Is Lung Lavage Right for You? Understanding Benefits and Risks
Regarding pulmonary lavage? I had a smoking history of seven years, and although I have quit for several years now, I believe that the five years of smoking may have caused some pollution in my lungs. Additionally, living in a big city for many years, I have been exposed to the e...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Lung lavage is typically used for diagnosing difficult cases, and its therapeutic application is limited to very few diseases (such as proteinaceous lung disease). There is no theoretical basis or practicality for using it to wash out smoke or dust. You have been smoke-free for s...[Read More] Is Lung Lavage Right for You? Understanding Benefits and Risks
Understanding Acinic Cell Carcinoma: Rare Lung Cancer Insights in Taiwan
Questions related to acinic cell carcinoma? Hello, my friend was recently diagnosed with acinic cell carcinoma located in the lungs. I couldn't find any related cases in Taiwan online, and since it's in the lungs, it's even rarer. I'm unsure if this is conside...
Dr. Huang Ruiming Reply:
Hello, Xiao Tang: Acinic cell carcinoma is extremely rare as a primary cancer in the lungs; most cases are metastatic from other sites, such as the salivary glands or parotid glands. Its treatment typically follows the standard cancer protocols, which include surgical resection, ...[Read More] Understanding Acinic Cell Carcinoma: Rare Lung Cancer Insights in Taiwan
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Regarding lung pain? Hello! The medical condition described is as follows: About a month ago, I had a cold and consumed a considerable amount of cold beer. That night, in addition to a hangover headache, I experienced significant pain in the right side of my chest. The next day, ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Given your age and the recent X-ray examination showing no abnormalities, neuropathic pain remains the most likely diagnosis. It is recommended that you relax, avoid cold water and raw fruits and vegetables (including radishes, napa cabbage, bitter melon, and bamboo shoots...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Tuberculosis Testing: Your Questions Answered
Tuberculosis Examination I would like to ask the doctor a few questions: 1. Since mid-July, I caught a cold from a classmate, which led to fever and phlegm in my throat (I usually have phlegm in my throat as well, but a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner said it was due ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR Ruru: I apologize for the late reply. Regarding your questions: 1. The diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis requires three criteria: 1) clinical symptoms, 2) chest X-ray (CXR), and 3) microbiological evidence. At least two of these must be met for a diagnosis, so it appears...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Testing: Your Questions Answered
Understanding Tuberculosis: Transmission, Diagnosis, and Family Risks
Mycobacterium tuberculosis 1. Does tuberculosis have the potential to be contagious before the onset of symptoms? 2. How can I determine if I have tuberculosis? 3. If a family member has tuberculosis, is there a high chance that we will contract it? Thank you =)
Dr. Chen Jaming Reply:
1. Tuberculosis (TB) of the lungs is not contagious before the disease manifests; more precisely, if the disease is not active, it can only be classified as latent TB and not as active tuberculosis. 2. There are many methods to test for tuberculosis; typically, a chest X-ray is...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis: Transmission, Diagnosis, and Family Risks
Understanding Lung Shadows and Fluid: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
The presence of shadows and fluid in the lungs may indicate several conditions, such as pneumonia, pulmonary edema, lung tumors, or pleural effusion. It is essential to conduct further diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies or laboratory tests, to determine the underlying caus...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello, there are many reasons for the presence of shadows in the lungs along with fluid accumulation, such as inflammation, pneumonia, tuberculosis, tumors, etc. Further examinations are necessary to establish a diagnosis, and treatment can only be provided based on that diagnosi...[Read More] Understanding Lung Shadows and Fluid: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Understanding Cough-Induced Lung Discomfort: Is It Alveolar Rupture?
Coughing feels like the alveoli are rupturing? Sometimes when I cough too hard, I feel a sensation in my lungs as if something is "popping." Could this be a ruptured alveolus? Occasionally, I also experience mild pain in my chest (when taking deep breaths), but it is al...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear: The presence of sound when coughing may be related to bronchoconstriction. A ruptured lung could lead to pneumothorax, causing wheezing; therefore, it is unlikely. It would be advisable to first perform pulmonary function tests for further evaluation. Huang Yi-Wen[Read More] Understanding Cough-Induced Lung Discomfort: Is It Alveolar Rupture?
Understanding CA125 Levels: Implications for Lung Health and Beyond
CA125 test The CA-125 value from the company's health check is 48. Since I smoke, could this be related to lung issues? Most of the information I found seems to focus on gynecology, but some mention that abnormal values related to the gastrointestinal or lungs should be addr...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Meiluxi, CA125 is a tumor marker that many women are familiar with, but may not fully understand. Many people mistakenly believe that a CA125 level greater than 35 strongly indicates ovarian cancer, which can lead to unnecessary worry. In reality, the most common condition ...[Read More] Understanding CA125 Levels: Implications for Lung Health and Beyond
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
Chronic Left Upper Back Pain and Cough: Possible Causes Explained
Persistent pain in the upper left back? Six months ago, I started experiencing pain in the upper left back, and recently I've noticed a cough that seems to have a foul odor resembling decaying food coming from my trachea.
