Understanding Mycoplasma Pneumonia: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Mycoplasma pneumonia! Hello, Doctor: Can a Mycoplasma infection cause diarrhea? I was hospitalized due to pulmonary infiltration, and after being discharged, I continued to take medication as instructed by my doctor. However, the diarrhea persists and has worsened in the past few...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, KCL. Here are the brief responses to your questions: 1. Mycoplasma infections have a 15% chance of causing diarrhea, but this is usually a transient phenomenon. It is unusual to have persistent diarrhea after discharge, so it is recommended that you consult a gastroentero...[Read More] Understanding Mycoplasma Pneumonia: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Do Oxygen Concentrators Benefit Patients with COPD?
Is an oxygen concentrator beneficial for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? Hello Dr. Yang, I have an elder in my family who suffers from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). They often experience shortness of breath and wheezing. Sometimes, wh...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Dear Mr. Wei-Qiang, Hello. For patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have severe pulmonary function impairment, if they are unable to maintain a blood oxygen partial pressure greater than 55 mmHg (or a finger oxygen saturation greater than 90%) at rest, ...[Read More] Do Oxygen Concentrators Benefit Patients with COPD?
Understanding Hemoptysis: Key Considerations for Patients Abroad
Recently, I have been coughing up blood? Dr. Yang: Hello! I experienced hemoptysis several times last year, and after a CT scan, the doctor informed me that there is fibrosis in the bronchus near my heart, advising me to avoid catching a cold as much as possible. Recently, I have...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Amy: As you mentioned, the computed tomography scan revealed fibrosis in the bronchi near your heart, indicating that there are no tumors or cavitary changes associated with tuberculosis in your lungs. Your diagnosis leans towards bronchiectasis, which may result in increas...[Read More] Understanding Hemoptysis: Key Considerations for Patients Abroad
Understanding Pleural Effusion: External vs. Internal Fluid Accumulation
Pleural effusion Hello, my father is a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis, which has been treated and controlled for many years. Recently, he has been coughing up blood, and after a CT scan, it was found that he has pleural effusion and pneumonia. The doctor mentioned that the p...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Js: The external fluid accumulation you mentioned is likely pleural effusion (fluid in the pleural cavity outside the lungs). Recurrence of pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, lung tumors, and heart failure can lead to pleural effusion. If possible, performing a thoracentesi...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: External vs. Internal Fluid Accumulation
Understanding Hilar Pulmonary Artery Enlargement: Health Implications Explained
What is hilar pulmonary artery prominence? As mentioned in the title... this shouldn't cause any health issues, right?
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Yaya: The term "pulmonary hilar prominence" likely refers to hilar enlargement or hilar mass. The hilum is the area where the lungs connect with the heart, containing the pulmonary arteries, pulmonary veins, lymph nodes, and adjacent lung tissue. Any congenital o...[Read More] Understanding Hilar Pulmonary Artery Enlargement: Health Implications Explained
When Is Hospitalization Necessary for Pneumonia Treatment?
Treatment of pneumonia! Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask at what severity pneumonia requires hospitalization? Is there a specific number of days that one must stay in the hospital? If a patient needs to be discharged before reaching the recommended hospital stay, is that allowe...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, regarding pneumonia, whether hospitalization is necessary depends on multiple factors related to prognosis. Generally speaking, older age, alcohol abuse, the presence of other chronic diseases (such as malignancies, heart, liver, or kidney diseases), respiratory distress (...[Read More] When Is Hospitalization Necessary for Pneumonia Treatment?
Understanding Moderate Restrictive Ventilatory Impairment: Causes and Management
Moderate restrictive ventilatory impairment? Dear Dr. Yang: I underwent a pulmonary function test during my health check-up, and the report indicates that I have moderate restrictive ventilatory impairment. What does this mean? Do I need treatment or follow-up?
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Ross, pulmonary function tests are helpful in understanding whether there are any obstructive issues with ventilation. Generally, they can be classified into (1) obstructive ventilatory disorders, which include asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and bronchiectasis, and ...[Read More] Understanding Moderate Restrictive Ventilatory Impairment: Causes and Management
Understanding Your Current Condition: A Guide for Patients
Confirm? Dr. Yang: My medical record number is 1196673. Please inform me of my current condition as soon as possible. Thank you!
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Ms. Guo: Hello, you have been fully treated, and the health center has been informed.[Read More] Understanding Your Current Condition: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Your Recovery: Questions for Your Pulmonologist
Confirm? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask you... Am I fully recovered from my condition? Do I need to return for a follow-up appointment? How often should I come in? Has the health department closed my case? Please help me confirm this, thank you!
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Please provide the medical record number on the medication bag for easy access to your information. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Your Recovery: Questions for Your Pulmonologist
Understanding Chest Pain and Tuberculosis Treatment: Your Questions Answered
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello Dr. Yang: I have been taking anti-tuberculosis medication for six months at China Medical University. After transferring to your hospital on December 1, I have been on a new medication for two weeks. I am not sure if it is due ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Ellen: (1) Your tuberculosis has been diagnosed by China Medical University, so there should be no issue. I am not familiar with the medication changes at this hospital, and I cannot determine whether you are still infectious. Please consult your attending physician or cons...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Tuberculosis Treatment: Your Questions Answered
Understanding Tuberculosis: Common Questions and Concerns for Patients
Question Dr. Yang: Hello! I am a patient with tuberculosis. About six months ago, I went to China Medical University for an X-ray due to a persistent cough of unknown origin, and that’s when I discovered I had tuberculosis. However, I do not understand the source and transmission...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Ellen: Here are the brief answers to your questions: (1) Patients with tuberculosis are advised to consume a high-protein diet and to avoid irritating foods such as fried foods, spicy foods, or foods cooked with alcohol. (2) Antituberculosis medications can be taken alongsi...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis: Common Questions and Concerns for Patients
Understanding Pleural Effusion After Right Hepatectomy: What to Expect
Right hepatic resection and pleural effusion? Hello Dr. Yang, I underwent a right hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on October 13, 2023. It has been about a month since the surgery, and my condition has been relatively good. However, a few days ago, I impulsiv...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Dear Brian: It is possible to have some pleural effusion that has not absorbed one month after liver surgery; however, having approximately 1000 mL of fluid is considered abnormal. This can cause pressure on the normal lung tissue, leading to a sensation of shortness of breath. I...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion After Right Hepatectomy: What to Expect
Can You Use Medications with a Mucus Clearance Device?
