How to Get Tested for Tuberculosis: Clinic Hours and Options
Testing for tuberculosis (TB) of the lungs? To get tested for tuberculosis, which department should I visit? Are there weekend clinic hours available?
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Hello, if you suspect you have tuberculosis, you can visit the outpatient clinic at the chest hospital for an examination. There is an outpatient consultation available on Saturday morning with Dr. Chang Cheng-Ta.[Read More] How to Get Tested for Tuberculosis: Clinic Hours and Options
Understanding White Spots on Lung X-rays: What You Need to Know
The chest X-ray shows white spots in the lungs? Hello doctor, my mother recently underwent a full health check-up at the hospital, and the X-ray results showed white spots in her lungs. The doctor mentioned that it could possibly be a tumor and advised her to return for a follow-...
Dr. Zhuang Ziyi Reply:
Hello: The chest X-ray shows that there are white spots in the lungs, and there are many possible diagnoses. The most likely conditions include calcified nodules left by tuberculosis, chronic pulmonary infections, benign tumors, and malignant tumors, among others. The definitive ...[Read More] Understanding White Spots on Lung X-rays: What You Need to Know
Persistent Cough: Seeking Answers for a Four-Month Struggle
Regarding the issue of persistent coughing? Hello Dr. Zhou, I would like to ask you about a problem related to the thoracic cavity. Here’s the situation: my father has been coughing for almost four months now. However, he has not been able to get better despite visiting several h...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of chronic cough that require differential diagnosis; common ones include chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, and cancer. Additionally, non-pulmonary diseases may also be responsible, such as rhinitis with post-nasal drip, side effects f...[Read More] Persistent Cough: Seeking Answers for a Four-Month Struggle
Persistent Cough for Over a Month: What Should I Do?
If you have been coughing for nearly a month and a half, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation. Persistent cough can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, such as respiratory infections, allergies, asthma, or other chronic lung dise...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Generally, a cold does not cause a cough that lasts this long; if you have been coughing for a month and a half, you should see a pulmonologist for further evaluation (a chest X-ray should be performed). Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang, Attending Physician, Department of Internal Medic...[Read More] Persistent Cough for Over a Month: What Should I Do?
Nutrition and Care Tips for Tuberculosis Patients: A Guide
Regarding tuberculosis? Hello, Dr. Chang: I would like to ask about my father, who is a tuberculosis patient and has been on medication for 10 days. What dietary considerations should he keep in mind after being discharged? Besides maintaining a regular routine and hygiene, what ...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Regarding the diet for tuberculosis patients, a balanced diet is generally sufficient unless there are specific restrictions for diabetic patients. Normal daily activities are also encouraged. Due to the use of multiple medications for tuberculosis, the occurrenc...[Read More] Nutrition and Care Tips for Tuberculosis Patients: A Guide
Understanding TB Tests and BCG: Your Questions Answered
TB Test and BCG Vaccine I moved to the United States at the age of four. In Taiwan, I received the BCG vaccine, and in 1996, I had a TB test that was negative. During a school health check this year, the doctor asked me to return in 48 hours to check the results, but due to circu...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Albert: Hello, I will briefly answer your questions as follows: 1. A positive tuberculin skin test indicates that you have been infected with the tuberculosis bacteria (approximately one-third of the global population has been infected), but you are not currently ill (no pulmonar...[Read More] Understanding TB Tests and BCG: Your Questions Answered
Understanding Non-Open Tuberculosis: Risks and Precautions for Families
Non-open pulmonary tuberculosis Hello doctor, my older brother has been diagnosed with non-open tuberculosis and requires medication treatment. There are two young children in the household, and I am also pregnant. I would like to ask the doctor, even though my brother has non-op...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
1. As long as the sputum smear test for tuberculosis in the older brother shows no evidence of the bacteria, it indicates that the infectiousness is very low. Children who have received the BCG vaccine should have some degree of protection; however, it is still recommended that c...[Read More] Understanding Non-Open Tuberculosis: Risks and Precautions for Families
Persistent Coughing: Understanding Acute Bronchitis Symptoms and Concerns
Persistent cough? Hello Dr. Jiang: My mother has been coughing for over 10 days now, and she has phlegm that is white. She has seen a doctor and had an X-ray done, but the doctor said it is acute bronchitis. However, I looked up the symptoms of acute bronchitis online, which incl...
Dr. Jiang Rongren Reply:
If there is a cough with sputum and fever, respiratory infection should still be considered. If there is only a cough, many conditions can present similarly (such as bronchitis, tumors, asthma, tuberculosis, and other infections that may not necessarily cause fever). It is recomm...[Read More] Persistent Coughing: Understanding Acute Bronchitis Symptoms and Concerns
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 Blood in Sputum: Causes and Diagnostic Insights
Hemoptysis My mother has a persistent cough and experienced hemoptysis at the beginning of the year. Since then, she has been coughing up blood in her first sputum every morning. She has visited several ENT specialists, but no issues were found in her nasopharynx. She also underw...
Dr. Xu Jialin Reply:
First, it is important to clarify whether the blood is in the saliva or in the sputum. If there is blood in the saliva, it may originate from the nasopharynx or oral cavity, such as nasopharyngeal cancer, gingivitis, or oral cancer, among others. If the blood is in the sputum, it...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Sputum: Causes and Diagnostic Insights
Understanding Benign Pulmonary Granulomas: Symptoms and Next Steps
I would like to ask what granulomas are? In August, my health check-up report indicated that I have a benign "granuloma in the left upper lung." I would like to know what this is. I have frequently experienced some sharp pain in the left chest area. One night, I went to...
Dr. Xu Jialin Reply:
Granuloma is a pathological diagnosis typically caused by prolonged stimulation of local tissue due to infection or inflammation, leading to the proliferation of fibroblasts and the formation of a benign tumor. In your case, an X-ray has revealed a nodule in the left upper lung, ...[Read More] Understanding Benign Pulmonary Granulomas: Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Chest Pain: Is It Serious or Just a Cold?
My chest? Doctor, I have a cold that has lasted for several months and hasn't improved. Recently, I've noticed occasional sharp pain in the center of my chest when I breathe. Could it be tuberculosis? Also, when I perform pushing movements with my arms, I hear a wheezin...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: A common cold does not last for several months. If respiratory symptoms have persisted for months, it is recommended to undergo a chest X-ray examination. Please consult a pulmonologist for differential diagnosis (such as tuberculosis, asthma, or other conditions). Dr. Cho...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Is It Serious or Just a Cold?
Understanding Tuberculosis Diagnosis: From Sputum Tests to Cultures
Pulmonary tuberculosis First of all, thank you for the doctor's previous response. However, I apologize for having a few more questions: First, after I had an X-ray, I submitted sputum samples for testing at the hospital for three consecutive days. I returned for a follow-up...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Jack: Your questions can be summarized as follows: 1. According to the regulations of the Centers for Disease Control, the standard laboratory report for tuberculosis (TB) smear tests must be completed and reported within 24 hours. 2. The culture report for tuberculosis takes lon...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Diagnosis: From Sputum Tests to Cultures
Understanding Tuberculosis Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis? What are the symptoms of tuberculosis (TB)? Recently, I experienced chest pain and visited a doctor. After an X-ray, the doctor asked if I had any chest injuries and suspected I might have tuberculosis, requesting a sputum test. Later, I checke...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Jack: Tuberculosis (TB) is a slowly progressing disease that can be asymptomatic in its early stages. However, abnormal white infiltrates can be observed on a chest X-ray. Some individuals may have these lesions detected during a routine examination. If not identified early...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Concerns About TB Exposure: Am I at Risk After Contact?
Is it possible to get it? I apologize for bothering you again, but I would like to clarify something. If I have caused any trouble, I sincerely apologize. Last week, a friend's father was diagnosed with open pulmonary tuberculosis in the hospital. My friend has been taking c...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Hello: All close contacts should undergo a chest X-ray, and sputum tests can also be performed. If the results are normal, there should be no need for concern. In fact, Taiwan has a very high incidence of tuberculosis (ten times that of the United States), and anyone can potentia...[Read More] Concerns About TB Exposure: Am I at Risk After Contact?
Understanding Asymptomatic Pulmonary Infiltrates: Causes and Implications
Pulmonary infiltration The body shows no abnormalities, but a chest X-ray during a physical examination revealed infiltrates, with no discomfort reported. What are the possible causes of pulmonary infiltrates? Thank you for your guidance.
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, SRS: Pulmonary infiltration refers to the presence of abnormal lines or shadows in the lungs, which may be due to slightly enlarged blood vessels, mild pulmonary inflammation, or mild pulmonary tuberculosis. In any case, you need to return to the pulmonology clinic for a f...[Read More] Understanding Asymptomatic Pulmonary Infiltrates: Causes and Implications
Understanding Pneumothorax: Risks and Surgical Options for Elderly Patients
Pneumothorax Hello Doctor: My grandfather is 74 years old. He has a history of tuberculosis, but he has mostly recovered after treatment. Recently, he experienced chest tightness, and after examination, it was found to be a pneumothorax. He underwent tube insertion for treatment,...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Jill: Your grandfather is 74 years old and has experienced a recurrence of pneumothorax twice. Typically, the first consideration would be to administer medication into the pleural cavity for pleurodesis. If that fails, surgical intervention may be considered. Additionally,...[Read More] Understanding Pneumothorax: Risks and Surgical Options for Elderly Patients
Medication Concerns: Can I Continue Finasteride While Taking New Prescriptions?
Medication issues? Today I had an X-ray, and the doctor suspects I have tuberculosis, so he prescribed me BromHEXINE HCL (Bisolvou) for mucus relief, Procaterol HCL Hemihydrate (Meptin-Mini 25mcg) for asthma relief, and Acetaminophen (500mg PANADOL) for pain relief. I would like ...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: The examination may still be ongoing, and tuberculosis medication has not been prescribed. The aforementioned medication is not related to Boska. You are welcome to contact Dr. Chang.[Read More] Medication Concerns: Can I Continue Finasteride While Taking New Prescriptions?
Can I Contract Tuberculosis from a Friend's Family Member?
Is it possible to contract it? A family member of my friend has been diagnosed with tuberculosis and is currently in an isolation ward. I have had contact with my friend. Is it possible for me to contract the bacteria? If so, could I be asymptomatic or transmit it to my family? C...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Individuals who have been exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis may be at risk of infection. When an infectious pulmonary tuberculosis patient coughs or sneezes, airborne droplets containing the bacteria can be inhaled by a healthy person, leading to infection. A...[Read More] Can I Contract Tuberculosis from a Friend's Family Member?
Understanding Atypical Tuberculosis: Key Differences and Treatment Insights
What is atypical tuberculosis? I would like to ask the doctor about the difference between open pulmonary tuberculosis and atypical pulmonary tuberculosis. When I sought medical attention, the doctor diagnosed me with atypical pulmonary tuberculosis and informed me that there is ...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, The source of tuberculosis infection is the genus Mycobacterium, which is divided into two categories: the first is the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, commonly referred to as tuberculosis. The second is non-tuberculous mycobacteria, which includes slow-growi...[Read More] Understanding Atypical Tuberculosis: Key Differences and Treatment Insights