Long-Term Effects of Childhood Secondhand Smoke Exposure: What to Know
Does inhaling excessive secondhand smoke during childhood cause any long-term effects or impacts? During my childhood, the "arcade" was quite popular. Being naive, I often found myself at the arcade, which was crowded like a small market, filled with people and shrouded...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen: Secondhand smoke certainly has adverse effects on health, but just like smoking, it is best to quit as early as possible. Since you currently have no such issues, we generally calculate a period of 15 years. This means that if you have been free from the harms of s...[Read More] Long-Term Effects of Childhood Secondhand Smoke Exposure: What to Know
Understanding Nodular Densities in Chest X-Ray Reports: What You Need to Know
X-ray report consultation? The X-ray report (Chest A-P View @ Supine) mentions "Nodular densities at LLL and LUL," which indicates the presence of nodular opacities in the left lower lobe (LLL) and left upper lobe (LUL) of the lungs. This suggests that there are nodules...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: The physician may be concerned about an old lesion and still recommends a CT scan.[Read More] Understanding Nodular Densities in Chest X-Ray Reports: What You Need to Know
Understanding Persistent Cough and Blood in Sputum: Is It Lung Cancer?
I'm not sure what's wrong? In 2016, a family member was diagnosed with squamous lung cancer, despite having no history of smoking. They experienced six months of treatment, but unfortunately, it could not reverse the advanced malignant tumor that had metastasized. That ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Inquirer: If the chest X-ray is normal and you continue to have blood-tinged sputum, it is advisable to consult a pulmonologist for a bronchoscopy. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough and Blood in Sputum: Is It Lung Cancer?
Understanding Abnormal Shadow on Right 8th Rib: What to Know
Abnormal shadow in the right 8th rib? A 49-year-old male patient, who is generally healthy and rarely experiences colds, recently received an abnormal health check report from a small hospital commissioned by his school. The report indicated a blood pressure of 144/98 mmHg and a ...
Dr. Lu Mingzhi Reply:
Hello: The chest X-ray shows abnormal shadows in the ribs, which may indicate rib ossification or overlapping abnormalities in the lungs. It is recommended to follow up with the Department of Thoracic Medicine at our hospital, and a computed tomography (CT) scan may also be consi...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Shadow on Right 8th Rib: What to Know
Understanding Exercise-Related Discomfort: Is It Serious?
Sudden discomfort during exercise? Hello Doctor, a few days ago while doing aerobic boxing, I felt a significant difficulty in breathing halfway through. My chest felt tight, I felt nauseous, a bit weak, and generally unwell, so I took a break. I noticed that squatting made me fe...
Dr. Lu Mingzhi Reply:
Hello: Difficulty breathing and chest tightness during intense exercise are primarily caused by increased workload on the heart and lungs. Generally, these symptoms should improve after resting; however, if you experience cold sweats or even fainting, it is important to consider ...[Read More] Understanding Exercise-Related Discomfort: Is It Serious?
Understanding Your Chest X-Ray: What Does Mild Fibrosis Mean?
Lung issues The chest X-ray report indicates "no active tuberculosis lesions in the lungs, mild apical fibrosis," but the reference values state there are no significant abnormalities. I would like to inquire what this means and whether there is any issue with the lungs...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Fibrosis indicates that there are small scars left in the lung tissue after previous inflammation, representing non-active changes. It's similar to small scars from childhood injuries that no longer require ointment. Mild fibrosis means the affected area is very small...[Read More] Understanding Your Chest X-Ray: What Does Mild Fibrosis Mean?
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Help for Possible Tumors
Chest pain and stabbing discomfort? In the past few days, I initially experienced pain in the right side of my chest, but now I feel pain on both sides. I had an X-ray done, and the doctor said it shouldn't be a lung issue. However, when I press on the right side, I can feel...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Lung tumors are typically not palpable and should be visible on X-rays if they are larger than one centimeter. I believe it may be soft tissue (fat or muscle) in the chest wall. The chest wall can often be painful with pressure, so I recommend avoiding further pressure. Ge...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Help for Possible Tumors
Understanding Dirty Lungs: What Chest X-Ray Results Mean for You
Lung issues The chest X-ray showed that the lungs appear "dirty." What does this mean?
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: The presence of more prominent markings may indicate bronchitis or other conditions, but it could also simply be more visible blood vessels, which is actually normal. Please consult your attending physician for further clarification.[Read More] Understanding Dirty Lungs: What Chest X-Ray Results Mean for You
Concerns About Lint Contamination in Office Drinking and Eating Areas
Internal medicine issues? 1. The fibers that detach from the wet wipes or cloth could potentially float into the cups or food of your colleagues, especially given the proximity of your seating arrangements. However, the likelihood of this happening depends on various factors such...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, the fluff that falls out may end up in their cups or food. For the gastrointestinal tract, unless the material itself has carcinogenic potential, the gastrointestinal tract is not a sterile area. For the respiratory tract, the particles usually settle in the oropharyngeal ...[Read More] Concerns About Lint Contamination in Office Drinking and Eating Areas
Should I Get an LDCT Scan for Chest Pain and Discomfort?
Is a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan necessary? Hello Doctor: I am 34 years old and have no family history of lung cancer. This year, I have experienced intermittent chest tightness, chest pain, tenderness on the sides of the sternum, occasional mild coughing, and a pers...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Sonic: Do you have a history of smoking? Based on your description, a Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) scan does not seem to be the first recommended option. It would be advisable to first conduct pulmonary function tests and autonomic nervous system evaluations, as the s...[Read More] Should I Get an LDCT Scan for Chest Pain and Discomfort?
