Post-Pneumothorax Care: Essential Tips for Recovery and Management
Pneumothorax Condition and Management Hello Doctor: My past experiences with pneumothorax have not been typical; the bubbles were not large and resembled a deflating balloon. This is now the third occurrence. I would like to know what precautions I should take after pneumothorax ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: For the third occurrence of pneumothorax, you may discuss with your physician the possibility of undergoing a CT scan to check for any structural abnormalities, such as blebs. Further management can be determined based on the findings. Additionally, it is important to redu...[Read More] Post-Pneumothorax Care: Essential Tips for Recovery and Management
Understanding Persistent Cough: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Coughing for over a month? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing a persistent cough for over a month, although it is not severe. About two weeks ago, I coughed up green phlegm, so I went to a clinic and took two different types of antibiotics. The first antibiotic did not improv...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Please consult a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray to check for inflammation or other issues. Lung cancer may not always be visible on a chest X-ray; if there is a history of smoking or a family history of lung cancer, you may consider paying out-of-pocket for a low-dose che...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Can CT Scans Determine Lung Cancer Spread to the Pleura?
Can a CT scan determine if lung cancer has metastasized to the pleura? Hello Doctor: 1. Can a CT scan determine if lung cancer has invaded or metastasized to the visceral pleura or chest wall? 2. In my mother's pre-operative examination report, it states "GGO (size 2...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: It is currently unclear whether it is a tumor, as the CT scan has not provided confirmation. Although it is in contact with the pleura, this does not necessarily indicate pleural metastasis. It is recommended to seek the opinion of a thoracic surgeon regarding the possibil...[Read More] Can CT Scans Determine Lung Cancer Spread to the Pleura?
Chest Tightness Near Ribs: Understanding Pain After Lung Surgery
I feel tightness near my right rib cage, and it hurts when I lift heavy objects? I was diagnosed with early-stage lung adenocarcinoma six years ago and underwent surgery to remove one lobe of my right lung. I have since recovered from the surgery and have regular check-ups with n...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsiao: Due to your medical history, I personally recommend scheduling a CT scan or bone scan, as X-rays cannot detect subtle changes. Changhua Hospital is concerned about your well-being.[Read More] Chest Tightness Near Ribs: Understanding Pain After Lung Surgery
Understanding Tuberculosis Treatment: Healing Cavities and Recovery Time
About tuberculosis (TB)? Dear Doctor, If a chest X-ray six months ago unexpectedly revealed pulmonary tuberculosis, and standard treatment was initiated, with the initial sputum smear reported as scanty, culture positive, and drug sensitivity tests showing sensitivity. After tw...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen: Some pulmonary tuberculosis cavities may not heal and surgical removal might need to be considered. Even if the sputum is free of bacteria after a certain period, the bacteria encapsulated within the cavity still pose a threat. If you are unwilling to undergo surge...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Treatment: Healing Cavities and Recovery Time
Unexplained Coughing Up Blood and Chest Pain: Seeking Answers
Hemoptysis and chest pain of unknown origin? Hello Dr. Yang, I have a 15-year smoking history but have quit smoking. I currently have several symptoms that I would like to consult with you about. 1. Chest Pain: Since mid-September, I have experienced slight discomfort and pain ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: I believe the relevant examinations you have undergone are sufficient. The conclusion is that there is mild bronchiectasis or bronchitis, and the hemoptysis caused by either condition may be due to microvascular rupture, typically resulting from severe coughing or inadvert...[Read More] Unexplained Coughing Up Blood and Chest Pain: Seeking Answers
Understanding Hemoptysis: Causes of Coughing Blood and Chest Pain
Coughing up blood, chest pain, chest tightness, and phlegm? Hello Dr. Zhou: Four years ago, I underwent a biopsy for a lung nodule, which turned out to be fine! Since then, I have often had phlegm in my throat, and sometimes I feel chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Althou...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, 1. If the nodule has not changed over the past four years and a biopsy has been performed, the likelihood of it being benign is highest. 2. If the computed tomography shows bronchiectasis, this condition may present with symptoms such as hemoptysis and sputum production...[Read More] Understanding Hemoptysis: Causes of Coughing Blood and Chest Pain
Understanding Chest Pain: When Walking or Climbing Stairs Becomes Difficult
The cardiac CT scan showed no issues, but I feel discomfort or even pain in my chest after brisk walking for a few minutes or climbing stairs to the fifth floor or higher? Dr. Zhou: Hello, I am a 57-year-old male, weighing approximately 66 kg and standing 166 cm tall. I do not sm...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, patients with mitral valve prolapse may sometimes experience chest discomfort. If a cardiologist has ruled out other issues, a chest X-ray can be performed to examine the lungs (by a pulmonologist), and an endoscopy can be done to assess for gastrointestinal disorders. It ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When Walking or Climbing Stairs Becomes Difficult
Is MRI a Viable Option for Lung Cancer Screening Besides CT?
