Understanding Choking on Water: Risks and When to Seek Medical Help
Choking on water issue? Hello, Doctor. I think I choked on water while drinking, but since I still had water in my mouth, I held my breath and swallowed the water before breathing again. After that, I only coughed two or three times, and my breathing is normal now. I don't f...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Boiled water is relatively cleaner compared to creek water or broth, and it is less likely to cause pneumonia. Some elderly individuals, before removing their nasogastric tube, start by drinking a little boiled water orally, as aspirating water is less likely to lead to pn...[Read More] Understanding Choking on Water: Risks and When to Seek Medical Help
Managing Excessive Phlegm in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with excessive sputum production? Hello, Doctor. My elderly family member has been hospitalized twice due to recurrent pneumonia. During the hospital stay, in addition to receiving antibiotics, they also inhaled saline and bronchodilators, an...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Excessive phlegm is due to chronic inflammation of the airways. It is advisable to enhance sputum clearance, and self-induced coughing is beneficial. The amount of phlegm may decrease after completing the course of antibiotics and with the continued use of inhaled anti-inf...[Read More] Managing Excessive Phlegm in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients
Dietary Considerations for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients
What are the dietary issues related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? Hello, the elder in my family has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and recurrent pneumonia. I found online that COPD patients should limit their intake of carbohydrates and gas-produc...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: You can consult your attending physician for dietary advice, as they have a better understanding of any abnormalities in your past test results that need to be addressed.[Read More] Dietary Considerations for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients
Discomfort in the Center of the Chest: Causes and Concerns
Discomfort in the center of the chest? Hello, I have been coughing for over ten days. Recently, I noticed that when I jump or run, if I exhale completely, I feel discomfort in the middle of my chest, accompanied by a rattling sensation and coughing. I would like to know what this...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It seems more like bronchitis or tracheal allergy; I recommend visiting a pulmonologist for evaluation.[Read More] Discomfort in the Center of the Chest: Causes and Concerns
Breathing Dirty Air: Understanding Chest Tightness and Lung Health
Inhaling polluted air can cause chest tightness? Hello, doctor. Whenever I inhale polluted air, I start to feel a tightness in my chest, whether it's from vehicle exhaust, incense smoke at temples, or cigarette smoke. When I experience this chest tightness and then drink wat...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Having asthma as a child may indicate a predisposition to bronchial hyperreactivity that could still be present. It is recommended to visit a pulmonologist for pulmonary function tests to assess for bronchial hypersensitivity. Additionally, it is advisable to wear a mask t...[Read More] Breathing Dirty Air: Understanding Chest Tightness and Lung Health
Why Did I Develop Lung Fibrosis at 18 Without Smoking?
Doctor, I am 18 years old and do not smoke. Why was I diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing stomach pain, and during the examination, I was unexpectedly found to have pulmonary fibrosis. The doctor mentioned that it might be scarring left from ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Lung inflammation can sometimes result in mild fibrosis, similar to how some people may have small scars from injuries on their limbs during childhood. Generally, because the affected area is small, it does not impact lung function, so there is no need to worry![Read More] Why Did I Develop Lung Fibrosis at 18 Without Smoking?
Understanding Choking: Can Food Enter the Trachea Without Coughing?
Regarding the issue of choking? Hello, sometimes when eating something that requires more chewing, I may involuntarily swallow. In this situation, if the chewed food does not cause coughing, is there still a possibility that it could enter the trachea? Or does coughing always occ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Young people have very sensitive airways, and they will cough when they choke. In contrast, elderly individuals may not always feel a cough even when they choke on something, especially if it is a small amount.[Read More] Understanding Choking: Can Food Enter the Trachea Without Coughing?
