When to Seek Medical Attention for Elderly COPD Patients: Key Signs and Guidelines
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Hello, doctor. I have an elderly family member who is 87 years old and has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They are currently in a long-term care facility and are experiencing shortness of breath and low blood oxygen leve...
Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Hello, the long-term care center should have medical personnel to assist in assessment. Additionally, the evaluation of shortness of breath and blood oxygen levels must be based on the patient's condition at the time, as each patient's baseline can vary significantly. G...[Read More] When to Seek Medical Attention for Elderly COPD Patients: Key Signs and Guidelines
Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Could It Be Lung Obstruction?
Suspected pulmonary obstruction? I would like to know why, after taking sedative medication, my asthma has worsened, making it harder to breathe. It seems like I'm not exchanging air properly while sleeping, and now I feel a heavy pressure on my back and chest. This used to ...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: The symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can sometimes be quite similar. At times, we need to rely on past medical history and exposure to risk factors for a comprehensive assessment before making a judgment. Additionally, it is important to ...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Could It Be Lung Obstruction?
Understanding Suspected Lung Obstruction: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Suspected pulmonary obstruction? I have been experiencing back pain for a year (not musculoskeletal pain, but pain related to the lungs). My lung capacity is poor, and when I inhale, it feels like I'm not exchanging air properly; it feels shallow, and I run out of breath qui...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: The symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can sometimes be quite similar. At times, we need to rely on the patient's medical history and exposure to risk factors for a comprehensive assessment before making a judgment. Additionally, it is...[Read More] Understanding Suspected Lung Obstruction: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Understanding Chest Symptoms: Coughing, Wheezing, and Heart Palpitations
Wheezing, crepitations, sputum production? Dear Vice President Wang, I have been experiencing the symptoms described for nine years, but they have recently worsened over the past month. The symptoms occur with any physical activity, such as climbing stairs, brisk walking, or dur...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, you already have issues with coronary artery obstruction, along with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Therefore, the symptoms you mentioned could potentially arise from these conditions. To determine which specific disease is causing your symptom...[Read More] Understanding Chest Symptoms: Coughing, Wheezing, and Heart Palpitations
Understanding Chemical Sensitivity: Allergic Reactions in the Workplace
Chemical volatile gas allergy Hello, Doctor! I am a factory worker, and recently my job requires me to frequently (though not daily) come into contact with various chemical adhesives, such as moisture-proof adhesives (hydrocarbon-based light volatile oils, octane and its isomers)...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, the chemical substances you have been exposed to can indeed cause irritation and inflammatory reactions of the respiratory mucosa, leading to the symptoms you mentioned. Individual responses to chemical irritants can vary, so not everyone will ex...[Read More] Understanding Chemical Sensitivity: Allergic Reactions in the Workplace
Can You Work in a Cleanroom After Recovering from Tuberculosis?
Lung issues Hello, doctor. I had tuberculosis a few years ago, but I am completely recovered now. However, the X-ray still shows scarring. I experience shortness of breath when walking too quickly, but I would like to pursue a job that requires wearing a cleanroom suit. Is this s...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, Xiao Li. Typically, after tuberculosis, respiratory issues such as wheezing can occur, often due to pulmonary obstruction (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). If you are concerned, you may consider visiting a pulmonology department for a chest X-ray and pulmonary funct...[Read More] Can You Work in a Cleanroom After Recovering from Tuberculosis?
Can Smoking and Drinking Cause Pneumothorax Recurrence?
Pneumothorax, smoking, and alcohol consumption? Hello, doctor. I had a spontaneous pneumothorax yesterday, which wasn't too severe. I was treated with an oxygen nasal cannula and was discharged after one day. I have a few questions. Can I still smoke? Will drinking alcohol c...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: We generally classify pneumothorax into primary pneumothorax and secondary pneumothorax. Primary pneumothorax typically occurs without specific triggering factors and is more common in tall, thin young males. Secondary pneumothorax, on the other hand, usually has identifia...[Read More] Can Smoking and Drinking Cause Pneumothorax Recurrence?
