Complications After Pneumothorax Drainage: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery
Pneumothorax tube insertion leading to hemothorax? Hello, my sister was admitted to the emergency room on June 19 due to a left spontaneous pneumothorax. An X-ray showed two small white spots, so the emergency physician recommended a drainage procedure to remove the gas. However,...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Based on the description, the patient may experience changes such as pleural adhesions, pulmonary fibrosis, and decreased lung function following a major surgery on the left chest, which could be related to the symptoms mentioned and should be discussed with a physician. Regardin...[Read More] Complications After Pneumothorax Drainage: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery
Is It Safe to Take Anti-TB Medications at Night?
Is it okay to take anti-TB medication at night? I have been taking first-line anti-TB medications for four months, but the doctor has noted little change in the X-ray results. Therefore, it seems that second-line medications may be considered. However, sputum tests have been nega...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, generally speaking, if the prescribed medication is taken daily as directed, there is no significant difference between taking it during the day or at night. In clinical practice, there are instances where, due to specific circumstances (such as experiencing dizziness), it...[Read More] Is It Safe to Take Anti-TB Medications at Night?
Breathing Difficulties and Chest Tightness: What Could Be Wrong?
Shortness of breath and chest tightness? Last week, I started experiencing dizziness and headaches, so I went to the hospital. The doctor said it might be an initial viral infection, and I had a fever of 37.5 degrees Celsius. After taking medication, my symptoms improved until ye...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
If you are experiencing difficulty breathing or discomfort in your chest, please visit the pulmonary medicine department for further evaluation. Thank you for your attention. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang, Director of the Pulmonary Function Department, Chest Hospital, Ministry of...[Read More] Breathing Difficulties and Chest Tightness: What Could Be Wrong?
Understanding Airway Sensitivity: Chronic Cough and Autoimmune Concerns
Tracheal sensitivity Hello, doctor. I had pneumonia at the beginning of January and was treated with antibiotics. Since then, I've been experiencing persistent chest itching and coughing. Later, the doctor diagnosed me with chronic bronchitis. However, after a chest X-ray on...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, 1. Some patients may experience prolonged respiratory symptoms after an airway infection. If there is no history of asthma and symptoms resolve after some time, it may not necessarily indicate asthma. 2. If there is an autoimmune disease, it may also potentially affect...[Read More] Understanding Airway Sensitivity: Chronic Cough and Autoimmune Concerns
Managing Chronic Bronchitis: Tips for Improving Lung Health and Comfort
Chronic bronchitis Hello, doctor. Due to autoimmune issues, I have been taking corticosteroids and immunosuppressants for over two months, but my immune system has become very weak, and I keep catching colds. I previously had pneumonia, which was treated, but since then, whenever...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, 1. If there are abnormalities in the right lower lung on the chest X-ray, further evaluation is recommended to confirm the condition, such as checking for bronchiectasis or other abnormalities. 2. Due to the presence of an autoimmune disease, if you experience nocturnal...[Read More] Managing Chronic Bronchitis: Tips for Improving Lung Health and Comfort
Can People with Pleural Effusion Consume Propolis? Dietary Considerations Explained
Can a person with pleural effusion consume propolis? Recently, my father was hospitalized due to pleural effusion and underwent a series of tests, but the cause could not be determined. During his hospital stay, the fluid was drained, and after some observation, he was discharged...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, what is referred to as pulmonary edema should actually be called pleural effusion. Thoracentesis only temporarily alleviates symptoms, and further examinations should be conducted, such as pleural biopsy, thoracoscopy, pleural fluid analysis, and tests for bacteria, tuberc...[Read More] Can People with Pleural Effusion Consume Propolis? Dietary Considerations Explained
Healing Time for Lung Cavities: What to Expect After Tuberculosis Treatment
Recovery time for a lung perforation? Two months ago, I was diagnosed with a cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis (in the right upper lung) and started treatment. How long does it typically take for the X-ray to show complete healing of the cavity?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, the healing time for cavitary lesions can vary, and even after treatment, a cavity may remain, but there are no tuberculosis bacteria present. The important factors are the duration of medication and whether the types of medications used are sufficient. Thank you for your ...[Read More] Healing Time for Lung Cavities: What to Expect After Tuberculosis Treatment
Understanding Chest Sounds and Pain: What You Need to Know
There are sounds coming from the chest? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have noticed that whenever I perform the action of "pushing my chest out," I hear a sound coming from the middle of my chest, and occasionally I experience a slight pain. What could be the cause of this?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, as described, it may be a friction sound between the sternum and the costal cartilage. Please consult with an orthopedic specialist for further evaluation. Thank you. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang, Director of Pulmonary Medicine.[Read More] Understanding Chest Sounds and Pain: What You Need to Know
Understanding Cavitation in the Right Upper Lung: Tuberculosis Insights
Right upper lung perforation? Recently, a CT scan confirmed a cavitary lesion in the right upper lung. I am curious about the duration it typically takes for tuberculosis bacteria to cause cavitation, especially since there have been no typical symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, the phenomenon of cavitation does not occur within a specific timeframe, and it is possible to be asymptomatic. Additionally, the progression from Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection to active disease is not a matter of days; it can take several weeks or more. Thank you f...[Read More] Understanding Cavitation in the Right Upper Lung: Tuberculosis Insights
Chronic Cough: Understanding Causes, Risks, and Diagnostic Tests
Persistent cough that does not resolve? Hello: My father has been coughing every day since April of last year, but it is not a constant cough; it only occurs when he transitions from a warm environment to a cooler one. Over the past year, he has visited three medical centers for ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
1. The most definitive test for lung cancer is a pathological biopsy of suspicious lesions. 2. There are many potential causes for a persistent cough, including asthma, cancer, post-nasal drip, tuberculosis, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux, and side effects from certain medic...[Read More] Chronic Cough: Understanding Causes, Risks, and Diagnostic Tests
