Understanding Bacterial Culture: Importance in Lung Fluid Analysis
What is bacterial culture? Because the patient has some fluid accumulation in the lungs, the doctor said that the fluid needs to be drained out and then a bacterial culture will be performed. The doctor mentioned that it is similar to a Pap smear, where the sample is placed in a ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Tony: Removing abnormal fluid accumulation in the body, such as pleural effusion (fluid in the lungs), for further analysis can help clarify the diagnosis of diseases. If the fluid contains bacteria (including tuberculosis bacteria and general bacteria), a portion of the fl...[Read More] Understanding Bacterial Culture: Importance in Lung Fluid Analysis
Understanding Frequent Hiccups: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Frequent hiccups? Hello Dr. Yang: I often experience hiccups, sometimes after meals and sometimes just randomly throughout the day. The hiccups I get during the day don't feel like the typical post-meal fullness; instead, I feel a buildup of gas in my stomach that needs to b...
Dr. Yang Zhiyun Reply:
Hello, hiccups are often caused by gastric distension, diaphragm irritation, metabolic abnormalities, or neurological issues. In your case, they are likely due to gastric distension and excessive gas, which is the most common cause and usually does not require special treatment. ...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Hiccups: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Understanding Lung Tumors: Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Regarding lung tumors? Hello, my grandmother is nearly 90 years old, weighs 48 kg, and is able to take care of herself. She requires a cane to walk due to knee joint degeneration. She has been experiencing a long-term cough and has only been receiving cough and expectorant medica...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, if a 90-year-old patient has lung cancer, the first step is to identify the type of cancer cells and determine the stage of the lung cancer. If it is stage I or II, radiation therapy or surgical resection may be considered (provided that cardiac ...[Read More] Understanding Lung Tumors: Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Is There a Connection Between Lung Fibrosis and Cold Symptoms?
Is there a relationship between pulmonary fibrosis and the common cold? Hello Dr. Yang: I recently had a chest X-ray, and the results showed "fibrosis in the left and right lung apices." This is the first time I've seen this; the results from about a year ago were ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Mr. Yang: Fibrosis typically indicates a history of inflammation that has left a scar. Based on your description, it is likely that the inflammation occurred within the past year (since the X-ray was normal a year ago). The apices of both lungs are common sites for pulmonar...[Read More] Is There a Connection Between Lung Fibrosis and Cold Symptoms?
Can Inhalation of Chemicals Cause Lung Fibrosis? Understanding Impacts
Please ask your question? Hello: 1. Can inhalation (such as from cooking fumes or cleaning agents like hydrochloric acid) cause pulmonary fibrosis? 2. Additionally, what effects might there be from fibrosis in the left upper lobe of the lungs? Thank you.
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your questions are answered briefly as follows: 1. It is rare for individuals to experience lung injury and fibrosis due to inhalation of cooking fumes or irritating chemicals, unless it is an occupational disease (workers in specific chemical factories should undergo re...[Read More] Can Inhalation of Chemicals Cause Lung Fibrosis? Understanding Impacts
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Pneumonia? My brother (21 years old, with no significant medical history) reported dizziness and severe headache during the week of October 20th and visited a clinic where he was prescribed acetaminophen. On the morning of October 26th, he experienced chest pain for 3-4 days and ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, A-Zhe. The common causes of pleural effusion in Taiwan include tuberculous pleuritis, pneumonia-related effusion, heart disease, kidney disease, cancer, and hypoalbuminemia. Generally, the initial step is to perform a thoracentesis to analyze the pleural fluid, and biochem...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Understanding Pneumonia Treatment and Management in Elderly Patients
Regarding pneumonia? Hello Doctor, Patient Status: 80 years old, male, with a history of diabetes managed with insulin, poor kidney function, currently residing in a respiratory care center, and has a tracheostomy. He has been hospitalized for nearly two months, initially admit...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello Jason, 1. The treatment for uncomplicated pneumonia typically lasts about 1-2 weeks, but in cases of severe pneumonia, treatment may extend to 6-8 weeks. There is no defined maximum duration, as it depends on the clinical condition, and there is also a possibility of recu...[Read More] Understanding Pneumonia Treatment and Management in Elderly Patients
Understanding the Final Stages of Pneumonia in Elderly Patients with Tracheostomy
Elderly patients with pneumonia who have long-term tracheostomy may ultimately face several complications that can lead to death. These complications can include respiratory failure, recurrent infections, aspiration pneumonia, and other comorbidities such as heart disease or chro...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello EDDY: Here are my personal insights for your reference: 1. All elderly individuals may potentially face acute conditions such as acute myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, and strokes due to vascular sclerosis and narrowing. 2. Long-term bed rest and the use of ventilators c...[Read More] Understanding the Final Stages of Pneumonia in Elderly Patients with Tracheostomy
Understanding Long-Term Tracheostomy in Elderly Pneumonia Patients: What to Expect
Long-term tracheostomy in elderly patients with pneumonia... ultimately..? I would like to ask about the long-term effects of a tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation in elderly patients with pneumonia, specifically regarding the potential outcomes. Here is the background of the...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Long-term care for patients with tracheostomy using ventilators can be challenging. Elderly individuals often have pre-existing health conditions and compromised immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections. Common complications for bedridden patients include pneumo...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Tracheostomy in Elderly Pneumonia Patients: What to Expect
Monitoring Recovery from Respiratory Failure: Key Indicators and Concerns
How to monitor for respiratory failure? Hello Dr. Ke: My son was hospitalized for severe enterovirus infection for one month. During his time in the ICU, he was intubated for treatment (with pneumonia as a complication), and after gradually regaining spontaneous breathing, he was...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
1. Although respiratory conditions were not mentioned, based on the heart rate and blood oxygen levels, it can be inferred that there is no respiratory distress. In general, pediatric respiratory distress can be observed by checking for nasal flaring or retractions of the sternum...[Read More] Monitoring Recovery from Respiratory Failure: Key Indicators and Concerns
Understanding Small Nodules in the Lower Lobes of the Lungs
Small nodules in the lower lobes of both lungs? Hello Doctor: My mother is 80 years old, and during this year's health check-up, a small nodule was found in her right lower lung lobe. I also have a small nodule in my left lower lung lobe. What does this mean, and how should ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, HC2211: The presence of small nodules in the lung lobes may indicate either a benign tumor or an early-stage malignant tumor. Typically, further evaluation with a computed tomography (CT) scan is required, and if necessary, a fine-needle aspiration or biopsy may be perform...[Read More] Understanding Small Nodules in the Lower Lobes of the Lungs
Understanding Increased Lung Markings: Causes, Risks, and Prevention
Increased lung markings refer to the presence of more prominent vascular and interstitial patterns observed on a chest X-ray or CT scan. This can indicate various conditions, such as pulmonary edema, The recent health check report indicated that there is an increase in lung marki...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello RICO, a normal chest X-ray typically shows the heart and blood vessels, as well as the outlines of the trachea and bronchi. An increase in lung markings refers to areas of increased density in the imaging. It is not possible to determine normalcy from a single X-ray; often,...[Read More] Understanding Increased Lung Markings: Causes, Risks, and Prevention
Understanding Chest Pain When Breathing: Causes and Solutions
Chest pain with breathing? Hello, doctor. My symptoms are: I experience chest pain when breathing, and the pain worsens when swallowing, bending down, or lying down. (The chest pain started after lunch on July 13 and has continued until now.) My questions are: Is there an immedia...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
There are many causes of chest pain. It is recommended that you first see a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray to rule out any lung issues. Then, the physician will assess whether you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to determine if an endoscopy is necessary. If both the ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain When Breathing: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Hemoptysis: Causes and Management After Tuberculosis