Understanding Pulmonary Infiltrates: Causes, Concerns, and Care Tips
Pulmonary infiltration Hello, my family member was taken to the emergency room due to blood oxygen levels dropping to the 70s. They have a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and multiple pneumonia infections. During this hospitalization, the nurse mentioned t...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Pulmonary infiltrates may be indicative of pneumonia, excessive mucus, or pulmonary edema. It is advisable to consult the attending physician for a clearer diagnosis. Maintaining a balanced diet, enhancing sputum clearance, and practicing deep breathing exercises to avoid ...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Infiltrates: Causes, Concerns, and Care Tips
Managing COPD: Inhaler Use and Concerns About Dependency
Inhaled medications for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? Hello, doctor. The elderly patient has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition to taking medication and using an oxygen concentrator at home, he also uses steam inhalation. His condition was s...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended to use the inhaled medication for 2-3 days, and you can stop once improvement is noted. 2. Inhaling every 6 hours is acceptable. 3. The most important aspect of maintenance is to use the inhaled medication regularly at the same time every day. 4. If th...[Read More] Managing COPD: Inhaler Use and Concerns About Dependency
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:
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:
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
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:
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
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:
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:
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 Asthma: Risks of COPD and Expired Medication Use
About Asthma Hello, Doctor: I have two questions to ask you. 1. If asthma is not well controlled, is it possible for it to develop into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as one gets older? 2. Can expired acute asthma medications (such as albuterol or levalbuterol) stil...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. Poorly controlled asthma frequently exacerbates, leading to chronic inflammation that results in bronchial smooth muscle hyperplasia and airway narrowing. The response to bronchodilators diminishes, and the pathological changes resemble those seen in chronic obstructive...[Read More] Understanding Asthma: Risks of COPD and Expired Medication Use
Understanding COPD Medications: Risks for Non-COPD Patients
What are the medication issues related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? Hello, Director. My elder family member had a long-term smoking habit in their youth, which they have quit for many years. However, they were diagnosed with tuberculosis over twenty years ago ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
1. The presence or absence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is still more reliably assessed through pulmonary function tests, depending on whether the elderly patient can complete the examination. 2. Bronchodilators (commonly referred to as medications related to...[Read More] Understanding COPD Medications: Risks for Non-COPD Patients
Potential Side Effects of COPD Medications in Non-COPD Patients
Taking medications related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) without having the condition? Hello Doctor: My elder family member has been suffering from a chronic cough for about twenty years. They previously had tuberculosis but were cured with medication. After con...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: The subsequent physician believes it is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which involves clinical diagnosis. Please discuss this further with your doctor.[Read More] Potential Side Effects of COPD Medications in Non-COPD Patients
Understanding Coughing and Blood in Sputum: Is Lung Cancer a Concern?
Please consult a doctor? Hello Doctor, I have a smoking habit and occasionally experience a few coughs and a scratchy throat. This morning, when I woke up and coughed up phlegm, I noticed that it seemed to have blood in it; it was a light pink color mixed with clear phlegm. I...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Here are three simple suggestions! 1. First, consult an otolaryngologist to confirm that the blood-tinged sputum is not due to mucosal damage in the nasal cavity, throat, or oral cavity (including the gums)! 2. If the otolaryngologist confirms that it is not from the above...[Read More] Understanding Coughing and Blood in Sputum: Is Lung Cancer a Concern?
Managing COPD in Elderly Patients: Key Questions for Better Care
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Hello Dr. Huang, my grandmother is currently 86 years old and has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stage III asthma, pneumonia, and stage IV chronic kidney disease. Her lung function is at 53%. She was recently hospitalize...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR PIG50658: Thank you for your concern for Grandma. If the diagnosis is correct, the current three-in-one medication is the standard treatment. Of course, if you still feel it is not satisfactory, there are two additional oral medications, XANTHIUM and PDE4 inhibitors, that ca...[Read More] Managing COPD in Elderly Patients: Key Questions for Better Care
Can Pneumonia Lead to Sepsis and Lung Cancer? Understanding the Risks
Can pneumonia lead to sepsis? My mother has been coughing for a long time, and the doctor treated her for tuberculosis. However, after taking medication for more than six months, her cough has not improved. Later, she developed shortness of breath and required an oxygen machine t...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If a patient continues to experience wheezing after six months of tuberculosis treatment, it is possible that extensive lesions in both lungs were present at the time of diagnosis. Even after treatment, fibrosis may remain and affect lung function. Additionally, there may ...[Read More] Can Pneumonia Lead to Sepsis and Lung Cancer? Understanding the Risks