Impact of TB Medication When Diagnosis is Not Tuberculosis: Key Insights
If the diagnosis is not tuberculosis, what impact might the previously taken medication have on the body? Two weeks ago, my child at home and my colleagues at the office started catching colds, and I couldn't escape it either—I also caught a cold! I experienced a runny nose,...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. Every medication has potential side effects; however, if the medication is necessary for the condition and the side effects are acceptable, it should still be used. Based on the information provided, the chest X-ray is likely abnormal with lesions, and there are also ...[Read More] Impact of TB Medication When Diagnosis is Not Tuberculosis: Key Insights
Could I Have Tuberculosis? Understanding Lung Cavities and Symptoms
Am I infected with tuberculosis? A few days ago, I had a health check-up and the radiologist mentioned that there are cavities in my lungs, which may indicate tuberculosis. They advised me to get another X-ray next month, but I don't have any symptoms. Could this be the case...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Dear user: You need to undergo sputum tests for further examination (acid-fast stain and TB culture). Additionally, it is recommended that you also perform a cytological examination of the sputum.[Read More] Could I Have Tuberculosis? Understanding Lung Cavities and Symptoms
Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma Recurrence: Key Insights and Guidance
Does lung adenocarcinoma recur? Hello Doctor: My father-in-law had surgery for lung adenocarcinoma six years ago. Due to his personality, he has not returned for follow-up visits or chemotherapy. Recently, he has been feeling unwell, and a chest CT scan at the Penghu Navy Hospita...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Half Moon: Here are brief answers to your questions: 1. A preliminary assessment cannot determine the cause of the condition. If there was previously a tumor in the lower right area, it may be a recurrence, and you should consider visiting a pulmonologist. 2. If you wish t...[Read More] Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma Recurrence: Key Insights and Guidance
Understanding Clear Yellow Phlegm: Causes and Concerns in Chest Health
Clear, pale yellow sputum? I apologize, but I would like to ask a question. Recently, I have been feeling that my chest is often producing phlegm, which is slightly transparent and light yellow. I don't feel the urge to cough, but I do lightly cough to expel it, and it seems...
Dr. Zhuang Ziyi Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms you described, a possible cause could be chronic bronchitis induced by smoking. The typical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal syndrome include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and weight gain, among others. I recommend that you visit a medical facilit...[Read More] Understanding Clear Yellow Phlegm: Causes and Concerns in Chest Health
Should You Refer for Tuberculosis Treatment: Key Considerations
Is referral necessary for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis? My wife was diagnosed with tuberculosis six months ago and has been receiving treatment at Tainan Hsin-Lou Hospital. This month marks the six-month mark, and she has a follow-up appointment this week. If she hasn&...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Generally, the treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis in the first two months involves the use of four medications (either taken separately or as a combination of one medication with a three-in-one formulation). The text does not clarify whether this approach is being follow...[Read More] Should You Refer for Tuberculosis Treatment: Key Considerations
Understanding Chest Issues: Possible Causes and Recovery Time
Lung issues My father had a chest X-ray in May 2005, which showed no issues. However, before the Lunar New Year in 2006, he noticed a protrusion about 2 cm on the lower left side of his chest that was painful to the touch and also caused discomfort in his back. In the past two da...
Dr. Li Shiwei Reply:
Hello: Your issue cannot be adequately addressed in writing; it is best to have an X-ray comparison and an in-person consultation with the patient for diagnosis. We warmly welcome your father to visit our hospital for a consultation with Dr. Li Shih-Wei in the Internal Medicine d...[Read More] Understanding Chest Issues: Possible Causes and Recovery Time
Understanding Stage IV Cancer: Survival and Chemotherapy Options for the Elderly
Stage IV cancer My grandfather is 84 years old and has stage 4 cancer, which is malignant. I am unsure how long he can survive with chemotherapy.
