Managing Excessive Sputum After Tracheostomy: What to Do?
What should be done if there is excessive sputum after tracheostomy? Hello Doctor: My father has had a tracheostomy for over a year. Since the tracheostomy, he has been producing a lot of sputum, and it seems that we haven't been suctioning deeply enough, which led to a seco...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: To examine the lung structure for any issues through X-rays, in addition to sputum collection, it may still be necessary to perform a sputum culture, as there could be an infection that warrants the use of antibiotics.[Read More] Managing Excessive Sputum After Tracheostomy: What to Do?
Managing Coughing Up Blood Clots After Tracheostomy: A Guide for Caregivers
Tracheostomy with hemoptysis? My father is 62 years old and has undergone a tracheostomy for about 1-2 years. Since the end of last year, he has been coughing up blood, which lasted for a month. Recently, it has started again, but this time it is more severe, with blood clots pos...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to have a chest X-ray or CT scan evaluated by a pulmonology outpatient clinic to check for any issues or lesions in the trachea before proceeding with further management.[Read More] Managing Coughing Up Blood Clots After Tracheostomy: A Guide for Caregivers
Why Food Leaks from Tracheostomy in Patients Eating by Mouth
Food is coming out from the tracheostomy site? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask why patients with a tracheostomy experience food leaking from the tracheostomy site when eating by mouth. Currently, the patient is consuming minced food, and shortly after eating, food begins to le...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello, to consider whether there is a fistula issue, it is recommended to consult a pulmonologist for evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Why Food Leaks from Tracheostomy in Patients Eating by Mouth
Training for Tracheostomy Decannulation: Key Considerations for Elderly Patients
How to train for tracheostomy decannulation? My mother suffered a brain hemorrhage from a fall in January of this year. At that time, the doctors assessed that she was in a coma and unable to breathe on her own. After two months of treatment and over five months of care, she can ...
Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Dear public, Tracheostomy training can generally be conducted when vital signs are stable and medical personnel are present. While a productive cough and the presence of sputum may slightly affect the success rate, these factors should not be the sole reason to postpone trainin...[Read More] Training for Tracheostomy Decannulation: Key Considerations for Elderly Patients
Can Patients with Severe Intellectual Disability Train for Tracheostomy Removal?
Can individuals with profound intellectual disabilities undergo training for tracheostomy tube removal? Two years ago, my brother was hospitalized for choking and required emergency treatment. After intubation and subsequent observation, his blood oxygen levels dropped and his br...
Dr. Cai Zongwei Reply:
Hello: The removal of the tracheostomy tube requires the evaluation of multiple indicators and cannot be based solely on cognitive assessment. Additionally, according to regulations, this medical consultation cannot provide a diagnosis. Please consult the original treating physic...[Read More] Can Patients with Severe Intellectual Disability Train for Tracheostomy Removal?
Challenges in Changing Tracheostomy Tubes: A Case Study
Issues with Changing Tracheostomy Tubes Hello Dr. Zhou, Background of the issue: My 65-year-old mother has a tracheostomy tube that needs to be replaced in about a month. After a consultation with the ENT department at Hospital C, an endoscopy revealed that there is dry secretio...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: The question involves the patient's actual condition and the existing equipment at the hospital, which requires clinical evaluation. Please discuss the follow-up treatment plan with the original physician.[Read More] Challenges in Changing Tracheostomy Tubes: A Case Study
Understanding Post-Pneumonia Complications: AB Bacterial Infection and Lung Fibrosis
Pneumonia ➔ AB bacterial infection ➔ Pulmonary fibrosis Hello, Doctor: My grandfather was hospitalized recently due to pneumonia. Later, the medical staff noticed that he was experiencing severe shortness of breath and he was transferred to the intensive care unit for intubation ...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello! Regarding the question you raised, I recommend consulting your grandfather's attending physician, as a complete assessment cannot be conducted online. The treatment and recovery from critical illness cannot be summarized in a few words online. Based on your descriptio...[Read More] Understanding Post-Pneumonia Complications: AB Bacterial Infection and Lung Fibrosis
Is Tracheostomy Necessary for Poor Sputum Clearance?
