Understanding Post-Tuberculosis Symptoms and Throat Infections
Excuse me? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask a few questions. I previously had open pulmonary tuberculosis and have since recovered, but after having an X-ray, it was noted that old scars are more pronounced. I was advised to undergo sputum testing because I currently have throa...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Hello: A: I recently recovered from open pulmonary tuberculosis, but after getting an X-ray, the old scars appeared more prominent, and I was advised to undergo sputum testing. May I ask if the bacteria can remain in the throat, or do they only reside in the lungs? Q: The bacteri...[Read More] Understanding Post-Tuberculosis Symptoms and Throat Infections
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Tips
What causes pulmonary edema? How is it treated? Dear Director Zhang, I would like to inquire about pleural effusion. My sister exhibited cold symptoms during the New Year, initially experiencing a cough with phlegm, which later progressed to a dry cough. Recently, she has been w...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Dear Xiao Zhu, Q: Regarding the issue of pleural effusion: My older sister exhibited symptoms of a cold during the New Year, and after a chest X-ray, it was found that there is fluid accumulation in her lungs. Is pleural effusion classified as benign or malignant? How long is t...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Tips
Understanding Throat Inflammation: Its Connection to Tonsils and Lungs
Tonsil problems? Thank you, Dr. Yang, for your previous answers. I apologize for asking another question. The pulmonologist mentioned that I have a slight inflammation in my throat. Is this related to my lungs or tonsils? I haven't lost any weight; if I were to lose weight, ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ru: 1. Throat inflammation is more commonly associated with a general cold and sore throat, which everyone may experience and typically does not have a significant impact on the body. 2. When the tonsils are inflamed, they become red and swollen, and if the pain is s...[Read More] Understanding Throat Inflammation: Its Connection to Tonsils and Lungs
Understanding Lung Scarring After Tuberculosis: Risks and Concerns
Lung issues? I previously had tuberculosis and have recovered, but during an X-ray examination today, it was noted that the old scars in my lungs are more pronounced compared to two months ago. Is it possible that this indicates a relapse of tuberculosis? Additionally, if I previ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ru: 1. The relapse rate of tuberculosis after completing treatment should be less than 5%. 2. The visibility of old scars may be due to differences in brightness on the chest X-ray. Typically, relapse is considered only if the original scar has enlarged or if new l...[Read More] Understanding Lung Scarring After Tuberculosis: Risks and Concerns
Managing Chronic Cough and Phlegm: Tips for Lung Health
Frequent coughing with thick phlegm? Director Yang, I often experience persistent coughing with thick phlegm throughout the year. My lungs are easily prone to infections, and I frequently feel an itch in my chest that triggers the urge to cough. If I am exposed to secondhand smok...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiao Liu: Your tracheal condition seems more like bronchiectasis, with increased sputum production, especially in the morning. During a cold, the amount of sputum may increase further or become more yellow and thick. You should try to reduce your intake of sugary foods and...[Read More] Managing Chronic Cough and Phlegm: Tips for Lung Health
Understanding Breath Sounds: What Do They Mean for Your Lungs?
Are there abnormal breath sounds in the lungs? I am a person with low stamina and small lung capacity. However, since I practiced dancing before, I have been doing well in terms of exercise, and recently, with specific training, my lung capacity has improved significantly. I’m no...
Dr. Cai Fushun Reply:
It is difficult to understand what you mean by "breathy voice." I recommend visiting a clinic for an examination.[Read More] Understanding Breath Sounds: What Do They Mean for Your Lungs?
Persistent Cough and Phlegm: Understanding Your Symptoms and Treatment Options
Coughing up phlegm Dear Dr. Jian, I have been coughing since a cold last year, and it has continued until June. During this time, I have visited many hospitals. Some doctors said it was bronchial allergy, while others diagnosed it as bronchitis. I experienced severe shortness of...
