Distinguishing Post-Surgery Lung Scarring from Tuberculosis Calcification
Assessment of Scarring after Thoracotomy and Calcification in Pulmonary Tuberculosis? I was hospitalized six years ago due to a spontaneous pneumothorax in the upper left chest (in 2000). However, due to poor drainage and complications from a pleural fistula surgery, I developed ...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
1. When chest X-rays show calcification, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish whether it is due to surgical changes or residual effects from tuberculosis; detailed medical history inquiry is essential. However, if there is a history of both chest surgery and tuberculosis,...[Read More] Distinguishing Post-Surgery Lung Scarring from Tuberculosis Calcification
Understanding Unpleasant Sneezing: Air Quality vs. Lung Health
Foul-smelling nasal discharge? Hello, in the past year, I have noticed that my husband’s sneezing has a moldy and foul smell. Is this an issue with his lungs or the air quality in our environment? My husband has a smoking habit, and we also have a dog at home. I believe it’s an a...
Dr. Xie Yonghui Reply:
Dear Ms. Jiun, According to your letter, your husband is experiencing halitosis (commonly known as bad breath), which is not directly related to lung issues. Symptoms of lung diseases typically include cough, yellow sputum, and difficulty breathing. Halitosis is generally associ...[Read More] Understanding Unpleasant Sneezing: Air Quality vs. Lung Health
Understanding Right Lower Lung Nodules: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
What is a right lower lung nodule? Today, my health check report indicated a nodule in the lower right lung. I just looked it up online, and it seems like it could be related to cancer. However, I don't have any symptoms like coughing; I only experience shortness of breath. ...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
The story you mentioned is likely unrelated to pulmonary nodules. Given your age, the probability of developing lung cancer is relatively low. Therefore, it is essential to first confirm the presence of the nodules. If they are confirmed to exist, the characteristics of the nodul...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Lung Nodules: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Cysts, Family History, and Health Risks
Kidney problems Dr. Yang Jun: Recently, my father's health check results came out, and three items were marked as abnormal: [Urinalysis] Specific Gravity (Sp.gr) *≤1.005, [Biochemical Tests] Uric Acid *7.95, and [Abdominal Ultrasound] *Left Renal Cyst. I would like to ask wh...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions, there are many inquiries in your message, and I cannot address them all individually. I recommend that you consult a nephrologist in person for a more comprehensive evaluation. However, I will address a few questions online. Urine specific ...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Cysts, Family History, and Health Risks
Is There Hope for Dialysis Patients to Stop Treatment?
Is it possible for patients on dialysis to no longer need dialysis? My mother went to the emergency room during this winter break, and the doctor diagnosed her with "uremia," stating that she would need lifelong dialysis. When she first arrived at the hospital, they dra...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, uremia refers to the condition where the kidneys are unable to eliminate toxins and excess fluids, thus failing to maintain normal metabolic functions in the body. This necessitates dialysis treatment (either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysi...[Read More] Is There Hope for Dialysis Patients to Stop Treatment?
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Navigating Conflicting Diagnoses and Treatment Options
Regarding Shy-Drager syndrome? Hello Doctor: I have many questions that are troubling me, and I would like to ask for your help or suggestions. Last September, I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome after visiting a rheumatology and immunology clinic. My blood test results ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome follows specific standard procedures and cannot be made solely based on a biopsy. The use of quinine in the treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome is not essential and may not always be effective, so there is no need for concern. Init...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Navigating Conflicting Diagnoses and Treatment Options
Understanding Right Chest Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest pain Recently, I've been experiencing pain in my right chest, especially when I lower my shoulder; it hurts the most then. I can't really pinpoint the source of the pain when I touch it. It's strange because I don't recall any sports injuries. What could...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Chest pain can be caused by serious conditions such as acute myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, rib or intercostal tumors, or pneumothorax. It can also result from less severe issues like chest wall pain (including menstr...[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Upper Body Exercise Limitations: Symptoms and Possible Causes
The issue of being completely unable to move the upper body..? Hello: Whenever I engage in any physical activity that involves my upper body, I experience the following symptoms (regardless of the intensity): 1. Extreme dizziness and severe pain in my head 2. My vision becomes co...
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
Hello! During exercise, a normal person's oxygen demand increases, leading to enhanced function across various body systems. For instance, the sympathetic nervous system accelerates the heart rate, and the increased oxygen demand causes faster breathing (which may be perceiv...[Read More] Understanding Upper Body Exercise Limitations: Symptoms and Possible Causes
Excessive Phlegm: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Excessive phlegm? Hello Doctor: Since last year, I have been experiencing excessive phlegm production. Previously, I would only have this issue when I had a cold, but now I have phlegm almost every day. I can hear a rattling sound in my lungs (accompanied by my breathing). Is thi...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: A cough with excessive phlegm is generally indicative of acute bronchitis. If there are blood-streaked phlegm, it may suggest rupture of microvessels in the bronchi, bacterial infection, or even tuberculosis. It is recommended to visit a pulmonology clinic for a chest X-ra...[Read More] Excessive Phlegm: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Chest Tightness: Causes and Solutions for Persistent Symptoms
Chest tightness? Hello, Doctor: Recently, I have been suffering from a prolonged cold that hasn't improved. My symptoms include sore throat, cough, phlegm, occasional headaches, and nasal congestion. The most distressing symptom is a heavy feeling in my chest. I have visited...
