Understanding Painless Bronchoscopy for Lung Tumor Biopsy: Costs and Accuracy
Lung tumor Doctor: I would like to know about painless bronchoscopy for biopsy. Is it performed in the same way as a regular bronchoscopy, entering through the nose for the biopsy? Is the cost considered out-of-pocket? There is a 7 cm tumor that has not been biopsied yet. The doc...
Dr. Zhuang Ziyi Reply:
Hello: 1. A painless bronchoscopy refers to the use of short-acting anesthetics to alleviate the discomfort experienced by patients during the bronchoscopy procedure, and there is no absolute relationship between whether the bronchoscope is inserted through the nasal cavity or th...[Read More] Understanding Painless Bronchoscopy for Lung Tumor Biopsy: Costs and Accuracy
Understanding Bronchial Abscess: Treatment Options and Surgical Considerations
Bronchial abscess My brother is studying in mainland China and has recently been experiencing coughing. After a doctor's diagnosis, it was found that there are abscesses in his bronchi, and each time he has an episode, the abscesses become larger. The recommendation from the...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Gene: The translation of medical terms used in Mainland China differs slightly from that in Taiwan. As far as I recall, we do not use the term "bronchial abscess." Based on the literal meaning, it seems to refer to three types of conditions: (1) Bronchogenic cyst,...[Read More] Understanding Bronchial Abscess: Treatment Options and Surgical Considerations
Understanding Asthma Symptoms: Seasonal Triggers and Breathing Difficulties
Symptoms of asthma Doctor: There is no family history of asthma at home. However, I often feel short of breath with seasonal changes. There have been a few occasions when I drank alcohol and experienced difficulty breathing, wheezing, and chest pain. I used a bronchodilator, whic...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Furong: Even without a family history, asthma can still be triggered by air pollution or other allergens. If you experience wheezing and find relief with bronchodilators, it resembles bronchial symptoms. I recommend visiting a major hospital's pulmonary department for...[Read More] Understanding Asthma Symptoms: Seasonal Triggers and Breathing Difficulties
Am I Experiencing Asthma, COPD, or Another Lung Condition?
Am I suffering from asthma, another condition, or emphysema? In the past week, I have frequently experienced chest tightness with a bit of pain, and I feel like I can't fully inhale, especially when sitting down or driving; it feels like my breathing is not smooth. I have a ...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Dear Sam, Many diseases can manifest as chest tightness and shortness of breath, such as issues related to the heart and lungs. Therefore, it is not possible to make a judgment based on your description alone. I recommend that you come in for a consultation.[Read More] Am I Experiencing Asthma, COPD, or Another Lung Condition?
Persistent Cough: Uncovering Hidden Health Issues in Your Lungs
Persistent cough? Hello, doctor. My mother has been coughing continuously since July of last year, similar to how patients with tuberculosis cough on television, day and night without stopping. Chest X-rays and sputum tests have been done, and she has also seen an ENT specialist,...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Aside from normal chest X-rays and sputum tests (if interpreted by a pulmonologist), there are still many possible causes for coughing, such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, medication effects (such as from antihypertensive drugs), heart disease, bronchial lesions, laryngitis...[Read More] Persistent Cough: Uncovering Hidden Health Issues in Your Lungs
Top Foods to Protect Your Lungs from Dust and Pollution
Some lung issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a question. I often work on construction sites and frequently inhale lime powder, soil, and dust. Are there any foods that can help protect the lungs? Thank you! ^^
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: There are no foods that can protect the lungs; rather, proper protective measures (such as wearing masks) are the correct approach. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang, Attending Physician of Internal Medicine.[Read More] Top Foods to Protect Your Lungs from Dust and Pollution
Managing Lung Fibrosis After Bone Marrow Transplant: Key Considerations
Pulmonary fibrosis caused by rejection following bone marrow transplantation? The patient is a male in his 30s who was diagnosed with leukemia last year. After chemotherapy, he fortunately found a matched bone marrow donor among his siblings and underwent a transplant. Despite ta...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiao Zhen: Rejection causes pulmonary inflammation, which ultimately leads to fibrosis, leaving behind sequelae of impaired lung function. Only by using immunosuppressive medications or corticosteroids to reduce the inflammatory response can further deterioration of fibros...[Read More] Managing Lung Fibrosis After Bone Marrow Transplant: Key Considerations
