Understanding Lung Nodules: Concerns and Follow-Up Recommendations
Pulmonary nodule concerns? In 2016, during a health check at my company, the chest X-ray report indicated a suspected lung nodule in the lower left lung. When I consulted with the doctor, they reviewed the images and asked me to place a paper clip at the nipple area for a repeat ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: The shadow of the nipple may vary slightly in intensity due to the proximity of the film to the imaging receptor during the photo capture. The situation described is possible, so please discuss it further with your physician.[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Concerns and Follow-Up Recommendations
Should You See a Doctor for Chest Discomfort After Eating?
Do I need to see a doctor? Hello Doctor, on the evening of November 30th, while I was eating enoki mushrooms and chatting with my mother, I might have eaten a bit too quickly and possibly inhaled some enoki mushrooms into my airway (though I'm not entirely sure). After that,...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If food is accidentally aspirated into the trachea, it is likely to cause severe coughing. Since the angle of the left bronchus is wider, it is less likely for food to enter that airway. It is recommended to see a pulmonologist only if there is persistent coughing or fever...[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for Chest Discomfort After Eating?
Understanding Foul-Smelling Phlegm: Causes and Solutions
Occasionally, there is foul-smelling phlegm in the throat? Recently, I have been experiencing intermittent phlegm with a foul odor in my throat. The phlegm is transparent and somewhat thick, and it has a strong fishy smell. After I forcefully clear my throat a few times, the phle...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear lovevrband: Sputum is a product of the shedding of the bronchial mucosa. If there is a foul odor, it may indicate a longer accumulation or an infection, but improvement upon expectoration suggests poor bronchial wall function. It is advisable to get an X-ray for follow-up at...[Read More] Understanding Foul-Smelling Phlegm: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Breathing Difficulties and Iron Deficiency Anemia in Women
Dyspnea due to iron deficiency anemia? I am a female, 162 cm tall and weigh 47 kg. Recently, I have been experiencing difficulty breathing while sleeping, needing to take deep breaths to feel like I'm getting enough air, which has caused me insomnia. I visited a thoracic sur...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Anonymous: This can be divided into two parts: one is true dyspnea, which can be evaluated through pulmonary function tests, or anemia leading to insufficient oxygen-carrying hemoglobin (though this is unlikely). The second part is psychogenic, which is more related to emoti...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties and Iron Deficiency Anemia in Women
Mild Lung Fibrosis Detected in Low-Dose CT Scan: What You Should Know
Low-dose computed tomography results: Mild fibrosis in the right middle lobe and left lower lobe of the lungs? Hello Dr. Huang, on November 7, 2018, I underwent a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan at the hospital. The results are as follows: Mild fibrotic change over the rig...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen: The issue you described is likely a scar left after an infection. If there are no symptoms, it is recommended to follow up in one year. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Mild Lung Fibrosis Detected in Low-Dose CT Scan: What You Should Know
Understanding Thoracentesis: Risks and Procedures for Pleural Effusion Drainage
The fluid drained from pleural effusion is extracted from the pleural space surrounding the lungs. Unfortunately, I cannot provide images, but you can find diagrams of the pleural cavity and pleural effusion in medical textbooks or reputable medical websites? 1. As per the title,...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. Pleural effusion cannot be aspirated with a needle; the correct term is pleural cavity effusion. 2. The pleural cavity is the space between the lung and the chest wall, which normally contains only a thin layer of fluid that is not visible to the naked eye. When fluid a...[Read More] Understanding Thoracentesis: Risks and Procedures for Pleural Effusion Drainage
Understanding Symptoms: Coughing, Breathing Issues, and Chest Discomfort
Coughing up phlegm, difficulty breathing, mild chest pain? Hello, doctor. On October 1st, I visited the clinic due to symptoms such as a runny nose and fatigue. I've had a history of nasal allergies since childhood, experiencing persistent runny nose, especially in the morni...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms are more indicative of allergic rhinitis and post-nasal drip. Taking antihistamines for allergies often leads to symptoms of throat dryness and itchiness. It is recommended to drink plenty of warm water and to avoid cold foods. For fruits, it is advisable to ...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Coughing, Breathing Issues, and Chest Discomfort
Understanding Sudden Cough and Wheezing: Possible Causes and Concerns
Coughing and wheezing, among other symptoms? Hello Doctor, a few days ago I suddenly developed a fever along with wheezing, so I went to the emergency room. Initially, it was suspected that my child might have transmitted influenza A to me, but after a rapid test, it turned out I...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
The described condition should be evaluated by a pulmonologist for further assessment and explanation by the physician.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Cough and Wheezing: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Lower Respiratory Allergies: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Lower respiratory tract allergy I often feel like there is phlegm stuck in my throat, and I experience an itchy sensation from my throat down to my chest. I frequently feel the urge to cough to clear my throat, but this only provides temporary relief without any improvement. This...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Please consult a pulmonologist. Limit your intake of sweets, avoid eating for two hours before bedtime, and reduce the consumption of cold and irritating foods. Be aware that certain foods may exacerbate your symptoms. Maintain a dry and well-ventilated home environment. Thank yo...[Read More] Understanding Lower Respiratory Allergies: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Yellow Phlegm: When to Seek Medical Attention
The issue of yellow phlegm? I recently noticed that my phlegm has a yellowish color, and I've been trying to induce coughing to see how the phlegm looks, but I haven't experienced any coughing or other issues. I visited a nearby clinic and saw a doctor who prescribed me...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Please visit the pulmonology department for consultation.[Read More] Understanding Yellow Phlegm: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Chest Pain and Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Help
