Can Regular Masks Prevent TB Transmission During Patient Contact?
Is it possible to contract tuberculosis from a patient who is not wearing a mask while I am wearing a regular mask (not an N95 mask)? I need to personally meet with a young patient in their twenties who has tuberculosis for business purposes. This patient was hospitalized for tre...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. Regular masks cannot block tuberculosis bacteria; the general principle is to have patients wear regular masks to reduce the release of infectious droplets. 2. Negative pressure isolation rooms have an air exchange rate of more than 8 times per hour and are well-ventila...[Read More] Can Regular Masks Prevent TB Transmission During Patient Contact?
Understanding Lung X-Ray Results: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Pulmonary X-ray issues? I would like to ask the doctor, our school had a chest X-ray last month (to check for pulmonary tuberculosis), and today we received the examination report ------------------------------ Examination Item: Abdominal X-ray (one view) Result: Suspected round ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: The circular artifact on the X-ray may be a foreign object on clothing, but please consult a pulmonologist for confirmation.[Read More] Understanding Lung X-Ray Results: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Persistent Cough: Understanding Chronic Bronchitis and Its Treatment
Persistent cough? Hello Dr. Huang! I would like to consult you regarding my persistent cough. Since March 2016, after being infected with a cold from a family member, I have been experiencing a continuous cough for over a month now. I have visited five different clinics without i...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Lin: There are many causes of cough. Usually, a persistent cough is unlikely to be just a simple cold. The most common causes include chronic bronchitis, asthma, post-nasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux, pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, and lung tumors. However, consid...[Read More] Persistent Cough: Understanding Chronic Bronchitis and Its Treatment
Can Pneumonia Lead to Sepsis and Lung Cancer? Understanding the Risks
Can pneumonia lead to sepsis? My mother has been coughing for a long time, and the doctor treated her for tuberculosis. However, after taking medication for more than six months, her cough has not improved. Later, she developed shortness of breath and required an oxygen machine t...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If a patient continues to experience wheezing after six months of tuberculosis treatment, it is possible that extensive lesions in both lungs were present at the time of diagnosis. Even after treatment, fibrosis may remain and affect lung function. Additionally, there may ...[Read More] Can Pneumonia Lead to Sepsis and Lung Cancer? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Pleural Effusion After 3 Weeks of TB Treatment
My father developed pleural effusion after taking tuberculosis medication for three weeks? My father has been taking tuberculosis medication for three weeks. Two days ago, he had approximately 500cc of pleural effusion drained. What could be the possible conditions and what tests...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your father's pleural effusion examination typically includes tests related to tuberculosis (to determine if the effusion is caused by tuberculosis), general bacteriological tests (as some bacteria can also cause effusion), or tests for malignant cells (malignant pleu...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion After 3 Weeks of TB Treatment
Should You Get Tested for Tuberculosis After a Cough?
Tuberculosis (TB) issues? About a month ago, I had a persistent cough with phlegm that lasted for a while. After approximately 2-3 weeks, I gradually recovered, and I am currently no longer coughing. Initially, aside from the cough, I did not have any other significant symptoms. ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Currently, there are no symptoms! Just waiting for notification for the examination, and then we will check the X-ray for any abnormalities! Best wishes![Read More] Should You Get Tested for Tuberculosis After a Cough?
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Chest tightness or chest pain? I have been experiencing a cold for the past two to three weeks and have been visiting the clinic. My symptoms include coughing, runny nose, and phlegm. However, starting today, I have been feeling a tight pain in my chest. On the day I experienced ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of chest tightness; please seek medical attention from a physician.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Can Cold Medications Affect Tuberculosis Treatment Effectiveness?
Will catching a cold while taking tuberculosis medication cause a relapse? In the case of tuberculosis (TB), taking cold medicine will not help with the symptoms of TB. However, I have been on tuberculosis medication for almost six months now. Is there a possibility that I could ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Tuberculosis (TB) requires a regular treatment course of 6 to 9 months, and it will not worsen during treatment (unless there is drug resistance). Worsening is defined as the reappearance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum tests and an increase in the extent of lesion...[Read More] Can Cold Medications Affect Tuberculosis Treatment Effectiveness?
Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission: Common Myths and Facts
I would like to inquire about tuberculosis infection? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for interrupting you during your busy schedule. I have some questions regarding tuberculosis (TB) and I hope you can help me. Thank you. 1. Can tuberculosis be transmitted through objects, books, cl...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Tuberculosis (TB) is primarily transmitted through airborne droplets. You need not worry excessively about the risk of transmission through objects that the patient has touched, as it is extremely low. If you are in the same space as the patient, normal breathing can poten...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission: Common Myths and Facts
Understanding Dry Cough and Right Chest Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Dry cough with right chest pain? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing low-grade fevers around 37.5-38 degrees Celsius in the afternoons for the past two weeks. About 4-5 days ago, I visited a clinic due to mild coughing symptoms, and after a urine test, the doctor diagnosed me...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ms. Lin: Since you have been experiencing a cough and low-grade fever for the past two weeks, it is recommended to have another chest X-ray to confirm that there are no signs of lung infection (including tuberculosis). Latent tuberculosis infection indicates that you have b...[Read More] Understanding Dry Cough and Right Chest Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Persistent Cough and Weakness: Exploring Alternatives to Sputum Tests
I have been coughing continuously, and recently my body has been feeling increasingly weak? Hello doctor, I've been coughing since early December and it's now early February. At first, I thought it was just a cold, so I didn't seek medical attention. A few days bef...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Sam: Coughing for three weeks and testing sputum is a basic concept in tuberculosis screening. Since your boyfriend is also a pulmonary tuberculosis patient, you should definitely get tested. The first sputum sample in the morning is generally more accurate, but it doesn...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Weakness: Exploring Alternatives to Sputum Tests
Unexplained Lung Abnormalities: Seeking Answers for a 70-Year-Old Patient
Lung abnormalities have been present for over two months, and the cause is still unknown? Hello, doctor. My mother is 70 years old and has recently shown abnormalities in her lungs. The situation is as follows: 1. A few years ago, she had pulmonary tuberculosis in her right upp...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Without imaging data, it is difficult to determine which condition is more likely. Based on your description, diagnosis may not be easy; a 7 cm increase in size over 9 months raises concerns for a tumor that cannot be ruled out. A bronchoscopy should be performed to check ...[Read More] Unexplained Lung Abnormalities: Seeking Answers for a 70-Year-Old Patient
Managing Cold Symptoms During Active Tuberculosis Treatment
Pulmonary tuberculosis with a cold? If a patient is undergoing treatment for tuberculosis and then contracts a cold, is it necessary to seek medical attention for the cold? Should the patient see a pulmonologist, or is it sufficient to visit an otolaryngology clinic? Will the med...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Lin: It is quite common to experience a cold while undergoing treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. Whether or not to seek medical attention depends on your symptoms. If you only have mild symptoms, increasing your fluid intake should suffice. However, if you are feeling...[Read More] Managing Cold Symptoms During Active Tuberculosis Treatment
Understanding Tuberculosis Treatment: Healing Cavities and Recovery Time
About tuberculosis (TB)? Dear Doctor, If a chest X-ray six months ago unexpectedly revealed pulmonary tuberculosis, and standard treatment was initiated, with the initial sputum smear reported as scanty, culture positive, and drug sensitivity tests showing sensitivity. After tw...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen: Some pulmonary tuberculosis cavities may not heal and surgical removal might need to be considered. Even if the sputum is free of bacteria after a certain period, the bacteria encapsulated within the cavity still pose a threat. If you are unwilling to undergo surge...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Treatment: Healing Cavities and Recovery Time
Understanding Lung Carbonization: Health Risks and Management Tips
The physical examination revealed pulmonary carbonization? Hello, the health check report for my father indicates "pulmonary carbonization." Is this a serious condition? How should it be managed? Are there any dietary recommendations for improvement? He is a chef and ha...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, as described, I checked the literature and apologize for the late response. The more common causes are still inhalation of dust and smoking, while less common causes include tuberculosis. There are very few case reports indicating a malignant probability. Of course, avoidi...[Read More] Understanding Lung Carbonization: Health Risks and Management Tips
Understanding Tuberculosis Treatment: B6 Supplementation and Follow-Up Care
Tuberculosis (TB) issues? Dear Doctor, can I take one B-complex supplement (containing 10 mg of B6) with my meals while undergoing standard treatment for tuberculosis? I do not have severe diabetes or malnutrition. Will B6 affect the absorption of INH? Additionally, how is the st...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear: There is generally no need to add vitamin B6 when taking tuberculosis medication unless there are special circumstances, as it may affect drug absorption. The prerequisite for a complete cure is, of course, that the sputum has converted to negative and that the standard med...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Treatment: B6 Supplementation and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Recovery and Military Service Implications
Tuberculosis (TB) issues? I initially coughed up blood and went to the hospital for an examination, which revealed that I had tuberculosis (with cavitation). After successfully treating the fibrosis, will I be classified as having mild lung disease? Do I still need to serve in th...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, according to the standards for physical fitness on the Taipei City Government's website, it seems that you may be exempt from military service, but you need to provide complete medical records or undergo an examination for fibrosis with pulmonary function impairment. ...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Recovery and Military Service Implications
Understanding Lung Scarring After Tuberculosis: What You Need to Know
Pulmonary tuberculosis scar? I had tuberculosis (with cavitation) four years ago. I completed treatment, but during a recent health check, a nodule was found that needs further examination. Could it be a scar from the previous treatment?
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, after the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, there is indeed a formation of scar fibrosis, which is often observed in follow-up X-rays. There is also a lower recurrence rate after complete treatment. For detailed information, please consult your treating physician. Chang...[Read More] Understanding Lung Scarring After Tuberculosis: What You Need to Know
Understanding Lung Nodules: Could They Indicate Lung Cancer?
Tuberculosis is cured? Four years ago, I had tuberculosis (with cavitation), which was severe. I completed treatment and recently underwent a health check for work, during which I filled out a form stating I had no diseases. After the report came out, it indicated a suspected nod...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, in most cases, the residual fibrotic tissue remains after tuberculosis treatment; however, there are rare instances where malignant transformation may occur. For detailed information, please consult your treating physician. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Could They Indicate Lung Cancer?
Concerns About Recurring Symptoms After Tuberculosis Treatment
The issue of pulmonary tuberculosis? Dear Doctor, I have been undergoing treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis for 11 weeks, which includes two months of a four-drug regimen and then two months with three drugs after removing PZA. From the first sputum test until a month ago, al...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen: You are undergoing standard treatment for tuberculosis, which includes a four-drug intensive phase followed by a three-drug continuation phase. You have been on treatment for 11 weeks, but you mentioned that all sputum tests have been negative. This raises the ques...[Read More] Concerns About Recurring Symptoms After Tuberculosis Treatment