Understanding Persistent Cough: Sinusitis and Breathing Issues Explained
Coughing I have been coughing continuously for over a month. I visited several clinics and initially thought it was a cold. Later, I went to a larger hospital for pulmonary function tests, and the results were normal, but there were abnormal breath sounds. The sputum culture show...
Dr. Ding Liangwen reply Pulmonology
If a cough persists for a month, the first step is to determine whether this has occurred previously or if there were cold symptoms a month ago, after which all other symptoms resolved but the cough remained. Additionally, it is important to note whether there is a fever, the col...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough: Sinusitis and Breathing Issues Explained
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 Pulmonology
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
Effective Strategies to Alleviate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Symptoms
How to alleviate discomfort caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? Due to lung obstruction issues, I experience persistent coughing every night. Sometimes, I feel more comfortable after coughing up phlegm. The symptoms are particularly worse at midnight. I am cur...
Dr. Ding Liangwen reply Pulmonology
It is important to first confirm whether the issue is indeed related to pulmonary obstruction before proceeding with further treatment. Typically, we can assess if there is a history of asthma or smoking habits, and chest X-rays and pulmonary function tests can be conducted for e...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Alleviate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Symptoms
Post-Pneumothorax Surgery: Risks, Exercise, and Lifestyle Tips
After surgery for pneumothorax Hello Dr. Yang: What are the potential complications after surgery for pneumothorax? What types of exercises are recommended, and is smoking allowed? How can recurrence be prevented? Does pneumothorax cause shortness of breath?
Dr. Ding Liangwen reply Pulmonology
Hello, due to system issues a few days ago, I am responding to your question now. First, I believe you are referring to spontaneous pneumothorax. Generally, during the first occurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax, surgery is not necessarily required; however, after the second occ...[Read More] Post-Pneumothorax Surgery: Risks, Exercise, and Lifestyle Tips
Understanding the Risks of Kidney Function and Lung Edema in Elderly Patients
Please ask again? Doctor, I apologize for asking again, but I previously inquired about my grandmother's condition, which was caused by an artificial joint leading to a bacterial infection in her internal organs. She is currently experiencing pulmonary edema due to kidney dy...
Dr. Ding Liangwen reply Pulmonology
It appears that the decrease in kidney function and subsequent reduction in urine output, along with edema and pulmonary edema, may be caused by an intra-abdominal bacterial infection triggered by the artificial joint. If kidney function does not improve and diuretics are ineffec...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Kidney Function and Lung Edema in Elderly Patients
Understanding Pulmonary Edema Risks After Joint Surgery Infections
I'm sorry, but I need content to translate? My grandmother developed a bacterial infection due to her artificial joint, which has led to pulmonary edema. She is currently in a coma but shows some responsiveness. The doctors are using diuretics (I can't recall the exact ...
Dr. Ding Liangwen reply Pulmonology
Essentially, pulmonary edema and pleural effusion are different issues. The former may be caused by heart failure or excessive fluid, and treatment typically involves diuretics to help expel the fluid. Generally, thoracentesis is not performed unless it affects breathing. As for ...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Edema Risks After Joint Surgery Infections