Can I Dive or Skydive After Heart Surgery and Pneumothorax?
Diving or skydiving activities? Hello, doctor. I underwent surgery for a ventricular septal defect when I was 3 years old and had surgery for a spontaneous pneumothorax at 16. I am currently 26 years old and can participate in various sports like a normal person without any disco...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Skydiving may not pose any issues, but diving is generally less suitable for patients with pneumothorax. It is advisable to first undergo a CT scan to assess whether there are any remaining small air bubbles in the lungs (which could rupture due to pressure). If there are ...[Read More] Can I Dive or Skydive After Heart Surgery and Pneumothorax?
Understanding Recurring Pneumothorax: Symptoms, Risks, and Recovery
Pneumothorax occurred twice? Hello Doctor, I have a history of pneumothorax twice in 2015, once on the left side and once on the right side, both requiring thoracoscopic surgery and pleural adhesion treatment. Last September, I experienced a slight recurrence of air in my right c...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Having undergone pleurodesis can reduce the risk of recurrent pneumothorax, but it does not guarantee that it will not occur again. If you experience severe chest pain or have difficulty breathing, it is advisable to have a follow-up chest X-ray to rule out the possibility...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Pneumothorax: Symptoms, Risks, and Recovery
Understanding Sudden Right Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Sharp and dull pain in the right chest? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have experienced two episodes of sudden chest discomfort and sharp pain in my right chest. Both times, the discomfort started suddenly and usually lasted for more than an hour. The first episode occurred in the off...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is primarily similar to neuropathic pain, and there should be no pulmonary disease. Avoiding excessive emotional stress can be helpful![Read More] Understanding Sudden Right Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Recurrent Chest Tightness: Possible Pneumothorax Symptoms
Periodic chest cramps sensation, pneumothorax? Symptoms: Discomfort and a feeling of tightness and cramping in the left chest, nausea (feeling like I will vomit if I take another breath, but also feeling a strong urge to breathe), numbness in the left jaw, and severe dizziness th...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
You can first visit a cardiologist or a pulmonologist for an examination (it is recommended to see a specialist in the respective field).[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Chest Tightness: Possible Pneumothorax Symptoms
Understanding Chest Pain and Breathing Issues After Exercise
Chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and changes in voice? After playing basketball, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my left chest, and it felt like something was stuck in my chest when I breathed. Additionally, my neck felt tight and had a tingling sensation, and my voice chan...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms described, if you are experiencing persistent sharp pain while breathing, please seek an examination from a pulmonologist as soon as possible. It is necessary to rule out the possibility of a pneumothorax. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Breathing Issues After Exercise
Managing Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Exercise Guidelines and Breathing Techniques
What should be noted for spontaneous pneumothorax? A few weeks ago, I experienced my first pneumothorax, but I did not require surgery since it was not severe and only needed observation. I would like to ask about information I found online stating that pneumothorax is not associ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. It is not recommended to engage in activities that cause rapid changes in atmospheric pressure or intrathoracic pressure, such as diving, skydiving, or activities that involve sudden exertion. 2. If you experience any related discomfort, such as chest pain or shortness ...[Read More] Managing Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Exercise Guidelines and Breathing Techniques
Understanding Emphysema: Diagnosis Discrepancies and Lifestyle Impact
Emphysema Hello, doctor. I have a history of asthma and I smoke. Recently, after exercising, I experienced shortness of breath for a few days. I went to Hospital A's emergency department, where an X-ray showed normal results. The next day, I visited Hospital B for an outpati...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: For individuals who smoke long-term, or those with a tall and slender physique, or during an asthma attack, bronchoconstriction can prevent the complete exhalation of air, leading to hyperinflation (appearing darker on a chest X-ray). The physician indicated that normal fi...[Read More] Understanding Emphysema: Diagnosis Discrepancies and Lifestyle Impact
Post-Surgery Pneumothorax: Can I Play Saxophone Again?
Post-pneumothorax surgery Hello, I am a second-year music student. Three months ago, I had a spontaneous pneumothorax (on the left side) and underwent surgery. I would like to ask if I will be able to play the saxophone in the future, as it requires significant effort to exhale a...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to discuss with the surgeon who suggested the operation. Additionally, you may ask the physician if there are any other pulmonary abnormalities, such as apical blebs, especially if a chest CT scan has been performed.[Read More] Post-Surgery Pneumothorax: Can I Play Saxophone Again?
Can Balloon Blowing Help or Harm Those with Pneumothorax?
Inflating a balloon? Is it true that people with pneumothorax can blow up balloons as a form of maintenance, but some users say that blowing up balloons can lead to pneumothorax? Can individuals with pneumothorax blow up balloons? If so, can it be used as a regular maintenance me...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Medical literature does not mention that blowing up balloons can improve or prevent the occurrence of pneumothorax, so it is advised not to do it! Best wishes![Read More] Can Balloon Blowing Help or Harm Those with Pneumothorax?
Can I Ride a Motorcycle to Wuling After Spontaneous Pneumothorax Surgery?
Mountain sickness issue Hello doctor, I would like to ask if it's safe for me to ride a motorcycle to Wuling and make a short stop before coming back down, considering that I had surgery for spontaneous pneumothorax around April and May of last year and my condition has been...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, if you have a spontaneous pneumothorax without any other comorbidities or complications, and your postoperative follow-up shows no significant abnormalities, you may resume normal activities. However, if you experience symptoms similar to those of the previous pneumothorax...[Read More] Can I Ride a Motorcycle to Wuling After Spontaneous Pneumothorax Surgery?
