Dietary Considerations for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients
What are the dietary issues related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? Hello, the elder in my family has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and recurrent pneumonia. I found online that COPD patients should limit their intake of carbohydrates and gas-produc...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: You can consult your attending physician for dietary advice, as they have a better understanding of any abnormalities in your past test results that need to be addressed.[Read More] Dietary Considerations for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients
Unexpected Lung Fibrosis in an 18-Year-Old: Causes and Concerns
An 18-year-old child, who has never smoked, has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis based on X-ray examination? Hello Doctor: My child often experiences sudden pain in the stomach and chest. One day, we took him to the hospital, where an X-ray revealed pulmonary fibrosis. The ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: If you had pneumonia (lung infection) during childhood, there is a possibility of developing fibrosis. Please discuss the severity with your physician.[Read More] Unexpected Lung Fibrosis in an 18-Year-Old: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia: When to Seek Medical Attention
Questions regarding aspiration pneumonia? Hello doctor, recently I've been frequently choking on water, but it's just a minor choke each time. I would like to ask if choking on water could lead to aspiration pneumonia? Also, under what circumstances should I seek medica...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Plain water is not food and is less likely to cause pneumonia. If you have a fever above 38 degrees Celsius for more than two consecutive days, you should go to the hospital for an evaluation to determine if you have pneumonia.[Read More] Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia: When to Seek Medical Attention
Effective Strategies to Prevent Pneumonia in Elderly with COPD
How to prevent pneumonia? Dear Director Yang, I have an elderly family member who is nearly ninety years old and suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He experiences severe shortness of breath and currently uses a urinary bag. Due to his difficulty in moving...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Older adults generally have weaker immune systems, so it's important to get the flu vaccine annually. A common cause of pneumonia in the elderly is aspiration, so it's essential to assess for any swallowing difficulties. If necessary, consider the use of a nasoga...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Prevent Pneumonia in Elderly with COPD
Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Key Concerns and Solutions
I would like to inquire about issues related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? Dear Director, One of our elderly family members has been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is currently experiencing severe asthma due to recurrent pneumo...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended to use a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) alone or a combination of a long-acting beta-agonist and a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LABA+LAMA) to reduce the incidence of pneumonia. 2. For those who are long-term oxygen-dependent, it is ...[Read More] Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Key Concerns and Solutions
Concerns About Choking on Water: Risks of Aspiration Pneumonia
Frequently choked? Hello doctor, I have been frequently choking on water lately. It's not very serious, just a few coughs and then I'm fine, but since it happens often, I'm a bit worried about whether any water might remain in my trachea. If I choke on water and do...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Water that aspirates into the bronchi/alveoli can mix with bacteria from the oral cavity and other chemicals, increasing the risk of pneumonia.[Read More] Concerns About Choking on Water: Risks of Aspiration Pneumonia
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Further Medical Help
Chest pain Hello, doctor. I have cough-variant asthma and a history of mediastinal emphysema about three years ago. On November 18, I accidentally ate spicy food and started coughing violently. From November 21, I began experiencing pain in my right chest. On November 22, I went ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Based on what has been described, a muscle strain remains a possible cause, but please consult a pulmonologist for further evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Further Medical Help
Understanding Symptoms: Coughing, Breathing Issues, and Chest Discomfort
Coughing up phlegm, difficulty breathing, mild chest pain? Hello, doctor. On October 1st, I visited the clinic due to symptoms such as a runny nose and fatigue. I've had a history of nasal allergies since childhood, experiencing persistent runny nose, especially in the morni...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms are more indicative of allergic rhinitis and post-nasal drip. Taking antihistamines for allergies often leads to symptoms of throat dryness and itchiness. It is recommended to drink plenty of warm water and to avoid cold foods. For fruits, it is advisable to ...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Coughing, Breathing Issues, and Chest Discomfort
Understanding Mycoplasma Pneumonia: Persistent Cough and Treatment Options
Mycoplasma pneumonia, cough issues cannot be resolved! Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumonia, bronchial type, around the end of June 2018. At that time, I received medication treatment, and blood tests confirmed the diagnosis, but my cough issue has not been res...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
It is advisable to discuss with your attending physician the situation after taking the medication and the appropriateness of using traditional Chinese medicine. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Mycoplasma Pneumonia: Persistent Cough and Treatment Options
Understanding Persistent Pleural Effusion: Causes and Concerns
Pleural effusion has been persistent? I consulted with the doctor regarding my father, who had a stent placed on July 17, 2018, and was discharged on July 18. On July 19, he went to the emergency room for evaluation of pleural effusion, where 400-500 cc of fluid was immediately d...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: It is not possible to determine the cause of your father's pleural effusion based on your description. Please discuss this in detail with your father's attending physician. Thank you. Sincerely, Jian Shun Tian.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Pleural Effusion: Causes and Concerns
