Understanding Severe Pneumonia and Complications in Elderly Patients
Pneumonia, currently undergoing intubation treatment? Doctor, I would like to ask you: My father, who is 83 years old, went to the emergency room due to back pain, but he has a long history of experiencing shortness of breath without further medical evaluation. He was initially s...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: The patient is still experiencing an infection. It is advisable to discuss the condition and treatment with the attending physician, as I cannot provide any recommendations without observing the patient's clinical situation. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Severe Pneumonia and Complications in Elderly Patients
Managing Tracheal Stenosis and Aspiration Pneumonia in Young Adults
Tracheal stenosis complicated by aspiration pneumonia? My son is currently 20 years old and has been experiencing tracheal stenosis, which is compressing the esophagus and causing aspiration leading to aspiration pneumonia. He has had high fever and recurrent fever episodes. Alth...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Since you are already hospitalized, please discuss with your attending physician based on clinical symptoms, laboratory data, and past medical history. 2. Due to tracheal stenosis compressing the esophagus, which caused aspiration leading to pneumonia, it is presumed that th...[Read More] Managing Tracheal Stenosis and Aspiration Pneumonia in Young Adults
Chest Impact from Dodgeball: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Hit in the chest by a dodgeball..? Two days ago, I was hit in the sternum and the area between my chest and abdomen while playing dodgeball with my classmates. Now I have a feeling of fullness in my stomach, poor appetite, fatigue, and excessive sleepiness. Will this condition im...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Generally, the area between the sternum and the navel is referred to as the epigastric region. An external force impacting this area can not only directly affect the stomach but may also transmit force to surrounding structures and the posterior abdominal cavity. Therefore, organ...[Read More] Chest Impact from Dodgeball: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding High ANA Titers: Is 1:160 Considered Significant?
Re: High Titer ANA Hello, Doctor Gao. Thank you very much for your response. I still have some difficulties in interpreting the text. In your previous reply, you mentioned that normal individuals can also test positive for ANA. Does this mean that a titer of 1:160 is required to ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Indeed, we consider an ANA titer of 160 or higher (inclusive) to be significant, at least in my opinion. As for your current symptoms, it would be better to discuss them with your rheumatologist, as the diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus...[Read More] Understanding High ANA Titers: Is 1:160 Considered Significant?
Choosing the Right Insecticide: Safety, Effectiveness, and Usage Tips
The use of pesticides? Hello, Doctor: I work in recycling, which leads to a buildup of clutter at home, attracting cockroaches and ants, so I need to use insecticides. However, I noticed that insecticides come in water-based and oil-based formulations. What is the difference betw...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
In general, pesticides primarily enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption. Nicotine in cigarettes can enhance the toxicity of pesticides. Incidents of pesticide ingestion are rare unless it is accidental or intentional. Pesticides in the form of f...[Read More] Choosing the Right Insecticide: Safety, Effectiveness, and Usage Tips
Understanding Diabetes: Kidney Atrophy and Uremia Symptoms Explained
Diabetes concerns? Hello, Dr. Lee. 1. Why does diabetes cause renal atrophy and uremia? 2. What are the symptoms of uremia?
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: In response to your two questions: 1. Metabolic factors and hemodynamic changes are the primary causes affecting diabetic nephropathy. The effects of hyperglycemia alter the feedback control of the glomeruli and renal tubules, leading to abnormal glucose metabolic path...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Kidney Atrophy and Uremia Symptoms Explained
Understanding Asthma, Bronchiectasis, and Autoimmune Connections
Asthma, bronchiectasis, immune issues? Symptoms similar to asthma, often experiencing chest tightness, and in severe cases, wheezing during breathing, along with coughing and sometimes feeling short of breath. I have undergone many tests, including bronchial cultures which were a...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, user: 1. Usually, chronic bronchitis or bronchiectasis leads to the later development of asthma-like symptoms. A DLCO of 66% indicates that gas exchange in the lungs is not solely related to airway narrowing but may involve other issues beyond bronchial asthma. 2. Auto...[Read More] Understanding Asthma, Bronchiectasis, and Autoimmune Connections
Why Does Drinking Water Sometimes Feel Cool in My Chest?
Feeling a cool sensation in the chest when drinking water? Sometimes when I drink water, I feel a cool sensation in my chest (lungs), which often occurs when I ride a bike and inhale a lot of polluted air, leading to a feeling of tightness in my chest. At that moment, drinking wa...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
Hello: The sensation of a cool feeling in the chest when drinking water is not typically mentioned as a medical symptom. It may be caused by the significant temperature difference when drinking cold water after exercising. Additionally, if there is chest tightness due to poor air...[Read More] Why Does Drinking Water Sometimes Feel Cool in My Chest?
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:
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
Understanding Vasculitis Treatment: Key Questions and Insights
Treatment of vasculitis My father underwent cataract surgery on his left eye on April 9, and since then, his vision has been blurry. During a follow-up appointment two days ago, the doctor mentioned that he has vascular occlusion and dilation of the optic nerve. Since November of...
