Understanding Asthma and Emphysema: Key Insights for Patients
Asthma and emphysema issues? Hello, Doctor: I had a cold and cough for over a month, which led to wheezing, and I went to the hospital for an X-ray. The doctor said I have emphysema (I don't smoke, but I have a history of asthma, and the doctor suspects it might be poorly co...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Yuting: Here are the brief responses to your questions: 1. A definitive diagnosis of emphysema requires a lung biopsy to observe abnormal enlargement of the alveoli (the smallest structural units of the lung) along with destruction of the alveolar walls. This condition t...[Read More] Understanding Asthma and Emphysema: Key Insights for Patients
Can Damaged Alveoli from Asthma or Emphysema Heal Over Time?
Could you please provide more details about the issue of alveolar repair? Hello, doctor: May I ask if, due to severe asthma or emphysema, the rupture of alveoli can be repaired and restored to their original state in a patient's lifetime according to modern medicine? If so, ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Alveolar rupture leads to air escaping from the alveoli into the pleural cavity, a condition known as pneumothorax. Inhaling high concentrations of oxygen or inserting a chest tube for drainage can help remove the air trapped in the pleural cavity, allowing the lungs to re...[Read More] Can Damaged Alveoli from Asthma or Emphysema Heal Over Time?
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 an 18cm Lung Bubble: Risks and Treatment Options
There is an approximately 18-centimeter bubble in the lung? Hello, my boyfriend has a bubble in his lung that is about 18 centimeters in size, which was discovered approximately five years ago. It has remained the same size since then, and he does not experience any discomfort. H...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: The greatest risk lies in the possibility of pneumothorax. Therefore, individuals in high-risk occupations (such as aviation, diving, etc.) or those engaged in more intense activities (such as athletes) may face a greater risk of pneumothorax. Additionally, if the presence...[Read More] Understanding an 18cm Lung Bubble: Risks and Treatment Options
Am I Experiencing Asthma, COPD, or Another Lung Condition?
Am I suffering from asthma, another condition, or emphysema? In the past week, I have frequently experienced chest tightness with a bit of pain, and I feel like I can't fully inhale, especially when sitting down or driving; it feels like my breathing is not smooth. I have a ...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Dear Sam, Many diseases can manifest as chest tightness and shortness of breath, such as issues related to the heart and lungs. Therefore, it is not possible to make a judgment based on your description alone. I recommend that you come in for a consultation.[Read More] Am I Experiencing Asthma, COPD, or Another Lung Condition?
Understanding Emphysema at a Young Age: Treatment and Management Options
Emphysema Hello Doctor: I have been coughing continuously for several months, so I went to the hospital for a chest X-ray, which revealed that I have emphysema. However, I am only 28 years old. Is there any way to improve this condition?
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiao Yang: Emphysema is commonly seen in long-term smokers. In younger individuals, chest X-rays showing emphysema are often associated with a tall and thin body type. This is not considered a pathological condition, and it should improve with weight gain in the future, so...[Read More] Understanding Emphysema at a Young Age: Treatment and Management Options
Understanding Costophrenic Angle Blunting: Severity and Treatment Options
Costophrenic angle blunting Could you please clarify if the physician's bluntness of the costophrenic angle on the right side is severe? Additionally, what treatment options are available? Thank you for your explanation.
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: The chest X-ray shows blunting of the costophrenic angle, which is commonly caused by pleural effusion, fibrotic changes (such as sequelae from previous infections, inflammation, or trauma), or compression from emphysema that can present similar findings on a chest X-ray. ...[Read More] Understanding Costophrenic Angle Blunting: Severity and Treatment Options
Managing Cat Allergies and Asthma: Finding Balance for Pet Lovers
Allergic asthma and cat ownership? Hello, my husband has allergic asthma and we have had a cat for a year. Initially, he experienced allergic reactions, but now it has improved significantly; he only experiences allergies occasionally when playing with the cat. However, his asthm...
Dr. Cai Fushun Reply:
Patients with asthma commonly experience the following symptoms: intermittent shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing, particularly during the night or early morning. Additionally, the following situations should also be considered indicative of asthma: exper...[Read More] Managing Cat Allergies and Asthma: Finding Balance for Pet Lovers
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
Understanding Emphysema: Night Sweats and Vaccination Concerns
Emphysema Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you about my father (81 years old) who has emphysema. He experiences fever and sweating at night (sometimes during the day as well). Blood tests show no signs of infection. I am wondering if this condition is related to his emphysema. ...
Dr. Xu Jialin Reply:
Patients with emphysema experience increased respiratory effort, which consumes a significant amount of calories and energy, leading to symptoms such as sweating or a sensation of body heat, although their actual body temperature does not indicate a fever. The influenza vaccine p...[Read More] Understanding Emphysema: Night Sweats and Vaccination Concerns
Understanding Moderate Restrictive Ventilatory Impairment: Causes and Management
Moderate restrictive ventilatory impairment? Dear Dr. Yang: I underwent a pulmonary function test during my health check-up, and the report indicates that I have moderate restrictive ventilatory impairment. What does this mean? Do I need treatment or follow-up?
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ross, pulmonary function tests are helpful in understanding whether there are any obstructive issues with ventilation. Generally, they can be classified into (1) obstructive ventilatory disorders, which include asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and bronchiectasis, and ...[Read More] Understanding Moderate Restrictive Ventilatory Impairment: Causes and Management
Understanding Pneumothorax: Risks of Acupuncture for Back Pain
Emphysema Hello Director Chang: Recently, I came across a medical news article stating that several patients in Taoyuan experienced back pain and, due to improper acupuncture treatment, inadvertently injured the pleura, leading to pneumothorax. Their pain worsened, prompting them...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
1. Emphysema is a syndrome of reduced lung function, which is a natural phenomenon of aging in humans. The natural destruction of alveoli is irreversible, but maintenance can slow down the damage. Therefore, asymptomatic patients should pay attention to fresh air intake and avoid...[Read More] Understanding Pneumothorax: Risks of Acupuncture for Back Pain
Understanding Emphysema: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Heart Connection
Suspected emphysema Dear Dr. Jian, Two months ago, I noticed an unusual knocking sound in my chest while inhaling (after taking a deep breath and holding it briefly). The frequency of the sound is synchronized with my pulse and is accompanied by chest tightness. The initial diag...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello Mr. Zhou: 1. Emphysema is primarily diagnosed through pathological examination; however, in clinical practice, this is often not feasible. Therefore, diagnosis can be made based on clinical symptoms and pulmonary function. Patients typically experience chest tightness and...[Read More] Understanding Emphysema: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Heart Connection
Understanding Emphysema: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Suspected emphysema Hello, Director Jiang: Two months ago, I noticed an unusual knocking sound in my chest during inhalation (after taking a deep breath and holding it briefly), with a frequency that synchronized with my pulse, accompanied by chest tightness. The physician initia...
Dr. Jiang Zhenyuan Reply:
1. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis combine to form chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is generally diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and pulmonary function tests. 2. It is. 3. Emphysema is not contagious. 4. Please consult a pulmonologist for diagnosis and re...[Read More] Understanding Emphysema: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management