Assessing Lung Cancer Risk: Family History and Smoking Exposure
Family history of lung cancer My father and grandfather both died of lung cancer, and they both had a long history of smoking. When I was a child, my father often smoked at home until I was in the third grade, after which I no longer lived with him, so there was no secondhand smo...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
1. A family history of lung cancer (especially among third-degree relatives) and a history of secondhand smoke exposure can increase the risk of developing lung cancer. 2. There is no definitive guideline on how often to undergo screenings; it is advisable to discuss this with y...[Read More] Assessing Lung Cancer Risk: Family History and Smoking Exposure
Coughing in Cold Weather: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Occasional coughing in cold weather? Hello Dr. Chou, I have recently experienced a dry cough when the weather turns cold, but it resolves once I dress warmly. I have not been in contact with anyone who has a cold, and I do not have any other symptoms. I would like to ask: 1. What...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, 1. Some individuals with more sensitive respiratory tracts or those who experience nasal discharge due to temperature changes may exhibit respiratory symptoms such as coughing, and they should seek medical evaluation for diagnosis by a physician. 2. This should not be r...[Read More] Coughing in Cold Weather: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Management Tips
Left center of the chest? Hello Doctor, I have had this issue for two months now. Prior to this, I frequently did push-ups and jogging. From my perspective, the pain is located slightly to the left of the center. Previously, I experienced significant pain when lying on my side or...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, as you mentioned, the possibility of muscle inflammation is indeed the highest. If symptoms persist after rest, please return for a follow-up consultation with your physician. Thank you. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang, Chief of Radiology.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Management Tips
Understanding Persistent Lung Spots in Tuberculosis Treatment: What to Expect
A patient with pulmonary tuberculosis has been on medication for over two weeks, but there are still white spots in the lungs? Dear Doctor: My father has been hospitalized for tuberculosis and has been on medication for over two weeks. However, the X-ray still shows white spots. ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, generally after two weeks of tuberculosis medication, if the X-ray shows minimal lesions and they are almost completely resolved, please discuss further with your physician. If there is any deterioration, further intervention may be necessary. Typically, after two weeks of...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Lung Spots in Tuberculosis Treatment: What to Expect
How Long Will Side Effects of Tuberculosis Medications Last?
How long does it take for the side effects of tuberculosis medication to improve? The father has been on medication for tuberculosis for two weeks now, and this week he has started experiencing side effects such as vomiting, nausea, poor appetite, and blurred vision. Will these s...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, if you experience the mentioned side effects, it is recommended to return for a follow-up appointment to inform your physician, to determine if medication adjustments or other examinations, such as liver and kidney function tests or vision assessments, are necessary. Thank...[Read More] How Long Will Side Effects of Tuberculosis Medications Last?
Understanding Abnormal Chest X-Ray Findings: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Abnormal chest X-ray? Hello, doctor. During this year's company health check, a chest X-ray revealed some infiltrative changes in the lower inner portion of my right lung (the X-ray appeared to show a patchy, white area). The examining physician mentioned that this does not ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, it is recommended that you have another chest X-ray taken in the pulmonology department and then discuss it further with your attending physician. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Chest X-Ray Findings: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Can Pregnant Women Safely Undergo Tuberculosis Skin Testing?
Is it appropriate for pregnant women to undergo skin testing for tuberculosis? Due to a family member being hospitalized and isolated for tuberculosis, the health department has notified us that family members need to undergo chest X-rays. My son, who is in kindergarten, will hav...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, 1. It is generally not recommended for pregnant women to undergo X-rays; instead, sputum tests can be performed three times to check for the presence of tuberculosis bacteria. 2. Additionally, a blood test primarily for hepatitis C interferon can be conducted to determi...[Read More] Can Pregnant Women Safely Undergo Tuberculosis Skin Testing?
