What Further Tests Should I Consider for Chest Discomfort?
What should be checked? Hello Doctor: I have a very sensitive itching sensation on the right side of my chest (below the breast along the sternum). It feels like an internal itch, and sometimes it triggers a cough; I also experience itching when taking deep breaths. I visited a p...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Miss Lin: Your issue is indeed quite rare. Currently, the most concerning condition in the general environment is lung cancer. Early-stage lung cancer cannot be diagnosed through X-rays. If you are worried, you can opt for a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan, which can ...[Read More] What Further Tests Should I Consider for Chest Discomfort?
Understanding Pneumothorax Risks During Intubation: A Family's Concern
Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? However, I was very certain that my family member's lungs were not compromised before intubation. The strange thing is that shortly after the intubation, complications arose. Is it possible that there we...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, the procedure of placing an endotracheal tube generally rarely causes pneumothorax. As for whether there was pre-existing pneumothorax or if it occurred after connecting to a ventilator, it cannot be easily determined in clinical practice.[Read More] Understanding Pneumothorax Risks During Intubation: A Family's Concern
Understanding Tracheal Intubation Risks in Patients with Lung Issues
Regarding intubation? Regarding my family member, they have had chronic lung issues and often cough. At the end of October this year, they were hospitalized due to a lung infection. During their stay, they tried four different antibiotics with no effect, which resulted in respira...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, as mentioned, it may be necessary to intubate and use a ventilator due to respiratory failure. However, a small percentage of patients on a ventilator may develop a pneumothorax. It is unlikely that the endotracheal tube "punctured" the lung. The specific situati...[Read More] Understanding Tracheal Intubation Risks in Patients with Lung Issues
Understanding Suspected Tuberculosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Suspected pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello Dr. Yang, I have been coughing for over two weeks and have visited the clinic twice without improvement. Recently, my cough has worsened, and I am experiencing chest tightness and shortness of breath, so I decided to go to the hospital'...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ms. Yang: It is recommended that you see a pulmonologist. If you have not been treated for tuberculosis in the past, it is still advisable to include tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis. It would be best to have a specialist evaluate your condition.[Read More] Understanding Suspected Tuberculosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
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
Understanding Elevated Diaphragm: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Options
Diaphragmatic elevation? Hello, Dr. Yang. I recently had a chest X-ray as part of a company-required health check-up, and the results showed that my lungs are uneven, with an abnormal elevation of the right diaphragm. Since I had someone else pick up the results for me, I didn&#x...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The main abnormality in your recent health check report appears to be the abnormal elevation of the right diaphragm. Normally, the right lung is slightly higher than the left due to the presence of the liver, which pushes the diaphragm upward (the liver is larger than the ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Diaphragm: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Options
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest pain? Hello doctor, I've been experiencing sudden sharp pain in my chest these past few days. It hurts a lot when I take deep breaths, cough, or turn over. I also have a habit of sleeping on my side. I looked it up online, and it seems to be related to the lungs?! What...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, chest pain that occurs with deep breathing and changes in posture may be related to pleuritic pain. If it is accompanied by symptoms of shortness of breath, please seek medical attention promptly for imaging studies. For further details, please consult your treating physic...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
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?
Chronic Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Persistent cough that does not improve? I have been coughing for a year. Sometimes the phlegm is clear, and other times it is yellow. Occasionally, I experience wheezing, but not always. It seems that certain fruits exacerbate the cough. I went to a clinic for an X-ray, and the d...
Dr. Wang Zhenjie Reply:
It is recommended that you schedule an appointment for further examination and evaluation.[Read More] Chronic Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
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 a 7cm Diaphragmatic Tumor: Lung Cancer Stage and Prognosis
A 7-centimeter diaphragmatic tumor? Hello doctor, my grandfather has tuberculosis. During treatment, an X-ray revealed a tumor on the diaphragm. Now that the tuberculosis treatment is complete, a follow-up X-ray shows that the tumor has grown to 7 centimeters, and he is currently...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The staging of lung cancer follows certain standards, such as the location of lymph node metastasis, whether there are metastases to organs outside the lungs (such as bones, liver, brain, or adrenal glands), or if there are metastases to the left lung or pleural effusion, ...[Read More] Understanding a 7cm Diaphragmatic Tumor: Lung Cancer Stage and Prognosis
Chronic Cough: Could It Indicate Lung Issues Like Cancer?
