Understanding the Causes of Wheezing Sounds During Inhalation
There is a wheezing sound during inhalation? Hello Doctor! I have secondary hypertension, which is currently being managed, with blood pressure readings around 110-120/65-75. I am taking NORVASC 5 mg half a tablet daily, CONCOR 5 mg half a tablet daily, and SPIROTONE 25 mg half a...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. There are many causes of cough, including pulmonary issues, cardiac conditions, nasal allergies, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 2. Using Peichia/Motilium may alleviate symptoms; GERD could be a possible cause, and an upper endoscopy can be performed for fur...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Wheezing Sounds During Inhalation
Understanding Persistent Cough and Throat Irritation: When to Seek Help
A scratchy throat can cause coughing? Hello, Doctor: About a month ago, I first noticed my voice was a bit hoarse, which improved after a day or two. Then I started to cough. The coughing occurs throughout the day and at night while sleeping, and I don't feel it is worse at ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Ruiven: The X-ray results show no issues, and major pulmonary diseases (including tuberculosis, pneumonia, and lung tumors) have been ruled out. The remaining concern is the excessive sensitivity of the trachea and nasal passages. In addition to medication, it is important...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough and Throat Irritation: When to Seek Help
Understanding Breathing Sounds and Pain in Pectus Excavatum Patients
Respiration Recently, I have noticed that when I open my mouth, do not breathe, and turn my upper body, I hear breathing sounds. I have pectus excavatum; could this be related to it? My breathing is usually quite smooth, but I often experience a sharp pain in the area of the pect...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. If there are no respiratory movements, it does not sound like breath sounds; if there are other sounds, they may be from the chest wall. 2. If the breath sounds (i.e., during respiration) are more pronounced, it could also be due to the abnormal thoracic configuration a...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Sounds and Pain in Pectus Excavatum Patients
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes and Treatment for Elderly Patients
Pleural effusion Grandma is 90 years old and has mild dementia, degenerative arthritis, a BUN of 32.7, a creatinine level of 2.29, and a uric acid level of 11.0. Last year, she was hospitalized for 10 days at Shou-Ji Medical Center due to intestinal obstruction and diverticulosis...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Hello Xiaowei: Your grandmother is likely experiencing pleural effusion (sometimes referred to by doctors as pulmonary edema, but the correct term is pleural effusion). There are many causes of pleural effusion, including malignant tumors, pneumonia, heart failure, kidney failure...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes and Treatment for Elderly Patients
Understanding Tracheal Scarring: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Tracheal stenosis I would like to inquire about my health. I have undergone two health check-ups, and both reports indicated that I have tracheal scarring. My job is primarily office work, and I do not ride a motorcycle; I only drive. However, I do have chronic rhinitis, although...
Dr. Zhuang Ziyi Reply:
The diagnostic criteria and causes of "tracheal scarring" cannot be determined based on the provided information. Please consult the pulmonology department of the original medical examination facility for further inquiries.[Read More] Understanding Tracheal Scarring: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Is It Related to Eating or Smoking?
Thoracic cavity?? Lungs?? I recently feel a burning sensation along my trachea to my chest every time I eat. What could be the problem? Shouldn't eating affect the stomach? But the burning sensation isn't in my stomach, so why is that? P.S. I smoke.
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Based on the described symptoms, it is highly likely that there is an issue with the esophagus. However, it is still recommended to visit an outpatient clinic for further confirmation.[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Is It Related to Eating or Smoking?
Is Tracheostomy Necessary for COPD Patients? Understanding the Options
Is it necessary to perform a tracheostomy? Hello Doctor: My father, who is 76 years old, was previously diagnosed with early-stage Parkinson's disease. He was hospitalized in March and April this year due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) leading to asthma. He ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, every intubated patient has the opportunity to wean off the ventilator. However, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may have poor lung function from the start, which could require a longer period for adjustment and training (the duration is unpredic...[Read More] Is Tracheostomy Necessary for COPD Patients? Understanding the Options
Post-Tracheostomy Care: Addressing Wound Healing and Future Risks
What special considerations should be taken after the wound of a tracheostomy patient has healed? Hello, thank you for your previous response. My mother has had her tracheostomy tube removed for over three months now, and she is recovering well. However, the healing wound on her ...
Dr. Zhuang Ziyi Reply:
Hello: 1. The tracheostomy wound will gradually heal on its own over time, and it is generally covered with a scarf for both aesthetic and practical purposes. 2. It may not necessarily be a complication of the tracheostomy. Older patients often have reduced elasticity in the ...[Read More] Post-Tracheostomy Care: Addressing Wound Healing and Future Risks
Understanding Post-Intubation Complications: What to Expect After ICU Care
Complications after intubation? Hello Doctor: I was hospitalized on January 18 due to a persistent high fever (40 degrees Celsius). After an X-ray examination, the doctor diagnosed me with pneumonia, which required hospitalization. On January 20, I underwent intubation due to acu...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Dear netizens: Most complications from endotracheal intubation are temporary. Only a small number of patients may experience permanent damage to the larynx. Therefore, it can be said that most conditions have the potential to recover, but a 100% guarantee cannot be provided.[Read More] Understanding Post-Intubation Complications: What to Expect After ICU Care
Managing Persistent Cough After Tracheostomy: Concerns and Solutions
Persistent coughing after tracheostomy? Hello, my mother underwent a tracheostomy in mid-October, and since then she has been experiencing persistent coughing with phlegm. I understand that tracheostomy patients often have increased secretions, but does this mean they will contin...
Dr. Zhuang Ziyi Reply:
Hello, both normal individuals and patients produce secretions in the respiratory tract daily. The ciliary movement of the respiratory epithelial cells transports these secretions towards the trachea and vocal cords, ultimately leading to them being coughed out or swallowed into ...[Read More] Managing Persistent Cough After Tracheostomy: Concerns and Solutions
Understanding Tracheostomy: Managing Mucus and Breathing Difficulties in Elderly Patients
Tracheostomy My grandfather is 92 years old and was recently admitted to the intensive care unit due to choking on food. The doctors have informed us that they are unable to suction out the mucus from his lungs, and he is also having difficulty breathing on his own. He has been o...
Dr. Zhuang Ziyi Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. In healthy individuals, the respiratory tract produces a certain amount of mucus daily, which is propelled upward from the deep lung areas to the trachea and even the vocal cords by the cilia on the surface of the respiratory epithelial cells. This mucus can ...[Read More] Understanding Tracheostomy: Managing Mucus and Breathing Difficulties in Elderly Patients
Understanding Bronchitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Asthma Risks
Bronchitis I recently consulted Dr. Yang due to a cough with yellow sputum. I went to the hospital for an X-ray, and the doctor diagnosed me with bronchitis. I took medication for fifteen days, including antibiotics and cough suppressants to help with phlegm. The yellow sputum is...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiao Liu: Bronchitis can be associated with heightened tracheal sensitivity, resulting in a persistent cough that is difficult to resolve, and may even lead to a feeling of wheezing. Asthma is typically accompanied by wheezing sounds. If there is a family history of asthma...[Read More] Understanding Bronchitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Asthma Risks
Managing Chronic Cough and Phlegm: Tips for Lung Health
Frequent coughing with thick phlegm? Director Yang, I often experience persistent coughing with thick phlegm throughout the year. My lungs are easily prone to infections, and I frequently feel an itch in my chest that triggers the urge to cough. If I am exposed to secondhand smok...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiao Liu: Your tracheal condition seems more like bronchiectasis, with increased sputum production, especially in the morning. During a cold, the amount of sputum may increase further or become more yellow and thick. You should try to reduce your intake of sugary foods and...[Read More] Managing Chronic Cough and Phlegm: Tips for Lung Health
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
Chronic Cough and Phlegm: Understanding Long-Term Respiratory Issues
Chronic productive cough? Hello Dr. Chang, I have been coughing up phlegm and experiencing a persistent cough for four years. I didn't like going to the doctor before, so I delayed seeking treatment, thinking the condition would resolve on its own. My symptoms are as follo...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Hello: There are many causes for chronic cough and sputum production, which require evaluation by a physician for differential diagnosis. Generally, a physical examination along with a chest X-ray and sputum analysis can help identify the underlying cause. It is recommended to fi...[Read More] Chronic Cough and Phlegm: Understanding Long-Term Respiratory Issues
Understanding Thymoma: Treatment Options and Post-Surgery Care
Thymoma Hello Dr. Chang: My father was hospitalized in August due to low hemoglobin levels, and the subsequent examination revealed a thymoma. In fact, the tumor had already formed earlier, and during several previous hospitalizations, he was only given blood transfusions for the...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Dear Friend: It is advisable to check for other potential causes of anemia. Steroids generally do not affect hematopoietic function. Your father's situation seems a bit complex, so I recommend discussing it in detail with the attending physician to thoroughly explore possibl...[Read More] Understanding Thymoma: Treatment Options and Post-Surgery Care
Complications of Sputum Aspiration and Prevention Strategies
Complications and Prevention Methods of Sputum Aspiration I would like to understand the precautions regarding sputum suctioning. What are the complications that can arise from sputum suctioning, and how can they be prevented?
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
Hello: Here are the precautions and complications related to suctioning, as well as how to prevent them: 1. After suctioning, administer 100% oxygen for 1 minute to prevent complications from suctioning (depending on the patient's condition). 2. Suction catheter sizes: Adul...[Read More] Complications of Sputum Aspiration and Prevention Strategies
Understanding Tracheal Deviation: Causes and Implications in Thoracic Medicine
Tracheal shift Hello, I would like to ask in what disease conditions the tracheal branches may deviate to the left or right in the human body. Please explain in terms of the left and right sides. Thank you!
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Conditions that can cause the tracheal branches to deviate to the left or right are as follows: 1. Deviation to the left: for example, a mass lesion on the right side causing volume increase, such as significant right pleural effusion, large right-sided pneumothorax pushing to th...[Read More] Understanding Tracheal Deviation: Causes and Implications in Thoracic Medicine
Deciding Between Intubation and Tracheostomy for Elderly Patients
Intubation or not? Dear Dr. Jiang, I would like to seek your advice regarding my grandmother's condition. She is currently 78 years old and has a history of hypertension. Two months ago, she suffered from severe herpes zoster (commonly known as shingles) in her abdomen, whi...
Dr. Jiang Zhenyuan Reply:
Basically, if a patient has been intubated for more than two weeks, recommending a tracheostomy is a reasonable course of action. The benefits include: 1. It can reduce airway resistance. 2. It facilitates suctioning, which can actually alleviate the patient's suffering. How...[Read More] Deciding Between Intubation and Tracheostomy for Elderly Patients
Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma: Mechanisms, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Lung adenocarcinoma..? What is lung adenocarcinoma; what is its pathological mechanism; what are its clinical symptoms; and how should it be treated?
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Mr. Jack: Lung adenocarcinoma is a type of lung cancer classified by its pathological tissue characteristics. The pathological mechanisms, like those of other cancers, are not yet fully understood. Generally, it is most closely related to genetic predisposition and exposure...[Read More] Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma: Mechanisms, Symptoms, and Treatment Options