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
Understanding Pneumonia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Pneumonia Hello doctor, recently my grandfather has been experiencing a significant weight loss. He has no energy and appears very lethargic. Additionally, his breathing has become more rapid. My father took him to see a cardiologist, but no cause was identified. After undergoing...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Mr. Chang: If your father has not yet undergone an X-ray examination, it is advisable for him to visit the pulmonology clinic for a chest X-ray to determine if there is pneumonia or any other lung disease, which would provide more peace of mind. Best wishes.[Read More] Understanding Pneumonia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Lung Tumors: Benign vs. Malignant Ratios in Elderly Patients
Lung tumor An 80-year-old male has been found to have a lung tumor with no symptoms. A CT scan has already been performed. What is the ratio of benign to malignant tumors in this case?
Dr. Zhuang Ziyi Reply:
Hello: I am unable to provide you with an answer regarding your concerns, as there are no examination reports or medical history available. I recommend that you consult your mother's attending physician for a clearer understanding. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Lung Tumors: Benign vs. Malignant Ratios in Elderly Patients
Chest Pain in Athletes: Causes and Management During Running
Chest pain I am experiencing sudden chest pain while running as an athlete, and I feel discomfort when breathing. How should I handle this?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of chest pain, such as muscle strain, neuropathic pain, cardiac issues, pneumothorax, and others. It is advisable to first visit a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray and further evaluation. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang, Internal Medicine Specialist.[Read More] Chest Pain in Athletes: Causes and Management During Running
Is Coughing Up Blood Normal with a Cold? Expert Insights
Coughing up blood? Hello doctor, my mother coughed up a small amount of blood today, but it's not a lot and it doesn't happen every time she coughs. I want to take her to the hospital, but she insists on not going, and I'm still very worried. She does have a cold; ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, coughing up blood is primarily caused by damage to the bronchial mucosa, leading to the rupture of microvessels. The most common cause is bronchitis, but it can also be due to bronchiectasis, pulmonary tuberculosis, or lung tumors. It is advisable to visit a hospital for a...[Read More] Is Coughing Up Blood Normal with a Cold? Expert Insights
Is Tracheostomy Necessary for COPD Patients? Understanding the Options
Is it necessary to perform a tracheostomy? Hello Doctor: My father, who is 76 years old, was previously diagnosed with early-stage Parkinson's disease. He was hospitalized in March and April this year due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) leading to asthma. He ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, every intubated patient has the opportunity to wean off the ventilator. However, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may have poor lung function from the start, which could require a longer period for adjustment and training (the duration is unpredic...[Read More] Is Tracheostomy Necessary for COPD Patients? Understanding the Options
Understanding Tuberculous Meningitis: Key Considerations for Patients
Tuberculous meningitis Hello Dr. Chou, I would like to ask you about a patient who has an implanted cardiac rhythm device. What precautions should be taken if a lumbar puncture is required? Additionally, the patient tested positive for tuberculosis, but imaging scans showed no s...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. Generally speaking, the location of lumbar puncture is far from the pacemaker and should not have any significant impact. 2. According to the description, the physician diagnosed extrapulmonary tuberculosis as a clinical diagnosis, not based on laboratory evidence (i.e....[Read More] Understanding Tuberculous Meningitis: Key Considerations for Patients
Persistent Cough: When to Seek Medical Attention and What to Expect
Persistent cough not resolved? Hello Doctor: I have been coughing for over a month now, which is the second time in the past six months that I have coughed for more than a month. The first time I coughed for nearly a month, I went to a major hospital for a chest X-ray, but the X-...
Dr. Lin Zhuorui Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you see a pulmonologist or a general internist as soon as possible. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Persistent Cough: When to Seek Medical Attention and What to Expect
Understanding Shortness of Breath After a Cold: Causes and Solutions
Shortness of breath!! I'm not sure what's going on, but recently after catching a cold, I've been experiencing difficulty breathing. The left side of my chest feels tight, and I only feel a bit of relief when I take a deep breath, but afterwards, I feel quite uncom...
Dr. Lin Zhuorui Reply:
Hello Ah Hong, regarding your question, it is indeed common for some patients with a general cold to experience discomfort. There are many potential issues that could arise, and further outpatient follow-up examinations are necessary. Common problems include bronchitis caused by ...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath After a Cold: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Symptoms and Possible Allergies
Dyspnea My symptoms: I usually feel that my breathing is quite labored. I can only breathe through one nostril, while the other feels partially blocked, but not completely. The airflow is weak and tends to switch sides. When I sleep with a heavier blanket, I feel difficulty breat...
Dr. Wu Wenqiu Reply:
Hello: The symptoms mentioned in your letter are more indicative of a deviated septum or nasal obstruction, whereas allergic rhinitis typically presents with symptoms affecting both nostrils simultaneously and tends to fluctuate, often recurring. Please contact your physician for...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Symptoms and Possible Allergies
Post-Tracheostomy Care: Addressing Wound Healing and Future Risks
What special considerations should be taken after the wound of a tracheostomy patient has healed? Hello, thank you for your previous response. My mother has had her tracheostomy tube removed for over three months now, and she is recovering well. However, the healing wound on her ...
