Can Asthma Be Cured? Understanding Long-Term Management and Risks
Can asthma be cured? Is asthma curable, doctor? Recently, I was talking to a friend whose parents have no history of asthma. Her mother works out vigorously at the gym every day, and her father rides a bicycle for 10 kilometers daily. I believe that without a certain level of lun...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Da Fei: Asthma may be caused by genetic factors or acquired disorders. As long as asthma is well-controlled, there should not be significant issues with marriage and having children. For further information on related topics, you can visit the Taiwan Asthma Consultation Co...[Read More] Can Asthma Be Cured? Understanding Long-Term Management and Risks
Understanding Chest Tightness: Possible Causes and Solutions
Shortness of breath? Hello Doctor: This symptom has persisted for many years. Sometimes I feel a tightness in my chest when breathing, and I can't take in much air through my nose; I have to take deep breaths through my mouth. When I was younger, I was in a car accident that...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, SAT: Your condition is not very serious, and there are two possible causes: (1) You may have allergic rhinitis or a deviated septum (feeling that nasal breathing is insufficient, and feeling more comfortable breathing through the mouth). (2) There may be what Traditional C...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Bronchial Abscess: Treatment Options and Surgical Considerations
Bronchial abscess My brother is studying in mainland China and has recently been experiencing coughing. After a doctor's diagnosis, it was found that there are abscesses in his bronchi, and each time he has an episode, the abscesses become larger. The recommendation from the...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Gene: The translation of medical terms used in Mainland China differs slightly from that in Taiwan. As far as I recall, we do not use the term "bronchial abscess." Based on the literal meaning, it seems to refer to three types of conditions: (1) Bronchogenic cyst,...[Read More] Understanding Bronchial Abscess: Treatment Options and Surgical Considerations
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Next Steps for Relief
Dyspnea Hello Doctor, for the past two weeks, I have been experiencing difficulty breathing at night, and I even have sharp pain in the area of my heart. I also feel soreness in my back, and my muscles are extremely tense. I have been trying to go to bed before 11 PM, but I am re...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Nini: I apologize for the delay in responding to your question. It seems you are on the right track by consulting a pulmonologist. To confirm whether you have asthma, you may consider scheduling a pulmonary function test and a bronchodilator response test. I hope this infor...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Next Steps for Relief
Understanding Asthma Symptoms: Seasonal Triggers and Breathing Difficulties
Symptoms of asthma Doctor: There is no family history of asthma at home. However, I often feel short of breath with seasonal changes. There have been a few occasions when I drank alcohol and experienced difficulty breathing, wheezing, and chest pain. I used a bronchodilator, whic...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Furong: Even without a family history, asthma can still be triggered by air pollution or other allergens. If you experience wheezing and find relief with bronchodilators, it resembles bronchial symptoms. I recommend visiting a major hospital's pulmonary department for...[Read More] Understanding Asthma Symptoms: Seasonal Triggers and Breathing Difficulties
Understanding Pneumonia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Pneumonia Hello doctor, recently my grandfather has been experiencing a significant weight loss. He has no energy and appears very lethargic. Additionally, his breathing has become more rapid. My father took him to see a cardiologist, but no cause was identified. After undergoing...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Mr. Chang: If your father has not yet undergone an X-ray examination, it is advisable for him to visit the pulmonology clinic for a chest X-ray to determine if there is pneumonia or any other lung disease, which would provide more peace of mind. Best wishes.[Read More] Understanding Pneumonia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Is Coughing Up Blood Normal with a Cold? Expert Insights