Impact of TB Medication When Diagnosis is Not Tuberculosis: Key Insights
If the diagnosis is not tuberculosis, what impact might the previously taken medication have on the body? Two weeks ago, my child at home and my colleagues at the office started catching colds, and I couldn't escape it either—I also caught a cold! I experienced a runny nose,...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. Every medication has potential side effects; however, if the medication is necessary for the condition and the side effects are acceptable, it should still be used. Based on the information provided, the chest X-ray is likely abnormal with lesions, and there are also ...[Read More] Impact of TB Medication When Diagnosis is Not Tuberculosis: Key Insights
Could I Have Tuberculosis? Understanding Lung Cavities and Symptoms
Am I infected with tuberculosis? A few days ago, I had a health check-up and the radiologist mentioned that there are cavities in my lungs, which may indicate tuberculosis. They advised me to get another X-ray next month, but I don't have any symptoms. Could this be the case...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Dear user: You need to undergo sputum tests for further examination (acid-fast stain and TB culture). Additionally, it is recommended that you also perform a cytological examination of the sputum.[Read More] Could I Have Tuberculosis? Understanding Lung Cavities and Symptoms
Understanding Post-Intubation Complications: What to Expect After ICU Care
Complications after intubation? Hello Doctor: I was hospitalized on January 18 due to a persistent high fever (40 degrees Celsius). After an X-ray examination, the doctor diagnosed me with pneumonia, which required hospitalization. On January 20, I underwent intubation due to acu...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Dear netizens: Most complications from endotracheal intubation are temporary. Only a small number of patients may experience permanent damage to the larynx. Therefore, it can be said that most conditions have the potential to recover, but a 100% guarantee cannot be provided.[Read More] Understanding Post-Intubation Complications: What to Expect After ICU Care
Breathing Difficulties After Thyroid Cancer: What You Need to Know
A long-standing issue that has been troubling me~~~ Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask about my condition. I often experience shortness of breath, with the most severe episodes occurring in the morning, although it can happen throughout the day. I also experience dizziness, and ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Moon: If both your chest X-ray and cardiology evaluation are normal, it indicates that your current difficulty in breathing is not related to your heart or lungs. It is possible that there has been slight muscle and minor nerve impact from your previous surgery, leading to...[Read More] Breathing Difficulties After Thyroid Cancer: What You Need to Know
Understanding Right Chest and Arm Pain: Causes and Concerns
Pain around the right rib cage and right arm? Dr. Li: I apologize for interrupting you during your busy schedule. I have been feeling anxious all day and afraid to seek medical attention. The issue began with pain around my right rib cage, which sometimes radiates to my right arm...
Dr. Li Shiwei Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang: The pain around your right chest ribs and right arm is likely due to inflammation of the chest wall. However, if you are concerned about any lung issues, it is advisable to visit a pulmonology clinic for a thorough physical examination and a chest X-ray. Sincerely...[Read More] Understanding Right Chest and Arm Pain: Causes and Concerns
Managing Pulmonary Cryptococcal Infection: Treatment and Follow-Up
Pulmonary cryptococcal infection nodules Hello Dr. Yang, my spouse has been diagnosed with a cryptococcal infection in the lungs. After treatment with Diflucan (fluconazole) at a dosage of 300 mg/day for 7 weeks, the CT scan showed that the nodule decreased from 1.9 cm to 1.5 cm,...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Mr. Jiang: Here are brief responses to your three questions: 1. For individuals with normal immune function, if there is no deterioration of the lesions after a period of treatment for cryptococcal pneumonia, the medication can be discontinued without needing to wait for th...[Read More] Managing Pulmonary Cryptococcal Infection: Treatment and Follow-Up
Understanding Tracheostomy: Managing Mucus and Breathing Difficulties in Elderly Patients
Tracheostomy My grandfather is 92 years old and was recently admitted to the intensive care unit due to choking on food. The doctors have informed us that they are unable to suction out the mucus from his lungs, and he is also having difficulty breathing on his own. He has been o...