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
Based on your medical history, it seems that in addition to simple bronchitis, allergic asthma should also be considered. I recommend scheduling a pulmonary function test and an allergy test at the outpatient clinic. Additionally, if you have allergic rhinitis accompanied by a ru...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Phlegm: Understanding Your Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Lung Issues: Insights on Tracheostomy and Fibrosis
Pulmonary disease issues Hello, Dr. Jian: 1. I underwent a tracheostomy in the intensive care unit of a teaching hospital during the New Year holiday in 2003 due to an emergency. I was on a ventilator for a whole month, then transferred to another ventilator unit where I stayed ...
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
1. Some tracheostomy stomas may heal spontaneously while others may not, and they do not require suturing. 2. Suspect tracheoesophageal fistula. 3. Pulmonary fibrosis leads to decreased lung function. 4. Surgical resection is not necessary, but rehabilitation should be cont...[Read More] Understanding Lung Issues: Insights on Tracheostomy and Fibrosis
Understanding Persistent Throat and Chest Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Sore throat and chest tightness? In March of this year, I felt like there was always phlegm stuck in my throat, with increased saliva production, but I didn't cough much. The phlegm was white and clear, and somewhat thick. I initially thought it was just a cold and didn'...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Based solely on the described symptoms, it is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis; generally, coughs can be attributed to bronchial or pulmonary issues, but discomfort in the throat may also be caused by post-nasal drip or chronic irritation from gastroesophageal reflu...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat and Chest Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding White Spots on Lung X-rays: What You Need to Know
The chest X-ray shows white spots in the lungs? Hello doctor, my mother recently underwent a full health check-up at the hospital, and the X-ray results showed white spots in her lungs. The doctor mentioned that it could possibly be a tumor and advised her to return for a follow-...
Dr. Zhuang Ziyi Reply:
Hello: The chest X-ray shows that there are white spots in the lungs, and there are many possible diagnoses. The most likely conditions include calcified nodules left by tuberculosis, chronic pulmonary infections, benign tumors, and malignant tumors, among others. The definitive ...[Read More] Understanding White Spots on Lung X-rays: What You Need to Know
Understanding Ear Ringing and Numbness After Deep Breathing
May I ask the doctor? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about experiencing tinnitus and numbness in the hands or feet after taking several deep breaths, along with a sensation of having gas in the chest and not being able to take a full breath. Is this related to the lungs? If no...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms you described, it is possible that hyperventilation has led to a low concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood. This does not necessarily indicate a lung disease. Slowing down your breathing rate and relaxing your mind can help improve the situatio...[Read More] Understanding Ear Ringing and Numbness After Deep Breathing
What Does Whiteness on Lung X-Ray Indicate? Understanding the Condition
What does it mean when a chest X-ray shows pulmonary opacities? The presence of opacities or whiteness on a chest X-ray can indicate several conditions affecting the lungs. This phenomenon, known as "pulmonary opacification," may suggest the presence of pneumonia, pulmo...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Machelle: In a standard chest X-ray, the white, gourd-shaped area in the middle represents the heart. The dark areas on both sides are the lungs (which are filled with air and appear black on the X-ray). When the lungs appear white, it may indicate conditions such as lung i...[Read More] What Does Whiteness on Lung X-Ray Indicate? Understanding the Condition
Inhalation of Bleach and Hydrogen Peroxide: Urgent Medical Advice Needed
Inhalation of mixed bleach solution~~~Urgent Dear Dr. Yang, I used a mixture of bleach (sodium hypochlorite) and regular hydrogen peroxide while cleaning, and I did not dilute them, resulting in a concentrated solution. Afterwards, I experienced some dizziness. Upon researching ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Kiki, under normal short-term use of cleaning products such as bleach, there may only be a pungent irritating smell, and inhalation can lead to temporary chest tightness or coughing, but it will not result in poisoning or complications such as bronchitis or pulmonary edema ...[Read More] Inhalation of Bleach and Hydrogen Peroxide: Urgent Medical Advice Needed
Persistent Cough: Seeking Answers for a Four-Month Struggle
