Understanding Rapidly Growing Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know
Pulmonary mass of unknown origin? Hello doctor, my mother is 66 years old and has been monitored for pulmonary nodules. We have been doing low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans every six months for the past five years, and there haven't been significant changes. However, d...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: Imaging is necessary for an initial assessment of the likelihood of malignancy or benignity. A short-term follow-up can be chosen initially, and administering antibiotics and expectorants for a period of time may allow for spontaneous resolution. Additionally, among benign...[Read More] Understanding Rapidly Growing Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know
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 Tuberculosis Symptoms: Key Questions and Concerns
Symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello Doctor, I have been told by a physician that I might have tuberculosis, but currently, I am unable to produce any sputum for testing. This situation has made me quite anxious. I would appreciate your assistance in clarifying some issues. ...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: Tuberculosis (TB) of the lungs may not always present with symptoms, and having symptoms does not necessarily mean it is tuberculosis. The general diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis involves examining chest X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans. Of course, sputum tests...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Symptoms: Key Questions and Concerns
Does Fluoroquinolone Use Affect Tuberculosis Diagnosis?
Does the use of fluoroquinolones affect the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello Dr. Yang, I am a pharmacist. My boyfriend (who is the same age as me) previously went to the emergency room due to a fever, and an X-ray revealed lesions in his lungs. The doctor prescribed flu...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, I will prioritize considering a fungal infection. If the culture results from the second hospital show no tuberculosis, I will be less concerned about tuberculosis. Since the sputum smear is negative, there is no need to wear a mask continuously,...[Read More] Does Fluoroquinolone Use Affect Tuberculosis Diagnosis?
Understanding Fungal Infections and Tuberculosis: A Patient's Journey
Fungal infection and tuberculosis? On February 17 of this year, I had a fever of 39 degrees Celsius and went to the emergency room. An X-ray revealed a lesion in my right upper lung, and a subsequent CT scan showed a cavity in the right upper lung. The doctor informed me that it ...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to visit our outpatient clinic and bring relevant imaging studies. While it does increase the risk of cancer, there is no need to be overly anxious.[Read More] Understanding Fungal Infections and Tuberculosis: A Patient's Journey
Breathing Training for Vocal Recovery After Tuberculosis Infection
Regarding respiratory training? I previously had a throat infection caused by tuberculosis, which resulted in a loss of voice. Although the tuberculosis has been treated, I still can only speak with a breathy voice. An endoscopic examination revealed that this is due to the inabi...
Dr. Cai Zongwei Reply:
Hello: If the issue with breathy voice is due to the inability of the vocal cords in the upper respiratory tract to close, then training the respiratory muscles should be considered a separate matter. Additionally, general pulmonary function tests primarily measure expiratory vol...[Read More] Breathing Training for Vocal Recovery After Tuberculosis Infection
Understanding Palpitations, Coughing, and Vomiting: A Chest Medicine Perspective
Wheezing, coughing, vomiting, and incontinence? Hello, Director Yang. I had a stent placed in October 2013. About five months later, I began experiencing occasional missed beats, accompanied by vomiting (usually without anything in my stomach, but in rare cases, severe vomiting c...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The chest X-ray shows no abnormalities in the lungs, and the cough is not persistent. It is suspected that the main issue lies in the arrhythmia and temporary cardiac backflow obstruction, leading to chest tightness and cough. During the ECG, it happened to capture a momen...[Read More] Understanding Palpitations, Coughing, and Vomiting: A Chest Medicine Perspective
Assessing Lung Cancer and Tuberculosis Risks After Past Coughing Episodes
About seven years ago, I had a cough that lasted for about 3 to 4 weeks, and it resolved with medication. Is there a risk of lung cancer or tuberculosis? Hello, I would like to ask about an episode I had approximately 7 years ago when I experienced an unexplained cough for about ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The likelihood of these two conditions occurring at your age is very low. However, if there are significant abnormalities in your lungs, an X-ray is necessary to confirm.[Read More] Assessing Lung Cancer and Tuberculosis Risks After Past Coughing Episodes
Should You Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Breathing Issues?
Should you seek medical attention for shortness of breath immediately, or can you wait a week before seeing a doctor? I have been experiencing a persistent cough and have been diagnosed with fungal and tuberculosis infections, for which I regularly see a pulmonologist. I have no ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. If you experience new symptoms or develop shortness of breath or fever, seek medical attention promptly. 2. If your respiratory condition worsens, temporarily discontinue exercise and have your physician reassess during your appointment.[Read More] Should You Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Breathing Issues?
