Can Pneumonia Lead to Sepsis and Lung Cancer? Understanding the Risks
Can pneumonia lead to sepsis? My mother has been coughing for a long time, and the doctor treated her for tuberculosis. However, after taking medication for more than six months, her cough has not improved. Later, she developed shortness of breath and required an oxygen machine t...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If a patient continues to experience wheezing after six months of tuberculosis treatment, it is possible that extensive lesions in both lungs were present at the time of diagnosis. Even after treatment, fibrosis may remain and affect lung function. Additionally, there may ...[Read More] Can Pneumonia Lead to Sepsis and Lung Cancer? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients with Arrhythmia
Bilateral chest pain? Hello Doctor, I have a history of arrhythmia and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (which occurs during normal activities). Since yesterday, I have been experiencing chest pain, specifically below both clavicles, which worsens with movement or touch (i...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: There is no cough, so the lungs are likely fine. It is recommended to follow up with a cardiologist. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients with Arrhythmia
Should You Get Tested for Tuberculosis After a Cough?
Tuberculosis (TB) issues? About a month ago, I had a persistent cough with phlegm that lasted for a while. After approximately 2-3 weeks, I gradually recovered, and I am currently no longer coughing. Initially, aside from the cough, I did not have any other significant symptoms. ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Currently, there are no symptoms! Just waiting for notification for the examination, and then we will check the X-ray for any abnormalities! Best wishes![Read More] Should You Get Tested for Tuberculosis After a Cough?
Understanding Phlegm Sensation in Lungs While Lying Down
Feeling mucus in the lungs while lying down? Hello doctor, I have always felt a sensation of phlegm in my lungs when lying down, but I usually don't have much of a coughing issue. Breathing is fine when I'm standing, but I experience this sensation only when I'm ly...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms are more related to changes in body position and resemble post-nasal drip or gastroesophageal reflux (especially if you experience discomfort in the upper abdomen or acid regurgitation). It is recommended that you first consult an otolaryngologist. Best wishe...[Read More] Understanding Phlegm Sensation in Lungs While Lying Down
Is Inhaling Lithium Battery Fumes Harmful to Your Health?
Inhalation of lithium battery fumes? Today, I opened the back cover of my phone to replace the battery and noticed a plastic-like odor. The smell was even stronger when I brought the battery closer, resembling a type of electronic odor. After a few minutes, my throat started to i...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. The components of the odor may be unknown; it may depend on the material of the phone. 2. Sometimes, certain irritant gases can cause adverse reactions in individuals with more sensitive respiratory tracts. If you experience discomfort, please consult a pulmonologist.[Read More] Is Inhaling Lithium Battery Fumes Harmful to Your Health?
Persistent Coughing: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Persistent cough? Hello, doctor. I left my job at an electronics factory a year ago after working in a chemical environment for 10 years. I have been experiencing noticeable fatigue and occasional coughing when I smell chemicals, which led me to leave. I do not like spicy food (m...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Please visit the pulmonology department for an examination.[Read More] Persistent Coughing: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Is There a Link Between Left Lung X-Ray Abnormalities and Rapid Heartbeat?
Is there a relationship between abnormalities in the upper left lung X-ray and a rapid heartbeat? My mother is 65 years old (non-smoker, non-drinker, with a light diet, and no family history). A year ago, an X-ray revealed mild pneumonia in the lower right lung, which was treated...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. There is a pre-existing mitral valve prolapse, which may cause chest discomfort symptoms; further evaluation by a cardiologist is recommended. 2. The abnormality in the left upper lung cannot be determined from the text; a follow-up examination at the original hospital ...[Read More] Is There a Link Between Left Lung X-Ray Abnormalities and Rapid Heartbeat?
Dealing with Persistent Phlegm: Causes and Solutions
Issues with phlegm? Hello doctor, I have been catching colds frequently in the past six months. Each time I finish my medication, I still don't feel better, and I've seen the doctor five times last month. Currently, I don't have much cold symptoms, but I still have...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: If you have been coughing for several weeks, it is advisable to get a chest X-ray. Please visit a pulmonologist.[Read More] Dealing with Persistent Phlegm: Causes and Solutions
Persistent Yellow Phlegm After Flu: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Yellow phlegm in the throat? Hello, doctor. I had influenza type A a month ago, and after I stopped having a fever, I continued to cough up yellow phlegm. It took three weeks of medication for my condition to improve. I have severe allergies and chronic bronchitis, and I used to ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: You may first consult a pulmonologist to determine if it is bronchitis or an infection. If it is a nasal issue, then you should see an otolaryngologist.[Read More] Persistent Yellow Phlegm After Flu: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Chest tightness or chest pain? I have been experiencing a cold for the past two to three weeks and have been visiting the clinic. My symptoms include coughing, runny nose, and phlegm. However, starting today, I have been feeling a tight pain in my chest. On the day I experienced ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of chest tightness; please seek medical attention from a physician.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Managing ICU Recovery: Addressing Agitation After Intubation for Flu
Post-extubation agitation following emergency intubation for influenza? Hello Dr. Yang, My sister has been intubated at Chang Gung Hospital for 15 days due to influenza. Today is March 25th. The attending physician mentioned that they could help her with respiratory exercises, a...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is quite uncomfortable for a conscious person to have an endotracheal tube in their airway, which may lead to restlessness. A mild sedative or psychological encouragement may be necessary. Chang Gung Memorial Hospital is an excellent medical center, and specialized phys...[Read More] Managing ICU Recovery: Addressing Agitation After Intubation for Flu
Mild Fibrosis in Upper Lobes: Is It Related to Previous Lung Injury?
