Understanding Severe Lung Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Lung pain? My husband sometimes experiences lung pain when he doesn't smoke or after drinking alcohol. The pain is severe, making it difficult for him to walk. He refuses to see a doctor. What could be the issue with his lungs? I'm anxious for a quick response.
Dr. Xu Jialin Reply:
There are many causes of chest pain, including cardiovascular issues, pneumothorax, pneumonia, and lung tumors, among others. It is recommended to visit a hospital for some basic examinations in order to determine the appropriate further management. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Severe Lung Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
How Soon Can You Schedule a Follow-Up Medical Check-Up?
Regarding health check-ups? How long after applying for a re-examination can a physician schedule an appointment for the examination?
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Katsu: Your question is not very clear. Why do you need to undergo another medical examination? What specific abnormalities were found in your last examination that require further investigation? Please provide more details so that I can offer you appropriate advice![Read More] How Soon Can You Schedule a Follow-Up Medical Check-Up?
Understanding Bronchiectasis: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Bronchiectasis Hello Doctor: I have been diagnosed with bronchiectasis accompanied by non-tuberculous mycobacteria, and I occasionally experience hemoptysis. I started taking erythromycin three weeks ago, one tablet daily; recently, it seems that my sputum production has decrease...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Dear Patient: If you have bronchiectasis, it is very likely that you will experience respiratory symptoms, regardless of whether or not you have non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection. If your symptoms worsen or if you experience an increase in hemoptysis, you may return for an ...[Read More] Understanding Bronchiectasis: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Thymoma: Treatment Options and Post-Surgery Care
Thymoma Hello Dr. Chang: My father was hospitalized in August due to low hemoglobin levels, and the subsequent examination revealed a thymoma. In fact, the tumor had already formed earlier, and during several previous hospitalizations, he was only given blood transfusions for the...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Dear Friend: It is advisable to check for other potential causes of anemia. Steroids generally do not affect hematopoietic function. Your father's situation seems a bit complex, so I recommend discussing it in detail with the attending physician to thoroughly explore possibl...[Read More] Understanding Thymoma: Treatment Options and Post-Surgery Care
Chronic Cough in My Mom: What Specialist Should We Consult?
Please provide more details about your mother's condition so I can assist you better? My mother has been coughing for many years, and it is not due to a cold. When she coughs, it lasts for several minutes as she tries to expel the phlegm from her throat. She has gone to the ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Dear Mr. Chiu: Your mother has been coughing for many years, and if her chest X-ray is normal, it essentially rules out more than 90% of pulmonary diseases. Other causes of chronic cough include: 1. Allergic bronchitis or asthma, for which pulmonary function tests may be consider...[Read More] Chronic Cough in My Mom: What Specialist Should We Consult?
Understanding Facial Discomfort Caused by Nasal Allergies
Nasal allergies causing discomfort in the facial area? Hello doctor, I have been suffering from nasal allergies for many years. A few weeks ago, I visited the neurology department at the Tri-Service General Hospital, and the doctor said that my facial discomfort is due to nasal a...
Dr. Wu Wenqiu Reply:
Hello, I apologize for the delayed response as I was unaware of this email. The symptoms mentioned in your message are not very clear. Allergic rhinitis can indeed present with the symptoms described; however, it is usually accompanied by sneezing upon waking, nasal congestion, r...[Read More] Understanding Facial Discomfort Caused by Nasal Allergies
Does Asthma Cause Dizziness During Attacks? Understanding the Connection
Asthma Dear Doctor: When asthma attacks occur, regardless of whether they are mild or severe, can they cause dizziness? I experience dizziness whenever I feel unwell, and I wonder if this is related to my asthma.
