Understanding Your Breathing Issues: Is It COPD or Mild Asthma?
I often feel anxious because I can't catch my breath. I'm afraid it might be COPD or obstructive pneumonia? Hello, doctor. I am very grateful for your help in addressing my recent experience of feeling unable to take a full breath. I often feel the urge to take deep bre...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Based on the description, it may be asthma, and currently, there is no COPD. Please quit smoking as soon as possible and follow up at the pulmonology outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Your Breathing Issues: Is It COPD or Mild Asthma?
Understanding Emphysema and Pleural Thickening After Pneumothorax
Pulmonary emphysema with mild thickening of the apical pleura? Hello doctor, about three years ago I had a spontaneous pneumothorax. Later, the doctor performed a CT scan and mentioned that there was a bleb in the left lower lung, but I wasn't advised to return for a follow-...
Dr. Cai Zongwei Reply:
Hello: Pneumothorax has various causes, some of which are directly or indirectly related to blebs or emphysema (which may increase the risk, and it is advisable to avoid participating in certain high-risk activities). Pleural thickening is mostly a sequela of past lung diseases a...[Read More] Understanding Emphysema and Pleural Thickening After Pneumothorax
Assessing Lung Biopsy Risks for Elderly Patients with Emphysema
Lung biopsy issues? Hello Doctor, my father has a history of smoking for many years and has emphysema. He regularly visits a pulmonologist. During a recent routine X-ray examination, the doctor informed us that there is a white area in the upper left lung that appears to be incre...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: 1. If a definitive diagnosis is needed, a biopsy may be necessary; please discuss with the attending physician if there are any alternative options. 2. At 87 years old, a biopsy does carry certain risks, but they are usually not excessively high; please consult with the at...[Read More] Assessing Lung Biopsy Risks for Elderly Patients with Emphysema
Understanding Mediastinal Lymph Node Enlargement: When to Follow Up?
Mediastinal lymphadenopathy Doctor: Hello, here is the recent report from the low-dose lung CT scan: High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) of the Lung Clinical Information: chronic cough with sticky sputum, NIFTP HRCT of Chest. This study was performed without contrast enhan...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Since I cannot view the original chest CT scan images, I am unable to provide appropriate recommendations. I suggest discussing future management options with the attending physician at the hospital where the examination was performed. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Mediastinal Lymph Node Enlargement: When to Follow Up?
Understanding Emphysema-Like Changes: What You Need to Know
Emphysematous changes I am approximately 180 cm tall and weigh 69 kg. A recent health check-up X-ray showed "emphysematous changes." Does this condition definitively indicate emphysema? I have never smoked, do not have a cough, and maintain a regular exercise routine wi...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, "emphysematous changes" were only identified through a chest X-ray. Generally, to diagnose emphysema, it is important to consider the patient's medical history (such as smoking habits and past occupations), the patient's sympt...[Read More] Understanding Emphysema-Like Changes: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chest Tightness and Shortness of Breath: Causes and Concerns
Often feel chest tightness and shortness of breath? Hello, Director Jian. For the past six months, I have frequently experienced shortness of breath and chest tightness. I had an electrocardiogram in January of this year, and the doctor said everything was normal. An X-ray during...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on the description, it is most likely caused by asthma or stress. Please visit a pulmonologist for an examination. 2. To check for early-stage lung cancer, a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Shortness of Breath: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Lung Fibrosis and Chronic Infiltration: Key Insights for Patients
Medical terminology inquiry? Hello, Doctor. Thank you for your assistance. 1. About two years ago, during my first employee health check, the report mentioned "fibrosis after bilateral upper lung inflammation." At that time, the doctor advised me to just monitor the s...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Hong, Regarding your first question, pulmonary fibrosis can be understood as scarring that occurs after an injury, which may be a result of previous infections. Monitoring is sufficient in this case. For your second question, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can ...[Read More] Understanding Lung Fibrosis and Chronic Infiltration: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Your Chest X-Ray: Emphysema and Bronchial Changes
Lung issues Hello, Doctor: I have a history of bronchiectasis. Could you please help me assess the severity of the following X-ray report? Thank you! Chest: * Emphysematous changes in both lungs with increased markings * Bronchial wall thickening in both lower lungs * No def...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It seems to describe bronchiectasis combined with some degree of emphysema. The severity depends on how serious your cough or wheezing symptoms are. If you have respiratory symptoms, it is recommended to follow up with a pulmonology clinic.[Read More] Understanding Your Chest X-Ray: Emphysema and Bronchial Changes
Understanding Spontaneous Pneumothorax Symptoms and Air Travel Concerns
Symptoms of spontaneous pneumothorax and related issues with flying? Hello, Doctor. I am currently nineteen years old (height 170 cm, weight 50 kg). I experienced my first spontaneous pneumothorax in May of last year and was hospitalized for oxygen therapy, after which I was disc...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: (1) You may visit a pulmonologist for a follow-up chest X-ray (CXR). If symptoms persist, a chest computed tomography (CT) scan may be considered to check for mediastinal emphysema and the presence of bullae in the lungs. (2) Currently, there is no strong data regarding th...[Read More] Understanding Spontaneous Pneumothorax Symptoms and Air Travel Concerns
