Can Bronchiectasis Be Cured with Medical Treatment? Insights and Options
Can bronchiectasis be cured with medical treatment? Hello Dr. Tsai: I am currently suffering from bronchiectasis and have been under treatment by my physician for six months, but the symptoms still persist. I would like to ask Dr. Tsai if it is possible to fully recover from bron...
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
Bronchiectasis refers to the abnormal and permanent dilation of the bronchi. In patients with this condition, the airways become distorted and lax, often obstructed by thick, and sometimes purulent, secretions, leading to prominent clinical symptoms such as productive cough and d...[Read More] Can Bronchiectasis Be Cured with Medical Treatment? Insights and Options
Understanding Severe Lung Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Lung pain? My husband sometimes experiences lung pain when he doesn't smoke or after drinking alcohol. The pain is severe, making it difficult for him to walk. He refuses to see a doctor. What could be the issue with his lungs? I'm anxious for a quick response.
Dr. Xu Jialin Reply:
There are many causes of chest pain, including cardiovascular issues, pneumothorax, pneumonia, and lung tumors, among others. It is recommended to visit a hospital for some basic examinations in order to determine the appropriate further management. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Severe Lung Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Should You Use Contrast in CT Scans for Possible Tuberculosis?
Computed Tomography... Contrast Agent Hello Dr. Yang: Five years ago, I had pneumonia, and three years ago, my X-ray results were normal. However, during a recent health check-up, my X-ray indicated a possible tuberculosis infection. A family member has open tuberculosis, but I a...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: There are no effective preventive methods for tuberculosis; the best approach is to maintain your immune function at an optimal level through exercise, nutrition, and sleep to avoid infection. Your chest X-ray shows suspected pulmonary tuberculosis lesions, and you have a ...[Read More] Should You Use Contrast in CT Scans for Possible Tuberculosis?
Understanding Fibrotic Calcification in the Left Upper Lung Field: Causes and Treatment
Fibrotic calcific lesion in the left upper lung field? In August of this year, I went to Taipei City Hospital, Zhongxiao Branch, for a health check-up. The results showed a "fibrotic calcified lesion in the left upper lung field," and I was advised to return to the hosp...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiaolala: Generally speaking, a chest X-ray report indicating fibrotic calcified lesions represents non-active, old scars (similar to scars left on the skin from past deeper injuries). This suggests that there was a previous pneumonia in the left upper lung (which you may ...[Read More] Understanding Fibrotic Calcification in the Left Upper Lung Field: Causes and Treatment
Should You Get the Flu Vaccine If You Have Weakened Immunity?
Should I get the flu vaccine? Hello, Doctor: Should individuals with weaker immune systems receive the influenza vaccine? I read in the newspaper that the flu vaccine can only prevent the flu and does not prevent pneumonia. Is this true? I have been hospitalized for mycoplasma pn...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Joyce: The influenza vaccine can only reduce the incidence of influenza and cannot prevent the occurrence of bacterial pneumonia (mycoplasma is just one type). Currently, there is no vaccine available for mycoplasma pneumonia. Antibodies from a previous mycoplasma pneumonia...[Read More] Should You Get the Flu Vaccine If You Have Weakened Immunity?
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery in Elderly Patients
Pleural effusion I previously asked about my grandfather, who developed pulmonary edema due to malnutrition. Last week, he was admitted to the intensive care unit at Hukou Mercy Hospital because of elevated carbon dioxide levels in his body. The doctor indicated that there is no ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: The most common causes of pleural effusion (hydrothorax) in the elderly include heart failure, cirrhosis, uremia, and malnutrition. If the effusion is unilateral, one should consider tuberculous pleuritis, pneumonia-related effusion, and cancer metastasis. Treatment should...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery in Elderly Patients
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Pleural effusion I would like to ask! How is pleural effusion formed? Can it cause abdominal pain? Is surgery and anesthesia required? How quickly can pleural effusion develop in a few days? Thank you!
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Pleural effusion can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing and chest pain, while abdominal pain is less common. Generally, drainage can be performed using needle aspiration under local anesthesia. It is essential to identify the underlying cause (such as tuberculosis, lung ...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Persistent Cough: Sinusitis and Breathing Issues Explained
Coughing I have been coughing continuously for over a month. I visited several clinics and initially thought it was a cold. Later, I went to a larger hospital for pulmonary function tests, and the results were normal, but there were abnormal breath sounds. The sputum culture show...
Dr. Ding Liangwen Reply:
If a cough persists for a month, the first step is to determine whether this has occurred previously or if there were cold symptoms a month ago, after which all other symptoms resolved but the cough remained. Additionally, it is important to note whether there is a fever, the col...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough: Sinusitis and Breathing Issues Explained
Understanding Post-Pneumonia Symptoms: Causes and Concerns
Questions about pneumonia~ Four years ago, I had pneumonia, and after recovering, I didn't return for a follow-up appointment about a month later (not fully healed). Since then, whenever I engage in even a little exercise or when the temperature is slightly higher, I experie...