Can medication be added to a nebulizer? Bronchial obstruction due to mucus that cannot be expelled may require the use of an expectorant. If medication is needed, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate type of medication to add. Common e...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Mrs. Chen: A general nebulizer can be used with high-concentration saline solution. Common expectorants such as BISOLVON or bronchodilators (like BRICANYL or ATROVENT) may be used for patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, it is best...[Read More] Can You Use Medications with a Mucus Clearance Device?
Concerns About Sputum Sample Volume for Chest Medicine Tests
Sputum examination issues! Hello Doctor: Last Saturday, I submitted three samples of sputum to the laboratory for testing, and I did the same on Monday and Tuesday of this week. However, I just realized that the amount of sputum I produced last Saturday seemed to be very little, ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Dear Tu: The three sputum samples you sent have been processed. Preliminary smear examination did not reveal any tuberculosis bacteria. The culture results will take 6-8 weeks, so please rest assured! Best wishes! Dr. Yang 10/30/2003[Read More] Concerns About Sputum Sample Volume for Chest Medicine Tests
Understanding Suspected Nodules in the Left Upper Lung Lobe
Suspected small nodule in the left upper lobe? Dear Dr. Yang, I have a line in my school health check report dated September 8th that I would like to ask about. What does it mean? Is it malignant? What are the possible causes for the small nodules observed in my lung lobes on t...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Miss Pei-Chi. The small nodule in your lungs could potentially be a blood vessel, a scar left from a previous inflammation, or an early stage of certain tumor lesions (including benign or malignant tumors). Considering your age, the likelihood of a malignant tumor is very ...[Read More] Understanding Suspected Nodules in the Left Upper Lung Lobe
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
Left chest pain This week, I have been experiencing pain in my left chest (a dull ache, sometimes accompanied by sharp pain, and at its worst, it feels like a squeezing pain) that lasts for about 3 to 5 minutes. However, this symptom started a year ago and has been intermittent o...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, the pain in your left chest could potentially be related to issues with the heart or lungs. However, since the pain is intermittent, it is less likely to be associated with heart disease or pulmonary conditions. I recommend getting a chest X-ray to rule out any heart or lu...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
Understanding Sleep-Related Breathing Issues: Insights for Patients
excuse me? Doctor, I have a question. Recently, while I am sleeping, I suddenly wake up feeling like I can't breathe. When I wake up, I don't feel very uncomfortable; I just notice that I have a lot of phlegm. When I wake up, I tend to sit up more forcefully, as if I ca...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
GENTLEMAN: Based on your description, it seems that you do not feel uncomfortable upon waking, and it does not resemble asthma. It is more likely a case of post-nasal drip, especially considering your history of sinusitis. Since you have recently seen an otolaryngologist, it is p...[Read More] Understanding Sleep-Related Breathing Issues: Insights for Patients
Can a Cold Trigger Asthma Symptoms? Understanding Coughing and Noisy Breathing
Breathing with wheezing, accompanied by coughing, and occasional difficulty in breathing? Hello Dr. Yang: I had a cold recently and recovered, but it left some lingering symptoms. I often cough, sometimes have difficulty breathing, and my breathing has a wheezing sound. It seems ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Mr. Li: Hello, a common cold is generally caused by a viral infection, which can lead to increased sensitivity in the airways after infection. Additionally, since it is summer, there are more opportunities to consume cold foods, which can also cause sensitivity in the respiratory...[Read More] Can a Cold Trigger Asthma Symptoms? Understanding Coughing and Noisy Breathing
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
May I ask the doctor? For the past three months, I have been experiencing sharp chest pain. The pain occurs at irregular times throughout the day, several times a day, and does not localize to a specific point. It seems to be in the chest cavity, affecting both the front and back...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
JACKEY: Hello, your chest pain symptoms have essentially been ruled out by chest X-ray and 24-hour electrocardiogram tests, indicating no issues with your lungs or heart. Neuralgia is a more likely diagnosis, which may be related to your poor sleep quality. I recommend that you r...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Shallow Breathing: Anxiety's Impact on Sleep and Brain Health
Respiratory issues? Hello doctor, I am a person who easily experiences anxiety. I am not sure if this is the reason, but since the year before last, I have often woken up during sleep due to shallow breathing and feeling breathless. As a result, my sleep has been fragmented, and ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Mr. Wu: Hello, as a 21-year-old male, it is unlikely that you have significant heart or lung diseases. Your symptoms may be caused by excessive anxiety leading to hyperventilation, which can result in excessive carbon dioxide expulsion and cause your blood to become alkalotic, po...[Read More] Understanding Shallow Breathing: Anxiety's Impact on Sleep and Brain Health