Understanding Suspected Tuberculosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Suspected pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello Dr. Yang, I have been coughing for over two weeks and have visited the clinic twice without improvement. Recently, my cough has worsened, and I am experiencing chest tightness and shortness of breath, so I decided to go to the hospital'...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ms. Yang: It is recommended that you see a pulmonologist. If you have not been treated for tuberculosis in the past, it is still advisable to include tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis. It would be best to have a specialist evaluate your condition.[Read More] Understanding Suspected Tuberculosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Impact of Anti-Tuberculosis Medications on Blood Sugar Levels
Antitubercular drugs Hello Doctor: My father's fasting blood sugar was originally in the 90s, but after taking anti-tuberculosis medication for a month, his fasting blood sugar has risen to 105. Does the anti-tuberculosis medication affect blood sugar levels? If he continues...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Whether the fasting blood glucose level is in the 90s or 105, it does not exceed the diagnostic criteria for diabetes (greater than 126 mg/dL). Anti-tuberculosis medications have not been reported to cause diabetes as a side effect, so please rest assured![Read More] Impact of Anti-Tuberculosis Medications on Blood Sugar Levels
Persistent Coughing: Could It Be Lung Cancer Despite Normal Tests?
Regarding the recent issue of persistent coughing that cannot be resolved? Hello, I have a smoking habit and a history of tuberculosis. Recently, I have been coughing persistently, and after undergoing tests, black spots were found in my lungs. A biopsy indicated no issues, but d...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, due to the ongoing progression of the pulmonary imaging findings (black spots?), even though the biopsy report is normal, the possibility of malignancy cannot be ruled out. The actual situation should be primarily assessed by the treating physician. Please continue to moni...[Read More] Persistent Coughing: Could It Be Lung Cancer Despite Normal Tests?
Managing Uncertain Tuberculosis Diagnosis: Treatment Options and Risks
The issue of pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello Doctor: I am in a high-risk group for tuberculosis and have had prolonged contact with an open TB patient. Currently, my chest CT results are suggestive of tuberculosis, but my sputum test is negative and the culture shows NTM (non-tuber...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: There is a clear history of exposure, but due to the small size of the lesions, no tuberculosis bacteria were cultured. After treatment, there was improvement, and there are two possibilities: (1) TB has improved, and NTM is merely coexisting peacefully in your body; there...[Read More] Managing Uncertain Tuberculosis Diagnosis: Treatment Options and Risks
Understanding a 7cm Diaphragmatic Tumor: Lung Cancer Stage and Prognosis
A 7-centimeter diaphragmatic tumor? Hello doctor, my grandfather has tuberculosis. During treatment, an X-ray revealed a tumor on the diaphragm. Now that the tuberculosis treatment is complete, a follow-up X-ray shows that the tumor has grown to 7 centimeters, and he is currently...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The staging of lung cancer follows certain standards, such as the location of lymph node metastasis, whether there are metastases to organs outside the lungs (such as bones, liver, brain, or adrenal glands), or if there are metastases to the left lung or pleural effusion, ...[Read More] Understanding a 7cm Diaphragmatic Tumor: Lung Cancer Stage and Prognosis
Distinguishing Between Tuberculosis and NTM: A Patient's Guide
Is it tuberculosis or NTM (non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection)? Hello Doctor: My father had contact with an open tuberculosis patient for a period of time, and he has been coughing with sputum lately. Last month, a CT scan was performed, and the doctor suspected tuberculosis...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Anan, Hello, this is a profound topic regarding the issues of tuberculosis (TB) and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). It indeed poses challenges for many physicians. The coexistence of TB and NTM is possible because when a laboratory cultures NTM, they may not continue to ...[Read More] Distinguishing Between Tuberculosis and NTM: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Suspected Tuberculosis Infection: Key Questions and Answers
Suspected pulmonary tuberculosis infection? Dear Doctor: My friend has been coughing for several days with frequent phlegm and sometimes experiences itching in the trachea. After seeking medical attention and undergoing tests, the sputum culture came back positive, and the CT sca...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. Pulmonary infection with tuberculosis bacteria may not be detectable if there are no bacteria in the sputum. Generally, in such cases, clinicians make a comprehensive judgment, diagnosis, and treatment based on symptoms, medical history, other imaging studies (CT or che...[Read More] Understanding Suspected Tuberculosis Infection: Key Questions and Answers
How to File Complaints About Tuberculosis Discrimination in Education and Employment
Does tuberculosis lead to discrimination and loss of educational and employment opportunities? Which organization should I file a complaint with? Director Yang, my friend's child is in this situation and it's very distressing... I want to speak out for him. Which organi...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Physicians are more familiar with medical issues and have less experience with administrative matters. It seems that for issues related to dropping out of school, one can appeal to the Ministry of Education, and for being dismissed, one should report to the Labor Bureau. W...[Read More] How to File Complaints About Tuberculosis Discrimination in Education and Employment
Can Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Spread? Prevention Tips Explained
Cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, such as urinary tract or bone tuberculosis, are generally not contagious. Tuberculosis primarily spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. However, if a person with extrapulmonary tuberculosis has active pul...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
The main transmission routes of tuberculosis are droplet and airborne transmission. In cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, if pulmonary involvement has been ruled out, there is almost no infectiousness; transmission occurs primarily through contact with secretions or inhalation...[Read More] Can Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Spread? Prevention Tips Explained
Why Isn't There a Legal Requirement for Hospitalizing Patients with Phlegm-Yang Until They Test Negative?
Why doesn't the government have legal authority to mandate hospitalization for patients with phlegm-heat syndrome until they achieve a negative conversion before discharge? Dear Director Jian: Why is there no legal basis to mandate hospitalization for patients with phlegm-he...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: This question should be answered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the current CDC recommendations, individuals with non-MDRTB (non-multidrug-resistant tuberculosis) can return to school or work after two weeks of treatment, as their inf...[Read More] Why Isn't There a Legal Requirement for Hospitalizing Patients with Phlegm-Yang Until They Test Negative?
18-Year-Old Non-Smoker with High CO Levels: Should He Be Concerned?
An 18-year-old male who does not smoke has a carbon monoxide level of 7 in the lungs. What should be done? Hello, doctor. I am currently an 18-year-old male, non-smoker, non-drinker, and have no history of tuberculosis. During a university health check, I underwent a carbon monox...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR DANDKOESI: A score of 7 indicates mild interference factors, which include: 1. Tea consumption 2. Recently entering an indoor environment (affected by exhaust fumes from traffic or factories) 3. Engaging in vigorous exercise 4. Exposure to secondhand smoke. There is no need ...[Read More] 18-Year-Old Non-Smoker with High CO Levels: Should He Be Concerned?
Three-Month Cough: Is It Related to Latent Tuberculosis?
Coughing for three months? Three months ago, I had a cold and started coughing, which has persisted until now. During this time, I had contact with a tuberculosis patient, and I became concerned that my cough might be caused by tuberculosis. Therefore, I went to Taichung Veterans...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, in summary: Latent tuberculosis infection typically does not present with a cough (chest X-ray is normal, with no obvious lesions). The cough should be managed to control it (first alleviate, without the expectation of complete resolution). Best wishes![Read More] Three-Month Cough: Is It Related to Latent Tuberculosis?
