Understanding the Connection Between Pneumothorax and Pectus Excavatum
What is the relationship between pneumothorax and pectus excavatum? I have a friend who has pectus excavatum and developed a spontaneous pneumothorax, requiring hospitalization and chest tube drainage. After discharge, he has been experiencing chest tightness and persistent pain ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Spontaneous pneumothorax is typically managed initially with chest tube insertion; if this is ineffective, surgical intervention may be required. Surgical treatment often yields quicker and better results, and generally, the prognosis is favorable. As for the other symptom...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Pneumothorax and Pectus Excavatum
Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Pulmonary Care
Left chest pain? Hello Dr. Yang, Three weeks ago, I started experiencing intermittent sharp pain in the lower left side of my chest, which radiated to my back. After a few days, the pain intensified and lasted longer. Since I had gastritis last year, I initially thought it was g...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Belle: Since your ultrasound and chest X-ray (which should have been done during your hospitalization) did not indicate any issues in the left lower lung, and there are currently no new blisters on your skin, it is not shingles. Therefore, neuropathic pain remains the most ...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Pulmonary Care
Understanding Ear Ringing and Numbness After Deep Breathing
May I ask the doctor? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about experiencing tinnitus and numbness in the hands or feet after taking several deep breaths, along with a sensation of having gas in the chest and not being able to take a full breath. Is this related to the lungs? If no...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms you described, it is possible that hyperventilation has led to a low concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood. This does not necessarily indicate a lung disease. Slowing down your breathing rate and relaxing your mind can help improve the situatio...[Read More] Understanding Ear Ringing and Numbness After Deep Breathing
What Does Whiteness on Lung X-Ray Indicate? Understanding the Condition
What does it mean when a chest X-ray shows pulmonary opacities? The presence of opacities or whiteness on a chest X-ray can indicate several conditions affecting the lungs. This phenomenon, known as "pulmonary opacification," may suggest the presence of pneumonia, pulmo...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Machelle: In a standard chest X-ray, the white, gourd-shaped area in the middle represents the heart. The dark areas on both sides are the lungs (which are filled with air and appear black on the X-ray). When the lungs appear white, it may indicate conditions such as lung i...[Read More] What Does Whiteness on Lung X-Ray Indicate? Understanding the Condition
Understanding Bronchoscopy: Safety, Risks, and Alternatives for Chest Discomfort
Bronchoscopy examination? Hello, Dr. Chang! I would like to ask what a bronchoscopy is, whether it can cause any harm to the body, and if it is safe. Is there a certain level of pain associated with the procedure? I have been experiencing a persistent feeling of pressure in my ch...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Mr. Chen: Hello. Q: What is a bronchoscopy, and does it cause any harm to the body? Is it safe? This is a commonly used examination in pulmonology and is generally quite safe, although it may cause some discomfort. As a diagnostic tool for lung diseases, a significant proportion ...[Read More] Understanding Bronchoscopy: Safety, Risks, and Alternatives for Chest Discomfort
Persistent Cough: Seeking Answers for a Four-Month Struggle
Regarding the issue of persistent coughing? Hello Dr. Zhou, I would like to ask you about a problem related to the thoracic cavity. Here’s the situation: my father has been coughing for almost four months now. However, he has not been able to get better despite visiting several h...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of chronic cough that require differential diagnosis; common ones include chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, and cancer. Additionally, non-pulmonary diseases may also be responsible, such as rhinitis with post-nasal drip, side effects f...[Read More] Persistent Cough: Seeking Answers for a Four-Month Struggle
Understanding Emphysema: Treatment Options and Home Care Tips
Emphysema Is my father’s emphysema commonly referred to as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? Recently, there have been reports that emphysema can be treated with bronchial unidirectional valves. Which hospitals in the country offer this treatment? If there are none av...