Coughing up blood? Hello doctor, my mother coughed up a small amount of blood today, but it's not a lot and it doesn't happen every time she coughs. I want to take her to the hospital, but she insists on not going, and I'm still very worried. She does have a cold; ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, coughing up blood is primarily caused by damage to the bronchial mucosa, leading to the rupture of microvessels. The most common cause is bronchitis, but it can also be due to bronchiectasis, pulmonary tuberculosis, or lung tumors. It is advisable to visit a hospital for a...[Read More] Is Coughing Up Blood Normal with a Cold? Expert Insights
Is Tracheostomy Necessary for COPD Patients? Understanding the Options
Is it necessary to perform a tracheostomy? Hello Doctor: My father, who is 76 years old, was previously diagnosed with early-stage Parkinson's disease. He was hospitalized in March and April this year due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) leading to asthma. He ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, every intubated patient has the opportunity to wean off the ventilator. However, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may have poor lung function from the start, which could require a longer period for adjustment and training (the duration is unpredic...[Read More] Is Tracheostomy Necessary for COPD Patients? Understanding the Options
Essential Tests for Tuberculosis: What You Need to Know
What tests are required for tuberculosis screening? Hello, someone in my family has tuberculosis. The doctor previously said it was not open (infectious), so we have been in close contact with the patient for many days. However, during today's outpatient check-up, we were in...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Peii: Exposure does not necessarily lead to infection (family members have about a one in four chance of becoming infected). Among those infected, there is only a one in ten chance of developing the disease over a lifetime (90% can be detected through a chest X-ray), and ni...[Read More] Essential Tests for Tuberculosis: What You Need to Know
Can Tuberculosis Be Transmitted Through Breastfeeding? A Concerned Mother's Inquiry
Tuberculosis and Breastfeeding I have a silly question for the doctor: If someone was previously a tuberculosis (TB) patient and has been cured, and they had a chest X-ray yesterday while wearing a hospital gown without an undershirt, and there is a small sore on the nipple from ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Ms. Jiang: Here are brief answers to your questions: 1. There should be no tuberculosis bacteria present in your nipple wound. Don't worry! 2. If the baby does not have low birth weight (less than 2000 grams) or jaundice, the BCG vaccine can be administered directly. B...[Read More] Can Tuberculosis Be Transmitted Through Breastfeeding? A Concerned Mother's Inquiry
Overcoming Panic Disorder: Breathing Difficulties and Treatment Options
Doctor, I'm about to start school. Please help me! The psychiatrist diagnosed me with panic disorder, and I often feel like breathing is very difficult, to the point where I almost faint. It seems like my blood circulation isn't very good; when I sit cross-legged, my le...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Xiao Ha: When you are unclear about many of your symptoms or conditions, it is natural to feel anxious or tense. After consulting with a specialist who explains the related diseases, you should trust the physician's judgment. As long as there are no life-threatening o...[Read More] Overcoming Panic Disorder: Breathing Difficulties and Treatment Options
Managing Lung Fibrosis After Bone Marrow Transplant: Key Considerations
Pulmonary fibrosis caused by rejection following bone marrow transplantation? The patient is a male in his 30s who was diagnosed with leukemia last year. After chemotherapy, he fortunately found a matched bone marrow donor among his siblings and underwent a transplant. Despite ta...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Xiao Zhen: Rejection causes pulmonary inflammation, which ultimately leads to fibrosis, leaving behind sequelae of impaired lung function. Only by using immunosuppressive medications or corticosteroids to reduce the inflammatory response can further deterioration of fibros...[Read More] Managing Lung Fibrosis After Bone Marrow Transplant: Key Considerations
Understanding Pectus Excavatum: Lung Function and Exercise Benefits
Pectus excavatum Does pectus excavatum lead to abnormal lung function? If a follow-up examination is conducted six months later, will the lung function still be abnormal? Will exercise be beneficial?
