Understanding Long-Term Tracheostomy in Elderly Pneumonia Patients: What to Expect
Long-term tracheostomy in elderly patients with pneumonia... ultimately..? I would like to ask about the long-term effects of a tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation in elderly patients with pneumonia, specifically regarding the potential outcomes. Here is the background of the...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Long-term care for patients with tracheostomy using ventilators can be challenging. Elderly individuals often have pre-existing health conditions and compromised immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections. Common complications for bedridden patients include pneumo...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Tracheostomy in Elderly Pneumonia Patients: What to Expect
Monitoring Recovery from Respiratory Failure: Key Indicators and Concerns
How to monitor for respiratory failure? Hello Dr. Ke: My son was hospitalized for severe enterovirus infection for one month. During his time in the ICU, he was intubated for treatment (with pneumonia as a complication), and after gradually regaining spontaneous breathing, he was...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
1. Although respiratory conditions were not mentioned, based on the heart rate and blood oxygen levels, it can be inferred that there is no respiratory distress. In general, pediatric respiratory distress can be observed by checking for nasal flaring or retractions of the sternum...[Read More] Monitoring Recovery from Respiratory Failure: Key Indicators and Concerns
Understanding Shortness of Breath: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients
Shortness of breath? I am 36 years old and used to smoke about a pack and a half a day. In May of this year, I suddenly felt very short of breath, with a heavy and painful sensation in my chest. I sought medical attention, and after receiving an injection, I felt much better. How...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on your description, it is recommended to be hospitalized for a detailed examination and treatment, along with smoking cessation for improvement. It is advised to visit our hospital's Pulmonary Medicine outpatient clinic for treatment and to arrange for hospital...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients
Exploring Treatment Options for Stage III Lung Adenocarcinoma
Could you please provide more context or specify your question regarding the chest medicine department or Dr. Ke? A 30-year-old male with stage III lung adenocarcinoma who is inoperable and has not responded to targeted therapy. Aside from chemotherapy, are there any other treatm...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on your description, if oral targeted therapy is ineffective, it is recommended to proceed with chemotherapy (first-line chemotherapy, such as Gemcitabine + Cisplatin). If that is also ineffective, second-line chemotherapy options (such as Paclitaxel or Irinotecan) c...[Read More] Exploring Treatment Options for Stage III Lung Adenocarcinoma
Understanding Chest X-rays: What They Reveal Beyond Lung Issues
Regarding chest X-ray imaging? Dear Dr. Ke, Regarding chest X-rays, do they only reveal issues related to the lungs? Would problems related to the breasts in females or skin issues near the thoracic cavity not be visible on the images? Thank you for your response.
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Normal breast and skin issues will not be visible on X-rays; however, if there are abnormalities such as calcifications or foreign objects due to breast augmentation, the abnormal shadows on the X-ray must be differentiated through palpation.[Read More] Understanding Chest X-rays: What They Reveal Beyond Lung Issues
Understanding Chest Pain: Is It Stress or Something More?
Regarding chest pain issues? Hello Doctor: Recently, the exam period is approaching, and I am a candidate. In the past few days, I have suddenly felt pain in the middle of my chest, which worsens when I sneeze; the pain becomes unbearable with just one sneeze. However, I do not f...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on your description, the pain in the anterior chest wall changes with posture. This is typically due to either periostitis or myositis. First, obtain a chest X-ray to rule out any pulmonary diseases. If the X-ray shows no abnormalities, treatment with analgesics and ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Is It Stress or Something More?
