Chest Discomfort: Should You See a Cardiologist or Pulmonologist?
Chest tightness? You are experiencing symptoms of left chest tightness, lack of appetite, weakness in your hands, and excessive sleepiness, but you do not have a cough or shortness of breath. Should I see a cardiologist or a pulmonologist for an examination?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: You may first visit a cardiology clinic.[Read More] Chest Discomfort: Should You See a Cardiologist or Pulmonologist?
Managing Asthma Relapses: Tips for Young Adults and Athletes
Asthma exacerbation When I was in kindergarten, I went to see a doctor due to a persistent cough and was diagnosed with asthma. However, I never experienced severe attacks, and the doctor did not prescribe me inhaled medications; I only took oral medications (once before bed). By...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. Please visit a pulmonologist to determine whether the symptoms are caused by asthma or other reasons. 2. If it is asthma, with appropriate management, you can still engage in normal exercise and work.[Read More] Managing Asthma Relapses: Tips for Young Adults and Athletes
Understanding Lung Cavities: Concerns About Treatment and Diagnosis
Pulmonary cavity Hello Doctor: Previously, I inquired about my mother's issue with coughing up blood. Today, we received the report results, which indicate that there is a cavity in her lungs, and the sputum culture shows the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. I forgot to a...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: In cases of lung inflammation or the presence of cavities (which is different from pneumothorax or hemothorax), it is possible for two or more pathogenic bacteria to coexist. If there is no significant improvement in the lesions after antibiotic treatment for Pseudomonas a...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cavities: Concerns About Treatment and Diagnosis
Understanding Hemoptysis: What to Know About Coughing Up Blood
Coughing up blood? Hello, doctor. Regarding the question I asked yesterday, my mother underwent a sputum culture test in the past two days, and she has been coughing up blood-tinged sputum. Will this affect the interpretation of the test results? The doctor has prescribed medicat...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Improvement of clinical symptoms requires a longer period of time (measured in weeks). The presence of blood in the sputum does not significantly affect the culture report, so please rest assured![Read More] Understanding Hemoptysis: What to Know About Coughing Up Blood
Can a Child Be Infected Again After Preventive TB Treatment?
If a person who has previously received preventive treatment for tuberculosis (TB) experiences a relapse of the infection, can they still transmit the disease? Hello Doctor: My mother was diagnosed with open pulmonary tuberculosis last year and was cured after six months of treat...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: If a family member has a recurrence of pulmonary tuberculosis and you are still a close contact, there is still a possibility of transmission. Should preventive medication be administered, is it necessary to conduct another examination and assessment, while also paying att...[Read More] Can a Child Be Infected Again After Preventive TB Treatment?
Concerns About a 3cm Tumor in the Left Lung Lobe: What to Know
There is a tumor approximately 3 centimeters in size in the left lung lobe? Hello Doctor: Recently, my mother has been experiencing a cough due to a cold for about a month. Her condition has been fluctuating, and in the past two weeks, she has been coughing up phlegm with blood s...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
A 2-3 cm nodule or mass in the lungs may be indicative of inflammation (such as pulmonary tuberculosis or fungal infection), but it could also be a lung tumor (benign or malignant, which can only be distinguished through pathology reports). The attending physician will arrange fo...[Read More] Concerns About a 3cm Tumor in the Left Lung Lobe: What to Know
Understanding Mucus Consistency: What Does 'Pearl-Like Sputum' Indicate?
Phlegm resembling tapioca pearls? Hello: --- Explanation --- 1. I have been smoking for about ten years. 2. I usually do not cough, but I experience shortness of breath. 3. Recently, I often cough up phlegm that resembles tapioca pearls (the shape of the pearls in bubble tea). 4....
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. The viscosity and color of sputum can change depending on whether there is inflammation in the lungs or the degree of air pollution inhaled. Essentially, sputum is the body's method of expelling abnormal secretions from the lungs or clearing foreign substances fr...[Read More] Understanding Mucus Consistency: What Does 'Pearl-Like Sputum' Indicate?
Understanding Pleural Effusion Without Cough: Key Insights and Concerns
Pleural effusion without cough? Hello Dr. Yang: My mother is 47 years old and was admitted to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital last week due to pleural effusion. She has undergone MRI, CT scans, fluid analysis, bronchoscopy, and a biopsy from her back, but only the fluid analysis rev...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It can sometimes be challenging to identify the location of the primary tumor in cases of metastatic malignant effusion. Chang Gung Memorial Hospital is well-equipped, and most of the necessary examinations have already been conducted. If biopsy is difficult, we may reques...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion Without Cough: Key Insights and Concerns
Calcium Nodules in Lungs: Understanding TB Risks Without Symptoms
X-ray findings show calcified nodules in the hilar region, which may indicate pulmonary tuberculosis. However, if there are no signs of coughing, is it possible to transmit the infection to others? I sometimes come into contact with dust at work, and even though I wear a mask, I ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Calcified nodules indicate a previous lung inflammation (which may have manifested as a cough or fever years ago, without an X-ray taken). After healing, the tissue at the site of the original inflammation undergoes fibrosis and calcification as a repair process, similar t...[Read More] Calcium Nodules in Lungs: Understanding TB Risks Without Symptoms
Breathing Difficulties: Understanding Shortness of Breath and Coughing
Difficulty breathing and frequent shortness of breath? My mother has been experiencing shortness of breath for the past couple of months, making it difficult for her to lie flat while sleeping. She tends to cough when lying down and can only manage to sleep in a semi-reclined pos...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Mom's condition resembles asthma (as inferred from the physician's prescription of Pulmicort). Asthma can be exacerbated by gastroesophageal reflux, which tends to occur more frequently when lying flat. It is recommended to eat small, frequent meals and avoid ove...[Read More] Breathing Difficulties: Understanding Shortness of Breath and Coughing
Persistent Chest Tightness: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Relief
Chest tightness? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing tightness in my chest for a long time. It feels very uncomfortable and painful when I take deep breaths. I find it more difficult to breathe when I am short of breath, and I keep coughing, which produces a wheezing sound, bu...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Lin: Based on your description, it seems to be a typical allergic condition. You will need to use inhalers and nasal sprays for maintenance. If there is no improvement, you may also consider adding oral antihistamines. However, please come to the hospital for further eva...[Read More] Persistent Chest Tightness: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Relief
Understanding Chronic Cough: Causes, Concerns, and Diagnostic Options
Chronic cough Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing a chronic cough for about several months, with the main symptoms being a dry cough and an itch in my chest (not in my throat). The most notable feature is that I do not cough at night, but I do cough during the day when I am wo...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear N: Early screening for lung cancer primarily relies on low-dose CT scans. The clinical symptoms of cancer are not specific, so using symptoms for comparison lacks consistency. Based on your description, the likelihood of allergic cough should be considered as the main possib...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Cough: Causes, Concerns, and Diagnostic Options
Can Regular Masks Prevent TB Transmission During Patient Contact?