Dr. Zhuang Ziyi Reply:
Hello: Your statement is unclear, and I cannot provide a response.[Read More] Understanding Stage IV Cancer: Survival and Chemotherapy Options for the Elderly
Understanding Persistent Cough: Antibiotics, Chest Discomfort, and Lung Health
Common cold Hello, doctor. I have been coughing non-stop due to a cold and have visited the clinic three times without improvement. Eventually, I had an X-ray done, which showed more white spots on one side, likely due to dust. The doctor prescribed me a week’s worth of erythromy...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Dear users: An abnormal chest X-ray does not necessarily indicate pneumonia. On the other hand, there are many pathogens that can cause pneumonia, and erythromycin may not be effective against all of them. Therefore, it is recommended that you collect sputum for testing and follo...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough: Antibiotics, Chest Discomfort, and Lung Health
Long-Term Cough Relief: The Surprising Impact of EFEXOR
Chronic cough temporarily improved after taking EFEXOR? Hello Doctor, I have been suffering from a chronic cough since high school, and it occurs very frequently without any identifiable cause. However, I recently noticed that while taking the antidepressant medication EFEXOR, I ...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Dear netizens: If you have symptoms of a persistent cough, it is recommended that you visit a pulmonology clinic for a thorough examination.[Read More] Long-Term Cough Relief: The Surprising Impact of EFEXOR
Managing Pneumothorax: Care Tips and Prevention Strategies
Pneumothorax Hello doctor, my brother is currently being treated for a spontaneous pneumothorax. He has two chest tubes inserted next to his ribs to drain the air bubbles. If his condition improves upon observation, he will undergo surgery. I would like to know how to care for hi...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: (1) Pneumothorax: If it is a spontaneous pneumothorax (not caused by other lung diseases), during the recovery period, it is advisable to avoid strenuous activities (such as heavy lifting). After this period, one should be able to return to normal activities. If pneumothor...[Read More] Managing Pneumothorax: Care Tips and Prevention Strategies
Understanding Tracheostomy: Risks, Recovery, and Care Considerations
Tracheostomy transfer to another hospital? My mother (85 years old) has been bedridden for a long time and is semi-conscious, receiving nutrition via a nasogastric tube. Recently, she was admitted to the intensive care unit due to pulmonary secretions and required intubation for ...
Dr. Cai Fushun Reply:
Hello: 1. The risks of surgery must be assessed based on the current situation and cannot be determined solely from written descriptions. 2. Whether or not to rely on a ventilator also depends on the circumstances at that time! 3. According to the regulations of the nursing facil...[Read More] Understanding Tracheostomy: Risks, Recovery, and Care Considerations
Understanding Lung Fibrosis: Surgery Success Rates and Treatment Options
Pulmonary fibrosis Hello Doctor: What is the success rate of lung transplantation for pulmonary fibrosis? Are there any other treatment options besides surgery? Thank you.
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
Pulmonary fibrosis is a general term that can be caused by various diseases, each with different prognoses. In Taiwan, due to a shortage of lung donors, the likelihood of lung transplantation is very low. Therefore, it is essential to focus on the underlying cause of pulmonary fi...[Read More] Understanding Lung Fibrosis: Surgery Success Rates and Treatment Options
Can Tuberculosis Medications Cause Vision Loss and Blindness?
Can damage to the optic nerve caused by tuberculosis medication lead to blindness? I started taking tuberculosis medication in June of this year. In early October, I experienced a sudden blurriness in my vision and returned to the hospital for a follow-up. After informing the phy...
Dr. Li Shiwei Reply:
Response: Hello. Question: Can medication be changed if there is a significant deterioration in vision? Answer: The tuberculosis medication, ethambutol, may cause optic neuritis as a side effect, so it is advisable to discontinue ethambutol or switch to another medication. Questi...[Read More] Can Tuberculosis Medications Cause Vision Loss and Blindness?
Effective Solutions for Chronic Cough: Expert Advice You Need
How to treat a cough? Dear Dr. Chien, I have been coughing for many years. My older brother, husband, son, and mother, among many others, have all asked me why I haven't seen a doctor. I just don't tell them that I have seen many doctors, but I still haven't gotte...