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
"Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a condition characterized by airflow obstruction caused by chronic bronchitis or emphysema. This airflow obstruction typically progresses slowly, and pulmonary function tests show a reduction in the forced expiratory volume th...[Read More] Understanding Emphysema: Treatment Options and Home Care Tips
Impact of Secondhand Smoke on Infants from Caregivers' Clothing
Babies and the Clothing of Smokers? If an infant is cared for by a smoker who never smokes in front of the baby, will the smoker's tobacco-scented breath and body odor still have a significant impact on the infant?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: There is currently no formal literature indicating that the odor from smokers significantly affects others; however, if a person has just extinguished a cigarette and then comes into contact with others (even if they are not smoking in front of them), there may still be re...[Read More] Impact of Secondhand Smoke on Infants from Caregivers' Clothing
Understanding the Significance of Asthma Status in Medical Records
What is the significance of status asthmaticus? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask about a diagnosis in my medical record that states "asthma without mention of status asthmaticus." What does this mean? Does it indicate that my asthma is not currently exacerbated? Howe...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, A-Fu: You have a history of asthma and experienced an acute exacerbation with difficulty breathing, prompting you to visit the emergency department. The physician, of course, issued a diagnostic certificate based on your condition. Asthma exacerbation status refers to a si...[Read More] Understanding the Significance of Asthma Status in Medical Records
Effective Ways to Alleviate Asthma Cough Beyond Medication
In addition to medication, what other methods can help manage asthma and reduce persistent coughing? My mother has asthma and has been coughing severely lately. She has seen a doctor and taken medication, but her cough is still very serious. Are there any methods to help alleviat...
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
Coughing is a protective mechanism, and it is inappropriate to forcibly suppress it with medication. Chronic cough lasting more than three weeks should be evaluated with a chest X-ray to rule out any underlying pulmonary pathology. For asthma patients, persistent coughing often i...[Read More] Effective Ways to Alleviate Asthma Cough Beyond Medication
Understanding Lung Issues in Diabetic Patients with Pneumonia
Lung issues My father has diabetes and symptoms of pneumonia, and he has a history of cardiovascular blockage. Recently, he has been coughing up blood. I would like to ask if his lung condition is very serious. Thank you.
Dr. Jiang Rongren Reply:
Hello, there are many causes for coughing up blood, and further examination is needed to determine the underlying cause. However, based on your description, the patient has cardiovascular obstruction and is often prescribed aspirin (Aspivin, Tapal, Bokey) and other anticoagulants...[Read More] Understanding Lung Issues in Diabetic Patients with Pneumonia
Understanding the Link Between Masturbation and Asthma Attacks
Causes of asthma Hello, Doctor. I have had asthma since I was one and a half years old. I was hospitalized several times during elementary school due to asthma attacks. Now that I am nineteen, my condition has improved significantly over the past few years. I rarely experience as...
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
Based on your symptoms, it appears to be typical asthma. The most common triggers for asthma include dust mites, while other triggers can include indoor and outdoor air pollutants, changes in environmental temperature or humidity, exercise, cold air, and intense emotional fluctua...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Masturbation and Asthma Attacks
Chronic Cough and Phlegm: Understanding Long-Term Respiratory Issues
Chronic productive cough? Hello Dr. Chang, I have been coughing up phlegm and experiencing a persistent cough for four years. I didn't like going to the doctor before, so I delayed seeking treatment, thinking the condition would resolve on its own. My symptoms are as follo...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Hello: There are many causes for chronic cough and sputum production, which require evaluation by a physician for differential diagnosis. Generally, a physical examination along with a chest X-ray and sputum analysis can help identify the underlying cause. It is recommended to fi...[Read More] Chronic Cough and Phlegm: Understanding Long-Term Respiratory Issues
Understanding Deep Breathing: Comfort, Symptoms, and Lung Function Insights
Could you please provide more details or specify your question? 1. Is it possible for a normal person to feel discomfort from prolonged deep breathing? What symptoms might occur? 2. When a normal person reaches the peak of a deep breath, do they typically feel a sense of comfort ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. Rapid and excessive deep breathing over a short period of time (often triggered by psychological factors) may lead to a significant decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood, resulting in respiratory alkalosis and discomfort. 2. Another possible cause of discomfort...[Read More] Understanding Deep Breathing: Comfort, Symptoms, and Lung Function Insights
Can Bronchiectasis Be Cured with Medical Treatment? Insights and Options
Can bronchiectasis be cured with medical treatment? Hello Dr. Tsai: I am currently suffering from bronchiectasis and have been under treatment by my physician for six months, but the symptoms still persist. I would like to ask Dr. Tsai if it is possible to fully recover from bron...
