Why Elevating the Bed is Crucial for Suctioning Intubated Patients
Why is it necessary to elevate the head of the bed before suctioning a patient with an endotracheal tube? 1. When suctioning a patient with an endotracheal tube, it is essential to elevate the head of the bed. This position helps to reduce the risk of aspiration and facilitates b...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. Patients with endotracheal intubation are prone to vomiting during suctioning; elevating the head of the bed can help prevent aspiration pneumonia. 2. For patients with an endotracheal tube who also have a nasogastric tube, elevate the head of the bed to 45-60 degrees t...[Read More] Why Elevating the Bed is Crucial for Suctioning Intubated Patients
Managing Persistent Cough After Throat Surgery in Elderly Patients
Coughing persistently after surgery? I would like to ask the doctor: My mother underwent major brain surgery previously and later fell into a state of unconsciousness. She had a tracheostomy due to phlegm in her throat and underwent suctioning. After recovering, my mother often c...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are many reasons for coughing after tracheostomy. It is necessary to conduct a chest X-ray and bronchoscopy for further evaluation, and then provide targeted treatment to achieve improvement![Read More] Managing Persistent Cough After Throat Surgery in Elderly Patients
Understanding Recurrent Colds: Impact of Steroids and Immunosuppressants
Recurrent colds Hello doctor, I am currently taking steroids and immunosuppressants, but for the past two weeks, I have been experiencing continuous colds, tonsillitis, headaches, and a tight feeling in my chest. I feel chest pain when lying flat, and I become short of breath aft...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, the diseases treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants are generally autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. If not well controlled, these conditions can also attack the lungs, leading to lung...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Colds: Impact of Steroids and Immunosuppressants
Chest Pain After Car Accident: Understanding Possible Causes and Remedies
Chest pain after a car accident? Dr. Ke would like to ask a question regarding a friend who, after a car accident, discovered a painful spot just above the right chest. The pain worsens when laughing or coughing. He has seen an orthopedic doctor who stated that there are no issue...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on your description, if there are no fractures, pneumothorax, or hemothorax on the X-ray after the car accident, muscle contusion or tendon strain is most likely. Generally, with adequate rest and treatment with anti-inflammatory pain relievers for 1 to 2 weeks, impr...[Read More] Chest Pain After Car Accident: Understanding Possible Causes and Remedies
Understanding Methylprednisolone: Effects on Liver Enzymes and Potassium Levels
Regarding steroids? Currently, due to vasculitis, I have been using methylprednisolone for three weeks. The initial dosage was an injection twice a day (30 mg each time), administered for three consecutive days, then reduced to half the dosage for another three days, followed by ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Long-term use of steroids can lead to obesity and fatty liver, which may result in a mild increase in GOT (AST) and GPT (ALT) levels. However, it is essential to rule out the possibility of hepatitis B and C. Additionally, this may cause mild hypokalemia and an increase in...[Read More] Understanding Methylprednisolone: Effects on Liver Enzymes and Potassium Levels
Can a Vegetarian Diet Help Reduce Gout Symptoms and Uric Acid Levels?
Gout issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if a vegetarian diet can help gout patients in eliminating crystals and lowering uric acid levels.
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
1. A vegetarian diet will not eliminate uric acid crystals in gout. 2. Lowering uric acid levels can reduce the frequency of gout attacks. 3. A vegetarian diet often relies heavily on legumes, which can also raise uric acid levels. If eggs and dairy are still considered veget...[Read More] Can a Vegetarian Diet Help Reduce Gout Symptoms and Uric Acid Levels?
Managing High Uric Acid Levels: Dietary Changes vs. Medication
Hyperuricemia Hello, doctor. I learned from my health check report at school that my uric acid level is high at 10.2. How can I prevent this? Additionally, my MCV is also low at about 77.2. Regarding the uric acid, I believe it may be due to genetic factors. Should I consider med...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Elevated uric acid levels in the blood can be influenced by genetic factors as well as dietary habits, such as the consumption of high-purine foods like organ meats, seafood, meat broth, hot pot, alcohol, mushrooms, and legumes, all of which can increase uric acid levels. ...[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid Levels: Dietary Changes vs. Medication
Consulting a Doctor: Managing Blood Sugar and Leukocytosis in Patients
Consult a physician? Hello Dr. Ke: I have two questions to ask: 1. A patient without diabetes has elevated blood glucose levels due to intravenous administration of albumin and glucose because of inability to eat. Is it appropriate to administer insulin to suppress blood glucos...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
1. In individuals without diabetes, even without food intake, intravenous glucose administration can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Therefore, insulin can be added, provided the dosage is appropriate, as there will be no side effects as long as hypoglycemia (below 70 mg/dL)...[Read More] Consulting a Doctor: Managing Blood Sugar and Leukocytosis in Patients
Managing High Triglycerides and Liver Health: A Guide for Families
Triglyceride issues I would like to ask about my mother, who is 57 years old. She has been experiencing high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and over the past six months, her liver enzymes have also been abnormal. However, blood tests have ruled out hepatitis. The doctor men...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello: High blood lipids can lead to fatty liver and abnormal liver function. Simply reducing the intake of sweets, avoiding alcohol, and minimizing fried foods, along with increasing physical activity and consuming more fish and fruits and vegetables, can lead to improvement. It...[Read More] Managing High Triglycerides and Liver Health: A Guide for Families
Understanding Right Lower Lung Apex Blunting: Causes and Implications
Right lower lung apex blunting? On April 28, 2010, during my health check-up, an abnormality was found in my chest X-ray. The symptom reduction check-up form indicated "apical consolidation of the right lower lung." Could you please tell me what kind of condition this i...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on your description, the X-ray may indicate pleural thickening, which is consistent with chronic inflammatory changes. It is recommended to follow up with a pulmonology clinic for further evaluation and monitoring.[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Lung Apex Blunting: Causes and Implications
Understanding Lung Fibrosis and Fluid Accumulation After Trauma
Please provide the content you would like me to translate? Hello, after my mother was in a car accident, an X-ray revealed increased fibrosis in her left upper lung. Later, a CT scan indicated that this might be related to fluid accumulation. If the fluid does not decrease, drain...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Based on your description, your mother has a hemothorax due to the car accident, and it is necessary to aspirate some pleural fluid for examination. If it is confirmed as a hemothorax, it is recommended to place a chest tube for drainage by a thoracic surgeon. If there are other ...[Read More] Understanding Lung Fibrosis and Fluid Accumulation After Trauma
Managing Severe Breathlessness in End-Stage Lung Cancer Patients
End-stage lung cancer - dyspnea Hello Doctor: My father is 80 years old, and cancer cells have metastasized to his head. He is currently on a ventilator (tracheostomy), and recently he has been experiencing shortness of breath 4 to 5 times a day. Each time he has difficulty breat...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Hello: In terminal cancer patients experiencing dyspnea, physicians can use morphine to alleviate anxiety and breathing difficulties. If respiratory depression occurs, it can also help the patient pass away without suffering. The dosage can be adjusted at any time.[Read More] Managing Severe Breathlessness in End-Stage Lung Cancer Patients
How to Differentiate Between Stomach, Heart, Liver, and Lung Discomfort?
