Understanding Rib Pain: Causes and Next Steps for Diagnosis
Rib pain Hello doctor, I have been experiencing sharp pain on the left side of my rib cage for the past two months. There is also tenderness when I press on the area, and it feels like inflammation with a wide range of discomfort. Currently, I am also experiencing similar pain in...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: If there are no results after being treated by a pulmonologist, you may consider consulting a neurologist for further evaluation by a physician.[Read More] Understanding Rib Pain: Causes and Next Steps for Diagnosis
Managing Medication for Respiratory Issues in Seniors: A Guide
Tracheal-related medication consultation? Hello, my 70-year-old mother, who weighs 78 kg and has not smoked for over 20 years, has been experiencing shortness of breath for the past couple of years. She gets breathless after climbing three flights of stairs. Last year, she consul...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: Is there a pulmonary function assessment for lung capacity? If there is obstructive lung disease, can inhalers be used instead of oral medication?[Read More] Managing Medication for Respiratory Issues in Seniors: A Guide
Challenges in Changing Tracheostomy Tubes: A Case Study
Issues with Changing Tracheostomy Tubes Hello Dr. Zhou, Background of the issue: My 65-year-old mother has a tracheostomy tube that needs to be replaced in about a month. After a consultation with the ENT department at Hospital C, an endoscopy revealed that there is dry secretio...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: The question involves the patient's actual condition and the existing equipment at the hospital, which requires clinical evaluation. Please discuss the follow-up treatment plan with the original physician.[Read More] Challenges in Changing Tracheostomy Tubes: A Case Study
Understanding Family History of Lung Cancer: Key Definitions and Guidelines
Definition of Family History of Lung Cancer Hello, doctor. Thank you for your response to my previous question; I will return for my report. I would like to inquire about the definition of a family history of lung cancer. I am 41 years old, do not smoke or drink, and would like t...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Question 1: The Ministry of Health and Welfare defines a family history of lung cancer as having a parent, child, or sibling diagnosed with lung cancer. Can I use this standard to assess whether I have a family history of lung cancer? Answer: 1. According to the National H...[Read More] Understanding Family History of Lung Cancer: Key Definitions and Guidelines
Can a Cold Affect LDCT Results? Important Considerations for Patients
Is it safe to undergo LDCT while having a cold? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing a long-term cough with blood, and I have scheduled a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan for next Monday, May 22. However, I currently have a cold and a sore throat. Will having a cold af...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Generally, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is used for lung cancer screening. If there are acute symptoms, there may be pneumonia or other pulmonary infiltrates, which could present additional abnormal shadows on the imaging. However, if the purpose is to perform a che...[Read More] Can a Cold Affect LDCT Results? Important Considerations for Patients
Understanding the Anxiety of Low-Dose CT Scans for Lung Cancer Detection
Patients with severe anxiety disorder experience heightened anxiety during low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans? Hello Doctor, I have two questions I would like to ask, and I hope you can help clarify them for me. Thank you. I have generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compu...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. The presence or absence of a disease will not change the results of the report, regardless of whether you review the report. Please return for a follow-up to discuss the report with your physician. 2. Different populations cannot be directly compared in data.[Read More] Understanding the Anxiety of Low-Dose CT Scans for Lung Cancer Detection
Post-Surgery Chemotherapy Consultation for Stage 2A Lung Adenocarcinoma
Consultation for Chemotherapy Medications After Surgery for Stage 2A Lung Adenocarcinoma? Regarding the topic, there are two questions: 1. After surgery, starting oral UFUR capsules for two years, will such a long treatment duration potentially lead to drug resistance in the futu...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear wfchen: If you have concerns about UFUR after the 2A surgery, you can discuss with your attending physician whether it is necessary to take it, as clinical practice can indeed involve just monitoring. There is no need to worry about antibiotic resistance. The effect of Silym...[Read More] Post-Surgery Chemotherapy Consultation for Stage 2A Lung Adenocarcinoma
Understanding Chest and Back Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Chest pain and back pain? I have been experiencing chest pain for a year, lasting for a few seconds each time. The pain occurs intermittently near the right side under the clavicle and is difficult to describe. I have undergone X-rays and a CT scan, and a pulmonologist suggested ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If your symptoms are suggestive of neuropathic pain, it is recommended to see a neurologist. If you also experience respiratory distress, it is advisable to consult a cardiologist.[Read More] Understanding Chest and Back Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Understanding Your Chest Scan: Key Insights for Chronic Cough and Throat Phlegm
Hello, doctor. I would like to ask for your help in reviewing my test results, as I have some questions I would like to discuss? I have been experiencing a long-term cough and often feel phlegm in my throat. I have seen many doctors at various clinics and taken numerous medicatio...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to consult the original prescribing physician regarding the relevant test reports, as they can provide explanations in conjunction with your original symptoms, other medical history, or family history.[Read More] Understanding Your Chest Scan: Key Insights for Chronic Cough and Throat Phlegm
Understanding Throat Irritation and Dry Cough: Is It Asthma?
Itchy throat and dry cough? I have a habit of running 10 kilometers or hiking regularly, and I participate in full marathon events. I do not smoke or drink alcohol. I have been experiencing nasal allergies, often sneezing, and I frequently have a scratchy throat and dry cough, al...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: You may have allergic rhinitis, so be careful not to consume overly cold foods. If you are not experiencing difficulty breathing, you might consider not using bronchodilators for the time being![Read More] Understanding Throat Irritation and Dry Cough: Is It Asthma?
