Understanding Asthma and Emphysema: Key Insights for Patients
Asthma and emphysema issues? Hello, Doctor: I had a cold and cough for over a month, which led to wheezing, and I went to the hospital for an X-ray. The doctor said I have emphysema (I don't smoke, but I have a history of asthma, and the doctor suspects it might be poorly co...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Yuting: Here are the brief responses to your questions: 1. A definitive diagnosis of emphysema requires a lung biopsy to observe abnormal enlargement of the alveoli (the smallest structural units of the lung) along with destruction of the alveolar walls. This condition t...[Read More] Understanding Asthma and Emphysema: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Side Effects of Tuberculous Pleurisy Treatment
Side effects of tuberculous pleurisy? Dear Doctor, Regarding the issue I raised a few days ago about my father having Sjögren's syndrome and recently being diagnosed with tuberculous pleuritis and his medication, I appreciate your response. My father has been on medication ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Dear Miss Lin, If your father's liver function is normal and the X-ray has not worsened, it should not be related to tuberculous pleuritis or hepatitis caused by anti-tuberculosis medications. It is advisable to check if any other cough or asthma medications are causing iss...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Tuberculous Pleurisy Treatment
Difficulty Breathing When Lying Down: Causes and Solutions
Difficulty breathing when lying down? Hello doctor, recently when I lie down at night to sleep, I experience shortness of breath, as if there is a trapped gas in my abdomen that I can't expel, making it difficult to fall asleep. I would like to ask the doctor if there are an...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Lin: 1. If the bloating is caused by dietary factors, it is recommended not to eat before bedtime. 2. If there is an issue with being overweight, it is advisable to find ways to reduce weight. 3. If gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is suspected, it is best to eat sma...[Read More] Difficulty Breathing When Lying Down: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Tuberculous Pleural Effusion: Symptoms and Management
Tuberculous pleurisy Hello Doctor: My father is 70 years old and has Sjögren's syndrome (an autoimmune disorder) and chronic hepatitis C, for which he has been on medication for a long time. About a month and a half ago, he developed a cough that progressed to shortness of b...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Dear Miss Lin, Regarding your father's medical condition, here are some brief answers to your questions: 1. The standard treatment for tuberculosis typically involves 6 to 7 bactericidal medications. If cough suppressants and bronchodilators, or medications for pre-existin...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculous Pleural Effusion: Symptoms and Management
Chest Pain Upon Waking: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest pain before and after waking up? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask about experiencing some chest pain before and after waking up. The pain subsides shortly after getting out of bed. This symptom has been ongoing for more than three months. Occasionally, I cough during t...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Mr. Fu: Your symptoms may be caused by poor sleeping posture. Moving around could help improve the situation. Choosing a more suitable pillow or mattress may also provide relief. Best wishes![Read More] Chest Pain Upon Waking: Causes and When to Seek Help
Managing Cryptococcal Infection: Treatment Options and Nutritional Support
Treatment of cryptococcal infection? Hello, Doctor! My father has a shadow on his chest X-ray, and after examination by a pulmonologist, he was diagnosed with cryptococcal infection, with an antigen titer of 1:64. The doctor prescribed Fluconazole 400 mg/day. He has only been tak...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, after diagnosing your father's condition, a treatment plan has been established. Currently, he is experiencing gastrointestinal side effects due to the medication. It is recommended to return for a follow-up appointment with the attending physician, who may prescribe ...[Read More] Managing Cryptococcal Infection: Treatment Options and Nutritional Support
Understanding Chest Pain and Throat Discomfort: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Chest pain and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat? About eight months ago, I started feeling a strange sensation in the center of my chest. I went to a pulmonologist for an X-ray, and the doctor said everything looked normal, so I didn't think much of it. However, i...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Your chest X-ray is normal and there are no symptoms related to tuberculosis. If you do not recall any contact with tuberculosis patients, your discomfort should not be related to tuberculosis. Please avoid intentionally pressing or performing chest expansion exercises. Adequate ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Throat Discomfort: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Managing Medication Concerns for Elderly Patients with Lung and Heart Issues
Consult a physician? Dr. Yang: My father, who is 83 years old, was hospitalized two days ago due to pneumonia caused by pleural effusion. He has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, and he was cured of tuberculosis over forty years ago. He uses an...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Jun: This hospitalization may be related to infection or heart failure. In principle, the attending physician will determine the medication based on the severity and urgency of the condition. Some medications that are usually taken may affect heart rate or blood pressure, w...[Read More] Managing Medication Concerns for Elderly Patients with Lung and Heart Issues
Managing Asthma: Should You Request Inhalers or Buy Over-the-Counter?
Asthma medications Hello Doctor, I have had asthma since childhood and was hospitalized for it about 10 years ago. In recent years, I have experienced very few asthma attacks, which are occasionally triggered by factors such as colds, weather changes, or air quality. I have been...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Xiao Ma: Asthma in childhood may improve as one grows into adulthood, but it can still flare up when exposed to allergens. It is recommended to have a rescue short-acting bronchodilator on hand. You may consider obtaining a prescription from the hospital where you previous...[Read More] Managing Asthma: Should You Request Inhalers or Buy Over-the-Counter?
Can Damaged Alveoli from Asthma or Emphysema Heal Over Time?
Could you please provide more details about the issue of alveolar repair? Hello, doctor: May I ask if, due to severe asthma or emphysema, the rupture of alveoli can be repaired and restored to their original state in a patient's lifetime according to modern medicine? If so, ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Alveolar rupture leads to air escaping from the alveoli into the pleural cavity, a condition known as pneumothorax. Inhaling high concentrations of oxygen or inserting a chest tube for drainage can help remove the air trapped in the pleural cavity, allowing the lungs to re...[Read More] Can Damaged Alveoli from Asthma or Emphysema Heal Over Time?
