Understanding High Cancer Markers: Is It Lung Cancer or Something Else?
Elevated cancer markers? Hello Doctor: My mother experienced massive hemoptysis ten years ago and was hospitalized, where she was diagnosed with bronchiectasis. She underwent surgery to remove part of her lung and was found to have pulmonary tuberculosis, which she completed trea...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: Monitor the CT scan to see if there is any enlargement, and then perform a biopsy.[Read More] Understanding High Cancer Markers: Is It Lung Cancer or Something Else?
Understanding Subpleural Lung Infiltrates: Causes and Follow-Up Care
Pulmonary infiltration Hello Doctor, I underwent a full-body MRI check-up last August due to discomfort, and there were some areas that needed follow-up. One finding was a 1.3 cm subpleural pulmonary infiltration in the right lower lobe, which was suggested to possibly be due to ...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
A 1.3 cm subpleural pulmonary infiltrate is likely just a remnant from a past inflammation and should not be directly related to the current symptoms. It is recommended to first follow up with a pulmonology clinic to assess whether further evaluation (such as a CT scan) is necess...[Read More] Understanding Subpleural Lung Infiltrates: Causes and Follow-Up Care
Potential Side Effects of COPD Medications in Non-COPD Patients
Taking medications related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) without having the condition? Hello Doctor: My elder family member has been suffering from a chronic cough for about twenty years. They previously had tuberculosis but were cured with medication. After con...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: The subsequent physician believes it is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which involves clinical diagnosis. Please discuss this further with your doctor.[Read More] Potential Side Effects of COPD Medications in Non-COPD Patients
Chest Pain When Landing After Jumping: Causes and Solutions
Chest pain when landing on the ground? I noticed today that I experience pain in the center of my chest when I jump or run, and there is also a feeling of pressure when I breathe. Additionally, I feel pain when I sleep on my left side. Previously, I sometimes heard a sound from m...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: You can first visit the orthopedic department, or you may also consult the pulmonology department.[Read More] Chest Pain When Landing After Jumping: Causes and Solutions
Is It Pneumonia or Tuberculosis? Understanding Cough Symptoms
Could it be pneumonia or tuberculosis? Hello doctor, my mother is 40 years old and has been coughing up phlegm (white) for a while. She has visited a small clinic twice and hasn't shown any improvement. The doctor at the clinic mentioned that it could possibly be pneumonia. ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
If there is currently no fever, the likelihood of pneumonia is low. It is recommended to see a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray evaluation if the cough persists for more than two weeks.[Read More] Is It Pneumonia or Tuberculosis? Understanding Cough Symptoms
Understanding Cough-Variant Asthma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
About Asthma I have been experiencing discomfort in my nose and chest. After a physical examination, the doctor diagnosed me with a cold and chest discomfort caused by the cold. After taking medication for three days, I still felt unwell. During my follow-up visit, the doctor men...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Based on your description, it is possible that you have asthma. It is advisable to visit a pulmonologist for further confirmation. A peak flow meter should first be used to determine your personal best value (the best value when asthma is fully controlled). The emergency inhaler ...[Read More] Understanding Cough-Variant Asthma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Should You Worry About Lung Cancer Symptoms with Persistent Chest Pain?
Should long-term chest pain symptoms raise concerns about the early stages of lung cancer? Since June, I have been experiencing respiratory symptoms that feel like tightness in my airways, accompanied by pain in the left side of my chest. My shoulders feel forward, and I also exp...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your physician has actively arranged for the relevant examinations. Both asthma and mitral valve prolapse can potentially cause chest tightness. Currently, the chest pain seems more like neuropathic pain. Early-stage lung tumors rarely cause chest pain. It is recommended t...[Read More] Should You Worry About Lung Cancer Symptoms with Persistent Chest Pain?
Chronic Cough: Symptoms, Concerns, and Diagnosis During Pregnancy
Chronic cough Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing a persistent dry cough for 3-4 years, often feeling the need to clear my throat. Sometimes, I feel a bit of difficulty breathing. In recent months, I have occasionally felt pain on the left side of my chest, which feels more l...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist for discussion with the physician.[Read More] Chronic Cough: Symptoms, Concerns, and Diagnosis During Pregnancy
Post-Pneumothorax Surgery: Understanding Breathing Issues and Pain
Post-pneumothorax surgery Hello doctor, I am a high school sophomore. I had a right-sided pneumothorax in August. After being discharged from the hospital, about a week later, one day at school, after climbing stairs, I suddenly felt very short of breath, and I experienced a shar...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Sometimes when climbing stairs, you may experience a pulling sensation in the pleura due to forceful breathing (the pleura may adhere together after surgery), which can cause pain or a stabbing sensation. It is advisable to avoid exercising or to climb stairs slowly, and t...[Read More] Post-Pneumothorax Surgery: Understanding Breathing Issues and Pain
Can Asymptomatic Tuberculosis Be Transmitted to Others?
Transmission of Tuberculosis (TB) Recently, a chest X-ray revealed a white shadow in the left upper lobe, and the doctor suspects it may be tuberculosis. However, there are no symptoms such as cough, sputum production, or chest pain. Is this contagious to others?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: If tuberculosis is confirmed and the sputum test shows the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the patient is still infectious; however, if there is no significant cough, the infectiousness is lower.[Read More] Can Asymptomatic Tuberculosis Be Transmitted to Others?
