Do You Really Need Antibiotics for Cough and Green Phlegm?
Cold and cough? Hello, Doctor. I have respiratory issues (holding a disability certificate), so I am prone to catching colds with significant weather changes. However, when I visit the hospital, the doctor prescribes antibiotics upon hearing that my cough produces yellow-green ph...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Lin: Regarding your respiratory issues, which specific aspect are you referring to? This is related to subsequent management. Antibiotics are not always necessary; the physician will make a comprehensive judgment. It is not always possible to distinguish between viral an...[Read More] Do You Really Need Antibiotics for Cough and Green Phlegm?
Understanding Recurrent Fever: Possible Causes and Solutions
Persistent recurrent fever About three weeks ago, I experienced cold symptoms, including a sore and itchy throat, nasal congestion, mild fever, and muscle aches (ear temperature did not exceed 38.0°C). After visiting an otolaryngologist and starting medication, I began to develop...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, there can be many reasons for a fever. As mentioned earlier, pneumonia is indeed one of them. Related issues also include the completeness of medication use, whether there was an interruption in medication without follow-up visits. It is recommended to have a consistent pl...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Fever: Possible Causes and Solutions
Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Understanding Possible Causes and Treatments
Persistent recurrent low-grade fever? Three weeks ago, I experienced cold symptoms, including a sore and itchy throat, nasal congestion, mild fever, and muscle aches (ear temperature did not exceed 38.0°C). After visiting an ENT specialist, I started medication and began to devel...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The diagnosis of your condition may need to be determined by the treating physician based on a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms. If the X-ray results are normal, pneumonia can likely be ruled out. If you have yellow nasal discharge, you should consult an ear, nose...[Read More] Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Understanding Possible Causes and Treatments
Managing Chronic Bronchitis and Lung Pain After Pneumonia: Key Insights
Chronic bronchitis and respiratory issues accompanied by lung pain..? This summer, I had pneumonia for a whole month, and afterwards, I was diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. During the first three weeks of pneumonia, I was treated with UNASYN, but since the bacteria continued to...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ling: The entire process sounds strange. Typically, pneumonia treatment does not last that long, especially with antibiotics for the first three weeks, which should not be allowed under health insurance. If the antibiotics were ineffective, they should have been changed earl...[Read More] Managing Chronic Bronchitis and Lung Pain After Pneumonia: Key Insights
Understanding Bronchiectasis: Management and Life Expectancy Insights
Bronchiectasis Hello doctor, seven years ago I was hospitalized due to a viral infection and received a week of steroid treatment. After being discharged, I developed pneumonia and have been experiencing monthly colds ever since. Last year, I had pneumonia for the third time, and...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Sandy: Localized bronchiectasis does not affect lung function or survival. It is more common to experience a prolonged cough with sputum following a viral infection, and occasional hemoptysis may occur (it is recommended to avoid spicy, fried, or herbal foods). Currently, y...[Read More] Understanding Bronchiectasis: Management and Life Expectancy Insights
Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia: Recovery and Prevention Tips
Aspiration pneumonia Hello! I would like to ask about a family member who frequently experiences choking while eating, leading to aspiration pneumonia, resulting in frequent hospitalizations. How soon can they recover? What preventive measures should be taken after being discharg...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, when considering aspiration pneumonia, it is important to evaluate its causes. If swallowing difficulties are ruled out, options such as a nasogastric tube or gastrostomy tube may be considered, or one might avoid or reduce the intake of liquid foods. It is also essential ...[Read More] Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia: Recovery and Prevention Tips
Understanding Yellow Phlegm: Causes and Treatment for Bronchitis
