Breathing Training for Vocal Recovery After Tuberculosis Infection
Regarding respiratory training? I previously had a throat infection caused by tuberculosis, which resulted in a loss of voice. Although the tuberculosis has been treated, I still can only speak with a breathy voice. An endoscopic examination revealed that this is due to the inabi...
Dr. Cai Zongwei reply Pulmonology
Hello: If the issue with breathy voice is due to the inability of the vocal cords in the upper respiratory tract to close, then training the respiratory muscles should be considered a separate matter. Additionally, general pulmonary function tests primarily measure expiratory vol...[Read More] Breathing Training for Vocal Recovery After Tuberculosis Infection
Frequency of Follow-Up for Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know
Frequency of follow-up for pulmonary nodules? Hello Doctor, I had a health check-up at the end of last year, and the LDCT imaging revealed a "0.3 cm non-specific nodule in the right upper lobe" and a "0.7 cm subpleural nodule in the right lower lobe." I would ...
Dr. Cai Zongwei reply Pulmonology
Hello: In principle, please follow the recommended timeline for follow-up examinations based on the original health check report. Family history is for reference only; particular attention should be paid to those who are closer relatives or share the same living environment. The ...[Read More] Frequency of Follow-Up for Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know
Understanding Respiratory Decline and Treatment Options for Patients
The tidal volume (Vte) decreased from December 31, 2012, to January 3, 2013? I am consulting regarding my daughter who requires respiratory care (weight 65 kg). Since 2015, her average tidal volume on the ventilator has been above 550 ml, but starting from December 31, 2023, I ob...
Dr. Cai Zongwei reply Pulmonology
Hello: In principle, the recommendations of the attending physician at the RCW should be followed, and if necessary, transfer to a regional hospital or higher level should be considered. However, taking into account the inconvenience of transfer and other factors, if the patient ...[Read More] Understanding Respiratory Decline and Treatment Options for Patients
Understanding the Long-Term Effects of Cigar Smoking on Lung Health
Tobacco Issues Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you something. About a year ago, due to my lack of understanding, I bought a pack of small cigars from a convenience store. I smoked them like cigarettes, inhaling into my lungs, and each time I would smoke one by one. There was o...
Dr. Cai Zongwei reply Pulmonology
Hello: The notion that "cigars are harmless if not inhaled" is an internet myth. Keeping it in the mouth creates an illusion (as the thoracic movement generates negative pressure, causing inhalation through the mouth and nose, which will inevitably lead to some degree o...[Read More] Understanding the Long-Term Effects of Cigar Smoking on Lung Health
Understanding Elevated NSE Levels: What You Need to Know
The health check report shows a red flag for the NSE index? Hello Doctor: I recently had a blood test for health screening, and the only abnormal result related to cancer is the NSE level, which is marked in red. The standard value is 23.5, but mine is 33. Besides this, I also ha...
Dr. Cai Zongwei reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. Please enter keywords in the search bar at the top of this website to find related articles in the Q&A section using Google site search. You can enter "NSE" to find previously answered articles. 2. If you still have concerns (including anemia), please cons...[Read More] Understanding Elevated NSE Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Lung Nodules and Pseudomasses: A Patient's Guide
Left lower lung papillomatous nodule; external artifacts in both lung apices? Hello, Doctor: Last month, I underwent a health check-up, which included a chest X-ray. The report indicated "a papillomatous nodule in the left lower lung; extrinsic shadows at the apices of both ...
Dr. Cai Zongwei reply Pulmonology
Hello: The term "nodule" generally refers to a round shadow (small, not exceeding 3 centimeters). Based on your description, without any imaging reference, it can only be inferred that there is a nodular shadow in the lower left position, resembling a nipple shadow (it ...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules and Pseudomasses: A Patient's Guide
Persistent Cough with Mucus and Blood: Understanding Your Symptoms
Persistent cough with purulent nasal discharge (nasal discharge also contains blood) and hemoptysis? Hello doctor, on the first day, my symptoms included vomiting everything I ate, along with thick phlegm and nasal discharge, and a very sore throat with some blood streaks. I went...
Dr. Cai Zongwei reply Pulmonology
Hello: If there are blood streaks in the nasal mucus, you should consult an otolaryngologist to examine the "upper respiratory tract." If there is wheezing, bronchial asthma (with possible lower respiratory tract involvement) cannot be ruled out, and it may be necessary...[Read More] Persistent Cough with Mucus and Blood: Understanding Your Symptoms
Choking on Water: Risks and What to Do If It Happens
Accidentally choking on water? Hello, Dr. Tsai. This evening, I choked while drinking water. Since I still had water in my mouth at the time, I held back my cough and swallowed all the water before coughing. Afterwards, I started to worry whether not coughing immediately could ca...
Dr. Cai Zongwei reply Pulmonology
Hello: To effectively address your concerns, it is recommended that you make good use of full-text search or the QA history archive before asking your questions. https://sp1.hso.mohw.gov.tw/doctor/Often_question/type_detail.php?q_type=%B6%E6%A8%EC&UrlClass=%AF%DD%B5%C4%A4%BA%...[Read More] Choking on Water: Risks and What to Do If It Happens
Understanding Your Chest CT Scan Results: What Do They Mean?
Abnormal findings on computed tomography (CT) scan? I would like to ask the doctor if my report from the CT scan I had in mid-August is normal or if there is pneumonia. What does this report mean? The CT scan of the chest without IV contrast enhancement shows: - minor or non-spec...
Dr. Cai Zongwei reply Pulmonology
Hello: The literal translation is: Mild or nonspecific pulmonary parenchymal changes. There is only a written report without imaging; it is recommended to return to the original hospital for confirmation and follow-up.[Read More] Understanding Your Chest CT Scan Results: What Do They Mean?
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Solutions for Adults
Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my recent issue of feeling short of breath? Hello, doctor. I am currently 49 years old, 175 cm tall, and weigh 88 kg. Recently, over the past month, I have experienced this situation two or three times. Occasionally, while sitting, I feel ...
Dr. Cai Zongwei reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on the information you provided, you are experiencing issues with shortness of breath. There could be multiple potential causes, including pulmonary problems, cardiac issues, anemia, feelings of suffocation, anxiety disorders, and more. You mentioned a history of hyp...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Solutions for Adults
Chest Pain After Fish Oil: Should You Be Concerned?
Chest pain + fish oil issue I bought fish oil supplements six months ago, and after taking them for half a month, I experienced sudden sharp pains in my right chest for about 3 to 7 times, occurring half an hour to an hour after taking them. The pain was quite noticeable, and sin...
Dr. Cai Zongwei reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. A chest X-ray may be considered. 2. Please also visit the gastroenterology clinic for evaluation or examination.[Read More] Chest Pain After Fish Oil: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding Emphysema and Pleural Thickening After Pneumothorax
Pulmonary emphysema with mild thickening of the apical pleura? Hello doctor, about three years ago I had a spontaneous pneumothorax. Later, the doctor performed a CT scan and mentioned that there was a bleb in the left lower lung, but I wasn't advised to return for a follow-...
Dr. Cai Zongwei reply Pulmonology
Hello: Pneumothorax has various causes, some of which are directly or indirectly related to blebs or emphysema (which may increase the risk, and it is advisable to avoid participating in certain high-risk activities). Pleural thickening is mostly a sequela of past lung diseases a...[Read More] Understanding Emphysema and Pleural Thickening After Pneumothorax
Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Left chest tightness and stabbing pain? Hello Doctor: For the past two weeks, I have been experiencing persistent pain in my left chest (occasionally in the center) that is mild and intermittent, not severe. Sometimes it feels like a dull ache when I inhale, and at other times, t...