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello JUNJAY: 1. Pectus excavatum is an abnormality of the thoracic structure, which may restrict lung expansion during deep breathing and can significantly affect lung capacity. Unless surgically corrected, it is difficult to improve. 2. Exercise can strengthen the alveolar func...[Read More] Understanding Pectus Excavatum: Lung Function and Exercise Benefits
How Long Does Sputum Cell Culture Take? Insights for Military Health Checks
Excuse me, I would like to ask how long it takes to culture cells from sputum? Hello Dr. Yang, I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask a question. During my military physical examination, I initially received a notification from Keelung Municipal Hospital. After th...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, based on your suggestion, the sputum culture may be for tuberculosis bacteria, which generally takes six to eight weeks to process. Some hospitals issue reports after six weeks of observation. You might try contacting the tuberculosis case manager at Keelung Hospital to se...[Read More] How Long Does Sputum Cell Culture Take? Insights for Military Health Checks
Why Vitamin B6 for TB Treatment Isn't Covered by Insurance
Vitamin B6 is not covered by insurance? Why do patients have to pay out of pocket for vitamin B6 when prescribed TB medication at a public hospital, while the health insurance bureau states that not all types of vitamin B require out-of-pocket expenses?
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Chen: The vitamin B6 that was originally used at the municipal hospital was in tablet form, but the National Health Insurance has stopped covering it. Since the available formulation covered by the National Health Insurance did not participate in the municipal hospital'...[Read More] Why Vitamin B6 for TB Treatment Isn't Covered by Insurance
Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma Recurrence: Key Insights and Guidance
Does lung adenocarcinoma recur? Hello Doctor: My father-in-law had surgery for lung adenocarcinoma six years ago. Due to his personality, he has not returned for follow-up visits or chemotherapy. Recently, he has been feeling unwell, and a chest CT scan at the Penghu Navy Hospita...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Half Moon: Here are brief answers to your questions: 1. A preliminary assessment cannot determine the cause of the condition. If there was previously a tumor in the lower right area, it may be a recurrence, and you should consider visiting a pulmonologist. 2. If you wish t...[Read More] Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma Recurrence: Key Insights and Guidance
Understanding Chest Masses: What to Do About a Hard Lump
There is a slight issue with the chest? Hello, I am a middle-aged male. I have a hard lump in the center of my chest, larger than a ten-dollar coin. The lump is located at the area of the sternum in a V-shape. It feels as if it is connected to the bone, and its hardness is simila...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Concerned person: Please do not worry! The area you are describing is the "cartilage" at the end of the sternum, and many people can feel a small bump there. It should not grow larger. If you notice that it has increased in size, then consider consulting a surgeon. Best...[Read More] Understanding Chest Masses: What to Do About a Hard Lump
Understanding Emphysema at a Young Age: Treatment and Management Options
Emphysema Hello Doctor: I have been coughing continuously for several months, so I went to the hospital for a chest X-ray, which revealed that I have emphysema. However, I am only 28 years old. Is there any way to improve this condition?
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Xiao Yang: Emphysema is commonly seen in long-term smokers. In younger individuals, chest X-rays showing emphysema are often associated with a tall and thin body type. This is not considered a pathological condition, and it should improve with weight gain in the future, so...[Read More] Understanding Emphysema at a Young Age: Treatment and Management Options
Understanding Asthma: Key Questions on Airway Reactivity and Symptoms
excuse me? Hello, doctor: I have a couple of questions. 1. I underwent a bronchial provocation test, and afterwards I experienced significant wheezing, requiring the use of a bronchodilator and an injection for relief. Does this mean I have asthma? 2. If I exhibit these two pheno...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Xiaofang: Some individuals may experience airway hyperreactivity for several weeks following a pulmonary infection. If, after 2-3 months (or if you have had wheezing on two or more occasions), you still exhibit airway hyperreactivity and obstructive pulmonary function impai...[Read More] Understanding Asthma: Key Questions on Airway Reactivity and Symptoms
Breathing Difficulties After Thyroid Cancer: What You Need to Know
A long-standing issue that has been troubling me~~~ Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask about my condition. I often experience shortness of breath, with the most severe episodes occurring in the morning, although it can happen throughout the day. I also experience dizziness, and ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Moon: If both your chest X-ray and cardiology evaluation are normal, it indicates that your current difficulty in breathing is not related to your heart or lungs. It is possible that there has been slight muscle and minor nerve impact from your previous surgery, leading to...[Read More] Breathing Difficulties After Thyroid Cancer: What You Need to Know