Persistent Cough for 5 Weeks: Seeking Answers and Next Steps
Coughing for 5 weeks? Hello, Doctor! I have been coughing for 5 weeks and have visited multiple clinics. Initially, I had a cold with severe throat pain, body weakness, hoarseness, and fever. After these symptoms improved, the cough began and has persisted until now. I first visi...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you seek another hospital outside of your current healthcare system for an X-ray and a professional assessment to determine if there are any significant lung diseases. If the X-ray confirms no obvious lung abnormalities and there is no improvement in...[Read More] Persistent Cough for 5 Weeks: Seeking Answers and Next Steps
Understanding Lung Nodules: Fibrosis, Granulomas, and Follow-Up Care
Pulmonary nodule, pulmonary lobe fibrosis, granuloma? Hello: Last year, I underwent a CT scan, and the report indicated "Chest CT with and without contrast - Bilateral lung area nodule-like and focal densities, as left. Srs: 4. Img: 16. right. Img: 11.17.45.33. etc. lung win...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is generally recommended to consult a pulmonologist for interpretation and advice. If possible, it would be even better to obtain copies of previous chest X-rays from the past two years for comparison.[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Fibrosis, Granulomas, and Follow-Up Care
Understanding CT Scan Reports for Lung Cysts and Cancer Staging
Computed Tomography Report Hello Doctor, my mother has been monitoring a lung cyst. On July 10, 2017, she underwent a CT scan, which reported the cyst size as 2.6 cm, and she was referred to Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where it was determined that there were no issues...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. This is a preliminary imaging report. The diagnosis of stage III can only be established if the left upper lung shadow is confirmed to be lung cancer; further examinations are necessary for confirmation before determining if it is indeed lung cancer, which will allow fo...[Read More] Understanding CT Scan Reports for Lung Cysts and Cancer Staging
Understanding Shoulder Pain After Pneumonia Treatment: When to Seek Help
Pneumonia shoulder pain? Hello Doctor: I have been coughing for over a week and have thick yellow phlegm. I do not have a fever and had a chest X-ray on Wednesday, which showed a white area in the lower left lung. The doctor diagnosed me with pneumonia and prescribed antibiotics....
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: If you have new symptoms, consider returning for a follow-up appointment with your physician, especially if you are experiencing worsening shortness of breath, as it is important to seek medical attention promptly.[Read More] Understanding Shoulder Pain After Pneumonia Treatment: When to Seek Help
Will Pneumonia Heal on Its Own? A Case Study of Persistent Cough
Pneumonia follow-up issues? While abroad, I experienced a fever and cold and took over-the-counter medications prepared by a clinic. After a week of persistent fever and cough, I returned to Taiwan for medical attention, where my temperature reached 40 degrees Celsius. A rapid te...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
Your pneumonia has basically healed, and only the remaining symptoms need treatment.[Read More] Will Pneumonia Heal on Its Own? A Case Study of Persistent Cough
Understanding Pneumonia Risks After Influenza: What You Need to Know
Pneumonia issues I was diagnosed with influenza B last Wednesday and have completed my antiviral medication, but I am still worried about the possibility of severe complications, such as pneumonia. However, I am not coughing; I just have a little phlegm, nasal congestion, and a f...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Pneumonia typically presents with more pronounced respiratory symptoms, such as a productive cough or persistent fever. If these symptoms are evident, it is advisable to consult a pulmonologist and obtain a chest X-ray to confirm whether pneumonia is present.[Read More] Understanding Pneumonia Risks After Influenza: What You Need to Know
Persistent Cough: Exploring Causes and Solutions for Your Health
Persistent cough Hello Dr. Yang, my mother has been suffering from a persistent dry cough for the past few years, without any phlegm, and there is no specific time when she coughs. She has seen a pulmonologist and undergone two chest X-rays (with an interval of about two to three...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, the most likely cause of your mother's cough is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and dysphagia, leading to recurrent aspiration pneumonia. It is recommended to have small, frequent meals (avoid overeating), seek treatment from a gastro...[Read More] Persistent Cough: Exploring Causes and Solutions for Your Health
Understanding COPD Medications: Risks for Non-COPD Patients
What are the medication issues related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? Hello, Director. My elder family member had a long-term smoking habit in their youth, which they have quit for many years. However, they were diagnosed with tuberculosis over twenty years ago ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
1. The presence or absence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is still more reliably assessed through pulmonary function tests, depending on whether the elderly patient can complete the examination. 2. Bronchodilators (commonly referred to as medications related to...[Read More] Understanding COPD Medications: Risks for Non-COPD Patients
Potential Side Effects of COPD Medications in Non-COPD Patients
Taking medications related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) without having the condition? Hello Doctor: My elder family member has been suffering from a chronic cough for about twenty years. They previously had tuberculosis but were cured with medication. After con...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: The subsequent physician believes it is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which involves clinical diagnosis. Please discuss this further with your doctor.[Read More] Potential Side Effects of COPD Medications in Non-COPD Patients
Is It Pneumonia or Tuberculosis? Understanding Cough Symptoms
Could it be pneumonia or tuberculosis? Hello doctor, my mother is 40 years old and has been coughing up phlegm (white) for a while. She has visited a small clinic twice and hasn't shown any improvement. The doctor at the clinic mentioned that it could possibly be pneumonia. ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
If there is currently no fever, the likelihood of pneumonia is low. It is recommended to see a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray evaluation if the cough persists for more than two weeks.[Read More] Is It Pneumonia or Tuberculosis? Understanding Cough Symptoms