Pleural effusion, Pulmonology FAQ

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Understanding Lung Nodules: What Your CT Scan Results Mean

Lung computed tomography (CT) scan shows a nodule? Dear Doctor: I had a CT scan of my lungs, and the report results are as follows: I see there is a nodule, and I am very worried... Can you explain how a nodule (0.3cm, se3/im52) could occur? Shouldn't normal individuals typi...


Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Eason: Not all nodules are bad; it depends on their characteristics, such as whether they are solid, among other factors. A size of 0.3 cm is usually benign, and follow-up after one year is typically sufficient. The causes are often due to scarring from previous infections o...

[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: What Your CT Scan Results Mean


Understanding Long-Term Effects of Pleural Adhesions After Pneumonia

Lung issues? At the age of 12, the child was hospitalized due to pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma, requiring chest tube drainage for pleural effusion. The hospitalization lasted over a month. Later, at 17, during a health check while working, it was noted that there was pleural adh...


Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Candy, in adults, pleuritis often results in pleural thickening or adhesions (which may appear similar to fluid accumulation) or calcified nodules, even after drainage. Typically, these conditions only require monitoring, and it is essential to compare the initial imaging w...

[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Effects of Pleural Adhesions After Pneumonia


Managing Severe Side Effects of AkuriT-4 in Tuberculous Pleural Effusion Treatment

Severe discomfort while taking AkuriT-4 for tuberculous pleurisy? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask, if a patient experiences severe side effects after taking medication, can the doctor adjust the medication options only from a 4-in-1 combination to a 3-in-1 or 2-in-1? Or is it...


Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The benefits of combination therapies such as 3-in-1, 4-in-1, or 2-in-1 medications include a reduced number of pills taken daily, which increases patient adherence. Many patients are already on chronic disease medications, so the total number of pills can be quite substan...

[Read More] Managing Severe Side Effects of AkuriT-4 in Tuberculous Pleural Effusion Treatment


Understanding Lung Markings: When to See a Pulmonologist

Lung issues? Hello, doctor. I went to the emergency room on February 20th and had an X-ray. The results showed findings of exaggerated lung markings with reticulonodular density. No pleural effusion or pneumothorax was noted. The heart size and configuration were normal. There is...


Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to follow up with a pulmonologist. Based solely on the report, it is difficult to provide an accurate answer to your questions. Wishing you good health and peace of mind.

[Read More] Understanding Lung Markings: When to See a Pulmonologist


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


Understanding CT Scan Reports for Pneumonia: Key Insights

CT report of pneumonia I would like to ask the doctor if there are any issues with this report, or if it is normal. The CT scan of the chest without IV contrast enhancement shows: - minor or non-specific lung parenchymal changes. - no definite pleural effusion. - no definite medi...


Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Dear public, hello. CT imaging should still be corroborated with clinical symptoms and the patient's history for a more accurate assessment. It is advisable to discuss and inquire with your primary physician. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Understanding CT Scan Reports for Pneumonia: Key Insights


Understanding Your Chest CT Scan Results: What Do They Mean?

Abnormal findings on computed tomography (CT) scan? I would like to ask the doctor if my report from the CT scan I had in mid-August is normal or if there is pneumonia. What does this report mean? The CT scan of the chest without IV contrast enhancement shows: - minor or non-spec...


Dr. Cai Zongwei Reply:
Hello: The literal translation is: Mild or nonspecific pulmonary parenchymal changes. There is only a written report without imaging; it is recommended to return to the original hospital for confirmation and follow-up.

[Read More] Understanding Your Chest CT Scan Results: What Do They Mean?


Understanding Chest CT Findings: A Case Study of Lung Nodules and Follow-Up

I would like to consult the physician regarding the content of this report? A 44-year-old female; Clinical Information: Right lower lobe (RLL) ground-glass opacity (GGO) measuring 0.4 cm (serial image 65) has progressed since the image from October 2020. Computed Tomography (CT) ...


Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The report indicates that a 1.2 cm nodule in the right breast should be evaluated by a breast surgeon. The other small nodules in the lungs are recommended to be followed up in 12 months as per the report. Detailed interpretation should be correlated with clinical symptoms...

[Read More] Understanding Chest CT Findings: A Case Study of Lung Nodules and Follow-Up


Managing Carbon Dioxide Retention in Advanced Cancer Patients

Difficulty in exhaling carbon dioxide? Hello Doctor, my mother is a breast cancer patient, and the cancer cells have metastasized to various organs for several years. Recently, she has been hospitalized due to excessive carbon dioxide accumulation and currently requires a bi-leve...


Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Hello, It is a normal physiological phenomenon for the body to produce carbon dioxide; however, certain factors can disrupt the balance between production and elimination, necessitating external medical intervention. Generally, the body expels carbon dioxide primarily through r...

[Read More] Managing Carbon Dioxide Retention in Advanced Cancer Patients


Understanding Low-Dose CT Scan Results for Lung Health Concerns

Low-Dose Computed Tomography Report of the Lungs Hello Dr. Yang: My family member is a breast cancer patient who just completed treatment in January of this year. Since January, they have been experiencing phlegm retention, and occasionally the phlegm is reddish-brown. They have ...


Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The CT scan report looks fine. Sinusitis (possibly post-nasal drip) and bronchitis may cause minor mucosal bleeding, leading to changes in the color of the sputum. Since the examination showed no significant issues, try not to worry about it!

[Read More] Understanding Low-Dose CT Scan Results for Lung Health Concerns


Understanding Bilateral Sharp Costophrenic Angles in Chest X-Ray Reports

Bilateral sharp costophrenic angles means that both costophrenic angles, which are the angles formed by the diaphragm Hello, doctor. Recently, after completing chemotherapy, I was hospitalized for surgery. Before my admission, I underwent routine pre-admission tests, including a ...


Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Becca: Bilateral sharp costophrenic angles essentially indicate that the angles between the diaphragm and the rib cage on both sides are sharper than usual, which is not a concern. If there are additional findings, there could be a possibility of pleural effusion. Currently,...

[Read More] Understanding Bilateral Sharp Costophrenic Angles in Chest X-Ray Reports


Understanding Your Chest CT Results: Ground Glass Nodules Explained

Hello, doctor. I live in Changhua County and would like to inquire about issues related to CT nodules? Hello Doctor, I live in Changhua County and would like to consult you in advance for any future issues regarding my health. I have been diagnosed with myasthenia gravis through ...


Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ah Xiang: You seem to have misunderstood. The report Se/Img refers to a specific coordinate position in the fourth series on the 50th image. Changhua Hospital is concerned about you.

[Read More] Understanding Your Chest CT Results: Ground Glass Nodules Explained


Traveling with Pleural Effusion: Important Tips for Air Travel

What precautions should be taken when traveling abroad with pleural effusion? Hello Director Huang, My mother is planning to fly to Japan in April. Considering she currently has about 300cc of pleural effusion, are there any recommendations or precautions regarding high altitud...


Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear A-Fei: The side effects of general immunosuppressants are usually mild, as indicated in the package insert. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, please seek medical attention promptly: difficulty breathing, severe abdominal or back pain, fever, numbness ...

[Read More] Traveling with Pleural Effusion: Important Tips for Air Travel


Understanding Lung Atrophy: Causes, Treatments, and Rehabilitation Options

Lung atrophy Hello, this month's low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan shows lung atrophy. What are the possible causes of atrophy? Are there any treatment or rehabilitation options available? Thank you for your response. Low-dose CT of the chest without contrast enhancem...


Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Health: Lung atelectasis is incomplete expansion, generally due to the degeneration of the ciliated epithelium in the trachea or is often a result of previous infections. As long as there is no mucus accumulation, no special treatment is necessary. You can perform deep breat...

[Read More] Understanding Lung Atrophy: Causes, Treatments, and Rehabilitation Options


Duration, Causes, and Treatments for Pleural Effusion and Kidney Inflammation

Pleural effusion and kidney inflammation treatment duration, causes, and treatment methods. Thank you, doctor? Hello, doctor! I have a few questions I would like to ask. I have a classmate who is the same age as me and is experiencing health issues. Out of curiosity, I want to in...


Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: 1. Fever may indicate pneumonia with pleural effusion. Treatment duration: uncomplicated pneumonia with pleural effusion is typically 7-14 days; complicated pneumonia with pleural effusion may require 14-28 days or even 42 days. 2. It is important to identify the underlyin...

[Read More] Duration, Causes, and Treatments for Pleural Effusion and Kidney Inflammation


Understanding Mediastinal Lymph Node Enlargement: When to Follow Up?

Mediastinal lymphadenopathy Doctor: Hello, here is the recent report from the low-dose lung CT scan: High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) of the Lung Clinical Information: chronic cough with sticky sputum, NIFTP HRCT of Chest. This study was performed without contrast enhan...


Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Since I cannot view the original chest CT scan images, I am unable to provide appropriate recommendations. I suggest discussing future management options with the attending physician at the hospital where the examination was performed. Thank you.

[Read More] Understanding Mediastinal Lymph Node Enlargement: When to Follow Up?


Understanding Post-COVID Complications: Pleural Effusion and Back Pain

Pleural effusion, pleural fluid accumulation, coronavirus? Hello Doctor: My aunt was diagnosed with COVID-19 and a few days after her quarantine ended, she suddenly experienced severe lower back and waist pain. She has not been vaccinated. We took her to a new infectious disease ...


Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: Pleural effusion does not always yield bacterial cultures. Typically, broad-spectrum antibiotics are used to treat the bright red effusion, and there may be a suspicion of malignant effusion, which can be differentiated through pleural biopsy. Additionally, severe COVID-19...

[Read More] Understanding Post-COVID Complications: Pleural Effusion and Back Pain


Understanding PET and CT Reports for Lung Cancer Management

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) Report Here is the translation of the provided medical content: The following is the chest computed tomography report from September: **Computed Tomography of Chest With and Without Enhancement Shows:** **Techniqu...


Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Koko: 1. According to the attached report, there is no deterioration, and we cannot determine the drug resistance issue based on the absence of deterioration; continuous observation is necessary. 2. The current report is indeed accurate. 3. An MRI of the brain is more pr...

[Read More] Understanding PET and CT Reports for Lung Cancer Management


Understanding Your Chest CT Report: Key Insights for Lung Cancer Patients

Chest Computed Tomography Report Hello Doctor, I am a stage 3B lung adenocarcinoma patient currently undergoing treatment with targeted therapy using anlotinib. Below are the findings from my three-month follow-up chest CT report, which was ordered by the thoracic surgeon to asse...


Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The report appears to show no deterioration. As for further treatment plans, it is advisable to refer to the explanation provided by the original attending physician, as I am unable to offer any recommendations.

[Read More] Understanding Your Chest CT Report: Key Insights for Lung Cancer Patients


Severe Left Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

Severe pain in the left chest? Hello Doctor: I suddenly experienced severe pain in my left chest last night, which felt like a sharp and stabbing pain that radiated to my back. The symptoms have persisted until now; it hurts when I lie down, it hurts with deep breaths, and I cann...


Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms require you to first visit a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray to rule out pulmonary diseases (such as pneumothorax, pleural effusion, etc.) before we can speculate whether it is neuropathic pain.

[Read More] Severe Left Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help


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