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Mr. Liu's upper back pain is primarily due to inflammation or fatigue of the muscle tissue (such as maintaining a single posture for an extended period). A small portion of the causes may be related to pulmonary diseases. To clarify any connection with the lungs, it is neces...[Read More] Chronic Left Upper Back Pain and Cough: Possible Causes Explained
Understanding Asthma and Emphysema: Key Insights for Patients
Asthma and emphysema issues? Hello, Doctor: I had a cold and cough for over a month, which led to wheezing, and I went to the hospital for an X-ray. The doctor said I have emphysema (I don't smoke, but I have a history of asthma, and the doctor suspects it might be poorly co...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Yuting: Here are the brief responses to your questions: 1. A definitive diagnosis of emphysema requires a lung biopsy to observe abnormal enlargement of the alveoli (the smallest structural units of the lung) along with destruction of the alveolar walls. This condition t...[Read More] Understanding Asthma and Emphysema: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Chest Cavity Deformities: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Options
Thoracic deformity Doctor, during my X-ray, the doctor unexpectedly found that my thoracic cavity is deformed. What is thoracic cavity deformity, how will it affect my body, and how should it be managed?
Dr. Chen Jaming Reply:
The condition you described may indicate a congenital rib development abnormality, resulting in either a protruding or sunken sternum. A protruding sternum is known as pectus carinatum (or "pigeon chest"), while a sunken sternum is referred to as pectus excavatum (or &q...[Read More] Understanding Chest Cavity Deformities: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Options
Understanding Tracheostomy Concerns in Diabetic Patients in ICU
Concerns about tracheostomy? Hello, the patient’s grandfather has been in the intensive care unit for over four months due to diabetes-related amputations. His mental state fluctuates between good and bad. Recently, the doctors have been suggesting a tracheostomy because there ar...
Dr. Chen Jaming Reply:
In general, if a patient on a ventilator requires intubation for more than two weeks without the possibility of extubation, tracheostomy is recommended. Compared to intubation, the benefits of tracheostomy include increased oral comfort for the patient and a reduction in the risk...[Read More] Understanding Tracheostomy Concerns in Diabetic Patients in ICU
Post-Pneumothorax Symptoms: Understanding Recovery and Breathing Issues
Symptoms after a pneumothorax? Doctor: Hello, I was hospitalized in mid-August this year for pneumothorax and underwent intubation treatment. The tube was removed six days later, and I was discharged the following day. However, it has been about a month and a half since then, and...
Dr. Liu Longyu Reply:
Hello Mr. Liu: 1. After treatment for pneumothorax with tube insertion, it indicates that there is no air leakage from the lung surface into the chest wall. The site of the chest tube insertion and the pleura will require time to heal. Occasionally, there may be pain due to nerv...[Read More] Post-Pneumothorax Symptoms: Understanding Recovery and Breathing Issues
Understanding Lung Shadows on X-rays: Diagnosis and Next Steps
There is an opacity on the chest X-ray? Hello Dr. Zhou! My father had an X-ray in mid-October, which revealed shadows in the right middle lobe and right lower lobe of his lung (three areas). Sometimes he experiences pain in his right chest while breathing, and it hurts more with ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Based on the situation you described, the right middle/right lower lung should be compared with older images. If there are new shadows, there is a higher possibility of active lesions. Although no tuberculosis bacteria were found in the sputum, we cannot completely rule out the p...[Read More] Understanding Lung Shadows on X-rays: Diagnosis and Next Steps
Managing Medication Concerns for Elderly Patients with Lung and Heart Issues
Consult a physician? Dr. Yang: My father, who is 83 years old, was hospitalized two days ago due to pneumonia caused by pleural effusion. He has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, and he was cured of tuberculosis over forty years ago. He uses an...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Jun: This hospitalization may be related to infection or heart failure. In principle, the attending physician will determine the medication based on the severity and urgency of the condition. Some medications that are usually taken may affect heart rate or blood pressure, w...[Read More] Managing Medication Concerns for Elderly Patients with Lung and Heart Issues
Understanding Lung Issues: Calcium Deposits and Cancer Concerns
Lung issues Hello, doctor! My mother had an X-ray of her lungs and there are numerous white spots. She says she has chest pain and has been feeling like there is phlegm stuck in her throat for a long time. The doctor mentioned lung calcification and said that further monitoring i...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, if the physician suspects pulmonary calcification, it is often a result of scarring from previous inflammatory diseases. A single X-ray may not be sufficient for confirmation; follow-up comparisons are usually necessary. If there are still concerns, it is advisable to disc...[Read More] Understanding Lung Issues: Calcium Deposits and Cancer Concerns
Understanding Potential Tuberculosis Diagnosis: Key Questions and Next Steps
Diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello Doctor, In June, during a medical examination for studying abroad, a chest X-ray revealed a fibrotic calcified nodule in the upper lobe of my right lung. The examining physician suggested that it might be a scar from a past tuberculosis...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, 1. If there were no abnormalities in the chest X-ray six years ago and there are now significant lesions, the likelihood of an active lesion is greater (unless there has been a history of other lung diseases in the past six years). 2. If there is a lesion in the right ...[Read More] Understanding Potential Tuberculosis Diagnosis: Key Questions and Next Steps
Can Damaged Alveoli from Asthma or Emphysema Heal Over Time?
Could you please provide more details about the issue of alveolar repair? Hello, doctor: May I ask if, due to severe asthma or emphysema, the rupture of alveoli can be repaired and restored to their original state in a patient's lifetime according to modern medicine? If so, ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Alveolar rupture leads to air escaping from the alveoli into the pleural cavity, a condition known as pneumothorax. Inhaling high concentrations of oxygen or inserting a chest tube for drainage can help remove the air trapped in the pleural cavity, allowing the lungs to re...[Read More] Can Damaged Alveoli from Asthma or Emphysema Heal Over Time?