Understanding Upper Right Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Right upper chest pain? I apologize for the inconvenience, but recently I've been experiencing significant pain in the upper right side of my chest, along with headaches. I've had similar episodes in the past, but the pain decreased over time. Now, it has started again,...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Please first go to the pulmonology department for a chest X-ray examination. After that, you will need to be referred to another department. The pulmonologist will provide recommendations based on clinical judgment. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Upper Right Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia and Secondary Drowning Risks in Children
Drowning and near-drowning incidents in swimming pools can lead to aspiration pneumonia and symptoms of secondary drowning? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you about aspiration pneumonia and secondary drowning. I am currently a student and work as a lifeguard at a swimming poo...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: In theory, aspiration of water, which is not sterile, can potentially lead to pneumonia, coughing, wheezing, and other symptoms. It is advisable to monitor the situation, and if fever or respiratory symptoms develop, seek medical attention.[Read More] Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia and Secondary Drowning Risks in Children
Is It Coughing? Understanding Throat Clearing and Health Risks
Is this considered a cough? Is the action of slowly sucking phlegm out of my throat considered coughing? A few months ago, I had an X-ray done, and there were no issues. Previously, I had been forcefully coughing up blood-tinged sputum, and once I had blood-tinged foam. Recently,...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: 1. I regret it and am afraid, so I will quit smoking. After quitting, my physical condition will improve. 2. Is there post-nasal drip? A chest X-ray (CXR) should be done to check for any issues. Coughing forcefully may cause bleeding; a CT scan should be performed if neces...[Read More] Is It Coughing? Understanding Throat Clearing and Health Risks
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns Explained
Left chest discomfort (2) I am 127095. Perhaps I didn't explain well last time. The X-ray in November was just because I was scared; at that time, there was nothing wrong. The mild pain is something I just noticed yesterday. Could it be that the problem has just arisen now? ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
It is recommended to see a pulmonologist and have another chest X-ray taken. Only the pulmonologist can explain the examination results to give you peace of mind.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns Explained
Understanding the Need for PET Scans in Unclear Chest Imaging Results
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) My mother is 54 years old and was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer four years ago. In recent years, her follow-up examinations have shown no abnormalities. However, during a check-up earlier this month, a shadow was detected on her chest X-r...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If you want to examine shadows in the breast or lungs, a CT scan is appropriate. Positron emission tomography (PET) can help determine whether the shadow is more likely to be a metastatic tumor rather than a benign inflammatory lesion. PET can also assess areas outside the...[Read More] Understanding the Need for PET Scans in Unclear Chest Imaging Results
Chronic Dry Cough: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns After Quitting Smoking
Persistent dry cough without phlegm? I have been experiencing a dry cough and itchy throat without phlegm for a year. Before quitting smoking, I would cough and feel chest tightness, but that is no longer the case. Initially, after quitting smoking, I had some black phlegm, but n...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Yi: Congratulations on quitting smoking! This is a great achievement. Your current condition seems more like post-nasal drip or an allergic reaction. If you are concerned about cancer, you can arrange for a low-dose CT scan at Changhua Hospital. They care about you.[Read More] Chronic Dry Cough: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns After Quitting Smoking
Persistent Cough for Five Months: Seeking Answers After 20 Doctor Visits
I have been coughing for five months and have seen over 20 doctors, yet it still hasn't improved? Hello Doctor: I have been coughing since early March and have seen a doctor for the first time. I have continued to see doctors for examinations, and I have seen more than 20 do...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: At the age of 24, the likelihood of developing lung adenocarcinoma is low. Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also be one of the causes of chronic cough. It is important to consider whether the cough is related to occupational exposure. Pulmonary functi...[Read More] Persistent Cough for Five Months: Seeking Answers After 20 Doctor Visits
Chronic Cough and Chest Pain: Understanding Your Symptoms and Concerns
Chronic cough and chest pain? Hello, Doctor. I've been experiencing a persistent cough for about four years. It tends to improve on its own after a while, but then it recurs. Sometimes, I feel the urge to clear my throat, but I can't seem to produce anything; it just fe...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Based on the information provided, it is necessary to consult a pulmonologist to discuss whether another chest X-ray is needed.[Read More] Chronic Cough and Chest Pain: Understanding Your Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Shortness of Breath: When to Seek Medical Help
Shortness of breath? I have not experienced any breathing difficulties before, but in the last day or two, I have been feeling a bit short of breath. It feels like my breath is being constricted, and I have to exert a lot of effort to inhale comfortably. Sometimes, it feels like ...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, if there are no other respiratory symptoms and the symptoms persist, it may be necessary to consider seeing a cardiologist or a pulmonologist. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: When to Seek Medical Help
Post-Tuberculosis Recovery: Can Sputum Tests Still Show Positive?
After recovering from pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello, I would like to ask if a sputum test can still show a positive result after recovering from tuberculosis. I am considering taking a national exam and am concerned that this might affect my eligibility. Thank you.
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: After completing treatment for tuberculosis, regular follow-up is necessary. If sputum tests are positive, it may indicate a relapse of tuberculosis or other non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections, and further identification is required. Regular examinations are still re...[Read More] Post-Tuberculosis Recovery: Can Sputum Tests Still Show Positive?