Essential Tests for Family Members Exposed to Open Tuberculosis
What tests can be done for someone who has been in contact with a family member with open pulmonary tuberculosis? My dad previously thought he had a cold, and during his visit to the clinic for medication, I went into his room to help him with his blanket, change his ice pack, an...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, 1. It is generally not recommended for pregnant women to undergo X-rays; instead, sputum tests can be conducted three times to check for tuberculosis bacteria. 2. Additionally, a blood test primarily to check for Hepatitis C interferon can help determine if there is an ...[Read More] Essential Tests for Family Members Exposed to Open Tuberculosis
How Long Does It Take to Diagnose Tuberculosis in the Hospital?
How long does a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis need to be hospitalized for diagnosis? Hello Doctor: My father has been experiencing intermittent fever and coughing for two weeks. Initially, he just went to the clinic to get cold medicine, but later he developed a fever in th...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, based on your description, diagnoses such as lung tumors, pneumonia, and tuberculosis cannot be immediately ruled out. The physician is currently conducting differential diagnoses, and since there is a clinical possibility of tuberculosis, hospitalization in an isolation r...[Read More] How Long Does It Take to Diagnose Tuberculosis in the Hospital?
Should Thoracic Surgery Be Consulted for Lung Nodules During Infection?
Is it possible to consult with a thoracic surgeon simultaneously? The mother was hospitalized due to a liver abscess, and during an abdominal CT scan, a 0.6 cm nodule was discovered in the lung. She currently has a 3 cm liver abscess and is being treated with oral antibiotics. Th...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, there are many causes of pulmonary nodules. If there are previous imaging studies available, it would be easier to make a determination. If there are no prior images and immediate confirmation is needed, a surgical biopsy may be required. Based on what you described, you m...[Read More] Should Thoracic Surgery Be Consulted for Lung Nodules During Infection?
Seeking Transfer for Mom's Pneumonia and Heart Issues: Urgent Advice Needed
My mother has pneumonia and heart problems, and we hope to arrange a referral? Your mother was admitted to a regional hospital in Miaoli due to respiratory distress. The attending physician performed a chest X-ray and initially diagnosed pneumonia and cardiac issues, recommending...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, regarding the issue you mentioned, the patient's respiratory condition is unstable. If a referral is desired, please discuss with the attending physician about suitable nearby hospitals and inquire about ensuring safety during the referral process. Thank you for your ...[Read More] Seeking Transfer for Mom's Pneumonia and Heart Issues: Urgent Advice Needed
Best Juice Options for Lung Cancer Patients: Tips and Recommendations
Juice for Lung Cancer Patients Hello Dr. Zhou, my father went to the emergency room the day before yesterday. The doctor said he has early-stage pneumonia, but because he is a heavy smoker (with over 40 years of smoking history), is 65 years old, and has high blood sugar (157), h...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, based on your description, your father has been a long-term smoker and likely has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Therefore, when he develops pneumonia, it can be more severe. Whether he will need to use supplemental oxygen long-term after treatment improveme...[Read More] Best Juice Options for Lung Cancer Patients: Tips and Recommendations
Understanding Post-Operative Fibrosis After Lung Lobectomy: Is It Normal?
Postoperative recovery after lobectomy? About a year ago, I underwent a right upper lobe partial lobectomy. Recently, during a physical examination, a chest X-ray revealed the presence of fibrosis in the right upper lung. Is this a normal phenomenon?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, lung lobectomy may leave some fibrotic scars, which need to be compared with the chest X-ray taken after the surgery to determine if they are old fibrotic changes. Thank you for your inquiry. Wishing you good health. Best regards, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang, Chief of Radiology.[Read More] Understanding Post-Operative Fibrosis After Lung Lobectomy: Is It Normal?
