Struggling to Clear Phlegm: Managing Chronic Cough in Bronchiectasis
Coughing up phlegm that cannot be expelled? Hello Dr. Yang: My mother has bronchiectasis and a chronic cough. She is 58 years old and has recently reported that her symptoms have worsened. She feels that she has phlegm that she cannot seem to cough up, and her coughing has become...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ms. Yang: Chronic cough is an inevitable symptom of bronchiectasis, and significant improvement in a short period is difficult to achieve. Additionally, due to unstable weather conditions, the cough symptoms may worsen. It is recommended to return for a follow-up visit with...[Read More] Struggling to Clear Phlegm: Managing Chronic Cough in Bronchiectasis
Understanding Bronchiectasis: Chronic Cough and White Sputum Explained
Bronchiectasis with frequent coughing and white sputum? Hello Dr. Yang: I am the family member of the patient who consulted you on July 23rd. Ms. Yang's mother is feeling much better now, but her chronic condition has not improved; she often coughs (which has been ongoing fo...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Bronchiectasis is a condition characterized by the dilation of the bronchial structures, leading to impaired function of the bronchial mucosa and ciliary movement. This condition makes the airways more sensitive to external stimuli, resulting in a tendency to cough up sput...[Read More] Understanding Bronchiectasis: Chronic Cough and White Sputum Explained
Understanding Persistent Body Heat and Weakness Without Fever
Generalized warmth (without fever) and overall weakness? Hello Doctor, Patient: Female, 58 years old. No fever but experiencing generalized warmth and weakness. Medical History: The patient's temperature has fluctuated between 36°C and 37.5°C over the past two weeks, wit...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Dear Ms. Yang, The patient has experienced coughing, yellow sputum, fever, and fatigue, which suggest a lower respiratory tract infection (involving the bronchi and lungs). The chest X-ray shows no significant infiltrates, indicating that it may simply be a case of bronchiectasi...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Body Heat and Weakness Without Fever
Persistent Cough and Chest Tightness After a Cold: What to Know
Chest tightness and persistent cough? Hello, doctor: Recently, after catching a cold, I have been experiencing persistent coughing and a feeling of chest tightness. Could this be because my cold hasn't fully resolved?
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Miss Chen: For a common cold, it is usually sufficient to drink plenty of water and rest, and the cough will gradually improve. However, if you have a persistent cough along with chest tightness, it may be indicative of bronchial hyperreactivity, commonly known as asthma. In...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Chest Tightness After a Cold: What to Know
Understanding Increased Lung Markings: Chronic vs. Acute Bronchitis
Increased pulmonary markings? Recently, I participated in a general health examination for workers, and during the chest X-ray, it was noted that there was an increase in lung markings. Nine months ago, I had a health check at another hospital, and the chest X-ray showed no abnor...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Qiang Qiang: I apologize for the late response to your question, as I just returned from abroad. The term "increased lung markings" does not necessarily imply a comparison with previous X-rays. Lung markings refer to the visualization of blood vessels and small bro...[Read More] Understanding Increased Lung Markings: Chronic vs. Acute Bronchitis
Understanding DLCO in Autoimmune Conditions and Breathlessness Management
Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? Hello Doctor, thank you for your previous response. I have a question I would like to ask because I have autoimmune issues (not clearly diagnosed, but I have a history of intestinal vasculitis and positive AN...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, If there are autoimmune rheumatic diseases, it is necessary to consult a rheumatologist for a proper diagnosis. If not well controlled, it may lead to pulmonary fibrosis, which can affect DLCO (usually in the late stages, after middle age). As long as pulmonary function ...[Read More] Understanding DLCO in Autoimmune Conditions and Breathlessness Management
Understanding Lung Function Tests: What Your Results Mean for Asthma and Interstitial Lung Disease
Pulmonary function test Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing chronic cough for over a month, mostly occurring at night, and sometimes I wake up suddenly due to coughing. Initially, the doctor suspected asthma because my IgE level is 200 and ECP is 50, along with occasional whe...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The bronchial provocation test is negative, which almost rules out asthma. The DLCO value is still considered normal after correction, but it does not resemble what would be expected for an 18-year-old. Forget about it! The "fatty fish" is of limited help to you ...[Read More] Understanding Lung Function Tests: What Your Results Mean for Asthma and Interstitial Lung Disease
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
Managing Chronic Bronchitis: Tips for Improving Lung Health and Comfort
Chronic bronchitis Hello, doctor. Due to autoimmune issues, I have been taking corticosteroids and immunosuppressants for over two months, but my immune system has become very weak, and I keep catching colds. I previously had pneumonia, which was treated, but since then, whenever...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, 1. If there are abnormalities in the right lower lung on the chest X-ray, further evaluation is recommended to confirm the condition, such as checking for bronchiectasis or other abnormalities. 2. Due to the presence of an autoimmune disease, if you experience nocturnal...[Read More] Managing Chronic Bronchitis: Tips for Improving Lung Health and Comfort
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
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 Lung Density: What Does Increased Lung Grade Mean?
