Understanding Tracheal Deviation: Causes and Implications in Thoracic Medicine
Tracheal shift Hello, I would like to ask in what disease conditions the tracheal branches may deviate to the left or right in the human body. Please explain in terms of the left and right sides. Thank you!
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Conditions that can cause the tracheal branches to deviate to the left or right are as follows: 1. Deviation to the left: for example, a mass lesion on the right side causing volume increase, such as significant right pleural effusion, large right-sided pneumothorax pushing to th...[Read More] Understanding Tracheal Deviation: Causes and Implications in Thoracic Medicine
Is Lung Calcification a Sign of Tuberculosis Recovery or Ongoing Disease?
Lung calcification does not necessarily indicate that tuberculosis has been cured. While calcified lesions in the lungs can be a sign of previous infections, including tuberculosis, they may also result from other conditions. It is important to conduct further evaluations and ima...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Pulmonary calcification generally refers to scar calcification following an inflammatory response, often representing a chronic condition (similar to scars after limb injuries) that does not disappear. Patients who have had tuberculosis often show this manifestation on che...[Read More] Is Lung Calcification a Sign of Tuberculosis Recovery or Ongoing Disease?
Understanding Areola Issues: Peeling, Bumps, and Acne Concerns
About the areola? Hello! My areola has experienced peeling... it appears bumpy with small protrusions... and I also get pimples... could this be a sign of some condition?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
The situation you described may require an in-person consultation to understand the condition. It is recommended to visit a breast surgeon. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Areola Issues: Peeling, Bumps, and Acne Concerns
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Discomfort? I have been experiencing chest pain for the past year. Sometimes the pain is on the right side, and sometimes on the left side. The pain is generally located beneath the breasts or near the center of the chest. The sensation is not very intense; it feels more like a d...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are numerous causes of chest pain. Based on what has been described, the likelihood of musculoskeletal pain (such as poor posture, strain, or excessive coughing) is relatively high. If there is no improvement after correcting posture, a chest X-ray may be warranted. ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Chest pain I have been experiencing occasional pain in my right chest over the past year. Recently, the pain has shifted to the center of my chest, and sometimes I also feel some discomfort in my left chest. The pain is a dull ache, almost like a feeling of pressure. Additionally...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. There are many possible causes of chest pain, such as angina, gastrointestinal issues, pulmonary diseases (such as pneumothorax), pleural diseases, strains, etc. Without further information, it is difficult to make a definitive diagnosis, so it is recommended to follow ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Tuberculosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Insights
Pulmonary tuberculosis Hello Doctor: My mother had tuberculosis, and my second brother died of lung cancer, so I undergo regular chest X-ray examinations every year. In August of this year, I experienced slight chest discomfort and a mild cough. In September, I went to the health...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
(1) It is indeed possible for some patients with pulmonary tuberculosis to have normal sputum tests (i.e., non-open cases), and diagnosis requires other clinical evidence. (2) Common side effects of anti-tuberculosis medications include liver function abnormalities, impaired visi...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Insights
Understanding Lung Biopsy: Pain, Risks, and What to Expect
Lung biopsy (urgent) Hello Doctor: My mother is 62 years old and has been undergoing regular chest X-ray examinations every year because my grandmother had tuberculosis and my uncle passed away from lung cancer. Two months ago, she started coughing and experiencing chest pain. Sh...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Based on the described situation, it appears to be an unexplained lesion in the left lung, thus further examination is necessary. Bronchoscopy should not be performed under excessive anesthesia; it can also include a biopsy, but there is a possibility that the targeted area may n...[Read More] Understanding Lung Biopsy: Pain, Risks, and What to Expect
Understanding Pectus Excavatum: Symptoms, Concerns, and Next Steps
Regarding pectus excavatum issues? Hello Doctor: I have a congenital condition known as pectus excavatum (sunken chest), which has caused significant discomfort since childhood. I experience shortness of breath and chest pain while running, as well as tightness and discomfort dur...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
1. Please avoid lifting or carrying heavy objects. 2. You may visit a thoracic surgeon for potential assistance.[Read More] Understanding Pectus Excavatum: Symptoms, Concerns, and Next Steps
How to Determine If You Have Fully Recovered from Tuberculosis
How to define complete recovery from tuberculosis? Dear Dr. Chou, I would like to ask you a question. Six months ago, I was diagnosed with tuberculosis (not pulmonary tuberculosis) during surgery for lymphoma in my neck. I have been undergoing medication treatment for almost six...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello Wenwen: Generally speaking, if the pathological report from the surgical specimen shows typical pathological manifestations of tuberculosis, it is considered extrapulmonary tuberculosis (in this case, lymphatic tuberculosis). The current policy is to treat for one year, and...[Read More] How to Determine If You Have Fully Recovered from Tuberculosis
Understanding Perticnel Abscess: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Peritonsillar abscess Hello, doctor! Could you please help me clarify this term: Peritoneal abscess? Thank you!