Understanding Chest Pressure and Rapid Heartbeat: When to Seek Help
Chest tightness and rapid heartbeat? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing a sudden feeling of pressure in my chest, and I have to exert a lot of effort to breathe. Additionally, since August, my heart rate has been faster than usual; previously, I would only occasiona...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, there is a higher likelihood of heart or lung disease. It is advisable to visit a cardiologist or a pulmonologist for further evaluation. Thank you for your inquiry. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang, Chief of Pulmonary Medicine.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pressure and Rapid Heartbeat: When to Seek Help
Managing Bronchiectasis: Solutions for Persistent Breathing Issues
Bronchiectasis Dear Dr. Chou, I am a patient with a 30-year history of bronchiectasis (more severe on the left side) and also suffer from nasal allergies. In the past, I would cough up yellow sputum daily and experience asthma attacks from time to time. However, over the past ye...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, in patients with bronchiectasis, the condition may gradually worsen with age. If the use of bronchodilators does not improve symptoms and there are recurrent bronchospasms, inhaled corticosteroids may be added as indicated. These typically do not have significant long-term...[Read More] Managing Bronchiectasis: Solutions for Persistent Breathing Issues
Understanding Lung Shadows on X-rays: Diagnosis and Next Steps
There is an opacity on the chest X-ray? Hello Dr. Zhou! My father had an X-ray in mid-October, which revealed shadows in the right middle lobe and right lower lobe of his lung (three areas). Sometimes he experiences pain in his right chest while breathing, and it hurts more with ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Based on the situation you described, the right middle/right lower lung should be compared with older images. If there are new shadows, there is a higher possibility of active lesions. Although no tuberculosis bacteria were found in the sputum, we cannot completely rule out the p...[Read More] Understanding Lung Shadows on X-rays: Diagnosis and Next Steps
Understanding Pulmonary Fibrotic Calcifications: Causes and Management
Pulmonary fibrotic calcifications? What causes pulmonary fibrotic calcifications and how should they be managed? Thank you.
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, generally speaking, pulmonary fibrotic calcification is a change left over from a previous inflammatory response. If the inflammatory response has resolved, it is considered a scar in the lung that can be monitored. Having previous imaging for comparison would enhance the ...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Fibrotic Calcifications: Causes and Management
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Chest pain Hello Dr. Zhou, last night before bed, while using the computer, I experienced a rapid progression of discomfort in my chest to a feeling of compressed pain within just a few minutes. After lying in bed for about 10 minutes, the chest pain eased, and my breathing retur...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, there are many common causes of chest pain, including musculoskeletal pain, esophageal issues, heart problems, lung conditions, and pleural diseases. It is advisable to first visit a thoracic specialist for a chest X-ray. If no abnormal...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Lung Issues: Calcium Deposits and Cancer Concerns
Lung issues Hello, doctor! My mother had an X-ray of her lungs and there are numerous white spots. She says she has chest pain and has been feeling like there is phlegm stuck in her throat for a long time. The doctor mentioned lung calcification and said that further monitoring i...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, if the physician suspects pulmonary calcification, it is often a result of scarring from previous inflammatory diseases. A single X-ray may not be sufficient for confirmation; follow-up comparisons are usually necessary. If there are still concerns, it is advisable to disc...[Read More] Understanding Lung Issues: Calcium Deposits and Cancer Concerns
Understanding Potential Tuberculosis Diagnosis: Key Questions and Next Steps
Diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello Doctor, In June, during a medical examination for studying abroad, a chest X-ray revealed a fibrotic calcified nodule in the upper lobe of my right lung. The examining physician suggested that it might be a scar from a past tuberculosis...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, 1. If there were no abnormalities in the chest X-ray six years ago and there are now significant lesions, the likelihood of an active lesion is greater (unless there has been a history of other lung diseases in the past six years). 2. If there is a lesion in the right ...[Read More] Understanding Potential Tuberculosis Diagnosis: Key Questions and Next Steps
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Symptoms and Concerns in Pulmonology
excuse me? Hello! My symptom description: I feel a tightness in my chest and have difficulty breathing, accompanied by weakness in both arms. This has occurred for the second time in the past two months. It starts with chest tightness, followed by difficulty breathing, and finall...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, there are many reasons for discomfort in the chest and difficulty breathing. Common causes include asthma and heart problems. Please visit the pulmonary medicine outpatient department at the hospital and discuss further with a physician. Thank you. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Symptoms and Concerns in Pulmonology
Alternative Medications to Old Beclomethasone 200 for Asthma Relief
Could you please clarify what you mean by "備勞喘200"? Dr. Chou, may I ask if there are any medications similar to the old version of Berodual 200? The new version 100 has an unusual taste and feels less effective. Can these be purchased at a clinic, or which hospital pres...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, the original model has been replaced with a new version, and the old model is no longer available. If you find this medication in the market, it is likely leftover stock. If you specifically need the old model, you can inquire at a regular pharmacy. Thank you. This respons...[Read More] Alternative Medications to Old Beclomethasone 200 for Asthma Relief
Understanding Lung Density: What Does Increased Lung Grade Mean?
What is lung grade? Hello, my husband underwent a health check at your hospital, and the chest X-ray report mentioned: "suspected localized pulmonary opacity in the left lower lung." Could you please explain what is meant by "pulmonary opacity"?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, lung markings are the lines formed by structures such as blood vessels and bronchi on a chest X-ray. An increase in lung markings is an indeterminate X-ray finding, indicating that there are more lines than normal, but it does not meet the criteria for a pneumonia diagnosi...[Read More] Understanding Lung Density: What Does Increased Lung Grade Mean?