Concerns About Breathing Difficulties: A Guide to Chest Health Issues
People who are concerned about their health? Hello, doctor! Well, sometimes after work at the factory, I come home and cook, and if I can't finish my meal, I freeze it for the next meal. I also eat very hot soup and tend to eat until I'm very full. In June of this year,...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Since I haven't seen your X-ray, I'm not sure if there are any other issues. It seems that you may not have taken a deep enough breath during the imaging, as the lungs appear somewhat opaque. There should not be any problems. I recommend that you regularly follow...[Read More] Concerns About Breathing Difficulties: A Guide to Chest Health Issues
Understanding Pleural Effusion and Lung Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Pleural effusion and lung cancer? Hello Doctor, my mother is 61 years old (she has diabetes and is undergoing interferon treatment for hepatitis B). She experienced shortness of breath while walking, and an X-ray at a hospital revealed fluid accumulation in her right lung. After ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. If no abnormalities are found in the PET scan, the likelihood of cancer is low, and you can continue to monitor with imaging or consider further pleural biopsy (of course, there should be enough pleural effusion to ensure safety during the procedure). 2. Targeted therap...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion and Lung Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Understanding Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know About Your Health
Regarding lung issues? My wife participated in a company health check in mid-April and recently received a report stating: "Suspected small nodule in the right upper lung, possibly a granuloma." Since last year's report did not show any abnormalities, we took her t...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Pulmonary nodules may be related to infections (usually accompanied by cough symptoms) such as tuberculosis, fungal infections, or residual scarring from pneumonia. They may also indicate early-stage tumors (but growth rate should be monitored, typically every 2-3 months)....[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know About Your Health
Managing Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Patients with Tuberculosis
Severe coughing due to pulmonary tuberculosis can lead to pneumothorax? Hello Doctor: My brother, who is being treated for tuberculosis at home, experienced severe coughing one morning that led to respiratory distress and was rushed to the hospital for emergency care. The doctor ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: In cases of pneumothorax requiring mechanical ventilation, a chest tube is typically placed. If there is still no improvement, surgery may be considered, but the risks of the procedure need to be evaluated. Please discuss the severity of any prior tuberculosis with the pat...[Read More] Managing Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Patients with Tuberculosis
Should I Seek a Second Opinion for Lung X-Ray Findings?
Should I consult other doctors? Hello Doctor: This year, the X-ray report from the employee health check, conducted in a smoke-free environment without dust exposure, showed an abnormality in the left hilum of the lung. After a follow-up appointment with the pulmonologist, the do...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Other hospitals may provide similar statements. If you want to confirm, a CT scan can be performed (but it involves higher radiation exposure).[Read More] Should I Seek a Second Opinion for Lung X-Ray Findings?
Understanding Cough and Abdominal Pain After Acute Bronchitis
Cough and abdominal pain? I recently had a cold with a cough and wheezing. I visited a pulmonologist on Tuesday, and after an X-ray, I was diagnosed with acute bronchitis. Today, I started experiencing abdominal pain when I cough, but my other symptoms have improved significantly...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: As long as your symptoms have not completely resolved, it is recommended to schedule a follow-up appointment! Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Cough and Abdominal Pain After Acute Bronchitis
Understanding Shoulder Pain in Lung Cancer Patients: A Case Study
Shoulder pain? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about my father. He was diagnosed with stage III lung cancer and underwent surgery and chemotherapy in 2013. After completing the treatment, he has been under continuous follow-up, with X-rays every two months and CT scans ever...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: All imaging examinations have limitations in their ability to detect lesions below a certain size, which may not be clearly visible. Therefore, regular follow-up is necessary to detect any issues as early as possible for appropriate management.[Read More] Understanding Shoulder Pain in Lung Cancer Patients: A Case Study
Understanding Lung Fibrosis, Calcification, and Acid-Fast Bacilli Testing
Lobar pulmonary fibrosis, calcification, and positive acid-fast bacilli test? I am a nursing student. In middle school, I had pneumonia that led to fibrosis in my right upper lung. However, during a health check-up last August, I noticed an increase in lung markings. I have a his...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The previous fibrosis in your right upper lung and the current calcification observed during the physical examination should be considered the same condition, both indicating non-active lesions. Treatment would only be necessary if a tuberculosis culture is positive two mo...[Read More] Understanding Lung Fibrosis, Calcification, and Acid-Fast Bacilli Testing
Managing Asthma Relapses: Tips for Young Adults and Athletes
Asthma exacerbation When I was in kindergarten, I went to see a doctor due to a persistent cough and was diagnosed with asthma. However, I never experienced severe attacks, and the doctor did not prescribe me inhaled medications; I only took oral medications (once before bed). By...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. Please visit a pulmonologist to determine whether the symptoms are caused by asthma or other reasons. 2. If it is asthma, with appropriate management, you can still engage in normal exercise and work.[Read More] Managing Asthma Relapses: Tips for Young Adults and Athletes
Feeling Breathless? Understanding Throat Swelling and Its Effects
Shortness of breath? In the past few days, I've felt like my throat is somewhat swollen. It doesn't hurt, but I keep taking deep breaths, otherwise I feel like I can't get enough air.