Understanding Weaning from Ventilation in ARDS Patients: Key Insights
Please continue to inquire about extubation after ARDS? Hello! I apologize for the intrusion, and I appreciate your previous professional and selfless responses. My father, who was previously consulted regarding pneumonia complicated by ARDS, has been transferred from the ICU to ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on your description, following pneumonia, there has been the development of pulmonary fibrosis and respiratory failure. Currently, the Respiratory Care Center (RCC) training typically lasts for six weeks, and respiratory therapy will regularly (usually once a week) a...[Read More] Understanding Weaning from Ventilation in ARDS Patients: Key Insights
Understanding PEEP Adjustments and Patient Management in ARDS
Please provide more context or specific information regarding "ARDS" so I can assist you better? Dear Dr. Ke, I have heard that you are not only an excellent physician but also possess great medical ethics. Thank you very much! I would like to ask you again: The pati...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on your description, the patient's critical period has passed, but the decrease in lung capacity and fibrosis following lung injury may take several months to recover. The use of corticosteroids has some therapeutic effect, but the dosage and duration should sti...[Read More] Understanding PEEP Adjustments and Patient Management in ARDS
Understanding ARDS in Pneumonia: Key Questions for Patient Care
Acute Hello Dr. Ke, I would like to ask about my father, a 72-year-old male, who is suffering from pneumonia complicated by ARDS. His current condition is as follows: the cause of pneumonia is unknown, with reports indicating the presence of Gram-positive bacteria. He is being t...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on your description, your father's condition is quite severe, with pneumonia complicated by ARDS, poor gas exchange, and a generally unfavorable prognosis. Once the lungs progress to fibrosis, the chance of survival and weaning off the ventilator is only 10-20%....[Read More] Understanding ARDS in Pneumonia: Key Questions for Patient Care
Can Medications Help Metabolize Trans Fats for Better Health?
Trans fats Hello Director Ke: Recently, trans fats have received increased attention as they seem to be metabolically resistant in the human body. I would like to ask you, Director Ke, whether current lipid-lowering medications or red yeast rice products can effectively enhance t...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. Zhang: Regarding your inquiry, I have asked Dr. Lu Ching from the Metabolism Department to respond. Thank you! Trans fats are more likely to cause atherosclerosis compared to regular fats. Currently available lipid-lowering medications or red yeast rice can help reduce ...[Read More] Can Medications Help Metabolize Trans Fats for Better Health?
Managing Recurring Pneumothorax: Treatment Options After Surgery
Left thoracic cavity Hello, Doctor: I experienced a left-sided pneumothorax in August this year, which was a spontaneous pneumothorax. I underwent conservative treatment with a drainage tube, but unfortunately, it recurred in October. This indicates that my chances of a third rec...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Hello: After experiencing a recurrence of pneumothorax and undergoing thoracoscopic surgery, it is recommended that you return to the original hospital for another chest CT scan to determine how many blebs may potentially rupture and cause pneumothorax again. This information wil...[Read More] Managing Recurring Pneumothorax: Treatment Options After Surgery
Persistent Chest Pain and Discomfort: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Chest pain with discomfort in the back? Hello doctor, I am located in Hsinchu. I have severe nasal congestion and have been experiencing persistent chest tightness and pain, which worsens when I wake up. I also have a reduced appetite and feel full quickly. I went to Mackay Memor...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Dear Ms. Wei, Hello: The causes of chest pain are diverse, and a chest X-ray alone cannot provide complete information. Please visit the pulmonology clinic for evaluation and treatment by a physician. Thank you! Sincerely, Dr. Zhu Xi, Pulmonology[Read More] Persistent Chest Pain and Discomfort: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Is Drinking Red Wine Before Bed Safe for Seniors with Health Issues?
Is drinking a little red wine before bed harmful? Dear Doctor: My mother is 60 years old and has been having difficulty sleeping for the past two years. When necessary, she takes sleeping pills to help her sleep. Recently, she has been drinking a small glass of red wine (about 20...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, insomnia combined with arrhythmia is not well managed by using alcohol as a sleep aid. It is recommended to consult both a cardiologist and a psychiatrist, as a physician can adjust medications and treatments more safely. Thank you![Read More] Is Drinking Red Wine Before Bed Safe for Seniors with Health Issues?
Post-Pneumonia Recovery: Do Multivitamins Help and Which Brands to Choose?