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
Chronic cough requires a chest X-ray to rule out pulmonary issues. If no problems are found, consider post-nasal drip, allergic asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), smoking, and the use of ACE inhibitors for hypertension. It is recommended to visit an outpatient clinic...[Read More] Effective Solutions for Chronic Cough: Expert Advice You Need
Can Aspirin Overdose Lead to Aspiration Pneumonia? Risks and Recovery
Can my family member die from aspiration pneumonia after taking sleeping pills? My family member took 200 sleeping pills due to a breakup and was finally rescued! However, this has led to aspiration pneumonia. Is this life-threatening? The doctor mentioned she cannot catch a cold...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Aspiration pneumonia is caused by the inhalation of foreign materials from the oral cavity, such as food or saliva, into the airway, leading to bacterial or chemical pneumonia. This condition can damage lung tissue and impair lung function, sometimes resulting in long-term...[Read More] Can Aspirin Overdose Lead to Aspiration Pneumonia? Risks and Recovery
Understanding Pink Phlegm: Causes, Concerns, and Coping Strategies
Sputum mixed with pink mucus? Hello, I tend to have a prolonged cough whenever I cough. A few years ago, I had a cough that lasted for a year, and after catching a cold at the end of July this year, my cough has been intermittent. Sometimes I don’t cough at all in a day, while ot...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Hello Ping Ping: Here is my response: In clinical practice, determining the cause of a disease requires knowledge of the patient's age, gender, other related symptoms, and whether there is a smoking habit, among other factors. I recommend that you visit a major hospital for ...[Read More] Understanding Pink Phlegm: Causes, Concerns, and Coping Strategies
Managing Discomfort from Long-Acting Asthma Inhalers: Tips and Insights
How to alleviate discomfort from using long-acting asthma inhalers? We are using long-acting bronchodilators (which are said to contain steroids) due to our medical condition. However, after using them in the morning and evening, we experience a significant increase in heart rate...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Hello, syndrome.tw: Here is the response: Although inhaled bronchodilators can cause side effects such as increased heart rate and hand tremors, they are usually not severe and are generally within tolerable limits. Are you currently using any other medications? It is recommended...[Read More] Managing Discomfort from Long-Acting Asthma Inhalers: Tips and Insights
Understanding Green Phlegm: Causes and Concerns for Smokers
Green sputum Hello Dr. Yang: I am a long-time smoker and have been undergoing treatment for asthma. I usually have thick phlegm, but recently I have been coughing up green phlegm. I am currently receiving treatment in the hospital, but there has been no improvement, and I have no...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Rudy: Chronic bronchitis with infection can present with yellow-green purulent sputum. In addition to adjustments in antibiotics or the use of other expectorants as prescribed by a physician, it is essential to drink plenty of water and quit smoking to see improvement. Best...[Read More] Understanding Green Phlegm: Causes and Concerns for Smokers
Effective Strategies to Reduce Mucus in Asthma Patients
How to effectively reduce mucus in asthma patients? Hello, Doctor: I am an asthma patient who was diagnosed with asthma earlier this year. I have experienced acute attacks and am currently undergoing treatment with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators. The freq...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiaoling: I apologize for not being able to respond to your question in a timely manner last week as I was out of the country. Here is a brief response to your inquiry: If asthma is well-controlled, the amount of phlegm should decrease to the level it was before the onset ...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Reduce Mucus in Asthma Patients
Managing Persistent Cough After Tracheostomy: Concerns and Solutions
Persistent coughing after tracheostomy? Hello, my mother underwent a tracheostomy in mid-October, and since then she has been experiencing persistent coughing with phlegm. I understand that tracheostomy patients often have increased secretions, but does this mean they will contin...
Dr. Zhuang Ziyi Reply:
Hello, both normal individuals and patients produce secretions in the respiratory tract daily. The ciliary movement of the respiratory epithelial cells transports these secretions towards the trachea and vocal cords, ultimately leading to them being coughed out or swallowed into ...[Read More] Managing Persistent Cough After Tracheostomy: Concerns and Solutions