Mild fibrosis in the upper lobe? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask about my recent health check-up due to work-related requirements. It was noted that there is mild fibrosis in both upper lung lobes. I would like to know if this is related to my previous lung injury from a cold...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Pulmonary fibrosis is mostly a result of previous lung injury or inflammation (sometimes after a prolonged cough without an X-ray, one may not realize there is pneumonia). After healing, fibrotic scars may remain, but if the affected area is small, it typically does not si...[Read More] Mild Fibrosis in Upper Lobes: Is It Related to Previous Lung Injury?
Understanding Right Chest Rib Pain and Associated Gastric Discomfort
Right chest rib pain, with accompanying stomach cramps? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask about the pain I experience in my right chest rib area, which extends from my armpit to the upper abdomen. I also have stomach pain (pressing on the ribs is painful, and sometimes I cough)...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Mr. Tsai: Your pain under the right rib cage may have three possible causes: 1. Neuralgia (usually intermittent sharp pain), which is likely related to stress and busyness; it is difficult to improve without changing work habits. 2. Muscle pain (related to coughing forceful...[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Rib Pain and Associated Gastric Discomfort
Can Cold Medications Affect Tuberculosis Treatment Effectiveness?
Will catching a cold while taking tuberculosis medication cause a relapse? In the case of tuberculosis (TB), taking cold medicine will not help with the symptoms of TB. However, I have been on tuberculosis medication for almost six months now. Is there a possibility that I could ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Tuberculosis (TB) requires a regular treatment course of 6 to 9 months, and it will not worsen during treatment (unless there is drug resistance). Worsening is defined as the reappearance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum tests and an increase in the extent of lesion...[Read More] Can Cold Medications Affect Tuberculosis Treatment Effectiveness?
Understanding the Link Between Nasal Congestion and Chest Pain
Haven't used my nose to breathe for a long time? I have been experiencing nasal congestion for a long time. Since I haven't had any cold symptoms (no cough or runny nose), I haven't seen a doctor. Because of the nasal congestion, I have been breathing through my mo...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of nasal congestion, with allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps being quite common. An otolaryngologist is an expert in this area, so it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding the Link Between Nasal Congestion and Chest Pain
Understanding Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Pain Management and Treatment Options
Spontaneous pneumothorax I would like to ask about my pneumothorax, which has recurred for the second time. This time it is not severe, just a mild issue at the apex, so the doctor said surgery is not necessary and it can be allowed to reabsorb. However, I still feel a lot of pai...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Persistent pain may indicate that the wound has not yet healed. If this occurs a second time, surgical repair is recommended. Best regards.[Read More] Understanding Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Pain Management and Treatment Options
Understanding Chest Itching: Causes and Next Steps for Relief
Itchy sensation in the thoracic cavity? Hello Dr. Chou, Last year, I experienced recurrent colds and bronchitis. I feel an itch in my right chest cavity when I breathe, which makes me very worried. I have already visited a pulmonologist and had a CT scan, and the doctor said the...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Most structural issues should be clear from the CT scan. Other functional tests, such as pulmonary function tests, may also be necessary. For further invasive examinations like bronchoscopy, please discuss with a pulmonologist whether it is needed.[Read More] Understanding Chest Itching: Causes and Next Steps for Relief
Understanding Unexplained Stomach Tremors: When to Seek Medical Advice
The stomach feels a strange sensation of trembling, but there is no pain? Hello, Doctor. May I ask you a question? Thank you. I am 20 years old. One day, when it was very cold, I suddenly coughed very hard, and it felt like my stomach had a hole or something. Since that day, some...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: It may be that the abdominal muscle spasms are caused by excessive coughing. You could consult a neurologist. If there is pain in the upper abdomen, it may be necessary to see a gastroenterologist.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Stomach Tremors: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Nighttime Cough: Causes and Concerns for Over a Month
Coughing at night for more than a month? Hello, doctor! I have been experiencing a cough for over a month now, which usually occurs at night while I am sleeping, especially when lying flat. I hardly cough during the day, and I do not have any chest pain. The color of the phlegm i...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Zhih-Lun: Based on the symptoms you described, it seems more like an allergic cough. You might want to wash all your bedding and pillows, and avoid having clutter around your bed. After these measures, if there is still no improvement, you can come to the hospital for allerg...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Cough: Causes and Concerns for Over a Month
Improving Lung Health: Tips for Managing Shortness of Breath and Infections
How to improve persistent wheezing in the lungs? Dr. Yang, I am your patient. I have half of my lung remaining, and I experience shortness of breath whenever I catch a cold. Is it safe for me to buy an oxygen tank to increase my oxygen levels? Are there any side effects? Addition...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: With only half of the lungs remaining, it is even more important to take good care of the remaining lung. Additionally, with asthma, long-term planning is necessary for the use of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators. A small amount of inhaled corticoste...[Read More] Improving Lung Health: Tips for Managing Shortness of Breath and Infections