Dr. Cai Zongwei reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is generally recommended to check both specialties. Aside from the uncertainty regarding chest pain, no other respiratory symptoms were mentioned. It would be advisable to first consult a cardiologist to evaluate whether additional tests beyond an electrocardiogram are ...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Intermittent Sharp Pain Near Right Nipple: Causes and Insights
Sharp pain in the right chest near the center? There is a sharp pain located about two finger widths below the center of the right nipple, lasting for 1 to 2 seconds. This has been occurring intermittently over the past few days. The pain does not occur during deep breathing or l...
Dr. Cai Zongwei reply Pulmonology
Hello: You can visit a general surgery department (including breast surgery) for an examination. If you have respiratory symptoms, you may also go to the pulmonology department for a chest X-ray.[Read More] Intermittent Sharp Pain Near Right Nipple: Causes and Insights
Understanding Aortic Curvature and Suspected Lung Nodules: What to Do Next?
Aortic curvature, suspected nodule in the left lower lung field? Hello, during this year's company health check, a chest X-ray (frontal view) showed the above findings. Currently, I have no discomfort or symptoms. Should I follow up at the internal medicine outpatient clinic...
Dr. Cai Zongwei reply Pulmonology
Hello: Need.[Read More] Understanding Aortic Curvature and Suspected Lung Nodules: What to Do Next?
Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia: Symptoms and Concerns
Aspiration pneumonia Hello Doctor: After having dinner on August 15, I experienced coughing with phlegm about an hour later, but I did not have severe coughing during the meal. On August 16, I coughed with phlegm occasionally throughout the day, with my body temperature ranging f...
Dr. Cai Zongwei reply Pulmonology
Hello: A hospital examination is necessary to determine if there is pneumonia.[Read More] Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Chest X-Ray Results: Key Findings and Next Steps
Interpretation of Chest X-ray Hello Doctor, I recently had a chest X-ray examination, and due to my busy schedule, I would like to ask for your assistance in determining if there are any abnormalities that require further investigation. The findings are as follows: - Mild biapi...
Dr. Cai Zongwei reply Pulmonology
Hello: The chest X-ray report mentioned abnormalities. According to regulations, "Taiwan e-Hospital" cannot replace a physician's diagnosis. Please return to the original hospital for an explanation of the report from the physician.[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Results: Key Findings and Next Steps
Can Patients with Severe Intellectual Disability Train for Tracheostomy Removal?
Can individuals with profound intellectual disabilities undergo training for tracheostomy tube removal? Two years ago, my brother was hospitalized for choking and required emergency treatment. After intubation and subsequent observation, his blood oxygen levels dropped and his br...
Dr. Cai Zongwei reply Pulmonology
Hello: The removal of the tracheostomy tube requires the evaluation of multiple indicators and cannot be based solely on cognitive assessment. Additionally, according to regulations, this medical consultation cannot provide a diagnosis. Please consult the original treating physic...[Read More] Can Patients with Severe Intellectual Disability Train for Tracheostomy Removal?
Upper Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention and Which Specialist to See
Pain in the upper center of the chest? Hello Doctor, I have recently noticed a pain in the area just below the collarbone in the center of my chest. It feels similar to being struck hard (though there have been no recent injuries or impacts). I usually do not feel pain when at re...
Dr. Cai Zongwei reply Pulmonology
Hello: If there is pain in the sternum area (extrathoracic, related to movement), you can request an evaluation from the surgical department (orthopedics or thoracic surgery). If there are concerns about potential pulmonary lesions or accompanying respiratory symptoms, you may co...[Read More] Upper Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention and Which Specialist to See
Understanding Asthma Medication: Concerns and Management Strategies
Questions about asthma medications? Hello Dr. Tsai: My son is 31 years old. He had several episodes of asthma during preschool, but the doctor's treatment consisted of a 3-day medication course and a rescue inhaler for emergencies. He experienced an episode during elementary...
Dr. Cai Zongwei reply Pulmonology
Hello: The timing for asthma medication includes regular maintenance therapy (such as Relvar) and rescue therapy during an attack (such as albuterol). Whether to reduce or discontinue medication in the future depends on how well the condition is controlled (which should be assess...[Read More] Understanding Asthma Medication: Concerns and Management Strategies