Dr. Zhuang Ziyi Reply:
Hello: 1. The tracheostomy wound will gradually heal on its own over time, and it is generally covered with a scarf for both aesthetic and practical purposes. 2. It may not necessarily be a complication of the tracheostomy. Older patients often have reduced elasticity in the ...[Read More] Post-Tracheostomy Care: Addressing Wound Healing and Future Risks
Can Tuberculosis Be Transmitted Through Breastfeeding? A Concerned Mother's Inquiry
Tuberculosis and Breastfeeding I have a silly question for the doctor: If someone was previously a tuberculosis (TB) patient and has been cured, and they had a chest X-ray yesterday while wearing a hospital gown without an undershirt, and there is a small sore on the nipple from ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ms. Jiang: Here are brief answers to your questions: 1. There should be no tuberculosis bacteria present in your nipple wound. Don't worry! 2. If the baby does not have low birth weight (less than 2000 grams) or jaundice, the BCG vaccine can be administered directly. B...[Read More] Can Tuberculosis Be Transmitted Through Breastfeeding? A Concerned Mother's Inquiry
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
Understanding Clear Opacity in the Right Lung: What It Means for Your Health
"Right lung" "clear and moist"? Hello, doctor: During my physical examination, an X-ray showed "clear infiltration" in the upper right lobe of the right lung. What does the term "clear infiltration" mean? Additionally, there is a small area...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Hello, Aaron: First of all, it should be "infiltration" rather than "cleansing." Infiltration is a term used in radiology. It describes an increase in radiopacity on imaging studies. Therefore, it is a description of an abnormal phenomenon in imaging. As for w...[Read More] Understanding Clear Opacity in the Right Lung: What It Means for Your Health
Understanding Pectus Excavatum: Lung Function and Exercise Benefits
Pectus excavatum Does pectus excavatum lead to abnormal lung function? If a follow-up examination is conducted six months later, will the lung function still be abnormal? Will exercise be beneficial?
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello JUNJAY: 1. Pectus excavatum is an abnormality of the thoracic structure, which may restrict lung expansion during deep breathing and can significantly affect lung capacity. Unless surgically corrected, it is difficult to improve. 2. Exercise can strengthen the alveolar func...[Read More] Understanding Pectus Excavatum: Lung Function and Exercise Benefits
How Long Does Sputum Cell Culture Take? Insights for Military Health Checks
Excuse me, I would like to ask how long it takes to culture cells from sputum? Hello Dr. Yang, I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask a question. During my military physical examination, I initially received a notification from Keelung Municipal Hospital. After th...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, based on your suggestion, the sputum culture may be for tuberculosis bacteria, which generally takes six to eight weeks to process. Some hospitals issue reports after six weeks of observation. You might try contacting the tuberculosis case manager at Keelung Hospital to se...[Read More] How Long Does Sputum Cell Culture Take? Insights for Military Health Checks
Can Tuberculosis Medications Lead to Lung Function Decline?
Can tuberculosis medication cause pulmonary function failure? Hello, after taking tuberculosis medication for two and a half months, it was diagnosed that I do not have tuberculosis. Could the medication I took cause pulmonary function failure? Thank you for your response!
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, anti-tuberculosis medications should not cause lung function damage. However, there may be other side effects (such as those affecting the liver or kidneys) that can be confirmed through relevant tests (such as blood tests). Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuan...[Read More] Can Tuberculosis Medications Lead to Lung Function Decline?
Understanding Pulmonary Hemorrhage: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Lung problems Hello Doctor, My nephew experienced a sudden and severe pulmonary hemorrhage for unknown reasons. After undergoing emergency intubation and fighting between life and death, he has finally passed the critical period and is now extubated and admitted to a general war...
Dr. Li Shiwei Reply:
Hello, A-Ning: Hemoptysis can sometimes be associated with kidney issues. This may occur due to autoimmune problems leading to vasculitis, which can result in both hemoptysis and hematuria. Therefore, it is clinically recommended that patients undergo a kidney biopsy for differen...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Hemorrhage: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Restrictive Lung Disease: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Could you please provide more details about the respiratory issues? Dear Doctor, Since March of this year, I have been experiencing tachycardia and difficulty breathing (feeling of effort during inhalation), which led me to seek treatment at the Department of Internal Medicine a...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Hello, Xiao Jin: The physician at National Taiwan University prescribed Inderal and Herbesser to control the symptoms of tachycardia. The term "restrictive ventilatory defect" refers to a reduced lung capacity and is used to describe the results of pulmonary function te...[Read More] Understanding Restrictive Lung Disease: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Chest Discomfort and Breathing Issues: What You Need to Know
Regarding respiratory issues? I don't know how long it's been, but I saw a cardiologist who said there was nothing wrong, and I had an electrocardiogram that came back normal. My family also doesn't have any hereditary diseases. However, I don't know when it s...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Dear user: We recommend that you visit the outpatient clinic. It is necessary to assess your condition and arrange for relevant examinations accordingly. Sincerely, the Department of Orthopedics.[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort and Breathing Issues: What You Need to Know