In addition to CT scans, is MRI feasible for lung cancer screening? Hello, Dr. Huang. This is Ms. Lin. I have a follow-up question. I had a mammogram in July, an X-ray for a cough in August, and two more X-rays in November. Now I am scheduled for a CT scan and I'm concerned ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Miss Lin: Based on your description, the screening is aimed at reducing radiation exposure. Currently, low-dose high-resolution computed tomography (CT) is used, which has less radiation and provides clear images (but requires out-of-pocket payment). Magnetic resonance imagi...[Read More] Is MRI a Viable Option for Lung Cancer Screening Besides CT?
Understanding Bronchiectasis: Management and Life Expectancy Insights
Bronchiectasis Hello doctor, seven years ago I was hospitalized due to a viral infection and received a week of steroid treatment. After being discharged, I developed pneumonia and have been experiencing monthly colds ever since. Last year, I had pneumonia for the third time, and...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Sandy: Localized bronchiectasis does not affect lung function or survival. It is more common to experience a prolonged cough with sputum following a viral infection, and occasional hemoptysis may occur (it is recommended to avoid spicy, fried, or herbal foods). Currently, y...[Read More] Understanding Bronchiectasis: Management and Life Expectancy Insights
Understanding Black Spots in the Lungs: What You Need to Know
The phenomenon of black spots in the lungs? My mother is about 70 years old. Due to the weather getting colder, she felt soreness in her upper body when getting up from a bed with a cooling mat, so we first visited a nearby orthopedic clinic. The orthopedic doctor took X-rays and...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, it is indeed difficult to determine whether cancer is present based solely on symptoms, as both possibilities exist. As mentioned online, in practice, medications are often used to rule out infections that could cause similar imaging results, followed by further imaging st...[Read More] Understanding Black Spots in the Lungs: What You Need to Know
Persistent Coughing: Could It Be Lung Cancer Despite Normal Tests?
Regarding the recent issue of persistent coughing that cannot be resolved? Hello, I have a smoking habit and a history of tuberculosis. Recently, I have been coughing persistently, and after undergoing tests, black spots were found in my lungs. A biopsy indicated no issues, but d...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, due to the ongoing progression of the pulmonary imaging findings (black spots?), even though the biopsy report is normal, the possibility of malignancy cannot be ruled out. The actual situation should be primarily assessed by the treating physician. Please continue to moni...[Read More] Persistent Coughing: Could It Be Lung Cancer Despite Normal Tests?
