Managing Pleural Effusion in Advanced Lung Cancer: Key Insights and Care Tips
Pleural effusion Hello, Dr. Ke! My father is 80 years old and in the third year of advanced lung cancer. Since February of this year, he has developed pleural effusion. The attending physician recommended high-protein diet along with diuretics, but the effect has been minimal. He...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Lung cancer complicated by pleural effusion generally indicates stage III or higher, with a poor prognosis. Typically, after drainage using a catheter, treatment with pleurodesis agents combined with chemotherapy can temporarily control the accumulation of fluid, reducing the fre...[Read More] Managing Pleural Effusion in Advanced Lung Cancer: Key Insights and Care Tips
Understanding Pleural Effusion: External vs. Internal Fluid Accumulation
Pleural effusion Hello, my father is a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis, which has been treated and controlled for many years. Recently, he has been coughing up blood, and after a CT scan, it was found that he has pleural effusion and pneumonia. The doctor mentioned that the p...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Js: The external fluid accumulation you mentioned is likely pleural effusion (fluid in the pleural cavity outside the lungs). Recurrence of pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, lung tumors, and heart failure can lead to pleural effusion. If possible, performing a thoracentesi...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: External vs. Internal Fluid Accumulation
When Is Hospitalization Necessary for Pneumonia Treatment?
Treatment of pneumonia! Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask at what severity pneumonia requires hospitalization? Is there a specific number of days that one must stay in the hospital? If a patient needs to be discharged before reaching the recommended hospital stay, is that allowe...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, regarding pneumonia, whether hospitalization is necessary depends on multiple factors related to prognosis. Generally speaking, older age, alcohol abuse, the presence of other chronic diseases (such as malignancies, heart, liver, or kidney diseases), respiratory distress (...[Read More] When Is Hospitalization Necessary for Pneumonia Treatment?
Understanding Pulmonary Edema Risks After Joint Surgery Infections
I'm sorry, but I need content to translate? My grandmother developed a bacterial infection due to her artificial joint, which has led to pulmonary edema. She is currently in a coma but shows some responsiveness. The doctors are using diuretics (I can't recall the exact ...
Dr. Ding Liangwen Reply:
Essentially, pulmonary edema and pleural effusion are different issues. The former may be caused by heart failure or excessive fluid, and treatment typically involves diuretics to help expel the fluid. Generally, thoracentesis is not performed unless it affects breathing. As for ...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Edema Risks After Joint Surgery Infections
Understanding Tuberculous Pleuritis: Risks and Infant Screening
Regarding pulmonary tuberculosis (acute) 1. Tuberculous pleuritis is considered an extrapulmonary form of tuberculosis and is not directly contagious. However, the underlying infection can be contagious if pulmonary involvement is present. 2. It is advisable for the 11-month-old...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Sandy: Pleural effusion (lung) is generally not contagious. Has the one-year-old baby received the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine? If so, and the baby currently does not have symptoms of fever or cough, you can first go to a health center for a tuberculin skin test (PPD t...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculous Pleuritis: Risks and Infant Screening
Understanding Pleural Effusion After Right Hepatectomy: What to Expect
Right hepatic resection and pleural effusion? Hello Dr. Yang, I underwent a right hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on October 13, 2023. It has been about a month since the surgery, and my condition has been relatively good. However, a few days ago, I impulsiv...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Dear Brian: It is possible to have some pleural effusion that has not absorbed one month after liver surgery; however, having approximately 1000 mL of fluid is considered abnormal. This can cause pressure on the normal lung tissue, leading to a sensation of shortness of breath. I...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion After Right Hepatectomy: What to Expect
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Concerns and Alternatives for Elderly Patients
Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about pleural effusion? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you a question regarding pleural effusion. My grandmother was recently diagnosed with left-sided pleural effusion at the hospital. She has undergone: 1. Blood tests 2. X-ray (which s...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Hello: Regarding the issue of "pleural effusion," it is medically referred to as pleural effusion. The causes of pleural effusion in adults can be roughly divided into two categories: benign (inflammatory, cardiogenic) and malignant (tumors). If the aforementioned tests...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Concerns and Alternatives for Elderly Patients
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Symptoms, Prevention, and Care Tips
Pleural effusion Hello, doctor... I would like to ask you about the symptoms and prevention of pleural effusion, as well as how to maintain health in this regard.
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, sister: Pulmonary effusion may indicate pulmonary edema or pleural effusion, with symptoms primarily including difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. If it is caused by an infection, it may be accompanied by symptoms such as fever, chills, and chest pain. There are m...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Symptoms, Prevention, and Care Tips
Understanding Procedure Pneumothorax: Symptoms and Insights Explained
Inquiry Hello, doctor. Could you please explain what "procedure pneumothorax" is? What are its symptoms? Thank you for your clarification.
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Reply to Xiao Zhao: During hospitalization, if a patient experiences pleural effusion drainage or central venous catheter placement, pneumothorax may occasionally occur. Typically, it is a small amount, but if it is a large pneumothorax, chest tube drainage is necessary, which is...[Read More] Understanding Procedure Pneumothorax: Symptoms and Insights Explained
Survival Rates for Stage III Lung Adenocarcinoma with Lymph Node Spread
The survival duration for stage III lung adenocarcinoma that has spread to the lymph nodes can vary significantly based on several factors, including the patient's overall health, response to treatment, and specific characteristics of the cancer. Generally, the 5-year surviv...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Stage III lung adenocarcinoma can be divided into IIIA and IIIB, and survival duration can vary significantly. It ranges from a few days to several years, with a median survival of approximately 6 months for 50% of patients. In summary, it is important to prepare for the worst wh...[Read More] Survival Rates for Stage III Lung Adenocarcinoma with Lymph Node Spread