Understanding the Worsening of Tuberculosis During Treatment: Key Insights
Worsening during the treatment process of pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello Doctor: In early December last year, I suddenly experienced full-body chills and shivering at night. The next day, I had severe chest pain. I had previously experienced night sweats while sleeping. I initiall...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
1. It is important to know whether the sputum culture was positive at the time of diagnosis and if there are results from drug susceptibility testing. 2. The current condition requires another sputum test to check for the presence of bacteria, and a rapid diagnostic test for ant...[Read More] Understanding the Worsening of Tuberculosis During Treatment: Key Insights
Understanding Persistent Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Coughing symptoms Since January of this year, I have been experiencing recurrent colds due to taking care of children, resulting in two to three episodes of illness. Although the colds have resolved, I have been suffering from a persistent cough. Before the Lunar New Year, I took...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Based on what has been described, it is more likely to be caused by a sensitive trachea or post-nasal drip. However, since this is not an in-person consultation, please visit a pulmonologist for evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Understanding the Links Between Emphysema, Lung Nodules, and Blood Pressure Spikes
Is there a connection between emphysema, pulmonary nodules, latent tuberculosis, and waking up at night with high blood pressure? Hello Dr. Chen, I just had a CT scan, and the result shows Moderate Bilateral Centrilobular Emphysema (I am currently abroad). I would like to ask you...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
Hello: Allow me to answer your questions in a simple bullet-point format. 1. Is moderate significantly more severe than mild? (I do not smoke, but I have used strong chemical solvents to clean stubborn adhesives.) Answer: From an imaging perspective, moderate is indeed more ...[Read More] Understanding the Links Between Emphysema, Lung Nodules, and Blood Pressure Spikes
Discomfort Below the Sternum: Possible Causes and Concerns
Discomfort in the middle of the ribs? Hello, since the day before yesterday, I've been feeling a crackling sensation in the middle of my ribs, just below the xiphoid process, especially when I exhale forcefully or cough. Coughing causes some pain, and it feels like there...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Please visit the pulmonology department for evaluation and consider getting a chest X-ray.[Read More] Discomfort Below the Sternum: Possible Causes and Concerns
Could It Be Lung Cancer? Understanding Persistent Cough Symptoms
Could it be lung cancer? Three months ago, I had a fever and cold, and ever since recovering from the cold, I have been coughing non-stop. It's been almost three months since I got sick, and the medication hasn't helped. I’ve been increasingly stressed and worried about...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ah-Cheng: I have reviewed your description, and lung cancer should be ruled out. Based on your age, chest X-ray, and the interpretation by the pulmonologist, early-stage or even late-stage lung cancer may not necessarily present with symptoms. Common symptoms such as cough, ...[Read More] Could It Be Lung Cancer? Understanding Persistent Cough Symptoms
Understanding Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment: Your Questions Answered
Diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello, I submitted my first sputum sample for testing on October 27 (actually, I had no sputum, just saliva; should saliva not be used for testing if there is no sputum?). I submitted samples again on October 31 and November 2. The staining re...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: We respect the physician's diagnosis and treatment regarding your condition. If there is a case review, two experts will further validate your diagnosis. Please do not worry! If you have difficulty communicating or asking questions to your attending physician, you may...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment: Your Questions Answered
Left Chest Pain When Coughing: Causes and Concerns Explained
Left chest pain when coughing? Hello Doctor, I have a question to ask. I do not smoke or drink alcohol, and as a software engineer, my work environment does not expose me to harmful gases. I usually do not cough, but occasionally I experience a scratchy throat or cough reflexiv...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The chest X-ray shows only calcifications, indicating a past lung inflammation that has healed, leaving small scars. Currently, there are no active pulmonary lesions! Forceful coughing may cause pleuritic pain due to irritation of the pleura surrounding the lungs. Finding ...[Read More] Left Chest Pain When Coughing: Causes and Concerns Explained
Understanding Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Chest pain due to pneumothorax? Hello, doctor. I am a high school student experiencing left-sided chest pain. The hospital examination revealed a pneumothorax, with a chest X-ray showing normal findings but a 2 cm area compressing the lung by 3.5 cm. The doctor recommended a drai...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: First, alleviate the symptoms (oxygen therapy or chest tube drainage). Follow up with X-rays; if there is no absorption or improvement after two weeks, consider surgery. A chest CT scan can also be referenced. If there are still other subpleural blebs in the lungs (unruptu...[Read More] Understanding Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Chronic Cough: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Effective Treatment
Chronic cough, persistent cough not resolving 2 (ID #130047) Hello Dr. Yang, I've been very busy with school lately, and my persistent cough has severely affected my daily routine and academic performance. It took me a while to find time to read your response. My chest X-ra...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: I understand your current concerns, and here is a brief response: 1. Please consider having another chest X-ray. If the physician agrees, arrange for pulmonary function tests to clarify the causes of any lung parenchymal disease and ventilation impairment. 2. A regular ...[Read More] Chronic Cough: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Effective Treatment
Chronic Cough: Understanding Persistent Symptoms and Seeking Solutions
Chronic cough, persistent cough that does not resolve? Hello, Doctor: (The following content is a bit long; thank you for your patience!) This year, I have once again relapsed with my chronic issue: coughing. I remember being frequently ill since the first grade of elementary sch...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The chest X-ray is normal, which rules out pulmonary infections, tuberculosis, and parenchymal lung diseases such as bronchiectasis. However, it does not exclude tracheal hypersensitivity or asthma, especially since your response to bronchodilators is not significant. I am...[Read More] Chronic Cough: Understanding Persistent Symptoms and Seeking Solutions
What to Do If a Shadow Is Found on the Right Lung During Health Checkup?
