Understanding Unexplained Chest Pain: Seeking Answers and Relief
Chest pain, and no one knows the situation? I have a question. I feel like there is a heavy weight pressing on my chest, and it hurts a lot. It feels like I'm suffocating, and every day the pain makes my heart race. Sometimes the pain is so intense that I struggle to breathe...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If you are experiencing chest tightness and pain, hospitals typically arrange for X-rays and electrocardiograms (ECGs). If both tests are close to normal, it is unlikely that you have significant heart or lung diseases, especially since you are young and not in the age gro...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Chest Pain: Seeking Answers and Relief
Can Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Spread? Prevention Tips Explained
Cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, such as urinary tract or bone tuberculosis, are generally not contagious. Tuberculosis primarily spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. However, if a person with extrapulmonary tuberculosis has active pul...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
The main transmission routes of tuberculosis are droplet and airborne transmission. In cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, if pulmonary involvement has been ruled out, there is almost no infectiousness; transmission occurs primarily through contact with secretions or inhalation...[Read More] Can Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Spread? Prevention Tips Explained
Understanding Ground-Glass Opacities: Are They Always Malignant?
Ground-glass opacities Hello Dr. Huang: Two years ago, my mother had a CT scan during a health check-up that revealed a 0.2 cm ground-glass opacity in the right upper lobe of her lung. It has been continuously monitored for two years without any changes. Could this be malignant? ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
If there is no change in size, regular follow-up imaging studies should continue. If there are any concerns, please follow the recommendations of the attending physician. The determination of malignancy should still be based on pathological examination. Changhua Hospital cares ab...[Read More] Understanding Ground-Glass Opacities: Are They Always Malignant?
Understanding Chest Pain: Is It Just a Muscle Strain?
Chest tightness, stabbing pain, and mild shortness of breath? Hello doctor, I am inquiring on behalf of a friend. After waking up from a nap, they started experiencing symptoms of chest tightness, which progressed to persistent sharp pain by the evening, located slightly below th...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: There are many reasons for discomfort in the left chest. If there is noticeable tenderness or pain in a specific position, it is more likely to be a muscle strain. Other causes, such as gastroesophageal reflux or heart problems, still require medical evaluation and treatme...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Is It Just a Muscle Strain?
Understanding Ground-Glass Opacities: What to Do Next for Lung Health?
Ground-glass opacities Hello Doctor, my sister was recently diagnosed with stage 4 lung adenocarcinoma, and I have been a smoker for many years. I have been experiencing a cough, so I first went to a clinic for a chest X-ray, which showed no abnormalities. However, my family was ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
According to the current lung cancer screening guidelines in the United States, if there is a confirmed ground-glass opacity measuring 1.3 cm, it is recommended to follow up with imaging in 3 to 6 months. Further recommendations will be based on the results of the follow-up. If y...[Read More] Understanding Ground-Glass Opacities: What to Do Next for Lung Health?
Is My Chest Discomfort a Sign of Pneumothorax Recurrence?
Does this count as a relapse? Hello, Doctor. I underwent surgery for pneumothorax in early April and again at the end of April, first on the left side and then on the right side. In mid-May, one night I suddenly felt a tightness in my chest and experienced palpitations. I went to...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: A recurrence of pneumothorax can be diagnosed through a chest X-ray (which has low radiation exposure). Patients with pneumothorax may have multiple small blebs in the pleura that are prone to rupture, leading to pneumothorax (each rupture does not occur from the same bleb...[Read More] Is My Chest Discomfort a Sign of Pneumothorax Recurrence?
Understanding Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria: Treatment and Recovery Options
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) Hello Dr. Zhou: Recently, I went for a medical check-up and found out that there seems to be an abnormality in my lungs. The tests indicate a high possibility of non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection. Will this resolve on its own, or are there...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: If a non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung infection is confirmed and meets the criteria for medication, treatment is still recommended. Please discuss this with your pulmonologist or infectious disease specialist.[Read More] Understanding Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria: Treatment and Recovery Options
Understanding the Discrepancy Between AHI and Oxygen Levels in Sleep Apnea
Question about respiratory arrest? Hello, doctor. Regarding the criteria for obstructive sleep apnea, an AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) greater than 40 is considered severe, and if there is no improvement after six months, one can apply for "light disability." However, I ha...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR JOHNSHUETW: Regarding sleep apnea, the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) is typically used for assessment. Currently, disability evaluations tend to focus on CPAP assistance. If you are experiencing difficulties, I recommend consulting Dr. Hang Liang-Wen from the Department of Thor...[Read More] Understanding the Discrepancy Between AHI and Oxygen Levels in Sleep Apnea
Understanding Lung Nodules: What Black Spots on X-rays Mean
There are black spots in the lungs? Hello doctor, I recently went for a check-up and found black spots in my right lung. I am 20 years old and have never experienced coughing up blood or persistent high fevers in the past. Although my previous lifestyle was irregular, I have had ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Qinyi: The presence of black spots in the lungs is quite vague. If you have concerns, please consult a physician for further clarification on potential issues. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: What Black Spots on X-rays Mean
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 Lung Issues: Exploring Possible Causes Beyond Inflammation