Is a tracheostomy necessary if a patient has poor sputum clearance? Hello, I would like to ask about my father who was hospitalized due to a bacterial infection combined with peritonitis (dialysis). He was admitted to the intensive care unit due to severe infection and was intuba...
Dr. Tao Ruiming Reply:
Hello: Tracheostomy has always been one of the main active medical processes for patients in respiratory intensive care units, respiratory care centers, and respiratory care wards who have difficulty weaning off mechanical ventilation. It allows for easier observation of the wean...[Read More] Is Tracheostomy Necessary for Poor Sputum Clearance?
Navigating Critical Care: A Father's Battle with Pneumonia and Ventilation
Dad is intubated in the intensive care unit? Hello, doctor. My father went to the emergency room in early March due to physical discomfort, which was diagnosed as a urinary tract infection (after chest X-ray and CT scan) leading to fever and sepsis (with a white blood cell count ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ms. Tsai: It is advisable to perform a tracheostomy if you cannot be weaned off the ventilator in the short term. Keeping a chopstick in your mouth continuously is quite uncomfortable. After the tracheostomy, you can still train to wean off the ventilator. If it is truly imp...[Read More] Navigating Critical Care: A Father's Battle with Pneumonia and Ventilation
Improving Breathing After Tracheostomy: Treatment Options Explored
Inability to breathe independently after tracheostomy? Dear Doctor: The patient has been unable to breathe independently for over three months after tracheostomy, and no other causes have been identified. Are there any better treatment options available?
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: This issue is very complex and requires further discussion with a pulmonologist, as problems with the heart, lungs, nutrition, and nervous system can all have an impact.[Read More] Improving Breathing After Tracheostomy: Treatment Options Explored
Post-Tracheostomy Care: Managing Coughing and Voice Changes
Care after tracheostomy tube removal? It has been about four months since my elderly family member had their tracheostomy tube removed, and they still experience frequent coughing. Are there any care methods available, or should we just learn to adapt to the frequent coughing? Th...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. After extubation, if there is hoarseness, please consult an otolaryngologist to check for any issues with the vocal cords. 2. The cough issue is not significantly related to the removal of the tracheostomy tube, unless there is excessive sputum. The airway at the origin...[Read More] Post-Tracheostomy Care: Managing Coughing and Voice Changes
Understanding Air Hunger: Causes and Complications in Post-Operative Patients
Mouth breathing The patient is an approximately 80-year-old female who has undergone heart valve replacement surgery. Due to poor consciousness post-surgery, a tracheostomy was performed upon the physician's recommendation. During a recent visit, it was observed that she was...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Da-Ren: Please perform an arterial blood gas (ABG) test to assess oxygen saturation. Generally, there should not be any hypoxia unless there is significant cardiac or pulmonary dysfunction, which may lead to a lack of coordination between the brain and respiration. Please co...[Read More] Understanding Air Hunger: Causes and Complications in Post-Operative Patients
Managing Excessive Mucus After Tracheostomy: Effective Strategies and Solutions
What should I do if I have excessive secretions after a tracheostomy that I can't clear? My mother suffered a ruptured intracranial aneurysm in September last year, which required emergency surgery after intubation. She spent 21 days in the intensive care unit before transit...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. Excessive phlegm indicates that there may be chronic inflammation or allergies in the airways; please have the physician adjust the medication accordingly (allergies or inflammation may not resolve quickly). 2. If the phlegm is too thin, reduce the use of expectorants o...[Read More] Managing Excessive Mucus After Tracheostomy: Effective Strategies and Solutions
Impact of Pneumocystis Pneumonia on Lung Fibrosis and Function in Patients
In individuals with pulmonary fibrosis, an infection with Pneumocystis pneumonia can lead to exacerbation of pulmonary fibrosis or further loss of lung function? Hello Doctor: My grandmother was diagnosed with severe pulmonary fibrosis earlier this year, and in mid-August, she wa...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: 1. After an infection, lung function may deteriorate or be lost, with the possibility of partial recovery. If there is lung damage, it cannot return to completely normal levels, and observation is required for at least three months. Currently, due to the deterioration of...[Read More] Impact of Pneumocystis Pneumonia on Lung Fibrosis and Function in Patients
Can Chicken Essence Help Recovery from Pneumonia After Surgery?
