Category Archives: Thoracic Surgery

Main Symptoms of Empyema

Empyema is pus trapped in the space between the lung and the chest wall. It usually starts as a simple lung infection that decides to stick around, so symptoms shift from “bad cold” to “can’t move without pain.” Sharp chest pain is the hallmark. It stabs on one side with every breath, cough, sneeze, or hiccup, forcing you to take short, shallow breaths. High fever and chills are common. Temperature spikes over 100.4 °F, often with soaking sweats at night. Shortness of breath creeps in. You puff climbing a few stairs or can’t finish a sentence without pausing, even though... Learn more

Main Symptoms of Chest Trauma

Chest trauma is any blow, stab, or crush to the chest wall, lungs, or heart. Signs range from “just a bruise” to life-threatening, so knowing the pattern keeps you out of trouble. Sharp pain on breathing is the hallmark. It stabs when you inhale, cough, sneeze, laugh, roll over, or push on the ribs. Tenderness is pinpoint. You can find the exact sore spot with one finger and feel a crunch if the bone is broken. Swelling and bruising show up fast. The skin puffs and turns purple within hours. Shortness of breath creeps in. You take shallow breaths to... Learn more

Main Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining around the lungs, almost always linked to asbestos. It grows slowly, so early signs are easy to blame on aging or smoking. Dry, hacking cough is the first clue. It won’t clear with cough syrup and gets worse at night. Chest pain that won’t quit follows. It feels like a heavy, dull ache or a sharp stab that gets worse when you breathe deep or cough. Shortness of breath creeps in. You puff faster than friends on stairs or can’t finish a sentence without pausing. Weight loss and fatigue show up. Clothes... Learn more

Main Symptoms of Pleural Disease

Pleural disease is any problem with the thin, slippery lining around the lungs. When this lining gets inflamed, infected, or filled with fluid, every breath can hurt. Sharp chest pain is the hallmark. It stabs on one side and gets worse when you inhale, cough, sneeze, or roll onto the affected side. Shortness of breath creeps in. You puff climbing one flight or can’t finish a sentence without pausing, even if the lung itself is healthy. Dry cough is common. It’s hacking and non-productive, triggered by the irritated lining. Crackling or rubbing sound can be heard. A doctor’s stethoscope picks... Learn more

Main Symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome happens when nerves or blood vessels get pinched between the collar-bone and first rib. Symptoms shoot into the arm or hand, not the chest, so many people think the problem is elsewhere. Arm pain is the headline. It starts in the shoulder or armpit and runs down the outer arm, worse when you raise the arm or carry a bag. Numbness and tingling follow. Fingers feel “asleep,” especially the ring and little fingers, or the whole hand when you sleep with your arm overhead. Weak grip shows up next. You drop coffee cups, have trouble opening jars,... Learn more