Hemoptysis My brother had tuberculosis three years ago and was cured after six months of medication. However, over the past year, he has experienced hemoptysis, sometimes coughing up blood once a month and other times every two weeks. He often feels a tickle in his throat at nigh...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Andy: After the cure of pulmonary tuberculosis, the blood vessels in the areas of fibrosis (scarring) may be more prone to rupture and cause hemoptysis, especially after consuming rich foods such as fried foods, alcoholic beverages, or spicy dishes. If follow-up chest X-ray...[Read More] Understanding Hemoptysis: Causes and Management After Tuberculosis
Understanding Asthma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Asthma issues? Dear Doctor, I experienced severe asthma symptoms during high school and college, particularly at night after drinking cold water immediately following exercise. However, I never had any daytime episodes, and vigorous exercise did not trigger any symptoms. During...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Sam: Your symptoms and good response to bronchodilators strongly support a diagnosis of asthma. However, the inhaled corticosteroids have caused inflammation of your vocal cords, leading to your discomfort. The short-acting bronchodilators have a relatively brief duration o...[Read More] Understanding Asthma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Chest X-rays: What They Reveal Beyond Lung Issues
Regarding chest X-ray imaging? Dear Dr. Ke, Regarding chest X-rays, do they only reveal issues related to the lungs? Would problems related to the breasts in females or skin issues near the thoracic cavity not be visible on the images? Thank you for your response.
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Normal breast and skin issues will not be visible on X-rays; however, if there are abnormalities such as calcifications or foreign objects due to breast augmentation, the abnormal shadows on the X-ray must be differentiated through palpation.[Read More] Understanding Chest X-rays: What They Reveal Beyond Lung Issues
Finding the Right Specialist for Chest Pain and Blood in Saliva
I'm not sure where the problem lies? Recently, I have been waking up in the morning with blood-tinged saliva, and sometimes I experience pain in the center of my chest, although the pain subsides quickly. I visited a pulmonologist and had an X-ray, which showed no significan...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello TCY: The blood-streaked sputum you are experiencing may be caused by the rupture of microvessels in any part of the upper respiratory tract (oral cavity), nasal cavity, or lower respiratory tract (lungs and trachea). You may want to check for blood at the junction of your g...[Read More] Finding the Right Specialist for Chest Pain and Blood in Saliva
Understanding Asthma Symptoms and Chronic Cough: A Patient's Guide
Asthma with chronic cough? Hello Dr. Yang, (1) I am planning to go bungee jumping next month, but during high school, I was randomly selected for a screening that indicated possible asthma symptoms (though I did not follow up with further testing). Additionally, I have a long-te...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Monica: Patients with asthma often have allergic rhinitis, a history of atopic dermatitis in childhood, or a family history of allergic rhinitis or asthma. When asthma patients are not experiencing an attack (such as nighttime cough or wheezing with associated wheezing soun...[Read More] Understanding Asthma Symptoms and Chronic Cough: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Chest Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Help
Abnormalities in the thoracic cavity or lungs? Sometimes I feel a bit of difficulty breathing or a sense of tightness in my chest, and I'm not sure what the problem is. If I need to go to the hospital for an examination, which department should I see? Will I need to get an X...
Dr. Yang Zhiyun Reply:
Hello: Based on your symptoms, issues related to the heart, lungs, musculoskeletal system, and mental stress could all be potential causes. It may be necessary to seek medical evaluation for differential diagnosis, and additional tests such as a chest X-ray, electrocardiogram (EC...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding ARDS in Pneumonia: Key Questions for Patient Care
Acute Hello Dr. Ke, I would like to ask about my father, a 72-year-old male, who is suffering from pneumonia complicated by ARDS. His current condition is as follows: the cause of pneumonia is unknown, with reports indicating the presence of Gram-positive bacteria. He is being t...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your father's condition is quite severe, with pneumonia complicated by ARDS, poor gas exchange, and a generally unfavorable prognosis. Once the lungs progress to fibrosis, the chance of survival and weaning off the ventilator is only 10-20%....[Read More] Understanding ARDS in Pneumonia: Key Questions for Patient Care