Understanding Chronic Cough: Insights on Post-Smoking Symptoms
Chronic cough My father is about 48 years old and has a smoking history of 30 years. He quit smoking over three years ago. For the past four to five years, he has occasionally coughed, with a maximum of about ten coughs in a day. According to my mother, his coughing symptoms have...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It may be related to the lungs, and an X-ray is needed to rule out significant lung diseases. If necessary, a pulmonary function test can also be arranged to check for obstructive lung diseases. It is recommended to see a pulmonologist![Read More] Understanding Chronic Cough: Insights on Post-Smoking Symptoms
Understanding Chest Discomfort and Palpitations: When to Seek Help
Chest tightness, noticeable palpitations, and slight shortness of breath? Hello Doctor, I have been feeling a sense of chest tightness this past week, with a little shortness of breath, but not too severe. However, I can clearly feel my heartbeat. I went to the hospital the day b...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The chest X-ray has ruled out lung issues, and heart problems have also been initially excluded. In addition to adjusting your lifestyle (avoiding excessive fatigue, ensuring adequate sleep, and reducing the intake of cold beverages), you may also consider consulting a tra...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort and Palpitations: When to Seek Help
Understanding Bronchiectasis: When to Seek Treatment and Medication Use
Bronchiectasis Hello, doctor! I've been experiencing a lot of phlegm, coughing up blood, and a cough. I returned to the doctor, who prescribed antibiotics and steroids. Isn't it enough to just take antibiotics? Why were steroids also prescribed? It's difficult to d...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The physician prescribes medication for a reason. It is recommended that you take the medication as prescribed, in the correct dosage and at the scheduled times. After completing the course, report any reactions to your physician to determine if any adjustments to the medi...[Read More] Understanding Bronchiectasis: When to Seek Treatment and Medication Use
Is Inhaling Alcohol Safe? Understanding Risks and Health Concerns
Regarding alcohol inhalation? Hello Doctor, due to the current pandemic, my father is very anxious and has been looking for ways to cope. He mentioned that he sprayed 75% alcohol onto a cotton ball and inhaled it three times (according to his own account). Is this safe? Could it ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Currently, there is no practice of using alcohol to prevent COVID-19 infection. It is recommended to wear a mask when entering hazardous places![Read More] Is Inhaling Alcohol Safe? Understanding Risks and Health Concerns
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and Concerns of Breathing Difficulties
Dyspnea Hello, doctor! I am 180 cm tall and weigh 75 kg, with a smoking history of 1-2 cigarettes per day. A few days ago, I suddenly felt like I had phlegm stuck in my lungs while sleeping at night. It felt very uncomfortable, and I couldn't cough it out. When I woke up, th...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If you have thick mucus that is difficult to cough up, you can use some expectorants. Avoid cold drinks and sweets, and drinking hot water may be helpful![Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and Concerns of Breathing Difficulties
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Chest pain? Hello doctor, yesterday while I was using the restroom, I suddenly experienced chest pain that lasted for a moment and then subsided. After a while, the pain only occurs during certain movements, such as deep breathing, exhaling completely, sneezing, or sometimes when...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: Should I seek medical examination for my lungs and heart to check for any issues, or is it just nerve pain?[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Choking Incident: Understanding Persistent Cough and Chest Discomfort
Choking sensation with an itchy chest? Hello Doctor, on the evening of July 10th, I choked a little on some vegetable leaves during dinner, which caused me to cough violently for a few seconds, but I returned to normal shortly after. However, for the next few days, I felt persist...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If there is a foreign object in the trachea, coughing should be quite severe. Currently, it appears to resemble allergy symptoms. You can consult a pulmonologist to check for asthma attacks, or you may also consider seeing a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to adj...[Read More] Choking Incident: Understanding Persistent Cough and Chest Discomfort
Postpartum Back Pain: Seeking Solutions After Multiple Doctor Visits
Postpartum back pain Hello Doctor, this is a question I previously raised. I developed back pain two weeks after completing my postpartum confinement, which is six weeks after giving birth. The pain is located in the middle of my back, neither too high nor too low. I did not fall...
Dr. Tao Ruiming Reply:
Hello: Various examinations indicate that there is approximately no progressive disease, and the pain should gradually diminish. Regular follow-up with chest X-rays can be performed.[Read More] Postpartum Back Pain: Seeking Solutions After Multiple Doctor Visits
Understanding Lung Abnormalities: Is It Really Tuberculosis?
Abnormalities in the lungs? Hello Doctor: Last month, I had a physical examination, and the chest X-ray showed an abnormality with a small dark shadow in the lungs. The doctor suspected it might be tuberculosis, so I underwent a CT scan and sputum tests. However, all three sputum...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Based on the findings, the chest X-ray and chest CT scan show imaging characteristics consistent with tuberculosis. A negative sputum smear indicates that there is currently no evidence of infectiousness, but it does not completely rule out the possibility of tuberculosis....[Read More] Understanding Lung Abnormalities: Is It Really Tuberculosis?
Understanding Hemoptysis: Causes, Risks, and Smoking's Impact
Hemoptysis of unknown origin? Hello Doctor, my father is 53 years old and has been smoking for 40 years, currently smoking an average of 20 cigarettes a day. Three months ago, he coughed up blood-tinged sputum. He had an X-ray done at the hospital, but the doctor did not provide ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Large tumors and typical cavitary lung infiltrates are more easily diagnosed by X-ray, while small nodules may simply indicate bronchitis or early-stage pulmonary nodules. It is generally safer to follow up after three months to check for any changes, and follow-up examina...[Read More] Understanding Hemoptysis: Causes, Risks, and Smoking's Impact