Persistent Shortness of Breath: Seeking the Right Specialist for Relief
Persistent wheezing Hello, the patient is currently 77 years old, with a height of 160 cm and a weight of around 65 kg. He has a history of smoking but has significantly reduced his intake, averaging about one and a half packs per week. He previously had a coronary stent placed. ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Jason: Your friend has been experiencing shortness of breath related to fluid accumulation, and the fluid extracted is clear pleural effusion. Relevant tests have ruled out infections (including tuberculosis) and malignancies, suggesting that the issue may be related to the...[Read More] Persistent Shortness of Breath: Seeking the Right Specialist for Relief
Healthy Habits and Exercises for Lung Health After Smoking
Lung health issues Hello Dr. Yang: I have been smoking for 20 years. Previously, I sought medical help for bronchitis, and the doctor advised me to quit smoking, which I did. I previously asked you about the question "Are apples the janitors of the lungs?" and you menti...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Tom, 1. The impact of previous smoking on bronchial inflammation should no longer affect bronchitis after 20 years of quitting smoking. 2. Deep red fruit skins may be beneficial, but it is important to be aware of potential pesticide or preservative residues. 3. Healthy...[Read More] Healthy Habits and Exercises for Lung Health After Smoking
Understanding Severe Obstructive Lung Disease: Causes and Implications
Obstructive lung disease Hello, doctor. My previous health check-up report indicated severe obstructive pulmonary dysfunction. Could you please explain what this condition entails? Thank you. (I smoke about one pack a day.)
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
It is usually manifested as airway obstruction and is often a manifestation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (such as in long-term smokers) or asthma. Please consult a pulmonologist.[Read More] Understanding Severe Obstructive Lung Disease: Causes and Implications
Understanding Coughing and Itchy Airways: Smoking and Allergies Explained
Itchy throat and cough? Hello Doctor: I have a smoking habit, approximately one pack every three days. Recently, I occasionally feel an itch in my airways that makes me want to cough, but it’s infrequent (about 3-4 times a day) and there is not much phlegm. About six months ago, ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ke: If the recent X-ray shows no abnormalities, there should not be significant issues with the lungs at this time. It may be more related to chronic pharyngitis or bronchitis. Both conditions are closely associated with smoking, so I advise you to quit smoking as soo...[Read More] Understanding Coughing and Itchy Airways: Smoking and Allergies Explained
Best Juice Options for Lung Cancer Patients: Tips and Recommendations
Juice for Lung Cancer Patients Hello Dr. Zhou, my father went to the emergency room the day before yesterday. The doctor said he has early-stage pneumonia, but because he is a heavy smoker (with over 40 years of smoking history), is 65 years old, and has high blood sugar (157), h...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, based on your description, your father has been a long-term smoker and likely has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Therefore, when he develops pneumonia, it can be more severe. Whether he will need to use supplemental oxygen long-term after treatment improveme...[Read More] Best Juice Options for Lung Cancer Patients: Tips and Recommendations
Is Allergic Bronchitis Considered Asthma? Understanding Your Symptoms
Is bronchial allergy considered asthma? I have been coughing for almost two months, often experiencing a scratchy throat and cough, and recently I've also had difficulty breathing and feeling short of breath. I went to the hospital for pulmonary function tests and a bronchia...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, excessive airway responsiveness is commonly seen in patients with asthma, but other conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can also present with excessive airway responsiveness. However, airway obstruction caused by asthma is often reversible, whil...[Read More] Is Allergic Bronchitis Considered Asthma? Understanding Your Symptoms
Managing Medication Concerns for Elderly Patients with Lung and Heart Issues
Consult a physician? Dr. Yang: My father, who is 83 years old, was hospitalized two days ago due to pneumonia caused by pleural effusion. He has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, and he was cured of tuberculosis over forty years ago. He uses an...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Jun: This hospitalization may be related to infection or heart failure. In principle, the attending physician will determine the medication based on the severity and urgency of the condition. Some medications that are usually taken may affect heart rate or blood pressure, w...[Read More] Managing Medication Concerns for Elderly Patients with Lung and Heart Issues
Seeking Recommendations for Thoracic Specialists in Taipei
Please ask your question? Dear Dr. Zhou, Thank you for your response! May I ask which hospital you are affiliated with? Or could you recommend a physician in Taipei who would be suitable for my father's consultation? The doctors we have seen previously have all said there a...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, 1. I am currently employed at the Chest Hospital of the Department of Health, Executive Yuan, located in Tainan, which is quite far from Taipei. There are several medical centers in Taipei (such as Veterans General Hospital, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei Me...[Read More] Seeking Recommendations for Thoracic Specialists in Taipei
Exploring Alternative Treatments for Chronic Breathing Issues After Smoking
I'm sorry, but I need specific content to translate My father smoked for 30 years and although he has quit, he has been experiencing shortness of breath for the past two years when walking 200 meters, going up and down stairs, taking a shower, and especially at night when he...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Vera: Your father has a long history of smoking, which may have led to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), specifically chronic bronchitis and emphysema, resulting in significant lung function impairment. In addition to medication, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital off...[Read More] Exploring Alternative Treatments for Chronic Breathing Issues After Smoking
Understanding Chest Sounds and Shortness of Breath During Shoulder Movement
Please ask your question? I experience a whooshing sound in the area between my chest and mouth when my shoulders move alternately back and forth, and I get short of breath after just a few movements. I would like to know what might be causing this.
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello, does the patient have a history of long-term smoking that has led to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or a history of asthma? It is advisable to consult a pulmonologist or cardiologist to check for any heart disease. Thank you. Sincerely, Dr. Wu Ying-Hsun, Chief of G...[Read More] Understanding Chest Sounds and Shortness of Breath During Shoulder Movement
Does Cold Weather Affect Spontaneous Pneumothorax?
