Complications After Tuberculosis Recovery: Understanding Persistent Coughing
Can complications arise after recovering from pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello, doctors! I was first diagnosed with open pulmonary tuberculosis in 1999. Due to certain factors, my treatment took nearly two years to complete, and my attending physician officially informed me that I h...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, 1. Typically, patients who have been cured of pulmonary tuberculosis may have some residual pulmonary fibrosis, and some may develop bronchiectasis. These patients are prone to common bacterial infections and may experience symptoms such as coughing, with a small percent...[Read More] Complications After Tuberculosis Recovery: Understanding Persistent Coughing
Understanding Increased Lung Markings: Symptoms and Follow-Up Care
Increased lung markings refer to the appearance of more prominent or denser vascular and bronchial structures on a chest X-ray or CT scan. This can indicate various conditions, such as pulmonary edema, interstitial lung disease, or chronic bronch Dr. Chou, I apologize for the int...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello RICO, 1. Symptoms may not always be present, but it is essential for a physician to assess the likelihood of certain conditions. If there is a suspicion of a condition that requires prompt attention, additional tests such as a CT scan may be ordered, considering potential...[Read More] Understanding Increased Lung Markings: Symptoms and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Increased Lung Markings: Causes, Risks, and Prevention
Increased lung markings refer to the presence of more prominent vascular and interstitial patterns observed on a chest X-ray or CT scan. This can indicate various conditions, such as pulmonary edema, The recent health check report indicated that there is an increase in lung marki...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello RICO, a normal chest X-ray typically shows the heart and blood vessels, as well as the outlines of the trachea and bronchi. An increase in lung markings refers to areas of increased density in the imaging. It is not possible to determine normalcy from a single X-ray; often,...[Read More] Understanding Increased Lung Markings: Causes, Risks, and Prevention
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Regarding chest pain issues? Hello Doctor: I inquired about a thoracic issue (costochondritis) the day before yesterday, which I believe is related to stress and tension. I would like to ask if it is okay to wait until after my exams to address this, or will it worsen? It’s quite...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, if you have undergone an X-ray and the original physician diagnosed you with chondroneuropathy, there should be no immediate danger. However, it is still recommended to seek evaluation from an orthopedic or neurology specialist as soon as possible. In the meantime, please ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Chest Pain: Anxiety, Inflammation, and Medication Effects
Chest pain Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I visited a large hospital for a check-up, and I had a chest X-ray taken. The diagnosis showed no issues, but the doctor mentioned that I have costochondritis, which is related to stress and anxiety (because I am preparing for a civil serv...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, 1. Xanax has sedative and hypnotic effects; not taking it should not be related to the ongoing chest pain. 2. You have been assessed by a physician and diagnosed with costochondritis, and have been prescribed Solaxin and Panadol. These medications are intended to allevi...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Anxiety, Inflammation, and Medication Effects
Understanding Chest Pain: Is Stress the Culprit Behind Your Symptoms?
Regarding chest pain issues? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask, during my junior high school years, I experienced severe shortness of breath and drank cold water rapidly, which has led to lingering symptoms. For about 5-6 years now, I have been breathing heavily (taking deep brea...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, Dada. When experiencing high levels of stress, it can lead to various psychosomatic symptoms. However, it is essential to rule out other possibilities, such as esophagitis, pleuritis, and cardiac issues. It is recommended to consult a thoracic specialist for further examin...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Is Stress the Culprit Behind Your Symptoms?
Effective Ways to Detoxify After Long-Term Coal Dust Exposure
excuse me? Hello! I would like to ask about my husband who has been exposed to coal dust for a long time and often inhales it. Is there anything available that can help detoxify his body? Thank you.
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are no specific medications to help expel coal dust that has been inhaled into the lungs. Please enhance protective measures while working (for example, by wearing a mask properly). Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang, Director of the Department of Radiology.[Read More] Effective Ways to Detoxify After Long-Term Coal Dust Exposure
Understanding Pulmonary Dust Accumulation: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Pulmonary dust accumulation Hello: I have been coughing for a month without improvement; it is a dry cough. Yesterday, I went to a large hospital for a consultation and had an X-ray. The doctor mentioned that there is some dust in my lungs and is concerned about a possible bacter...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. Based on the attached medication, the physician likely suspects partial infiltration on the chest X-ray and is considering pneumonia, hence the use of the antibiotic Moxifloxacin. 2. If there are other tracheal issues, please discuss with a pulmonologist. 3. If the ...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Dust Accumulation: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Understanding Tuberculosis: Hospitalization Needs and Appetite Issues
Pulmonary tuberculosis 1. Do patients with pulmonary tuberculosis need to be hospitalized? 2. Is there a possibility of experiencing loss of appetite?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. Isolation is generally necessary when there is a need to adjust medications due to side effects or for other diagnostic reasons that require hospitalization. 2. Some patients may experience a loss of appetite due to anti-tuberculosis medications, and in severe cases, me...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis: Hospitalization Needs and Appetite Issues
Understanding an 18cm Lung Bubble: Risks and Treatment Options
There is an approximately 18-centimeter bubble in the lung? Hello, my boyfriend has a bubble in his lung that is about 18 centimeters in size, which was discovered approximately five years ago. It has remained the same size since then, and he does not experience any discomfort. H...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: The greatest risk lies in the possibility of pneumothorax. Therefore, individuals in high-risk occupations (such as aviation, diving, etc.) or those engaged in more intense activities (such as athletes) may face a greater risk of pneumothorax. Additionally, if the presence...[Read More] Understanding an 18cm Lung Bubble: Risks and Treatment Options