Yellow purulent sputum Hello, doctor. This is my first visit: On August 21, I felt a slight itch in my throat and had a bit of a runny nose. I didn't want to infect my children at home, so I went to see a doctor. The doctor said I had pharyngitis. Second visit: On August 24,...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: You may have post-nasal drip and bronchitis, possibly accompanied by bronchopneumonia. An X-ray is needed for a clearer assessment, and it is recommended to perform pulmonary function tests to understand the condition of the bronchi.[Read More] Understanding Yellow Phlegm: Causes and Treatment for Bronchitis
Understanding Lung Issues: Exploring Possible Causes Beyond Inflammation
Lung issues Hello Doctor: Recently, I received my health check-up report and found an abnormality in the left lower lobe of my lung. The outpatient physician explained that it was pneumonia and prescribed medication for me. After a month, I returned for another X-ray, but there w...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Based on the described condition, it is not possible to determine a more likely diagnosis. Pneumonia, bronchiectasis, malignant diseases, or other chronic inflammatory conditions cannot be ruled out. Please consult with a pulmonologist for further discussion.[Read More] Understanding Lung Issues: Exploring Possible Causes Beyond Inflammation
Understanding Persistent Chest Congestion: Causes and Treatments
There is a lot of wheezing in the chest? Hello Doctor, this is my first visit: On August 21, I felt a slight itch in my throat, had a bit of a runny nose, and my voice changed. The doctor said it was pharyngitis. Second visit: August 24, I had thick yellow nasal discharge and a l...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Based on your clear description, it seems that you have mild bronchitis in the lower lung lobes (possibly with some pneumonia). The change of sputum from yellow to white after taking medication is a positive sign. Currently, since there is still a lot of sputum, it is poss...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Chest Congestion: Causes and Treatments
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 Persistent Yellow Phlegm: Should You Request Bacterial Culture?
Bacterial culture? Hello, Doctor. Every time I catch a cold, it almost always leads to a lower respiratory tract infection or yellow nasal discharge. During different episodes of colds, I have taken various antibiotics such as Amoxicillin, Lincomycin, and second-line antibiotics ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: First, you should see an otolaryngologist to check for chronic sinusitis. In principle, if a chest X-ray shows no pneumonia, pulmonologists are unlikely to use antibiotics for treatment. It is also very important to change your lifestyle habits (such as diet and exercise) ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Yellow Phlegm: Should You Request Bacterial Culture?
Understanding Yellow Phlegm Without Cough: Is It Pneumonia?
There is no cough, but the phlegm that is coughed up is slightly yellow? Hello, doctor. After catching a cold, I always experience lower respiratory tract infections. I visited an ENT specialist who prescribed antibiotics. After recovering from the cold, I still feel like there’s...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Typical pneumonia is characterized by persistent fever and cough, but you do not exhibit either symptom, which is not typical. If there is no nasal discharge, it seems more like bronchitis. It is recommended to reduce the intake of sugary foods and cold drinks, as this sho...[Read More] Understanding Yellow Phlegm Without Cough: Is It Pneumonia?
Understanding Post-Pneumonia Complications and Treatment Options
Post-pneumonia sequelae Dear Dr. Huang, I would like to ask you some questions regarding my son’s health situation. Initially, he was treated at a clinic for a severe cold, but there was a misdiagnosis that led to a suspected tuberculosis report to the health department. After b...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Mrs. Lin: Hello! 1. There are side effects from tuberculosis medications, but the chances of life-threatening complications are very low. 2. How old is your son? 3. Why is corticosteroid therapy being used? It may be necessary to clarify this. 4. Some autoimmune diseases may expe...[Read More] Understanding Post-Pneumonia Complications and Treatment Options
How Long Does It Take to Diagnose Tuberculosis in the Hospital?
How long does a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis need to be hospitalized for diagnosis? Hello Doctor: My father has been experiencing intermittent fever and coughing for two weeks. Initially, he just went to the clinic to get cold medicine, but later he developed a fever in th...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, based on your description, diagnoses such as lung tumors, pneumonia, and tuberculosis cannot be immediately ruled out. The physician is currently conducting differential diagnoses, and since there is a clinical possibility of tuberculosis, hospitalization in an isolation r...[Read More] How Long Does It Take to Diagnose Tuberculosis in the Hospital?