Post-Surgery Concerns: Can I Hike After Spontaneous Pneumothorax?
Postoperative issues Hello doctor, I underwent surgery for spontaneous pneumothorax on both sides in April and May of last year. I would like to ask if it is safe for me to go to high altitudes now?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Please discuss with your surgeon. Thank you![Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: Can I Hike After Spontaneous Pneumothorax?
Understanding Chest Pain Near the Heart: Causes and Concerns
Pain near the heart in the left chest? Hello, doctor! Recently, I've been experiencing severe chest pain that occurs quite frequently, about ten times a day. This has only been happening for the past few days; previously, it would occur only once every few months. However, i...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Given your symptoms and age, it is essential to first rule out the possibility of a "pneumothorax" (air leaking out of the lung through a small hole). This requires a chest X-ray. I recommend that you visit a pulmonology clinic for this examination. If the X-ray ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain Near the Heart: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Chest tightness? Hello! I am an 18-year-old female. Since I can remember, I have occasionally experienced sharp pain in my left or right chest, usually near the rib area. This happens about once every few weeks and lasts no more than 3 minutes. However, last night, I suddenly exp...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you see a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray to check for any lung diseases, especially pneumothorax. If the X-ray is normal, it is more likely to be neuralgia. You should try to get enough rest, avoid staying up late, and limit the intake of cold foods...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Pneumothorax History for Employment Medical Exams
Chest examination items (regarding pneumothorax) Hello Doctor, I would like to briefly summarize my medical history. About 6-7 years ago, I suffered a pneumothorax due to a car accident. After intubation and a few days of rest, I fully recovered since then. (At that time, I did ...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Josh, based on the description, there should be no issue of spontaneous pneumothorax. However, there has indeed been surgery on the chest wall, which may lead to some sequelae. The specific situation should be determined by the details outlined in the work regulations, spec...[Read More] Understanding Pneumothorax History for Employment Medical Exams
Can Women with Spontaneous Pneumothorax Safely Become Pregnant?
Can female patients with pneumothorax conceive and give birth in the future? Hello, doctor. My daughter experienced her first spontaneous pneumothorax in her right lung when she was 16 years old, which was treated with chest tube insertion and did not require surgery. This April,...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, pneumothorax in women generally does not affect pregnancy and childbirth. Best wishes for health, Dr. Wu Ying-Hsun (on behalf).[Read More] Can Women with Spontaneous Pneumothorax Safely Become Pregnant?
Managing Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Patients with Tuberculosis
Severe coughing due to pulmonary tuberculosis can lead to pneumothorax? Hello Doctor: My brother, who is being treated for tuberculosis at home, experienced severe coughing one morning that led to respiratory distress and was rushed to the hospital for emergency care. The doctor ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: In cases of pneumothorax requiring mechanical ventilation, a chest tube is typically placed. If there is still no improvement, surgery may be considered, but the risks of the procedure need to be evaluated. Please discuss the severity of any prior tuberculosis with the pat...[Read More] Managing Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Patients with Tuberculosis
Persistent Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Chest tightness or pain? Hello, I have been experiencing chest tightness and pain for two months. I went to the hospital and saw a thoracic surgeon, and an X-ray showed no abnormalities, but the pain persists. It hurts when I exert myself, but it doesn't hurt when I'm a...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If a chest X-ray shows no abnormalities, it indicates that there are no significant issues with the lungs, pleura (such as pneumothorax or pleural effusion), or ribs. It is more likely to be muscle pain (usually with tenderness upon palpation) or costochondritis (which may...[Read More] Persistent Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Can You Exercise After Mild Pneumothorax Without Surgery?
What are the effects of not undergoing surgery for a pneumothorax? If someone has a mild pneumothorax and chooses to rest at home without surgery, will they be unable to engage in vigorous activities (such as playing sports, running) or fly on an airplane or swim for the rest of ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: In the case of spontaneous pneumothorax, if there are pre-existing small blebs, there is still a risk of developing a larger pneumothorax later. Please discuss this further with your physician.[Read More] Can You Exercise After Mild Pneumothorax Without Surgery?
Understanding Lung Cavities: Concerns About Treatment and Diagnosis
Pulmonary cavity Hello Doctor: Previously, I inquired about my mother's issue with coughing up blood. Today, we received the report results, which indicate that there is a cavity in her lungs, and the sputum culture shows the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. I forgot to a...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: In cases of lung inflammation or the presence of cavities (which is different from pneumothorax or hemothorax), it is possible for two or more pathogenic bacteria to coexist. If there is no significant improvement in the lesions after antibiotic treatment for Pseudomonas a...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cavities: Concerns About Treatment and Diagnosis
Post-Thoracoscopic Surgery: Is My Rib Cage Asymmetry Normal?
Postoperative care after thoracoscopic surgery for pneumothorax? Hello, doctor. In mid-April, I experienced a spontaneous pneumothorax on the right side and underwent thoracoscopic surgery to remove alveoli and perform local pleurodesis before being discharged. Recently, I notice...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Possible postoperative conditions should be evaluated by a thoracic surgeon for diagnosis.[Read More] Post-Thoracoscopic Surgery: Is My Rib Cage Asymmetry Normal?