Understanding Bronchitis: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Bronchitis? Hello Doctor: Recently, members of my family have gradually developed coughing symptoms. My older brother and younger brother are getting better, but my mother and I are still coughing. My condition is more severe; I can't help but cough, and it feels like my ent...
Dr. Zhang Youzheng Reply:
Hello: There are many possible causes for a cough. Given your situation, it is advisable to first visit a pulmonologist at the hospital for a chest X-ray to conduct an evaluation. The most common condition is chronic bronchitis following a cold, but it could also be due to other ...[Read More] Understanding Bronchitis: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Lung CT Findings: Ground-Glass Nodules and Next Steps
CT report of pulmonary issues? Imaging findings: The MDCT of the chest was performed without intravenous contrast medium enhancement and revealed the following: The lung parenchyma is well demonstrated with some ground-glass opacities in both lungs. The bilateral mainstem bronchi...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Lu: A 2.2 cm tumor that is indeed removed is a good thing; the absence of lymph node involvement is a positive sign, indicating that there has been no metastasis. To rule out distant metastasis, a PET scan can be performed for early detection, which can be managed effectivel...[Read More] Understanding Lung CT Findings: Ground-Glass Nodules and Next Steps
Understanding the Progression of Lung Cancer Metastasis: Key Insights
The progression of lung cancer metastasis occurs through several stages. Initially, cancer cells may invade nearby lung tissue. From there, they can enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system, allowing them to spread to other parts of the body. Common Hello, Doctor. Currently, the...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to seek consultation for diagnosis. The progression of cancer varies significantly among individuals. The size of a nodule is not a definitive indicator of metastasis; there are cases where small malignant lung tumors have already metastasized. I understa...[Read More] Understanding the Progression of Lung Cancer Metastasis: Key Insights
Understanding Low-Dose Lung CT Findings: Endobronchial Nodules Explained
Questions regarding low-dose lung CT report? Dear Director, Recently, a low-dose lung CT report indicated a suspicious pneumonia-related mass measuring over 2 cm. Upon follow-up with another low-dose lung CT two months later, it was found that the original mass had nearly resolv...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The size of the bronchial nodules was not mentioned, and it is uncertain whether the scanning angle may have caused artifacts. It would be best to discuss this further with the attending physician, ideally waiting at least two months since the last outpatient visit to bett...[Read More] Understanding Low-Dose Lung CT Findings: Endobronchial Nodules Explained
Managing Chronic Throat Dryness and Excess Mucus: Seeking Solutions
Chronic throat dryness (slight pain), excessive white phlegm (without blood). No cough, no chest tightness or pain? Hello Doctor: During my high school years, I experienced a persistent cough that lasted for at least a month, prompting me to see a doctor. After some time, I was t...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear ANNA: The symptoms you described can be caused by post-nasal drip and gastroesophageal reflux. Since you have already taken so many medications, it is advisable to refrain from further medication and to relax. Ensuring adequate sleep may help improve your condition. Changhua...[Read More] Managing Chronic Throat Dryness and Excess Mucus: Seeking Solutions
Does Fluoroquinolone Use Affect Tuberculosis Diagnosis?
Does the use of fluoroquinolones affect the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello Dr. Yang, I am a pharmacist. My boyfriend (who is the same age as me) previously went to the emergency room due to a fever, and an X-ray revealed lesions in his lungs. The doctor prescribed flu...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, I will prioritize considering a fungal infection. If the culture results from the second hospital show no tuberculosis, I will be less concerned about tuberculosis. Since the sputum smear is negative, there is no need to wear a mask continuously,...[Read More] Does Fluoroquinolone Use Affect Tuberculosis Diagnosis?
