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 Black Vomit and Cough: Smoking's Long-Term Effects
Coughing up black chunks? Hello, I have been smoking for about 9 years. I don't smoke on Saturdays and Sundays, but last month, a doctor told me that smoking for 40 years at 10 cigarettes a day is more harmful than smoking for 20 years at 20 cigarettes a day. Additionally, h...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: If there is no cough or vomiting, it is still possible that there is a gastric issue. Please discuss your diagnosis and treatment with your physician.[Read More] Understanding Black Vomit and Cough: Smoking's Long-Term Effects
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
Understanding Hemoptysis: Is Coughing Required for Blood in Sputum?
Hemoptysis refers to the coughing up of blood? I would like to ask if the blood in sputum seen online refers to coughing up blood? Is it possible to have blood in sputum without coughing, and not as a result of coughing it up?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Blood in sputum is also a form of hemoptysis, and there are many causes for this. Please consult a pulmonologist.[Read More] Understanding Hemoptysis: Is Coughing Required for Blood in Sputum?
Understanding Breathing Difficulties and Chest Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
I feel like there is air trapped in my right chest cavity, and I have difficulty breathing when lying flat or on my right side? Hello, Doctor. The situation is as follows: For the past two months, I have felt a sensation of air or a "knot" in my right chest cavity, maki...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: It sounds like a very unusual presentation of a disease, and it is likely not heat stroke. Please visit the pulmonary medicine outpatient clinic for an examination, and then consult with a pulmonologist for further recommendations. Thank you. Sincerely, Jian Shun-Tian.[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties and Chest Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Is It Pneumonia or Tuberculosis? Understanding Cough Symptoms
Could it be pneumonia or tuberculosis? Hello doctor, my mother is 40 years old and has been coughing up phlegm (white) for a while. She has visited a small clinic twice and hasn't shown any improvement. The doctor at the clinic mentioned that it could possibly be pneumonia. ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
If there is currently no fever, the likelihood of pneumonia is low. It is recommended to see a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray evaluation if the cough persists for more than two weeks.[Read More] Is It Pneumonia or Tuberculosis? Understanding Cough Symptoms
Intermittent Blood in Sputum: Causes and When to Seek Help
Occasional blood in the sputum? At the end of August, I started to have some brownish sputum, sometimes with a few blood spots. I consulted an ENT specialist who performed an endoscopy and found that my throat and nasopharynx were normal. A week later, I began to experience a sor...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. A follow-up chest X-ray can be performed; if hemoptysis persists, a bronchoscopy may be considered. Please consult a pulmonologist. 2. If the focus is solely on the lungs, a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan can be done (but it will be out-of-pocket). The downside ...[Read More] Intermittent Blood in Sputum: Causes and When to Seek Help
Breathing Difficulties While Walking: Possible Causes Beyond Asthma
Shortness of breath while walking? I have a history of asthma and four weeks ago I had a suspected asthma attack that required an emergency room visit. I experience shortness of breath while walking, along with chest tightness and pain (near the heart area), and I also have a dry...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you continue to have regular follow-ups with a pulmonologist to assess whether there is a need for further evaluation of asthma.[Read More] Breathing Difficulties While Walking: Possible Causes Beyond Asthma
Persistent Dry Cough for Two Months: Causes and Solutions
A dry cough has persisted for nearly two months? Hello doctor, I haven't had a cold, but a few months ago it was very hot, and after drinking cold beverages for two or three consecutive days, I started experiencing a dry cough every day. Initially, it was just a slight itch ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Please see a pulmonologist as soon as possible and get a chest X-ray. The pulmonologist will inform you of the next steps afterward. Best regards.[Read More] Persistent Dry Cough for Two Months: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Cough-Variant Asthma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
About Asthma I have been experiencing discomfort in my nose and chest. After a physical examination, the doctor diagnosed me with a cold and chest discomfort caused by the cold. After taking medication for three days, I still felt unwell. During my follow-up visit, the doctor men...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Based on your description, it is possible that you have asthma. It is advisable to visit a pulmonologist for further confirmation. A peak flow meter should first be used to determine your personal best value (the best value when asthma is fully controlled). The emergency inhaler ...[Read More] Understanding Cough-Variant Asthma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Understanding Intermittent Cough After Cold Recovery: Causes and Insights
Intermittent cough Hello Dr. Zhou, Last year, I had a cold that resulted in a severe cough. After taking medication, most of the cold symptoms have resolved, and the cough has improved, but I still experience mild dry coughing occasionally. Additionally, since that cold a year a...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of chronic cough, and a diagnosis should be made by a physician. Please visit a pulmonology clinic for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Cough After Cold Recovery: Causes and Insights
Chest Pain, Coughing, and Breathing Issues: Seeking the Right Specialist
Chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and productive cough with phlegm? Recently, I went to the hospital for an examination. I have been experiencing a tight pain in the center of my chest, coughing with a small amount of yellow phlegm, difficulty breathing, tightness and sorene...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: 1. Consult a pulmonologist, first assess with a chest X-ray and then evaluate lung function. 2. Cardiology assessment.[Read More] Chest Pain, Coughing, and Breathing Issues: Seeking the Right Specialist
Chronic Cough: Symptoms, Concerns, and Diagnosis During Pregnancy
Chronic cough Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing a persistent dry cough for 3-4 years, often feeling the need to clear my throat. Sometimes, I feel a bit of difficulty breathing. In recent months, I have occasionally felt pain on the left side of my chest, which feels more l...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist for discussion with the physician.[Read More] Chronic Cough: Symptoms, Concerns, and Diagnosis During Pregnancy
Can Asymptomatic Tuberculosis Be Transmitted to Others?
Transmission of Tuberculosis (TB) Recently, a chest X-ray revealed a white shadow in the left upper lobe, and the doctor suspects it may be tuberculosis. However, there are no symptoms such as cough, sputum production, or chest pain. Is this contagious to others?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: If tuberculosis is confirmed and the sputum test shows the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the patient is still infectious; however, if there is no significant cough, the infectiousness is lower.[Read More] Can Asymptomatic Tuberculosis Be Transmitted to Others?
Can I Get Infected with Tuberculosis in a Confined Space?
Is it possible to transmit? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if there is a chance of being infected with tuberculosis after being in the same room with a tuberculosis patient (who has been on medication for about two months) for about 20-30 minutes. The room is located in the b...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The patient has been on medication for two months, and the exposure time was less than eight hours, so there should be no concern about the risk of transmission![Read More] Can I Get Infected with Tuberculosis in a Confined Space?
Understanding Chest Pain During Coughing: Possible Causes and Concerns
Coughing with chest pain? Hello Doctor: Two weeks ago, I choked on water and coughed quite forcefully. I noticed that when I coughed hard, I experienced pain in my left chest (there is no pain when I am not coughing). A few days later, I visited a pulmonologist and had an X-ray t...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: As mentioned, although most of the symptoms are still consistent with myofascial pain syndrome, pneumothorax cannot be ruled out. Please consult a pulmonologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain During Coughing: Possible Causes and Concerns
Persistent Cough for Over Two Months: Seeking Solutions and Insights
Coughing for over two months? Hello Doctor: I have been coughing for the past few months, and sometimes I feel a tightness in my chest. I have undergone a chest X-ray and a low-dose CT scan, both of which showed no abnormalities. I suspect it might be a gastrointestinal issue, so...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Please visit the pulmonology department and discuss your condition with the physician.[Read More] Persistent Cough for Over Two Months: Seeking Solutions and Insights
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