Dr. Qiu Zhengbin Reply:
Hello, I am a physician in the Department of Metabolism at Changhua Hospital. Regarding your concerns, I would like to address them from two aspects. First, you mentioned that your father has experienced a weight loss of 11 kilograms over the past few months, along with fatigue...[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis Treatment: Key Questions and Insights
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:
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 Chest Pain and Breathlessness: Is It Asthma or Something More?
excuse me? Hello, I have recently experienced shortness of breath, chest pain, and painful breathing when walking my bicycle up a bridge. I need to stop and take slow, deep breaths to feel better. What could be causing this? I have a history of allergic asthma, but I never had th...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
Hello: Allergic bronchitis or asthma is not typically triggered by mild exercise, but symptoms can improve after a short rest. Therefore, the recent experience of shortness of breath while cycling may not be related to the previously suspected asthma. It is recommended to visit a...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Breathlessness: Is It Asthma or Something More?
Struggling with Weight Loss? Understanding Metabolism and Health Tips
Metabolism Hello Dr. Yang, I am petite and not very tall, and my thighs are not particularly thick. I have tried many weight loss methods, such as the cocktail diet and acupuncture, but I still can't maintain it for long and remain round and soft (actually, my appetite is no...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Obese individuals seeking weight loss can consult a metabolic specialist, but their expectations for weight loss should be realistic. The standard treatment approach emphasizes diet and exercise, with medication as an adjunct. A reasonable weight loss expectation is a reduction o...[Read More] Struggling with Weight Loss? Understanding Metabolism and Health Tips
Understanding the Connection Between Stomach Issues and Breathing Difficulties
Heavy feeling in the stomach and difficulty breathing? I recently wrote to you about my issues with stomach pain and bloating. I visited Mackay Memorial Hospital, where the doctor prescribed me medication for bloating and gastric relief, but it hasn't been very effective. My...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
First, consult a general internist or gastroenterologist to arrange for an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to check for gastroesophageal reflux disease and Helicobacter pylori infection. Additionally, see a general internist or family medicine specialist to arrange for a chest X...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Stomach Issues and Breathing Difficulties
Persistent Cough After Cold: Understanding Allergic Cough and Treatment Options
Persistent cough that does not improve? I have been experiencing a persistent cough since catching a cold last year. I consulted a doctor and took medication, but there has been no improvement (I had an X-ray, and my lungs showed no phlegm or abnormalities). The traditional Chine...
Dr. Zhong Weisheng Reply:
Dear Miss Bao Bei, Thank you for your letter. If a persistent cough lasts for more than three weeks, a chest X-ray and sputum test should be performed to rule out tuberculosis and tumors. Next, it is important to check for the possibility of post-nasal drip or gastroesophageal r...[Read More] Persistent Cough After Cold: Understanding Allergic Cough and Treatment Options
Can Lung Hemangiomas Be Surgically Removed? Treatment Options Explained
Hemangioma Hello Dr. Hsiao, I would like to ask if it is possible to perform surgery if there is a hemangioma in the lungs. The physician we consulted informed our family that surgery is not feasible. If surgery is not an option, will it continue to grow larger? What is the best ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello, in response to your question: 1. The term lung hemangioma likely refers to sclerosing hemangioma, which occurs in approximately 80% of cases in middle-aged women, and most are asymptomatic. If symptoms do occur, hemoptysis is the most common. A chest X-ray may reveal a h...[Read More] Can Lung Hemangiomas Be Surgically Removed? Treatment Options Explained
Understanding Sharp Chest Pain: Which Cardiology Specialist to See?
Sharp pain near the heart? Sometimes I feel a sharp pain near my heart, and it gets worse with each breath; it eases a bit when I don't breathe. I have previously had an X-ray and an electrocardiogram, both of which showed no issues. The doctor suggested that I see a cardiol...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question. 1. The causes of chest pain may originate from the skin, chest wall, lungs, heart and major blood vessels, gastrointestinal tract, or psychological factors. Pain from musculoskeletal disorders, pneumothorax, pleuritis, and pericarditis may wor...[Read More] Understanding Sharp Chest Pain: Which Cardiology Specialist to See?
Understanding Right Chest Pain When Lying Down: Causes and Next Steps
Chest pain on the right side when lying down? Dear Dr. Lee: Recently, I have been experiencing pain in my right chest when lying down to sleep. I need to adjust my position (lying on my side) to reduce the pain, and I also experience pain when getting up. Sometimes, I feel pain w...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Your pain seems to be related to changes in posture, particularly in the right chest area. Clinically, it does not appear to be a cardiac issue, nor does it seem to involve the lungs or liver; it is more likely related to a musculoskeletal problem. You can start by scheduling an ...[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Pain When Lying Down: Causes and Next Steps
Could It Be Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Could it be diabetes? I have seen many doctors due to my bad breath, but the problem has not been resolved, which is very distressing for me. My symptoms include severe halitosis, frequent foamy urine, occasional chest tightness, and fatigue. Additionally, I have a history of gou...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, there are many causes of halitosis, including issues related to the oral cavity, otolaryngology, lungs, trachea, esophagus, stomach, and even metabolic problems. As for "bubbly urine," it generally warrants consideration of proteinur...[Read More] Could It Be Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Understanding Intermittent Lung Pain: Possible Causes and Symptoms
Lung issues I have been experiencing occasional pain in my lungs recently. It's quite strange because it doesn't hurt a lot, but it does hurt for a brief moment. What could this symptom indicate?
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
When experiencing chest pain, it is important to pay attention to the location, nature, timing of the pain, accompanying symptoms, and aggravating factors. In adolescents, most cases are related to musculoskeletal issues. Some may be associated with lifestyle habits or physical a...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Lung Pain: Possible Causes and Symptoms