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello, Xiao Ting: Regarding your question, here are the responses: 1. Perticnel: No such word found; similar term: peritoneal, pertaining to the peritoneal cavity. 2. Abscess: A localized collection of pus caused by bacteria. Dr. Zhou Ziguan.[Read More] Understanding Perticnel Abscess: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Managing Cough and Smoking Urges: Tips for Recovery from Bronchitis
Coughing I have been coughing for about a week now, and it seems to be getting worse. I have seen a doctor who diagnosed me with bronchitis and prescribed medication, but I still have the same symptoms. Whenever I open my mouth to breathe, I start coughing, which can lead to head...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: In response to your questions, here are my answers: 1. Coughing: Chronic cough and shortness of breath may indeed be caused by smoking, but they could also be due to other reasons. It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist (you may need a chest X-ray). 2. Many healthcar...[Read More] Managing Cough and Smoking Urges: Tips for Recovery from Bronchitis
Should I See a Pulmonologist for Persistent Cough After a Cold?
Please provide the content you would like me to translate? If I have been coughing for almost two months after catching a cold, should I see a pulmonologist? Can you help me with this? Thank you.
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: A common cold typically does not cause a cough lasting for two months; there may be other diagnoses involved. It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist. Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang.[Read More] Should I See a Pulmonologist for Persistent Cough After a Cold?
Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Chest pain Hello, doctor. I have a few questions to ask. Recently, I've been experiencing chest pain. The pain is not localized; it seems to move around. The episodes last about 10 minutes and feel similar to a stabbing pain. However, I have noticed that it seems to be getti...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. The possible causes based on the described situation are as follows: a. Neuromuscular pain caused by prolonged coughing or strain b. Esophagitis (such as gastroesophageal reflux) ... etc. It is advisable to first consult a neurologist. 2. Chronic coughing may also be ca...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Impact of Fibroadenomas on Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
What are the effects of having a fibroma in the breast during pregnancy? What is the impact of having fibromas in the breast during pregnancy? There are no discomforts, but there are several tumors that have been present for more than four years.
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
In general, breast fibromas do not affect pregnancy unless they are large enough to impact lung function or exhibit variations that secrete hormone-like substances. In such cases, only monitoring is required. If the issue pertains to a breast fibroma, please consult a breast surg...[Read More] Impact of Fibroadenomas on Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
When Are the Pulmonology Clinic Hours at Fengyuan Hospital?
When does the thoracic medicine department have outpatient services at Fengyuan Hospital? I would like to inquire about the outpatient schedule for the Department of Thoracic Medicine at Fengyuan Hospital in Taichung.
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
The Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Fengyuan Hospital has available physicians including Dr. Hsu Jin-Chih (Tuesday mornings, Wednesday evenings, Thursday afternoons, and Friday mornings), Dr. Huang Wen-Liang (Tuesday mornings), and Dr. Zhu Jun-Ying (Wednesday mornings). Pleas...[Read More] When Are the Pulmonology Clinic Hours at Fengyuan Hospital?
Persistent Coughing: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Persistent cough? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask on behalf of my girlfriend. She caught a cold about two to three weeks ago, and during that time, she didn't have much of a cough. However, she started coughing a lot this week, and it has become persistent. She has seen a...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
In general, there are many causes of chronic cough, with common ones including chronic bronchitis (such as from long-term smoking), post-nasal drip (such as from nasal allergies), asthma, tuberculosis, and bronchiectasis, among others. A consultation with a pulmonologist is neces...[Read More] Persistent Coughing: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Causes and Treatments
What is respiratory distress syndrome? Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a condition characterized by difficulty in breathing due to inadequate oxygenation and ventilation. It is commonly seen in premature infants due to the lack of surfactant in the lungs, but it can also o...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) refers to an acute inflammatory process affecting a large area of lung tissue, which can be caused by various factors (including infectious and non-infectious causes; originating from the lungs themselves or from other organs). Common ca...[Read More] Understanding Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Lung Tumors: Do You Need Surgery?
Lung tumor Hello, doctor. I underwent a health check on June 10, 2002, and a chest X-ray revealed a circular shadow in the lower left lung (approximately 5 cm in diameter). I then went to the thoracic department at a regional hospital for further examination. A CT scan confirmed ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
There are many common causes of a solitary pulmonary nodule, including cancer, tuberculosis, cryptococcal infection, and post-tuberculosis sequelae, among others. According to the information provided, if the size has indeed remained unchanged over a year and a half (from Decembe...[Read More] Understanding Lung Tumors: Do You Need Surgery?