Understanding Persistent Cough: When to Seek Medical Advice
Coughing Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my husband, who is 41 years old. For the past month, he has been experiencing a mild cough, but it is not severe. When I asked him, he mentioned that his throat feels itchy. He really enjoys drinking cold beverages (including water...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! If your husband is still smoking or has quit smoking for less than 15 years, it is advisable to continue monitoring with chest X-rays. Just because the X-ray from two years ago was normal does not mean he is not at risk for lung cancer. Even if he does not smoke, if he has...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough: When to Seek Medical Advice
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 Tuberculosis Treatment: Insights from Dr. Ko in Taiwan
Taiwan e-Hospital - Internal Medicine / Dr. Ke Dear Dr. Ke Cheng-Chang, I apologize for reaching out via email; I should have visited you in person, but my work schedule during the day makes it inconvenient. I hope you can understand. My father is Mr. Wang Jin-Can, and I believe...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
1. Tuberculosis medications may cause nausea, liver function abnormalities, and skin allergies, so liver function monitoring is necessary. If any discomfort occurs, the medication must be stopped immediately or switched to another drug. 2. If there is severe itching, the medicati...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Treatment: Insights from Dr. Ko in Taiwan
How Long Does TB Contagiousness Last After Starting Treatment?
Transmission of Tuberculosis (TB) When a patient is diagnosed with suspected open tuberculosis (TB) and has started medication treatment, how long does it typically take for their infectiousness to decrease?
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, in the case of open pulmonary tuberculosis, if the acid-fast bacilli smear is positive, it is necessary to take medication for at least two weeks to reduce infectiousness. At this point, the smear may turn negative; however, if it remains positive, the patient is still inf...[Read More] How Long Does TB Contagiousness Last After Starting Treatment?
Understanding Frequent Fever and Sore Throat: Causes and Concerns
Some questions about fever? I experienced fever more than a dozen times last year, but it rarely exceeded 39 degrees Celsius. Before I noticed the fever, I would first experience a sore throat, which made me realize I was running a fever. Why do I frequently have fevers, and why ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Long-term low-grade intermittent fever should raise considerations for chronic inflammation, lymphoproliferative disorders, and collagen vascular diseases. The former, particularly in Taiwan, should include the possibility of tuberculosis. The second category may also apply to yo...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Fever and Sore Throat: Causes and Concerns
When Will Side Effects of Tuberculosis Medication Subside?
When do the side effects of tuberculosis medications subside? I was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis in mid-November 1990 after sputum culture results came back positive, while chest X-ray and sputum tests at that time showed no abnormalities. I have been on medication for 2...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Reply to the soldier: You are currently taking four medications for tuberculosis. The most significant side effects include hepatitis, jaundice, and hyperuricemia. If you experience any rash or symptoms of fatigue, it is advisable to stop the medication immediately and go to the ...[Read More] When Will Side Effects of Tuberculosis Medication Subside?
Understanding Swollen Lymph Nodes: Causes and Related Symptoms
Cervical lymph nodes There is swelling above the clavicle in the area of the lymph nodes in my neck, which is slightly painful when pressed. What could be the cause of this? Additionally, I have been experiencing frequent hair loss, acne, and easy fatigue. Are these symptoms rela...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Jojo: 1. Common causes of lymphadenopathy in the head include tuberculosis and lymphoma, and a biopsy is necessary for confirmation (please consult an otolaryngologist). 2. Hepatitis B carriers may experience fatigue; it is recommended to undergo liver function tests for mo...[Read More] Understanding Swollen Lymph Nodes: Causes and Related Symptoms
Understanding Tuberculosis Prevention and Treatment: Key Insights
What are the prevention and treatment measures for tuberculosis? Hello: My husband was hospitalized at National Taiwan University Hospital earlier this year and was diagnosed with tuberculosis, which the doctor said has been present for over six months. I would like to ask: 1. At...
Dr. Guo Conghuai Reply:
DEAR LISA: As long as your husband can take the medication for six months and achieve recovery, it is challenging to prevent further issues in daily life. He should focus on maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise. Air purifiers do not provide 100% effectiven...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Prevention and Treatment: Key Insights
Managing Tuberculosis: Nutrition, Treatment, and Family Safety Tips
Tuberculosis (TB) Hello Doctor, My brother has recently been diagnosed with tuberculosis. His physical condition is poor, he is malnourished, and his immune function is not very good. The medications used to treat tuberculosis have hepatotoxic effects. I would like to know if su...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Jenny: 1. Patients with pulmonary tuberculosis should increase their protein intake (fish, meat, eggs, and dairy are all good options). Supplementing with vitamins can also be beneficial. It is important to avoid alcohol and fried foods, and to regularly monitor liver funct...[Read More] Managing Tuberculosis: Nutrition, Treatment, and Family Safety Tips
Understanding Pulmonary Lymph Node Calcification and Coughing Concerns
Is there a problem with the lungs? Hello, doctor. 1. Last year, I was hospitalized for observation due to food poisoning. During my hospital stay, the hospital conducted a physical examination. Shortly after my discharge, I received a notification from the hospital stating that...
Dr. Guo Conghuai Reply:
Hello Mr. Alan: The calcification of the hilar lymph nodes is often caused by infections, with the most common in Taiwan being tuberculosis, silicosis, sarcoidosis, or a history of pneumonia in childhood. Typically, this is not a major concern, except for sarcoidosis and tubercul...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Lymph Node Calcification and Coughing Concerns
Understanding Serious Lung Issues: What to Expect from Your Diagnosis
Pulmonary issues - urgent My boyfriend started undergoing tests two months ago due to persistent coughing, which began as a dry cough and then progressed to coughing up phlegm, eventually leading to blood-streaked sputum and blood clots. He was diagnosed with bronchitis at Linkou...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Based on Ms. CINDY's description, it is highly likely that your boyfriend has contracted tuberculosis. Therefore, please visit a pulmonologist for a consultation, and undergo a new chest X-ray and detailed examination, or bring copies of the X-ray and sputum test results for...[Read More] Understanding Serious Lung Issues: What to Expect from Your Diagnosis