Understanding Lung Health: Addressing Concerns About Smoking and LDCT Results
Chest issues Hello Dr. Shen, I am 29 years old and have no family history of lung cancer. I have been wanting to quit smoking for many years but have not been able to. I have been smoking for less than 9 years and tend to feel anxious about my health. On June 2, 2022, and Decembe...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: Yes, please take care of yourself and live well. Life is tough, and I can empathize with your struggles. Let go of your burdens and try to enjoy life.[Read More] Understanding Lung Health: Addressing Concerns About Smoking and LDCT Results
Effective Smoking Cessation: Understanding Nicotine Replacement and Medications
Smoking cessation issues Hello, doctor. I have a few questions. First, I have never used nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Is NRT used through inhalation? If I haven't quit smoking yet, can I use NRT directly to help me quit? If I still have the urge to smoke, can NRT he...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: You have considered many aspects of the issue. I recommend that you directly schedule an appointment at a smoking cessation clinic, where a smoking cessation educator can assess your level of nicotine dependence. A physician can then prescribe medications to assist with wi...[Read More] Effective Smoking Cessation: Understanding Nicotine Replacement and Medications
Delivery Riders and Lung Cancer Risk: What You Need to Know
Delivery workers and lung cancer? Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask the following questions: 1. Due to financial reasons, I have to spend a lot of time riding a scooter for food delivery (Foodpanda). If I continue this for 20 years, will my risk of developing lung cancer be si...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
1. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) currently classifies PM2.5 from air pollution as a Group 1 carcinogen (sufficient evidence), but the levels do not matter for individuals; it is simply a matter of presence or absence. 2. To state the conclusion directly...[Read More] Delivery Riders and Lung Cancer Risk: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Blood in Sputum: A Long-Term Smoker's Health Risks
My father is a long-term smoker and has issues with phlegm? Good morning, Director Huang. I apologize for disturbing you during your busy schedule, but I have a question I hope you can answer quickly. My father is a long-time smoker and has been experiencing chronic coughing and ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ah Wei, I hope this message finds you well. As a long-time smoker, regardless of whether you have any symptoms, it is advisable to undergo a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan since lung cancer is currently the leading type of cancer. The government offers subsidies fo...[Read More] Concerns About Blood in Sputum: A Long-Term Smoker's Health Risks
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
Managing Side Effects of Smoking Cessation Medications: Tips and Alternatives
Side effects of the medication Jiebishi (戒必適)? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask for your advice. I am currently taking Champix for smoking cessation, but every time I take the medication, I feel extremely uncomfortable in my stomach, with nausea and a desire to vomit. I do not w...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: About 5% of people taking varenicline may experience gastrointestinal side effects, which can be alleviated with gastrointestinal medications. There are no other methods to improve these side effects. It sounds like you have a strong motivation to quit smoking. If you rema...[Read More] Managing Side Effects of Smoking Cessation Medications: Tips and Alternatives
Understanding Chest Pressure and Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Chest tightness with occasional sharp pain? Hello doctor, I have a question. Sometimes I feel a pressure on my heart, accompanied by intense anxiety, and then my hands and feet become cold and weak, with some difficulty breathing. I find that taking deep breaths can provide some ...
Dr. Lu Mingzhi Reply:
Hello: Heart issues should indeed be prioritized, and other possibilities such as pulmonary diseases or gastroesophageal reflux cannot be completely ruled out. Although we are currently in a serious pandemic situation, it is still recommended that you seek medical evaluation as s...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pressure and Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Hemoptysis: Causes, Risks, and Smoking's Impact
Hemoptysis of unknown origin? Hello Doctor, my father is 53 years old and has been smoking for 40 years, currently smoking an average of 20 cigarettes a day. Three months ago, he coughed up blood-tinged sputum. He had an X-ray done at the hospital, but the doctor did not provide ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Large tumors and typical cavitary lung infiltrates are more easily diagnosed by X-ray, while small nodules may simply indicate bronchitis or early-stage pulmonary nodules. It is generally safer to follow up after three months to check for any changes, and follow-up examina...[Read More] Understanding Hemoptysis: Causes, Risks, and Smoking's Impact
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
Understanding Lung Fibrosis, Calcification, and Acid-Fast Bacilli Testing
Lobar pulmonary fibrosis, calcification, and positive acid-fast bacilli test? I am a nursing student. In middle school, I had pneumonia that led to fibrosis in my right upper lung. However, during a health check-up last August, I noticed an increase in lung markings. I have a his...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The previous fibrosis in your right upper lung and the current calcification observed during the physical examination should be considered the same condition, both indicating non-active lesions. Treatment would only be necessary if a tuberculosis culture is positive two mo...[Read More] Understanding Lung Fibrosis, Calcification, and Acid-Fast Bacilli Testing
