Is Pulmonary Fibrosis a Death Sentence? Understanding the Facts
Is pulmonary fibrosis really a short-lived condition? Hello, recently I experienced chest tightness and difficulty breathing, but I did not have a cough. The doctor suspected pulmonary fibrosis during the auscultation, and when I researched it online at home, I was completely ter...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: The pulmonary fibrosis you are inquiring about refers to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which presents symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and exertional dyspnea. To diagnose this condition, a chest X-ray is first performed to check for signs suggestive of pulmona...[Read More] Is Pulmonary Fibrosis a Death Sentence? Understanding the Facts
Is My Chest Discomfort a Sign of Pneumothorax Recurrence?
Does this count as a relapse? Hello, Doctor. I underwent surgery for pneumothorax in early April and again at the end of April, first on the left side and then on the right side. In mid-May, one night I suddenly felt a tightness in my chest and experienced palpitations. I went to...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: A recurrence of pneumothorax can be diagnosed through a chest X-ray (which has low radiation exposure). Patients with pneumothorax may have multiple small blebs in the pleura that are prone to rupture, leading to pneumothorax (each rupture does not occur from the same bleb...[Read More] Is My Chest Discomfort a Sign of Pneumothorax Recurrence?
Managing Lung Fibrosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: Which Specialist to See?
Lungs and Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, I am a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, and during a recent health check, I was found to have pulmonary fibrosis infiltration. Should I first consult my rheumatologist about this condition, or should I go directly to a pulmonologist for dia...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis may also have changes associated with pulmonary fibrosis. It is advisable to consult a pulmonologist for diagnosis and then discuss with a rheumatologist.[Read More] Managing Lung Fibrosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: Which Specialist to See?
Complications After Pneumothorax Drainage: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery
Pneumothorax tube insertion leading to hemothorax? Hello, my sister was admitted to the emergency room on June 19 due to a left spontaneous pneumothorax. An X-ray showed two small white spots, so the emergency physician recommended a drainage procedure to remove the gas. However,...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Based on the description, the patient may experience changes such as pleural adhesions, pulmonary fibrosis, and decreased lung function following a major surgery on the left chest, which could be related to the symptoms mentioned and should be discussed with a physician. Regardin...[Read More] Complications After Pneumothorax Drainage: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery
Understanding DLCO in Autoimmune Conditions and Breathlessness Management
Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? Hello Doctor, thank you for your previous response. I have a question I would like to ask because I have autoimmune issues (not clearly diagnosed, but I have a history of intestinal vasculitis and positive AN...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, If there are autoimmune rheumatic diseases, it is necessary to consult a rheumatologist for a proper diagnosis. If not well controlled, it may lead to pulmonary fibrosis, which can affect DLCO (usually in the late stages, after middle age). As long as pulmonary function ...[Read More] Understanding DLCO in Autoimmune Conditions and Breathlessness Management
Understanding Tuberculous Pleural Effusion: Symptoms and Management
Tuberculous pleurisy Hello Doctor: My father is 70 years old and has Sjögren's syndrome (an autoimmune disorder) and chronic hepatitis C, for which he has been on medication for a long time. About a month and a half ago, he developed a cough that progressed to shortness of b...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Dear Miss Lin, Regarding your father's medical condition, here are some brief answers to your questions: 1. The standard treatment for tuberculosis typically involves 6 to 7 bactericidal medications. If cough suppressants and bronchodilators, or medications for pre-existin...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculous Pleural Effusion: Symptoms and Management
Understanding Pulmonary Fibrosis After Lung Cancer Surgery: Key Insights
Inquire about pulmonary fibrosis issues? Hello Doctor, my father previously had lung cancer and underwent surgery to remove a lobe of his lung at the beginning of last year. He is currently under continuous monitoring. Last week, during a follow-up CT scan, the doctor mentioned t...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello, generally, fibrosis refers to inactive lesions that can be monitored. However, if there is a misunderstanding during communication, it is advisable to discuss this further in person with the attending physician. Thank you. This response is respectfully provided by Dr. Jian...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Fibrosis After Lung Cancer Surgery: Key Insights
Can Inhalation of Chemicals Cause Lung Fibrosis? Understanding Impacts
Please ask your question? Hello: 1. Can inhalation (such as from cooking fumes or cleaning agents like hydrochloric acid) cause pulmonary fibrosis? 2. Additionally, what effects might there be from fibrosis in the left upper lobe of the lungs? Thank you.
