Understanding Your CT Scan: No Nodules Found, But Why the Follow-Up?
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan The CT report states "lung: no remarkable nodular lesions (>0.4 cm)," which means there are no significant nodules larger than 0.4 cm in your lungs. However, your doctor may still recommend follow-up imaging for various reasons, such as ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. X-rays cannot detect small nodules less than 0.5 cm, so the X-ray report is normal. 2. CT scans may have difficulty distinguishing small nodules smaller than 0.4 cm from normal vascular tissue, so nodules larger than 0.4 cm are more noteworthy. Your CT scan did not show...[Read More] Understanding Your CT Scan: No Nodules Found, But Why the Follow-Up?
Managing Chronic Throat Dryness and Excess Mucus: Seeking Solutions
Chronic throat dryness (slight pain), excessive white phlegm (without blood). No cough, no chest tightness or pain? Hello Doctor: During my high school years, I experienced a persistent cough that lasted for at least a month, prompting me to see a doctor. After some time, I was t...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear ANNA: The symptoms you described can be caused by post-nasal drip and gastroesophageal reflux. Since you have already taken so many medications, it is advisable to refrain from further medication and to relax. Ensuring adequate sleep may help improve your condition. Changhua...[Read More] Managing Chronic Throat Dryness and Excess Mucus: Seeking Solutions
Does Fluoroquinolone Use Affect Tuberculosis Diagnosis?
Does the use of fluoroquinolones affect the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello Dr. Yang, I am a pharmacist. My boyfriend (who is the same age as me) previously went to the emergency room due to a fever, and an X-ray revealed lesions in his lungs. The doctor prescribed flu...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, I will prioritize considering a fungal infection. If the culture results from the second hospital show no tuberculosis, I will be less concerned about tuberculosis. Since the sputum smear is negative, there is no need to wear a mask continuously,...[Read More] Does Fluoroquinolone Use Affect Tuberculosis Diagnosis?
Understanding Fungal Infections and Tuberculosis: A Patient's Journey
Fungal infection and tuberculosis? On February 17 of this year, I had a fever of 39 degrees Celsius and went to the emergency room. An X-ray revealed a lesion in my right upper lung, and a subsequent CT scan showed a cavity in the right upper lung. The doctor informed me that it ...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to visit our outpatient clinic and bring relevant imaging studies. While it does increase the risk of cancer, there is no need to be overly anxious.[Read More] Understanding Fungal Infections and Tuberculosis: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Persistent Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Shortness of breath? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing difficulty breathing and wheezing at night due to a cold, accompanied by cold sweats and numbness in my fingers. I have visited the emergency room multiple times, but blood tests and X-rays showed no issues. Subsequently...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: We need to check for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and thyroid issues. If the organs are functioning properly, we may need to consider a psychological evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Can Lung Apex Pleural Thickening and Fibrosis Truly Reverse?
Is it possible for long-standing abnormalities on chest X-rays (such as apical pleural thickening and mild fibrosis) to reverse and heal without medication? Hello, I am a 50-year-old male, non-smoker and non-drinker. In 2018, I had my first chest X-ray at Hospital A, which reveal...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: Mild pleural thickening and fibrosis at the lung apex are likely irreversible reactions, but they do not cause chest pain and are considered old lesions. Some physicians may overlook these inactive lesions.[Read More] Can Lung Apex Pleural Thickening and Fibrosis Truly Reverse?
Understanding Chest X-Ray Results: Insights and Patient Guidance
Chest X-ray examination Hello Doctor, I recently had a chest X-ray at a hospital in the northern part of Taiwan, and the report stated: "mild infiltrates in both lower lungs. Suggest clinical correlation and follow-up. Blunting of left costophrenic angle. Otherwise, unremark...
Dr. Wang Zhengde Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it seems that your attending physician suspects an infection or other issues in your lungs and needs to obtain relevant specimens. Inhaling steam to help with mucus clearance is a feasible method. Suctioning mucus with a tube is also a commonly u...[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Results: Insights and Patient Guidance
Understanding Upper Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest tightness in the upper chest? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing a sensation of tightness and pain in my upper chest, sometimes on the left side and other times on the right. This usually occurs after sneezing and can last for several days. The area is primar...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It feels more like chest wall muscle pain (it also occurs when holding a child), and sneezing increases muscle tension. If you're concerned, you can get a chest X-ray in the thoracic department.[Read More] Understanding Upper Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Ground-Glass Nodules in Lung Health: What You Need to Know
Ground-glass nodules in the lungs detected during a physical examination? Hello, Doctor. During this year's health check-up, the report indicated a 0.4 cm ground-glass opacity (GGO) nodule in the left lower lung. Could you please help me review the report? What should I be a...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Ground-glass nodules may simply be small inflammations; it is usually recommended to follow up with a CT scan in 12 months.[Read More] Understanding Ground-Glass Nodules in Lung Health: What You Need to Know
Understanding Elevated ECP Levels: What It Means for Chronic Cough Management
Chronic cough I previously had a severe cough and visited a large hospital for consultation. After several visits and blood tests, I was supposed to return for a follow-up appointment to review the results. However, on the day of the follow-up, my child fell ill, and since my cou...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Apple: The reference value for Eosinophil Cationic Protein (ECP) is < 13.3, which indicates that eosinophils are associated with inflammatory responses caused by various allergic diseases, particularly in patients with asthma. In the inflamed tissues of asthma patients, e...[Read More] Understanding Elevated ECP Levels: What It Means for Chronic Cough Management
Why Long-Term Coughing Should Not Be Ignored: A Call for Medical Attention
Chronic cough but unwilling to seek medical attention? Since around December 2023, my mother (who is 55 years old) has been experiencing a cough. Initially, she visited a clinic where she was diagnosed with a common cold and was given a three-day supply of medication to take home...
Dr. Wang Zhengde Reply:
Dear Ms. Yang, Based on your statement, your mother has been experiencing a cough for over three weeks, which qualifies as chronic cough. There are many potential causes for chronic cough, ranging from post-nasal drip to malignant tumors. I recommend that your mother seek medica...[Read More] Why Long-Term Coughing Should Not Be Ignored: A Call for Medical Attention
Understanding Chest X-Ray Reports: Should You Seek Further Evaluation?
Regarding the X-ray health examination report? Hello Dr. Kuo, I had a health check-up at a medical center in southern Taiwan, and the chest X-ray report showed an abnormality: "suspected overlapping shadow of the nipple in the right lower lung, differential diagnosis is a ...
Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Dear public, please note that the internet cannot provide diagnoses or interpret chest X-rays. If the nipple shadow is indeed normal, but you still have concerns, you may visit a medical facility for evaluation. However, please be aware that the medical facility may require you t...[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Reports: Should You Seek Further Evaluation?
Understanding MRI Scans for Lung Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment
MRI examination Hello Doctor, my father has been coughing for a long time. In early February of this year, a chest X-ray at Wan Fang Hospital revealed a 1.7 cm tumor in the right upper lung and a 6.7 cm tumor in the central lung. The attending physician assessed that the 1.7 cm t...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello, major hospitals have limited medical capacity, and we understand your anxiety about your family's health. The attending physician and the hospital's handling process are within a reasonable range, and there won't be significant differences in the treatment p...[Read More] Understanding MRI Scans for Lung Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment
Risks of Silica Exposure During Home Renovation: What You Need to Know
Inhalation of dust at the construction site? Hello, doctor. Recently, I inhaled a large amount of dust at a construction site 3 to 4 times without wearing a mask due to home renovations. I would like to ask if the dust at the site contains silica, is there a possibility of develo...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Large inhalation may lead to acute conditions. 1. Silicosis, which can be detected on chest X-ray (CXR). 2. Long-term inhalation can result in silicosis, with some cases stabilizing while others may continue to worsen, requiring regular follow-up.[Read More] Risks of Silica Exposure During Home Renovation: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: Managing Lung Texture Changes
Chest X-ray of the lungs? The X-ray examination indicates: exaggerated pulmonary markings in both lung fields. The costophrenic angles on both sides are blunted. Other findings are normal. How can this be improved, or should I consider it negligible if it doesn't affect dail...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist to determine the cause of the condition.[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: Managing Lung Texture Changes
Understanding Your Chest X-Ray Report: Key Insights and Next Steps
Chest X-ray report Hello, doctor. Here is my chest X-ray report from the physical examination: Imaging findings: - No cardiomegaly. - Prominent bronchovascular markings. - No definite active lung lesion in this exam. - Subtle lesions may be imperceptible in this exam, and other...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: Regular follow-up every 1-2 years is sufficient, and the report shows no significant issues, so please rest assured.[Read More] Understanding Your Chest X-Ray Report: Key Insights and Next Steps
Impact of Air Fryer Smoke on Lung Health: What You Need to Know
The impact of cooking fumes on the lungs? I read in the news that the oil smoke from an air fryer is 1,500 times more than that from a traditional frying pan, and I'm concerned about its impact on the lungs. I used it four times at a friend's place in a small apartment ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: In my personal opinion, four times is unlikely to affect the lungs! Otherwise, it would be difficult to promote this product for home use![Read More] Impact of Air Fryer Smoke on Lung Health: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chest Pain: Is It Costochondritis or Something Else?
Uncertain if it is costochondritis? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing recurrent colds lately, and the symptoms are quite similar each time. However, this time I am unsure if the cold is due to the colder weather or some other reason. I have noticed that whenever I cough, I ...
Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Hello: Dear public, chest pain can have many possible causes. If you are experiencing discomfort, it is advisable to visit a pulmonology outpatient clinic directly, where the attending physician can evaluate you and arrange for relevant tests and treatments as needed. Thank you f...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Is It Costochondritis or Something Else?
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Risks and Decisions for Elderly Patients
Other diseases that can lead to pulmonary edema issues? My mother is 81 years old and is currently hospitalized for treatment of pulmonary edema. The doctor suspects that it may be liver cancer or metastasis from another organ, and a liver biopsy is needed. She has not previously...
Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Hello: Dear public, pleural effusion can indeed be caused by cancer metastasis. When the cause of the effusion cannot be determined through routine examinations, a biopsy is necessary. It is true that elderly patients face higher risks with invasive procedures. However, the decis...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Risks and Decisions for Elderly Patients
Frequency of Follow-Up for Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know
Frequency of follow-up for pulmonary nodules? Hello Doctor, I had a health check-up at the end of last year, and the LDCT imaging revealed a "0.3 cm non-specific nodule in the right upper lobe" and a "0.7 cm subpleural nodule in the right lower lobe." I would ...
Dr. Cai Zongwei Reply:
Hello: In principle, please follow the recommended timeline for follow-up examinations based on the original health check report. Family history is for reference only; particular attention should be paid to those who are closer relatives or share the same living environment. The ...[Read More] Frequency of Follow-Up for Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know