Understanding How Tuberculosis Bacteria Develop Drug Resistance
How do Mycobacterium tuberculosis develop drug resistance? Hello, Dr. Jian. I heard that irregular medication for tuberculosis can lead to drug resistance. How long does one need to interrupt medication for drug resistance to occur, and how does drug resistance develop? Thank you...
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
The reason for the development of drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis is due to mutations in genes on the chromosome. Under natural conditions, the probability of such mutations occurring is extremely low. If a patient receives a proper regimen that includes at least is...[Read More] Understanding How Tuberculosis Bacteria Develop Drug Resistance
Understanding Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment: Key Questions Answered
Pulmonary tuberculosis Hello: Recently, I sought medical attention due to a lower respiratory tract infection (cough with sputum) that had not improved for 10 days. After an X-ray, there were signs of calcification, and the doctor suspected tuberculosis. Currently, all three sput...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, 1. The chest X-ray shows calcification; it is best to have X-rays from more than six months ago for comparison to confirm that the calcified lesion has not changed (stable, to determine it as inactive, and antibiotic treatment is not necessary). 2. Currently, sputum te...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Coughing with Blood: When to Seek Chest Specialist Care
Coughing with blood-streaked mucus during a cold is concerning..? On February 10, I started coughing with a scratchy throat and noticed blood in my nasal mucus (I have a history of nasal allergies; could this be due to nasal mucosal injury?). On February 13 and 14, I woke up with...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Hello Mr. Chiu Wen-bin: First of all, I'm not quite sure what your question is. It is correct to seek medical attention when experiencing symptoms. Since you have already undergone tests, it would be best to wait for the results.[Read More] Understanding Coughing with Blood: When to Seek Chest Specialist Care
Understanding Chest Tightness and Cough: When to Seek Medical Advice
Frequently experiencing chest tightness? Hello Doctor: Whenever I feel tired or have stayed up late, the next morning I often experience a feeling of tightness and discomfort in my chest, accompanied by a strong cough, although I don't usually cough much. I also feel this ti...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Feng: Basically, your chest X-ray was done last year. Recently, you have been experiencing chest tightness and coughing, which may require priority evaluation of your heart or lungs. I recommend that you make an appointment with a pulmonologist for a thorough examination an...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Cough: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Tuberculosis: Open vs. Closed Pulmonary TB Explained
Tuberculosis (TB) The sputum test did not show the presence of tuberculosis bacteria, but during the bronchoscopy, the pleural tissue sample indicated a positive reaction for tuberculosis bacteria in the bronchi. Is this indicative of open pulmonary tuberculosis, closed pulmonary...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: If the specimen obtained from the bronchi contains tuberculosis bacteria, it is still infectious, but the infectiousness is lower. Additionally, it is necessary to confirm whether the bacteria are indeed identified as Mycobacterium tuberculosis; please discuss this with yo...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis: Open vs. Closed Pulmonary TB Explained
Understanding Tuberculosis: Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment Duration
Regarding tuberculosis (TB)? Hello Doctor: I have been in contact with someone who has tuberculosis, but I am unsure if they have open or closed tuberculosis. I have been coughing for a month, and I have had an X-ray, which showed no issues. However, latent tuberculosis may not b...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ms. Ting, here are the brief answers to your questions: 1. The occurrence of extrapulmonary tuberculosis is much less common, and symptoms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (such as hematuria or bone pain) usually manifest years after exposure. It is advisable to seek medica...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis: Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment Duration
Understanding Pulmonary Fibrosis: What Tests Should You Consider?
Fibrosis Hello, doctor. I am about to undergo a physical examination for military service and have learned that I have bilateral apical pulmonary fibrosis with calcification. What kind of tests should I undergo at the hospital? Do I have tuberculosis? Before I received this infor...
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
Generally, fibrotic calcification is mostly a remnant of chronic inflammation. The most common cause in the country is pulmonary tuberculosis. It is recommended to visit a pulmonology clinic for sputum examination and chest X-ray.[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Fibrosis: What Tests Should You Consider?
Understanding Lung Cavities: Causes, Severity, and Diagnosis Explained
Pulmonary perforation Hello: My father has been suffering from a persistent cough and has seen a pulmonologist. After an X-ray, the doctor mentioned that there is a lung cavity and that he needs to be hospitalized for treatment. What could cause a lung cavity? Is having a lung ca...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Hello Danny: First of all, I would like to answer your question. Almost no disease can be definitively diagnosed through X-rays alone. The primary role of X-rays in clinical practice is to indicate potential diseases. Further examinations are then arranged for confirmation. Tuber...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cavities: Causes, Severity, and Diagnosis Explained
Understanding Persistent Cough and Throat Irritation: When to Seek Help
A scratchy throat can cause coughing? Hello, Doctor: About a month ago, I first noticed my voice was a bit hoarse, which improved after a day or two. Then I started to cough. The coughing occurs throughout the day and at night while sleeping, and I don't feel it is worse at ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Ruiven: The X-ray results show no issues, and major pulmonary diseases (including tuberculosis, pneumonia, and lung tumors) have been ruled out. The remaining concern is the excessive sensitivity of the trachea and nasal passages. In addition to medication, it is important...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough and Throat Irritation: When to Seek Help
Understanding Lung Cancer vs. Tuberculosis: Key Differences and Risks
Regarding the lungs? Hello, what are the differences between lung cancer and tuberculosis? Is lung cancer contagious? My grandfather is 76 years old and seems to have some lung issues recently. The doctor has recommended a CT scan, and I'm worried about whether he is in dang...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Hello, Ida: Tuberculosis is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is infectious, classified as a notifiable communicable disease. Lung cancer, on the other hand, is caused by cellular mutations leading to malignancy and is not contagious. When lung cancer is suspected, a c...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cancer vs. Tuberculosis: Key Differences and Risks
Coughing Up Blood with White Particles: Possible Causes and Advice
Hemoptysis with the presence of white spots in the blood? I would like to ask the doctor about a foreign spouse I know. Recently, they returned to Vietnam to visit family and discovered that their mother was coughing up blood, and it was not just blood streaks; the amount was sig...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of hemoptysis, including the possibility of tuberculosis and lung cancer. A diagnosis by a physician is necessary for further management. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang, Director of Radiology.[Read More] Coughing Up Blood with White Particles: Possible Causes and Advice
Understanding Symptoms of Lung Diseases: A Guide for Concerned Families
Could you please specify the suspected pulmonary diseases? Hello Doctor: My father is nearly sixty years old, and he has recently exhibited the following symptoms: (1) About 3 to 4 months ago, he started coughing persistently every night, leading to chronic sleep deprivation. He ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Xiaomi, Your father currently has several issues to address: 1. After a confirmed diagnosis of tuberculosis, he needs to adhere to the medication regimen for 6 to 9 months, and most cases can be cured. 2. During the medication period, it is important to monitor for any si...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms of Lung Diseases: A Guide for Concerned Families
Persistent Cough and Phlegm: Seeking Solutions for Ongoing Symptoms
Coughing for several days? Hello, Dr. Jian. My surname is Yu. I have a female colleague who had a cold last week. When I accompanied her to see the doctor, the physician mentioned that she had a lot of phlegm while listening to her back. My colleague has a history of allergic rhi...
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
There are many causes of coughing, but if the cough lasts more than three weeks or if there is a fever exceeding 38 degrees Celsius for three days, it is recommended to visit a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray to rule out tuberculosis or pneumonia. Based on your colleague's s...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Phlegm: Seeking Solutions for Ongoing Symptoms
Understanding Persistent Cough: When to Worry About Lung Cancer
Coughing Hello, Dr. Qu: My 55-year-old father has been coughing for three to four months after catching a cold this winter. He has seen several traditional and Western medicine practitioners and has taken codeine, but his condition fluctuates between better and worse. He suspects...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Hello: Many conditions can present with a cough, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as the pulmonary tuberculosis and lung cancer you mentioned. It is advisable to visit a pulmonology clinic for an evaluation and to arrange any necessary tests...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough: When to Worry About Lung Cancer
Persistent Cough After Cold: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Could you please provide more context or specify your question about coughing? Hello, Doctor. Last October, I caught a cold, and after about a week, I recovered but was left with a persistent cough. By early December, I noticed that the cough had lasted too long, so I visited a p...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Hello TPE52: The diagnosis of a disease must be based on a comprehensive assessment that includes medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests (such as blood tests, X-rays, etc.). Additionally, X-rays must be reviewed in person for accurate interpretation. Therefor...[Read More] Persistent Cough After Cold: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Understanding Pulmonary Fibrous Granulomas: Risks and Treatment Options
Pulmonary fibrous hamartoma Hello Dr. Zhou, Four years ago, I was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis and have since recovered after treatment. Recently, after undergoing blood tests and a chest X-ray, it was found that there is a fibrous granuloma in the upper left lung. Addi...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. General fibrous granuloma is a change left by previous inflammation or injury. It should be compared with the original X-ray to confirm whether it is indeed an old lesion; otherwise, further intervention may be necessary. Please discuss this with the original treating...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Fibrous Granulomas: Risks and Treatment Options
Understanding Tuberculosis: Diagnosis and Next Steps for Patients
Pulmonary tuberculosis Hello Doctor: I went to Mackay Memorial Hospital for an examination in early November, and the X-ray showed abnormalities. The doctor prescribed a week of antibiotics for me, and after a week, the X-ray showed no changes (the findings were the same as the X...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: A positive sputum culture is mostly indicative of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which would suggest open pulmonary tuberculosis. However, a portion may be non-tuberculous mycobacteria, which requires further identification of the species. Traditional methods take about a mon...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis: Diagnosis and Next Steps for Patients
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
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
Essential Tests for Tuberculosis: What You Need to Know
What tests are required for tuberculosis screening? Hello, someone in my family has tuberculosis. The doctor previously said it was not open (infectious), so we have been in close contact with the patient for many days. However, during today's outpatient check-up, we were in...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Peii: Exposure does not necessarily lead to infection (family members have about a one in four chance of becoming infected). Among those infected, there is only a one in ten chance of developing the disease over a lifetime (90% can be detected through a chest X-ray), and ni...[Read More] Essential Tests for Tuberculosis: What You Need to Know