Combination vitamin issues Hello Dr. Ke: My father developed pneumonia due to a cold and has been discharged from the hospital. He is currently not eating much and is also not drinking enough fluids. Would taking a multivitamin be helpful? Could you recommend which brand of multi...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Hello: After pneumonia improves, patients may experience a period of fatigue and poor appetite. They can eat any food, and for malnourished patients, it is advisable to supplement with vitamins. A daily multivitamin, such as "Centrum," can be sufficient, as there are ma...[Read More] Post-Pneumonia Recovery: Do Multivitamins Help and Which Brands to Choose?
Is Lymphatic Tuberculosis Contagious? Understanding the Risks
Inquiry about lymphadenitis? Is lymphatic tuberculosis contagious?
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Lymphatic tuberculosis generally refers to extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Whether treatment is necessary depends on the clinical condition of the patient. Typically, healthy individuals do not require treatment; they may have contracted the infection during a period of compr...[Read More] Is Lymphatic Tuberculosis Contagious? Understanding the Risks
Can Eating Fruits and Vegetables Offset Cholesterol from Seafood?
Can cholesterol be offset? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask: Recently, I have been enjoying seafood, such as shrimp, clams, oysters, and fish heads, almost every other day. If I eat more fruits and vegetables, which are cholesterol-free foods, will that counteract the cholester...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Currently, it has not been proven that consuming more fruits and vegetables can offset the increase in cholesterol caused by high-cholesterol foods. High-cholesterol foods and high-purine foods have some overlap, such as organ meats and seafood.[Read More] Can Eating Fruits and Vegetables Offset Cholesterol from Seafood?
Understanding Ear Ringing and Numbness After Deep Breathing
May I ask the doctor? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about experiencing tinnitus and numbness in the hands or feet after taking several deep breaths, along with a sensation of having gas in the chest and not being able to take a full breath. Is this related to the lungs? If no...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on the symptoms you described, it is possible that hyperventilation has led to a low concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood. This does not necessarily indicate a lung disease. Slowing down your breathing rate and relaxing your mind can help improve the situatio...[Read More] Understanding Ear Ringing and Numbness After Deep Breathing
Understanding Afternoon Dizziness: Causes and Solutions
Dizziness in the afternoon? Hello, I have been experiencing cold hands and feet in the afternoons. After squatting and standing up, I sometimes feel dizzy, and this can also happen in the mornings. Six months ago, I had a blood test that showed a blood sugar level of 68, which wa...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, the symptoms of dizziness may be related to hypoglycemia or orthostatic hypotension. It is recommended to visit the endocrinology clinic for evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Afternoon Dizziness: Causes and Solutions
Effective Treatments for Bronchiectasis: A Guide for Patients
How to cure bronchiectasis? Hello, Dr. Ke. My father, who is 82 years old, was hospitalized last year due to pneumonia, diagnosed as being caused by bronchiectasis. I would like to ask what more aggressive treatment options could be taken to cure this condition, as he has been pe...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
1. Bronchiectasis is not curable and can only be managed through increased fluid intake, expectoration, and postural drainage to control symptoms. If there is fever, hemoptysis, purulent sputum, or respiratory distress, medical treatment is necessary, typically involving antibiot...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Bronchiectasis: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Hiccups: Causes and Solutions for Chest Discomfort
Hiccup Hello Dr. Ke, I would like to ask for your guidance regarding some issues I have been experiencing for many years: 1. I feel an uncomfortable sensation in my chest when I rotate my upper body. 2. I often feel the urge to burp but cannot, and it feels like something is...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is recommended to visit a major hospital for pulmonary function tests, chest X-rays, and gastrointestinal examinations (gastroscopy and upper gastrointestinal imaging) to confirm whether there is gastroesophageal reflux disease associated with asthma, so that appropriat...[Read More] Understanding Hiccups: Causes and Solutions for Chest Discomfort