Impact of Inhaling Bus Emissions on Lung Health: A Doctor's Insight
Inhaling exhaust fumes from buses? Hello Dr. Yang: As a motorcycle rider, I often inhale exhaust fumes from vehicles. Sometimes I wear a mask for protection, but other times I forget and end up inhaling the exhaust directly. Today, I forgot to wear a mask and was riding behind a ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Ah-Hsiang: It is difficult for motorcycle riders to avoid inhaling the air in the atmosphere, which includes exhaust emissions from vehicles. Typically, long-term and substantial exposure is required to have an impact on the respiratory epithelium or alveoli (occupational ...[Read More] Impact of Inhaling Bus Emissions on Lung Health: A Doctor's Insight
Understanding Pectus Carinatum: Symptoms, Treatment, and Surgery Options
Pectus excavatum symptoms I apologize for not being able to find a thoracic surgeon, so I am asking an internist. I am 18 years old and have pectus carinatum. Although I have no symptoms, I am very dissatisfied with my appearance. My pectus carinatum gradually protrudes, with the...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, your question is indeed specific to the field of thoracic surgery, and it is quite in-depth. I recommend that you visit a thoracic surgery clinic in person to clarify all your concerns. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Pectus Carinatum: Symptoms, Treatment, and Surgery Options
Managing Coughing with Blood in a 72-Year-Old Patient
The mother is coughing up blood-tinged sputum? Hello! My mother is 72 years old and has hypertension for which she is taking medication. Recently, she has been coughing for the past few months, and after an X-ray, the doctor said there were no issues. However, she has recently st...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. Some antihypertensive medications may have a side effect of cough; you can discuss this with your physician. 2. If the X-ray shows no abnormalities, you can discuss possible diagnoses or further diagnostic procedures with your physician.[Read More] Managing Coughing with Blood in a 72-Year-Old Patient
Managing Asthma Symptoms for Military Physical Exams
Regarding asthma certification? The current age for military service medical examinations requires individuals to provide proof of asthma symptoms within the past year (evidenced by wheezing during breathing). Although the condition is not severe, it is still a constitutional iss...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello TC: The evaluation of asthma control for conscripts places greater emphasis on objective assessments (such as pulmonary function test data; if lung function is normal, a bronchial provocation test can be performed, and records of emergency room visits or chest clinic consul...[Read More] Managing Asthma Symptoms for Military Physical Exams
Understanding Right Chest Pain: Symptoms and Insights from a Pulmonologist
Right chest pain (various presentations) Hello Dr. Yang: I have the following symptoms and would appreciate your insights: 1. When I inhale to about 60-70% capacity, I experience a sharp pain in my right chest that lasts only for a moment; when I continue to inhale, the pain disa...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Mr. Tseng: Due to the very short duration and non-persistent nature of your symptoms, it seems less likely to be an issue with the internal organs or chest wall muscles, and more akin to nerve-related pain. It is recommended to avoid cold beverages or foods, ensure adequate...[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Pain: Symptoms and Insights from a Pulmonologist
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Left-sided chest pain (continued inquiry) Hello Doctor, this is a question I asked you last year. My issue has been ongoing for two months now. Previously, I frequently did push-ups and jogging. From my perspective, the pain is located slightly to the left of the center. I used t...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, A-Bao: Your issue seems more like a chronic strain of the costal cartilage or muscles (possibly from a vigorous chest expansion, such as push-ups). A chest X-ray may not be very helpful. It is recommended to gradually warm up with exercise and to avoid excessive chest expa...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Chest X-rays: What They Reveal About Lung Health
Chest X-ray examination Hello, doctor. I do not consume tobacco, alcohol, or betel nut. Previously, I mentioned that I occasionally notice blood streaks in my throat (not during coughing or expectoration), and I do not have any other obvious respiratory symptoms. I have undergone...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Chen: A chest X-ray should be able to detect nodules (small tumors) larger than 1 cm. Given your age and the fact that you do not smoke or drink, you are not considered a high-risk group for lung cancer. We do not recommend an immediate CT scan (which would cost around 4000...[Read More] Understanding Chest X-rays: What They Reveal About Lung Health
Understanding Blood Streaks in the Throat: Causes and Concerns
Blood streaks in the throat? Hello, doctor. Over the past month, I have noticed blood streaks on the walls of my throat three to four times. I have visited the hospital multiple times for examinations, including nasal endoscopy, nasal X-rays, gastroscopy, and chest X-rays, all of...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Chen: If the chest X-ray is normal, we will not consider lung issues for now. The presence of blood streaks on the throat wall is most commonly associated with ENT (which you have already checked and found no major issues) and oral (including dental) problems. I recommend t...[Read More] Understanding Blood Streaks in the Throat: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Chest Pain After Coughing: When to Seek Medical Advice
Chest pain issues? I would like to ask the doctor, ever since I contracted the flu at the end of August and experienced severe coughing, I have had pain in my ribs whenever I cough, and it continues to this day. I still have a slight cough, and every time I cough or sneeze, my en...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiao Shui Li: Having chest pain for such a long time is not normal. Generally, pain from chest trauma or muscle, soft tissue, or rib injuries caused by coughing should have eased after three weeks. I recommend seeing a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray to evaluate if there a...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain After Coughing: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Chest Discomfort: When to See a Specialist
Chest tightness, chest pain, loss of appetite? Hello Director Huang: Recently, I have been experiencing increasingly noticeable symptoms of chest tightness, chest pain, and loss of appetite. The frequency of chest tightness has also been increasing. A few months ago, I was diagno...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsu: I apologize for the late response to your question. The possible causes of gynecomastia in males include congenital familial inheritance, hormonal imbalances, tumors, liver cirrhosis, unhealthy dietary habits, and environmental hormone influences. Additionally, medi...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: When to See a Specialist
Is My Persistent Cough a Sign of Tuberculosis? Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