Lung issues Hello Doctor: Recently, I received my health check-up report and found an abnormality in the left lower lobe of my lung. The outpatient physician explained that it was pneumonia and prescribed medication for me. After a month, I returned for another X-ray, but there w...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Based on the described condition, it is not possible to determine a more likely diagnosis. Pneumonia, bronchiectasis, malignant diseases, or other chronic inflammatory conditions cannot be ruled out. Please consult with a pulmonologist for further discussion.[Read More] Understanding Lung Issues: Exploring Possible Causes Beyond Inflammation
Optimal Treatment Strategies for ALK-Positive Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma
Issues with targeted therapies for lung adenocarcinoma? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about the treatment options for a patient with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma (with brain metastasis) who has an ALK gene mutation. 1. If participating in a clinical trial with oral ALK-targ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Huang: Due to the lack of TKI medications for ALK mutations at our hospital, we have to transfer you to another facility. However, similar to other cases of lung adenocarcinoma, I would recommend starting with oral targeted therapy as the first line. If that is ineffective, ...[Read More] Optimal Treatment Strategies for ALK-Positive Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma
Persistent Throat Mucus: Causes and Solutions for Chronic Discomfort
Chronic slight phlegm in the throat? Hello, Dr. Yang! About six months ago, I had a cold, and since then, I have been experiencing persistent phlegm in my throat (not a lot, just a slight amount). Because of this, I often feel the need to clear my throat, but the phlegm is presen...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Persistent phlegm may be related to bronchial hypersensitivity. It is often associated with a constitution that is more prone to cold or dampness, as well as the consumption of cold or hard-to-digest foods. It is recommended to consult a traditional Chinese medicine practi...[Read More] Persistent Throat Mucus: Causes and Solutions for Chronic Discomfort
Sudden Breathing Difficulties: Understanding Symptoms and Emergency Responses
Sudden inability to breathe? Hello, I would like to describe my mother's symptoms. It started with a cough, and after seeing a doctor and taking medication, she continued to cough. Then she went to a pharmacy and bought a Japanese cough medicine, which she took for about two...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. It is difficult to diagnose diseases based solely on verbal descriptions; it is more reliable to leave the assessment to clinical physicians. 2. Burping and experiencing smoother breathing indicates that gastric distension is affecting ventilation. It is important to mo...[Read More] Sudden Breathing Difficulties: Understanding Symptoms and Emergency Responses
Three-Month Cough: Is It Related to Latent Tuberculosis?
Coughing for three months? Three months ago, I had a cold and started coughing, which has persisted until now. During this time, I had contact with a tuberculosis patient, and I became concerned that my cough might be caused by tuberculosis. Therefore, I went to Taichung Veterans...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, in summary: Latent tuberculosis infection typically does not present with a cough (chest X-ray is normal, with no obvious lesions). The cough should be managed to control it (first alleviate, without the expectation of complete resolution). Best wishes![Read More] Three-Month Cough: Is It Related to Latent Tuberculosis?
Is Walking Enough? Exercise Tips for Lung Health
Exercise-related issues Hello Dr. Yang: Previously, I asked you about the lifestyle habits and exercises necessary for lung health, and your response was that healthy lifestyle habits include not smoking, getting adequate sleep of 7-8 hours, and exercising at least three times a ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Walking is fine, but it's important to include some time for brisk walking or other exercises to strengthen heart function! Best wishes![Read More] Is Walking Enough? Exercise Tips for Lung Health
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Insights from a Pulmonologist
There is a tightening sensation in the center of the chest? Hello Dr. Chen, First of all, I am uncertain whether this is a cardiac issue. I have had a stent placed for one year and eight months. Over this period, I have occasionally experienced discomfort or sharp pain in the c...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Mr. Chang: Hello, based on your description, since the cardiology department has already examined you, I think your symptoms resemble gastroesophageal reflux. Of course, autonomic nervous system dysfunction is also one of the differential diagnoses, and asthma is a possibility as...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Insights from a Pulmonologist
Understanding Bronchitis: Persistent Hoarseness and Coughing Concerns
Bronchitis Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing a dry cough and hoarseness that fluctuates, along with dry mouth, after inhaling cold air. I visited a family physician, who diagnosed me with mild bronchitis through auscultation. After taking medication, the cough has...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, in summary: Bronchitis is inferred from your long-term dry cough. For your hoarseness, there are two specialties you must consult. First, see an otolaryngologist to determine if there are any issues with your vocal cords. Second, visit a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray to ...[Read More] Understanding Bronchitis: Persistent Hoarseness and Coughing Concerns
Concerns About Respiratory Infections from Coughing Strangers
Coughing in someone's face? Hello Dr. Yang: Today, while waiting for the bus at the bus stop, I turned to walk to the other side when a female passerby (or fellow passenger) directly coughed several times in front of me. From the sound, it seemed like she had phlegm, and she...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Here are brief answers to your three questions: 1. The situations in which you encounter patients with coughs are in open spaces with wind and airflow, where any infectious droplets are quickly dispersed or diluted. Additionally, the contact time is brief, so the risk of...[Read More] Concerns About Respiratory Infections from Coughing Strangers
Managing Bronchiectasis: Resources and Support in Kaohsiung
Bronchiectasis Hello, Doctor! I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis in 2012. During this time, I have frequently experienced coughing and occasional sputum production. In the past three months, my symptoms of bronchiectasis have worsened, with frequent chest tightness, coughing up ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition characterized by symptoms such as excessive sputum production and wheezing. It is advisable to perform techniques like chest percussion to help with mucus clearance. In the event of an acute exacerbation (such as fever or increased pro...[Read More] Managing Bronchiectasis: Resources and Support in Kaohsiung