Understanding Shortness of Breath: When to See a Pulmonologist or Cardiologist
Take a deep breath? Sometimes I feel like I can't get enough air, and I want to take a deep breath or hold my breath for a moment to expand my lungs, which makes me feel more comfortable. I exercise 1 to 2 times a week, and my heart rate is about 90 to 160 beats per minute d...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear A-san: Taking a deep breath shows no particular abnormalities, but my heart rate is about 50 beats per minute while sleeping. It may be necessary to consult a cardiologist at Changhua Hospital for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: When to See a Pulmonologist or Cardiologist
Signs of Pulmonary Foreign Bodies: When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
What are the signs of pulmonary foreign body? Hello, Vice Dean Wang. A few days ago, I drank pearl green tea, and due to my chronic pharyngitis, I suddenly experienced belching, which made my throat uncomfortable. I started coughing, and since I had just consumed something, I was...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, if food enters the trachea and the size of the aspirated food is not too large, there is a chance that the body can absorb it. However, it may also lead to pneumonia. It is advisable to continue monitoring the situation, and if you experience persistent...[Read More] Signs of Pulmonary Foreign Bodies: When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Interpreting Chest X-Ray Findings: Insights on Bronchiolitis and More
Inquiry about X-ray report? The chest X-ray (CXR) in the posteroanterior (PA) view reveals the following findings: Normal heart size. There is bilateral parahilar infiltration with increased thickness of the bronchiolar walls, which raises suspicion for bronchiolitis, bronchitis,...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Based on the report, there appears to be no pneumonia or pulmonary nodules; it may simply be due to shallower inhalation, resulting in relatively thicker vascular or bronchial markings. If there are no significant respiratory symptoms, monitoring is sufficient. If symptoms...[Read More] Interpreting Chest X-Ray Findings: Insights on Bronchiolitis and More
Understanding COVID-19 Breakthrough Infections and Long-Term Effects
COVID-19, virus-related issues? Hello, doctor. Although I have received three doses of the vaccine, I recently experienced a breakthrough infection and I'm unsure who transmitted it to me. Today is my last day of quarantine, but I am still coughing severely, with blood-strea...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: 1. To determine if there are irreversible changes in the lungs, please consult a pulmonologist. You may start with a standard chest X-ray and pulmonary function tests, after which the pulmonologist will decide if further examinations are necessary. 2. Currently, there are ...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 Breakthrough Infections and Long-Term Effects
Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: What They Mean for Your Health
Inquiry about the report content? The chest X-ray (CXR) in the posteroanterior (PA) view shows: Normal heart size. Bilateral parahilar infiltration with increased thickness of the bronchiolar walls, suggesting bronchiolitis, bronchitis, or pulmonary congestion. No definite destru...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Please visit the original hospital's pulmonary department for evaluation and treatment by a physician.[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: What They Mean for Your Health
Understanding Your Chest X-Ray Results After COVID-19 Diagnosis
I am a confirmed case; I would like to inquire about the chest X-ray report? Hello, Director. I was diagnosed on May 15th, and due to a persistent high fever, I went to the emergency room two days ago. During the visit, I had an X-ray taken while lying down, and I wasn't ins...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If there is no persistent high fever or cough accompanied by yellow or green sputum, it is unlikely to be pneumonia. An X-ray showing insufficient inhalation may present images consistent with the aforementioned description![Read More] Understanding Your Chest X-Ray Results After COVID-19 Diagnosis
Understanding Mild Interstitial Lung Markings: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Increased pulmonary markings? Hello, Director! The recent chest X-ray report is as follows: 1. Mild increase of interstitial lung markings in both lower lungs is noted. Suggest correlating clinically and following up. 2. Normal heart size is noted. 3. Degenerative disk disease of...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The X-ray report only mentions a mild increase in the pulmonary markings in both lungs (which may be due to individual variations in vascular or bronchial markings). Since there are no symptoms, you can wait to return for a follow-up. A repeat X-ray can be done in six mont...[Read More] Understanding Mild Interstitial Lung Markings: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Iatrogenic Pneumothorax from Acupuncture: Risks and Recovery
Iatrogenic pneumothorax caused by acupuncture? 1. Regarding iatrogenic pneumothorax caused by acupuncture, is there a high possibility of recurrence after recovery? 2. After being hospitalized and receiving oxygen therapy for two days, I was discharged, but I still have symptoms...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. The chance of recurrence is very low, unless you already have small bubbles in your lungs (which is more common in tall and thin individuals, and can be more easily seen on a CT scan), in which case there is a possibility of recurrence. 2. The chest pain symptoms should...[Read More] Understanding Iatrogenic Pneumothorax from Acupuncture: Risks and Recovery
Do Cardiologists Thoroughly Review Chest X-Rays for Lung Health?