Understanding Persistent Cough: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Coughing for over a month? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing a persistent cough for over a month, although it is not severe. About two weeks ago, I coughed up green phlegm, so I went to a clinic and took two different types of antibiotics. The first antibiotic did not improv...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Please consult a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray to check for inflammation or other issues. Lung cancer may not always be visible on a chest X-ray; if there is a history of smoking or a family history of lung cancer, you may consider paying out-of-pocket for a low-dose che...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Persistent Shortness of Breath: Seeking the Right Specialist for Relief
Persistent wheezing Hello, the patient is currently 77 years old, with a height of 160 cm and a weight of around 65 kg. He has a history of smoking but has significantly reduced his intake, averaging about one and a half packs per week. He previously had a coronary stent placed. ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Jason: Your friend has been experiencing shortness of breath related to fluid accumulation, and the fluid extracted is clear pleural effusion. Relevant tests have ruled out infections (including tuberculosis) and malignancies, suggesting that the issue may be related to the...[Read More] Persistent Shortness of Breath: Seeking the Right Specialist for Relief
Understanding Coughing and Itchy Airways: Smoking and Allergies Explained
Itchy throat and cough? Hello Doctor: I have a smoking habit, approximately one pack every three days. Recently, I occasionally feel an itch in my airways that makes me want to cough, but it’s infrequent (about 3-4 times a day) and there is not much phlegm. About six months ago, ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ke: If the recent X-ray shows no abnormalities, there should not be significant issues with the lungs at this time. It may be more related to chronic pharyngitis or bronchitis. Both conditions are closely associated with smoking, so I advise you to quit smoking as soo...[Read More] Understanding Coughing and Itchy Airways: Smoking and Allergies Explained
Understanding Cough, Chest Tightness, and Anxiety: A Guide for Patients
Itchy throat, cough, and chest tightness? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. I have been experiencing intermittent dry cough at night for the past couple of days. When I take deep breaths or exhale forcefully, I feel a tightness in my chest and ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, regarding your questions, here is a brief summary: 1. A scratchy throat and cough, especially when others do not have similar symptoms, is not considered normal. It is advisable to have a medical professional evaluate for any significant organ abnormalities. 2. A persisten...[Read More] Understanding Cough, Chest Tightness, and Anxiety: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Next Steps
Right chest tightness and pain? Hello Doctor, last week in the morning, while walking at work, I suddenly fainted and lost consciousness for a few seconds before waking up. Before fainting, I felt a tightness in my chest (I can't remember if it was the left or right side). I...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear: Based on your description and the tests that have been conducted, I personally believe that it could be atrial fibrillation causing a thrombus to travel from the heart to the brain, leading to temporary hypoxia and loss of consciousness. We should continue to monitor this; ...[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Next Steps
Understanding Shortness of Breath: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients
Shortness of breath? I am 36 years old and used to smoke about a pack and a half a day. In May of this year, I suddenly felt very short of breath, with a heavy and painful sensation in my chest. I sought medical attention, and after receiving an injection, I felt much better. How...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it is recommended to be hospitalized for a detailed examination and treatment, along with smoking cessation for improvement. It is advised to visit our hospital's Pulmonary Medicine outpatient clinic for treatment and to arrange for hospital...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients
Understanding Clear Yellow Phlegm: Causes and Concerns in Chest Health
Clear, pale yellow sputum? I apologize, but I would like to ask a question. Recently, I have been feeling that my chest is often producing phlegm, which is slightly transparent and light yellow. I don't feel the urge to cough, but I do lightly cough to expel it, and it seems...
Dr. Zhuang Ziyi Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms you described, a possible cause could be chronic bronchitis induced by smoking. The typical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal syndrome include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and weight gain, among others. I recommend that you visit a medical facilit...[Read More] Understanding Clear Yellow Phlegm: Causes and Concerns in Chest Health
Managing Cough and Smoking Urges: Tips for Recovery from Bronchitis
Coughing I have been coughing for about a week now, and it seems to be getting worse. I have seen a doctor who diagnosed me with bronchitis and prescribed medication, but I still have the same symptoms. Whenever I open my mouth to breathe, I start coughing, which can lead to head...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions, here are my answers: 1. Coughing: Chronic cough and shortness of breath may indeed be caused by smoking, but they could also be due to other reasons. It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist (you may need a chest X-ray). 2. Many healthcar...[Read More] Managing Cough and Smoking Urges: Tips for Recovery from Bronchitis