Understanding Imaging Interpretation in Lung Adenocarcinoma Management
Imaging Interpretation of Lung Adenocarcinoma Dear Dr. Zhou, My wife was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma three years ago, which has spread to both lungs. After examination, the doctors determined that targeted therapy was not suitable, and the effectiveness of conventional ch...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Imaging studies may not definitively tell you what it is. Therefore, each method of monitoring or biopsy has its pros and cons. From a diagnostic standpoint, to confirm the possibility, surgery may still be necessary. However, since it is an invasive procedure, please disc...[Read More] Understanding Imaging Interpretation in Lung Adenocarcinoma Management
Persistent Cough for Over Two Months: Causes and Concerns
Coughing intermittently for more than two months? Hello, doctor. I traveled abroad in December, and during that time, I started to catch a cold, which later developed into a cough. Initially, around January, my cough became severe, and the phlegm was green. After seeing the docto...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: It may be chronic bronchitis. The primary recommendation is to quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke and air pollution. When air quality is poor, it is advisable to wear a mask. To determine if there is lung cancer, a chest X-ray or CT scan is necessary, as a diagnosis c...[Read More] Persistent Cough for Over Two Months: Causes and Concerns
Should You See a Doctor for Coughing Up Blood?
Coughing up blood-stained sputum? Hello doctor, I was recently diagnosed with influenza. Since yesterday, I have been experiencing a severe sore throat (with persistent coughing) and it hurts a lot when I swallow saliva. This morning, I coughed up phlegm that had streaks of blood...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: Coughing up blood is commonly seen in clinical practice and may be related to severe coughing. However, it is still advisable to at least obtain a chest X-ray to ensure there are no lesions in the lungs for peace of mind.[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for Coughing Up Blood?
Understanding Lung X-Ray Findings: What Could 'Grape-Like' Growths Mean?
The chest X-ray shows grape-like structures? Hello, doctor. My mother is 56 years old and has been coughing for nearly a year. After visiting several nearby clinics, she hasn't improved and still coughs occasionally. I took her to the hospital for an X-ray in the past couple...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, without reviewing the X-ray and clinical examination, I cannot provide further advice. Please take the films to a pulmonologist for discussion. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang.[Read More] Understanding Lung X-Ray Findings: What Could 'Grape-Like' Growths Mean?
Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues After a Fall: What to Know
Feeling a tightness in the center of the chest and experiencing difficulty breathing? I fell from the top of a slide and hit my chest. The pain lasted about 2 to 3 minutes, and it was so intense that I couldn't speak, only able to make muffled sounds. I didn't tell my f...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ms. Wang: Since the chest tightness and pain are not persistent and do not resemble substantial lesions of the lungs or heart, many patients experience similar symptoms without having sustained any trauma to the chest. It is recommended that you practice relaxation techniqu...[Read More] Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues After a Fall: What to Know
Understanding Itchy Sensations in the Left Chest: Causes and Concerns
Itchy sensation in the left thoracic cavity? Hello Dr. Jian: I previously had a cold and coughed up blood. I later had a CT scan, and the doctor said my lungs were fine and my lung function was normal. However, I now cough less, but I often feel an itch in my left chest cavity (w...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to perform a bronchoscopy. Sincerely, [Your Name].[Read More] Understanding Itchy Sensations in the Left Chest: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Chronic Intermittent Cough: Causes and Treatment Options
Chronic intermittent cough? Hello, Dr. Zhou. I have been experiencing intermittent coughing for a year. I always feel like I can't clear my left lung, and my left throat is itchy. Whenever it itches, I feel the urge to cough. Occasionally, I have some clear phlegm, which is ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. There are many causes of chronic cough. In addition to issues related to the lungs and bronchitis, it may also be due to post-nasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asthma, and other possibilities that require further differential diagnosis. 2. For the pulm...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Intermittent Cough: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Nasal Congestion and Persistent Phlegm: Causes and Solutions
Nasal congestion with phlegm in the throat? Hello doctor, I have a problem with nasal allergies. I have been smoking for 12 years, and recently I often have phlegm in my throat (all day long), which is colorless and requires a lot of effort to cough up. Coughing hard causes chest...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your main issue is still nasal allergies and post-nasal drip. It is recommended that you regularly consult an otolaryngologist for treatment and advice. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Nasal Congestion and Persistent Phlegm: Causes and Solutions
Unexplained Lung Abnormalities: Seeking Answers for a 70-Year-Old Patient
Lung abnormalities have been present for over two months, and the cause is still unknown? Hello, doctor. My mother is 70 years old and has recently shown abnormalities in her lungs. The situation is as follows: 1. A few years ago, she had pulmonary tuberculosis in her right upp...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Without imaging data, it is difficult to determine which condition is more likely. Based on your description, diagnosis may not be easy; a 7 cm increase in size over 9 months raises concerns for a tumor that cannot be ruled out. A bronchoscopy should be performed to check ...[Read More] Unexplained Lung Abnormalities: Seeking Answers for a 70-Year-Old Patient
Understanding Long-Term Chest Tightness: Causes and Initial Lung Tests
Chronic chest tightness? I have been feeling a tightness in my chest lately, making it difficult to breathe. I also often feel bloated and have a sensation of pressure in my throat, as well as overall body tension. I've been coughing frequently. Could this indicate lung inju...