What is lung grade? Hello, my husband underwent a health check at your hospital, and the chest X-ray report mentioned: "suspected localized pulmonary opacity in the left lower lung." Could you please explain what is meant by "pulmonary opacity"?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, lung markings are the lines formed by structures such as blood vessels and bronchi on a chest X-ray. An increase in lung markings is an indeterminate X-ray finding, indicating that there are more lines than normal, but it does not meet the criteria for a pneumonia diagnosi...[Read More] Understanding Lung Density: What Does Increased Lung Grade Mean?
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
Exploring Alternative Treatments for Chronic Breathing Issues After Smoking
I'm sorry, but I need specific content to translate My father smoked for 30 years and although he has quit, he has been experiencing shortness of breath for the past two years when walking 200 meters, going up and down stairs, taking a shower, and especially at night when he...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Vera: Your father has a long history of smoking, which may have led to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), specifically chronic bronchitis and emphysema, resulting in significant lung function impairment. In addition to medication, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital off...[Read More] Exploring Alternative Treatments for Chronic Breathing Issues After Smoking
Understanding Chest Pain and Coughing Up Blood: A Guide for Smokers
Chest pain with respiratory symptoms and hemoptysis? Hello, doctor. A family member at home has recently started experiencing coughing, and they have a smoking history of about 12 years. However, the severity of the cough seems quite concerning. They have previously coughed so se...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Coughing, chest pain, and hemoptysis are respiratory symptoms that warrant a visit to a physician for a chest X-ray to rule out more serious pulmonary conditions. Severe nighttime coughing may be related to increased bronchial sensitivity. It is advisable to avoid cold or cooling...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Coughing Up Blood: A Guide for Smokers
Understanding Mild Fever and Persistent Cough: When to Seek Further Testing
mild fever As a child, I frequently caught colds, almost having to visit the doctor every month. However, about seven or eight years ago, I became much less sick. But whenever I do get sick, I tend to cough severely, often taking nearly a month to recover. After not having a cold...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello, the chest CT scan is normal, but tuberculosis (TB) cannot be ruled out. It is recommended to test three sputum samples. If sputum is not available, an induced sputum procedure can be performed. The likelihood of pulmonary tuberculosis or bronchial tuberculosis is low, so i...[Read More] Understanding Mild Fever and Persistent Cough: When to Seek Further Testing
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 Lung Lobe Atrophy: Causes, Connections, and Treatment Options
Lobar atelectasis Hello, last month my pulmonary function test report indicated "left lower lobe atelectasis with elevation of the left diaphragm, moderate scoliosis." What could be the possible causes of lung lobe atelectasis? Is it related to scoliosis or my long-term...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
1. Left lower lung atelectasis can have many potential causes, with common ones being bronchial stenosis, obstruction by foreign bodies, or tumors. It is necessary to consult a thoracic specialist for further evaluation immediately. 2. Elevation of the diaphragm may be due to r...[Read More] Understanding Lung Lobe Atrophy: Causes, Connections, and Treatment Options
Understanding Latent Tuberculosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Transmission Risks
Non-open pulmonary tuberculosis After several days of antibiotic injections, the fluid accumulation has not improved, and my brother is still in pain! He underwent a pleural biopsy, which initially indicated that he has non-open pulmonary tuberculosis. Today, he had a bronchoscop...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, Ah-Jhe. 1. The pleural biopsy has been determined to be tuberculous pleuritis. A bronchoscopy should be performed to investigate the possibility of pulmonary or bronchial tuberculosis or other diseases, as well as to collect respiratory specimens for culture. 2. If Myco...[Read More] Understanding Latent Tuberculosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Transmission Risks