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
Bronchiectasis refers to the abnormal and permanent dilation of the bronchi. In patients with this condition, the airways become distorted and lax, often obstructed by thick, and sometimes purulent, secretions, leading to prominent clinical symptoms such as productive cough and d...[Read More] Can Bronchiectasis Be Cured with Medical Treatment? Insights and Options
Understanding Allergies and Asthma: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Allergy? Asthma? Hello Doctor: This situation has troubled me for a long time, as I have had this issue since childhood. When I was younger, the problem was not very noticeable, so I did not pay much attention to it. I often cough during climate changes, especially from autumn to...
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
The most common symptoms of asthma include wheezing and chest tightness. Sometimes, patients may experience a feeling of breathlessness and difficulty breathing. Coughing is also a frequent symptom of asthma and may be the only symptom during an asthma attack. Here are five types...[Read More] Understanding Allergies and Asthma: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Asthma: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Treatment
Could you please clarify your question regarding asthma? 1. Is asthma diagnosed through pulmonary function tests? If I had to blow several times during the test and the nurse only said the last attempt was acceptable, but I was already fatigued by that point, could this affect th...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Day: Here are brief responses to your concerns: (1) Pulmonary function tests should be conducted with standard procedures, which may require multiple attempts. Even if you feel fatigued by the end, there should be data from your tests that can be referenced by your physicia...[Read More] Understanding Asthma: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Treatment
Understanding Non-Open Tuberculosis: Risks and Precautions for Families
Non-open pulmonary tuberculosis Hello doctor, my older brother has been diagnosed with non-open tuberculosis and requires medication treatment. There are two young children in the household, and I am also pregnant. I would like to ask the doctor, even though my brother has non-op...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
1. As long as the sputum smear test for tuberculosis in the older brother shows no evidence of the bacteria, it indicates that the infectiousness is very low. Children who have received the BCG vaccine should have some degree of protection; however, it is still recommended that c...[Read More] Understanding Non-Open Tuberculosis: Risks and Precautions for Families
Understanding Intermittent Back Pain: Possible Causes and Insights
Back pain issues Dear Dr. Chou, From November 7 to 15, I experienced intermittent mild spasms near the left shoulder blade area of my back, which then shifted to the right side of my back. What could be the possible issue? (I have not engaged in any activities that require the u...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: The main complaint suggests a neuromuscular issue, which may still be caused by certain poor postures. Additionally, the X-ray was taken three years ago; it would be advisable to follow up with a chest X-ray and spinal X-ray to rule out other possibilities. Best wishes. Dr...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Back Pain: Possible Causes and Insights
Understanding My Mother's Lab Results: Key Health Concerns Explained
Please provide the details of your mother's test report so I can help explain its meaning? Hello, I am the person who asked about my mother's long-term cough issue a few days ago. A few days ago, my mother had blood and urine tests done at a medical laboratory (but did ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Mr. Chiu: Thank you for your detailed explanation, which makes the questions easier to address! TG: 155, the blood sugar level is at the upper limit, and the platelet issue can be temporarily disregarded as it is still within the normal variation range. For the hepatitis C ...[Read More] Understanding My Mother's Lab Results: Key Health Concerns Explained