Is it possible to contract tuberculosis from a patient who is not wearing a mask while I am wearing a regular mask (not an N95 mask)? I need to personally meet with a young patient in their twenties who has tuberculosis for business purposes. This patient was hospitalized for tre...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. Regular masks cannot block tuberculosis bacteria; the general principle is to have patients wear regular masks to reduce the release of infectious droplets. 2. Negative pressure isolation rooms have an air exchange rate of more than 8 times per hour and are well-ventila...[Read More] Can Regular Masks Prevent TB Transmission During Patient Contact?
Coughing with Chest Pain: Understanding Your Symptoms and Next Steps
Coughing causes chest pain? Hello doctor, I was once pressed by a heavy object on my chest, and since then, I have been experiencing a persistent cough. However, my throat does not hurt! Initially, I thought it was just a mild cold and only took cough medicine. But I have been co...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you get an X-ray. If it confirms that there are no lung diseases, you may consider seeing a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. Traditional medicine may have some prescriptions that can help with issues such as Qi stagnation, poor Qi flow, or ...[Read More] Coughing with Chest Pain: Understanding Your Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Cough and Nasal Congestion: Possible Causes and Solutions
Cough and nasal congestion? Doctor, I have been experiencing nasal allergy issues for the past few years, with frequent itching and sneezing. However, since last winter, I have been dealing with daily nasal congestion, itching, and sneezing. In the past two months, I have also st...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: If you have allergic rhinitis or sinusitis, you may want to consult an otolaryngologist or a pulmonologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Cough and Nasal Congestion: Possible Causes and Solutions
Managing Excessive Salivation and Coughing After Pneumonia Treatment
Pneumonia Hello, I have pneumonia and have been experiencing excessive salivation with bubbles. What should I do? I was hospitalized from April 14 to April 19, and since then I have been taking medication but still have a cough, phlegm, and shortness of breath. After taking medic...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, it may be due to medication side effects or changes in your condition. Please schedule a follow-up appointment for treatment. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang.[Read More] Managing Excessive Salivation and Coughing After Pneumonia Treatment
Persistent Cough for Over a Month: What Specialist Should You See?
Coughing for nearly a month and a half, the clinic doctor said it is not sinusitis? Hello, doctor. I have been coughing for nearly a month and a half. I wear a mask while at work, but I still experience nasal congestion, swelling, and pain while sleeping; I even have some bleedin...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Miss Chang: Please visit the hospital to see a pulmonologist and get a chest X-ray. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Persistent Cough for Over a Month: What Specialist Should You See?
Persistent Cough: Understanding Chronic Bronchitis and Its Treatment
Persistent cough? Hello Dr. Huang! I would like to consult you regarding my persistent cough. Since March 2016, after being infected with a cold from a family member, I have been experiencing a continuous cough for over a month now. I have visited five different clinics without i...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Lin: There are many causes of cough. Usually, a persistent cough is unlikely to be just a simple cold. The most common causes include chronic bronchitis, asthma, post-nasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux, pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, and lung tumors. However, consid...[Read More] Persistent Cough: Understanding Chronic Bronchitis and Its Treatment
Understanding Coughing: When to Seek Medical Advice for Respiratory Issues
Questions related to cough? Hello, Dr. Wu. I would like to ask about a recent issue I've been experiencing. For about a week now, it feels like there is water in my trachea, and I occasionally feel the urge to cough when I take a deep breath. I might be more concerned about ...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello, it may be related to phlegm, and the urge to cough when inhaling is a respiratory allergic reaction. If symptoms persist, a chest X-ray should be performed first. Wishing you good health, Dr. Wu Ying-Hsun.[Read More] Understanding Coughing: When to Seek Medical Advice for Respiratory Issues
Understanding Cough and Chest Pain: Insights from Pulmonary Medicine
Cough with chest pain? Hello doctor, my mother started coughing around the 20th of last month and now her speech is reduced to a whisper. She is currently speaking with little strength. She has been visiting clinics for treatment and was referred to a larger hospital last week. I...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Based on what has been mentioned, the most important factor may still be the results of the CT scan, which will help determine if further examinations are necessary. The report should be available in 1-2 days. If you need to see a doctor urgently, you can inquire with the ...[Read More] Understanding Cough and Chest Pain: Insights from Pulmonary Medicine