Can chicken essence be consumed when having pneumonia? My brother, who is 63 years old, is currently suffering from atypical pneumonia following oral surgery. He has been on antibiotics for 21 days and has undergone a tracheostomy. He has returned home and needs to suction phlegm...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Ms. Li, regarding pneumonia, there are no absolute contraindications against consuming chicken essence, bird's nest, or cordyceps; however, it is important to consider the individual conditions of other patients, such as cardiac function, renal function, and blood suga...[Read More] Can Chicken Essence Help Recovery from Pneumonia After Surgery?
Cough Management During Tracheostomy Decannulation Training
Tracheostomy tube decannulation training - Coughing issues? Hello doctor, my grandmother was undergoing tracheostomy tube weaning training today, but she coughs roughly every 15-25 minutes, and each time it is quite severe, lasting about 5-10 seconds. It has been four hours now, ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If the cough is due to excessive phlegm, it can only rely on caregivers to enhance chest physiotherapy and suctioning. If there is not much phlegm and the airways are just more sensitive, cough suppressants can be used to reduce cough sensitivity. Family members should pri...[Read More] Cough Management During Tracheostomy Decannulation Training
Managing Severe Nighttime Cough After Ventilator Weaning: Common Concerns
Discharged from the ventilator and sent home, experiencing severe coughing at night? My father has been undergoing respiratory training for two years and has been off the ventilator for over a month now, receiving care at home. Since returning home, he has been experiencing sever...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. A proper diagnosis may require an actual examination, as it cannot be determined solely from written information. 2. If the condition of the tracheostomy tube is the same, it may be necessary to first consider whether there are any allergens or irritants in the home env...[Read More] Managing Severe Nighttime Cough After Ventilator Weaning: Common Concerns
Understanding Respiratory Failure in Elderly ICU Patients: Seeking Guidance
I would like to inquire about the inability to breathe independently? I would like to ask about a patient who has been in the intensive care unit for almost a month. The patient is currently 70-80 years old and is unable to breathe independently. After the first surgery, the pati...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: The purpose of tracheostomy is to provide more comprehensive airway management. In cases where there is no spontaneous breathing, there may be a long-term dependence on a ventilator. As the patient's condition improves, we will assess the possibility of weaning off th...[Read More] Understanding Respiratory Failure in Elderly ICU Patients: Seeking Guidance
Can Tracheostomy Tubes Allow Nasal Breathing After Stabilization?
After the tracheostomy has stabilized, is it possible to switch to a nasal cannula for breathing through the tracheostomy tube? Hello Dr. Huang, I would like to ask you about tracheostomy after surgery. If the patient's condition is stable, can we choose a tracheostomy tube ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ms. Hsu: The tracheostomy replacement still needs to be done at the original site, but there are many materials and types available. You can discuss with the respiratory therapist regarding the best options that suit your needs. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Can Tracheostomy Tubes Allow Nasal Breathing After Stabilization?
Managing Tracheostomy Care: Tips for Weaning Off Ventilation
Tracheostomy machine - Respiratory management Hello, doctor! My mother had a stroke previously and is currently using a tracheostomy ventilator for breathing. She is now attempting to breathe on her own from 9 AM to 9 PM each day (4 breaths) with the following settings: I:E ratio...
Dr. Huang Ruiming Reply:
Hello: I can sense that you are very concerned about your mother's issues. Unfortunately, I cannot address each question here in detail. I recommend that you visit the outpatient clinic to consult with a physician for an accurate assessment. Thank you.[Read More] Managing Tracheostomy Care: Tips for Weaning Off Ventilation