Understanding Lung Nodules: What Do Black Spots on X-rays Mean?
Pulmonary nodules? Hello doctor, I recently had an X-ray that showed black spots in my lungs. I have gone to another clinic for further examination, but the report has not come out yet. However, my overall health has been normal. I am unsure what this could be.
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR ANITA: The description provided by the X-ray may not accurately answer your question; the response regarding the dark spots is too vague. It may still be necessary to review the images to provide a correct response. We apologize for any inconvenience, and Changhua Hospital c...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: What Do Black Spots on X-rays Mean?
Understanding Yellow Phlegm: Causes and Treatment for Bronchitis
Yellow purulent sputum Hello, doctor. This is my first visit: On August 21, I felt a slight itch in my throat and had a bit of a runny nose. I didn't want to infect my children at home, so I went to see a doctor. The doctor said I had pharyngitis. Second visit: On August 24,...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: You may have post-nasal drip and bronchitis, possibly accompanied by bronchopneumonia. An X-ray is needed for a clearer assessment, and it is recommended to perform pulmonary function tests to understand the condition of the bronchi.[Read More] Understanding Yellow Phlegm: Causes and Treatment for Bronchitis
Understanding Persistent Chest Congestion: Causes and Treatments
There is a lot of wheezing in the chest? Hello Doctor, this is my first visit: On August 21, I felt a slight itch in my throat, had a bit of a runny nose, and my voice changed. The doctor said it was pharyngitis. Second visit: August 24, I had thick yellow nasal discharge and a l...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Based on your clear description, it seems that you have mild bronchitis in the lower lung lobes (possibly with some pneumonia). The change of sputum from yellow to white after taking medication is a positive sign. Currently, since there is still a lot of sputum, it is poss...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Chest Congestion: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Pleural Effusion from Pneumonia: Pain Management and Recovery
Pneumonia with pleural effusion? Hello, Doctor. I was hospitalized from June 3 to June 10 this year due to pleural effusion caused by pneumonia. During my hospitalization, I received antibiotics and took the pain medication Ultracet. Since my discharge, I have continued to experi...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Long-term use of painkillers requires monitoring for side effects such as liver and kidney function. Generally, the resolution of pneumonia on imaging may take several days to weeks, so please discuss your current condition with your physician.[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion from Pneumonia: Pain Management and Recovery
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Solutions
Dyspnea Hello doctor, I would like to ask you... For the past two or three days, I have been feeling like I need to control my breathing. If I don't control it, it feels like I'm about to stop breathing. I had an X-ray done, and the doctor said there are no issues with ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Breathing is an involuntary action, just like when you fall asleep at night and do not consciously control it; it will continue to ventilate according to physiological needs. You do not need to worry about it stopping on its own. Your chest X-ray is normal, which generally...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Solutions
Potential Lung and Bronchial Risks from Inhalation of Cleaning Agents
Regarding inhalation cleaning agents? Hello, doctor. Today, while cleaning the bathroom, I was too close to the cleaning agent and inhaled it, which made me feel very uncomfortable and I started coughing. I only inhaled it briefly and left the area immediately, but I still feel a...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Being overwhelmed by the smell of cleaning agents is typically a temporary and minor issue, unless an asthmatic patient experiences an acute asthma attack leading to difficulty breathing and wheezing. Most people will not feel any effects after a few days! Since you have a...[Read More] Potential Lung and Bronchial Risks from Inhalation of Cleaning Agents
Understanding Chest Tightness: When to Seek Pulmonary Care
Need to take a deep breath? Hello Doctor: I often need to take deep breaths to alleviate the feeling of chest tightness! However, occasionally when I take a deep breath, I feel as if something is blocking my blood vessels, which makes me hesitant to breathe deeply, worsening the ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Zhenzhen: Given your age, if there are no abnormalities in your work or exercise, your lung ventilation function should be fine. Common phenomena include a busy lifestyle, high stress, excessive consumption of cold drinks or fruits and vegetables, or prolonged exposure to ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness: When to Seek Pulmonary Care