Chronic cough refers to a cough that persists for eight weeks or longer in adults, or four weeks in children. It can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD Hello, doctor. If I have been coughing for a long ti...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, the likelihood is low, but it is difficult to conduct a preliminary assessment without an X-ray. If you have any concerns, please visit a medical facility for evaluation. Thank you for your attention from Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Chronic Cough: Could It Indicate Lung Issues Like Cancer?
Does Breast Pain Indicate Breast Cancer Risk?
Does breast cancer cause pain? Recently, I've been experiencing sharp pain in my right chest. Could this be a sign of breast cancer?
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
A breast surgical examination should be conducted to determine if there are any abnormalities. Chest pain is often related to neuropathic pain, but it is important to rule out other issues related to the lungs, heart, and breasts.[Read More] Does Breast Pain Indicate Breast Cancer Risk?
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 Cryptococcal Infection: Treatment and Recovery Insights
Cryptococcal infection Hello, doctor: Recently, during a check-up at the hospital, an abnormality was found in my lungs, and a blood test showed a cryptococcal antigen titer of 1:128. However, I have no symptoms. The doctor prescribed medication for me, but I found online that so...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Based on the attached information, there are pulmonary abnormalities and a cryptococcal antigen titer of 1:128 (+). Clinically, it is reasonable to suspect an infection. Whether it can resolve on its own or the duration for recovery will depend on factors such as the size ...[Read More] Understanding Cryptococcal Infection: Treatment and Recovery Insights
Understanding Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria: Treatment and Recovery Options
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) Hello Dr. Zhou: Recently, I went for a medical check-up and found out that there seems to be an abnormality in my lungs. The tests indicate a high possibility of non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection. Will this resolve on its own, or are there...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: If a non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung infection is confirmed and meets the criteria for medication, treatment is still recommended. Please discuss this with your pulmonologist or infectious disease specialist.[Read More] Understanding Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria: Treatment and Recovery Options
Occasional Sharp Pain in Left Chest During Deep Breathing: What to Know
Sometimes I experience sharp pain in my left chest when taking deep breaths? Hello Dr. Yang, sometimes when I take a deep breath, I experience a sharp pain in my left chest, approximately where the heart is located. This doesn't happen often (about once every 1-2 months), so...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Side sleeping has been a habit for many years, and I have not experienced chest pain before. The chest pain should not be related to side sleeping, as it occurs infrequently. It is likely that there are no issues with the heart or lungs; it sounds more like neuralgia. I re...[Read More] Occasional Sharp Pain in Left Chest During Deep Breathing: What to Know
Understanding Lung Nodules: What Black Spots on X-rays Mean
There are black spots in the lungs? Hello doctor, I recently went for a check-up and found black spots in my right lung. I am 20 years old and have never experienced coughing up blood or persistent high fevers in the past. Although my previous lifestyle was irregular, I have had ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Qinyi: The presence of black spots in the lungs is quite vague. If you have concerns, please consult a physician for further clarification on potential issues. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: What Black Spots on X-rays Mean
18-Year-Old Non-Smoker with High CO Levels: Should He Be Concerned?
An 18-year-old male who does not smoke has a carbon monoxide level of 7 in the lungs. What should be done? Hello, doctor. I am currently an 18-year-old male, non-smoker, non-drinker, and have no history of tuberculosis. During a university health check, I underwent a carbon monox...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR DANDKOESI: A score of 7 indicates mild interference factors, which include: 1. Tea consumption 2. Recently entering an indoor environment (affected by exhaust fumes from traffic or factories) 3. Engaging in vigorous exercise 4. Exposure to secondhand smoke. There is no need ...[Read More] 18-Year-Old Non-Smoker with High CO Levels: Should He Be Concerned?