Dr. Guo Lucheng Reply:
These symptoms should not be related to the pneumonia from four years ago. You may have other thoracic conditions, such as asthma, that require further evaluation at a pulmonology clinic. Sincerely, Guo Lucheng.[Read More] Understanding Post-Pneumonia Symptoms: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Elevated ESR Levels After Pneumonia: What You Need to Know
ESR index! Hello Doctor: I previously had pneumonia, and it has been over a month since then. However, my cough symptoms have not improved. A few days ago, I had a blood test, and the doctor said my ESR value is 65, indicating inflammation. Additionally, the X-ray appears to show...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Allen: The X-ray appears to indicate bronchitis, which suggests that the lung inflammation is not too severe anymore! You have already been treated with antibiotics, and it may be difficult to identify the pathogenic bacteria through further cultures. Please continue to be ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated ESR Levels After Pneumonia: What You Need to Know
Understanding Lung Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Care Tips
Regarding lung issues? Hello Doctor, I experienced coughing up blood in January of this year after staying up late for two consecutive days and went to the emergency room. The X-ray results were normal, but a CT scan showed a white shadow in one area of my right lung. After takin...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello John: Your diagnosis should be bronchiectasis with hemoptysis. If your chest pain does not show any significant abnormalities on the chest X-ray, then neuropathic pain is a more likely diagnosis. Currently, Western medicine would generally prescribe pain relievers, hemostat...[Read More] Understanding Lung Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Care Tips
Understanding Mycoplasma Pneumonia: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Mycoplasma pneumonia! Hello, Doctor: Can a Mycoplasma infection cause diarrhea? I was hospitalized due to pulmonary infiltration, and after being discharged, I continued to take medication as instructed by my doctor. However, the diarrhea persists and has worsened in the past few...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, KCL. Here are the brief responses to your questions: 1. Mycoplasma infections have a 15% chance of causing diarrhea, but this is usually a transient phenomenon. It is unusual to have persistent diarrhea after discharge, so it is recommended that you consult a gastroentero...[Read More] Understanding Mycoplasma Pneumonia: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Understanding Pleural Effusion: External vs. Internal Fluid Accumulation
Pleural effusion Hello, my father is a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis, which has been treated and controlled for many years. Recently, he has been coughing up blood, and after a CT scan, it was found that he has pleural effusion and pneumonia. The doctor mentioned that the p...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Js: The external fluid accumulation you mentioned is likely pleural effusion (fluid in the pleural cavity outside the lungs). Recurrence of pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, lung tumors, and heart failure can lead to pleural effusion. If possible, performing a thoracentesi...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: External vs. Internal Fluid Accumulation
When Is Hospitalization Necessary for Pneumonia Treatment?
Treatment of pneumonia! Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask at what severity pneumonia requires hospitalization? Is there a specific number of days that one must stay in the hospital? If a patient needs to be discharged before reaching the recommended hospital stay, is that allowe...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, regarding pneumonia, whether hospitalization is necessary depends on multiple factors related to prognosis. Generally speaking, older age, alcohol abuse, the presence of other chronic diseases (such as malignancies, heart, liver, or kidney diseases), respiratory distress (...[Read More] When Is Hospitalization Necessary for Pneumonia Treatment?
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Symptoms, Prevention, and Care Tips
Pleural effusion Hello, doctor... I would like to ask you about the symptoms and prevention of pleural effusion, as well as how to maintain health in this regard.
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, sister: Pulmonary effusion may indicate pulmonary edema or pleural effusion, with symptoms primarily including difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. If it is caused by an infection, it may be accompanied by symptoms such as fever, chills, and chest pain. There are m...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Symptoms, Prevention, and Care Tips
Persistent Cough After Pneumonia: Seeking Answers in Chest Medicine
I'm not sure what to do? On February 28, 2003, my wife was hospitalized at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital with suspected pneumonia. Since her discharge, she has been coughing continuously. She has undergone several dozen X-rays, but the doctors have been unable to deter...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Welcome to reach out. Your wife's condition requires clinical judgment from a physician. Finding a meticulous and patient pulmonologist should help resolve the issue. If you are located in Taipei, I recommend Dr. Suo Ren. You can find him at the Taipei City Chronic Disease P...[Read More] Persistent Cough After Pneumonia: Seeking Answers in Chest Medicine
Understanding Pneumonia Symptoms: What to Look For
Please inquire about the symptoms of pneumonia? Dear Sir/Madam, I would like to inquire about the symptoms of the currently prevalent pneumonia. I arrived in Taiwan from mainland China via Hong Kong on the 18th of this month. Currently, I have a cold and am experiencing alternat...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Currently, the predominant causes of pneumonia are mycoplasma and typical bacterial pneumonia, which can be effectively treated with erythromycin and traditional antibiotics. Severe pneumonia caused by the coronavirus or paramyxovirus, which is prevalent in mainland China and ass...[Read More] Understanding Pneumonia Symptoms: What to Look For
Persistent Coughing: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Persistent cough? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask on behalf of my girlfriend. She caught a cold about two to three weeks ago, and during that time, she didn't have much of a cough. However, she started coughing a lot this week, and it has become persistent. She has seen a...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
In general, there are many causes of chronic cough, with common ones including chronic bronchitis (such as from long-term smoking), post-nasal drip (such as from nasal allergies), asthma, tuberculosis, and bronchiectasis, among others. A consultation with a pulmonologist is neces...[Read More] Persistent Coughing: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Causes and Treatments
What is respiratory distress syndrome? Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a condition characterized by difficulty in breathing due to inadequate oxygenation and ventilation. It is commonly seen in premature infants due to the lack of surfactant in the lungs, but it can also o...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) refers to an acute inflammatory process affecting a large area of lung tissue, which can be caused by various factors (including infectious and non-infectious causes; originating from the lungs themselves or from other organs). Common ca...[Read More] Understanding Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Aspiration pneumonia My father was admitted to the emergency room the day before yesterday due to abnormal breathing caused by choking. He was subsequently diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia, as food was extracted from his trachea. After consulting with the physician, it was det...
Dr. Jiang Zhenyuan Reply:
1. Dysfunction of the epiglottis is often associated with neurological disorders (such as those caused by stroke) and can be evaluated by an otolaryngologist or a neurologist. If the neurological condition cannot be improved, there is no specific pharmacological treatment availab...[Read More] Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options