Can Regular Masks Prevent TB Transmission During Patient Contact?
Is it possible to contract tuberculosis from a patient who is not wearing a mask while I am wearing a regular mask (not an N95 mask)? I need to personally meet with a young patient in their twenties who has tuberculosis for business purposes. This patient was hospitalized for tre...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. Regular masks cannot block tuberculosis bacteria; the general principle is to have patients wear regular masks to reduce the release of infectious droplets. 2. Negative pressure isolation rooms have an air exchange rate of more than 8 times per hour and are well-ventila...[Read More] Can Regular Masks Prevent TB Transmission During Patient Contact?
Understanding Chest Discomfort: When to Seek Specialist Help
Is this a problem related to the thoracic cavity? Hello Doctor, since August of last year, I have been experiencing a sensation of esophageal obstruction and left chest tightness, which has led to hyperventilation. The most recent chest X-ray I had was in November, and it showed ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It seems that you have shown improvement, but you have not yet fully succeeded, as several important tests have shown no abnormalities. Your health status should be fine. Could you please try to relax and not be too concerned about those cool or empty sensations? Be brave ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: When to Seek Specialist Help
Coughing with Chest Pain: Understanding Your Symptoms and Next Steps
Coughing causes chest pain? Hello doctor, I was once pressed by a heavy object on my chest, and since then, I have been experiencing a persistent cough. However, my throat does not hurt! Initially, I thought it was just a mild cold and only took cough medicine. But I have been co...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is recommended that you get an X-ray. If it confirms that there are no lung diseases, you may consider seeing a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. Traditional medicine may have some prescriptions that can help with issues such as Qi stagnation, poor Qi flow, or ...[Read More] Coughing with Chest Pain: Understanding Your Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding the Difference Between Restrictive and Obstructive Lung Disorders
Ventilation impairment Hello, I have asthma and mild COPD. Recently, I saw the terms "restrictive ventilatory defect" and "thoracic deformity" on someone else's immunization certificate. I would like to inquire about the difference between restrictive ven...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: COPD may occur in individuals over 40 years old. Your asthma must have previous medical diagnosis documentation or emergency room visit records as evidence, along with a visit to a pulmonologist for pulmonary function tests (which can differentiate between obstructive or r...[Read More] Understanding the Difference Between Restrictive and Obstructive Lung Disorders
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Self-Assessment Tips Before Medical Care
Left-sided chest pain? Last week, I suddenly experienced pain in my left chest, approximately near the heart. There are no visible abnormalities, and I am currently in the military, making it inconvenient to seek medical attention. I have to wait at least a week until my leave to...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: If your chest pain is accompanied by shortness of breath or cold sweats, you should seek medical attention immediately and get a chest X-ray. If the pain is intermittent and only occurs occasionally, you can wait until your time off to see a doctor. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Self-Assessment Tips Before Medical Care
Can Pneumonia Lead to Sepsis and Lung Cancer? Understanding the Risks
Can pneumonia lead to sepsis? My mother has been coughing for a long time, and the doctor treated her for tuberculosis. However, after taking medication for more than six months, her cough has not improved. Later, she developed shortness of breath and required an oxygen machine t...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: If a patient continues to experience wheezing after six months of tuberculosis treatment, it is possible that extensive lesions in both lungs were present at the time of diagnosis. Even after treatment, fibrosis may remain and affect lung function. Additionally, there may ...[Read More] Can Pneumonia Lead to Sepsis and Lung Cancer? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Pleural Effusion After 3 Weeks of TB Treatment
My father developed pleural effusion after taking tuberculosis medication for three weeks? My father has been taking tuberculosis medication for three weeks. Two days ago, he had approximately 500cc of pleural effusion drained. What could be the possible conditions and what tests...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Your father's pleural effusion examination typically includes tests related to tuberculosis (to determine if the effusion is caused by tuberculosis), general bacteriological tests (as some bacteria can also cause effusion), or tests for malignant cells (malignant pleu...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion After 3 Weeks of TB Treatment
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients with Arrhythmia
Bilateral chest pain? Hello Doctor, I have a history of arrhythmia and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (which occurs during normal activities). Since yesterday, I have been experiencing chest pain, specifically below both clavicles, which worsens with movement or touch (i...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: There is no cough, so the lungs are likely fine. It is recommended to follow up with a cardiologist. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients with Arrhythmia
Should You Get Tested for Tuberculosis After a Cough?
Tuberculosis (TB) issues? About a month ago, I had a persistent cough with phlegm that lasted for a while. After approximately 2-3 weeks, I gradually recovered, and I am currently no longer coughing. Initially, aside from the cough, I did not have any other significant symptoms. ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Currently, there are no symptoms! Just waiting for notification for the examination, and then we will check the X-ray for any abnormalities! Best wishes![Read More] Should You Get Tested for Tuberculosis After a Cough?