Understanding Calcified Nodules in the Lungs: What You Need to Know
Calcified nodules Today, I went to pick up my health examination report and found that the X-ray section noted: multiple calcified nodules in the upper and middle parts of the right lung, and it is recommended to consult a pulmonologist for further examination. I would like to as...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Generally, calcified pulmonary lesions are often old pulmonary lesions (i.e., scars left after previous inflammation). However, it is still necessary to compare them with previous imaging. You can go to the original hospital or obtain copies of the old images and bring the...[Read More] Understanding Calcified Nodules in the Lungs: What You Need to Know
Chest Tightness and Phlegm Without Coughing: When to Seek Medical Help
Feeling phlegm without coughing, sometimes accompanied by chest tightness? Hello, Doctor: I would like to inquire about a sensation of chest tightness that I have been experiencing frequently over the past few days, and I even feel a bit short of breath. Sometimes I feel like the...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Dominique: Hello, based on your description, it may be asthma, just a matter of severity. You can come to our hospital for further evaluation. Wishing you good health, Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Chest Tightness and Phlegm Without Coughing: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Right Lower Chest Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Discomfort in the central area of the right lower chest? Hello, Doctor. I have the following symptoms and would appreciate your insights. For the past week, I have been feeling a persistent tightness in the lower right center of my chest. I have previously experienced chest pain ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello AIW: Here are a few suggestions for your consideration: 1. First, take a chest X-ray to ensure there are no lesions in the lungs. 2. Treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (usually requires an endoscopy report before long-term use of proton pump inhibitors for 3-6 ...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Chest Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Severe Trauma Recovery: Managing Anxiety and Lung Health Post-Accident
The man's car accident was very serious? Hello doctor, my husband was in a car accident and is currently in the intensive care unit undergoing intubation treatment. He has lung contusions, fractured ribs, a skull fracture of 3-4 cm, a broken clavicle, and a fractured femur. ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Jin: If my close relative were in such a situation, I would also be very worried and anxious. Your husband has a history of panic disorder, and now he is uncomfortable due to intubation and unable to speak (unable to express his opinions). Additionally, his condition remain...[Read More] Understanding Severe Trauma Recovery: Managing Anxiety and Lung Health Post-Accident
Healthy Habits and Exercises for Lung Health After Smoking
Lung health issues Hello Dr. Yang: I have been smoking for 20 years. Previously, I sought medical help for bronchitis, and the doctor advised me to quit smoking, which I did. I previously asked you about the question "Are apples the janitors of the lungs?" and you menti...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Tom, 1. The impact of previous smoking on bronchial inflammation should no longer affect bronchitis after 20 years of quitting smoking. 2. Deep red fruit skins may be beneficial, but it is important to be aware of potential pesticide or preservative residues. 3. Healthy...[Read More] Healthy Habits and Exercises for Lung Health After Smoking
Impact of Inhaling Bus Emissions on Lung Health: A Doctor's Insight
Inhaling exhaust fumes from buses? Hello Dr. Yang: As a motorcycle rider, I often inhale exhaust fumes from vehicles. Sometimes I wear a mask for protection, but other times I forget and end up inhaling the exhaust directly. Today, I forgot to wear a mask and was riding behind a ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Ah-Hsiang: It is difficult for motorcycle riders to avoid inhaling the air in the atmosphere, which includes exhaust emissions from vehicles. Typically, long-term and substantial exposure is required to have an impact on the respiratory epithelium or alveoli (occupational ...[Read More] Impact of Inhaling Bus Emissions on Lung Health: A Doctor's Insight
Coughing and Rib Pain: Understanding Your Symptoms and Causes
