Understanding Side Effects of Tuberculous Pleurisy Treatment
Side effects of tuberculous pleurisy? Dear Doctor, Regarding the issue I raised a few days ago about my father having Sjögren's syndrome and recently being diagnosed with tuberculous pleuritis and his medication, I appreciate your response. My father has been on medication ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Dear Miss Lin, If your father's liver function is normal and the X-ray has not worsened, it should not be related to tuberculous pleuritis or hepatitis caused by anti-tuberculosis medications. It is advisable to check if any other cough or asthma medications are causing iss...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Tuberculous Pleurisy Treatment
Understanding Airway Sensitivity: Chronic Cough and Autoimmune Concerns
Tracheal sensitivity Hello, doctor. I had pneumonia at the beginning of January and was treated with antibiotics. Since then, I've been experiencing persistent chest itching and coughing. Later, the doctor diagnosed me with chronic bronchitis. However, after a chest X-ray on...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, 1. Some patients may experience prolonged respiratory symptoms after an airway infection. If there is no history of asthma and symptoms resolve after some time, it may not necessarily indicate asthma. 2. If there is an autoimmune disease, it may also potentially affect...[Read More] Understanding Airway Sensitivity: Chronic Cough and Autoimmune Concerns
Quick Relief Medications for Acute Asthma: Beyond Albuterol
Medications for acute asthma exacerbation? Dear Director Jun-Jian: Regarding the use of medications for acute asthma (rapid relief), aside from albuterol, are there any other fast-acting medications available? I am not accustomed to the new formulation of albuterol, and my phys...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Yuan: Acute asthma attacks are classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Moderate to severe cases require hospital treatment, while mild cases can be managed with Symbicort, which is less likely to cause tolerance. Additionally, there is Combivent, which is a combination medi...[Read More] Quick Relief Medications for Acute Asthma: Beyond Albuterol
Chronic Cough: Understanding Causes, Risks, and Diagnostic Tests
Persistent cough that does not resolve? Hello: My father has been coughing every day since April of last year, but it is not a constant cough; it only occurs when he transitions from a warm environment to a cooler one. Over the past year, he has visited three medical centers for ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
1. The most definitive test for lung cancer is a pathological biopsy of suspicious lesions. 2. There are many potential causes for a persistent cough, including asthma, cancer, post-nasal drip, tuberculosis, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux, and side effects from certain medic...[Read More] Chronic Cough: Understanding Causes, Risks, and Diagnostic Tests
Managing Bronchiectasis: Solutions for Persistent Breathing Issues
Bronchiectasis Dear Dr. Chou, I am a patient with a 30-year history of bronchiectasis (more severe on the left side) and also suffer from nasal allergies. In the past, I would cough up yellow sputum daily and experience asthma attacks from time to time. However, over the past ye...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, in patients with bronchiectasis, the condition may gradually worsen with age. If the use of bronchodilators does not improve symptoms and there are recurrent bronchospasms, inhaled corticosteroids may be added as indicated. These typically do not have significant long-term...[Read More] Managing Bronchiectasis: Solutions for Persistent Breathing Issues
Managing Medication Concerns for Elderly Patients with Lung and Heart Issues
Consult a physician? Dr. Yang: My father, who is 83 years old, was hospitalized two days ago due to pneumonia caused by pleural effusion. He has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, and he was cured of tuberculosis over forty years ago. He uses an...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Jun: This hospitalization may be related to infection or heart failure. In principle, the attending physician will determine the medication based on the severity and urgency of the condition. Some medications that are usually taken may affect heart rate or blood pressure, w...[Read More] Managing Medication Concerns for Elderly Patients with Lung and Heart Issues
Understanding Asthma Attack Phases: Definitions and Medical Insights
Issues during an asthma attack? Hello, I recently heard the term "asthma exacerbation period." I heard someone mention that the N days following the first asthma exacerbation (assuming there is a period without exacerbation) are considered part of the same exacerbation ...
Dr. Huang Ruiming Reply:
Hello Mr. Orsino: During an asthma attack, the main clinical symptoms include coughing, thick and difficult-to-expel mucus, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These symptoms are usually triggered by irregular use of inhaled medications, exposure to allergens, or infections...[Read More] Understanding Asthma Attack Phases: Definitions and Medical Insights
Understanding Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair Surgery: Key Questions Answered
Diaphragmatic hernia repair surgery Dear Sir, I previously underwent an examination at a major hospital and was diagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernia, which has caused my stomach to rise and compress my left lower lung, resulting in atrophy. The doctor mentioned that I could be ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
1. Symptoms of gastric distension and acid reflux may be related to a hiatal hernia, but further confirmation is needed. 2. It is necessary to determine the specific type of hiatal hernia, which requires endoscopy, barium swallow studies, and computed tomography (CT) scans to de...[Read More] Understanding Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair Surgery: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Symptoms and Concerns in Pulmonology
excuse me? Hello! My symptom description: I feel a tightness in my chest and have difficulty breathing, accompanied by weakness in both arms. This has occurred for the second time in the past two months. It starts with chest tightness, followed by difficulty breathing, and finall...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, there are many reasons for discomfort in the chest and difficulty breathing. Common causes include asthma and heart problems. Please visit the pulmonary medicine outpatient department at the hospital and discuss further with a physician. Thank you. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Symptoms and Concerns in Pulmonology
Managing Asthma: Should You Request Inhalers or Buy Over-the-Counter?