Regarding the issue of persistent coughing? Hello Dr. Zhou, I would like to ask you about a problem related to the thoracic cavity. Here’s the situation: my father has been coughing for almost four months now. However, he has not been able to get better despite visiting several h...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of chronic cough that require differential diagnosis; common ones include chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, and cancer. Additionally, non-pulmonary diseases may also be responsible, such as rhinitis with post-nasal drip, side effects f...[Read More] Persistent Cough: Seeking Answers for a Four-Month Struggle
Learning to Suction: A Guide for Caregivers of Patients with Excess Mucus
Suctioning of sputum Hello: My father has excessive phlegm in his lungs, and the hospital physician said we need to learn how to suction phlegm because he will rely on us for this after returning home. I would like to ask: 1. Is learning to suction phlegm very scary? 2. Is it dan...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello MARRY: Could you please ask the respiratory therapist or nursing staff at the hospital for technical guidance? Under the instruction of professionals, there should be no risk involved, and they will also teach you the precautions to take. Learning through diagrams is not as...[Read More] Learning to Suction: A Guide for Caregivers of Patients with Excess Mucus
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes of Discomfort During Deep Breathing
Deep breathing Hello doctor, I used to occasionally experience a situation where I would feel pain near the lower left rib cage. It would hurt when I breathed to a certain point, and I might slightly lean my upper body forward at that moment. After a while, it would get better. H...
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
The lungs themselves do not have nerves, and unless the pathology involves the pleura, they typically do not cause chest pain. There are many causes of chest pain. Generally, a thorough physical examination, along with necessary tests such as a chest X-ray or an electrocardiogram...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes of Discomfort During Deep Breathing
Understanding the Link Between Masturbation and Asthma Attacks
Causes of asthma Hello, Doctor. I have had asthma since I was one and a half years old. I was hospitalized several times during elementary school due to asthma attacks. Now that I am nineteen, my condition has improved significantly over the past few years. I rarely experience as...
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
Based on your symptoms, it appears to be typical asthma. The most common triggers for asthma include dust mites, while other triggers can include indoor and outdoor air pollutants, changes in environmental temperature or humidity, exercise, cold air, and intense emotional fluctua...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Masturbation and Asthma Attacks
Chronic Cough and Phlegm: Understanding Long-Term Respiratory Issues
Chronic productive cough? Hello Dr. Chang, I have been coughing up phlegm and experiencing a persistent cough for four years. I didn't like going to the doctor before, so I delayed seeking treatment, thinking the condition would resolve on its own. My symptoms are as follo...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Hello: There are many causes for chronic cough and sputum production, which require evaluation by a physician for differential diagnosis. Generally, a physical examination along with a chest X-ray and sputum analysis can help identify the underlying cause. It is recommended to fi...[Read More] Chronic Cough and Phlegm: Understanding Long-Term Respiratory Issues
Understanding Deep Breathing: Comfort, Symptoms, and Lung Function Insights
Could you please provide more details or specify your question? 1. Is it possible for a normal person to feel discomfort from prolonged deep breathing? What symptoms might occur? 2. When a normal person reaches the peak of a deep breath, do they typically feel a sense of comfort ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. Rapid and excessive deep breathing over a short period of time (often triggered by psychological factors) may lead to a significant decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood, resulting in respiratory alkalosis and discomfort. 2. Another possible cause of discomfort...[Read More] Understanding Deep Breathing: Comfort, Symptoms, and Lung Function Insights
Understanding Severe Lung Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Lung pain? My husband sometimes experiences lung pain when he doesn't smoke or after drinking alcohol. The pain is severe, making it difficult for him to walk. He refuses to see a doctor. What could be the issue with his lungs? I'm anxious for a quick response.
Dr. Xu Jialin Reply:
There are many causes of chest pain, including cardiovascular issues, pneumothorax, pneumonia, and lung tumors, among others. It is recommended to visit a hospital for some basic examinations in order to determine the appropriate further management. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Severe Lung Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help