I am really scared that I have tuberculosis! I have been coughing for nearly three weeks. I had an X-ray done, and the doctor said there were no significant abnormalities. He asked if I had a lot of phlegm and suggested a test. However, I cough up phlegm every morning but can...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Momo: If the X-ray is normal and both sputum tests show no abnormalities, tuberculosis can be ruled out. Some symptoms may take time to completely resolve, so please be patient, take your medication, and ensure you get enough rest for improvement. Wishing you well![Read More] Is My Persistent Cough a Sign of Tuberculosis? Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding the Implications of Lung Nodules: A Patient's Journey
The shape of black spots? About a month ago, my father had a CT scan in Chengqing, which revealed a small dark spot. He was then referred to Veterans General Hospital, where the doctor interpreted it as having irregular edges. The hospital conducted blood tests for cancer markers...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ms. Wu: The inflamed area can present in any shape, and its disappearance is a reassuring outcome. It is advisable to follow the attending physician's recommendation for regular monitoring. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding the Implications of Lung Nodules: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Lung Cancer Diagnosis and the Need for Biopsy Confirmation
Determination of malignant lung tumors? Hello Dr. Yang: I have undergone X-ray and CT scans, which confirmed that I have a malignant tumor approximately six centimeters in size in my left lung, and it has already metastasized to all lung lobes. However, the attending physician st...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Mellow: The bronchoscopy examination can indeed be quite uncomfortable (unless one opts for a painless endoscopy at their own expense, which may not be available at every hospital). Additionally, I am unsure about the distance of the tumor from the chest wall. If it is clos...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cancer Diagnosis and the Need for Biopsy Confirmation
Navigating Lung Cancer Diagnosis: Key Considerations for Families
How should the management methods for lung cancer be determined? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my father, who is approximately 56 years old. A CT scan revealed a small, irregular black spot measuring less than 1 cm (about 0.9 cm). The doctor assessed that there is a 90%...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Dear Mrs. Lin, 1. In the case of early-stage lung cancer without a biopsy pathology report, it is difficult to determine whether it is benign or malignant. Typically, an assessment of cancer risk factors is conducted, such as a family history of cancer or a history of smoking. I...[Read More] Navigating Lung Cancer Diagnosis: Key Considerations for Families
Understanding Lung Nodules: Size, Risks, and Next Steps for Evaluation
Size of lung nodules..? My father has previously been seeing a hepatologist at the hospital and has undergone blood tests, all of which showed no abnormalities until recently when my mother noticed that he frequently caught colds. This prompted us to get an X-ray or CT scan, whic...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ms. Wu: Lung nodules (small nodules) larger than 1 centimeter are more likely to be noticed on a standard chest X-ray. Nodules smaller than 1 centimeter require a high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scan (which your father has already undergone) to be more easily detec...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Size, Risks, and Next Steps for Evaluation
Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues: What to Do Next?
Chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and a cough with a popping sound? Hello Doctor: Since the end of last year, I have been experiencing shortness of breath and chest tightness. After undergoing a chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram, the results were normal, and I do not have...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Jamie: Your concerns must have troubled you for a long time, so let me clarify a few points for you: 1. Since you have already undergone X-rays, an electrocardiogram, and blood tests, heart, lung, and hyperthyroid conditions, as well as anemia, have been initially ruled out...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues: What to Do Next?
Understanding Coughing and Itchy Airways: Smoking and Allergies Explained
Itchy throat and cough? Hello Doctor: I have a smoking habit, approximately one pack every three days. Recently, I occasionally feel an itch in my airways that makes me want to cough, but it’s infrequent (about 3-4 times a day) and there is not much phlegm. About six months ago, ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ke: If the recent X-ray shows no abnormalities, there should not be significant issues with the lungs at this time. It may be more related to chronic pharyngitis or bronchitis. Both conditions are closely associated with smoking, so I advise you to quit smoking as soo...[Read More] Understanding Coughing and Itchy Airways: Smoking and Allergies Explained
Understanding Mild Chest Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Recently, I've been experiencing a dull pain in the chest area? Around the end of February, I started experiencing occasional mild chest discomfort, which feels like a slight pressure or pain. It's not extremely uncomfortable, but it varies in location; sometimes it...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Even: There are many causes of chest pain. Given that you have been sitting for a long time, have limited physical activity, and are under significant study pressure, you may feel that your chest cavity is not expanding easily, which resembles neuralgia. I recommend making...[Read More] Understanding Mild Chest Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Coughing in Cold Weather: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Occasional coughing in cold weather? Hello Dr. Chou, I have recently experienced a dry cough when the weather turns cold, but it resolves once I dress warmly. I have not been in contact with anyone who has a cold, and I do not have any other symptoms. I would like to ask: 1. What...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, 1. Some individuals with more sensitive respiratory tracts or those who experience nasal discharge due to temperature changes may exhibit respiratory symptoms such as coughing, and they should seek medical evaluation for diagnosis by a physician. 2. This should not be r...[Read More] Coughing in Cold Weather: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Understanding Chest Pain After a Car Accident: When to Seek Help
Car accident ~ Pain in the chest and abdomen radiating to the back? Hello Doctor: I was in a car accident in October 2013, and at that time, in addition to two fractures and multiple contusions, the most painful area was my chest. An X-ray was taken, and the doctor diagnosed it a...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, I recommend that you see a pulmonologist or an orthopedic specialist and get another chest X-ray. Sometimes rib fractures may not be visible on an X-ray immediately, but even if a fracture is present, conservative treatment is usually the ap...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain After a Car Accident: When to Seek Help