Understanding Left Rib Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Left rib cage Hello doctor, my father has recently been experiencing pain in his left rib area and back. Can an X-ray detect this? Is it possible that it is a strain, or which department should I consult? Thank you.
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to first obtain an X-ray to rule out any issues with the lungs or bones, and then consider the possibility of muscle or soft tissue strain.[Read More] Understanding Left Rib Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Lung Atrophy: Managing Cough and Mucus in Seniors
Mother has pulmonary atrophy, cough, and sputum production? Hello Dr. Yang, my mother has not been feeling well lately. She mentioned that she has lung atrophy, and recently her phlegm has increased, along with a persistent cough. She has been taking medication for about six mont...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your mother's lungs may have developed pulmonary fibrosis or localized atrophy due to a previous lung infection. The structure and function of the affected area are compromised, making it prone to cough or bacterial infections due to difficulty in clearing mucus. It i...[Read More] Understanding Lung Atrophy: Managing Cough and Mucus in Seniors
Understanding Coughing and Lung Health: Should You Worry About Lung Cancer?
Risk of lung cancer? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing occasional coughing for almost a month now, along with some phlegm. Sometimes I hear sounds from my airways and feel like there is phlegm inside. When I manage to cough up some phlegm, the airway sounds go away. I don&#x...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Most lung cancers do not grow rapidly in a short period of time. Since a CT scan last July did not reveal any suspicious tumor lesions, it would be advisable to get a chest X-ray for the physician to interpret. Your symptoms are more indicative of allergic rhinitis and bro...[Read More] Understanding Coughing and Lung Health: Should You Worry About Lung Cancer?
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 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
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?
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 Chest Pain and Persistent Cough After a Cold
Pain with deep breathing? Hello Doctor: Last month, after having a cold, I have been experiencing a persistent itchy throat and dry cough for the past month. I have taken both Western and Chinese medicine, which have slightly alleviated the cough, but I still have a dry cough. Wh...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: The presence of significant pain points makes the likelihood of lung issues lower. Low-dose computed tomography is used for screening early lung tumors; however, at 26 years old, and without a family history, it is currently not recommended. Nevertheless, if the persistent...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Persistent Cough After a Cold
Understanding Your Chest X-Ray Report: What Do Lung Markings Mean?
Interpretation issues of chest X-ray reports? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing difficulty breathing, so I went to a large hospital for a chest X-ray. The radiology report states: "Chest 1 view PA Radiography of chest shows increasing lung markings in bilatera...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
The chest X-ray (1 view PA) shows increased lung markings in the bilateral lower lung fields. Otherwise, no significant abnormalities were identified. This indicates that the chest X-ray reveals an increase in lung markings in the lower lung fields on both sides. This is not nece...[Read More] Understanding Your Chest X-Ray Report: What Do Lung Markings Mean?
Post-Pneumonia Complications: Navigating Medical Consultations and Care
Regarding some sequelae after having pneumonia, please ask? Hello Doctor, my mother was hospitalized for a week last August due to pneumonia caused by a delayed visit to the doctor after catching a cold. After recovering, she lost nearly 10 kg and has been experiencing recurrent ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Lisa: From the clinical symptoms observed in your mother, it appears somewhat similar to tuberculosis; however, myocarditis cannot be ruled out. The examinations should not be very difficult and can include blood tests, sputum analysis, and high-resolution computed tomograph...[Read More] Post-Pneumonia Complications: Navigating Medical Consultations and Care
Understanding and Treating Pleural Thickening in the Upper Lobes
The treatment for pleural thickening in both upper lobes of the lungs typically involves addressing the underlying cause. Management options may include: 1. **Observation**: If the thickening is asymptomatic and not causing any complications, regular monitoring may be sufficient...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: There is no correlation between the two. Pleural thickening does not require treatment and can be monitored regularly. Best regards.[Read More] Understanding and Treating Pleural Thickening in the Upper Lobes
Understanding Blood-Streaked Sputum: Dental or Pulmonary Concerns?
Sputum with blood streaks? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have noticed that my phlegm sometimes contains streaks or spots of blood. When I touch a specific gap between my teeth with a tissue, it also bleeds, but I can't see any blood in the gap when I look in the mirror. I have h...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Huang: Based on your description, it seems more like bronchitis. However, if the symptoms are originating from other areas, please have a dental or ENT examination. Currently, a CT scan is not necessary. Changhua Hospital is concerned about you.[Read More] Understanding Blood-Streaked Sputum: Dental or Pulmonary Concerns?
