Should You Get the Flu Vaccine If You Have Weakened Immunity?
Should I get the flu vaccine? Hello, Doctor: Should individuals with weaker immune systems receive the influenza vaccine? I read in the newspaper that the flu vaccine can only prevent the flu and does not prevent pneumonia. Is this true? I have been hospitalized for mycoplasma pn...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Joyce: The influenza vaccine can only reduce the incidence of influenza and cannot prevent the occurrence of bacterial pneumonia (mycoplasma is just one type). Currently, there is no vaccine available for mycoplasma pneumonia. Antibodies from a previous mycoplasma pneumonia...[Read More] Should You Get the Flu Vaccine If You Have Weakened Immunity?
Understanding Pneumothorax: Recovery Tips and School Attendance
I have a pneumothorax..? Hello Dr. Yang, I went to the hospital yesterday due to difficulty breathing and was diagnosed with a pneumothorax. Since the extent of the collapse is not significant, the doctor advised me to rest at home. (School starts next Monday; will I be able to ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Eric: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (without other lung diseases) can often resolve on its own if the extent is not significant. However, if there is difficulty breathing or worsening chest pain, it is advisable to go to the emergency room for evaluation; otherwise, a fo...[Read More] Understanding Pneumothorax: Recovery Tips and School Attendance
Understanding Chronic Cough: Causes, Management, and Prevention Tips
Cough in patients with brain disorders? Hello Dr. Yang, I have been experiencing coughing symptoms for over four years. During this time, it has been intermittent. About three years ago, I underwent an examination at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and the results were no...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Xiao Guo: Your chronic cough has the following four conditions: 1. Chronic pharyngitis, allergic rhinitis, or post-nasal drip. It may be necessary to consult an otolaryngologist, or you should develop a habit of drinking more water daily. 2. Allergic bronchitis, which tend...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Cough: Causes, Management, and Prevention Tips
Understanding Pneumothorax: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Pneumothorax I am a poor student who previously studied abroad. During my first episode of pneumothorax, I was unaware of my condition and ended up sleeping for two to three days. At that time, I didn't have insurance, and as you know, a trip to the hospital or calling an am...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Justmike: After recovering from a pneumothorax, it is common to experience occasional chest pain during periods of physical exertion, changes in weather, or increased mental stress. Generally, pain relief medication should only be taken when the pain is severe. If you exper...[Read More] Understanding Pneumothorax: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Tuberculosis Diagnosis: From Sputum Tests to Cultures
Pulmonary tuberculosis First of all, thank you for the doctor's previous response. However, I apologize for having a few more questions: First, after I had an X-ray, I submitted sputum samples for testing at the hospital for three consecutive days. I returned for a follow-up...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Jack: Your questions can be summarized as follows: 1. According to the regulations of the Centers for Disease Control, the standard laboratory report for tuberculosis (TB) smear tests must be completed and reported within 24 hours. 2. The culture report for tuberculosis takes lon...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Diagnosis: From Sputum Tests to Cultures
Understanding Tuberculosis Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis? What are the symptoms of tuberculosis (TB)? Recently, I experienced chest pain and visited a doctor. After an X-ray, the doctor asked if I had any chest injuries and suspected I might have tuberculosis, requesting a sputum test. Later, I checke...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Jack: Tuberculosis (TB) is a slowly progressing disease that can be asymptomatic in its early stages. However, abnormal white infiltrates can be observed on a chest X-ray. Some individuals may have these lesions detected during a routine examination. If not identified early...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Understanding Asymptomatic Pulmonary Infiltrates: Causes and Implications
Pulmonary infiltration The body shows no abnormalities, but a chest X-ray during a physical examination revealed infiltrates, with no discomfort reported. What are the possible causes of pulmonary infiltrates? Thank you for your guidance.
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, SRS: Pulmonary infiltration refers to the presence of abnormal lines or shadows in the lungs, which may be due to slightly enlarged blood vessels, mild pulmonary inflammation, or mild pulmonary tuberculosis. In any case, you need to return to the pulmonology clinic for a f...[Read More] Understanding Asymptomatic Pulmonary Infiltrates: Causes and Implications
Understanding Pneumothorax: Risks and Surgical Options for Elderly Patients
Pneumothorax Hello Doctor: My grandfather is 74 years old. He has a history of tuberculosis, but he has mostly recovered after treatment. Recently, he experienced chest tightness, and after examination, it was found to be a pneumothorax. He underwent tube insertion for treatment,...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Jill: Your grandfather is 74 years old and has experienced a recurrence of pneumothorax twice. Typically, the first consideration would be to administer medication into the pleural cavity for pleurodesis. If that fails, surgical intervention may be considered. Additionally,...[Read More] Understanding Pneumothorax: Risks and Surgical Options for Elderly Patients
Understanding Chest Pain: Is It Pneumothorax or Something Else?
Experiencing chest pain only when sneezing or during deep breathing does not necessarily indicate a pneumothorax? Hello Dr. Yang: I am unsure if the discomfort is due to frequent basketball collisions during high school, but since college, I have experienced a feeling of tightnes...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, based on your chest X-ray results, there is over a 90% chance that there are no issues with your lungs. Considering your young age, it is unlikely that there are any significant pulmonary pathologies. It is possible that you are experiencing costochondritis or what Traditi...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Is It Pneumothorax or Something Else?
