Understanding Recurrence of Pneumothorax After Surgery: What to Do?
Recurrent pneumothorax after surgery? Hello Doctor, about three months ago I underwent surgery for bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax, which included lung tissue resection. However, in the past week, I have experienced another pneumothorax on the left side. It is painful when I b...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Although the recurrence rate is not high, there is still a possibility, and pneumothorax carries certain risks. It is recommended to promptly visit a thoracic specialist for re-evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Recurrence of Pneumothorax After Surgery: What to Do?
Post-Pneumothorax Surgery: Is Chest Tightness and Shortness of Breath Normal?
Post-Pneumothorax Surgery Hello, Doctor: I underwent surgery for a pneumothorax on June 1 of this year. Currently, I occasionally experience chest tightness, and sometimes I need to exert a bit of effort to breathe while climbing stairs. Is this normal?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
After chest surgery, there may be a period of reduced lung capacity, which is related to the size and extent of the surgery. It is advisable to discuss this with your thoracic surgeon.[Read More] Post-Pneumothorax Surgery: Is Chest Tightness and Shortness of Breath Normal?
Post-Surgery Concerns After Spontaneous Pneumothorax: What to Expect
Pneumothorax just underwent surgery? I would like to ask, I underwent surgery for a spontaneous pneumothorax about a week ago. Initially, it was unilateral, but since I had an episode on the other side a few years ago without surgery or tube insertion, they decided to operate on ...
Dr. Wang Zhenjie Reply:
It is recommended that you return to the original hospital for treatment.[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns After Spontaneous Pneumothorax: What to Expect
Understanding Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Is Your Pain a Sign of Recurrence?
Spontaneous pneumothorax with persistent sharp pain? A month ago, I had a mild pneumothorax, and I also experienced a mild pneumothorax three years ago, both of which were treated with oxygen inhalation and continuous X-rays, and I was discharged after a few days without major is...
Dr. Wang Zhenjie Reply:
It is recommended that you schedule an appointment for further examination and evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Is Your Pain a Sign of Recurrence?
Is My Chest Pain a Sign of Pneumothorax Recurrence?
Does this count as a relapse? Hello Doctor, I previously inquired about the possibility of a recurrence of pneumothorax on September 17. I had an X-ray on Friday (October 16), which showed no issues. However, today (October 18), I woke up from my afternoon nap feeling a tight sen...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Try to relax. It's possible to feel some localized discomfort or occasional nerve pain. It is advisable to see the surgeon who performed your operation if you experience any difficulty in breathing. Best wishes![Read More] Is My Chest Pain a Sign of Pneumothorax Recurrence?
Understanding Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Risks, Recovery, and Exercise Guidelines
Spontaneous pneumothorax Your son had a spontaneous pneumothorax in the second year of junior high school and underwent surgery three times in his first year of high school (on both sides). Is there a possibility of recurrence? Can he engage in normal physical activities? If he c...
Dr. Huang Ruiming Reply:
Typically, if the bubbles from the previous page have been cauterized during surgery, they will not recur.[Read More] Understanding Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Risks, Recovery, and Exercise Guidelines
Understanding Chest Pain During Vomiting: What You Need to Know
Vomiting pain Hello doctor, I would like to ask if the chest muscles are used during vomiting? Because just now, while I was vomiting, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my left chest. I have a history of pneumothorax and have had surgery, so I am quite afraid of a recurrence.
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Abnormal postures or movements during vomiting may indicate a possible sprain, but given the history of pneumothorax, it is still recommended to perform a chest X-ray examination.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain During Vomiting: What You Need to Know
Is My Chest Discomfort a Sign of Pneumothorax Recurrence?
Does this count as a relapse? Hello, Doctor. I underwent surgery for pneumothorax in early April and again at the end of April, first on the left side and then on the right side. In mid-May, one night I suddenly felt a tightness in my chest and experienced palpitations. I went to...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: A recurrence of pneumothorax can be diagnosed through a chest X-ray (which has low radiation exposure). Patients with pneumothorax may have multiple small blebs in the pleura that are prone to rupture, leading to pneumothorax (each rupture does not occur from the same bleb...[Read More] Is My Chest Discomfort a Sign of Pneumothorax Recurrence?
Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms After Pneumothorax Treatment
Pneumothorax issues? Hello doctor, I recently had surgery for a pneumothorax on my right chest. After the drainage tube was removed, I went home to rest. I feel pain when I touch the area near the incision, and it feels swollen. The skin in the painful area is also red. Is this a...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: You may need to return for a follow-up appointment for the physician to assess whether there is an infection.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms After Pneumothorax Treatment
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Pain near the left chest area, close to the ribs? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing pain in my left chest for about six months. Initially, it was a mild discomfort, and after seeing a doctor, I was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, in the past w...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Xiao Jia: First, we need to know what tests you have undergone. Esophageal reflux is quite vague because a diagnosis requires an endoscopy, and its symptoms typically include a burning sensation in the chest. Based on your description, mild pleural effusion or mild pneumotho...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Managing Chest Pain After a Car Accident: What to Watch For
Thoracic issues..? Hello doctor, a few days ago I was involved in a car accident that caused a strong forward thrust, and the seatbelt tightly constricted my chest, resulting in chest pain without any external injuries. Due to my pregnancy, I am unable to undergo an X-ray. The em...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear En En: Pregnancy makes chest X-ray monitoring challenging. Ultrasound can help with hemothorax, but it is more difficult for pneumothorax. Self-monitoring involves being aware of any increased pain or shortness of breath. If you experience these symptoms, taking some prevent...[Read More] Managing Chest Pain After a Car Accident: What to Watch For
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Sternum Issues
Chest issues? I have a noticeable protrusion of my sternum on both sides, extending up to my collarbone, which feels strange. When I wear clothes, the fabric pressing against the bones creates a sensation of tightness and pressure. During deep breaths, I feel a tightness in my le...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Abnormalities of the sternum (thoracic deformities) can be evaluated by a thoracic surgeon who can assist with pneumothorax surgery. You may also visit a pulmonology clinic for pulmonary function tests to determine if your chest tightness is related to lung function. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Sternum Issues
Chest Pain or Digestive Issue? Understanding Your Symptoms and Next Steps
Is it a problem with the chest or the gastrointestinal tract? Hello Doctor: Two years ago, I experienced a pneumothorax in my right chest. Since the tube insertion and removal, I have continued to experience pain in the right chest area (approximately around the right side of the...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello WETIN: Here are my responses: 1. The chest tube is inserted into the pleural cavity, not the abdominal cavity, so it is unlikely to reach the stomach (the liver is located on the right side of the stomach, which is positioned more to the left). 2. A duodenal ulcer that has ...[Read More] Chest Pain or Digestive Issue? Understanding Your Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Left Rib Discomfort: Gastrointestinal or Pulmonary Issues?
