Understanding Pleural Effusion: Concerns for an 85-Year-Old Patient
Pleural effusion issues? Hello Dr. Wu, my grandfather is 85 years old and has been diagnosed with pleural effusion. He was hospitalized, and it wasn't until the third day that the doctor used a drainage tube to slowly remove the fluid. On the first day, 1100cc was drained, 4...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
To understand the prognosis of pleural effusion, it is essential to first identify its causes. Common causes of pleural effusion include infection, pulmonary tuberculosis, and malignant tumors. It may be necessary to consult the attending physician regarding the patient's di...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Concerns for an 85-Year-Old Patient
Managing Symptoms of Pulmonary Edema: Non-Medical Approaches
How to alleviate symptoms of pleural effusion before seeking medical attention? Hello Dr. Huang, my family member is 43 years old and lives abroad, making it inconvenient for him to seek medical care. I would like to ask if there are any non-pharmacological methods to alleviate h...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Hsieh Jola: The symptoms of pleural effusion include persistent shortness of breath, occurring both day and night. While it may resemble asthma, it is important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. It is not advisable to engage in strenuous exercise ...[Read More] Managing Symptoms of Pulmonary Edema: Non-Medical Approaches
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Risks, and Management in Elderly Patients
Pleural effusion Hello doctor, my grandfather is in his 80s and has a history of hypertension, diabetes, asthma, poor lung function, oxygen deficiency, and excessive phlegm (he used to smoke). He has been hospitalized for about 15 days. Today, the doctor explained that he may hav...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It's best to consult the attending physician to better understand the overall condition and treatment direction for grandpa.[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Risks, and Management in Elderly Patients
Understanding Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma: Pain Management and Survival Rates
Stage IV lung adenocarcinoma I would like to ask about a situation where a patient has been coughing for a long time, leading to chest pain and side abdominal pain, and subsequently sought medical attention. It was discovered that there is pleural effusion, and after hospitalizat...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR OZ: Cancer staging is assessed using the T (tumor size), N (lymph nodes), and M (metastasis) system. If pleural effusion is related to cancer, it indicates metastasis. If pain persists, a transdermal fentanyl patch can be used. The average survival period is around 6 to 9 mo...[Read More] Understanding Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma: Pain Management and Survival Rates
Understanding Pleural Effusion and Lung Cancer Treatment Options
Regarding pleural effusion? Hello, doctor. A few weeks ago, my father was hospitalized at Lin Shin Hospital, where his blood sugar was found to be over 700, and he was subsequently diagnosed with diabetes. He is now monitoring his blood sugar daily, which has been controlled. How...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The classification of lung cancer should be based on the pathology report and cannot be inferred. The side effects of current chemotherapy and radiation therapy have significantly decreased, and most patients can tolerate them. For treatment details, it is best to consult ...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion and Lung Cancer Treatment Options
Can Ginseng and Chicken Essence Help Patients on TB Medication?
Inquiry about supplements while taking tuberculosis medication? Hello, doctor. My father was hospitalized a few months ago due to pleural effusion, and after draining the fluid, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis (tuberculous pleuritis). He started taking the prescribed anti-tube...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Ginseng may cause a tendency to cough up blood; however, if there is no hemoptysis or lung cavitary lesions or bronchiectasis, it should be acceptable. Chicken essence should not pose any issues. Sincerely, Jian Shun Tian.[Read More] Can Ginseng and Chicken Essence Help Patients on TB Medication?
Understanding Pleural Effusion and Lung Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Pleural effusion and lung cancer? Hello Doctor, my mother is 61 years old (she has diabetes and is undergoing interferon treatment for hepatitis B). She experienced shortness of breath while walking, and an X-ray at a hospital revealed fluid accumulation in her right lung. After ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. If no abnormalities are found in the PET scan, the likelihood of cancer is low, and you can continue to monitor with imaging or consider further pleural biopsy (of course, there should be enough pleural effusion to ensure safety during the procedure). 2. Targeted therap...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion and Lung Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Persistent Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Chest tightness or pain? Hello, I have been experiencing chest tightness and pain for two months. I went to the hospital and saw a thoracic surgeon, and an X-ray showed no abnormalities, but the pain persists. It hurts when I exert myself, but it doesn't hurt when I'm a...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If a chest X-ray shows no abnormalities, it indicates that there are no significant issues with the lungs, pleura (such as pneumothorax or pleural effusion), or ribs. It is more likely to be muscle pain (usually with tenderness upon palpation) or costochondritis (which may...[Read More] Persistent Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Pleural Effusion Without Cough: Key Insights and Concerns
Pleural effusion without cough? Hello Dr. Yang: My mother is 47 years old and was admitted to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital last week due to pleural effusion. She has undergone MRI, CT scans, fluid analysis, bronchoscopy, and a biopsy from her back, but only the fluid analysis rev...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It can sometimes be challenging to identify the location of the primary tumor in cases of metastatic malignant effusion. Chang Gung Memorial Hospital is well-equipped, and most of the necessary examinations have already been conducted. If biopsy is difficult, we may reques...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion Without Cough: Key Insights and Concerns
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