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: You may have upper respiratory tract inflammation or other possibilities, and it is necessary to be evaluated by a physician for diagnosis and treatment. Please seek medical attention.[Read More] Feeling Breathless? Understanding Throat Swelling and Its Effects
Understanding Lung Cavities: Concerns About Treatment and Diagnosis
Pulmonary cavity Hello Doctor: Previously, I inquired about my mother's issue with coughing up blood. Today, we received the report results, which indicate that there is a cavity in her lungs, and the sputum culture shows the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. I forgot to a...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: In cases of lung inflammation or the presence of cavities (which is different from pneumothorax or hemothorax), it is possible for two or more pathogenic bacteria to coexist. If there is no significant improvement in the lesions after antibiotic treatment for Pseudomonas a...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cavities: Concerns About Treatment and Diagnosis
Understanding Hemoptysis: What to Know About Coughing Up Blood
Coughing up blood? Hello, doctor. Regarding the question I asked yesterday, my mother underwent a sputum culture test in the past two days, and she has been coughing up blood-tinged sputum. Will this affect the interpretation of the test results? The doctor has prescribed medicat...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Improvement of clinical symptoms requires a longer period of time (measured in weeks). The presence of blood in the sputum does not significantly affect the culture report, so please rest assured![Read More] Understanding Hemoptysis: What to Know About Coughing Up Blood
Can a Child Be Infected Again After Preventive TB Treatment?
If a person who has previously received preventive treatment for tuberculosis (TB) experiences a relapse of the infection, can they still transmit the disease? Hello Doctor: My mother was diagnosed with open pulmonary tuberculosis last year and was cured after six months of treat...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: If a family member has a recurrence of pulmonary tuberculosis and you are still a close contact, there is still a possibility of transmission. Should preventive medication be administered, is it necessary to conduct another examination and assessment, while also paying att...[Read More] Can a Child Be Infected Again After Preventive TB Treatment?
Concerns About a 3cm Tumor in the Left Lung Lobe: What to Know
There is a tumor approximately 3 centimeters in size in the left lung lobe? Hello Doctor: Recently, my mother has been experiencing a cough due to a cold for about a month. Her condition has been fluctuating, and in the past two weeks, she has been coughing up phlegm with blood s...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
A 2-3 cm nodule or mass in the lungs may be indicative of inflammation (such as pulmonary tuberculosis or fungal infection), but it could also be a lung tumor (benign or malignant, which can only be distinguished through pathology reports). The attending physician will arrange fo...[Read More] Concerns About a 3cm Tumor in the Left Lung Lobe: What to Know
Caring for Elderly Patients with Tuberculosis: Best Practices and Considerations
How to care for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis? 1. My father-in-law, who is 88 years old, was diagnosed with open pulmonary tuberculosis in mid-April. He was hospitalized at Taipei Veterans General Hospital for two weeks, during which three sets of sputum tests were conduct...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. The condition of sputum produced varies with each set, and the bacterial load may differ. 2. Aside from cases with infectious potential, caregivers should have protective measures and pay special attention to possible side effects of medications; otherwise, general care...[Read More] Caring for Elderly Patients with Tuberculosis: Best Practices and Considerations
Understanding Pleural Effusion Without Cough: Key Insights and Concerns
Pleural effusion without cough? Hello Dr. Yang: My mother is 47 years old and was admitted to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital last week due to pleural effusion. She has undergone MRI, CT scans, fluid analysis, bronchoscopy, and a biopsy from her back, but only the fluid analysis rev...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It can sometimes be challenging to identify the location of the primary tumor in cases of metastatic malignant effusion. Chang Gung Memorial Hospital is well-equipped, and most of the necessary examinations have already been conducted. If biopsy is difficult, we may reques...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion Without Cough: Key Insights and Concerns
Calcium Nodules in Lungs: Understanding TB Risks Without Symptoms
X-ray findings show calcified nodules in the hilar region, which may indicate pulmonary tuberculosis. However, if there are no signs of coughing, is it possible to transmit the infection to others? I sometimes come into contact with dust at work, and even though I wear a mask, I ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Calcified nodules indicate a previous lung inflammation (which may have manifested as a cough or fever years ago, without an X-ray taken). After healing, the tissue at the site of the original inflammation undergoes fibrosis and calcification as a repair process, similar t...[Read More] Calcium Nodules in Lungs: Understanding TB Risks Without Symptoms
Understanding Sternum Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Sternal pain When stretching the arms backward, there is a sound coming from the chest area. This stretching has been done for several years, but in the past one or two years, there have been occasional episodes of pain. During more severe episodes, the pain lasts for a short per...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: You can first undergo a standard X-ray (frontal and lateral views) for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Sternum Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Is It Asthma or Something Else?
Shortness of breath? Hello, I have recently been experiencing difficulty in breathing, feeling like I can't get enough air unless I take a deep breath. Sometimes my breathing rhythm becomes faster than normal. Occasionally, it feels like I've suddenly forgotten how to b...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mei: You were diagnosed with asthma in your childhood. We should first rule that out based on your description. It is possible that academic pressure, other stressors, and sleep issues may have caused autonomic nervous system dysregulation. Please visit the pulmonology clini...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Is It Asthma or Something Else?
Breathing Difficulties: Understanding Shortness of Breath and Coughing
Difficulty breathing and frequent shortness of breath? My mother has been experiencing shortness of breath for the past couple of months, making it difficult for her to lie flat while sleeping. She tends to cough when lying down and can only manage to sleep in a semi-reclined pos...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Mom's condition resembles asthma (as inferred from the physician's prescription of Pulmicort). Asthma can be exacerbated by gastroesophageal reflux, which tends to occur more frequently when lying flat. It is recommended to eat small, frequent meals and avoid ove...[Read More] Breathing Difficulties: Understanding Shortness of Breath and Coughing