Understanding Tuberculous Meningitis: Key Considerations for Patients
Tuberculous meningitis Hello Dr. Chou, I would like to ask you about a patient who has an implanted cardiac rhythm device. What precautions should be taken if a lumbar puncture is required? Additionally, the patient tested positive for tuberculosis, but imaging scans showed no s...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. Generally speaking, the location of lumbar puncture is far from the pacemaker and should not have any significant impact. 2. According to the description, the physician diagnosed extrapulmonary tuberculosis as a clinical diagnosis, not based on laboratory evidence (i.e....[Read More] Understanding Tuberculous Meningitis: Key Considerations for Patients
Can Tuberculosis Be Transmitted Through Breastfeeding? A Concerned Mother's Inquiry
Tuberculosis and Breastfeeding I have a silly question for the doctor: If someone was previously a tuberculosis (TB) patient and has been cured, and they had a chest X-ray yesterday while wearing a hospital gown without an undershirt, and there is a small sore on the nipple from ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ms. Jiang: Here are brief answers to your questions: 1. There should be no tuberculosis bacteria present in your nipple wound. Don't worry! 2. If the baby does not have low birth weight (less than 2000 grams) or jaundice, the BCG vaccine can be administered directly. B...[Read More] Can Tuberculosis Be Transmitted Through Breastfeeding? A Concerned Mother's Inquiry
Pregnancy After Tuberculosis Treatment: When Is It Safe?
When is it safe to become pregnant after taking tuberculosis medication? Hello Doctor: We got married in early June this year, and on June 20, my husband was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis and started treatment. The doctor mentioned that he needs to take medication for six...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, the use of first-line anti-tuberculosis medications has minimal impact on pregnancy. The most important factors are to treat the disease as soon as possible and to consider whether the woman has been infected. If it is not urgent, it may also be advisab...[Read More] Pregnancy After Tuberculosis Treatment: When Is It Safe?
How Long Does Sputum Cell Culture Take? Insights for Military Health Checks
Excuse me, I would like to ask how long it takes to culture cells from sputum? Hello Dr. Yang, I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask a question. During my military physical examination, I initially received a notification from Keelung Municipal Hospital. After th...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, based on your suggestion, the sputum culture may be for tuberculosis bacteria, which generally takes six to eight weeks to process. Some hospitals issue reports after six weeks of observation. You might try contacting the tuberculosis case manager at Keelung Hospital to se...[Read More] How Long Does Sputum Cell Culture Take? Insights for Military Health Checks
Can Tuberculosis Medications Lead to Lung Function Decline?
Can tuberculosis medication cause pulmonary function failure? Hello, after taking tuberculosis medication for two and a half months, it was diagnosed that I do not have tuberculosis. Could the medication I took cause pulmonary function failure? Thank you for your response!
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, anti-tuberculosis medications should not cause lung function damage. However, there may be other side effects (such as those affecting the liver or kidneys) that can be confirmed through relevant tests (such as blood tests). Sincerely, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuan...[Read More] Can Tuberculosis Medications Lead to Lung Function Decline?
Understanding Lung Issues: Coughing, Bronchitis, and Lymph Nodes Explained
Lung issues Hello Dr. Jian: I have been experiencing a cough due to allergic rhinitis. I visited an otolaryngologist about a month ago, but there hasn't been much improvement. The doctor suggested I go to a larger hospital for further evaluation. At Chi Mei Hospital, I had a...
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
It sounds like you have allergic rhinitis, and the cough is likely caused by post-nasal drip. You should treat the allergic rhinitis to improve the cough. The 0.2 cm circle is probably a blood vessel.[Read More] Understanding Lung Issues: Coughing, Bronchitis, and Lymph Nodes Explained
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
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 Open Tuberculosis: Risks, Symptoms, and Family Precautions
Open pulmonary tuberculosis Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to express my concern as a colleague in my spouse's company has recently been confirmed to have "open pulmonary tuberculosis" by the hospital. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. What is the lik...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Tuberculosis is a disease caused by the invasion of Mycobacterium tuberculosis into the human body. The transmission route for pulmonary tuberculosis is airborne. The likelihood of infection depends on the bacterial load in the air (for example, the amount of bacteria expe...[Read More] Understanding Open Tuberculosis: Risks, Symptoms, and Family Precautions
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?
Understanding Tuberculosis: Risks, Treatment, and Prevention for Seniors
Pulmonary tuberculosis Dr. Chang: My grandfather, who is in the water, was recently diagnosed with tuberculosis. I have a few questions: 1. If it is severe, could it lead to lung cancer? 2. He is already in his 60s; will that affect his condition? 3. He has been raising pigeons a...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Dear Ms. Hsuan-Yu, Regarding your grandfather's tuberculosis issue: 1. Can severe tuberculosis lead to lung cancer? There is no direct relationship between tuberculosis and lung cancer. 2. He is already in his 60s; will that affect his condition? As long as he adheres to h...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis: Risks, Treatment, and Prevention for Seniors
Understanding Calcified Nodules in the Right Lower Lung: What You Need to Know
What is a calcified nodule in the right lower lobe of the lung? What are its potential effects? Hello Dr. Lee: I would like to ask you about the issue of a calcified nodule in the right lower lobe of the lung. My brother's recent chest X-ray report indicated that he has a ca...
Dr. Li Shiwei Reply:
Dear Fanny, The calcified nodule in the right lower lobe of the lung is a lesion left over from inflammation, possibly indicating calcification after the resolution of primary pulmonary tuberculosis. The pneumothorax is mostly spontaneous, resulting from the rupture of abnormal ...[Read More] Understanding Calcified Nodules in the Right Lower Lung: What You Need to Know
Navigating Marriage Plans Amidst Suspected Tuberculosis Diagnosis
Tuberculosis and Marriage Hello: My fiancée and I are getting engaged on October 10 and married on October 24. However, yesterday, September 28, she underwent an examination at Tainan Hsin-Lou Hospital and was suspected of having tuberculosis (TB). She has already started medicat...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
A-Feng: Hello, congratulations on your wedding! There’s no need to delay; with treatment until October 10, it will be exactly two weeks, and you won’t be contagious. If the sputum test for tuberculosis is negative, the risk of transmission is very low. After recovery, most patien...[Read More] Navigating Marriage Plans Amidst Suspected Tuberculosis Diagnosis
Understanding Tuberculosis: Prevention and Vaccination for High-Risk Adults
Regarding tuberculosis (TB)? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask some questions regarding tuberculosis (TB). If an adult tests negative on the PPD test but is in a high-risk group for exposure to TB patients, what additional protective measures should be taken besides self-protect...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Hello Tracy: Adults do not need a booster dose of the BCG vaccine. The BCG vaccine provides protection for approximately 10 years, primarily preventing children from developing tuberculous meningitis, and it is ineffective for adults. Currently, the PPD test has limited utility i...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis: Prevention and Vaccination for High-Risk Adults
Overcoming the Fear of TB: Can I Work in Banking After Recovery?
Tuberculosis Screening Examination Two years ago, I had a severe cold and went to the emergency room, where I was diagnosed with suspected tuberculosis. I took a year of nauseating and painful medication, but I have since been diagnosed as cured and have not had a relapse. Howeve...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Hello everyone: Tuberculosis can be cured, and once healed, individuals are no different from healthy people and can return to work. If the calcified lesions are very small, there are generally no issues during routine check-ups. If any abnormalities are found, a follow-up examin...[Read More] Overcoming the Fear of TB: Can I Work in Banking After Recovery?
Understanding Throat Inflammation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Pharyngitis Hello, doctor: I have a slight throat inflammation and feel a bit itchy in my throat, which makes me want to cough, but I don't cough often. What can I do to get better? It's been over two weeks since I started experiencing this, and the medication doesn...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ru: I suggest you drink more water, avoid fried or cold foods, and try to relax your mind; this should help improve your condition! Wishing you well![Read More] Understanding Throat Inflammation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Understanding Post-Tuberculosis Symptoms and Throat Infections
Excuse me? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask a few questions. I previously had open pulmonary tuberculosis and have since recovered, but after having an X-ray, it was noted that old scars are more pronounced. I was advised to undergo sputum testing because I currently have throa...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Hello: A: I recently recovered from open pulmonary tuberculosis, but after getting an X-ray, the old scars appeared more prominent, and I was advised to undergo sputum testing. May I ask if the bacteria can remain in the throat, or do they only reside in the lungs? Q: The bacteri...[Read More] Understanding Post-Tuberculosis Symptoms and Throat Infections
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Tips
What causes pulmonary edema? How is it treated? Dear Director Zhang, I would like to inquire about pleural effusion. My sister exhibited cold symptoms during the New Year, initially experiencing a cough with phlegm, which later progressed to a dry cough. Recently, she has been w...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Dear Xiao Zhu, Q: Regarding the issue of pleural effusion: My older sister exhibited symptoms of a cold during the New Year, and after a chest X-ray, it was found that there is fluid accumulation in her lungs. Is pleural effusion classified as benign or malignant? How long is t...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Tips
Understanding Lung Scarring After Tuberculosis: Risks and Concerns
Lung issues? I previously had tuberculosis and have recovered, but during an X-ray examination today, it was noted that the old scars in my lungs are more pronounced compared to two months ago. Is it possible that this indicates a relapse of tuberculosis? Additionally, if I previ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ru: 1. The relapse rate of tuberculosis after completing treatment should be less than 5%. 2. The visibility of old scars may be due to differences in brightness on the chest X-ray. Typically, relapse is considered only if the original scar has enlarged or if new l...[Read More] Understanding Lung Scarring After Tuberculosis: Risks and Concerns