Some issues related to X-ray reports? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask whether doctors from any specialty examine all aspects of an X-ray. Recently, I had a chest X-ray due to some heart-related issues, and the doctor informed me that the results were normal. Does this mean tha...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Most chest X-rays are interpreted and reported by a radiologist, and your treating physician will explain the findings to you based on the report. Generally, if the chest X-ray report is normal, there is no need to visit a pulmonology clinic unless you have symptoms relate...[Read More] Do Cardiologists Thoroughly Review Chest X-Rays for Lung Health?
Feeling Choked After Drinking: Concerns About Lung Health
Choking on a drink? Hello, doctor. I just drank some juice that contained a transparent, gelatinous substance, and I accidentally inhaled it, feeling like there is a foreign object in my lungs. Afterward, I drank water but still don't feel like the foreign object was cleared...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it is indeed possible that the discomfort is caused by choking; however, this does not necessarily mean that a foreign object has entered the trachea. Generally speaking, even if food enters the trachea, as long as the volume of the aspirated foo...[Read More] Feeling Choked After Drinking: Concerns About Lung Health
Understanding Multiple Small Nodules on Chest CT: What to Do Next?
Multiple small white spots on chest CT? Hello Doctor, I had a chest X-ray in February last year, and the doctor noted some suspicious small white spots. I then consulted a thoracic surgeon, who arranged for a CT scan in August. The CT results showed several small white spots in m...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: A follow-up chest CT scan is required, as chest X-rays typically cannot detect these small nodules. Thank you. Best regards.[Read More] Understanding Multiple Small Nodules on Chest CT: What to Do Next?
Understanding a 0.35 cm Lung Nodule: Diagnosis and Follow-Up Care
0.35 cm pulmonary nodule Hello, the physician noted that the chest X-ray showed an abnormality, leading to further examination at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, where another X-ray was taken. The doctor explained that there is a 0.35 cm nodule in the lung, which was asses...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, due to the numerous blood vessels and airway structures in the lungs, it is difficult for a chest X-ray to clearly distinguish nodules smaller than 0.5 centimeters. This may be a misunderstanding in communication. If you still have questions, it is reco...[Read More] Understanding a 0.35 cm Lung Nodule: Diagnosis and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Asthma: Do I Need Bronchodilators for Persistent Cough?
I am unsure whether I have asthma and uncertain if I should continue using the bronchodilator? Hello Doctor, I have had allergic rhinitis since childhood, and I have been coughing for three years. During this time, I have seen several pulmonologists due to reasons such as attendi...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: When asthma is not exacerbated, lung function can be normal. Typically, regular daily use of inhaled long-acting bronchodilators combined with corticosteroids should improve symptoms. In cases of allergic bronchitis, the use of bronchodilators should also lead to improveme...[Read More] Understanding Asthma: Do I Need Bronchodilators for Persistent Cough?
