Dr Chew Huck Chin asked 2 years ago
Denise Lee answered 2 years ago
Doctor, my husband has scarring of the lungs. He is currently undergoing oxygen therapy and medication. Three days ago, he coughed up a bit of blood. And the past few nights, he has been waking up in the middle of night. He also complained that the medication makes his body numb. Do all these symptoms mean his condition is getting worse?
Dr Chew Huck Chin
replied 2 years ago I am assuming that he has this condition called pulmonary fibrosis. In this case, the coughing of blood otherwise known as hemoptysis will need closer evaluation especially to exclude underlying infections. I’d recommend that he revisit his specialist for an earlier review. Such conditions are treated by medications known as antifibrotics and these can have some side effects including sensation of numbness of the body although it would be essential to exclude a stroke. Worsening of his condition typically would be associated with some of the following symptoms including worsening oxygen levels, swelling of the feet , heart failure, increasing dyspnea
Goh Ming answered 2 years ago
My father was diagnosed with COPD two years ago. He has been treated with medications, steroids, and oxygen therapy. While the treatment makes him feel less weak, his coughing and difficulty breathing still exists. We are considering alternative treatment, but think that surgery is a big procedure in his case. Would you mind giving us some advice on what treatment is effective and safe for my 70 year old father?
Farid answered 2 years ago
I heard that emphysema can not be cured. Does it mean a patient has to continue the treatment all his life?
Dr Chew Huck Chin
replied 2 years ago Emphysema and chronic bronchitis belongs to a subset of chronic lung diseases called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD for short. In general, this condition typically presents in patients who have been smoking heavily for a long period of time . Over time, with prolonged exposure , the lungs get damaged from chronic inflammation that occurs in response to tobacco smoke. We can manage and control this disease but will not be able to cure it.
Currently there have been quite major advances in the treatment of this condition and the recognition that this condition is not just confined to the lungs but also involves other organs such as the cardiovascular and neuromuscular system. As such , treatment is no longer generalised but tailored to suit patients in a personalised manner. Treatment may include but not limited to a combination of medications, oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation as well as management of secondary pulmonary hypertension . Surgical options of treatment are for selected patients and can involve lung volume reduction surgery , bullectomy or bronchoscopic techniques such as endobronchial valve insertion
Wendy answered 2 years ago
Can chronic bronchitis be totally cured?
Dr Chew Huck Chin
replied 2 years ago Chronic bronchitis belongs to a subset of chronic lung diseases called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD for short. In general, this condition typically presents in patients who have been smoking heavily for a long period of time . Over time, with prolonged exposure , the lungs get damaged from chronic inflammation that occurs in response to tobacco smoke. We can manage and control this disease but will not be able to cure it
Billy Kong answered 2 years ago
What is the recovery rate for active TB? My father also said his medications cause joint pain. Should he keep taking these medications?
Dr Chew Huck Chin
replied 2 years ago Tuberculosis is an infectious disease. Although we need several antibiotics taken concurrently to treat this, it can be cured provided the patient adheres to the drug regimen. These medications may have certain side effects for example : precipitating gout or liver inflammation which is why we need to follow up such patients closely with blood tests
Hui Qin answered 2 years ago
My 27 year old son had a car accident in November last year. When he went for a chest X ray, there were no problems identified. However this past week, he has been complaining about pain in his chest and occasionally having difficulty breathing. If he were to go for an examination again, do you think an X-ray is sufficient? Should we consult a lung specialist too?
Dr Chew Huck Chin
replied 2 years ago It would be unusual to have symptoms occurring 3 months after the original accident but we should certainly review him in view of his recent symptoms and chest imaging may need to be performed to exclude structural problems . This may include either a chest x Ray or even a CT if required
Tat Lin answered 2 years ago
About two months ago, my father was coughing a lot to the point where there was blood in his phlegm. He is 63 years old and has been smoking almost all his life. He stopped smoking since the blood but refused to see a doctor. Currently, he still coughs a lot but we don't see any blood. We also noticed there are black spots on his chest. What are these black spots? Are they signs of a respiratory condition?
Dr Chew Huck Chin
replied 2 years ago Coughing blood in a patient who has a heavy smoking history is concerning, I would recommend he see a respiratory physician and get a review. As to the black spots on the chest , I am unable to comment without seeing them
Elaine answered 2 years ago
My father in law is now receiving chemotherapy for his stage 3 lung cancer. He also has scarring in his lungs. Whenever he walks, he has difficulty breathing and feels pain below the ribs. Sometimes when he’s extra breathless, he has to go on oxygen therapy. Is there anything we can do for him to help him breathe better?
Dr Chew Huck Chin
replied 2 years ago It is possible to help him but only after we know what is the cause of his chest pain and shortness of breath. He may need repeat imaging to make sure he does not have any infection or fluid in the lungs. If he has underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inhalers may be useful
Wee Hong answered 2 years ago
My son has mild asthma since young and we do have an inhaler at home though he generally does not need to use it. My question is, we have 2 cats and all along he has no issues with them. This past month though, whenever he hugs or plays with the cats, his asthma flares up and it seems more severe than usual. Could it be that his asthma has worsened or is it some sort of new allergy? We shower our cats every month.
Dr Chew Huck Chin
replied 2 years ago Worsening of asthma control is of concern as it should be evaluated. Possible causes may include a new allergy, inadequate control of asthma, or environmental causes. I would recommend a formal evaluation with a respiratory physician. This may include a lung function test and a skin patch testing to look for potential allergens
WenWei answered 2 years ago
I have been suffering from a burning sensation in my chest and throat for almost 5 days now. My phlegm is green and I have to keep spitting it out. I have tried inhaling steam from hot water but it only provides temporary relief. Is seeing a GP enough or do i need to see a respiratory doctor?
Dr Chew Huck Chin
replied 2 years ago It does sound like you may be having a possible respiratory tract infection . A doctors visit would be warranted for further evaluation. This can be with a GP or a specialist