Understanding Nodules in Chest X-rays: What You Need to Know
Nodule detected in the left chest X-ray? The health examination center indicated that a nodule was found in the X-ray of my upper left chest. Upon further X-ray at the hospital, the doctor noted that it is located at the first rib. Comparing it to my X-ray from eight years ago, t...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Rib calcification (bone islands) is less likely to increase in size. It is recommended to return to the original hospital for a follow-up X-ray in three months.[Read More] Understanding Nodules in Chest X-rays: What You Need to Know
Breathing Exercises for COPD Patients: Reducing Oxygen Dependency
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Respiratory Training Hello, Director: For a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is elderly and relies on an oxygen concentrator for 24 hours at a flow rate of 2 to 2.5 liters per minute, with an oxygen satur...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. It is recommended to use oxygen if you experience shortness of breath or your oxygen saturation drops below 88% during the day. 2. It is advised to use oxygen for more than 14 hours daily. 3. Continue with self-directed deep breathing exercises, particularly focusing on...[Read More] Breathing Exercises for COPD Patients: Reducing Oxygen Dependency
Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia: When to Seek Medical Attention
Questions regarding aspiration pneumonia? Hello doctor, recently I've been frequently choking on water, but it's just a minor choke each time. I would like to ask if choking on water could lead to aspiration pneumonia? Also, under what circumstances should I seek medica...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Plain water is not food and is less likely to cause pneumonia. If you have a fever above 38 degrees Celsius for more than two consecutive days, you should go to the hospital for an evaluation to determine if you have pneumonia.[Read More] Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia: When to Seek Medical Attention
Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Help for Lung or Heart Issues
Shortness of breath? If you have a smoking habit and have recently experienced shortness of breath, chest tightness, dry mouth, post-nasal drip, muscle stiffness in the shoulders, neck, and back, along with some palpitations, it is important to seek medical attention. Given your ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: At this age, it is unlikely to have cardiopulmonary issues. It would be better to quit smoking, drink more water, exercise more, and manage stress; these measures can help alleviate symptoms.[Read More] Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Help for Lung or Heart Issues
Effective Strategies to Prevent Pneumonia in Elderly with COPD
How to prevent pneumonia? Dear Director Yang, I have an elderly family member who is nearly ninety years old and suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He experiences severe shortness of breath and currently uses a urinary bag. Due to his difficulty in moving...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Older adults generally have weaker immune systems, so it's important to get the flu vaccine annually. A common cause of pneumonia in the elderly is aspiration, so it's essential to assess for any swallowing difficulties. If necessary, consider the use of a nasoga...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Prevent Pneumonia in Elderly with COPD
Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Key Concerns and Solutions
I would like to inquire about issues related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? Dear Director, One of our elderly family members has been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is currently experiencing severe asthma due to recurrent pneumo...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. It is recommended to use a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) alone or a combination of a long-acting beta-agonist and a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LABA+LAMA) to reduce the incidence of pneumonia. 2. For those who are long-term oxygen-dependent, it is ...[Read More] Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Key Concerns and Solutions
Understanding Chest Discomfort When Carrying Your Child
Holding a baby can be stifling? Hello Doctor, my child is currently 1 year old and weighs 8.5 kg. Whenever I carry my child with one hand, resting against my left chest, I feel a sensation of tightness in my chest. I'm not sure if this is related to my fuller figure, but I o...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: As long as the electrocardiogram and chest X-ray are normal, there should not be any significant heart or lung issues. It may be that using the left hand is more strenuous, or that the heart is slightly to the left, causing some pressure when holding a child too close to t...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort When Carrying Your Child
Swelling on Right Rib Cage: Understanding Possible Causes and Concerns
Swelling in the right costal margin? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a recent issue. The area around my right rib cage is more swollen compared to the left side. It doesn't hurt much, but sometimes it feels a bit uncomfortable. A few days ago, I had an X-ray for wor...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The rib arches on both sides do not necessarily have to be at the same height. If there is no localized redness or continued enlargement, there should be no issue.[Read More] Swelling on Right Rib Cage: Understanding Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Mild Fibrotic Changes and Pleural Thickening in Lung Health
Bilateral upper lobe fibrosis with pleural thickening at both apices? Hello Dr. Yang, I have received my chest X-ray results from my health check-up, which indicate no definite active pulmonary infiltration or consolidation in this study. However, there are mild fibrotic change...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on the description, it seems more like a scar left from a previous inflammatory lesion. It should be monitored once a year.[Read More] Understanding Mild Fibrotic Changes and Pleural Thickening in Lung Health
Understanding Coughing and Wheezing: Are They Signs of Lung Cancer?
Pulmonary issues Doctor, I quit smoking for over a month, but then I started smoking again for more than a month. I had an X-ray about a month ago, and there were no abnormalities. Recently, I've started to experience a bit of coughing and wheezing, along with a sore throat....
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Most coughs are due to bronchitis, but for smokers, it is still recommended to see a pulmonologist and get a chest X-ray.[Read More] Understanding Coughing and Wheezing: Are They Signs of Lung Cancer?
Can Tuberculosis Contacts and Latent TB Patients Fly Safely?
Can individuals who have been in contact with tuberculosis (TB) or those with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) travel by airplane? 1. Recently, an elderly family member at home was diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB). However, due to my work schedule, I only spend less than five...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Many people around the world have been in contact with tuberculosis patients, and they can fly without informing anyone, as they are unlikely to transmit the infection to others. Generally, only those with cumulative exposure time exceeding 40 hours will be listed by healt...[Read More] Can Tuberculosis Contacts and Latent TB Patients Fly Safely?
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Chest pain, sharp and stabbing? Hello doctor, I've been experiencing sharp pain in my left chest and sudden stabbing pain in my right chest over the past couple of days. Additionally, when I laugh too hard, I feel pain in the middle of my chest (around the ribs). Sometimes, ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is recommended to see a pulmonologist and get a chest X-ray to check for pneumothorax or lung diseases. If there are no issues, it is more likely to be neuralgia![Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Sudden Shortness of Breath: Understanding Allergic Reactions and Treatment Options
Suddenly unable to breathe? I have allergic rhinitis and allergic bronchitis, which I have been managing with medication. However, sometimes I experience sudden episodes where, without any apparent trigger like not using a fan or consuming cold food or drinks, my throat (tonsils)...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The ENT department has ruled out any issues with the tonsils, so please refrain from pressing on the tonsils externally, as it will only increase the itchiness and urge to cough. Regarding the pulmonology consultation, I'm not sure if pulmonary function tests were con...[Read More] Sudden Shortness of Breath: Understanding Allergic Reactions and Treatment Options