Understanding Phlegm Sensation in Lungs While Lying Down
Feeling mucus in the lungs while lying down? Hello doctor, I have always felt a sensation of phlegm in my lungs when lying down, but I usually don't have much of a coughing issue. Breathing is fine when I'm standing, but I experience this sensation only when I'm ly...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Your symptoms are more related to changes in body position and resemble post-nasal drip or gastroesophageal reflux (especially if you experience discomfort in the upper abdomen or acid regurgitation). It is recommended that you first consult an otolaryngologist. Best wishe...[Read More] Understanding Phlegm Sensation in Lungs While Lying Down
Understanding Persistent Chest Discomfort: Weather Effects and Treatment
Chronic chest tightness and pain? Chest tightness, pain, and discomfort that worsen with weather changes can persist for about a month. I have seen a doctor and taken medication, which has helped somewhat, but after finishing the medication, I still experience some tightness. I s...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: First, do you have asthma? You may need to consult a pulmonologist for a diagnosis through pulmonary function tests and other allergy-related examinations. If asthma is confirmed (which is a chronic airway inflammatory response), you should use inhaled corticosteroids (pos...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Chest Discomfort: Weather Effects and Treatment
Managing ICU Recovery: Addressing Agitation After Intubation for Flu
Post-extubation agitation following emergency intubation for influenza? Hello Dr. Yang, My sister has been intubated at Chang Gung Hospital for 15 days due to influenza. Today is March 25th. The attending physician mentioned that they could help her with respiratory exercises, a...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is quite uncomfortable for a conscious person to have an endotracheal tube in their airway, which may lead to restlessness. A mild sedative or psychological encouragement may be necessary. Chang Gung Memorial Hospital is an excellent medical center, and specialized phys...[Read More] Managing ICU Recovery: Addressing Agitation After Intubation for Flu
Mild Fibrosis in Upper Lobes: Is It Related to Previous Lung Injury?
Mild fibrosis in the upper lobe? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask about my recent health check-up due to work-related requirements. It was noted that there is mild fibrosis in both upper lung lobes. I would like to know if this is related to my previous lung injury from a cold...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Pulmonary fibrosis is mostly a result of previous lung injury or inflammation (sometimes after a prolonged cough without an X-ray, one may not realize there is pneumonia). After healing, fibrotic scars may remain, but if the affected area is small, it typically does not si...[Read More] Mild Fibrosis in Upper Lobes: Is It Related to Previous Lung Injury?
Understanding Shortness of Breath: When to See a Pulmonologist
Shortness of breath Hello doctor, recently I've suddenly experienced chest tightness and difficulty breathing, feeling like air is trapped in the middle of my chest. One morning, I woke up with severe pain in the back of my neck, and since then, I've had this chest tigh...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist to determine if there are any lung issues. If no clear pulmonary problems are found, it may be beneficial to see a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. Sometimes, symptoms can be due to Qi stagnation or an excess of cold o...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: When to See a Pulmonologist
Understanding Pneumonia Triggered by Influenza: Recovery Insights
Influenza-induced pneumonia? Hello Dr. Yang, my wife was hospitalized due to pneumonia caused by influenza type A. Initially, she experienced unstable heart rate and blood pressure, leading to acute sepsis. Fortunately, the hospital promptly used dialysis to normalize her blood l...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Some sedatives do not have antagonists to reverse their effects; the only option is to wait for the drug to be metabolized over time, allowing the blood concentration to gradually decrease and mental clarity to improve. Currently, vital signs are stable, which is encouragi...[Read More] Understanding Pneumonia Triggered by Influenza: Recovery Insights
Understanding Muscle Twitches in the Throat: Causes and Solutions
Muscle twitching? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a persistent sensation in my left throat, along with left nasal congestion and a habit of post-nasal drip. Recently, when I lie down to sleep, I feel muscle twitching in the base of my tongue and in my airway (or esophagus)...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. Your symptoms resemble post-nasal drip; it is recommended to see an otolaryngologist. 2. Experiencing shortness of breath after climbing seven flights of stairs is not unusual and can be considered acceptable! Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Muscle Twitches in the Throat: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Right Chest Rib Pain and Associated Gastric Discomfort
Right chest rib pain, with accompanying stomach cramps? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask about the pain I experience in my right chest rib area, which extends from my armpit to the upper abdomen. I also have stomach pain (pressing on the ribs is painful, and sometimes I cough)...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Mr. Tsai: Your pain under the right rib cage may have three possible causes: 1. Neuralgia (usually intermittent sharp pain), which is likely related to stress and busyness; it is difficult to improve without changing work habits. 2. Muscle pain (related to coughing forceful...[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Rib Pain and Associated Gastric Discomfort
Can Cold Medications Affect Tuberculosis Treatment Effectiveness?
Will catching a cold while taking tuberculosis medication cause a relapse? In the case of tuberculosis (TB), taking cold medicine will not help with the symptoms of TB. However, I have been on tuberculosis medication for almost six months now. Is there a possibility that I could ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Tuberculosis (TB) requires a regular treatment course of 6 to 9 months, and it will not worsen during treatment (unless there is drug resistance). Worsening is defined as the reappearance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum tests and an increase in the extent of lesion...[Read More] Can Cold Medications Affect Tuberculosis Treatment Effectiveness?
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Insights
Pleural effusion-related issues? My grandmother has diabetes and hypertension. Recently, after washing the clothes, she called our names, but I didn't respond. Later, when I went to the living room, she started saying she felt palpitations, dizziness, and tremors all over. A...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Your filial piety and concern for your grandmother are truly touching. The most suitable person to answer your questions is your grandmother's current attending physician, who can provide specific responses based on the relevant examination reports. This is something ...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Insights
Understanding the Link Between Nasal Congestion and Chest Pain
Haven't used my nose to breathe for a long time? I have been experiencing nasal congestion for a long time. Since I haven't had any cold symptoms (no cough or runny nose), I haven't seen a doctor. Because of the nasal congestion, I have been breathing through my mo...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are many causes of nasal congestion, with allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps being quite common. An otolaryngologist is an expert in this area, so it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding the Link Between Nasal Congestion and Chest Pain