Understanding Elevated ECP Levels: What It Means for Chronic Cough Management
Chronic cough I previously had a severe cough and visited a large hospital for consultation. After several visits and blood tests, I was supposed to return for a follow-up appointment to review the results. However, on the day of the follow-up, my child fell ill, and since my cou...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Apple: The reference value for Eosinophil Cationic Protein (ECP) is < 13.3, which indicates that eosinophils are associated with inflammatory responses caused by various allergic diseases, particularly in patients with asthma. In the inflamed tissues of asthma patients, e...[Read More] Understanding Elevated ECP Levels: What It Means for Chronic Cough Management
Understanding Blood-tinged Phlegm and Nasal Discharge After COVID-19
Hemoptysis and epistaxis? Hello Doctor, I am currently 23 years old, do not smoke, and have no history of asthma (although I had acute bronchitis several years ago). Since being diagnosed with COVID-19 early last year, I have frequently felt a buildup of thick phlegm in my chest ...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to seek medical attention at our hospital to clarify your condition. Indeed, most mycoplasma infections can resolve on their own without medication due to the immune response; however, if it progresses to pneumonia, specific pharmacological treatment is n...[Read More] Understanding Blood-tinged Phlegm and Nasal Discharge After COVID-19
Understanding Your Chest X-Ray: Chronic Bronchitis Insights
Chronic Bronchitis X-ray Report Hello, doctor. Since my COVID-19 diagnosis last July, my allergic rhinitis has progressed to chronic bronchitis, and I have been coughing for nearly six months. I have been continuously visiting the rheumatology and immunology department, with symp...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The X-ray report appears to show no active pulmonary lesions, and the alveoli are more fully inflated. It is unclear whether this is due to being relatively thin or insufficient exhalation. It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist for further evaluation![Read More] Understanding Your Chest X-Ray: Chronic Bronchitis Insights
Persistent Cough with Mucus and Blood: Understanding Your Symptoms
Persistent cough with purulent nasal discharge (nasal discharge also contains blood) and hemoptysis? Hello doctor, on the first day, my symptoms included vomiting everything I ate, along with thick phlegm and nasal discharge, and a very sore throat with some blood streaks. I went...
Dr. Cai Zongwei Reply:
Hello: If there are blood streaks in the nasal mucus, you should consult an otolaryngologist to examine the "upper respiratory tract." If there is wheezing, bronchial asthma (with possible lower respiratory tract involvement) cannot be ruled out, and it may be necessary...[Read More] Persistent Cough with Mucus and Blood: Understanding Your Symptoms
Do You Need Follow-Up for Chest X-Ray Findings?
Is follow-up necessary for the X-ray report? Hello, last month my family member was hospitalized for orthopedic surgery. During the hospitalization, a chest X-ray was performed, and now I see the report in the health record as follows: "Increased lung markings, bilateral wit...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: According to the report, there are no significant abnormalities, so follow-up can be done once a year.[Read More] Do You Need Follow-Up for Chest X-Ray Findings?
Understanding Breathlessness and Frequent Exhalation: Possible Causes
Difficulty breathing with frequent exhalation? Since childhood, I have had nasal allergies and poor bronchial function. In the past, I would cough excessively during seasonal changes. Recently, I often feel the urge to exhale continuously, regardless of whether my lungs have air ...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it may be asthma. You can visit the pulmonology outpatient clinic, where the physician will perform basic examinations to make a diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Breathlessness and Frequent Exhalation: Possible Causes
Understanding Pathology Reports for Minimally Invasive Lung Adenocarcinoma
Questions regarding the pathology report of lung adenocarcinoma? Hello Doctor: After undergoing low-dose lung cancer screening, I was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma. At the beginning of the month, I had a thoracoscopic resection of the tumor, and the doctor informed me that i...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Chen Ling: In terms of tumor size, it is classified as carcinoma in situ. It has been excised, and follow-up is sufficient. There is no need for excessive worry. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Pathology Reports for Minimally Invasive Lung Adenocarcinoma
Intermittent Chest Tightness and Lung Sounds When Lying Down
Intermittent chest tightness and the sensation of sounds in the lungs when lying down? Hello doctor, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 three months ago. After recovering, I occasionally experience shortness of breath and chest tightness, but I do not have a cough. I visited a family ...
Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. We recommend that you visit the pulmonology outpatient clinic for relevant examinations such as a chest X-ray and pulmonary function tests. This will help clarify whether the issue is physiological or related to autonomic nervous system conditio...[Read More] Intermittent Chest Tightness and Lung Sounds When Lying Down
Understanding Low-Dose CT Scan Results for Lung Health Concerns
Low-Dose Computed Tomography Report of the Lungs Hello Dr. Yang: My family member is a breast cancer patient who just completed treatment in January of this year. Since January, they have been experiencing phlegm retention, and occasionally the phlegm is reddish-brown. They have ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The CT scan report looks fine. Sinusitis (possibly post-nasal drip) and bronchitis may cause minor mucosal bleeding, leading to changes in the color of the sputum. Since the examination showed no significant issues, try not to worry about it![Read More] Understanding Low-Dose CT Scan Results for Lung Health Concerns
Understanding Post-Choking Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Symptoms after choking? Hello Doctor: On May 26, while drinking milk tea and eating a hamburger, I choked while talking to a colleague. I felt like I choked because there were people around, but I still swallowed it down. After that, I went to the restroom and coughed. A day or t...
Dr. Cai Zongwei Reply:
Hello: If you have persistent hoarseness in your throat (which is part of the upper respiratory tract), please consult an otolaryngologist. If there is a foreign body in the bronchi (which is part of the lower respiratory tract), small foreign objects may be coughed out on their ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Choking Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Low-Dose CT Results: Lung Collapse and Fibrotic Bands Explained
Low-dose computed tomography results? Hello, doctor. Two years ago, I underwent a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan, which showed no visible lung nodules, but there were areas of atelectasis or fibrotic bands in the right middle lobe, left lower lobe, and lingula. No obvious...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Long: The report from the computed tomography scan indicates old changes consistent with atelectasis, which in medical terms is interpreted as incomplete expansion. This is mostly caused by poor function of the local bronchial wall's fibrous tissue. There is no sign...[Read More] Understanding Low-Dose CT Results: Lung Collapse and Fibrotic Bands Explained
Navigating Medical Care for Inhaled Foreign Objects in Taiwan
Foreign body aspiration into the nasal cavity? In March 2018, I accidentally inhaled a male cone from a Podocarpus tree while passing underneath it. This caused an immediate and severe coughing fit. The male cone, measuring only 0.4 cm, could not be removed and has since fragment...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Biology Teacher: The question you raised is indeed a bit challenging. The pulmonology department can assist with bronchial washing for some examinations, but it is still recommended to visit the toxicology department first to see if there are any relevant concerns from the C...[Read More] Navigating Medical Care for Inhaled Foreign Objects in Taiwan
Understanding Increased Lung Markings in Chest X-Ray Reports
Chest X-ray report - Increased pulmonary markings? Hello Dr. Huang, I recently received a chest X-ray report with the following findings. Are there any specific issues I should be concerned about? It mentions increased lung markings; could this be related to the cough and sputum ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Xiao Zhu: The increased lung markings on the chest X-ray report do not have any significant clinical implications. This phenomenon can occur simply due to whether the lungs were fully inflated or not during the imaging. Some cases of bronchitis may also be related to this fi...[Read More] Understanding Increased Lung Markings in Chest X-Ray Reports
Understanding Mild Lung Opacity: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Mild pulmonary opacity? In mid-November, I experienced gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux, along with bronchitis and a cold. My weight dropped from 53 kg to around 48-49 kg in a short period. My family, who have been coughing for a long time, suggested that I might have pneumo...
Dr. Wang Zhengde Reply:
Hello Mei Mei, due to the limited information that can be provided through online consultations, I can only answer some of your questions. Compared to a chest X-ray, a computed tomography (CT) scan has a higher sensitivity and can reveal more details, which may include issues tha...[Read More] Understanding Mild Lung Opacity: Causes and Concerns for Patients