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 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 Coughing and Phlegm: Key Insights for Smokers
Coughing up phlegm? "Uh-huh." I would like to ask if coughing and producing phlegm by making a "hmm hmm" sound from the throat are the same? For example, is making that sound in the morning or after dinner already considered coughing? Given my age and having a...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. The cough often brings up mucus from the trachea, which is primarily composed of saliva. 2. Please continue to refrain from smoking.[Read More] Understanding Coughing and Phlegm: Key Insights for Smokers
Understanding Hemoptysis: Is Blood-Frothy Cough Always Present?
Presence of blood-tinged froth? Is blood-tinged sputum always coughed up? Is bleeding from the gums or throat always separate from blood-tinged saliva? Last year, I intentionally coughed forcefully and had blood-tinged sputum, but an X-ray showed no issues. So now I want to ask a...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Bleeding from the upper respiratory tract (throat and nasal cavity) and the lower respiratory tract (trachea, bronchi, etc.) can result in hemoptysis, which requires evaluation and treatment by a physician.[Read More] Understanding Hemoptysis: Is Blood-Frothy Cough Always Present?
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?
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 the Connection Between Pleural Effusion and Tuberculosis
Lung issues In the past, someone in the class was diagnosed with tuberculosis, so the health department issued a notice for us to get checked. Last year, my test results were normal, but this year, it was found that there is a "suspected pleural effusion in the left lower lu...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: The statement "suspected pleural effusion in the left lower lung" refers to either pulmonary infiltration or pleural effusion, and it may be necessary to perform an ultrasound to check for pleural effusion.[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Pleural Effusion and Tuberculosis
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
Understanding Tracheal Issues: Symptoms and Solutions for Better Breathing
Tracheal issues? I apologize for the lengthy content. Since early July, I have been experiencing some issues. I rarely cough, but my throat always feels like it has phlegm. Sometimes, I feel phlegm in my trachea or bronchi. Recently, I have also felt a contraction of the muscles ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Make sure to get enough rest! Avoid consuming too many cold foods! Also, try not to eat too many sweets! The amount of phlegm should improve![Read More] Understanding Tracheal Issues: Symptoms and Solutions for Better Breathing
Persistent Cough: When to Seek Further Evaluation for Lung Issues
The cough has not improved? Hello Doctor: I have been coughing for nearly a month. Due to a family history of lung cancer, I underwent a low-dose CT scan two weeks ago for follow-up, and the results were normal. However, my cough has not improved. I have taken cough suppressants,...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: The above issues require evaluation and treatment by a physician. Please visit a pulmonology clinic.[Read More] Persistent Cough: When to Seek Further Evaluation for Lung Issues
Risk of Contracting Tuberculosis During Patient Interaction
Questions about pulmonary tuberculosis? I am currently interning at a hospital, and I just learned that my patient has been coughing at home for two months due to tuberculosis. During my assignment, I had removed my mask to chat with her for about 30 minutes, maintaining a distan...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. The definition of a general contact is someone who has been in contact for more than 8 hours within the infectious period or has accumulated over 40 hours of contact. 2. Close contact without protection with a patient who has infectious pulmonary tuberculosis still carr...[Read More] Risk of Contracting Tuberculosis During Patient Interaction
Persistent Cough: Seeking Solutions for Unresolved Symptoms
Persistent cough that does not resolve? Hello Dr. Yang! I have been experiencing a sore throat and cough since December 26, 2016. I have seen a clinic doctor three times; the sore throat has improved, but the cough has not. On February 13 and March 4, 2017, I visited the chest me...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your condition appears to be related to bronchial hypersensitivity (reactive allergy), particularly in response to temperature changes. It is recommended that you undergo pulmonary function tests to rule out the possibility of asthma. Traditional Chinese medicine may requi...[Read More] Persistent Cough: Seeking Solutions for Unresolved Symptoms
Post-Thoracoscopic Surgery: Managing Rib Pain and Wound Care Concerns
Post-operative pain in the rib area and wound issues after pneumothorax surgery? I underwent a thoracoscopic partial resection of the right upper lobe and pleural adhesion surgery for pneumothorax on June 16 of this year. Recently, I have been experiencing pain in the area of my ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Post-operative wound pain may persist for a period of time, and the duration varies from person to person. If the pain is severe, you may ask your physician to prescribe pain relief medication for backup. For larger wounds, if the adhesive bandage is exuding fluid, replace...[Read More] Post-Thoracoscopic Surgery: Managing Rib Pain and Wound Care Concerns
Understanding Chest Pain and Weakness: Key Insights for Patients
Chest pain and weakness? Hello, doctor. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. After my last inquiry regarding cold symptoms leading to hemoptysis, I have recovered over the past two weeks. However, I have been experiencing chronic asthmatic cough symptoms for a mo...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Here is a brief response: 1. First, confirm whether you have asthma. If diagnosed with asthma, the main treatment medications are inhaled corticosteroids and inhaled bronchodilators! 2. Theophylline may have some gastrointestinal side effects; if you do not notice signific...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Weakness: Key Insights for Patients
Managing Persistent Bronchitis Symptoms After a Cold: What to Do Next?
Bronchitis Hello Doctor, I previously had a cold combined with bronchitis. I didn't have a fever, but I saw a doctor and took medication. The cold symptoms improved in about 1 to 2 weeks, but the bronchial issues have not resolved. I cough about 2 to 3 times a day. I have ha...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Initially, it was acute bronchitis, and the X-ray examination has ruled out the possibility of pneumonia or tuberculosis. Subsequently, the residual symptoms of airway hyperresponsiveness can only be managed with medication, or one may consider traditional Chinese medicine...[Read More] Managing Persistent Bronchitis Symptoms After a Cold: What to Do Next?
Persistent Cough with Choking Sensation: When to Seek Further Evaluation?
Persistent cough that feels somewhat like choking when coughing? The mother is 58 years old. Due to concerns about her uncle being suspected of having tuberculosis, she also needs to be monitored. The doctor at the chest hospital mentioned that the mother currently has no issues,...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your question can be briefly answered as follows. A chest X-ray is used to assess whether there are any abnormal shadows or nodules in the lungs. If abnormalities are found, further diagnostic tests may be arranged to confirm the diagnosis (such as tuberculosis, lung cance...[Read More] Persistent Cough with Choking Sensation: When to Seek Further Evaluation?
Understanding Symptoms: Should You Worry About Lung Cancer?
Symptoms of lung cancer? Hello Doctor, I have long experienced symptoms of cough and poor cold resistance, often diagnosed as asthma. On May 13, I had acute cold symptoms such as fever and cough, which triggered severe coughing episodes resembling asthma attacks. Around May 25, t...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: A normal chest X-ray indicates that there are no obvious lung tumors and no extrapulmonary symptoms. Your related tests do not appear to be typical of asthma. If the medication provides improvement, it is recommended to continue using it, as these medications can help with...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Should You Worry About Lung Cancer?