Understanding Chest Pressure: Symptoms and Possible Causes
There is a feeling of pressure and tightness in the chest? Dear Doctor: Recently, for the past day or two, I have been experiencing a feeling of tightness and pressure in my left chest upon waking up in the morning, along with a sensation of insufficient airflow when breathing. A...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: The sensation of tightness in the left chest along with difficulty breathing can have many potential causes, including muscle strain, pneumothorax, esophagitis, or cardiac issues. Please consult a pulmonologist for further evaluation. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang, Directo...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pressure: Symptoms and Possible Causes
Post-Thoracoscopic Surgery: Managing Breathing Issues and Exercise Concerns
Post-pneumothorax surgery I have undergone three chest tube insertions for pneumothorax within the past six months, and on January 25, I had a thoracoscopic-assisted mini-thoracotomy with autologous blood pleurodesis. Although I do not experience the significant tightness in brea...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is recommended to follow up with the Department of Pulmonology for further evaluation and chest X-ray. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang, Chief of Radiology.[Read More] Post-Thoracoscopic Surgery: Managing Breathing Issues and Exercise Concerns
Switching from Nicotine Gum to Patches: Overcoming Withdrawal Challenges
Discomfort from Smoking Cessation Chewing Tablets I previously used nicotine gum, but the taste was quite unpleasant, causing a burning pain and tightness in my throat. For over a month, I can almost say that I've failed to quit smoking, so I would like to ask if I can retur...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: You may discuss with the physician in the outpatient department, and it should be possible to switch to using a patch. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang, Director of the Department of Radiology.[Read More] Switching from Nicotine Gum to Patches: Overcoming Withdrawal Challenges
Understanding the Causes of Wheezing Sounds During Inhalation
There is a wheezing sound during inhalation? Hello Doctor! I have secondary hypertension, which is currently being managed, with blood pressure readings around 110-120/65-75. I am taking NORVASC 5 mg half a tablet daily, CONCOR 5 mg half a tablet daily, and SPIROTONE 25 mg half a...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. There are many causes of cough, including pulmonary issues, cardiac conditions, nasal allergies, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 2. Using Peichia/Motilium may alleviate symptoms; GERD could be a possible cause, and an upper endoscopy can be performed for fur...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Wheezing Sounds During Inhalation
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns When Breathing Deeply
Chest issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about something. Sometimes when I sit in a G-shaped position, my spine curves like a C. When I change my posture to sit up straight and take a deep breath, I experience pain in my left chest. However, I do not feel pain with light b...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Pain caused by posture is likely to be neuromuscular pain (such as a strain), but it is still recommended to undergo some examinations, such as a chest X-ray, for further assessment. You may visit a thoracic specialist (either internal or external medicine) for consultatio...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns When Breathing Deeply
Should Diabetic Patients with Pulmonary Edema Undergo Thoracentesis?
Should patients with diabetes and pulmonary edema undergo puncture? Dear Dr. Zhou, My father, who is 57 years old, has a long history of diabetes and hypertension. He is also blind in one eye and has hearing impairment. On July 23, he was admitted to the hospital due to difficul...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: (A) If kidney function is poor, the drainage through urine is less effective. (B) Generally, the puncture needle is not large, and there is rarely a wound left after removal. (C) There may be some discomfort during the puncture (similar to blood draws or injections). (D) T...[Read More] Should Diabetic Patients with Pulmonary Edema Undergo Thoracentesis?
Understanding Tuberculosis: Open vs. Closed Pulmonary TB Explained
Tuberculosis (TB) The sputum test did not show the presence of tuberculosis bacteria, but during the bronchoscopy, the pleural tissue sample indicated a positive reaction for tuberculosis bacteria in the bronchi. Is this indicative of open pulmonary tuberculosis, closed pulmonary...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: If the specimen obtained from the bronchi contains tuberculosis bacteria, it is still infectious, but the infectiousness is lower. Additionally, it is necessary to confirm whether the bacteria are indeed identified as Mycobacterium tuberculosis; please discuss this with yo...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis: Open vs. Closed Pulmonary TB Explained
Understanding Chest Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Chest lump Hello doctor, I have a hard lump located just below my chest. About four to five years ago, a local physician diagnosed it as a cyst, stating that it was not a major concern. However, over the years, I feel that it has been getting larger. I am wondering if I should go...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: You may visit the Thoracic Surgery outpatient clinic. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang, Director of the Department of Radiology.[Read More] Understanding Chest Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Winter Breathing Issues: Causes and Concerns
gasping for breath Hello, doctor. Every winter, I find it very easy to experience shortness of breath. Four months ago, I had a severe cold with a bad cough, and I also felt chest tightness. However, the most noticeable symptoms are shortness of breath and yawning. I used to have...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on the seasonal variation of symptoms described, it seems more likely to be allergies, asthma, or rhinitis. Please consult a pulmonologist. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang, Director of the Department of Radiology.[Read More] Understanding Winter Breathing Issues: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Breathing Sounds and Pain in Pectus Excavatum Patients
Respiration Recently, I have noticed that when I open my mouth, do not breathe, and turn my upper body, I hear breathing sounds. I have pectus excavatum; could this be related to it? My breathing is usually quite smooth, but I often experience a sharp pain in the area of the pect...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. If there are no respiratory movements, it does not sound like breath sounds; if there are other sounds, they may be from the chest wall. 2. If the breath sounds (i.e., during respiration) are more pronounced, it could also be due to the abnormal thoracic configuration a...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Sounds and Pain in Pectus Excavatum Patients