Dr. Gregory Patrick

47 years experience

Infection likely: Your sputum should either look white or clear. Any color usually indicates an infection. When white blood cells fight bacteria in the sputum they rele... Read More

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4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

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A 26-year-old female asked:

From my ct scan, what is nodular parenchymal opacity( 1.5 mm)? does it indicate an old tb scar? x ray looks fine

47 years experience

Check it out: Xrays look at differences in density. Chest xrays take 2 views while a ct takes a 360 degree view and is more sensitive. You have a small nodular (ro... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 42-year-old male asked:

If someone inhaled (snorted) under half a gram of cocaine over 5 days ago will the metabolite show up on a urinalysis? they are a very infrequent us

47 years experience

It depends on use: Most urine drug tests measure a Cocaine metabolite and may be positive for 3 days after use. However, the detection window for a positive test may la... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

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A 26-year-old female asked:

Had slight blood in the pleghm every morning for 1 week had a sore throath mild cough light chest pain taking antibiotic for 3 days smoke 1 pck a week?

47 years experience

Stop smoking to heal: Smoke causes inflammation in the bronchial tubes, increasing phlegm production. You apparently are taking an antibiotic for infected sputum. Smoking ... Read More

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4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 36-year-old member asked:

Feeling unable to breath or knowing that you stopped breathing in sleep.. what is this called?

47 years experience

Sleep Apnea: In the deepest sleep level (stage 4) muscles relax and the tongue can fall back and obstruct airflow into the lungs. Breathing motions persist but no... Read More

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4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 59-year-old female asked:

What are some of the causes and treatments for long term coughing and breathing problems with lupus (lse) when no infection or fever.

47 years experience

SLE affects lungs : The inflammatory sle process often affects the lungs and surrounding tissue. Lupus can scar the lungs making them stiffer causing shortness of breath... Read More

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4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

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A 39-year-old member asked:

What is the best body location for nicotine transdermal patch?

47 years experience

Any location ok: There is a gel in the patch that dilates your blood vessels to help you absorb nicotine through your skin. Your body will absorb nicotine through the ... Read More

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4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

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A 43-year-old member asked:

How do i know if i have asthma (important)?

47 years experience

See a doctor: Classic signs and symptoms of asthma--intermittent shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, chest tightness, are not specific enough for you to make your... Read More

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4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 21-year-old female asked:

Took a tb test last monday & the nurse said it was negative on wednesday but now i have a red spot should i worry?

47 years experience

Don't worry: A TB skin test is read at 48 hours. If it was read as negative it means that you do not have TB infection. I do not know what the red spot means.

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

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A 40-year-old female asked:

How many hours do i need to space between 200mg doses of tessalon perles (benzonatate)?

47 years experience

4 hours: Tessalon usually starts working within 20 minutes of taking it with a duration of action of 3 - 8 hours. I would not take it more frequently than eve... Read More

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4.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Kenny Chuu agrees1 doctor agrees

8 thanks

A 42-year-old member asked:

Could people with asthma die?

47 years experience

Yes if uncontrolled: In an asthma attack the muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes go into spasm in response to irritation. Trying to push air through the smaller pipes ... Read More

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4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Yash Khanna and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

2 thanks

A 22-year-old female asked:

For the past month or so, i've been having these random occurrences of what feels like gasp of air/hiccuping. about 2-3 times/day. what is this?

47 years experience

hiccups: Hiccups happen when your diaphragm, the muscle that separates your chest from your belly. Suddenly contracts. You take in air and then your voice box... Read More

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4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

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A 33-year-old female asked:

Non calcified lung nodule brac1+ history of breast ca in 08 bilat mastectomy is this nodule ca? enlarged lymph in neck and axil. hoarse

47 years experience

You need a biopsy : A history of breast cancer raises your risk of recurrence disease. Enlarged lymph nodes are also worrisome. You need a biopsy asap--likely a lymph n... Read More

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4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 35-year-old member asked:

Can breathing through the mouth cause more gas / flatulence?

47 years experience

Yes--air swallowing: Chronic mouth breathing, especially while eating, can cause you to swallow more air. Depending on the volume of swallowed air and your digestion you... Read More

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4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Donald Jacobson agrees1 doctor agrees

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A 17-year-old male asked:

Do i have inhalation anthrax? i was on webmd symptom checker it says i have it i have a scratchy throat mild fever of99.5 & slight shortness of breath

47 years experience

Probably not: Unless you work with infected animals or animal products (hair, wool, hides) or are a target for bioterrorism you are unlikely to be exposed to anthra... Read More

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4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago