Managing Chronic Cough and Phlegm: Tips for Lung Health
Frequent coughing with thick phlegm? Director Yang, I often experience persistent coughing with thick phlegm throughout the year. My lungs are easily prone to infections, and I frequently feel an itch in my chest that triggers the urge to cough. If I am exposed to secondhand smok...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiao Liu: Your tracheal condition seems more like bronchiectasis, with increased sputum production, especially in the morning. During a cold, the amount of sputum may increase further or become more yellow and thick. You should try to reduce your intake of sugary foods and...[Read More] Managing Chronic Cough and Phlegm: Tips for Lung Health
Persistent Cough: Seeking Answers for a Four-Month Struggle
Regarding the issue of persistent coughing? Hello Dr. Zhou, I would like to ask you about a problem related to the thoracic cavity. Here’s the situation: my father has been coughing for almost four months now. However, he has not been able to get better despite visiting several h...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of chronic cough that require differential diagnosis; common ones include chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, and cancer. Additionally, non-pulmonary diseases may also be responsible, such as rhinitis with post-nasal drip, side effects f...[Read More] Persistent Cough: Seeking Answers for a Four-Month Struggle
Can Bronchiectasis Be Cured with Medical Treatment? Insights and Options
Can bronchiectasis be cured with medical treatment? Hello Dr. Tsai: I am currently suffering from bronchiectasis and have been under treatment by my physician for six months, but the symptoms still persist. I would like to ask Dr. Tsai if it is possible to fully recover from bron...
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
Bronchiectasis refers to the abnormal and permanent dilation of the bronchi. In patients with this condition, the airways become distorted and lax, often obstructed by thick, and sometimes purulent, secretions, leading to prominent clinical symptoms such as productive cough and d...[Read More] Can Bronchiectasis Be Cured with Medical Treatment? Insights and Options
Understanding Bronchiectasis: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Bronchiectasis Hello Doctor: I have been diagnosed with bronchiectasis accompanied by non-tuberculous mycobacteria, and I occasionally experience hemoptysis. I started taking erythromycin three weeks ago, one tablet daily; recently, it seems that my sputum production has decrease...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Dear Patient: If you have bronchiectasis, it is very likely that you will experience respiratory symptoms, regardless of whether or not you have non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection. If your symptoms worsen or if you experience an increase in hemoptysis, you may return for an ...[Read More] Understanding Bronchiectasis: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Unexplained Asthma: Causes, Transmission, and Treatment
Asthma of unknown origin? Hello Dr. Jian, I have a few questions to ask: 1. What causes asthma of unknown origin, considering that I do not smoke? 2. Is bronchiectasis contagious? 3. Can asthma be completely cured?
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
1. Asthma is a recurrent airflow obstruction disorder that can resolve spontaneously or improve with appropriate treatment. Depending on its severity, it may present with symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing; some asthma patients may also ...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Asthma: Causes, Transmission, and Treatment
Understanding Lung Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Care Tips
Regarding lung issues? Hello Doctor, I experienced coughing up blood in January of this year after staying up late for two consecutive days and went to the emergency room. The X-ray results were normal, but a CT scan showed a white shadow in one area of my right lung. After takin...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello John: Your diagnosis should be bronchiectasis with hemoptysis. If your chest pain does not show any significant abnormalities on the chest X-ray, then neuropathic pain is a more likely diagnosis. Currently, Western medicine would generally prescribe pain relievers, hemostat...[Read More] Understanding Lung Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Care Tips
Understanding Hemoptysis: Key Considerations for Patients Abroad
Recently, I have been coughing up blood? Dr. Yang: Hello! I experienced hemoptysis several times last year, and after a CT scan, the doctor informed me that there is fibrosis in the bronchus near my heart, advising me to avoid catching a cold as much as possible. Recently, I have...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Amy: As you mentioned, the computed tomography scan revealed fibrosis in the bronchi near your heart, indicating that there are no tumors or cavitary changes associated with tuberculosis in your lungs. Your diagnosis leans towards bronchiectasis, which may result in increas...[Read More] Understanding Hemoptysis: Key Considerations for Patients Abroad
Understanding Moderate Restrictive Ventilatory Impairment: Causes and Management
Moderate restrictive ventilatory impairment? Dear Dr. Yang: I underwent a pulmonary function test during my health check-up, and the report indicates that I have moderate restrictive ventilatory impairment. What does this mean? Do I need treatment or follow-up?
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ross, pulmonary function tests are helpful in understanding whether there are any obstructive issues with ventilation. Generally, they can be classified into (1) obstructive ventilatory disorders, which include asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and bronchiectasis, and ...[Read More] Understanding Moderate Restrictive Ventilatory Impairment: Causes and Management
Persistent Coughing: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Persistent cough? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask on behalf of my girlfriend. She caught a cold about two to three weeks ago, and during that time, she didn't have much of a cough. However, she started coughing a lot this week, and it has become persistent. She has seen a...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
In general, there are many causes of chronic cough, with common ones including chronic bronchitis (such as from long-term smoking), post-nasal drip (such as from nasal allergies), asthma, tuberculosis, and bronchiectasis, among others. A consultation with a pulmonologist is neces...[Read More] Persistent Coughing: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
When Does the Pulmonology Clinic Open? Understanding Lung Health Concerns
When does the pulmonary medicine department have outpatient clinics? I would like to inquire about the outpatient schedule for your pulmonary medicine department. Which doctor specializes in lung diseases? What does it mean to have phlegm accumulation in the lungs, and could this...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
In response to gogo06072001: As you described, this condition may be "bronchiectasis." In healthy individuals, bronchial secretions are automatically cleared by the ciliary epithelium of the bronchi and are swallowed into the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, they do n...[Read More] When Does the Pulmonology Clinic Open? Understanding Lung Health Concerns
Is Coughing Up Blood Related to Neck Tumors? Understanding Your Symptoms
Is coughing up blood related to neck tumors? Hello Doctor: I am a 53-year-old female. Last year, I had a soft mass in my nasopharynx, and when I coughed, I expelled a blood clot for three consecutive days. I went to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for a nasal ultrasound, but the doc...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Dear Ms. Cherry, In response to your inquiries, please find the following information: 1. Regarding the neck mass, the physician has indicated that it is benign. However, it is advisable to have regular follow-ups with your doctor. The neck mass is not connected to the nasophar...[Read More] Is Coughing Up Blood Related to Neck Tumors? Understanding Your Symptoms
Is There a Link Between Bronchiectasis and Long-Term Smoking?
Is bronchiectasis related to long-term smoking? Is bronchiectasis related to long-term smoking? I learned from medical news that the new drug "Oxis Turbuhaler" is now covered by health insurance in Taiwan. Can I request my doctor to prescribe this medication during my v...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
1. Bronchiectasis is caused by inflammation and subsequent damage to the bronchi in the lungs, and it can also be congenital. It is not directly related to smoking. However, patients with bronchiectasis should refrain from smoking to prevent further deterioration of bronchial fun...[Read More] Is There a Link Between Bronchiectasis and Long-Term Smoking?
Understanding Asthma Medications: Inhaled Steroids and Their Use
Asthma medication (1) Yes, Beclomet Easyhaler (Beclometasone) is an inhaled corticosteroid. (2) Among the currently available inhaled corticosteroids for asthma treatment, fluticasone and budesonide are commonly considered effective options. Inhaled corticosteroids should be con...
Dr. Jiang Zhenyuan Reply:
1. Beclomet Easyhaler is an inhaled corticosteroid (Beclomethasone). 2. Currently, there are three commonly available options in the Taiwanese market: Beclomethasone, Budesonide, and Fluticasone, which have minimal differences. The treatment for asthma is divided into two categor...[Read More] Understanding Asthma Medications: Inhaled Steroids and Their Use
Understanding Bronchiectasis: Management and When to Seek Medical Help
Bronchiectasis Hello! An elderly family member has been coughing for many years and was diagnosed with bronchiectasis by the hospital. The doctor informed us that this condition can only be managed and cannot be returned to a normal state. However, we are unsure whether "man...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
The cause of bronchiectasis is the difficulty in expelling mucus from the bronchial tubes, leading to bacterial infections. Normally, a small amount of mucus is not a concern, but it is essential to perform postural drainage to help expel the mucus. With proper management, patien...[Read More] Understanding Bronchiectasis: Management and When to Seek Medical Help
How to Determine If You Have Tuberculosis and Find a Doctor
If you are unsure how to determine whether you have tuberculosis (TB), you should seek a healthcare provider? Dr. Jiang: Hello, I was found to have calcifications in my lungs six years ago during a medical outreach program. Since then, I have been getting annual chest X-rays, and...
Dr. Jiang Zhenyuan Reply:
Hello: 1. There are many causes of hemoptysis, with common causes including bronchiectasis, pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, or lung tumors. Severe coughing due to bronchitis can also lead to the rupture of blood vessels, resulting in hemoptysis. 2. The so-called calcification ...[Read More] How to Determine If You Have Tuberculosis and Find a Doctor
Managing Persistent Phlegm After Aspiration Pneumonia: Causes and Solutions
Post-inhalation pneumonia, characterized by excessive sputum production, can be attributed to several factors. The inflammation and irritation of the airways may lead to increased mucus secretion. Additionally, residual infection or bronchial hyperreactivity can contribute to ong...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
It may be related to bronchiectasis following pneumonia, or injury to the mucosa of the throat after intubation, or frequent choking incidents. The sputum associated with bronchiectasis requires time to heal, so it is advisable to avoid cold drinks and cold foods such as radishes...[Read More] Managing Persistent Phlegm After Aspiration Pneumonia: Causes and Solutions
Is Surgery a Viable Option for Treating Bronchiectasis?
Is surgery a viable option for a cure? Hello Dr. Chang: If you are not unfamiliar with me, you should have seen my name among your many patient records. I have been living with bronchiectasis for many years. Whenever my condition worsens, I always come to see you. After taking th...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
A "chest computed tomography (CT) scan" can be performed again. If there is localized bronchiectasis, surgical resection may be considered. Please schedule an outpatient appointment for a detailed explanation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Is Surgery a Viable Option for Treating Bronchiectasis?
Are Over-the-Counter Steam Inhalers Beneficial for Lung Health?
Are commercially available steam inhalers beneficial for the maintenance of lung diseases? Dr. Jian: Hello, the patient has bronchiectasis and allergic asthma. Is it appropriate to use an over-the-counter steam inhaler for daily maintenance? Also, is bronchiectasis truly beyond h...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
In principle, asthma patients are not advised to use plain saline steam inhalation, whether during an attack or at baseline. During an asthma attack, bronchodilators can be used in conjunction with saline steam inhalation. For patients with bronchiectasis who have excessive sputu...[Read More] Are Over-the-Counter Steam Inhalers Beneficial for Lung Health?
Understanding Bronchiectasis: Future Implications and Treatment Options
Bronchiectasis Hello Director Chang, 1. Since both lower lobes of the lungs have bronchiectasis that cannot be surgically removed, what will be the potential future developments? 2. Currently, there is approximately two to three tablespoons of thick yellow-green sputum each morn...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
To Frank: 1. It may lead to respiratory failure, but it could take a long time. 2. Therefore, it is necessary to perform postural drainage every day. Medicine has its limits, and patients need to take good care of themselves once they understand this. 3. How about steaming radish...[Read More] Understanding Bronchiectasis: Future Implications and Treatment Options