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Chest pain in the front and back? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing unexplained chest pain since mid-October. Initially, the pain was only in the middle and on the sides of my chest, but recently it has also started to occur in my back. What could be the issue? Additionally,...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of chest pain, including issues related to the lungs, chest wall, heart, and mediastinum. After conducting a chest X-ray (CXR), CT scan, or other invasive examinations, if no problems are found, it may be attributed to nerve or muscle pain. Based on t...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Understanding Unexplained Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Chest pain Hello doctor, I've been experiencing unexplained chest pain for the past two to three weeks. Initially, the pain was on the right side, but it has now shifted to the left side and is also intermittent. Recently, I've noticed that my back is hurting as well, a...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of chest pain, including issues related to the lungs, chest wall, heart, and mediastinum. After conducting a chest X-ray (CXR), CT scan, or other invasive examinations, if no problems are found, it may be attributed to nerve or muscle pain. Based on t...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Rib Pain: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort Below the Ribs
The cause of pain and swelling below the ribs on either side can be attributed to several factors. It may be related to issues with the organs located in that area, such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. Conditions like costochondritis, which is inflammation of the cartilage conn...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: We will wait for the results of the rectal examination and ultrasound to see if there are any issues. If there are no organic problems, it may be a functional gastrointestinal disorder.[Read More] Understanding Rib Pain: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort Below the Ribs
Distinguishing Between Tuberculosis and NTM: A Patient's Guide
Is it tuberculosis or NTM (non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection)? Hello Doctor: My father had contact with an open tuberculosis patient for a period of time, and he has been coughing with sputum lately. Last month, a CT scan was performed, and the doctor suspected tuberculosis...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Anan, Hello, this is a profound topic regarding the issues of tuberculosis (TB) and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). It indeed poses challenges for many physicians. The coexistence of TB and NTM is possible because when a laboratory cultures NTM, they may not continue to ...[Read More] Distinguishing Between Tuberculosis and NTM: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Suspected Tuberculosis Infection: Key Questions and Answers
Suspected pulmonary tuberculosis infection? Dear Doctor: My friend has been coughing for several days with frequent phlegm and sometimes experiences itching in the trachea. After seeking medical attention and undergoing tests, the sputum culture came back positive, and the CT sca...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. Pulmonary infection with tuberculosis bacteria may not be detectable if there are no bacteria in the sputum. Generally, in such cases, clinicians make a comprehensive judgment, diagnosis, and treatment based on symptoms, medical history, other imaging studies (CT or che...[Read More] Understanding Suspected Tuberculosis Infection: Key Questions and Answers
Understanding Ground-Glass Opacities: Are They Always Malignant?
Ground-glass opacities Hello Dr. Huang: Two years ago, my mother had a CT scan during a health check-up that revealed a 0.2 cm ground-glass opacity in the right upper lobe of her lung. It has been continuously monitored for two years without any changes. Could this be malignant? ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
If there is no change in size, regular follow-up imaging studies should continue. If there are any concerns, please follow the recommendations of the attending physician. The determination of malignancy should still be based on pathological examination. Changhua Hospital cares ab...[Read More] Understanding Ground-Glass Opacities: Are They Always Malignant?
Understanding Ground-Glass Opacities: What to Do Next for Lung Health?
Ground-glass opacities Hello Doctor, my sister was recently diagnosed with stage 4 lung adenocarcinoma, and I have been a smoker for many years. I have been experiencing a cough, so I first went to a clinic for a chest X-ray, which showed no abnormalities. However, my family was ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
According to the current lung cancer screening guidelines in the United States, if there is a confirmed ground-glass opacity measuring 1.3 cm, it is recommended to follow up with imaging in 3 to 6 months. Further recommendations will be based on the results of the follow-up. If y...[Read More] Understanding Ground-Glass Opacities: What to Do Next for Lung Health?
Is My Chest Discomfort a Sign of Pneumothorax Recurrence?
Does this count as a relapse? Hello, Doctor. I underwent surgery for pneumothorax in early April and again at the end of April, first on the left side and then on the right side. In mid-May, one night I suddenly felt a tightness in my chest and experienced palpitations. I went to...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: A recurrence of pneumothorax can be diagnosed through a chest X-ray (which has low radiation exposure). Patients with pneumothorax may have multiple small blebs in the pleura that are prone to rupture, leading to pneumothorax (each rupture does not occur from the same bleb...[Read More] Is My Chest Discomfort a Sign of Pneumothorax Recurrence?