Post-Thoracoscopic Surgery: Managing Breathing Issues and Exercise Concerns
Post-pneumothorax surgery I have undergone three chest tube insertions for pneumothorax within the past six months, and on January 25, I had a thoracoscopic-assisted mini-thoracotomy with autologous blood pleurodesis. Although I do not experience the significant tightness in brea...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to follow up with the Department of Pulmonology for further evaluation and chest X-ray. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang, Chief of Radiology.[Read More] Post-Thoracoscopic Surgery: Managing Breathing Issues and Exercise Concerns
Understanding Post-Pneumothorax Complications: Seeking Answers and Support
Complications of pneumothorax? Medical Condition Description: Eleven months ago, a pneumothorax occurred due to needle knife therapy, leading to intubation at the hospital. Since then, there has been a sensation of the diaphragm being unable to descend, accompanied by weak cardio...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ashin: Since most of your tests are normal, there shouldn't be any major issues. It seems to be more related to what Traditional Chinese Medicine refers to as "Qi stagnation." I recommend reducing the intake of gas-producing foods (such as legumes), taking a ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Pneumothorax Complications: Seeking Answers and Support
Understanding Tracheostomy: Key Considerations for Comatose Patients
My classmate has been in a coma for a month, and the doctor has recommended a tracheostomy? Hello Doctor: My classmate was in a car accident over a month ago and is still in a coma, although their Glasgow Coma Scale score has improved from 3 to around 9. At that time, due to intr...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Hello Mark: From a physician's perspective, the views are not too polarized. For patients with excessive sputum and altered consciousness, recommending tracheostomy is reasonable. The benefits of tracheostomy include facilitating weaning from mechanical ventilation and impro...[Read More] Understanding Tracheostomy: Key Considerations for Comatose Patients
Should Diabetic Patients with Pulmonary Edema Undergo Thoracentesis?
Should patients with diabetes and pulmonary edema undergo puncture? Dear Dr. Zhou, My father, who is 57 years old, has a long history of diabetes and hypertension. He is also blind in one eye and has hearing impairment. On July 23, he was admitted to the hospital due to difficul...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: (A) If kidney function is poor, the drainage through urine is less effective. (B) Generally, the puncture needle is not large, and there is rarely a wound left after removal. (C) There may be some discomfort during the puncture (similar to blood draws or injections). (D) T...[Read More] Should Diabetic Patients with Pulmonary Edema Undergo Thoracentesis?
Understanding Symptoms and Recovery After Spontaneous Pneumothorax Surgery
Spontaneous pneumothorax Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my condition. I have a spontaneous pneumothorax, and before I was aware of it, I experienced symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, shortness of breath, and tightness in my neck. A...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Hello, Xiao He: The common symptoms of pneumothorax include chest pain and shortness of breath, although some patients may be asymptomatic and discover the condition during a physical examination. This means that symptoms can vary from person to person. Typically, symptoms will i...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms and Recovery After Spontaneous Pneumothorax Surgery
Understanding Chest Pain and Breathing Issues After Sports Injury
Sports impact Hello: I had a strong collision in the chest during a basketball game yesterday, and I immediately felt short of breath, needing to take deep breaths to get air, which lasted for several minutes before gradually easing. Later, when I went back to play, I felt discom...
Dr. Zhuang Ziyi Reply:
Hello, for the muscle contusion caused by chest impact, please visit the thoracic surgery outpatient clinic to have a chest X-ray to confirm that there are no fractures or pneumothorax. Sincerely, Dr. Zhuang Ziyi, Internal Medicine.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Breathing Issues After Sports Injury
Chest Pain in Athletes: Causes and Management During Running
Chest pain I am experiencing sudden chest pain while running as an athlete, and I feel discomfort when breathing. How should I handle this?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of chest pain, such as muscle strain, neuropathic pain, cardiac issues, pneumothorax, and others. It is advisable to first visit a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray and further evaluation. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang, Internal Medicine Specialist.[Read More] Chest Pain in Athletes: Causes and Management During Running
Understanding Symptoms: Is It Pneumothorax or Costochondritis?
