Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: What Does Overlapping Shadows in Left Lung Mean?
Health Check Report Hello, this year the company conducted a health check, and the report included a chest X-ray examination that described "suspected overlapping shadows in the left lower lung." What does this mean? However, last year's health check report showed ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: There is a shadow in the left lower lung that cannot be determined as normal or abnormal. Further examination is required. Please visit the pulmonology outpatient clinic for further consultation and examination. Best regards.[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: What Does Overlapping Shadows in Left Lung Mean?
Understanding Emphysema: Diagnosis Discrepancies and Lifestyle Impact
Emphysema Hello, doctor. I have a history of asthma and I smoke. Recently, after exercising, I experienced shortness of breath for a few days. I went to Hospital A's emergency department, where an X-ray showed normal results. The next day, I visited Hospital B for an outpati...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: For individuals who smoke long-term, or those with a tall and slender physique, or during an asthma attack, bronchoconstriction can prevent the complete exhalation of air, leading to hyperinflation (appearing darker on a chest X-ray). The physician indicated that normal fi...[Read More] Understanding Emphysema: Diagnosis Discrepancies and Lifestyle Impact
Post-Surgery Pneumothorax: Can I Play Saxophone Again?
Post-pneumothorax surgery Hello, I am a second-year music student. Three months ago, I had a spontaneous pneumothorax (on the left side) and underwent surgery. I would like to ask if I will be able to play the saxophone in the future, as it requires significant effort to exhale a...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to discuss with the surgeon who suggested the operation. Additionally, you may ask the physician if there are any other pulmonary abnormalities, such as apical blebs, especially if a chest CT scan has been performed.[Read More] Post-Surgery Pneumothorax: Can I Play Saxophone Again?
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Solutions
Shortness of breath Hello doctor, a few weeks ago my breathing was loud, and after a few days it started to become increasingly difficult. I need to take deep breaths to feel comfortable, otherwise my chest feels tight. It's hard to sleep at night because my breathing someti...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If you have a history of acute respiratory failure and are currently experiencing shortness of breath (including tightness, wheezing, or difficulty in taking a deep breath), it is advisable to visit a pulmonologist for examination or evaluation for your safety. Best wishes...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Solutions