Targeted Therapy Options for Advanced Lung Cancer with Brain Metastasis
Regarding targeted therapies? Hello, my mother was diagnosed with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma in May 2022, with ALK gene mutation detected. Initially, she was treated with Lorbrena (lorlatinib), which controlled the disease fairly well. However, in February 2023, she began exper...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: 1. The effectiveness of Lurbinectedin is not very good; can I switch to Anlotinib? A: Lurbinectedin is a third-generation drug, while Anlotinib is a second-generation drug, and there are no direct comparative studies between the two. If you have previously taken another se...[Read More] Targeted Therapy Options for Advanced Lung Cancer with Brain Metastasis
Understanding Occasional Cough: Is It a Sign of Lung Cancer?
Sometimes cough? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my mother. She has had a cough for about three weeks, but her condition is such that she coughs occasionally, not continuously. Sometimes she feels the need to clear her throat or cough lightly a couple of times. She tends ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Xiao Pang: The symptoms of lung cancer are often atypical. Smoking and family history are considered high-risk factors, and low-dose computed tomography (CT) can be used for early diagnosis. There are many causes of coughing; of course, the common cold is the most frequent. ...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Cough: Is It a Sign of Lung Cancer?
Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Right chest pain? Hello, Doctor. Since early November last year, I have been experiencing pain in my right chest, and even now, the issue persists with increased intensity. The pain worsens when I raise my arm, bend my neck, or push myself up. I consulted a doctor who suggested i...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Meng: Given your age, it is indeed unlikely to consider a tumor, and the absence of any signs on X-rays over such a long period should help rule that out. However, if there has been poor posture over an extended period, it could potentially lead to muscular or neurologic...[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Understanding Lung Nodules: Management and Treatment Options
Pulmonary nodules I would like to ask the doctor, after a CT scan, a 1 cm pulmonary nodule was found in the left upper lung, which has increased by 0.2 cm compared to two years ago. I have seen a surgeon who believes it is a benign hamartoma. What would the doctor recommend for m...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Xiaomei: It is recommended to undergo another CT scan in 6 to 12 months. If you are still concerned, minimally invasive thoracic surgery is very advanced now and can directly remove the issue. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Management and Treatment Options
Should You Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Breathing Issues?
Should you seek medical attention for shortness of breath immediately, or can you wait a week before seeing a doctor? I have been experiencing a persistent cough and have been diagnosed with fungal and tuberculosis infections, for which I regularly see a pulmonologist. I have no ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. If you experience new symptoms or develop shortness of breath or fever, seek medical attention promptly. 2. If your respiratory condition worsens, temporarily discontinue exercise and have your physician reassess during your appointment.[Read More] Should You Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Breathing Issues?
Navigating Critical Care: A Father's Battle with Pneumonia and Ventilation
Dad is intubated in the intensive care unit? Hello, doctor. My father went to the emergency room in early March due to physical discomfort, which was diagnosed as a urinary tract infection (after chest X-ray and CT scan) leading to fever and sepsis (with a white blood cell count ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ms. Tsai: It is advisable to perform a tracheostomy if you cannot be weaned off the ventilator in the short term. Keeping a chopstick in your mouth continuously is quite uncomfortable. After the tracheostomy, you can still train to wean off the ventilator. If it is truly imp...[Read More] Navigating Critical Care: A Father's Battle with Pneumonia and Ventilation
Should You Get a Low-Dose CT Scan After Smoking? Expert Insights
X-ray and low-dose CT (computed tomography)? Hello Doctor: I have a smoking history of 15 years and have quit for about a year. On January 30 of this year, due to my past smoking habits, I wanted to get a low-dose CT scan in the pulmonology department. However, after getting an X...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Chest pain cannot definitively indicate the presence or absence of lung cancer. If you are still concerned, you may consider undergoing a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan.[Read More] Should You Get a Low-Dose CT Scan After Smoking? Expert Insights
Understanding Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know About Early Detection
Discovery of pulmonary nodules? Hello, doctor! During a company health check, a shadow was found in my right lung, and after follow-up at the hospital, a 0.6 cm nodule was confirmed in the right lower lung. The doctor immediately mentioned that if this is removed now, it would be...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is not possible to determine whether a lesion is benign or malignant based solely on imaging without a pathological biopsy report. Clinicians will consider the patient's age, the quantity of smoking history both past and present, family history of lung malignancies...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know About Early Detection
Traveling with Pleural Effusion: Important Tips for Air Travel
What precautions should be taken when traveling abroad with pleural effusion? Hello Director Huang, My mother is planning to fly to Japan in April. Considering she currently has about 300cc of pleural effusion, are there any recommendations or precautions regarding high altitud...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear A-Fei: The side effects of general immunosuppressants are usually mild, as indicated in the package insert. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, please seek medical attention promptly: difficulty breathing, severe abdominal or back pain, fever, numbness ...[Read More] Traveling with Pleural Effusion: Important Tips for Air Travel
Understanding Sudden Breathing Issues During Sleep and Wakefulness
Respiratory issues Hello Doctor, recently I've been experiencing episodes where I suddenly take a deep breath and wake up after falling asleep while using my phone in bed (either just falling asleep or accidentally dozing off). I've also noticed that during class, I som...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: You can first visit a general internal medicine clinic for an examination. If there are no abnormalities, you can then see a psychiatrist.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Breathing Issues During Sleep and Wakefulness