What are the symptoms of pneumothorax? Last night, I felt pain near my left chest close to my arm while sleeping, and I also felt a bit of tightness in my breathing. However, after getting up, the pain subsided, but I still felt a bit of tightness. In the afternoon, when I lay fl...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Hello, Xiao Wang: There are many causes of chest discomfort, not just pneumothorax, muscle pain, or pleuritic pain. Furthermore, regarding pneumothorax, the symptoms can vary from person to person. Therefore, it is advisable to visit an outpatient clinic. Please see a specialist.[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Is It Pneumothorax or Costochondritis?
Managing Pneumothorax: Care Tips and Prevention Strategies
Pneumothorax Hello doctor, my brother is currently being treated for a spontaneous pneumothorax. He has two chest tubes inserted next to his ribs to drain the air bubbles. If his condition improves upon observation, he will undergo surgery. I would like to know how to care for hi...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: (1) Pneumothorax: If it is a spontaneous pneumothorax (not caused by other lung diseases), during the recovery period, it is advisable to avoid strenuous activities (such as heavy lifting). After this period, one should be able to return to normal activities. If pneumothor...[Read More] Managing Pneumothorax: Care Tips and Prevention Strategies
Sudden Right Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Pain in the right thoracic cavity? Sometimes when I laugh too hard or take a deep breath, I suddenly feel pain in my right lung. I haven't experienced this before; it's a symptom that has appeared recently. I'm not sure what the problem could be.
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of right chest pain. Based on the described symptoms, it is more likely to be musculoskeletal pain, such as from severe coughing or bruising. There is also a possibility of pneumothorax. It is recommended to first visit a pulmonologist for a chest X-r...[Read More] Sudden Right Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Calcified Nodules in the Right Lower Lung: What You Need to Know
What is a calcified nodule in the right lower lobe of the lung? What are its potential effects? Hello Dr. Lee: I would like to ask you about the issue of a calcified nodule in the right lower lobe of the lung. My brother's recent chest X-ray report indicated that he has a ca...
Dr. Li Shiwei Reply:
Dear Fanny, The calcified nodule in the right lower lobe of the lung is a lesion left over from inflammation, possibly indicating calcification after the resolution of primary pulmonary tuberculosis. The pneumothorax is mostly spontaneous, resulting from the rupture of abnormal ...[Read More] Understanding Calcified Nodules in the Right Lower Lung: What You Need to Know
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 Pneumothorax: Symptoms and Concerns for Patients
Pneumothorax I previously had a pneumothorax, but recently I've been experiencing shortness of breath. However, I don't have chest pain. I occasionally feel nauseous when eating. What could this be? Is it a recurrence of pneumothorax? Can you help clarify this?
Dr. Jiang Rongren Reply:
Hello! Pneumothorax typically presents with shortness of breath and chest pain; however, it can sometimes manifest atypically or without obvious symptoms. Therefore, if there are any suspected symptoms, it is still recommended to seek medical attention. Diagnosis and treatment ca...[Read More] Understanding Pneumothorax: Symptoms and Concerns for Patients
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
Could My Symptoms Indicate a Pneumothorax?
Could you please clarify if I have a pneumothorax? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my condition. I previously visited Pingtung Hospital because I was experiencing shortness of breath and pain in my chest and abdomen (the area around my ribs also hurts). I feel very fatigu...
Dr. Jiang Rongren Reply:
Pneumothorax typically presents with chest pain in addition to shortness of breath, and it commonly occurs in tall, thin individuals. If there is suspicion of this condition, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Diagnosis can be confirmed through auscultation and chest X-ra...[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate a Pneumothorax?
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Worry About Left Chest Discomfort
Thoracic issues? My dad mentioned that sometimes when he runs or engages in intense activities, he experiences a sharp pain in his left chest. Could you please let me know if this is a concerning condition? Thank you.
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Hello: 1. There are many possible causes of chest pain, such as angina, gastrointestinal issues, pulmonary diseases (like pneumothorax), pleural diseases, strains, etc. Without further information, it is difficult to make a definitive diagnosis; it is recommended to follow up wit...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Worry About Left Chest Discomfort
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 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 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