Persistent Shortness of Breath: Seeking the Right Specialist for Relief
Persistent wheezing Hello, the patient is currently 77 years old, with a height of 160 cm and a weight of around 65 kg. He has a history of smoking but has significantly reduced his intake, averaging about one and a half packs per week. He previously had a coronary stent placed. ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Jason: Your friend has been experiencing shortness of breath related to fluid accumulation, and the fluid extracted is clear pleural effusion. Relevant tests have ruled out infections (including tuberculosis) and malignancies, suggesting that the issue may be related to the...[Read More] Persistent Shortness of Breath: Seeking the Right Specialist for Relief
Concerns About Respiratory Infections from Coughing Strangers
Coughing in someone's face? Hello Dr. Yang: Today, while waiting for the bus at the bus stop, I turned to walk to the other side when a female passerby (or fellow passenger) directly coughed several times in front of me. From the sound, it seemed like she had phlegm, and she...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Here are brief answers to your three questions: 1. The situations in which you encounter patients with coughs are in open spaces with wind and airflow, where any infectious droplets are quickly dispersed or diluted. Additionally, the contact time is brief, so the risk of...[Read More] Concerns About Respiratory Infections from Coughing Strangers
Risk of Tuberculosis Infection from Brief Indoor Exposure
Infection issues Hello, I spoke with a person suspected of having tuberculosis at a distance of about 1.5 meters in a well-ventilated indoor setting for approximately one minute. Am I at risk of contracting tuberculosis? I'm a bit worried, thank you.
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, close contacts have a higher risk of infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are two definitions for close contacts: 1. Continuous contact for more than 8 hours (such as family members or roommates living toge...[Read More] Risk of Tuberculosis Infection from Brief Indoor Exposure
Understanding Post-Pneumonia Complications and Treatment Options
Post-pneumonia sequelae Dear Dr. Huang, I would like to ask you some questions regarding my son’s health situation. Initially, he was treated at a clinic for a severe cold, but there was a misdiagnosis that led to a suspected tuberculosis report to the health department. After b...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Mrs. Lin: Hello! 1. There are side effects from tuberculosis medications, but the chances of life-threatening complications are very low. 2. How old is your son? 3. Why is corticosteroid therapy being used? It may be necessary to clarify this. 4. Some autoimmune diseases may expe...[Read More] Understanding Post-Pneumonia Complications and Treatment Options
Managing Persistent Cough with Phlegm: Effective Strategies for Relief
Cough with phlegm? In June, I had an X-ray and sputum test done. The smear results were normal, but I was told that it would take some time to get the results for the tuberculosis bacteria. Until now, I have been experiencing symptoms such as having phlegm in my chest, and I have...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello MOMO: If you are still experiencing respiratory symptoms that are affecting your daily life, it is recommended to continue symptomatic treatment (medication). Sometimes it may take a bit longer for the symptoms to resolve. Once we have clearer results from sputum cultures o...[Read More] Managing Persistent Cough with Phlegm: Effective Strategies for Relief
Is My Persistent Cough a Sign of Tuberculosis? Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
I am really scared that I have tuberculosis! I have been coughing for nearly three weeks. I had an X-ray done, and the doctor said there were no significant abnormalities. He asked if I had a lot of phlegm and suggested a test. However, I cough up phlegm every morning but can...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Momo: If the X-ray is normal and both sputum tests show no abnormalities, tuberculosis can be ruled out. Some symptoms may take time to completely resolve, so please be patient, take your medication, and ensure you get enough rest for improvement. Wishing you well![Read More] Is My Persistent Cough a Sign of Tuberculosis? Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Persistent Lung Spots in Tuberculosis Treatment: What to Expect
A patient with pulmonary tuberculosis has been on medication for over two weeks, but there are still white spots in the lungs? Dear Doctor: My father has been hospitalized for tuberculosis and has been on medication for over two weeks. However, the X-ray still shows white spots. ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, generally after two weeks of tuberculosis medication, if the X-ray shows minimal lesions and they are almost completely resolved, please discuss further with your physician. If there is any deterioration, further intervention may be necessary. Typically, after two weeks of...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Lung Spots in Tuberculosis Treatment: What to Expect
How Long Will Side Effects of Tuberculosis Medications Last?
How long does it take for the side effects of tuberculosis medication to improve? The father has been on medication for tuberculosis for two weeks now, and this week he has started experiencing side effects such as vomiting, nausea, poor appetite, and blurred vision. Will these s...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, if you experience the mentioned side effects, it is recommended to return for a follow-up appointment to inform your physician, to determine if medication adjustments or other examinations, such as liver and kidney function tests or vision assessments, are necessary. Thank...[Read More] How Long Will Side Effects of Tuberculosis Medications Last?