Persistent Cough: Understanding Mycoplasma Infection and Treatment Options
Persistent cough Hello Doctor: I have been coughing since mid-August. Initially, I only had a slight fever and sore throat, but the cough has become increasingly severe. I visited two clinics without any improvement, and when I went to a large hospital, an X-ray revealed some inf...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Based on the reported symptoms, it appears to be an allergic reaction following a respiratory tract infection, related to exposure to a scrub sponge. The symptoms should gradually improve.[Read More] Persistent Cough: Understanding Mycoplasma Infection and Treatment Options
Understanding Left Chest Pain Near the Clavicle: Causes and Next Steps
There is pain at the lower edge of the left chest during breathing, and there is also pain near the left clavicle? TO: Dr. Wu I have experienced this symptom since childhood (it seems to occur after running), but I didn't pay much attention to it at the time. I need to brea...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
A chest X-ray can be performed to examine the lungs for any lesions. Based on the description, it may be intercostal neuralgia. It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist for a detailed examination.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain Near the Clavicle: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Persistent Throat and Chest Discomfort: A Patient's Journey
Physical discomfort? Hello, Doctor. About a month and a half ago, I suspected that I inhaled some debris through my nose, and since then, I have been unable to clear it. I didn't pay much attention to it, but the next day, I developed a strong sensation of a foreign body in ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Based on the symptoms described, it appears to be a nasal issue. It could be due to allergies, foreign bodies, sinusitis, or other conditions. Please visit an otolaryngologist for further examination and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat and Chest Discomfort: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Persistent Phlegm Sounds in the Lungs After Medical Evaluation
Respiratory sounds with sputum during breathing (medical consultation has been sought)? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my previous visit to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital where I had an X-ray and sputum test. I do not have tuberculosis, but it seems my lungs are a bit dirt...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: Drinking more water can help make phlegm easier to cough up, which should be better. Evaluate the symptoms to decide whether a follow-up visit is necessary; at least the X-ray only showed some mild abnormalities.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Phlegm Sounds in the Lungs After Medical Evaluation
Understanding Lung Issues: What to Do About Suspicious Findings
Pulmonary issues? Hello Dr. Jian, A year ago, during a health check-up, I underwent a chest X-ray and a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan. The report indicated suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (I have not experienced any cough or symptoms). I have been followed up in the ou...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
(1) The three small nodules later connected are likely not tumors; they could be pulmonary tuberculosis. A biopsy and bronchoscopy can be performed. If these two procedures are not done, or if they are done without conclusive results, a trial treatment for tuberculosis can be con...[Read More] Understanding Lung Issues: What to Do About Suspicious Findings
Severe Coughing: Understanding Causes and Seeking Relief
Severe cough Hello, doctor. I have been coughing for about a month now, and it gets worse after I eat breakfast. The cough resembles what I was previously diagnosed with as "allergic pharyngitis," so I didn't pay much attention to it. However, it seems to have wors...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Zi-Han: Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing asthma. Persistent coughing can lead to increased bronchoconstriction, making it even harder to expel mucus, which can be quite distressing. Therefore, it is advisable to visit a pulmonology department for some...[Read More] Severe Coughing: Understanding Causes and Seeking Relief
Understanding Blood-tinged Phlegm: Causes and Concerns
Sputum with blood (not just blood streaks)? Hello, Doctor: Recently, when I take a nap and wake up, I often have phlegm in my throat around noon, sometimes with a blood taste. Initially, the first one or two coughs do not have blood, but the third one does, and then the fifth one...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Mr. Huang, the source of the blood may come from the nasal cavity, oral cavity, or respiratory tract. It is recommended to first consult an otolaryngologist for an examination. If no issues are found, further evaluation of the lungs and coagulation function may be necessary...[Read More] Understanding Blood-tinged Phlegm: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission and Dust Exposure Risks
Tuberculosis and Dust Exposure Concerns I would like to ask the doctor if tuberculosis can be transmitted through objects. I am particularly concerned about whether I could get infected if I visit a convenience store where an employee is infected. Recently, I noticed that the sta...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. Tuberculosis (TB) is transmitted through the air, especially in enclosed spaces where individuals are in close proximity for extended periods; it is not transmitted through food. 2. Long-term inhalation of dust can damage the lungs.[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission and Dust Exposure Risks