How to resolve and prevent pleural effusion? Hello, Dr. Chou. My uncle is a police officer and a heavy smoker. He occasionally drinks alcohol. A few days ago, he was hospitalized due to a minor stroke. He was supposed to be discharged this Friday, but last night he suddenly exper...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: It is important to address the underlying cause of pulmonary edema; please discuss this with your physician.[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Understanding Pleural Effusion in the Upper Lobes: Causes and Concerns
Bilateral pleural effusion in the upper lung lobes? Pleural effusion in both upper lung lobes refers to the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space surrounding the lungs. The severity of this condition can vary depending on the amount of fluid and the underlying cause. It is n...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello, it should be referred to as pleural thickening in both upper lobes of the lungs. If that is the case, it should not be a concern. It is likely a scar left from old inflammation. Best wishes for your health, Dr. Wu Ying-Hsun.[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion in the Upper Lobes: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Pleural Effusion After 3 Weeks of TB Treatment
My father developed pleural effusion after taking tuberculosis medication for three weeks? My father has been taking tuberculosis medication for three weeks. Two days ago, he had approximately 500cc of pleural effusion drained. What could be the possible conditions and what tests...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your father's pleural effusion examination typically includes tests related to tuberculosis (to determine if the effusion is caused by tuberculosis), general bacteriological tests (as some bacteria can also cause effusion), or tests for malignant cells (malignant pleu...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion After 3 Weeks of TB Treatment
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Insights
Pleural effusion-related issues? My grandmother has diabetes and hypertension. Recently, after washing the clothes, she called our names, but I didn't respond. Later, when I went to the living room, she started saying she felt palpitations, dizziness, and tremors all over. A...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your filial piety and concern for your grandmother are truly touching. The most suitable person to answer your questions is your grandmother's current attending physician, who can provide specific responses based on the relevant examination reports. This is something ...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Insights
Understanding Vibrations in the Lower Right Chest: Causes and Concerns
Vibration sensation in the lower right chest cavity? Recently, when I run, I feel something vibrating in the lower right side of my chest. I can also feel it when I touch it, and it hurts when I take a deep breath. What could this be a symptom of? Is there anything I should pay a...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Luan: Based on your description, there seems to be a possibility of right pleural effusion. However, considering your age, it may simply be that your low weight is causing vascular prominence. The simplest solution is to get an X-ray at Changhua Hospital to assess your condi...[Read More] Understanding Vibrations in the Lower Right Chest: Causes and Concerns
Understanding a 7cm Diaphragmatic Tumor: Lung Cancer Stage and Prognosis
A 7-centimeter diaphragmatic tumor? Hello doctor, my grandfather has tuberculosis. During treatment, an X-ray revealed a tumor on the diaphragm. Now that the tuberculosis treatment is complete, a follow-up X-ray shows that the tumor has grown to 7 centimeters, and he is currently...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The staging of lung cancer follows certain standards, such as the location of lymph node metastasis, whether there are metastases to organs outside the lungs (such as bones, liver, brain, or adrenal glands), or if there are metastases to the left lung or pleural effusion, ...[Read More] Understanding a 7cm Diaphragmatic Tumor: Lung Cancer Stage and Prognosis
Understanding Blunted Costophrenic Angles: Causes and Implications
The term "blunting of the costophrenic angle" refers to a reduction in the sharpness of the angle formed between the diaphragm and the Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a recent X-ray report that indicates bluntness of the cardiophrenic angle. What does bluntness...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, there may be a suspicion of pleural effusion, but it is essential to rely on the evaluation of the attending physician. If you have any concerns, please seek medical attention as soon as possible. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Blunted Costophrenic Angles: Causes and Implications
Understanding Pleural Effusion from Pneumonia: Pain Management and Recovery
Pneumonia with pleural effusion? Hello, Doctor. I was hospitalized from June 3 to June 10 this year due to pleural effusion caused by pneumonia. During my hospitalization, I received antibiotics and took the pain medication Ultracet. Since my discharge, I have continued to experi...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Long-term use of painkillers requires monitoring for side effects such as liver and kidney function. Generally, the resolution of pneumonia on imaging may take several days to weeks, so please discuss your current condition with your physician.[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion from Pneumonia: Pain Management and Recovery
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Pain near the left chest area, close to the ribs? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing pain in my left chest for about six months. Initially, it was a mild discomfort, and after seeing a doctor, I was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, in the past w...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Xiao Jia: First, we need to know what tests you have undergone. Esophageal reflux is quite vague because a diagnosis requires an endoscopy, and its symptoms typically include a burning sensation in the chest. Based on your description, mild pleural effusion or mild pneumotho...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
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
Understanding Lung Nodules: What Elevated CA153 and CEA Levels Mean
Pulmonary nodules? Dear Dr. Huang, I would like to ask a few questions regarding my mother's condition. Here is the situation: My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer 15 years ago and underwent a right mastectomy. Since then, there has been no recurrence (the right axill...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear: Based on your description, it is most likely a recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer. Although CA 15-3 can be elevated in other cancers, it is more specific to breast cancer. Generally, the higher the tumor marker levels, the worse the prognosis. The purpose of monitor...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: What Elevated CA153 and CEA Levels Mean