Understanding Tuberculosis Recurrence: Symptoms, Testing, and Follow-Up Care
Pulmonary tuberculosis may relapse after treatment? Hello Doctor: Thirteen years ago, I was diagnosed with asymptomatic pulmonary tuberculosis and completed a two-year treatment course as directed by my physician. I did not have any follow-up afterward. In January and February of...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Peipei: Regarding your questions, 1. Abdominal tuberculosis indeed requires a pathological and microbiological diagnosis for confirmation. 2. It is recommended that TB patients undergo a chest X-ray (CXR) annually for monitoring. 3. Currently, the diagnosis cannot be confirm...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Recurrence: Symptoms, Testing, and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission and Treatment Risks in Families
Tuberculosis-related issues? Hello, Doctor! My father was diagnosed with open pulmonary tuberculosis in 2020 and was hospitalized for nearly a year for treatment. After that, both my mother and my daughter tested positive and received preventive medication. I, myself, tested nega...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Megan: Thank you for your inquiry. 1. You had a nodular shadow in the past, which suggests that you may have had an infection that is currently in a dormant state as a granuloma. Although preventive medication was administered, it may not have completely eradicated the inf...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission and Treatment Risks in Families
Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission and Risks in Family Members
Questions related to pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello, Doctor! My father was diagnosed with open pulmonary tuberculosis in 2020 and was hospitalized for nearly a year for treatment. After that, both my mother and my daughter tested positive and received preventive medication. I, mys...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Megan: In 2020, your father had tuberculosis, so it is most likely that he was the source of transmission. Tuberculosis is primarily transmitted within households. Currently, the incidence rate in Taiwan has decreased to 31 per 100,000. The chance of contracting it from outs...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission and Risks in Family Members
Understanding Lung Nodules: Importance of Follow-Up CT Scans
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan for Pulmonary Nodules Hello, Doctor. In May 2021, I had a CT scan. Summary: All information from the patient. Past medical history: Hypertension - , Diabetes Mellitus - , Coronary Artery Disease - , Asthma - , Surgical history - Personal history: Bet...
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 Lung Nodules: Importance of Follow-Up CT Scans
Understanding Mild Lung Opacity: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Mild pulmonary opacity? In mid-November, I experienced gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux, along with bronchitis and a cold. My weight dropped from 53 kg to around 48-49 kg in a short period. My family, who have been coughing for a long time, suggested that I might have pneumo...
Dr. Wang Zhengde Reply:
Hello Mei Mei, due to the limited information that can be provided through online consultations, I can only answer some of your questions. Compared to a chest X-ray, a computed tomography (CT) scan has a higher sensitivity and can reveal more details, which may include issues tha...[Read More] Understanding Mild Lung Opacity: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Managing Side Effects of Tuberculosis Treatment in Elderly Patients
Complications of tuberculosis medication? Hello Dr. Wang, My father was diagnosed with tuberculosis in September of this year and has been undergoing treatment for three months. During his previous follow-up visits, his liver function tests were completely normal, but this time,...
Dr. Wang Zhengde Reply:
Dear Miss Vicky, It is indeed important to pay special attention to drug-induced hepatitis caused by anti-tuberculosis medications. However, if it occurs, it typically happens early in the course of treatment. In addition to medications, other causes of elevated liver enzymes in...[Read More] Managing Side Effects of Tuberculosis Treatment in Elderly Patients
How Long Does Tuberculosis Treatment Last and When Can Patients Leave Isolation?
How long does tuberculosis treatment last? Dear Doctor, My father was admitted to the hospital at the beginning of the month due to difficulty breathing and was diagnosed with tuberculosis after being transferred from the emergency room to the intensive care unit. He has been re...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ryan: Generally, after two weeks of medication, the infectiousness is very low. Currently, there is no need for mandatory isolation in a negative pressure room if the patient's condition allows. A regular single room is sufficient. Caregivers and patients should wear ma...[Read More] How Long Does Tuberculosis Treatment Last and When Can Patients Leave Isolation?
Understanding Latent Tuberculosis Infection: Treatment Options and Concerns
Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) Recently, I was taken by the health center in my community for a "latent tuberculosis infection blood test," and the result came back positive. The doctor at the health center said that I need to take medication. There are two option...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: The general impact of Mycobacterium tuberculosis on the human body can be divided into two stages: "infection" and "disease." "Infection" indicates that the tuberculosis bacteria have entered the body, but no organs are affected yet, and there...[Read More] Understanding Latent Tuberculosis Infection: Treatment Options and Concerns
Assessing TB Infection Risk After Brief Exposure with N95 Mask
Questions about tuberculosis? Hello Doctor, I previously interned at a hospital, and during my internship, I observed a bronchoscopy through a glass window. Later, it was discovered that the patient had tuberculosis, and I had brief contact with him for about 5 minutes. During th...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Based on your clear description of the contact process, there is no risk of infection at all, so please rest assured.[Read More] Assessing TB Infection Risk After Brief Exposure with N95 Mask
Understanding Abnormal Cell Keratin Antigen Levels in Pulmonary Health
The abnormal level of cell keratin antigen is slightly higher than normal? I would like to ask the doctor, does an abnormal level of squamous cell carcinoma antigen indicate a lot?
Dr. Lu Mingzhi Reply:
Hello: The cytokeratin antigen you are referring to is likely CYFRA 21-1. Elevated levels of cytokeratin antigen 21-1 should raise the possibility of lung cancer and esophageal cancer, and tumors in other locations may also cause an increase in this marker. Non-tumor conditions s...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Cell Keratin Antigen Levels in Pulmonary Health
Can You Work in a Cleanroom After Recovering from Tuberculosis?
Lung issues Hello, doctor. I had tuberculosis a few years ago, but I am completely recovered now. However, the X-ray still shows scarring. I experience shortness of breath when walking too quickly, but I would like to pursue a job that requires wearing a cleanroom suit. Is this s...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, Xiao Li. Typically, after tuberculosis, respiratory issues such as wheezing can occur, often due to pulmonary obstruction (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). If you are concerned, you may consider visiting a pulmonology department for a chest X-ray and pulmonary funct...[Read More] Can You Work in a Cleanroom After Recovering from Tuberculosis?