Understanding Lung Calcification: Causes, Concerns, and Health Implications
Pulmonary calcification Hello, Dr. Yang. The day before yesterday, I went for a health check-up and had an X-ray done. The doctor mentioned that there is calcification in my lungs and asked if I have ever had tuberculosis. The problem is that I have never had such an illness, and...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The presence of calcifications on a chest X-ray indicates that there have been past inflammatory lesions in the lungs (not necessarily tuberculosis) that have healed, leaving behind scar tissue, similar to how scars form after injuries on the hands or feet during childhood...[Read More] Understanding Lung Calcification: Causes, Concerns, and Health Implications
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Nutritional Needs and Recovery Time
Pleural effusion My grandfather is 85 years old. After catching a cold recently, he has been experiencing difficulty breathing. Upon examination, the doctor diagnosed him with pulmonary edema due to malnutrition. My grandfather has a poor appetite and is very picky with his food....
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: Low levels of protein in the blood, particularly albumin, can lead to bilateral pleural effusion. Hospitalization for intravenous albumin administration is necessary, followed by diuretics to reduce pleural effusion. Once symptoms improve, it is essential to supplement die...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Nutritional Needs and Recovery Time
Can Open Tuberculosis Patients Be Hospitalized for Isolation in Taipei?
Pulmonary tuberculosis Hello Director Chang, I would like to inquire if a patient diagnosed with open pulmonary tuberculosis can be hospitalized for isolation treatment. I am concerned because there are elderly individuals and young children at home who may have weaker immune sy...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Hello: For open pulmonary tuberculosis, it is best to isolate for two weeks after starting treatment, which can include hospitalization or staying in a well-ventilated private room. It is crucial for all family members to undergo testing. Major hospitals in Taipei should have iso...[Read More] Can Open Tuberculosis Patients Be Hospitalized for Isolation in Taipei?
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 Pleural Effusion: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis Challenges
Pleural effusion Hello Dr. Ding, My father-in-law recently experienced shortness of breath and shoulder pain. He visited Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Chiayi, where an X-ray examination revealed pleural effusion. The physician stated that the cause and symptoms could not be d...
Dr. Ding Liangwen Reply:
There are many causes of pleural effusion, including tuberculosis and lung tumors as mentioned above. The fluid can be aspirated for analysis, which can help in differentiation. If differentiation is not possible, the fluid can be drained, and a chest X-ray can be performed to ch...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis Challenges
Understanding Tuberculosis Testing: Is a Chest X-Ray Enough?
Examination for Tuberculosis (TB) To check for tuberculosis (TB), is it sufficient to get a chest X-ray, or should other tests be performed? How long should the interval be between X-rays, as I recently had a chest X-ray and I'm concerned about potential negative effects on ...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Hello, netizen: Diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis requires a chest X-ray and sputum examination. It is essential to consult a specialist. The radiation dose from modern X-rays is very low; generally, it is safe for older adults to have one X-ray per year without any harm to the b...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Testing: Is a Chest X-Ray Enough?
Understanding Small Calcified Granulomas in the Right Lower Lung
What is a small calcified granuloma in the right lower lung? A chest X-ray revealed a small calcified granuloma in the right lower lung. What could be the cause and potential diseases associated with this finding?
Dr. Guo Lucheng Reply:
Calcific granulomas are most commonly remnants of inflammation, often associated with pulmonary tuberculosis (though individuals may not experience symptoms). It is recommended to have regular follow-up with chest X-rays. Sincerely, Dr. Kuo Lu-Cheng.[Read More] Understanding Small Calcified Granulomas in the Right Lower Lung
Understanding Calcified Granulomas in the Right Lower Lung: Causes and Implications
Lungs Hello: The X-ray revealed a small calcified granuloma in the right lower lung. I'm not sure what it could be.
Dr. Guo Lucheng Reply:
Calcific granulomas are most commonly remnants of inflammation, often due to pulmonary tuberculosis (though individuals may not experience symptoms). It is recommended to have regular follow-up with chest X-rays. Sincerely, Dr. Kuo Lu-Cheng.[Read More] Understanding Calcified Granulomas in the Right Lower Lung: Causes and Implications
Understanding Calcified Granulomas in the Right Lower Lung on X-Ray
Lung The X-ray revealed a small calcified granuloma in the right lower lung. What could be the reason for this?
Dr. Guo Lucheng Reply:
Calcific granulomas are most commonly remnants of inflammation, often due to pulmonary tuberculosis (though patients may not experience symptoms). It is recommended to have regular follow-up with chest X-rays. Sincerely, Dr. Kuo Lu-Cheng.[Read More] Understanding Calcified Granulomas in the Right Lower Lung on X-Ray
Understanding Pulmonary Fibrosis and Calcification: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery
Lobar fibrotic calcification of the lungs? What are the causes? Can it be cured with treatment? How is it treated? Dear Dr. Jiang, My mother is 74 years old. Recently, during a health check-up, an X-ray revealed the presence of pulmonary lobe fibrotic calcification. May I ask yo...
Dr. Jiang Rongren Reply:
General fibrotic calcification is a scar resulting from chronic inflammation, which can be monitored. However, it cannot exclude conditions such as tuberculosis or interstitial lung disease. Therefore, it is recommended that the patient visit a pulmonology clinic for examination ...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Fibrosis and Calcification: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery
Could It Be Tuberculosis? Understanding Symptoms and When to See a Specialist
Could it be tuberculosis? Hello Dr. Ke, my husband has not recovered since catching a cold in mid-March of this year. He has seen both a family medicine doctor and an ENT specialist, and although he was later diagnosed with sinusitis, there is one symptom that concerns me. I am u...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: Nighttime fever and night sweats occur daily, and tuberculosis is just one possible cause. It is recommended to visit a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray and to undergo further examinations.[Read More] Could It Be Tuberculosis? Understanding Symptoms and When to See a Specialist
Is Lung Calcification a Sign of Tuberculosis Recovery or Ongoing Disease?
Lung calcification does not necessarily indicate that tuberculosis has been cured. While calcified lesions in the lungs can be a sign of previous infections, including tuberculosis, they may also result from other conditions. It is important to conduct further evaluations and ima...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Pulmonary calcification generally refers to scar calcification following an inflammatory response, often representing a chronic condition (similar to scars after limb injuries) that does not disappear. Patients who have had tuberculosis often show this manifestation on che...[Read More] Is Lung Calcification a Sign of Tuberculosis Recovery or Ongoing Disease?
Understanding Hemoptysis: Key Considerations for Patients Abroad
Recently, I have been coughing up blood? Dr. Yang: Hello! I experienced hemoptysis several times last year, and after a CT scan, the doctor informed me that there is fibrosis in the bronchus near my heart, advising me to avoid catching a cold as much as possible. Recently, I have...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Amy: As you mentioned, the computed tomography scan revealed fibrosis in the bronchi near your heart, indicating that there are no tumors or cavitary changes associated with tuberculosis in your lungs. Your diagnosis leans towards bronchiectasis, which may result in increas...[Read More] Understanding Hemoptysis: Key Considerations for Patients Abroad
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
Understanding Chest Pain and Tuberculosis Treatment: Your Questions Answered
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello Dr. Yang: I have been taking anti-tuberculosis medication for six months at China Medical University. After transferring to your hospital on December 1, I have been on a new medication for two weeks. I am not sure if it is due ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ellen: (1) Your tuberculosis has been diagnosed by China Medical University, so there should be no issue. I am not familiar with the medication changes at this hospital, and I cannot determine whether you are still infectious. Please consult your attending physician or cons...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Tuberculosis Treatment: Your Questions Answered
Understanding Tuberculous Pleuritis: Risks and Infant Screening
Regarding pulmonary tuberculosis (acute) 1. Tuberculous pleuritis is considered an extrapulmonary form of tuberculosis and is not directly contagious. However, the underlying infection can be contagious if pulmonary involvement is present. 2. It is advisable for the 11-month-old...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Sandy: Pleural effusion (lung) is generally not contagious. Has the one-year-old baby received the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine? If so, and the baby currently does not have symptoms of fever or cough, you can first go to a health center for a tuberculin skin test (PPD t...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculous Pleuritis: Risks and Infant Screening
Understanding Tuberculosis: Common Questions and Concerns for Patients
Question Dr. Yang: Hello! I am a patient with tuberculosis. About six months ago, I went to China Medical University for an X-ray due to a persistent cough of unknown origin, and that’s when I discovered I had tuberculosis. However, I do not understand the source and transmission...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ellen: Here are the brief answers to your questions: (1) Patients with tuberculosis are advised to consume a high-protein diet and to avoid irritating foods such as fried foods, spicy foods, or foods cooked with alcohol. (2) Antituberculosis medications can be taken alongsi...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis: Common Questions and Concerns for Patients
Understanding Tuberculosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Insights
Pulmonary tuberculosis Hello Doctor: My mother had tuberculosis, and my second brother died of lung cancer, so I undergo regular chest X-ray examinations every year. In August of this year, I experienced slight chest discomfort and a mild cough. In September, I went to the health...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
(1) It is indeed possible for some patients with pulmonary tuberculosis to have normal sputum tests (i.e., non-open cases), and diagnosis requires other clinical evidence. (2) Common side effects of anti-tuberculosis medications include liver function abnormalities, impaired visi...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Insights
Concerns About Sputum Sample Volume for Chest Medicine Tests
Sputum examination issues! Hello Doctor: Last Saturday, I submitted three samples of sputum to the laboratory for testing, and I did the same on Monday and Tuesday of this week. However, I just realized that the amount of sputum I produced last Saturday seemed to be very little, ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Dear Tu: The three sputum samples you sent have been processed. Preliminary smear examination did not reveal any tuberculosis bacteria. The culture results will take 6-8 weeks, so please rest assured! Best wishes! Dr. Yang 10/30/2003[Read More] Concerns About Sputum Sample Volume for Chest Medicine Tests
Understanding Lung Biopsy: Pain, Risks, and What to Expect
Lung biopsy (urgent) Hello Doctor: My mother is 62 years old and has been undergoing regular chest X-ray examinations every year because my grandmother had tuberculosis and my uncle passed away from lung cancer. Two months ago, she started coughing and experiencing chest pain. Sh...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Based on the described situation, it appears to be an unexplained lesion in the left lung, thus further examination is necessary. Bronchoscopy should not be performed under excessive anesthesia; it can also include a biopsy, but there is a possibility that the targeted area may n...[Read More] Understanding Lung Biopsy: Pain, Risks, and What to Expect