Is Allergic Bronchitis Considered Asthma? Understanding Your Symptoms
Is bronchial allergy considered asthma? I have been coughing for almost two months, often experiencing a scratchy throat and cough, and recently I've also had difficulty breathing and feeling short of breath. I went to the hospital for pulmonary function tests and a bronchia...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, excessive airway responsiveness is commonly seen in patients with asthma, but other conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can also present with excessive airway responsiveness. However, airway obstruction caused by asthma is often reversible, whil...[Read More] Is Allergic Bronchitis Considered Asthma? Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Do You Need a CT Scan After Ultrasound?
Pleural effusion I have pleural effusion and underwent ultrasound-guided drainage, which showed no malignant bacteria upon testing. Now I need to collect sputum for examination. Is it necessary to perform a CT scan? I'm concerned about the radiation exposure from the CT scan...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, the pleural effusion does not contain malignant cells, but it does not completely rule out the possibility of malignancy. If there is no definitive clinical diagnosis, a CT scan remains one of the necessary examinations, as the clinical conditions involved cannot be assess...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Do You Need a CT Scan After Ultrasound?
Understanding Post-Pneumothorax Symptoms and Activity Restrictions
Pneumothorax issues? Hello, doctor. I was hospitalized for a spontaneous pneumothorax on June 29 of this year. Since the extent was not large, I was discharged after waiting for it to resolve on its own. A week after discharge, I returned for a follow-up X-ray, which showed no si...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, 1. Generally speaking, if a pneumothorax has fully resolved to normal, symptoms should return to baseline. If there are any recurring symptoms such as chest tightness or shortness of breath, please return for a follow-up examination to check for recurrence. 2. In addit...[Read More] Understanding Post-Pneumothorax Symptoms and Activity Restrictions
Understanding the Risk of Tuberculosis Transmission in Shared Spaces
Transmission of Tuberculosis (TB) Hello, doctor. A few days ago, my Japanese parents went to see a pulmonologist due to a cough that lasted for a week. They were wearing masks at the time, and there was another patient in the room who seemed to be undergoing treatment for tubercu...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, the current targets for contact tracing by the Centers for Disease Control are individuals who have been exposed to the index case for 8 hours or have a cumulative exposure of over 40 hours. Based on the situation you described, where both parties were wearing masks, the l...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Tuberculosis Transmission in Shared Spaces
Understanding Tuberculosis Treatment and Liver Health Concerns
Tuberculosis medications Dear Dr. Chou, My father underwent a bronchoscopy, but due to the location being too distal, the endoscope could not advance further. Therefore, they used water irrigation to collect fluid for examination, which tested positive for tuberculosis. He start...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, (1) Generally speaking, the accuracy of detecting tuberculosis bacteria through bronchoscopy should be considered reliable. (2) Most anti-tuberculosis medications have the potential to cause liver function abnormalities. Some combinations of anti-tuberculosis drugs tha...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Treatment and Liver Health Concerns
Understanding Lung Nodules: Causes and Advanced Diagnostic Options
Lung examination Hello Doctor: My father has been suffering from a persistent cough for 1 to 2 months without improvement. A CT scan revealed a 0.4 cm white spot at the left lung base, along with slight collapse symptoms. A bronchoscopy was arranged for further evaluation, but th...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, there are many possible causes. Common ones include fibrosis (scarring from previous inflammation), ongoing inflammation (such as pneumonia or tuberculosis), and malignant tumors. Further examination is necessary; for a definitive answer, a lung biopsy may be required. Tha...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Causes and Advanced Diagnostic Options
Understanding Left Axillary Pain: Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Help
left axilla Hello Dr. Chou: Recently, I have been experiencing cramping in the muscles between my left armpit and abdominal cavity, and I feel a gradual decrease in strength. During these episodes, I am unable to even take a shower. What could this be a sign of? How should I seek...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, they are more indicative of a neuromuscular issue; however, a chest X-ray should still be performed to rule out pleural diseases. I recommend that you consult with a pulmonologist or a neurologist for further evaluation. Thank you. Sinc...[Read More] Understanding Left Axillary Pain: Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Help