Understanding AB Bacterial Infections in Pneumonia Patients: Treatment Options
Pneumonia hospital-acquired infection caused by Acinetobacter bacteria? Dear Dr. Huang, My mother developed a fever on June 24 and visited a clinic for medication. After more than a week, her fever did not completely subside. On June 30, she went to the emergency department of a...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Wang, First, let us pray for your aunt. This particular bacteria is indeed challenging; we need to clarify whether it is a true infection or just local colonization. If it is a pneumonia-causing infection, the mortality rate can range from 30% to 75%. There are still me...[Read More] Understanding AB Bacterial Infections in Pneumonia Patients: Treatment Options
Understanding Chest Pain and Dry Cough After Pneumonia Recovery
Chest pain and dry heaving? Hello doctor, I had a persistent high fever last August and later found out that I had pneumonia. After being hospitalized, I often experience chest pain and dry heaving. X-rays and blood tests showed no issues. What could be the possible causes? How c...
Dr. Huang Ruiming Reply:
Hello: The causes of chest pain may involve issues related to the cardiovascular system, lungs, ribs, or neuromuscular problems. If chest X-rays and blood tests show no abnormalities, it is advisable to return for a follow-up with a pulmonologist for further evaluation. Thank you...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Dry Cough After Pneumonia Recovery
Should Thoracic Surgery Be Consulted for Lung Nodules During Infection?
Is it possible to consult with a thoracic surgeon simultaneously? The mother was hospitalized due to a liver abscess, and during an abdominal CT scan, a 0.6 cm nodule was discovered in the lung. She currently has a 3 cm liver abscess and is being treated with oral antibiotics. Th...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, there are many causes of pulmonary nodules. If there are previous imaging studies available, it would be easier to make a determination. If there are no prior images and immediate confirmation is needed, a surgical biopsy may be required. Based on what you described, you m...[Read More] Should Thoracic Surgery Be Consulted for Lung Nodules During Infection?
Seeking Transfer for Mom's Pneumonia and Heart Issues: Urgent Advice Needed
My mother has pneumonia and heart problems, and we hope to arrange a referral? Your mother was admitted to a regional hospital in Miaoli due to respiratory distress. The attending physician performed a chest X-ray and initially diagnosed pneumonia and cardiac issues, recommending...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, regarding the issue you mentioned, the patient's respiratory condition is unstable. If a referral is desired, please discuss with the attending physician about suitable nearby hospitals and inquire about ensuring safety during the referral process. Thank you for your ...[Read More] Seeking Transfer for Mom's Pneumonia and Heart Issues: Urgent Advice Needed
Best Juice Options for Lung Cancer Patients: Tips and Recommendations
Juice for Lung Cancer Patients Hello Dr. Zhou, my father went to the emergency room the day before yesterday. The doctor said he has early-stage pneumonia, but because he is a heavy smoker (with over 40 years of smoking history), is 65 years old, and has high blood sugar (157), h...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, based on your description, your father has been a long-term smoker and likely has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Therefore, when he develops pneumonia, it can be more severe. Whether he will need to use supplemental oxygen long-term after treatment improveme...[Read More] Best Juice Options for Lung Cancer Patients: Tips and Recommendations
Understanding Persistent Pneumonia in Elderly Patients: A Care Perspective
Chronic pneumonia that does not improve? My father is 89 years old and has been hospitalized three times in the past two months due to pneumonia, with chest consolidation. He has been intubated twice, with each hospitalization lasting about a week before discharge. He is currentl...
Dr. Chen Jaming Reply:
Based on your description, your father's condition seems to be due to age-related degeneration, compounded by a significant illness that has worsened his overall health. The degeneration of the human body is inevitable, and diseases can accelerate the decline in bodily funct...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Pneumonia in Elderly Patients: A Care Perspective