Left rib issues? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing a tightness, pressure, bloating, and discomfort in my lower rib area and extending to my waist almost every day. This started over a year ago after I developed irritable bowel syndrome. In July of this year, I went to a pulm...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello AVI: 1. If a pneumothorax was present on the initial X-ray, a follow-up X-ray is necessary to check for absorption and improvement. 2. Your symptoms may also be related to irritable bowel syndrome, which can be associated with stress or poor autonomic nervous system regulat...[Read More] Understanding Left Rib Discomfort: Gastrointestinal or Pulmonary Issues?
Is Chest Tightness While Running a Sign of Pneumothorax?
Experiencing chest tightness while running could be a sign of pneumothorax? Hello, Dr. Huang. I usually don't exercise much, and when I do, it's mostly activities like shooting hoops or playing badminton, which don't make me breathless. Recently, I've started ...
Dr. Huang Ruiming Reply:
Dear Xiao Zhi: Spontaneous pneumothorax typically occurs in young, tall, and slender males. If you experience chest tightness and difficulty breathing during exercise, I recommend that you visit the thoracic medicine clinic for further diagnosis. Thank you for your inquiry! Dr. H...[Read More] Is Chest Tightness While Running a Sign of Pneumothorax?
Understanding Post-Pneumothorax Symptoms and Activity Restrictions
Pneumothorax issues? Hello, doctor. I was hospitalized for a spontaneous pneumothorax on June 29 of this year. Since the extent was not large, I was discharged after waiting for it to resolve on its own. A week after discharge, I returned for a follow-up X-ray, which showed no si...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, 1. Generally speaking, if a pneumothorax has fully resolved to normal, symptoms should return to baseline. If there are any recurring symptoms such as chest tightness or shortness of breath, please return for a follow-up examination to check for recurrence. 2. In addit...[Read More] Understanding Post-Pneumothorax Symptoms and Activity Restrictions
Understanding Post-Pneumothorax Pain: Causes and Solutions
Complications of pneumothorax? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask you about my right chest, which experienced a spontaneous pneumothorax in October 2010. I had a chest tube inserted to remove the gas, and it has been about a year and eight months since then, but I still experience...
Dr. Huang Ruiming Reply:
Dear HAPPY: Spontaneous pneumothorax is more common in tall, slender males. Typically, it can be treated by thoracoscopic surgery to remove the congenital blebs. If only a chest tube is placed for drainage, there is still a 25% chance of recurrence. Regarding persistent chest pai...[Read More] Understanding Post-Pneumothorax Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Cough-Induced Lung Discomfort: Is It Alveolar Rupture?
Coughing feels like the alveoli are rupturing? Sometimes when I cough too hard, I feel a sensation in my lungs as if something is "popping." Could this be a ruptured alveolus? Occasionally, I also experience mild pain in my chest (when taking deep breaths), but it is al...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear: The presence of sound when coughing may be related to bronchoconstriction. A ruptured lung could lead to pneumothorax, causing wheezing; therefore, it is unlikely. It would be advisable to first perform pulmonary function tests for further evaluation. Huang Yi-Wen[Read More] Understanding Cough-Induced Lung Discomfort: Is It Alveolar Rupture?
Complications After Pneumothorax Drainage: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery
Pneumothorax tube insertion leading to hemothorax? Hello, my sister was admitted to the emergency room on June 19 due to a left spontaneous pneumothorax. An X-ray showed two small white spots, so the emergency physician recommended a drainage procedure to remove the gas. However,...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Based on the description, the patient may experience changes such as pleural adhesions, pulmonary fibrosis, and decreased lung function following a major surgery on the left chest, which could be related to the symptoms mentioned and should be discussed with a physician. Regardin...[Read More] Complications After Pneumothorax Drainage: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery
Understanding Chest Tightness: When to Worry About Heart Issues
Chest tightness Hello, Doctor. I would like to inquire about something. Sometimes I experience a feeling of tightness in my left chest, and at times it feels like I can hardly breathe. Does this indicate a heart problem? What kind of examinations should I undergo?
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Judy: There are many types of chest discomfort, and different considerations apply depending on age. The most basic examinations include X-rays, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and pulmonary function tests. First, we need to rule out acute conditions such as pneumothorax and myoc...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness: When to Worry About Heart Issues