Understanding Bacterial Culture: Importance in Lung Fluid Analysis
What is bacterial culture? Because the patient has some fluid accumulation in the lungs, the doctor said that the fluid needs to be drained out and then a bacterial culture will be performed. The doctor mentioned that it is similar to a Pap smear, where the sample is placed in a ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Tony: Removing abnormal fluid accumulation in the body, such as pleural effusion (fluid in the lungs), for further analysis can help clarify the diagnosis of diseases. If the fluid contains bacteria (including tuberculosis bacteria and general bacteria), a portion of the fl...[Read More] Understanding Bacterial Culture: Importance in Lung Fluid Analysis
Understanding Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath During Exercise
excuse me? I experience chest pain (a burning, intense pain) after running about 300 meters. I also have difficulty breathing and feel short of breath. Why is this happening? Is it due to poor physical fitness or could it be a lung condition?
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Xiao Nan: Unless you had asthma or heart disease as a child, it is unlikely for a typical sixth grader to experience this. I recommend that you consult a pediatric specialist for a proper diagnosis. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath During Exercise
Is There a Connection Between Lung Fibrosis and Cold Symptoms?
Is there a relationship between pulmonary fibrosis and the common cold? Hello Dr. Yang: I recently had a chest X-ray, and the results showed "fibrosis in the left and right lung apices." This is the first time I've seen this; the results from about a year ago were ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Mr. Yang: Fibrosis typically indicates a history of inflammation that has left a scar. Based on your description, it is likely that the inflammation occurred within the past year (since the X-ray was normal a year ago). The apices of both lungs are common sites for pulmonar...[Read More] Is There a Connection Between Lung Fibrosis and Cold Symptoms?
Exploring Alternative Treatments for Chronic Breathing Issues After Smoking
I'm sorry, but I need specific content to translate My father smoked for 30 years and although he has quit, he has been experiencing shortness of breath for the past two years when walking 200 meters, going up and down stairs, taking a shower, and especially at night when he...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Vera: Your father has a long history of smoking, which may have led to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), specifically chronic bronchitis and emphysema, resulting in significant lung function impairment. In addition to medication, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital off...[Read More] Exploring Alternative Treatments for Chronic Breathing Issues After Smoking
Understanding Chest Pain and Coughing Up Blood: A Guide for Smokers
Chest pain with respiratory symptoms and hemoptysis? Hello, doctor. A family member at home has recently started experiencing coughing, and they have a smoking history of about 12 years. However, the severity of the cough seems quite concerning. They have previously coughed so se...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Coughing, chest pain, and hemoptysis are respiratory symptoms that warrant a visit to a physician for a chest X-ray to rule out more serious pulmonary conditions. Severe nighttime coughing may be related to increased bronchial sensitivity. It is advisable to avoid cold or cooling...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Coughing Up Blood: A Guide for Smokers
Key Considerations for Managing Pleural Inflammation Recovery
What should be noted about pleuritis? Hello, doctor. I previously visited due to pain in the lower right chest, and the doctor diagnosed me with viral pleuritis caused by a filtered virus. I was told that I should recover in about 5 to 7 days, and no medication was prescribed (on...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Xiao Liang: It can sometimes be difficult to diagnose whether pleuritis is caused by a filtrable virus. It is recommended to take another X-ray soon (especially if the previous X-ray indicated pleural effusion) to monitor for improvement. If the chest pain is severe, it is...[Read More] Key Considerations for Managing Pleural Inflammation Recovery
Severe Pain Under Right Rib Cage: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Severe pain occurs from the right rib area (below the breast) to the right side of the body? Hello, last night I felt cold and unwell, and my temperature was slightly elevated at 38.5 degrees Celsius. I did not take any medication, only drank water and wore thick clothing to indu...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
There are many causes of chest pain. Since you are experiencing symptoms of fever and chills, it is possible that you have a lung infection (such as pneumonia or pleuritis with pleural effusion) or a cold combined with right-sided neuralgia. A chest X-ray is necessary for diagnos...[Read More] Severe Pain Under Right Rib Cage: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Can Inhalation of Chemicals Cause Lung Fibrosis? Understanding Impacts
Please ask your question? Hello: 1. Can inhalation (such as from cooking fumes or cleaning agents like hydrochloric acid) cause pulmonary fibrosis? 2. Additionally, what effects might there be from fibrosis in the left upper lobe of the lungs? Thank you.
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Your questions are answered briefly as follows: 1. It is rare for individuals to experience lung injury and fibrosis due to inhalation of cooking fumes or irritating chemicals, unless it is an occupational disease (workers in specific chemical factories should undergo re...[Read More] Can Inhalation of Chemicals Cause Lung Fibrosis? Understanding Impacts
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Common Causes and Concerns
The chest area? What are the possible conditions for discomfort in the chest area? (I have been coughing for over a month.)
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Xiao Sa: A cough lasting for more than a month may indicate various tracheal and pulmonary diseases (such as bronchitis, bronchiectasis, asthma, respiratory allergies, tuberculosis, etc.). It is advisable to visit a pulmonology clinic for a chest X-ray, and then consult a ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Common Causes and Concerns
Sudden Chest Pain While Breathing: Causes and Solutions
Sometimes there is a sudden sharp pain when breathing? Sometimes, there is a sudden sharp pain while breathing, and it takes a few minutes of holding the breath before gradually resuming normal breathing to recover. What could be the actual cause?
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Xiaoye: Your symptoms are more indicative of neuropathic pain (nerve pain in the intercostal nerves below the ribs or the nerves on the pleura). However, to rule out any other lung conditions, it is still recommended to visit a thoracic specialist for a chest X-ray. A busy...[Read More] Sudden Chest Pain While Breathing: Causes and Solutions