Do Hospital Workers in Taiwan Need Annual Chest X-Rays for TB?
Do hospital workers need to undergo annual chest X-ray screening for tuberculosis? Is it not sufficient to first perform a PPD/TST test? In my previous work at a hospital in the United States, I only had to undergo a chest X-ray upon starting my job, and then an annual PPD test, ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: The radiation dose from a chest X-ray is extremely low, and chest X-ray examinations are not only for detecting tuberculosis, lung tumors, or other pulmonary diseases; they remain the primary method for chest imaging. In Taiwan, many individuals may test positive on the PP...[Read More] Do Hospital Workers in Taiwan Need Annual Chest X-Rays for TB?
Understanding Lower Respiratory Allergies: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Lower respiratory tract allergy I often feel like there is phlegm stuck in my throat, and I experience an itchy sensation from my throat down to my chest. I frequently feel the urge to cough to clear my throat, but this only provides temporary relief without any improvement. This...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Please consult a pulmonologist. Limit your intake of sweets, avoid eating for two hours before bedtime, and reduce the consumption of cold and irritating foods. Be aware that certain foods may exacerbate your symptoms. Maintain a dry and well-ventilated home environment. Thank yo...[Read More] Understanding Lower Respiratory Allergies: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Bilateral Linear Shadows in the Lungs: What You Need to Know
Linear opacities in the lungs? Hello, doctor. I had a health check-up last month, and the report indicated that I have "bilateral pulmonary interstitial opacities." I am unsure what type of lung disease this falls under. I also have a slight scoliosis in my thoracic and...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Based on your description, it is not possible to determine the condition. A chest X-ray is necessary for evaluation. Please obtain the chest X-ray and discuss it with a pulmonologist. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Bilateral Linear Shadows in the Lungs: What You Need to Know
Chest Pain After Fever: Understanding Symptoms and Causes
Chest tightness or pain the night after a fever? I didn't eat dinner the night before last because I was feeling unwell, and then I developed a fever the next day. I also didn't eat dinner on the day I had a fever. Then, last night after my fever broke, I started experi...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are many possible causes of chest pain. Please first visit a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram (ECG), and then have the physician assess the potential causes. Thank you.[Read More] Chest Pain After Fever: Understanding Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Persistent Pleural Effusion: Causes and Concerns
Pleural effusion has been persistent? I consulted with the doctor regarding my father, who had a stent placed on July 17, 2018, and was discharged on July 18. On July 19, he went to the emergency room for evaluation of pleural effusion, where 400-500 cc of fluid was immediately d...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is not possible to determine the cause of your father's pleural effusion based on your description. Please discuss this in detail with your father's attending physician. Thank you. Sincerely, Jian Shun Tian.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Pleural Effusion: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Shoulder Pain During Pregnancy: Should You Be Concerned?
Please consult a doctor? Hello doctor, I am currently 7 months pregnant and have been experiencing shoulder and back pain in the area around my right scapula for the past few months. It hurts when I touch or press on it, and sometimes the left side of my back also hurts. I am con...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on the description, it seems more like muscle pain or myofascial pain. If you are still concerned, a chest X-ray should be performed with fetal protection measures in place. Thank you. Sincerely, Jian Shun Tian.[Read More] Understanding Shoulder Pain During Pregnancy: Should You Be Concerned?
Managing Symptoms After Stopping Tuberculosis Treatment: A Patient's Journey
Symptoms after discontinuing medication for pulmonary bullae and pulmonary tuberculosis? Thank you, Director Jian, for your previous response. I completed six months of tuberculosis medication in early July. On that day, I had a follow-up appointment where I underwent X-rays and ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
(1) In the case of chest pain, a CT scan should be able to identify any lesions. (2) Without reviewing the CT scan, it is not possible to make a judgment; you may seek a second opinion from another pulmonologist or thoracic surgeon. (3) Consider performing a bronchoscopy. (4) It ...[Read More] Managing Symptoms After Stopping Tuberculosis Treatment: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Pain in the center of the chest? Hello, doctor. I have a history of heart disease, but I have recovered and have regular follow-up check-ups, including electrocardiograms and echocardiograms. My most recent examination was about six months ago, and there were no issues. However, ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Further examination is necessary. You can start by seeing a cardiologist to check for any heart or heart rate issues. If the cardiologist finds no problems, you can then be referred to a pulmonologist. If the pulmonologist also finds no issues, consider the possibility of gastroe...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Lung Nodules, Granulomas, and Increased Lung Markings: What You Need to Know
I would like to ask what it means when a medical report indicates increased lung markings, lung nodules, and granulomas? Granulomas are small areas of inflammation in tissue that can occur due to various conditions, including infections (such as tuberculosis or fungal infections)...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are various reasons for increased lung markings, with chronic bronchitis being the most common. A proper assessment requires reviewing the actual chest X-ray, so please schedule an appointment with a pulmonologist for discussion. Lung nodules also have multiple possi...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules, Granulomas, and Increased Lung Markings: What You Need to Know
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Pleural effusion condition? Hello Dr. Jian, I would like to consult you regarding my father. He was hospitalized two weeks ago due to pleural effusion (unilateral) and had occasional low-grade fevers (around 37.6 degrees Celsius) along with a dry cough (non-productive) the previ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