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your questions are answered briefly as follows: 1. It is rare for individuals to experience lung injury and fibrosis due to inhalation of cooking fumes or irritating chemicals, unless it is an occupational disease (workers in specific chemical factories should undergo re...[Read More] Can Inhalation of Chemicals Cause Lung Fibrosis? Understanding Impacts
Complications After Tuberculosis Recovery: Understanding Persistent Coughing
Can complications arise after recovering from pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello, doctors! I was first diagnosed with open pulmonary tuberculosis in 1999. Due to certain factors, my treatment took nearly two years to complete, and my attending physician officially informed me that I h...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, 1. Typically, patients who have been cured of pulmonary tuberculosis may have some residual pulmonary fibrosis, and some may develop bronchiectasis. These patients are prone to common bacterial infections and may experience symptoms such as coughing, with a small percent...[Read More] Complications After Tuberculosis Recovery: Understanding Persistent Coughing
Understanding Long-Term Tracheostomy in Elderly Pneumonia Patients: What to Expect
Long-term tracheostomy in elderly patients with pneumonia... ultimately..? I would like to ask about the long-term effects of a tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation in elderly patients with pneumonia, specifically regarding the potential outcomes. Here is the background of the...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Long-term care for patients with tracheostomy using ventilators can be challenging. Elderly individuals often have pre-existing health conditions and compromised immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections. Common complications for bedridden patients include pneumo...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Tracheostomy in Elderly Pneumonia Patients: What to Expect
Understanding Weaning from Ventilation in ARDS Patients: Key Insights
Please continue to inquire about extubation after ARDS? Hello! I apologize for the intrusion, and I appreciate your previous professional and selfless responses. My father, who was previously consulted regarding pneumonia complicated by ARDS, has been transferred from the ICU to ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, following pneumonia, there has been the development of pulmonary fibrosis and respiratory failure. Currently, the Respiratory Care Center (RCC) training typically lasts for six weeks, and respiratory therapy will regularly (usually once a week) a...[Read More] Understanding Weaning from Ventilation in ARDS Patients: Key Insights
Understanding PEEP Adjustments and Patient Management in ARDS
Please provide more context or specific information regarding "ARDS" so I can assist you better? Dear Dr. Ke, I have heard that you are not only an excellent physician but also possess great medical ethics. Thank you very much! I would like to ask you again: The pati...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, the patient's critical period has passed, but the decrease in lung capacity and fibrosis following lung injury may take several months to recover. The use of corticosteroids has some therapeutic effect, but the dosage and duration should sti...[Read More] Understanding PEEP Adjustments and Patient Management in ARDS
Navigating End-Stage Pulmonary Fibrosis: Options and Care for Your Loved One
Could you please provide more details about the issue of pulmonary fibrosis? My grandmother is currently 78 years old and resides in Chiayi. Two weeks ago, she went to the hospital's emergency department due to shortness of breath. Since the emergency room did not have suita...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Yezi: I can understand your attentiveness and filial piety from your detailed description. Here are simple answers to your questions: (1) Severe pulmonary fibrosis significantly lowers the chances of successfully weaning off the ventilator. Even if the first attempt is suc...[Read More] Navigating End-Stage Pulmonary Fibrosis: Options and Care for Your Loved One
Understanding Pulmonary Fibrosis: What Tests Should You Consider?
Fibrosis Hello, doctor. I am about to undergo a physical examination for military service and have learned that I have bilateral apical pulmonary fibrosis with calcification. What kind of tests should I undergo at the hospital? Do I have tuberculosis? Before I received this infor...
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
Generally, fibrotic calcification is mostly a remnant of chronic inflammation. The most common cause in the country is pulmonary tuberculosis. It is recommended to visit a pulmonology clinic for sputum examination and chest X-ray.[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Fibrosis: What Tests Should You Consider?
Can Pulmonary Fibrosis Be Reversed? Insights and Treatment Options
Can pulmonary fibrosis be reversed? Hello, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I have been tracking and treating pulmonary fibrosis for 5 years, and I have been suffering from cough and wheezing... Moreover, my condition has been gradually worsening, with suspec...
Dr. Lin Zhuorui Reply:
Hello: Our hospital did not treat Ms. Cao. If you would like to see a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, please consult a qualified practitioner from an accredited traditional Chinese medicine program. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Can Pulmonary Fibrosis Be Reversed? Insights and Treatment Options
Understanding Lung Fibrosis: Surgery Success Rates and Treatment Options
Pulmonary fibrosis Hello Doctor: What is the success rate of lung transplantation for pulmonary fibrosis? Are there any other treatment options besides surgery? Thank you.
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
Pulmonary fibrosis is a general term that can be caused by various diseases, each with different prognoses. In Taiwan, due to a shortage of lung donors, the likelihood of lung transplantation is very low. Therefore, it is essential to focus on the underlying cause of pulmonary fi...[Read More] Understanding Lung Fibrosis: Surgery Success Rates and Treatment Options
Choosing Between Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery: Which Specialist to See?
Internal Medicine and Surgery In the field of pulmonology, there are divisions for both internal medicine and surgery. When making an appointment, which specialty should you choose? Fifteen years ago, you consulted a thoracic surgeon for pleural effusion. Ten years later, you vis...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Hello: As described, a 30-year-old young female with pulmonary fibrosis has been undergoing long-term treatment with high doses of corticosteroids. The cause of her pulmonary fibrosis is unknown. Has she ever undergone a biopsy? What is her usual blood oxygen level? Has pulmonary...[Read More] Choosing Between Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery: Which Specialist to See?
Understanding Lung Issues: Insights on Tracheostomy and Fibrosis
Pulmonary disease issues Hello, Dr. Jian: 1. I underwent a tracheostomy in the intensive care unit of a teaching hospital during the New Year holiday in 2003 due to an emergency. I was on a ventilator for a whole month, then transferred to another ventilator unit where I stayed ...
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
1. Some tracheostomy stomas may heal spontaneously while others may not, and they do not require suturing. 2. Suspect tracheoesophageal fistula. 3. Pulmonary fibrosis leads to decreased lung function. 4. Surgical resection is not necessary, but rehabilitation should be cont...[Read More] Understanding Lung Issues: Insights on Tracheostomy and Fibrosis
Is Pulmonary Fibrosis Cancer? Care Tips and Insights for Patients
Is pulmonary fibrosis cancer? How should it be managed and cared for? Dear Dr. Zhang, My husband is a heavy smoker (with about 15 years of smoking history). Recently, he went to the hospital for a cough and underwent an X-ray examination, where the doctor diagnosed him with pulm...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Anita: In Taiwan, half of lung cancer cases are related to smoking. The shadows on X-rays can present various changes, and further evaluation through computed tomography, cytological examination, and bronchoscopy is necessary for confirmation. It's important to undergo exami...[Read More] Is Pulmonary Fibrosis Cancer? Care Tips and Insights for Patients
Understanding Pulmonary Fibrosis: Symptoms, Concerns, and Care Options
Pulmonary fibrosis Dear Dr. Zhou, I am writing to seek your guidance regarding my mother, who is nearing her fifties and is over seventy-five years old. Three years ago, she was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis at a military hospital. Since then, her condition has gradually wor...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive disease characterized by the scarring of lung tissue, with many causes remaining unknown. Some cases are triggered by specific medications (such as certain antiarrhythmic drugs). Symptoms include shortness of breath, indicating declining...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Fibrosis: Symptoms, Concerns, and Care Options