Assessing Lung Biopsy Risks with Low Platelet Count: What You Need to Know
Lung biopsy Hello, Director: I would like to ask for your advice. My father has been hospitalized due to pneumonia and has spent a week in the intensive care unit before being transferred to a regular ward. The doctor has recommended performing a lung biopsy (VATS) under general ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear: VATS biopsy is generally considered safe with a low risk of bleeding; however, the platelet count is somewhat low. In addition to identifying the cause (such as cirrhosis, etc.), PT and APTT should also be tested. It would be safer to transfuse 12 units first before proceed...[Read More] Assessing Lung Biopsy Risks with Low Platelet Count: What You Need to Know
Understanding Lung Shadows and Fluid: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
The presence of shadows and fluid in the lungs may indicate several conditions, such as pneumonia, pulmonary edema, lung tumors, or pleural effusion. It is essential to conduct further diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies or laboratory tests, to determine the underlying caus...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello, there are many reasons for the presence of shadows in the lungs along with fluid accumulation, such as inflammation, pneumonia, tuberculosis, tumors, etc. Further examinations are necessary to establish a diagnosis, and treatment can only be provided based on that diagnosi...[Read More] Understanding Lung Shadows and Fluid: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Flu and Pneumonia: Treatment Duration, Complications, and Concerns
Influenza, pneumonia, treatment duration, and complications? Hello Doctor: My family member, a 46-year-old male, is experiencing a 40-degree fever due to influenza, along with pneumonia. After screening, there is evidence of pulmonary infiltration, and his white blood cell count ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Due to the complexity of the condition, a complete understanding may not be possible, and only simple questions can be addressed. Further discussions with the attending physician may be necessary. (1) The use of antibiotics is partially metabolized by the kidneys, depending on th...[Read More] Flu and Pneumonia: Treatment Duration, Complications, and Concerns
Understanding Lung Nodules: Causes and Advanced Diagnostic Options
Lung examination Hello Doctor: My father has been suffering from a persistent cough for 1 to 2 months without improvement. A CT scan revealed a 0.4 cm white spot at the left lung base, along with slight collapse symptoms. A bronchoscopy was arranged for further evaluation, but th...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, there are many possible causes. Common ones include fibrosis (scarring from previous inflammation), ongoing inflammation (such as pneumonia or tuberculosis), and malignant tumors. Further examination is necessary; for a definitive answer, a lung biopsy may be required. Tha...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Causes and Advanced Diagnostic Options
Free Tuberculosis Testing in Changhua City and Hemei Township: Where to Find It?
excuse me? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire if there are any free tuberculosis screenings available in Changhua City or Hemei Township. A friend of mine was recently hospitalized with suspected pneumonia, and it was later confirmed to be tuberculosis. He has been in a coma ...
Dr. Chen Jaming Reply:
Currently, for reported tuberculosis (TB) patients, public health personnel will conduct home visits to gather information. For close contacts, a TB contact referral form will be provided, which can be used to seek medical attention at a hospital. If you do not have a referral fo...[Read More] Free Tuberculosis Testing in Changhua City and Hemei Township: Where to Find It?
Why Elevating the Bed is Crucial for Suctioning Intubated Patients
Why is it necessary to elevate the head of the bed before suctioning a patient with an endotracheal tube? 1. When suctioning a patient with an endotracheal tube, it is essential to elevate the head of the bed. This position helps to reduce the risk of aspiration and facilitates b...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: 1. Patients with endotracheal intubation are prone to vomiting during suctioning; elevating the head of the bed can help prevent aspiration pneumonia. 2. For patients with an endotracheal tube who also have a nasogastric tube, elevate the head of the bed to 45-60 degrees t...[Read More] Why Elevating the Bed is Crucial for Suctioning Intubated Patients
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Is It a Serious Concern?
Pneumonia I have a severe cough due to a cold, but an X-ray showed no pneumonia. However, the doctor told me I have pleuritis. Is this a serious issue?
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, The X-ray shows pleuritis, indicated by whiteness in the lower left or lower right lung base, suggesting the possibility of pleural effusion (commonly referred to as pleuritis). To confirm the presence of pleuritis, an ultrasound is needed to determine if there is fluid ...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Is It a Serious Concern?
Understanding Pneumonia: Transmission, Treatment, and Post-Discharge Care
Pneumonia caused by a cold? Is pneumonia contagious? How is pneumonia treated? What should pneumonia patients pay attention to after being discharged?
