Understanding Tuberculosis Testing: Risks and Precautions for Family Members
If tuberculosis tests yield inconsistent results, could this lead to an unnoticed infection? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask a question. Previously, a family member was diagnosed with tuberculosis, so both my mother and I received a notice from the health department to undergo...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. For tuberculosis contact screening, a chest X-ray is typically performed first. According to the information provided, this was conducted at Hospital A. Initially, there were concerns regarding your mother's X-ray results, but upon re-examination, no lesions were f...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Testing: Risks and Precautions for Family Members
Understanding Suspected Bronchial Infiltration: Diagnosis and Implications
Medical examination report note: Suspected bronchial infiltration? Hello, Director Zhou. I apologize for the interruption, but I have a question. I recently underwent a health check at the hospital, and the report indicated "suspected bronchial infiltration" in the tube...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: When there are abnormal shadows and a definitive diagnosis has not been established, they can be described as infiltrates, commonly associated with pneumonia. However, further evaluation is necessary, so please consult a pulmonologist for a follow-up examination.[Read More] Understanding Suspected Bronchial Infiltration: Diagnosis and Implications
Understanding Side Chest Pain During Exhalation: Causes and Concerns
Pain on the outer side of the chest when exhaling? Hello, doctor. I do not smoke or drink, and I have been experiencing this condition for a week. The pain is located on the outer side of my left chest, specifically on the side of my body. I feel a very mild pain when I exhale, u...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The chest X-ray is normal, which likely rules out most pulmonary diseases. There is no pain during exercise, and it does not seem to be musculoskeletal pain. Neuropathic pain is possible, but it is usually not severe. It is recommended to relax and not to deliberately test...[Read More] Understanding Side Chest Pain During Exhalation: Causes and Concerns
Key Questions About Tuberculosis: Travel, Treatment, and Prevention
Questions related to tuberculosis (TB)? Hello, doctor. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I have a family member with open pulmonary tuberculosis. 1. Can a person with latent tuberculosis travel by plane internationally? 2. The doctor mentioned that after sta...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. Individuals in the latent phase are asymptomatic and non-infectious, and they can travel abroad. 2. After taking anti-tuberculosis medication for two weeks, the infectiousness of pulmonary tuberculosis patients decreases; however, the potential for transmission varies b...[Read More] Key Questions About Tuberculosis: Travel, Treatment, and Prevention
Can Tuberculosis Contacts and Latent TB Patients Fly Safely?
Can individuals who have been in contact with tuberculosis (TB) or those with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) travel by airplane? 1. Recently, an elderly family member at home was diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB). However, due to my work schedule, I only spend less than five...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Many people around the world have been in contact with tuberculosis patients, and they can fly without informing anyone, as they are unlikely to transmit the infection to others. Generally, only those with cumulative exposure time exceeding 40 hours will be listed by healt...[Read More] Can Tuberculosis Contacts and Latent TB Patients Fly Safely?
Do Hospital Workers in Taiwan Need Annual Chest X-Rays for TB?
Do hospital workers need to undergo annual chest X-ray screening for tuberculosis? Is it not sufficient to first perform a PPD/TST test? In my previous work at a hospital in the United States, I only had to undergo a chest X-ray upon starting my job, and then an annual PPD test, ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: The radiation dose from a chest X-ray is extremely low, and chest X-ray examinations are not only for detecting tuberculosis, lung tumors, or other pulmonary diseases; they remain the primary method for chest imaging. In Taiwan, many individuals may test positive on the PP...[Read More] Do Hospital Workers in Taiwan Need Annual Chest X-Rays for TB?
Understanding Cavitary Lesions in Left Lung Apex: TB or Lung Cancer?
Cavitary fibrotic lesion in the left lung apex? The left apical fibrotic cavitary lesion, could this be indicative of pulmonary tuberculosis or lung cancer? What is a cavitary lesion?
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Da-Hsiung: The fibrous calcification in the lung apex resembles that of tuberculosis. Please check for any medical history, but lung cancer cannot be ruled out. Please come to the hospital for an examination. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Cavitary Lesions in Left Lung Apex: TB or Lung Cancer?
Concerns Over Weight Loss and Treatment Efficacy in TB Patients
No improvement observed after tuberculosis treatment; significant weight loss? Hello Dr. Huang, I am a Taiwanese working in the Philippines, and I am inquiring on behalf of a Filipino friend who has been diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB). My friend is a 26-year-old male who starte...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ahn: I apologize for the delayed response. Here are the answers to your four questions: 1. Generally, after starting medication, a follow-up visit is required within a week to assess any issues related to the treatment. If there are any problems, please return for a consul...[Read More] Concerns Over Weight Loss and Treatment Efficacy in TB Patients
Understanding Slow Recovery in Acute Miliary Tuberculosis Treatment
After taking medication for tuberculosis for almost a year, the X-ray shows that the area of the white shadow in the lungs has only decreased slightly? Hello Dr. Yang, I was diagnosed with acute miliary tuberculosis in September of last year. However, due to an allergy to medica...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: A recommended treatment duration of one year (364 days) is appropriate, unless there is still fever or the X-ray findings have worsened compared to before, in which case a reevaluation is necessary![Read More] Understanding Slow Recovery in Acute Miliary Tuberculosis Treatment
Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission Risks and Testing Procedures
The transmission rate of pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello, Doctor. 1. Last week, while I was sitting and eating at a convenience store near the hospital, an elderly person in a hospital gown was brought in to rest. They coughed several times without wearing a mask. I would like to...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Chen: I apologize for the late reply. The definition of a close contact for tuberculosis (TB) is someone who has been in contact for at least 8 hours in one day or a cumulative total of at least 40 hours in a month. Only then would they be considered for screening as a conta...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission Risks and Testing Procedures
Understanding Persistent Pleural Effusion: Causes and Concerns
Pleural effusion has been persistent? I consulted with the doctor regarding my father, who had a stent placed on July 17, 2018, and was discharged on July 18. On July 19, he went to the emergency room for evaluation of pleural effusion, where 400-500 cc of fluid was immediately d...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: It is not possible to determine the cause of your father's pleural effusion based on your description. Please discuss this in detail with your father's attending physician. Thank you. Sincerely, Jian Shun Tian.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Pleural Effusion: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Chemotherapy Challenges in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Chemotherapy-related issues Hello, doctor. I have been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. Previously, I was also told that I had tuberculosis. I have been struggling to accept why this is happening to me. Although I know it is due to my 40 years of smoking, I still can't...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
It is advisable to discuss further with your attending physician or seek consultation with another doctor.[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy Challenges in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Understanding Lung Nodules: Risks of Sarcoma vs. Tuberculosis and Dietary Tips
Recently, my mother underwent a health check-up and it was found that she has nodules in her lungs, and there seem to be some on her back as well, but they are not close to the edges of the lungs. The doctor said it is unlikely to be cancer and is more similar to a sarcoma or pul...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Therefore, this issue requires clinical judgment. Please consult with a physician in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine or Thoracic Surgery for further discussion.[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Risks of Sarcoma vs. Tuberculosis and Dietary Tips
Managing Symptoms After Stopping Tuberculosis Treatment: A Patient's Journey
Symptoms after discontinuing medication for pulmonary bullae and pulmonary tuberculosis? Thank you, Director Jian, for your previous response. I completed six months of tuberculosis medication in early July. On that day, I had a follow-up appointment where I underwent X-rays and ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
(1) In the case of chest pain, a CT scan should be able to identify any lesions. (2) Without reviewing the CT scan, it is not possible to make a judgment; you may seek a second opinion from another pulmonologist or thoracic surgeon. (3) Consider performing a bronchoscopy. (4) It ...[Read More] Managing Symptoms After Stopping Tuberculosis Treatment: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Lung Nodules, Granulomas, and Increased Lung Markings: What You Need to Know
I would like to ask what it means when a medical report indicates increased lung markings, lung nodules, and granulomas? Granulomas are small areas of inflammation in tissue that can occur due to various conditions, including infections (such as tuberculosis or fungal infections)...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: There are various reasons for increased lung markings, with chronic bronchitis being the most common. A proper assessment requires reviewing the actual chest X-ray, so please schedule an appointment with a pulmonologist for discussion. Lung nodules also have multiple possi...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules, Granulomas, and Increased Lung Markings: What You Need to Know
Persistent Cough for 5 Weeks: Seeking Answers and Next Steps
Coughing for 5 weeks? Hello, Doctor! I have been coughing for 5 weeks and have visited multiple clinics. Initially, I had a cold with severe throat pain, body weakness, hoarseness, and fever. After these symptoms improved, the cough began and has persisted until now. I first visi...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you seek another hospital outside of your current healthcare system for an X-ray and a professional assessment to determine if there are any significant lung diseases. If the X-ray confirms no obvious lung abnormalities and there is no improvement in...[Read More] Persistent Cough for 5 Weeks: Seeking Answers and Next Steps
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Pleural effusion condition? Hello Dr. Jian, I would like to consult you regarding my father. He was hospitalized two weeks ago due to pleural effusion (unilateral) and had occasional low-grade fevers (around 37.6 degrees Celsius) along with a dry cough (non-productive) the previ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
There are many causes of pleural effusion, not just lung cancer. It is essential to first review the results of the thoracentesis. If the fluid is exudative, it is related to tumors and inflammation. We must also examine the lymphocyte percentage in the fluid; if lymphocytes are ...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Managing Worsening Symptoms During Tuberculosis Treatment: Key Insights
Worsening during the treatment process of pulmonary tuberculosis (2) Thank you, Director Jian, for your detailed response last time! Since there is no reply function, I have to trouble you again. Thank you, Director Jian. After I mentioned that my condition had worsened, I hurrie...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
1. After contracting tuberculosis, the lungs may be damaged and become more sensitive, leading to increased coughing due to air pollution and colds. 2. It is not necessary to take tuberculosis medication for a lifetime, and a cold will not trigger tuberculosis. 3. If there ar...[Read More] Managing Worsening Symptoms During Tuberculosis Treatment: Key Insights
Understanding the Worsening of Tuberculosis During Treatment: Key Insights
Worsening during the treatment process of pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello Doctor: In early December last year, I suddenly experienced full-body chills and shivering at night. The next day, I had severe chest pain. I had previously experienced night sweats while sleeping. I initiall...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
1. It is important to know whether the sputum culture was positive at the time of diagnosis and if there are results from drug susceptibility testing. 2. The current condition requires another sputum test to check for the presence of bacteria, and a rapid diagnostic test for ant...[Read More] Understanding the Worsening of Tuberculosis During Treatment: Key Insights
Preventing Tuberculosis Transmission from Non-Resident Relatives: Key Insights
Prevention of Transmission of Tuberculosis from Non-Cohabiting Relatives Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a question. My husband's grandmother, who does not live with us, is a tuberculosis (TB) patient. After being treated in the hospital with isolation, one month afte...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. If proper protective measures are taken, the risk of infection is extremely low (such as in a well-ventilated environment, the patient wearing a mask, and others wearing N95 masks, etc.). 2. If the patient does not have active tuberculosis, there is naturally no infecti...[Read More] Preventing Tuberculosis Transmission from Non-Resident Relatives: Key Insights