Dr. Huang Ruiming Reply:
Dear Yun-Yun: Based on your condition, it may be an issue with your lungs or simply related to physical and mental stress. I recommend that you visit the thoracic medicine outpatient clinic for an examination. Huang Rui-Ming[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Chest Tightness: Causes and Initial Lung Tests
Breathing Difficulties While Showering: Causes and Solutions
Difficulty breathing while showering? Recently, I have been experiencing nasal congestion without a runny nose, and I often have difficulty breathing while showering. My lungs feel itchy, making it hard to take deep breaths, and if I try to inhale deeply, I end up coughing. When ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms resemble those of respiratory allergies. For nasal allergies, you should consult an otolaryngologist. For respiratory allergies, you can see a pulmonologist to arrange for pulmonary function tests. Best wishes![Read More] Breathing Difficulties While Showering: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Yellow-Green Phlegm: Causes and When to Seek Help
Yellow-green sputum Hello doctor, I have had a mild cough for the past month, and for about two weeks, I've been producing yellowish phlegm. On the morning of January 19th, the first phlegm I coughed up was green, so I immediately went to see a doctor. I recently traveled ab...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, to rule out pneumonia, a chest X-ray (CXR) is necessary for confirmation, and follow-up CXR is also recommended. However, the diagnosis of lung cancer may require more precise examinations, as CXR can only detect larger and more obvious lung cancers. Please consult with th...[Read More] Understanding Yellow-Green Phlegm: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Bronchiectasis: Symptoms, Risks, and Management Strategies
Bronchiectasis Hello Dr. Yang, I am Sandy, who consulted you about bronchiectasis on November 22. I appreciate your response, but I still have some concerns I would like to discuss. I have been suffering from recurrent pneumonia for the past seven years, which has led to localize...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: First of all, congratulations on the improvement of your respiratory symptoms. The 20-30 chest X-rays and the bronchiectasis currently do not show any correlation with the incidence of lung cancer, so please do not worry! Inhaling lung irritants or secondhand smoke is some...[Read More] Understanding Bronchiectasis: Symptoms, Risks, and Management Strategies
Sleep Deprivation and Chest Tightness: When to Seek Medical Advice
Insufficient sleep and chest tightness? Recently, I have experienced chest tightness when I lack sleep, but the symptoms would subside once I go to sleep. This year, I have been experiencing these symptoms frequently during the late night, yet sleeping would alleviate the issue. ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of chest tightness, including issues related to the thoracic cavity (mediastinum), lungs, gastroesophageal reflux, heart, anxiety, menopausal disorders, and psychological problems. Each potential cause needs to be examined individually. It is advisabl...[Read More] Sleep Deprivation and Chest Tightness: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Chest Tightness and Central Chest Pain: Causes and Solutions
Chest tightness accompanied by pain in the center of the chest? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing chest tightness for the past week. I visited the hospital and saw a doctor, took some medication which provided slight improvement. A chest X-ray showed no issues with my lungs,...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ms. Lin: The chest X-ray is normal, ruling out pulmonary diseases. The sternum is located in the center of the chest, and it is normal to experience pain when pressure is applied. Please pay attention to any discomfort in the stomach and symptoms of acid reflux (if present,...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Central Chest Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Chest Trauma: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Blow
A bruise is a pain that breathes? My boyfriend struck me forcefully with his bare hands in the area just below my chest, around the costal arch (slightly to the left of the center below the left breast). At that moment, I was unable to breathe for about one to two seconds, follow...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: 1. A heavy impact to the chest can potentially injure the chest muscles, ribs, lungs, diaphragm, spleen, cardiovascular system, stomach, and other structures, depending on the severity of the impact. 2. Rib fractures may not be visible on an X-ray within the first two days...[Read More] Understanding Chest Trauma: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Blow
Understanding Recurrent Fever: Possible Causes and Solutions
Persistent recurrent fever About three weeks ago, I experienced cold symptoms, including a sore and itchy throat, nasal congestion, mild fever, and muscle aches (ear temperature did not exceed 38.0°C). After visiting an otolaryngologist and starting medication, I began to develop...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, there can be many reasons for a fever. As mentioned earlier, pneumonia is indeed one of them. Related issues also include the completeness of medication use, whether there was an interruption in medication without follow-up visits. It is recommended to have a consistent pl...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Fever: Possible Causes and Solutions
Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Understanding Possible Causes and Treatments
Persistent recurrent low-grade fever? Three weeks ago, I experienced cold symptoms, including a sore and itchy throat, nasal congestion, mild fever, and muscle aches (ear temperature did not exceed 38.0°C). After visiting an ENT specialist, I started medication and began to devel...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The diagnosis of your condition may need to be determined by the treating physician based on a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms. If the X-ray results are normal, pneumonia can likely be ruled out. If you have yellow nasal discharge, you should consult an ear, nose...[Read More] Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Understanding Possible Causes and Treatments
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
Managing Chronic Bronchitis and Lung Pain After Pneumonia: Key Insights
Chronic bronchitis and respiratory issues accompanied by lung pain..? This summer, I had pneumonia for a whole month, and afterwards, I was diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. During the first three weeks of pneumonia, I was treated with UNASYN, but since the bacteria continued to...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ling: The entire process sounds strange. Typically, pneumonia treatment does not last that long, especially with antibiotics for the first three weeks, which should not be allowed under health insurance. If the antibiotics were ineffective, they should have been changed earl...[Read More] Managing Chronic Bronchitis and Lung Pain After Pneumonia: Key Insights