Dr. Huang Ruiming Reply:
Dear Mr. Bao, 1. Pneumonia caused by influenza is contagious, while pneumonia caused by the common cold or other bacteria may not necessarily be contagious. 2. Since pneumonia is an acute condition, hospitalization for antibiotic treatment is often required. 3. After discharg...[Read More] Understanding Pneumonia: Transmission, Treatment, and Post-Discharge Care
Understanding Airway Sensitivity: Chronic Cough and Autoimmune Concerns
Tracheal sensitivity Hello, doctor. I had pneumonia at the beginning of January and was treated with antibiotics. Since then, I've been experiencing persistent chest itching and coughing. Later, the doctor diagnosed me with chronic bronchitis. However, after a chest X-ray on...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, 1. Some patients may experience prolonged respiratory symptoms after an airway infection. If there is no history of asthma and symptoms resolve after some time, it may not necessarily indicate asthma. 2. If there is an autoimmune disease, it may also potentially affect...[Read More] Understanding Airway Sensitivity: Chronic Cough and Autoimmune Concerns
Managing Chronic Bronchitis: Tips for Improving Lung Health and Comfort
Chronic bronchitis Hello, doctor. Due to autoimmune issues, I have been taking corticosteroids and immunosuppressants for over two months, but my immune system has become very weak, and I keep catching colds. I previously had pneumonia, which was treated, but since then, whenever...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, 1. If there are abnormalities in the right lower lung on the chest X-ray, further evaluation is recommended to confirm the condition, such as checking for bronchiectasis or other abnormalities. 2. Due to the presence of an autoimmune disease, if you experience nocturnal...[Read More] Managing Chronic Bronchitis: Tips for Improving Lung Health and Comfort
Managing Medication Concerns for Elderly Patients with Lung and Heart Issues
Consult a physician? Dr. Yang: My father, who is 83 years old, was hospitalized two days ago due to pneumonia caused by pleural effusion. He has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, and he was cured of tuberculosis over forty years ago. He uses an...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Jun: This hospitalization may be related to infection or heart failure. In principle, the attending physician will determine the medication based on the severity and urgency of the condition. Some medications that are usually taken may affect heart rate or blood pressure, w...[Read More] Managing Medication Concerns for Elderly Patients with Lung and Heart Issues
Understanding Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair Surgery: Key Questions Answered
Diaphragmatic hernia repair surgery Dear Sir, I previously underwent an examination at a major hospital and was diagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernia, which has caused my stomach to rise and compress my left lower lung, resulting in atrophy. The doctor mentioned that I could be ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
1. Symptoms of gastric distension and acid reflux may be related to a hiatal hernia, but further confirmation is needed. 2. It is necessary to determine the specific type of hiatal hernia, which requires endoscopy, barium swallow studies, and computed tomography (CT) scans to de...[Read More] Understanding Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair Surgery: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Lung Density: What Does Increased Lung Grade Mean?
What is lung grade? Hello, my husband underwent a health check at your hospital, and the chest X-ray report mentioned: "suspected localized pulmonary opacity in the left lower lung." Could you please explain what is meant by "pulmonary opacity"?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, lung markings are the lines formed by structures such as blood vessels and bronchi on a chest X-ray. An increase in lung markings is an indeterminate X-ray finding, indicating that there are more lines than normal, but it does not meet the criteria for a pneumonia diagnosi...[Read More] Understanding Lung Density: What Does Increased Lung Grade Mean?
Severe Pain Under Right Rib Cage: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Severe pain occurs from the right rib area (below the breast) to the right side of the body? Hello, last night I felt cold and unwell, and my temperature was slightly elevated at 38.5 degrees Celsius. I did not take any medication, only drank water and wore thick clothing to indu...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
There are many causes of chest pain. Since you are experiencing symptoms of fever and chills, it is possible that you have a lung infection (such as pneumonia or pleuritis with pleural effusion) or a cold combined with right-sided neuralgia. A chest X-ray is necessary for diagnos...[Read More] Severe Pain Under Right Rib Cage: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Understanding the Use of Albumin in Leukemia Patients with Pneumonia
Leukemia complicated by pneumonia? My father has leukemia complicated by pneumonia, and he has been on intubation treatment for 21 days. I would like to ask if a physician recommended administering albumin; is it beneficial, and could it harm him?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, if the respiratory failure is not only caused by pneumonia but also accompanied by low serum albumin levels, administering albumin may help improve the respiratory condition and is in accordance with health insurance regulations. Thank you for your response, Dr. Chou Tzu-K...[Read More] Understanding the Use of Albumin in Leukemia Patients with Pneumonia
Understanding Lung Nodules: What to Do After Acute Pneumonia Recovery
I'm here to help! Please go ahead and ask your question Hello Doctor: My father was recently hospitalized for acute pneumonia and is currently recovering at home. He has been returning for follow-up visits and has had X-rays for monitoring. During the most recent CT scan, a ...
Dr. Yang Zhiyun Reply:
Hello, Xiao Zhen. You may discuss with your physician whether further examinations are necessary, depending on the condition of the lesion and the patient's overall health status. Without clarity on these two aspects, I cannot provide a personal opinion. The examinations for...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: What to Do After Acute Pneumonia Recovery
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 Hidden Asthma: Differences from Typical Asthma Symptoms
Latent asthma Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about something. When I was a child, a doctor mentioned that I had "latent asthma," but I didn't quite understand what that meant. How does it differ from regular asthma? Is this term actually used? I only know t...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Dyspnea refers to "difficulty in breathing," which can be caused by various factors including chronic lung diseases, pneumonia, pneumothorax, as well as heart diseases and anemia. Symptoms often worsen during physical activity. "Asthma," correctly termed "...[Read More] Understanding Hidden Asthma: Differences from Typical Asthma Symptoms
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