Cold environments can have an impact on pneumothorax? Hello, my son is 20 years old and has a history of spontaneous pneumothorax, for which he has undergone surgery. He is now required to travel to Harbin, China, for a teaching activity. Will the cold climate have any impact on ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, temperature does not have a significant impact on pneumothorax. However, cold weather may trigger exacerbations of pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Therefore, individuals with these con...[Read More] Does Cold Weather Affect Spontaneous Pneumothorax?
Understanding COPD Exacerbation: A Case Study of Severe Symptoms and ICU Care
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbation The father is 74 years old and was admitted for observation and treatment on March 27 due to chest tightness and shortness of breath without fever (diagnosed with COPD) after an outpatient visit at a hospital in the Yuanli...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated by pneumonia often leads to respiratory failure in patients. Currently, transporting patients on a ventilator poses risks, so it is advisable to discuss with the attending physician whether transfer to another facility is necessar...[Read More] Understanding COPD Exacerbation: A Case Study of Severe Symptoms and ICU Care
Understanding Persistent Cough: When to Worry About Lung Cancer
Coughing Hello, Dr. Qu: My 55-year-old father has been coughing for three to four months after catching a cold this winter. He has seen several traditional and Western medicine practitioners and has taken codeine, but his condition fluctuates between better and worse. He suspects...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Hello: Many conditions can present with a cough, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as the pulmonary tuberculosis and lung cancer you mentioned. It is advisable to visit a pulmonology clinic for an evaluation and to arrange any necessary tests...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough: When to Worry About Lung Cancer
Is Tracheostomy Necessary for COPD Patients? Understanding the Options
Is it necessary to perform a tracheostomy? Hello Doctor: My father, who is 76 years old, was previously diagnosed with early-stage Parkinson's disease. He was hospitalized in March and April this year due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) leading to asthma. He ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, every intubated patient has the opportunity to wean off the ventilator. However, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may have poor lung function from the start, which could require a longer period for adjustment and training (the duration is unpredic...[Read More] Is Tracheostomy Necessary for COPD Patients? Understanding the Options
Understanding Bronchiectasis: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
A patient with bronchiectasis inquires? 1. For patients with bronchiectasis, the daily sputum production can range from approximately 30 cc to 100 cc, but this can vary widely depending on the severity of the condition. 2. Yellow sputum may indicate a bacterial infection, sugges...
Dr. Li Shiwei Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. The amount of sputum in patients with bronchiectasis varies from person to person and is related to the extent and location of the bronchiectasis, as well as the presence of infection. 2. An increase in sputum volume or a change to a yellow color often indica...[Read More] Understanding Bronchiectasis: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
Understanding Lung Issues: Insights on Tracheostomy and Fibrosis
Pulmonary disease issues Hello, Dr. Jian: 1. I underwent a tracheostomy in the intensive care unit of a teaching hospital during the New Year holiday in 2003 due to an emergency. I was on a ventilator for a whole month, then transferred to another ventilator unit where I stayed ...
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
1. Some tracheostomy stomas may heal spontaneously while others may not, and they do not require suturing. 2. Suspect tracheoesophageal fistula. 3. Pulmonary fibrosis leads to decreased lung function. 4. Surgical resection is not necessary, but rehabilitation should be cont...[Read More] Understanding Lung Issues: Insights on Tracheostomy and Fibrosis
Understanding Emphysema: Treatment Options and Home Care Tips
Emphysema Is my father’s emphysema commonly referred to as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? Recently, there have been reports that emphysema can be treated with bronchial unidirectional valves. Which hospitals in the country offer this treatment? If there are none av...
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
"Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a condition characterized by airflow obstruction caused by chronic bronchitis or emphysema. This airflow obstruction typically progresses slowly, and pulmonary function tests show a reduction in the forced expiratory volume th...[Read More] Understanding Emphysema: Treatment Options and Home Care Tips
Effective Strategies to Alleviate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Symptoms
How to alleviate discomfort caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? Due to lung obstruction issues, I experience persistent coughing every night. Sometimes, I feel more comfortable after coughing up phlegm. The symptoms are particularly worse at midnight. I am cur...
Dr. Ding Liangwen Reply:
It is important to first confirm whether the issue is indeed related to pulmonary obstruction before proceeding with further treatment. Typically, we can assess if there is a history of asthma or smoking habits, and chest X-rays and pulmonary function tests can be conducted for e...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Alleviate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Symptoms
Do Oxygen Concentrators Benefit Patients with COPD?
Is an oxygen concentrator beneficial for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? Hello Dr. Yang, I have an elder in my family who suffers from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). They often experience shortness of breath and wheezing. Sometimes, wh...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Dear Mr. Wei-Qiang, Hello. For patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have severe pulmonary function impairment, if they are unable to maintain a blood oxygen partial pressure greater than 55 mmHg (or a finger oxygen saturation greater than 90%) at rest, ...[Read More] Do Oxygen Concentrators Benefit Patients with COPD?
Can You Use Medications with a Mucus Clearance Device?
Can medication be added to a nebulizer? Bronchial obstruction due to mucus that cannot be expelled may require the use of an expectorant. If medication is needed, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate type of medication to add. Common e...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Mrs. Chen: A general nebulizer can be used with high-concentration saline solution. Common expectorants such as BISOLVON or bronchodilators (like BRICANYL or ATROVENT) may be used for patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, it is best...[Read More] Can You Use Medications with a Mucus Clearance Device?