There are many causes of pleural effusion, not just lung cancer. It is essential to first review the results of the thoracentesis. If the fluid is exudative, it is related to tumors and inflammation. We must also examine the lymphocyte percentage in the fluid; if lymphocytes are ...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Ground-Glass Opacities: GGO CT Scan Analysis and Management
Ground-glass opacities (GGO)? Hello Dr. Jian, I would like to ask about the two CT scans taken at the same time but with different slice thicknesses (3mm & 1mm). Is the area highlighted in red showing pure ground-glass opacity (GGO)? The size reported is approximately 0.5 c...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
It appears to be a pure ground-glass opacity (GGO). A follow-up CT scan can be done in six months. If there are concerns, surgical intervention may also be considered. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Ground-Glass Opacities: GGO CT Scan Analysis and Management
Understanding Increased Lung Shadows: What It Means for Your Health
Increased parenchymal shadows on both sides of the trachea? Participating in a community adult health screening with X-rays, the results showed abnormalities—there is an increase in the solid shadows on both sides of the trachea, suspected mediastinal lesions. What does this mean...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: It may indicate possible mediastinal enlargement. The chest X-ray is only a suspicion and a CT scan is required for confirmation. Thank you. Sincerely, Jian Shun Tian.[Read More] Understanding Increased Lung Shadows: What It Means for Your Health
Understanding Chest Pain: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Chest burning pain symptoms? Hello Doctor, yesterday I suddenly experienced a strong burning sensation in my chest upon waking up, along with intense soreness in both of my upper arms. I felt nauseous, weak, irritable, and broke out in a cold sweat. This lasted for several minute...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Based on your description, it seems more like gastroesophageal reflux, but we cannot completely rule out a cardiac issue. Please first visit the thoracic department for a chest X-ray. I recommend an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with the gastroenterology department. If both te...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Persistent Cough After Cold: Causes and Management Tips
Persistent cough after a cold? Hello, Doctor: I started coughing in early March due to a cold, and it has persisted for two months. I visited a clinic during this time (I have no other physical discomfort, only the cough). After taking medication, there was some improvement, but ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
A cough lasting more than three weeks after a cold is not uncommon, but it is important to rule out other thoracic diseases. Please visit a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray, and further discussions can be held with the pulmonologist. Thank you.[Read More] Persistent Cough After Cold: Causes and Management Tips
Managing Worsening Symptoms During Tuberculosis Treatment: Key Insights
Worsening during the treatment process of pulmonary tuberculosis (2) Thank you, Director Jian, for your detailed response last time! Since there is no reply function, I have to trouble you again. Thank you, Director Jian. After I mentioned that my condition had worsened, I hurrie...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
1. After contracting tuberculosis, the lungs may be damaged and become more sensitive, leading to increased coughing due to air pollution and colds. 2. It is not necessary to take tuberculosis medication for a lifetime, and a cold will not trigger tuberculosis. 3. If there ar...[Read More] Managing Worsening Symptoms During Tuberculosis Treatment: Key Insights
Understanding the Worsening of Tuberculosis During Treatment: Key Insights
Worsening during the treatment process of pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello Doctor: In early December last year, I suddenly experienced full-body chills and shivering at night. The next day, I had severe chest pain. I had previously experienced night sweats while sleeping. I initiall...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
1. It is important to know whether the sputum culture was positive at the time of diagnosis and if there are results from drug susceptibility testing. 2. The current condition requires another sputum test to check for the presence of bacteria, and a rapid diagnostic test for ant...[Read More] Understanding the Worsening of Tuberculosis During Treatment: Key Insights
Left Chest Pain When Lying on Side: Causes and Solutions
Left chest pain while lying on the side? Experiencing pain in the left chest when lying on the side (recent occurrence).
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Please go to the pulmonology department for a chest X-ray examination. Thank you.[Read More] Left Chest Pain When Lying on Side: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Breathing Difficulties and Chest Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
I feel like there is air trapped in my right chest cavity, and I have difficulty breathing when lying flat or on my right side? Hello, Doctor. The situation is as follows: For the past two months, I have felt a sensation of air or a "knot" in my right chest cavity, maki...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: It sounds like a very unusual presentation of a disease, and it is likely not heat stroke. Please visit the pulmonary medicine outpatient clinic for an examination, and then consult with a pulmonologist for further recommendations. Thank you. Sincerely, Jian Shun-Tian.[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties and Chest Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Persistent Dry Cough for Two Months: Causes and Solutions
A dry cough has persisted for nearly two months? Hello doctor, I haven't had a cold, but a few months ago it was very hot, and after drinking cold beverages for two or three consecutive days, I started experiencing a dry cough every day. Initially, it was just a slight itch ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Hello: Please see a pulmonologist as soon as possible and get a chest X-ray. The pulmonologist will inform you of the next steps afterward. Best regards.[Read More] Persistent Dry Cough for Two Months: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Cough-Variant Asthma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
About Asthma I have been experiencing discomfort in my nose and chest. After a physical examination, the doctor diagnosed me with a cold and chest discomfort caused by the cold. After taking medication for three days, I still felt unwell. During my follow-up visit, the doctor men...
Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
Based on your description, it is possible that you have asthma. It is advisable to visit a pulmonologist for further confirmation. A peak flow meter should first be used to determine your personal best value (the best value when asthma is fully controlled). The emergency inhaler ...[Read More] Understanding Cough-Variant Asthma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment