Managing Persistent Bronchitis Symptoms After a Cold: What to Do Next?
Bronchitis Hello Doctor, I previously had a cold combined with bronchitis. I didn't have a fever, but I saw a doctor and took medication. The cold symptoms improved in about 1 to 2 weeks, but the bronchial issues have not resolved. I cough about 2 to 3 times a day. I have ha...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Initially, it was acute bronchitis, and the X-ray examination has ruled out the possibility of pneumonia or tuberculosis. Subsequently, the residual symptoms of airway hyperresponsiveness can only be managed with medication, or one may consider traditional Chinese medicine...[Read More] Managing Persistent Bronchitis Symptoms After a Cold: What to Do Next?
Persistent Cough with Choking Sensation: When to Seek Further Evaluation?
Persistent cough that feels somewhat like choking when coughing? The mother is 58 years old. Due to concerns about her uncle being suspected of having tuberculosis, she also needs to be monitored. The doctor at the chest hospital mentioned that the mother currently has no issues,...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your question can be briefly answered as follows. A chest X-ray is used to assess whether there are any abnormal shadows or nodules in the lungs. If abnormalities are found, further diagnostic tests may be arranged to confirm the diagnosis (such as tuberculosis, lung cance...[Read More] Persistent Cough with Choking Sensation: When to Seek Further Evaluation?
Seeking Transfer for Advanced Treatment of Pneumonia and Suspected Tuberculosis
Can I transfer to another hospital for treatment by Director Yang for tuberculosis and pulmonary inflammation? Thank you? Dear Director Yang, My grandfather is 89 years old. He was hospitalized on May 4 due to a fever, and tests indicated pneumonia with an inflammatory marker of...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Pneumonia and pulmonary tuberculosis cannot be distinguished from X-ray images, and the presence of pulmonary edema further complicates the differentiation between inflammation and fluid accumulation. This is also why it is challenging for clinicians to make a definitive d...[Read More] Seeking Transfer for Advanced Treatment of Pneumonia and Suspected Tuberculosis
Preventing Tuberculosis Transmission in Family Visits to Hospitalized Patients
A family member has tuberculosis (TB)? The doctor informed us that my grandmother was hospitalized due to illness, initially in a regular ward and later transferred to the intensive care unit. She was suspected of having tuberculosis, and it was recently confirmed. I would like t...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. If the visitor has appropriate protection (for example, wearing an N95 mask), the chance of transmission is very low. General tuberculosis (TB) contacts refer to individuals who live with the patient or have been in contact with the patient for 8 hours or more in a day ...[Read More] Preventing Tuberculosis Transmission in Family Visits to Hospitalized Patients
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Concerns for an 85-Year-Old Patient
Pleural effusion issues? Hello Dr. Wu, my grandfather is 85 years old and has been diagnosed with pleural effusion. He was hospitalized, and it wasn't until the third day that the doctor used a drainage tube to slowly remove the fluid. On the first day, 1100cc was drained, 4...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
To understand the prognosis of pleural effusion, it is essential to first identify its causes. Common causes of pleural effusion include infection, pulmonary tuberculosis, and malignant tumors. It may be necessary to consult the attending physician regarding the patient's di...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Concerns for an 85-Year-Old Patient
Understanding Latent vs. Active Tuberculosis: What You Need to Know
Question about pulmonary tuberculosis? In the case of tuberculosis (TB), if a person shows no symptoms, has no discomfort, and experiences no cough, but a chest X-ray reveals shadows in the lungs, and subsequent tests show a negative sputum smear for TB bacteria but a positive ba...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: It is still classified as open, with a transmissibility of 17%.[Read More] Understanding Latent vs. Active Tuberculosis: What You Need to Know
Can Tuberculosis Still Be Contagious After Completing Treatment?
Can tuberculosis still be contagious after completing medication treatment? My father-in-law has tuberculosis but has completed his medication treatment and is currently going to the hospital for regular check-ups and follow-ups. My child is currently over three months old, and m...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: After completing treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis, the chance of relapse is less than 5%. If regular follow-up chest X-rays show stability and there are no symptoms such as fever or significant cough with sputum, you should be treated like a normal person, and there wi...[Read More] Can Tuberculosis Still Be Contagious After Completing Treatment?
Impact of Latent Tuberculosis on Military Life: What You Need to Know
Hello, doctor? Does latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) affect military life besides requiring treatment?
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR JASON: Latent tuberculosis infection means that there are a small number of bacteria in your body, but not enough to cause disease. With treatment, you can prevent future outbreaks. It has no impact on your daily activities and certainly does not affect military life at all....[Read More] Impact of Latent Tuberculosis on Military Life: What You Need to Know
Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
About lung adenocarcinoma? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a cold with symptoms of cough, runny nose, and sore throat since mid-February. I have seen 3 to 4 doctors over the course of about 10 days without improvement. Eventually, I discovered that my symptoms were due to ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR LEE: Based on your description, I think one diagnosis that must be considered is tuberculosis. Tuberculous lymphadenitis typically does not present with afternoon fevers, so tuberculosis should be considered. Please visit an otolaryngologist for a biopsy; it is unlikely to b...[Read More] Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission Risks in Family Caregivers
Transmission of Tuberculosis (TB) Hello doctor, my grandfather was suspected of having tuberculosis today and has been moved to an isolation ward. My father visits him every day without wearing a mask and has helped wipe away the phlegm my grandfather coughed up. Now my father ha...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. Please do not worry too much until the doctor confirms that your grandfather has tuberculosis. Additionally, it is recommended to wear a mask (N95) when entering the negative pressure isolation room. 2. The symptoms of tuberculosis can be assessed using the seven-point ...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission Risks in Family Caregivers
Understanding Lung Calcification in Children: When to Consider CT Scans
Discovery of pulmonary calcification issues? A 7-year-old child was found to have a pulmonary calcification (one calcified area) at the end of October 2016. Follow-up X-rays were taken in November and January, and on January 24, the doctor reviewed the new and old X-rays and repo...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Calcified nodules may be scar tissue resulting from previous inflammation, and their shape and size are unlikely to change significantly. Since they occupy only a very small portion of the lungs, they will not affect respiratory function. It is recommended that no further ...[Read More] Understanding Lung Calcification in Children: When to Consider CT Scans
Can I Get a Tooth Extraction After Two Months of TB Treatment?
Regarding tooth extraction issues? Doctor Jian, I have been taking tuberculosis medication for two months (and I am preparing to reduce the dosage). Now I have a broken tooth root; can I go ahead and have the tooth extracted?
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Please first check the white blood cell count, hemoglobin, and platelet count. If they are normal, you can proceed with the tooth extraction.[Read More] Can I Get a Tooth Extraction After Two Months of TB Treatment?
Should You Get a Low-Dose CT Scan for Lung Nodules?
Do nodules require a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan of the lungs? Last year, during a health check-up, a chest X-ray revealed an abnormality in one lung, prompting me to return to the hospital for a follow-up. The doctor arranged for a second set of images that day (the f...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: It is important to inform your physician about your smoking history. It is recommended to have a chest X-ray every six months, and you may consider undergoing a CT scan. Please discuss this further with your pulmonologist. Thank you.[Read More] Should You Get a Low-Dose CT Scan for Lung Nodules?
Managing Tuberculosis Treatment Transition from China to Taiwan: Key Questions
Questions Regarding Changing Treatment Countries for Tuberculosis Hello Dr. Jian, I am a Taiwanese expatriate who has been working in China for many years, and my spouse is Chinese. Recently, I was diagnosed with a positive tuberculosis (TB) test due to persistent coughing in Aug...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
1. Whether there is health insurance; if there is no health insurance, treatment can be provided without insurance status. 2. Whether the individual holds Republic of China (Taiwan) nationality. 3. Whether there is a bacterial strain identification report, whether there is a drug...[Read More] Managing Tuberculosis Treatment Transition from China to Taiwan: Key Questions
Post-Pneumonia Complications: Navigating Medical Consultations and Care
Regarding some sequelae after having pneumonia, please ask? Hello Doctor, my mother was hospitalized for a week last August due to pneumonia caused by a delayed visit to the doctor after catching a cold. After recovering, she lost nearly 10 kg and has been experiencing recurrent ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Lisa: From the clinical symptoms observed in your mother, it appears somewhat similar to tuberculosis; however, myocarditis cannot be ruled out. The examinations should not be very difficult and can include blood tests, sputum analysis, and high-resolution computed tomograph...[Read More] Post-Pneumonia Complications: Navigating Medical Consultations and Care
Understanding Preventive Treatment for Tuberculosis Exposure: Risks and Accuracy
Tuberculosis infection Due to my uncle being hospitalized and diagnosed with tuberculosis, all family members were notified to undergo blood tests. I have been informed that my test result is positive, and the health department has advised preventive medication. I would like to k...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
A positive blood test should refer to a positive result for latent tuberculosis infection, indicating that the individual has been infected but is not currently ill. The lifetime risk of developing active tuberculosis is approximately 5%. From a public health prevention standpoin...[Read More] Understanding Preventive Treatment for Tuberculosis Exposure: Risks and Accuracy
Understanding the Risks of Tuberculosis Treatment in Elderly Patients
Regarding tuberculosis, thank you Dr. Yang for your response? Thank you, Dr. Yang, for taking the time to respond amidst your busy schedule. My grandfather, who was originally in the isolation ward, was transferred to a general ward last Wednesday, the 19th, after starting medica...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Thank you for your reply! There are indeed many cases of pulmonary tuberculosis associated with hemoptysis, and the additional anti-tuberculosis medications are not related to the bleeding (no specific anti-tuberculosis medication has been mentioned to carry a risk of blee...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Tuberculosis Treatment in Elderly Patients
Understanding Tuberculosis Culture Results: Misdiagnosis and Treatment Options
Regarding the culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis? Hello Doctor, my grandfather is 89 years old. In August of this year, he was taken to the emergency room due to health issues and later transferred to the intensive care unit. After being discharged, he gradually regained his h...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis does not necessarily require two or three sets of sputum culture and mycobacterial identification results; abnormal infiltrates may also be observed on X-ray. This aspect can be discussed with the attending physician. As for individu...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Culture Results: Misdiagnosis and Treatment Options
Should My Child Get Tested After Contact with a TB Patient?
Do I need to undergo an examination? Hello Doctor, my 11-year-old daughter has visited a tuberculosis patient and hugged them to say goodbye twice. She had no other contact with the patient. Should she go to a medical facility for examination? Thank you for your time in answering...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Contact with an open (infectious) case for a continuous duration of 8 hours or a cumulative time exceeding 40 hours is required to be considered at higher risk of transmission (meeting the definition of a tuberculosis contact). I believe your daughter’s contact time with t...[Read More] Should My Child Get Tested After Contact with a TB Patient?
Understanding CT Scan Results: Evaluating Lung Tumors and Biopsy Risks
A chest CT scan revealed several tumors approximately four centimeters in size? Hello Doctor: My father was suddenly hospitalized on October 8, 2016, due to a high fever and respiratory distress with wheezing. After a chest CT scan, a dark spot was found on the right side of his ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR JESSICA: Currently, you are on anticoagulants, and you need to stop them for at least a week before the examination. A tuberculoma is a possibility, but four centimeters is somewhat large. It would be best to find old films for comparison, as this may eliminate the need for ...[Read More] Understanding CT Scan Results: Evaluating Lung Tumors and Biopsy Risks