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
RE: Pleural Effusion What are the symptoms of pleural effusion? Why is it that hospitals often cannot detect it, and it is only diagnosed at larger hospitals? What methods are available for treatment? What should be avoided in the diet? What foods should be included? Why do repor...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Huah: Pleural effusion (fluid accumulation in the pleural space) most commonly causes symptoms such as cough, chest pain, or difficulty breathing (especially when the fluid volume is significant). Some individuals may be asymptomatic (when the fluid volume is minimal or ac...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Tracheostomy: Care Options and Quality of Life for Patients
Regarding tracheostomy? Dear Dr. Yang, I apologize for bothering you again. My father has been in the respiratory intensive care unit for over ten days, and he has been on a ventilator for more than ten days prior to that. Recently, the medical staff has been continuously provid...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Xiao Zhen: Hello, I will answer your questions briefly as follows: 1. Performing a tracheostomy allows for better airway management, making the patient more comfortable. As long as they can be weaned off the ventilator, there is a possibility of extubation in the future. 2. As lo...[Read More] Understanding Tracheostomy: Care Options and Quality of Life for Patients
Understanding Lung Calcification: Causes, Concerns, and Health Implications
Pulmonary calcification Hello, Dr. Yang. The day before yesterday, I went for a health check-up and had an X-ray done. The doctor mentioned that there is calcification in my lungs and asked if I have ever had tuberculosis. The problem is that I have never had such an illness, and...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The presence of calcifications on a chest X-ray indicates that there have been past inflammatory lesions in the lungs (not necessarily tuberculosis) that have healed, leaving behind scar tissue, similar to how scars form after injuries on the hands or feet during childhood...[Read More] Understanding Lung Calcification: Causes, Concerns, and Health Implications
Understanding Survival Rates for Advanced Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma
How long can a patient with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma survive? Dear Mr. Yang, I would like to inquire about my father, who has been diagnosed with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma, which has metastasized to the liver, spine, and heart valves. Is the primary reason for the metas...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Xiao-Zhen. Your father is in the advanced stage of lung adenocarcinoma with distant metastasis, which is considered terminal cancer. The distribution of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes in the human body is ubiquitous and dense. Therefore, regardless of which organ or tis...[Read More] Understanding Survival Rates for Advanced Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Treatment, and Long-Term Effects
Pleural effusion (not pulmonary edema) and pleuritis? This is due to symptoms caused by a cold, compounded by a prolonged duration and incorrect treatment by the doctor, which has resulted in a month of receiving intravenous fluids and medication. I would like to ask what disease...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, There are many causes of pleural effusion, and your attending physician will help identify the most likely diagnosis. If it is confirmed (or highly suspected) to be tuberculous pleuritis, a consistent treatment for 6-9 months will lead to a recovery rate of 95% among pat...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Treatment, and Long-Term Effects
Chest Tightness and Throat Discomfort: Understanding Your Symptoms
Chest tightness and a strange sensation in the throat? As a child, I experienced asthma during colds, but I haven't had any issues for over a decade. Now at 26 years old, I have a smoking habit (for 6 years). Until recently, I was doing well, but due to a foot injury, I'...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Xiao P: Your condition does not resemble an asthma attack, nor does it seem to be a terminal illness. It appears more like chronic pharyngitis or increased airway sensitivity. I recommend that you visit a pulmonology clinic for a chest X-ray to confirm whether there are an...[Read More] Chest Tightness and Throat Discomfort: Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Chronic Bronchitis: Symptoms and Management Tips
Chronic bronchitis Chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and discomfort in the throat with a sensation of phlegm being stuck.
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, your issue may be related to the heart or lungs, or it could simply be due to a hectic lifestyle and increased stress. It is recommended that you visit a teaching hospital's pulmonary department, where a physician will order relevant tests based on your condition to h...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Bronchitis: Symptoms and Management Tips
Understanding Chronic Bronchitis: Symptoms and Management Tips
Chronic bronchitis Chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and a sensation of mucus stuck in the throat.
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, your issue may be related to the heart or lungs, or it could simply be due to a fast-paced lifestyle and increased stress. It is recommended that you visit a teaching hospital's pulmonary department, where a physician will order relevant tests based on your condition ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Bronchitis: Symptoms and Management Tips
Managing Chronic Bronchitis: Treatment, Duration, and Side Effects
Chronic bronchitis Dear Doctor: Is chronic bronchitis treatable? How long does it take? If one takes medication and bronchodilators for chronic bronchitis over a long period, will it affect other organs in the body? Will it also impact fertility?
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Vivian: Chronic bronchitis is defined as a cough that lasts for more than three months each year for at least two consecutive years. It typically occurs in individuals over the age of 35 who are smokers. Clinically, the diagnosis is characterized by difficulty breathing and...[Read More] Managing Chronic Bronchitis: Treatment, Duration, and Side Effects
Understanding Elevated ESR Levels After Pneumonia: What You Need to Know
ESR index! Hello Doctor: I previously had pneumonia, and it has been over a month since then. However, my cough symptoms have not improved. A few days ago, I had a blood test, and the doctor said my ESR value is 65, indicating inflammation. Additionally, the X-ray appears to show...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Allen: The X-ray appears to indicate bronchitis, which suggests that the lung inflammation is not too severe anymore! You have already been treated with antibiotics, and it may be difficult to identify the pathogenic bacteria through further cultures. Please continue to be ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated ESR Levels After Pneumonia: What You Need to Know
Understanding Lung Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Care Tips
Regarding lung issues? Hello Doctor, I experienced coughing up blood in January of this year after staying up late for two consecutive days and went to the emergency room. The X-ray results were normal, but a CT scan showed a white shadow in one area of my right lung. After takin...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello John: Your diagnosis should be bronchiectasis with hemoptysis. If your chest pain does not show any significant abnormalities on the chest X-ray, then neuropathic pain is a more likely diagnosis. Currently, Western medicine would generally prescribe pain relievers, hemostat...[Read More] Understanding Lung Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Care Tips