Understanding Aortic Curvature and Lung Expansion Issues in Chest Health
Curvature of the aorta and mild linear expansion insufficiency of both lower lungs? Hello! Based on my recent health check results, the chest X-ray shows a curvature of the thoracic aorta and mild linear expansion insufficiency in both lower lungs. I have also noticed that I ofte...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Chuang: The curvature of the thoracic aorta is a normal phenomenon that changes with age. Bilateral lower lung expansion deficiency can affect sputum production and lead to increased phlegm (bronchiectasis), but it has less correlation with wheezing unless the expansio...[Read More] Understanding Aortic Curvature and Lung Expansion Issues in Chest Health
Blood in Saliva Upon Waking: Possible Causes and Concerns
Blood in saliva while sleeping? Waking up with blood in your saliva after sleeping for almost three months could be indicative of several potential issues. It may be related to gastrointestinal problems, respiratory issues involving the chest or lungs, or other underlying conditi...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ming. Blood in saliva is most commonly due to bleeding within the oral cavity, followed by bleeding from the nasopharynx, esophagus, or trachea. Therefore, it is recommended that you seek medical evaluation. The Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Changhua Hospital, M...[Read More] Blood in Saliva Upon Waking: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Weaning from Ventilation: A Guide for Families
Spontaneous breathing Hello, my father was sent to Chung Shan Hospital for emergency treatment after collapsing at home. After a period of treatment in the intensive care unit, his heart rate and blood pressure stabilized, but he remains in a coma with weak spontaneous breathing ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The condition of your father and the ability to remove the tube (typically, for patients who are unconscious and unable to effectively cough up secretions, it is not recommended to remove the tube, as they are more likely to experience hypoxia due to ineffective clearance ...[Read More] Understanding Weaning from Ventilation: A Guide for Families
Persistent Hiccups Leading to Breathing Difficulties: What You Should Know
Persistent hiccups leading to difficulty breathing? Hello Doctor, Since I was young, I have occasionally experienced difficulty breathing. I have read many articles suggesting that it could be due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or bronchitis, but I do not have persis...
Dr. Wang Zhengde Reply:
Hello Xiaoya: Given your age, the long-term symptoms of bronchial itching and coughing may actually be manifestations of asthma. Additionally, the symptom of burping is somewhat difficult to assess in terms of its exact nature (burp or hiccup?), and it could potentially be a sign...[Read More] Persistent Hiccups Leading to Breathing Difficulties: What You Should Know
Persistent Cold Symptoms: When to Seek Chest Specialist Care?
The symptoms of the cold improved with medication, but they persisted after the medication was finished? Hello, Doctor. I have been experiencing cold symptoms for a long time. In mid-August 2021, I had nasal congestion (more severe on the left side), post-nasal drip, and the mucu...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. Your symptoms resemble allergic rhinitis combined with post-nasal drip, which may be related to your constitution. You may need to use long-term antihistamines or combine them with a corticosteroid nasal spray. If you stop the medication, the symptoms are likely to recu...[Read More] Persistent Cold Symptoms: When to Seek Chest Specialist Care?
Is Choking on Food Causing My Father's Fever and Pneumonia?
Could this be pneumonia caused by aspiration of food? Thank you? Hello, recently my dad choked while eating. I immediately helped him by patting his back, and he coughed as well. He mentioned that the feeling of having something stuck is lessened. However, that afternoon after he...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: The bronchi in the human body instinctively produce a cough response to external stimuli in order to expel foreign objects. Based on your description, your father accidentally choked, and although patting his back has improved the situation, the subsequent symptoms of chil...[Read More] Is Choking on Food Causing My Father's Fever and Pneumonia?
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Sharp pain on the left side of the chest? Two months ago, I experienced a sharp pain on the left side of my chest once. Today, while sitting in a chair, it happened again when I stood up. It felt like an invisible needle was piercing the area where the heart and lungs overlap on ...
Dr. Zhang Youzheng Reply:
Hello: The common causes of chest pain can be categorized into three types: (1) caused by cardiac diseases, (2) caused by thoracic diseases, and (3) caused by neuropathic pain. It is recommended that you undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG) and related cardiac examinations, as well...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help