Dr. Zhuang Ziyi Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. In healthy individuals, the respiratory tract produces a certain amount of mucus daily, which is propelled upward from the deep lung areas to the trachea and even the vocal cords by the cilia on the surface of the respiratory epithelial cells. This mucus can ...[Read More] Understanding Tracheostomy: Managing Mucus and Breathing Difficulties in Elderly Patients
Understanding Bronchiectasis: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
A patient with bronchiectasis inquires? 1. For patients with bronchiectasis, the daily sputum production can range from approximately 30 cc to 100 cc, but this can vary widely depending on the severity of the condition. 2. Yellow sputum may indicate a bacterial infection, sugges...
Dr. Li Shiwei Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. The amount of sputum in patients with bronchiectasis varies from person to person and is related to the extent and location of the bronchiectasis, as well as the presence of infection. 2. An increase in sputum volume or a change to a yellow color often indica...[Read More] Understanding Bronchiectasis: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
Managing Cat Allergies and Asthma: Finding Balance for Pet Lovers
Allergic asthma and cat ownership? Hello, my husband has allergic asthma and we have had a cat for a year. Initially, he experienced allergic reactions, but now it has improved significantly; he only experiences allergies occasionally when playing with the cat. However, his asthm...
Dr. Cai Fushun Reply:
Patients with asthma commonly experience the following symptoms: intermittent shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing, particularly during the night or early morning. Additionally, the following situations should also be considered indicative of asthma: exper...[Read More] Managing Cat Allergies and Asthma: Finding Balance for Pet Lovers
Exploring Outpatient Options for Silicosis Management
Is there an outpatient clinic for "pneumoconiosis"? My father has been diagnosed with "pneumoconiosis" (silicosis), and the doctor said there are no aggressive treatment options available; we can only monitor his condition for any deterioration before deciding...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Silicosis is caused by the long-term inhalation of silica, leading to lung damage due to its accumulation in the lungs. Currently, there is no specific method for removal; the focus is on minimizing other harmful factors (such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoidin...[Read More] Exploring Outpatient Options for Silicosis Management
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Chest abnormal sharp pain? Doctor, it's been quite a while, about a year or two ago, that I experienced severe stabbing pain in my left chest twice. The pain was so intense that I could hardly stand, and it hurt to breathe. Although the pain subsided, I didn't follow up...
Dr. Cai Fushun Reply:
The lungs do not have nerves, so if the disease has not invaded the pleura, it will not cause pain. Your symptoms seem more like neuropathic pain, but it is advisable to visit an outpatient clinic for an X-ray to rule out any pulmonary diseases.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Co-Infection of Pulmonary Cryptococcus and Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria
Pulmonary cryptococcosis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection? 1. Is it possible for the lungs to be simultaneously infected with both conditions mentioned above? 2. How long does it take for the effects of Diflucan to be completely eliminated from the body after discontin...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Mr. Jiang: Hello, here is a brief response to your questions for your reference. 1. The lungs may be infected by two types of bacteria simultaneously, but some bacteria may just be commensal and not pathogenic (causing persistent tissue damage). 2. The half-life of Diflucan is ap...[Read More] Co-Infection of Pulmonary Cryptococcus and Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria
Understanding Breathing Difficulties: When Air Feels Stuck in Your Lungs
Often feel that the air does not reach the lungs when breathing? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask you about something. Recently, I often feel a bit of difficulty in breathing, as if air is not reaching my lungs. I frequently have to take deep breaths, and even when I do, sometim...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Lanlan: Your symptoms may involve two issues: 1. Bloating and belching could be related to gastritis or consuming too many cold foods that irritate the stomach. 2. If you are experiencing high levels of stress and not getting enough rest, it can also lead to a sensation of...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties: When Air Feels Stuck in Your Lungs