Persistent Coughing: When to Seek Medical Attention for Symptoms
Persistent cough Hello: I have been coughing for a long time. Whenever I talk for too long, I start coughing uncontrollably, and I also feel very weak and easily get sleepy. Am I coming down with a cold? If it is a cold, do I need to see a doctor?
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
I have been coughing for a long time, and it is essential to see a doctor. It is necessary to identify the cause of the cough, which can be very diverse and cannot be explained in detail. Please consult a pulmonologist for evaluation, as you may need a chest X-ray and other tests...[Read More] Persistent Coughing: When to Seek Medical Attention for Symptoms
Causes of Left Lung Swelling and Scoliosis in Pediatric Patients
Left lung swelling? The newborn examination reveals left lung swelling and thoracic scoliosis. What could be the cause of the lung swelling? Thank you.
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
I suspect that the swelling of the left lung may indicate emphysema or increased inflation, possibly caused by scoliosis, but there could be other reasons as well. Further confirmation is needed, and it would be advisable to consult a pulmonologist to determine if pulmonary funct...[Read More] Causes of Left Lung Swelling and Scoliosis in Pediatric Patients
Is It Normal to Experience Chest Tightness After Pneumothorax Surgery?
Post-Pneumothorax Surgery It is normal to occasionally experience chest tightness and the urge to burp after surgery. However, if these symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Occasionally, there may be some neuropathic pain and other sequelae after chest surgery. Please return to the original surgeon for further evaluation and treatment. Sincerely, Zhou Ziguan.[Read More] Is It Normal to Experience Chest Tightness After Pneumothorax Surgery?
Understanding Pulmonary Bubble Obstruction in Preterm Infants
Pulmonary emphysema Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my brother, who is a premature infant with incomplete lung development and has issues with pulmonary alveolar obstruction. He is allergic to the medication for alveolar obstruction, so he can only use an inhaler. Current...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, the classification of emphysema or obstructive lung disease is based on lung function and the frequency of recent acute exacerbations. However, with proper use of inhaled medications for management, it is usually possible to delay the deterioration of respiratory function,...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Bubble Obstruction in Preterm Infants
Can Bronchitis Cause Chest Cavity Itching? Understanding Your Symptoms
Can bronchitis cause itching in the chest? Dear Doctor: I previously had a cold with bronchitis, and an X-ray showed no pneumonia. However, I have a very sensitive itching sensation inside my right chest cavity (not on the surface), and pressing on it can trigger a cough. Sometim...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: In cases of severe tracheobronchitis or bronchitis, one may experience coughing and a sensation of itchiness behind the sternum, but coughing triggered by pressure on the chest or breast is relatively uncommon. If the chest X-ray shows no abnormalities, you may seek a seco...[Read More] Can Bronchitis Cause Chest Cavity Itching? Understanding Your Symptoms
Sudden Sharp Pain in Right Chest: Causes and When to Seek Help
Sudden sharp pain in the right chest without any apparent cause? Hello, I suddenly experienced sharp pain in my right chest after coughing. It hurts when I inhale, but it's bearable. I couldn't find any information online, and over-the-counter pain medication has provid...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Lion, if chest pain persists, please seek medical attention as soon as possible to confirm with imaging studies. For detailed information, please consult your treating physician. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Sudden Sharp Pain in Right Chest: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Chest Trauma: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Blow
A bruise is a pain that breathes? My boyfriend struck me forcefully with his bare hands in the area just below my chest, around the costal arch (slightly to the left of the center below the left breast). At that moment, I was unable to breathe for about one to two seconds, follow...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: 1. A heavy impact to the chest can potentially injure the chest muscles, ribs, lungs, diaphragm, spleen, cardiovascular system, stomach, and other structures, depending on the severity of the impact. 2. Rib fractures may not be visible on an X-ray within the first two days...[Read More] Understanding Chest Trauma: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Blow
Chest Pain and Arm Numbness: Understanding Your Symptoms
Chest pain accompanied by arm numbness? Hello doctor, my symptoms are as follows: I have been experiencing pain in the area of my chest near the clavicle, which feels like pressure from a heavy object or a squeezing sensation. This is accompanied by numbness in my arms, and on a ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Since the symptoms occur intermittently on both sides and do not resemble a localized lesion, they are more indicative of neuropathic pain. It is recommended to obtain a chest X-ray to confirm that there are no pulmonary parenchymal lesions or bone abnormalities. Please av...[Read More] Chest Pain and Arm Numbness: Understanding Your Symptoms
Persistent Cough and Back Pain: Is It Just a Cold?
Persistent cough accompanied by lower back pain? I have been experiencing a cold and cough for two weeks. Initially, I visited an otolaryngologist who diagnosed me with acute pharyngitis and prescribed medication. However, after finishing the medication, my condition did not impr...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Student Wu: Since you have been coughing continuously for almost three weeks, it is advisable to visit the hospital for an examination. There are many causes for lower back pain, and considering your age, please pay attention to your body posture. Changhua Hospital cares abo...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Back Pain: Is It Just a Cold?
Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Left chest tightness and pain? Hello doctor, I have been smoking intermittently. Two weeks ago, I experienced pain in my left chest (I was smoking more heavily at that time, and I felt the pain after smoking). I immediately stopped smoking, but recently I still have some tightnes...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: An evaluation by an internal medicine specialist (such as a pulmonologist or cardiologist) can be conducted first, followed by a discussion among physicians to determine if a referral to another specialty is necessary for further assessment.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Unexplained Coughing Up Blood and Chest Pain: Seeking Answers
Hemoptysis and chest pain of unknown origin? Hello Dr. Yang, I have a 15-year smoking history but have quit smoking. I currently have several symptoms that I would like to consult with you about. 1. Chest Pain: Since mid-September, I have experienced slight discomfort and pain ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: I believe the relevant examinations you have undergone are sufficient. The conclusion is that there is mild bronchiectasis or bronchitis, and the hemoptysis caused by either condition may be due to microvascular rupture, typically resulting from severe coughing or inadvert...[Read More] Unexplained Coughing Up Blood and Chest Pain: Seeking Answers
Alternative Treatments for Sleep Apnea Beyond CPAP Therapy
Treatment methods Hello, doctor. I heard that the management of sleep apnea in internal medicine primarily involves the use of positive airway pressure (PAP) devices. However, if the patient experiences poor efficacy and side effects from this treatment, are there any alternative...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, regarding the current treatment methods for this condition, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is indeed the most effective. Other methods, aside from weight loss, depend on whether there are treatable aspects by an otolaryngologist (surgery?). The rest are conside...[Read More] Alternative Treatments for Sleep Apnea Beyond CPAP Therapy
Understanding Persistent Chest Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Persistent chest discomfort? Hello Doctor, this issue has been bothering me for several months. I feel a sense of pressure or pain in my chest, which is very uncomfortable. Sometimes I also experience sharp pains in my left or right chest. These symptoms feel much more comfortabl...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, if you experience symptoms of shortness of breath, please consult a cardiologist or pulmonologist for examination. Most cases are likely related to soft tissue inflammation issues. For detailed information, please refer to your treating physician. Changhua Hospital, Dr. Ch...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Chest Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Chest Pain and Skin Sensitivity After Lung Surgery
Skin pain Hello, I asked a question yesterday but it seems it didn't go through, so I'm asking again. I have a tumor in my thoracic cavity and underwent an endoscopic resection of the left lung. I feel uncomfortable when lying on my side or flat; is this related to the ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: There is occasional mild pain near the surgical wound postoperatively. If there are any other concerns, please discuss them with the original surgeon.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Skin Sensitivity After Lung Surgery
Understanding Small Nodules in the Left Lung: Tumor Risks and Causes
Small patch in the left hilar region? Hello Dr. Chou, I recently had a chest X-ray, and the results showed a small patchy shadow or a few vascular markings in the left hilum, measuring approximately 1.3 cm. Is there a possibility that this could be a tumor, or could there be othe...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, the health check is a preliminary screening. It may indicate normal results, but there is also a possibility of a tumor. The condition is unclear and requires further evaluation by a thoracic specialist. Best wishes for your health, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang.[Read More] Understanding Small Nodules in the Left Lung: Tumor Risks and Causes
Understanding Lung Carbonization: Health Risks and Management Tips
The physical examination revealed pulmonary carbonization? Hello, the health check report for my father indicates "pulmonary carbonization." Is this a serious condition? How should it be managed? Are there any dietary recommendations for improvement? He is a chef and ha...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, as described, I checked the literature and apologize for the late response. The more common causes are still inhalation of dust and smoking, while less common causes include tuberculosis. There are very few case reports indicating a malignant probability. Of course, avoidi...[Read More] Understanding Lung Carbonization: Health Risks and Management Tips
Understanding Recurrent Fever: Possible Causes and Solutions
Persistent recurrent fever About three weeks ago, I experienced cold symptoms, including a sore and itchy throat, nasal congestion, mild fever, and muscle aches (ear temperature did not exceed 38.0°C). After visiting an otolaryngologist and starting medication, I began to develop...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, there can be many reasons for a fever. As mentioned earlier, pneumonia is indeed one of them. Related issues also include the completeness of medication use, whether there was an interruption in medication without follow-up visits. It is recommended to have a consistent pl...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Fever: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Tuberculosis Treatment: B6 Supplementation and Follow-Up Care
Tuberculosis (TB) issues? Dear Doctor, can I take one B-complex supplement (containing 10 mg of B6) with my meals while undergoing standard treatment for tuberculosis? I do not have severe diabetes or malnutrition. Will B6 affect the absorption of INH? Additionally, how is the st...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear: There is generally no need to add vitamin B6 when taking tuberculosis medication unless there are special circumstances, as it may affect drug absorption. The prerequisite for a complete cure is, of course, that the sputum has converted to negative and that the standard med...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Treatment: B6 Supplementation and Follow-Up Care
Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Understanding Possible Causes and Treatments
Persistent recurrent low-grade fever? Three weeks ago, I experienced cold symptoms, including a sore and itchy throat, nasal congestion, mild fever, and muscle aches (ear temperature did not exceed 38.0°C). After visiting an ENT specialist, I started medication and began to devel...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The diagnosis of your condition may need to be determined by the treating physician based on a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms. If the X-ray results are normal, pneumonia can likely be ruled out. If you have yellow nasal discharge, you should consult an ear, nose...[Read More] Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Understanding Possible Causes and Treatments
Understanding Chest Pain: When Walking or Climbing Stairs Becomes Difficult
The cardiac CT scan showed no issues, but I feel discomfort or even pain in my chest after brisk walking for a few minutes or climbing stairs to the fifth floor or higher? Dr. Zhou: Hello, I am a 57-year-old male, weighing approximately 66 kg and standing 166 cm tall. I do not sm...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, patients with mitral valve prolapse may sometimes experience chest discomfort. If a cardiologist has ruled out other issues, a chest X-ray can be performed to examine the lungs (by a pulmonologist), and an endoscopy can be done to assess for gastrointestinal disorders. It ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When Walking or Climbing Stairs Becomes Difficult