Hello doctor, I would like to inquire about issues related to the chest and abdominal cavity..? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask how to determine whether my discomfort is related to my stomach, heart, liver, or lungs? Are there any specific differences in the discomfort associa...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, discomfort in the xiphoid process area is generally not related to heart, lung, or gastrointestinal diseases. Most cases improve with rest and heat application. It is recommended to follow up with a thoracic specialist for further examination and...[Read More] How to Differentiate Between Stomach, Heart, Liver, and Lung Discomfort?
Understanding Lung Tumors: Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Regarding lung tumors? Hello, my grandmother is nearly 90 years old, weighs 48 kg, and is able to take care of herself. She requires a cane to walk due to knee joint degeneration. She has been experiencing a long-term cough and has only been receiving cough and expectorant medica...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on your description, if a 90-year-old patient has lung cancer, the first step is to identify the type of cancer cells and determine the stage of the lung cancer. If it is stage I or II, radiation therapy or surgical resection may be considered (provided that cardiac ...[Read More] Understanding Lung Tumors: Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Understanding Chest X-Ray Shadows: Next Steps for Diagnosis
There is an opacity on the chest X-ray? On December 8th, a health check was performed, and an X-ray showed a shadow in the left chest. During the outpatient visit, the doctor suspected it might be a blood vessel and recommended a chest CT scan. The scan results did not show any o...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on your description, if the results of the chest CT scan show no significant lesions and the report only mentions suspected vascular issues, generally speaking, if both a radiologist and a pulmonologist at a regional level have the same opinion, then any abnormality ...[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Shadows: Next Steps for Diagnosis
Which Specialist Should I See for My Rib Pain and Sounds?
Which specialty should I consult for this issue? I would like to ask about a symptom I've been experiencing for over three months. When I sit in a chair and then stand up to take a deep breath, I hear a cracking sound from the middle of my ribs, similar to the sound made whe...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on your description, the issue may be inflammation at the junction of the costal cartilage and the sternum. It is recommended to visit a thoracic clinic for a chest X-ray examination and medication treatment, which generally leads to improvement. If there are any bon...[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for My Rib Pain and Sounds?
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Chest pain Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing unusual pain, especially when eating hot food, as it passes through my chest cavity. It feels like a burning sensation, particularly noticeable in the center of my chest. This discomfort is not due to the food being too ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on your description, there is a high possibility of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is recommended to undergo a chest X-ray and an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for confirmation. If this condition is confirmed, it can be managed with medication and diet...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Lung Shadows: Causes and Symptoms Explained
Lung lobe shadow Last month's health check X-ray report indicated: there are significant and sparse circular or irregular shadows in both lung lobes, but no larger shadows are present. What does this indicate? Thank you! (I occasionally experience pain on the inner side of t...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on your description, the chest X-ray may indicate tuberculosis, a tumor, or fibrosis resulting from old inflammation. It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist for further evaluation and tests, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan, to determine the underlying c...[Read More] Understanding Lung Shadows: Causes and Symptoms Explained
How to Identify Asthma Symptoms During Pregnancy: A Guide
How to differentiate if there is asthma? Hello, doctor. Could you please tell me if I have asthma? When I was younger, I would get short of breath after running, and I experienced chest pain and dizziness. My colds would take about two weeks to resolve, and I would feel chest tig...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on your description, your symptoms are very similar to asthma. It is recommended to perform pulmonary function tests for confirmation. Pregnant patients with asthma require treatment to prevent hypoxia that could affect the fetus. The combined use of inhaled corticos...[Read More] How to Identify Asthma Symptoms During Pregnancy: A Guide
Understanding Low Uric Acid Levels: Risks and Health Implications
Uric acid Hello Doctor: I previously had a uric acid test, and my level was 9.3, which is too high. After seeing a doctor, he prescribed medication to lower my uric acid. Recently, my level was tested at 2.9! The standard range is 3 to 6. What complications can arise from having ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello: High uric acid levels pose a risk for gout attacks and may lead to kidney dysfunction. After treatment, if uric acid levels decrease and return to normal, medication may no longer be necessary, provided that adequate hydration is maintained and foods high in uric acid are ...[Read More] Understanding Low Uric Acid Levels: Risks and Health Implications