Cough-related rib pain? I have been coughing for almost a week due to the flu, and every time I cough, it feels like my ribs are about to break from the pain. When I raise both arms, I feel a tightness in my ribs and a painful sensation. Occasionally, I also experience a sharp pa...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Yuzu: Some individuals may experience rib fractures after severe coughing, but most people only suffer from muscle strains. If your pain has not improved, it is advisable to see a pulmonologist and get an X-ray to check for any abnormalities in the lungs or ribs. Best wish...[Read More] Coughing and Rib Pain: Understanding Your Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Lung Nodules: Size, Risks, and Next Steps for Evaluation
Size of lung nodules..? My father has previously been seeing a hepatologist at the hospital and has undergone blood tests, all of which showed no abnormalities until recently when my mother noticed that he frequently caught colds. This prompted us to get an X-ray or CT scan, whic...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ms. Wu: Lung nodules (small nodules) larger than 1 centimeter are more likely to be noticed on a standard chest X-ray. Nodules smaller than 1 centimeter require a high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scan (which your father has already undergone) to be more easily detec...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Size, Risks, and Next Steps for Evaluation
Understanding Coughing and Itchy Airways: Smoking and Allergies Explained
Itchy throat and cough? Hello Doctor: I have a smoking habit, approximately one pack every three days. Recently, I occasionally feel an itch in my airways that makes me want to cough, but it’s infrequent (about 3-4 times a day) and there is not much phlegm. About six months ago, ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ke: If the recent X-ray shows no abnormalities, there should not be significant issues with the lungs at this time. It may be more related to chronic pharyngitis or bronchitis. Both conditions are closely associated with smoking, so I advise you to quit smoking as soo...[Read More] Understanding Coughing and Itchy Airways: Smoking and Allergies Explained
How Long Does It Take to Diagnose Tuberculosis in the Hospital?
How long does a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis need to be hospitalized for diagnosis? Hello Doctor: My father has been experiencing intermittent fever and coughing for two weeks. Initially, he just went to the clinic to get cold medicine, but later he developed a fever in th...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, based on your description, diagnoses such as lung tumors, pneumonia, and tuberculosis cannot be immediately ruled out. The physician is currently conducting differential diagnoses, and since there is a clinical possibility of tuberculosis, hospitalization in an isolation r...[Read More] How Long Does It Take to Diagnose Tuberculosis in the Hospital?
Understanding Cough, Chest Tightness, and Anxiety: A Guide for Patients
Itchy throat, cough, and chest tightness? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. I have been experiencing intermittent dry cough at night for the past couple of days. When I take deep breaths or exhale forcefully, I feel a tightness in my chest and ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, regarding your questions, here is a brief summary: 1. A scratchy throat and cough, especially when others do not have similar symptoms, is not considered normal. It is advisable to have a medical professional evaluate for any significant organ abnormalities. 2. A persisten...[Read More] Understanding Cough, Chest Tightness, and Anxiety: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Intermittent Chest Vibrations: Possible Causes and Insights
Respiratory lung vibrations Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been feeling a vibration in a spot just below my right armpit when I breathe. When I place my hand there, I can definitely feel the vibration as well. However, it is intermittent; sometimes it occurs, and sometimes it doe...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ah Bin: The lungs are an organ of respiration that typically does not have sensory feedback, and there is usually no vibratory response during normal breathing. Your description seems to indicate muscle twitching, which could be related to localized nerve conduction issues o...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Chest Vibrations: Possible Causes and Insights
Understanding Chest Pain and Dry Cough After Pneumonia Recovery
Chest pain and dry heaving? Hello doctor, I had a persistent high fever last August and later found out that I had pneumonia. After being hospitalized, I often experience chest pain and dry heaving. X-rays and blood tests showed no issues. What could be the possible causes? How c...
Dr. Huang Ruiming Reply:
Hello: The causes of chest pain may involve issues related to the cardiovascular system, lungs, ribs, or neuromuscular problems. If chest X-rays and blood tests show no abnormalities, it is advisable to return for a follow-up with a pulmonologist for further evaluation. Thank you...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Dry Cough After Pneumonia Recovery