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Further Medical Help
Chest pain Hello, doctor. I have cough-variant asthma and a history of mediastinal emphysema about three years ago. On November 18, I accidentally ate spicy food and started coughing violently. From November 21, I began experiencing pain in my right chest. On November 22, I went ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Based on what has been described, a muscle strain remains a possible cause, but please consult a pulmonologist for further evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Further Medical Help
Understanding the Links Between Emphysema, Lung Nodules, and Blood Pressure Spikes
Is there a connection between emphysema, pulmonary nodules, latent tuberculosis, and waking up at night with high blood pressure? Hello Dr. Chen, I just had a CT scan, and the result shows Moderate Bilateral Centrilobular Emphysema (I am currently abroad). I would like to ask you...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
Hello: Allow me to answer your questions in a simple bullet-point format. 1. Is moderate significantly more severe than mild? (I do not smoke, but I have used strong chemical solvents to clean stubborn adhesives.) Answer: From an imaging perspective, moderate is indeed more ...[Read More] Understanding the Links Between Emphysema, Lung Nodules, and Blood Pressure Spikes
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
Understanding Lung Nodules: Key Questions and Expert Insights
Management of pulmonary nodules? Dear Doctor, I had a chest CT scan on May 1st, which showed a 0.7 cm nodule in my right lung. I have several questions: 1. I was suffering from a severe cold with yellow-green sputum. Would this affect the interpretation of the CT scan? 2. Chang...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. The relationship between a cold with yellow phlegm and nodules is minimal. 2. It is recommended to follow up in three months. 3. Smoking may lead to emphysema, but it varies by individual constitution; your imaging results are not significant, and your emphysema should ...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Key Questions and Expert Insights
Understanding Emphysema and Chronic Lung Infiltration: Key Insights
Pulmonary emphysema with bilateral pulmonary infiltrates? Hello, I recently had a medical check-up at a medical center in Kaohsiung. The chest X-rays (frontal and right lateral views) showed: a curved aorta, hyperinflation of the lungs, emphysema with chronic infiltrates in both ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Chest X-ray findings can vary greatly. For example, a tall and slender person may appear to have emphysema or chronic pulmonary infiltrates, which could be associated with a history of chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, or exposure to dust in the work environment. It is r...[Read More] Understanding Emphysema and Chronic Lung Infiltration: Key Insights
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
Integrating Traditional and Western Medicine for Emphysema Treatment
Integrative treatment of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine? I have emphysema and am currently receiving medical treatment, but a friend recommended traditional Chinese medicine. I am unsure if it is appropriate to take both Western and Chinese medications simultan...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
It is necessary to consider whether there are interactions between the actual medications; please discuss this with your physician.[Read More] Integrating Traditional and Western Medicine for Emphysema Treatment
Survival Rates and Exercise Benefits for Emphysema Patients
Survival rate of emphysema? 1. What is the survival rate for emphysema? 2. Does daily exercise increase the survival rate? 3. What types of exercise are most suitable for patients with emphysema? 4. How much exercise is needed to maintain lung capacity and slow the decline of lun...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Its function is only about 70% -- this is classified as mild impairment. As long as one avoids exposure to air pollution, quits smoking, and steers clear of secondhand smoke, the lifespan should be quite long. Daily exercise can increase survival rates. If lung function is at 70%...[Read More] Survival Rates and Exercise Benefits for Emphysema Patients
Causes of Left Lung Swelling and Scoliosis in Pediatric Patients
Left lung swelling? The newborn examination reveals left lung swelling and thoracic scoliosis. What could be the cause of the lung swelling? Thank you.
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
I suspect that the swelling of the left lung may indicate emphysema or increased inflation, possibly caused by scoliosis, but there could be other reasons as well. Further confirmation is needed, and it would be advisable to consult a pulmonologist to determine if pulmonary funct...[Read More] Causes of Left Lung Swelling and Scoliosis in Pediatric Patients
Understanding Pulmonary Bubble Obstruction in Preterm Infants
Pulmonary emphysema Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my brother, who is a premature infant with incomplete lung development and has issues with pulmonary alveolar obstruction. He is allergic to the medication for alveolar obstruction, so he can only use an inhaler. Current...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, the classification of emphysema or obstructive lung disease is based on lung function and the frequency of recent acute exacerbations. However, with proper use of inhaled medications for management, it is usually possible to delay the deterioration of respiratory function,...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Bubble Obstruction in Preterm Infants
Understanding DLCO in Autoimmune Conditions and Breathlessness Management
Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? Hello Doctor, thank you for your previous response. I have a question I would like to ask because I have autoimmune issues (not clearly diagnosed, but I have a history of intestinal vasculitis and positive AN...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, If there are autoimmune rheumatic diseases, it is necessary to consult a rheumatologist for a proper diagnosis. If not well controlled, it may lead to pulmonary fibrosis, which can affect DLCO (usually in the late stages, after middle age). As long as pulmonary function ...[Read More] Understanding DLCO in Autoimmune Conditions and Breathlessness Management