Asthma medications Hello Doctor, I have had asthma since childhood and was hospitalized for it about 10 years ago. In recent years, I have experienced very few asthma attacks, which are occasionally triggered by factors such as colds, weather changes, or air quality. I have been...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ma: Asthma in childhood may improve as one grows into adulthood, but it can still flare up when exposed to allergens. It is recommended to have a rescue short-acting bronchodilator on hand. You may consider obtaining a prescription from the hospital where you previous...[Read More] Managing Asthma: Should You Request Inhalers or Buy Over-the-Counter?
Can Damaged Alveoli from Asthma or Emphysema Heal Over Time?
Could you please provide more details about the issue of alveolar repair? Hello, doctor: May I ask if, due to severe asthma or emphysema, the rupture of alveoli can be repaired and restored to their original state in a patient's lifetime according to modern medicine? If so, ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Alveolar rupture leads to air escaping from the alveoli into the pleural cavity, a condition known as pneumothorax. Inhaling high concentrations of oxygen or inserting a chest tube for drainage can help remove the air trapped in the pleural cavity, allowing the lungs to re...[Read More] Can Damaged Alveoli from Asthma or Emphysema Heal Over Time?
Alternative Medications to Old Beclomethasone 200 for Asthma Relief
Could you please clarify what you mean by "備勞喘200"? Dr. Chou, may I ask if there are any medications similar to the old version of Berodual 200? The new version 100 has an unusual taste and feels less effective. Can these be purchased at a clinic, or which hospital pres...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, the original model has been replaced with a new version, and the old model is no longer available. If you find this medication in the market, it is likely leftover stock. If you specifically need the old model, you can inquire at a regular pharmacy. Thank you. This respons...[Read More] Alternative Medications to Old Beclomethasone 200 for Asthma Relief
Addressing Early Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma Concerns and Symptoms
Consultation regarding early-stage lung adenocarcinoma-related questions? Dear Dr. Huang, My mother was diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer last year, and the doctor removed one-third of her right lung along with the lymph nodes around the bronchi. The doctor advised against ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
I apologize for the delayed response due to my overseas conference. 1. There are differing opinions on whether adjuvant therapy is necessary after surgery for early-stage lung cancer, but it is important to know your aunt's cancer staging and histological type (e.g., adeno...[Read More] Addressing Early Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma Concerns and Symptoms
Understanding Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath During Exercise
excuse me? I experience chest pain (a burning, intense pain) after running about 300 meters. I also have difficulty breathing and feel short of breath. Why is this happening? Is it due to poor physical fitness or could it be a lung condition?
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiao Nan: Unless you had asthma or heart disease as a child, it is unlikely for a typical sixth grader to experience this. I recommend that you consult a pediatric specialist for a proper diagnosis. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath During Exercise
Chest Tightness, Throat Discomfort, and Headaches: What to Know
Chest tightness accompanied by throat discomfort and headache (dizziness)? Hello Doctor: I have been feeling a tightness in my chest and a constriction in my throat (more pronounced in the pharyngeal area) over the past few days. I also experience headaches (dizziness) and have l...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, if there are no symptoms such as asthma or cold sweats, the most common cause is still a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. However, with symptoms like chest tightness and nausea, conditions such as pneumothorax or gastrointestinal diseases cannot be ruled out...[Read More] Chest Tightness, Throat Discomfort, and Headaches: What to Know
Chronic Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Persistent cough Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my mother's persistent cough. I can hear her coughing during the day and especially at night when it becomes more severe (with phlegm, and sometimes she coughs continuously for a long time). This condition seems to...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, there are many causes of chronic cough, such as bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, psychogenic factors, and asthma, among others. I recommend that you visit a pulmonology department for further evaluation, including a chest X-ray. Thank you for your understa...[Read More] Chronic Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Common Causes and Concerns
The chest area? What are the possible conditions for discomfort in the chest area? (I have been coughing for over a month.)
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiao Sa: A cough lasting for more than a month may indicate various tracheal and pulmonary diseases (such as bronchitis, bronchiectasis, asthma, respiratory allergies, tuberculosis, etc.). It is advisable to visit a pulmonology clinic for a chest X-ray, and then consult a ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Common Causes and Concerns
Understanding Chronic Chest Discomfort and Coughing: A Patient's Journey
Chronic chest tightness and cough? Hello Doctor: About three years ago, I started experiencing chest tightness, located in the center of my chest where there is a protruding area. It feels uncomfortable when I walk with my chest out, and the tightness becomes more pronounced when...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello Chris, 1. Based on the examination by the pulmonology and cardiology departments, it seems that the issue is more related to muscle or fascia injury. However, as mentioned by your online friend, if you experience discomfort after eating, it is important to consider the pos...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Chest Discomfort and Coughing: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Chest Sounds and Shortness of Breath During Shoulder Movement
Please ask your question? I experience a whooshing sound in the area between my chest and mouth when my shoulders move alternately back and forth, and I get short of breath after just a few movements. I would like to know what might be causing this.
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello, does the patient have a history of long-term smoking that has led to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or a history of asthma? It is advisable to consult a pulmonologist or cardiologist to check for any heart disease. Thank you. Sincerely, Dr. Wu Ying-Hsun, Chief of G...[Read More] Understanding Chest Sounds and Shortness of Breath During Shoulder Movement
Does Cold Weather Affect Spontaneous Pneumothorax?
Cold environments can have an impact on pneumothorax? Hello, my son is 20 years old and has a history of spontaneous pneumothorax, for which he has undergone surgery. He is now required to travel to Harbin, China, for a teaching activity. Will the cold climate have any impact on ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, temperature does not have a significant impact on pneumothorax. However, cold weather may trigger exacerbations of pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Therefore, individuals with these con...[Read More] Does Cold Weather Affect Spontaneous Pneumothorax?