Dr. Xu Jialin Reply:
During an asthma attack, there may be instances of hyperventilation or hypoxia, both of which can lead to dizziness. However, there are many potential causes of dizziness, including anemia, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and inner ear balance disorders, among others. There...[Read More] Does Asthma Cause Dizziness During Attacks? Understanding the Connection
Persistent Coughing: Understanding Acute Bronchitis Symptoms and Concerns
Persistent cough? Hello Dr. Jiang: My mother has been coughing for over 10 days now, and she has phlegm that is white. She has seen a doctor and had an X-ray done, but the doctor said it is acute bronchitis. However, I looked up the symptoms of acute bronchitis online, which incl...
Dr. Jiang Rongren Reply:
If there is a cough with sputum and fever, respiratory infection should still be considered. If there is only a cough, many conditions can present similarly (such as bronchitis, tumors, asthma, tuberculosis, and other infections that may not necessarily cause fever). It is recomm...[Read More] Persistent Coughing: Understanding Acute Bronchitis Symptoms and Concerns
Advancements in Thoracoscopic Surgery: What to Expect After Your Procedure
Thoracoscopic surgery Hello Doctor: Three years ago, I underwent thoracoscopic surgery for a pneumothorax, which left me with three noticeable scars and a metal clip mark on my lung. A few days ago, my other lung ruptured, and I had surgery again. However, I found that aside from...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: Pneumothorax can recur, especially on the opposite side of the lung. For issues related to thoracic surgery, please consult a thoracic surgeon. I apologize. Dr. Chang[Read More] Advancements in Thoracoscopic Surgery: What to Expect After Your Procedure
Understanding Blood in Sputum: Causes and Diagnostic Insights
Hemoptysis My mother has a persistent cough and experienced hemoptysis at the beginning of the year. Since then, she has been coughing up blood in her first sputum every morning. She has visited several ENT specialists, but no issues were found in her nasopharynx. She also underw...
Dr. Xu Jialin Reply:
First, it is important to clarify whether the blood is in the saliva or in the sputum. If there is blood in the saliva, it may originate from the nasopharynx or oral cavity, such as nasopharyngeal cancer, gingivitis, or oral cancer, among others. If the blood is in the sputum, it...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Sputum: Causes and Diagnostic Insights
Understanding Benign Pulmonary Granulomas: Symptoms and Next Steps
I would like to ask what granulomas are? In August, my health check-up report indicated that I have a benign "granuloma in the left upper lung." I would like to know what this is. I have frequently experienced some sharp pain in the left chest area. One night, I went to...
Dr. Xu Jialin Reply:
Granuloma is a pathological diagnosis typically caused by prolonged stimulation of local tissue due to infection or inflammation, leading to the proliferation of fibroblasts and the formation of a benign tumor. In your case, an X-ray has revealed a nodule in the left upper lung, ...[Read More] Understanding Benign Pulmonary Granulomas: Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know and Next Steps
Hello, I have questions regarding pulmonary nodules. Thank you? Hello Doctor: My mother underwent a self-paid health examination at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital two weeks ago. We received the examination report yesterday, which indicated that there is a pulmonary nodule...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
There are many causes of pulmonary nodules, which can be benign or malignant. A computed tomography (CT) scan and other examinations are necessary to differentiate between them. If it is not possible to distinguish between benign and malignant nodules, surgical resection or biops...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know and Next Steps
Understanding Lung Nodules and Pleural Fat Hypertrophy: Solutions and Insights
Pulmonary issues Hello, doctor: May I ask what is meant by suspected lower lung nodules or pleural fat proliferation, and how can it be improved? Thank you.
Dr. Jiang Rongren Reply:
Hello, is your concern regarding "suspected left lower lung nodule or pleural fat proliferation"? It seems that the issue with your chest X-ray is located in the left lower lung area, which can be difficult to assess due to the presence of the heart and several major bl...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules and Pleural Fat Hypertrophy: Solutions and Insights
Understanding Recurring Pneumothorax: Symptoms, Risks, and Surgical Options
Recurrent pneumothorax Hello Dr. Chang, I previously experienced a pneumothorax that took eight days to heal on its own. After resting at home for two weeks, I had another episode yesterday, both occurring in the right thoracic cavity. Is it unusual to have two pneumothorax even...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
To Eric: Pneumothorax in young individuals typically occurs only once, but some may experience recurrent episodes. Generally speaking, among patients who have had two or more occurrences, at least one-third will have another episode, indicating the presence of additional small bl...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Pneumothorax: Symptoms, Risks, and Surgical Options
Understanding Pneumothorax: Recovery Tips and School Attendance
I have a pneumothorax..? Hello Dr. Yang, I went to the hospital yesterday due to difficulty breathing and was diagnosed with a pneumothorax. Since the extent of the collapse is not significant, the doctor advised me to rest at home. (School starts next Monday; will I be able to ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Eric: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (without other lung diseases) can often resolve on its own if the extent is not significant. However, if there is difficulty breathing or worsening chest pain, it is advisable to go to the emergency room for evaluation; otherwise, a fo...[Read More] Understanding Pneumothorax: Recovery Tips and School Attendance
Understanding Chest Pain: Is It Serious or Just a Cold?
My chest? Doctor, I have a cold that has lasted for several months and hasn't improved. Recently, I've noticed occasional sharp pain in the center of my chest when I breathe. Could it be tuberculosis? Also, when I perform pushing movements with my arms, I hear a wheezin...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: A common cold does not last for several months. If respiratory symptoms have persisted for months, it is recommended to undergo a chest X-ray examination. Please consult a pulmonologist for differential diagnosis (such as tuberculosis, asthma, or other conditions). Dr. Cho...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Is It Serious or Just a Cold?
Understanding Pneumothorax: Recovery Time and Pain Management Tips
Pneumothorax I visited a traditional Chinese medicine clinic for acupuncture due to shoulder pain on August 31. After the treatment, I started experiencing chest pain. The next day, I consulted a cardiologist who performed an X-ray and diagnosed me with a pneumothorax. Since the ...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Hello: Acupuncture in the chest area is very dangerous and can often lead to pneumothorax. Common symptoms include chest pain and difficulty breathing. If the affected area is small, it can be monitored as it will typically reabsorb on its own within about two weeks. Pain relief ...[Read More] Understanding Pneumothorax: Recovery Time and Pain Management Tips
Understanding Chronic Cough: Causes, Management, and Prevention Tips
Cough in patients with brain disorders? Hello Dr. Yang, I have been experiencing coughing symptoms for over four years. During this time, it has been intermittent. About three years ago, I underwent an examination at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and the results were no...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiao Guo: Your chronic cough has the following four conditions: 1. Chronic pharyngitis, allergic rhinitis, or post-nasal drip. It may be necessary to consult an otolaryngologist, or you should develop a habit of drinking more water daily. 2. Allergic bronchitis, which tend...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Cough: Causes, Management, and Prevention Tips
Understanding Pneumothorax: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Pneumothorax I am a poor student who previously studied abroad. During my first episode of pneumothorax, I was unaware of my condition and ended up sleeping for two to three days. At that time, I didn't have insurance, and as you know, a trip to the hospital or calling an am...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Justmike: After recovering from a pneumothorax, it is common to experience occasional chest pain during periods of physical exertion, changes in weather, or increased mental stress. Generally, pain relief medication should only be taken when the pain is severe. If you exper...[Read More] Understanding Pneumothorax: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Tuberculosis Diagnosis: From Sputum Tests to Cultures
Pulmonary tuberculosis First of all, thank you for the doctor's previous response. However, I apologize for having a few more questions: First, after I had an X-ray, I submitted sputum samples for testing at the hospital for three consecutive days. I returned for a follow-up...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Jack: Your questions can be summarized as follows: 1. According to the regulations of the Centers for Disease Control, the standard laboratory report for tuberculosis (TB) smear tests must be completed and reported within 24 hours. 2. The culture report for tuberculosis takes lon...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Diagnosis: From Sputum Tests to Cultures