Dr. Xie Weiming Reply:
Hello: Based on the description above, it seems to be an allergic cough, possibly indicating asthma, which could explain the persistent cough and chest tightness. Some asthma medications may cause an increased heart rate. It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist for further e...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness: Causes and Solutions for Persistent Symptoms
Understanding Gray-White Lung X-Ray: Causes of Breathing Difficulties and Edema
The X-ray of the lungs shows a grayish-white appearance? Hello: My grandfather has fainted due to difficulty breathing and is currently in the intensive care unit. He was discharged last week after the TB bacterial load reached a non-infectious level, but why did he suddenly expe...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, your grandfather's chest X-ray appears to show signs of either cardiogenic pulmonary edema or non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, such as renal-related pulmonary edema or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Cardiogenic or renal-related ...[Read More] Understanding Gray-White Lung X-Ray: Causes of Breathing Difficulties and Edema
Chronic Back Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Relief
Chronic back pain Hello, I would like to describe my symptoms and kindly ask for your assistance. Thank you! 1. I have been experiencing chronic back pain for at least a year. During severe episodes, I am unable to lie down for long periods, and sleeping for more than seven hour...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello! An ANA titer of 1:320, along with joint redness and swelling, fatigue, and even fever, suggests the need to consider connective tissue diseases, particularly lupus erythematosus. However, based on the information provided by the online user, a definitive diagnosis cannot b...[Read More] Chronic Back Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Relief
Understanding Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know and Next Steps
Pulmonary nodule Thank you for taking the time to answer my question amidst your busy schedule. I inadvertently participated in a group health check, and the report I received indicates a suspected 2 cm nodule in my lungs. Does this refer to a tumor? Should I return to my origina...
Dr. Xie Weiming Reply:
Hello, internet user: There are many causes for pulmonary nodules, which can range from benign or malignant tumors to simply calcifications of the ribs or pleura. It is essential to carefully examine the chest X-ray, and if necessary, perform a computed tomography (CT) scan for b...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know and Next Steps
Understanding Scleroderma: Treatment Options and Life Expectancy Insights
Scleroderma Is scleroderma curable? On average, how many years does it take from early detection to death? Should one avoid taking certain herbal medicines that boost immunity? Thank you, doctor!
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello! Scleroderma can be categorized into two main types: idiopathic autoimmune disorders and those triggered by medications or chemicals. Except for a few cases where the cause can be identified and treated, most cases can only be managed and not cured. Generally, if the condit...[Read More] Understanding Scleroderma: Treatment Options and Life Expectancy Insights
Understanding Heart Failure and Tracheal Stenosis in COPD Patients
I'm sorry, but I need specific content to translate. Please Your question: Hello, could you please clarify whether heart failure and tracheal stenosis (granulation tissue) are 100% confirmed complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and considered the sam...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Congestive heart failure is a primary cardiac disease where the heart itself is impaired, causing the left ventricle to be unable to pump blood effectively to the entire body. In contrast, cor pulmonale is primarily due to pulmonary pathology, where issues with the pulmonary vasc...[Read More] Understanding Heart Failure and Tracheal Stenosis in COPD Patients
Is Coughing Up Blood from Bronchitis Serious? Understanding the Risks
Is it true? Hello, today my boyfriend told me that he noticed blood after coughing this morning! He went to the hospital by himself, and the doctor asked if he smoked: he does. The doctor then took an X-ray and later told him that his lungs were clear! The doctor mentioned it was...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello! Acute bronchitis can indeed cause coughing up blood, but it should resolve within 3-5 days during the acute phase. If there is no improvement after multiple episodes, it is necessary for the patient to see a physician again. Best wishes for health from Dr. Cheng Shu-Hsing,...[Read More] Is Coughing Up Blood from Bronchitis Serious? Understanding the Risks
Is Heart Failure and Tracheal Narrowing a Confirmed COPD Complication?
Is heart failure and bronchial stenosis definitively considered a complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? Hello, can you confirm if heart failure and tracheal stenosis (long-term polyps) are 100% considered complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (CO...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello. If the lungs are chronically diseased, it can lead to damage to the heart and circulatory system due to overexertion, ultimately resulting in heart failure, known as cor pulmonale. This type of right-sided heart failure is a complication of severe chronic obstructive pulmo...[Read More] Is Heart Failure and Tracheal Narrowing a Confirmed COPD Complication?
Understanding Systemic Sclerosis: Care Tips and Survival Rates
Systemic Sclerosis I was recently diagnosed with systemic scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease. I would like to know how to manage this condition and what precautions I should take. What is the survival rate? Where can I find support groups for patients? I'm feeling quite ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello! 1. First, I would like to remind you to confirm whether the diagnosis was made by a rheumatologist. If the diagnosis is accurate, the survival rate will depend on whether it is limited to the skin or if there is involvement of internal organs such as the heart, lungs, or k...[Read More] Understanding Systemic Sclerosis: Care Tips and Survival Rates
Persistent Cough: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
I have a persistent cough that won't go away? Dear Vice Dean Zhao, My mother has been coughing for two months now. She has seen several doctors and taken various medications, but she still hasn't improved. It doesn't seem like a common cold. Should we consider go...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
If a cough lasts more than three weeks, it is advisable to visit a hospital for a detailed examination. First, it is important to inquire whether the cough is dry or productive, and if productive, whether the sputum is clear, thick, white, yellow, or green, and if it has an odor....[Read More] Persistent Cough: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Understanding Occasional Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Occasional chest pain? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing strange chest pain intermittently for the past two to three years. During these episodes, I feel a stabbing pain in my chest when I move my body, and it is often accompanied by a sharp pain between my ribs when I push ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Chest pain can be caused by various conditions related to the heart (such as angina, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, myocarditis, and pericarditis), lungs and associated structures (such as pneumothorax, pneumonia with pleuritis, rib fractures, pulmonary embolism, and ...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns