Coughing Up Blood with White Particles: Possible Causes and Advice
Hemoptysis with the presence of white spots in the blood? I would like to ask the doctor about a foreign spouse I know. Recently, they returned to Vietnam to visit family and discovered that their mother was coughing up blood, and it was not just blood streaks; the amount was sig...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are many causes of hemoptysis, including the possibility of tuberculosis and lung cancer. A diagnosis by a physician is necessary for further management. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang, Director of Radiology.[Read More] Coughing Up Blood with White Particles: Possible Causes and Advice
Understanding Pulmonary Fibrous Granulomas: Risks and Treatment Options
Pulmonary fibrous hamartoma Hello Dr. Zhou, Four years ago, I was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis and have since recovered after treatment. Recently, after undergoing blood tests and a chest X-ray, it was found that there is a fibrous granuloma in the upper left lung. Addi...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. General fibrous granuloma is a change left by previous inflammation or injury. It should be compared with the original X-ray to confirm whether it is indeed an old lesion; otherwise, further intervention may be necessary. Please discuss this with the original treating...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Fibrous Granulomas: Risks and Treatment Options
Understanding Tuberculosis: Diagnosis and Next Steps for Patients
Pulmonary tuberculosis Hello Doctor: I went to Mackay Memorial Hospital for an examination in early November, and the X-ray showed abnormalities. The doctor prescribed a week of antibiotics for me, and after a week, the X-ray showed no changes (the findings were the same as the X...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: A positive sputum culture is mostly indicative of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which would suggest open pulmonary tuberculosis. However, a portion may be non-tuberculous mycobacteria, which requires further identification of the species. Traditional methods take about a mon...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis: Diagnosis and Next Steps for Patients
Persistent Cough: Uncovering Hidden Health Issues in Your Lungs
Persistent cough? Hello, doctor. My mother has been coughing continuously since July of last year, similar to how patients with tuberculosis cough on television, day and night without stopping. Chest X-rays and sputum tests have been done, and she has also seen an ENT specialist,...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Aside from normal chest X-rays and sputum tests (if interpreted by a pulmonologist), there are still many possible causes for coughing, such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, medication effects (such as from antihypertensive drugs), heart disease, bronchial lesions, laryngitis...[Read More] Persistent Cough: Uncovering Hidden Health Issues in Your Lungs
Chest Pain in Athletes: Causes and Management During Running
Chest pain I am experiencing sudden chest pain while running as an athlete, and I feel discomfort when breathing. How should I handle this?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are many causes of chest pain, such as muscle strain, neuropathic pain, cardiac issues, pneumothorax, and others. It is advisable to first visit a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray and further evaluation. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang, Internal Medicine Specialist.[Read More] Chest Pain in Athletes: Causes and Management During Running
Top Foods to Protect Your Lungs from Dust and Pollution
Some lung issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a question. I often work on construction sites and frequently inhale lime powder, soil, and dust. Are there any foods that can help protect the lungs? Thank you! ^^
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are no foods that can protect the lungs; rather, proper protective measures (such as wearing masks) are the correct approach. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang, Attending Physician of Internal Medicine.[Read More] Top Foods to Protect Your Lungs from Dust and Pollution
Understanding Tuberculous Meningitis: Key Considerations for Patients
Tuberculous meningitis Hello Dr. Chou, I would like to ask you about a patient who has an implanted cardiac rhythm device. What precautions should be taken if a lumbar puncture is required? Additionally, the patient tested positive for tuberculosis, but imaging scans showed no s...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. Generally speaking, the location of lumbar puncture is far from the pacemaker and should not have any significant impact. 2. According to the description, the physician diagnosed extrapulmonary tuberculosis as a clinical diagnosis, not based on laboratory evidence (i.e....[Read More] Understanding Tuberculous Meningitis: Key Considerations for Patients
Understanding Blood in Phlegm and Nasal Mucus: Causes and Concerns
Blood in sputum and nasal mucus? Hello doctor, I have recently experienced blood in my sputum for the past 2 to 3 days. It's not a lot, about 1 cm x 1 cm, and it doesn't occur every time. This morning, I also noticed blood in my nasal mucus. The nearby physician mention...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: There could be many possible causes, such as bleeding near the throat or nasal cavity, or bleeding within the airway. It is advisable to first consult an otolaryngologist for examination. If no findings are detected, please see a pulmonologist for further evaluation. Since...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Phlegm and Nasal Mucus: Causes and Concerns
Pregnancy After Tuberculosis Treatment: When Is It Safe?
When is it safe to become pregnant after taking tuberculosis medication? Hello Doctor: We got married in early June this year, and on June 20, my husband was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis and started treatment. The doctor mentioned that he needs to take medication for six...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Generally speaking, the use of first-line anti-tuberculosis medications has minimal impact on pregnancy. The most important factors are to treat the disease as soon as possible and to consider whether the woman has been infected. If it is not urgent, it may also be advisab...[Read More] Pregnancy After Tuberculosis Treatment: When Is It Safe?
Can Tuberculosis Medications Lead to Lung Function Decline?
Can tuberculosis medication cause pulmonary function failure? Hello, after taking tuberculosis medication for two and a half months, it was diagnosed that I do not have tuberculosis. Could the medication I took cause pulmonary function failure? Thank you for your response!
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Generally speaking, anti-tuberculosis medications should not cause lung function damage. However, there may be other side effects (such as those affecting the liver or kidneys) that can be confirmed through relevant tests (such as blood tests). Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuan...[Read More] Can Tuberculosis Medications Lead to Lung Function Decline?
Impact of TB Medication When Diagnosis is Not Tuberculosis: Key Insights
If the diagnosis is not tuberculosis, what impact might the previously taken medication have on the body? Two weeks ago, my child at home and my colleagues at the office started catching colds, and I couldn't escape it either—I also caught a cold! I experienced a runny nose,...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. Every medication has potential side effects; however, if the medication is necessary for the condition and the side effects are acceptable, it should still be used. Based on the information provided, the chest X-ray is likely abnormal with lesions, and there are also ...[Read More] Impact of TB Medication When Diagnosis is Not Tuberculosis: Key Insights
Should You Refer for Tuberculosis Treatment: Key Considerations
Is referral necessary for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis? My wife was diagnosed with tuberculosis six months ago and has been receiving treatment at Tainan Hsin-Lou Hospital. This month marks the six-month mark, and she has a follow-up appointment this week. If she hasn&...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Generally, the treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis in the first two months involves the use of four medications (either taken separately or as a combination of one medication with a three-in-one formulation). The text does not clarify whether this approach is being follow...[Read More] Should You Refer for Tuberculosis Treatment: Key Considerations
Understanding Open Tuberculosis: Risks, Symptoms, and Family Precautions
Open pulmonary tuberculosis Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to express my concern as a colleague in my spouse's company has recently been confirmed to have "open pulmonary tuberculosis" by the hospital. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. What is the lik...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Tuberculosis is a disease caused by the invasion of Mycobacterium tuberculosis into the human body. The transmission route for pulmonary tuberculosis is airborne. The likelihood of infection depends on the bacterial load in the air (for example, the amount of bacteria expe...[Read More] Understanding Open Tuberculosis: Risks, Symptoms, and Family Precautions
Understanding Pectus Carinatum: Causes and Concerns Explained
Pectus carinatum Hello, doctor. I have a question for you. Since I was a child, I have felt that my sternum (the area where CPR is performed) is protruding. Sometimes it feels like there is a bone pressing against it from the inside. What could this condition be? Thank you!
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Some individuals may naturally have a prominent bony protrusion at the lower edge of the sternum, which is a normal phenomenon. If this describes your condition, you may consider visiting a thoracic specialist for an evaluation. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang, Director of I...[Read More] Understanding Pectus Carinatum: Causes and Concerns Explained
Understanding Dysphagia: Tips for Safe Eating and Swallowing
Dysphagia It is essential to drink water while eating to facilitate swallowing. One should avoid taking large bites or swallowing continuously, as this can create a sensation of obstruction in the chest. There was an incident where I suddenly fainted while eating, with my head fa...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: The symptoms described may be caused by esophageal diseases, and it is recommended to visit a gastroenterology clinic. Additionally, sudden fainting can have multiple potential causes (such as cardiovascular issues or autonomic nervous system problems), so it would be advi...[Read More] Understanding Dysphagia: Tips for Safe Eating and Swallowing
Managing Pneumothorax: Care Tips and Prevention Strategies
Pneumothorax Hello doctor, my brother is currently being treated for a spontaneous pneumothorax. He has two chest tubes inserted next to his ribs to drain the air bubbles. If his condition improves upon observation, he will undergo surgery. I would like to know how to care for hi...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: (1) Pneumothorax: If it is a spontaneous pneumothorax (not caused by other lung diseases), during the recovery period, it is advisable to avoid strenuous activities (such as heavy lifting). After this period, one should be able to return to normal activities. If pneumothor...[Read More] Managing Pneumothorax: Care Tips and Prevention Strategies
Sudden Right Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Pain in the right thoracic cavity? Sometimes when I laugh too hard or take a deep breath, I suddenly feel pain in my right lung. I haven't experienced this before; it's a symptom that has appeared recently. I'm not sure what the problem could be.
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are many causes of right chest pain. Based on the described symptoms, it is more likely to be musculoskeletal pain, such as from severe coughing or bruising. There is also a possibility of pneumothorax. It is recommended to first visit a pulmonologist for a chest X-r...[Read More] Sudden Right Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Chest pain..? I sometimes experience sharp pain in the center of my chest, which occurs intermittently and can be spaced out over long periods. I have visited a hospital and undergone an electrocardiogram (ECG) test, which the doctor said was normal. Could this be caused by exces...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are many causes of chest pain, such as cardiac issues (myocardial ischemia, mitral valve prolapse, etc.), neuromuscular pain (such as after severe coughing), esophageal problems (such as gastroesophageal reflux leading to esophagitis), and pulmonary diseases. If ther...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Costophrenic Angle Blunting: Severity and Treatment Options
Costophrenic angle blunting Could you please clarify if the physician's bluntness of the costophrenic angle on the right side is severe? Additionally, what treatment options are available? Thank you for your explanation.
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: The chest X-ray shows blunting of the costophrenic angle, which is commonly caused by pleural effusion, fibrotic changes (such as sequelae from previous infections, inflammation, or trauma), or compression from emphysema that can present similar findings on a chest X-ray. ...[Read More] Understanding Costophrenic Angle Blunting: Severity and Treatment Options
Can Aspirin Overdose Lead to Aspiration Pneumonia? Risks and Recovery
Can my family member die from aspiration pneumonia after taking sleeping pills? My family member took 200 sleeping pills due to a breakup and was finally rescued! However, this has led to aspiration pneumonia. Is this life-threatening? The doctor mentioned she cannot catch a cold...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Aspiration pneumonia is caused by the inhalation of foreign materials from the oral cavity, such as food or saliva, into the airway, leading to bacterial or chemical pneumonia. This condition can damage lung tissue and impair lung function, sometimes resulting in long-term...[Read More] Can Aspirin Overdose Lead to Aspiration Pneumonia? Risks and Recovery