Pulmonary issues If a student’s health check reveals a shadow in the right hilum of the lung, what should be done and what possible situations could arise?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: It may be related to issues with the lungs, mediastinum, or vascular shadows. Further evaluation by a thoracic specialist is necessary.[Read More] What to Do If a Shadow Is Found on the Right Lung During Health Checkup?
Intermittent Blood in Sputum: Causes and When to Seek Help
Occasional blood in the sputum? At the end of August, I started to have some brownish sputum, sometimes with a few blood spots. I consulted an ENT specialist who performed an endoscopy and found that my throat and nasopharynx were normal. A week later, I began to experience a sor...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. A follow-up chest X-ray can be performed; if hemoptysis persists, a bronchoscopy may be considered. Please consult a pulmonologist. 2. If the focus is solely on the lungs, a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan can be done (but it will be out-of-pocket). The downside ...[Read More] Intermittent Blood in Sputum: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Lung Health: Insights on Valve Issues and Growth in Teens
Issues related to the lungs? Hello doctor, a few weeks ago I suddenly experienced some difficulty breathing. I saw a pulmonologist who found nothing serious, but when I consulted a cardiologist, it was discovered that I have mild mitral valve regurgitation. The pulmonologist ment...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: In summary, there are no significant issues, and regular follow-up is sufficient. What is considered regular? Please return to the thoracic medicine outpatient clinic annually or whenever you experience discomfort. Best regards.[Read More] Understanding Lung Health: Insights on Valve Issues and Growth in Teens
Understanding Chest Discomfort When Lying Down: Causes and Insights
Chest tightness or pain? I only feel a tightness in my chest when lying flat. It's uncomfortable, but currently, there's not much of a serious issue. I've been searching for information for a long time and still haven't found anything related, so I'm here...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If walking for exercise does not cause any discomfort, there should be no major issues. However, if you are still concerned, you can see a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray to check for any abnormalities in the lungs and heart.[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort When Lying Down: Causes and Insights
Understanding the Need for PET Scans in Unclear Chest Imaging Results
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) My mother is 54 years old and was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer four years ago. In recent years, her follow-up examinations have shown no abnormalities. However, during a check-up earlier this month, a shadow was detected on her chest X-r...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If you want to examine shadows in the breast or lungs, a CT scan is appropriate. Positron emission tomography (PET) can help determine whether the shadow is more likely to be a metastatic tumor rather than a benign inflammatory lesion. PET can also assess areas outside the...[Read More] Understanding the Need for PET Scans in Unclear Chest Imaging Results
Severe Chest Pain Between Lungs: Possible Causes and Concerns
Severe pain in the center of the chest between the lungs? Three days ago, I woke up feeling chest pain. At first, I thought it wasn't a big deal, so I went to work. However, the pain has persisted for three days and is still present today. It worsens with intense physical ac...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: It may be costochondritis; a chest X-ray can be performed to check for any issues with the lungs.[Read More] Severe Chest Pain Between Lungs: Possible Causes and Concerns
Persistent Cough for Five Months: Seeking Answers After 20 Doctor Visits
I have been coughing for five months and have seen over 20 doctors, yet it still hasn't improved? Hello Doctor: I have been coughing since early March and have seen a doctor for the first time. I have continued to see doctors for examinations, and I have seen more than 20 do...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: At the age of 24, the likelihood of developing lung adenocarcinoma is low. Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also be one of the causes of chronic cough. It is important to consider whether the cough is related to occupational exposure. Pulmonary functi...[Read More] Persistent Cough for Five Months: Seeking Answers After 20 Doctor Visits
Understanding Mild Emphysema: Post-Surgery Care and Health Monitoring
Mild emphysema in both lungs? Hello, Director! I was hospitalized in the emergency department of Taichung Veterans General Hospital at the end of February this year due to a spontaneous pneumothorax, and I ultimately underwent a wedge resection and pleurodesis. My recovery post-s...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Emphysema is an imaging diagnosis observed on chest X-rays; however, to confirm the presence of emphysema, further examinations are necessary. Please consult a pulmonologist at the Veterans General Hospital. It is advisable to avoid air pollution, secondhand smoke, and toxic subs...[Read More] Understanding Mild Emphysema: Post-Surgery Care and Health Monitoring
Post-Thoracoscopic Surgery: Managing Rib Pain and Wound Care Concerns
Post-operative pain in the rib area and wound issues after pneumothorax surgery? I underwent a thoracoscopic partial resection of the right upper lobe and pleural adhesion surgery for pneumothorax on June 16 of this year. Recently, I have been experiencing pain in the area of my ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Post-operative wound pain may persist for a period of time, and the duration varies from person to person. If the pain is severe, you may ask your physician to prescribe pain relief medication for backup. For larger wounds, if the adhesive bandage is exuding fluid, replace...[Read More] Post-Thoracoscopic Surgery: Managing Rib Pain and Wound Care Concerns
Persistent Cough with Choking Sensation: When to Seek Further Evaluation?
Persistent cough that feels somewhat like choking when coughing? The mother is 58 years old. Due to concerns about her uncle being suspected of having tuberculosis, she also needs to be monitored. The doctor at the chest hospital mentioned that the mother currently has no issues,...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your question can be briefly answered as follows. A chest X-ray is used to assess whether there are any abnormal shadows or nodules in the lungs. If abnormalities are found, further diagnostic tests may be arranged to confirm the diagnosis (such as tuberculosis, lung cance...[Read More] Persistent Cough with Choking Sensation: When to Seek Further Evaluation?