Shortness of breath and chest pain? Hello, I would like to consult a doctor. About a year ago, I experienced a strong, penetrating pain in the center of my chest that lasted for several days and prevented me from sleeping. I saw a pulmonologist who took an X-ray and suggested it ...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
It is recommended that you discuss with your attending physician whether to undergo further relevant examinations. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Help
Persistent Dry Cough for Over Six Months: Causes and Concerns
Cough lasting more than six months? My mother is 53 years old and has been experiencing a dry cough since the beginning of this year, which seems to be getting worse. She has seen an ENT specialist and a pulmonologist at the National Taiwan University Hospital in Yunlin and at Ch...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
It is recommended to discuss your condition further with your attending physician to determine if additional relevant tests are necessary. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Persistent Dry Cough for Over Six Months: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Mycoplasma Pneumonia: Persistent Cough and Treatment Options
Mycoplasma pneumonia, cough issues cannot be resolved! Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumonia, bronchial type, around the end of June 2018. At that time, I received medication treatment, and blood tests confirmed the diagnosis, but my cough issue has not been res...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
It is advisable to discuss with your attending physician the situation after taking the medication and the appropriateness of using traditional Chinese medicine. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Mycoplasma Pneumonia: Persistent Cough and Treatment Options
Concerns Over Weight Loss and Treatment Efficacy in TB Patients
No improvement observed after tuberculosis treatment; significant weight loss? Hello Dr. Huang, I am a Taiwanese working in the Philippines, and I am inquiring on behalf of a Filipino friend who has been diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB). My friend is a 26-year-old male who starte...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ahn: I apologize for the delayed response. Here are the answers to your four questions: 1. Generally, after starting medication, a follow-up visit is required within a week to assess any issues related to the treatment. If there are any problems, please return for a consul...[Read More] Concerns Over Weight Loss and Treatment Efficacy in TB Patients
Understanding Slow Recovery in Acute Miliary Tuberculosis Treatment
After taking medication for tuberculosis for almost a year, the X-ray shows that the area of the white shadow in the lungs has only decreased slightly? Hello Dr. Yang, I was diagnosed with acute miliary tuberculosis in September of last year. However, due to an allergy to medica...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: A recommended treatment duration of one year (364 days) is appropriate, unless there is still fever or the X-ray findings have worsened compared to before, in which case a reevaluation is necessary![Read More] Understanding Slow Recovery in Acute Miliary Tuberculosis Treatment
Understanding Cough Variant Asthma: Why Am I Still Coughing?
I have been diagnosed with cough variant asthma, but I am still coughing even after using asthma medication? Time: I started experiencing mild cough symptoms in early July, which worsened around mid-July. On July 20th, I visited Far Eastern Memorial Hospital. Symptoms: coughing, ...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
Hello~ It is recommended to discuss medication issues with your attending physician, and if necessary, to consult with other specialties. Wishing you peace and good health.[Read More] Understanding Cough Variant Asthma: Why Am I Still Coughing?
Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission Risks and Testing Procedures
The transmission rate of pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello, Doctor. 1. Last week, while I was sitting and eating at a convenience store near the hospital, an elderly person in a hospital gown was brought in to rest. They coughed several times without wearing a mask. I would like to...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Chen: I apologize for the late reply. The definition of a close contact for tuberculosis (TB) is someone who has been in contact for at least 8 hours in one day or a cumulative total of at least 40 hours in a month. Only then would they be considered for screening as a conta...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission Risks and Testing Procedures
Understanding Chemotherapy Challenges in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Chemotherapy-related issues Hello, doctor. I have been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. Previously, I was also told that I had tuberculosis. I have been struggling to accept why this is happening to me. Although I know it is due to my 40 years of smoking, I still can't...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
It is advisable to discuss further with your attending physician or seek consultation with another doctor.[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy Challenges in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Managing Symptoms After Stopping Tuberculosis Treatment: A Patient's Journey
Symptoms after discontinuing medication for pulmonary bullae and pulmonary tuberculosis? Thank you, Director Jian, for your previous response. I completed six months of tuberculosis medication in early July. On that day, I had a follow-up appointment where I underwent X-rays and ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
(1) In the case of chest pain, a CT scan should be able to identify any lesions. (2) Without reviewing the CT scan, it is not possible to make a judgment; you may seek a second opinion from another pulmonologist or thoracic surgeon. (3) Consider performing a bronchoscopy. (4) It ...[Read More] Managing Symptoms After Stopping Tuberculosis Treatment: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Lung Nodules, Granulomas, and Increased Lung Markings: What You Need to Know
I would like to ask what it means when a medical report indicates increased lung markings, lung nodules, and granulomas? Granulomas are small areas of inflammation in tissue that can occur due to various conditions, including infections (such as tuberculosis or fungal infections)...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: There are various reasons for increased lung markings, with chronic bronchitis being the most common. A proper assessment requires reviewing the actual chest X-ray, so please schedule an appointment with a pulmonologist for discussion. Lung nodules also have multiple possi...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules, Granulomas, and Increased Lung Markings: What You Need to Know