Dr. Michael Sanders

A female asked:

Life expectancy malignant pleural effusion?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: If there is a pleural effusion present, then that means the cancer is metastatic. For lung cancer, typically life expectancy is around 6 months. I'm... Read More

681 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 35-year-old male asked:

Had a dry cough with back pain for 3.5 months. chest ct, xray, bloods and lft all normal. what could this be?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

Top 3 causes...: of cough are asthma, post nasal drip and GERD. None of those would show up on the tests you've had. You need a pulmonary function test to look for ... Read More

678 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler and 3 doctors agree4 doctors agree

A 18-year-old male asked:

Will symbicort (budesonide and formoterol) effect a methacholine challenge?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

Yes: you should not take symbicort for a day or so prior to a methacholine challenge

682 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 21-year-old female asked:

Whats the likelyhood of dying from a blood clot if last weeks ct of chest was clear but i still have chest and arm pain(arm wasn't checked)?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: A chest CT is a very good test to show a PE. If no PE was seen, then you either didn't have one or it was extremely small and peripheral, thus nothin... Read More

678 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler and 3 doctors agree4 doctors agree

A 43-year-old male asked:

Pt. with severe copd and is non - responsive to inhaled steroids. has tried "most" of the inhaled albuterols, combivents, (albuterol and ipratropium) and anti-cholinergis. ?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: I would recommend discussing this with your pulmonologist or if you need a second opinion, find someone on here that has a UT license and discuss it w... Read More

664 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 32-year-old male asked:

Can chest x-ray show pleural effusion?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

Yes: Usually has to be about 200cc or greater to see on chest xray

681 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 36-year-old member asked:

Can anyone tell me a little about lung cavities and what they could mean?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below....: Cavities on the lung can be several possible things. 1. Infection is probably most common, 2. Cancer, 3. Emboli, 4. Sarcoidosis, 5. Vasculitis

706 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Al Hegab and 6 doctors agree7 doctors agree

A 36-year-old member asked:

Please help docs! where is treatment for sarcoidosis?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

Depends: We would need to know where the sarcoid is and what symptoms you are having and what you have already tried.

667 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 44-year-old member asked:

Why does ampicillin cause a rash in many ebv infected patients?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

I don't know why but: It is a well known reaction that pts with EBV - virus that causes mono - and take a penicillin antibiotic will break out with a rash. This is not an ... Read More

664 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A 42-year-old member asked:

What are the health risks of taking xolair?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: I've seen a lot of patients on this and have never seen a side effect. Of course there's always a chance of anaphylaxis, but have never seen it.

696 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

A 53-year-old member asked:

What affects someone's work of breathing (wob) level?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

Many things: Exercise Underlying illnesses Acute illness, such as sepsis or Asthma or COPD flares

676 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A 39-year-old female asked:

Is breo a corticosteroid? and when should you use breo? i use singulair (montelukast). and a nebulizer.

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: Do you have asthma or COPD? If so, then Breo is certainly a good option. It does contain a steroid.

658 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 51-year-old female asked:

Normal spirometry moderately impaired dlco. does this mean copd?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

Probably not: COPD would be found on the spirometry section most always. A low DLCO can be from other causes - emphysema is one, but pulmonary hypertension is a co... Read More

667 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 28-year-old male asked:

Can respiratory therapists administer conscious sedation for certain respiratory procedures like bronchoscopies?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

No: No where I know of are RT's allowed to administer any meds other than nebulizers and inhalers.

673 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. David Rosenfeld agrees1 doctor agrees

A 38-year-old member asked:

If i have a slow breathing rate, does it indicate possible internal damage?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

Not necessarily: Could be just normal for you, especially if you are not having any symptoms. If there is a problem, it's more likely a neurologic issue as opposed to... Read More

665 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A 47-year-old member asked:

What is the best asthma medication?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: It depends on symptoms. Which ever medication works for you is the best.

685 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 46-year-old member asked:

What is combivent (albuterol and ipratropium)?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: It is a combo of 2 meds - they are both short acting bronchodilators

664 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Silviu Pasniciuc and 8 doctors agree9 doctors agree

1 comment

A 31-year-old member asked:

Copd short of breath but musinex aeems to help?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: mucinex should not help shortness of breath. It can help break up mucous to help cough it up. Do you have COPD or are you asking could this be COPD?

658 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 39-year-old member asked:

Is it possible to die due to respiratory infection with a oxygen level of 95 in 48 hours?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

Sure: Your oxygen level of 95 is normal. However that's not to say you won't get septic and develop septic shock and die in 48 hours. Or get a PE. There ... Read More

697 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 42-year-old member asked:

I have trouble breathing, but not asthma or allergies?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

Many causes: of trouble breathing aside from asthma. I would discuss this with your PCP.

657 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A 46-year-old member asked:

What are the different parts of the trachea?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

Really only one part: Theres an anterior and posterior wall, but there's really only a trachea. The carina is at the distal end where it terminates into the right and left... Read More

669 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 37-year-old member asked:

Which works better: dulera (formoterol and mometasone) or albuterol?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below...: They are two different medication. Albuterol is short acting and typically used as a rescue inhaler or for very mild asthma. Dulera is a combination... Read More

694 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

A 47-year-old member asked:

How effective is a xolair shot?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: In my experience, those that need Xolair seem to see quite a bit of improvement. If you have asthma, you should have an IgE level and an allergy pane... Read More

696 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Andrew Seibert agrees1 doctor agrees

A 58-year-old female asked:

Chest x ray pa view shows fibrosis in mid lower zones and bronchitic changes are seen, can it be pulmonary fibrosis?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: I would get a CT. Very difficult to make a diagnosis off of a CXR

658 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 50-year-old member asked:

What is a chest tube used for?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: It is used to drain fluids (blood, pus, pleural fluid) or air out of the pleural space.

674 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler and 5 doctors agree6 doctors agree

A 42-year-old member asked:

How do the muscular and respiratory systems work together?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: Both systems help us breathe. Muscles are the diaphragm and intercostal muscles - for normal breathing. As the diaphragm drops down and the ribs exp... Read More

671 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A 23-year-old female asked:

Last week i had sinus issues and it resolved. this week i was kept up with a post nasal drip cough. i took 2 zyrtec and 1 tessalon pearles to sleep.

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: If you're having post nasal drip, the first generation antihistamines work much better for cough - like chlorphenirimine, than the second generation o... Read More

674 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. David Rosenfeld agrees1 doctor agrees

A 62-year-old female asked:

Copd breathlessness gets real bad. i do symbicourt, incruse and a nebulizer with no relief. blood oxygen is in a he 90's. what more can i do or take. ?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: I would recommend having a follow up with your pulmonologist. You are on good medications. However, if you are having a flare up, you may need more ... Read More

667 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 33-year-old male asked:

What is the definition or description of: entex overdose?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

Where are you...: Finding entex?? That was unfortunately pulled off the market back around 2000. It worked great too! I guess too many people had strokes taking it. ... Read More

658 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A 33-year-old male asked:

What is the definition or description of: pulmonary fibrosis?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

Depends....: There are many types of "pulmonary fibrosis". They all typically involve scarring of the lung tissue.

694 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A 33-year-old female asked:

Just finished antibiotics. now hurting worse than before. bad pain in the left side of my face, ear, jaw, teeth and even my glands are swollen. owwie! yest i put peroxide in my ear and it kinda relieved it but today it hurt worse, made me dizzy.

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: You should see someone. It's possible the antibiotic you were on doing don't cover whatever infection you have.

687 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 29-year-old male asked:

Chesty cough can't get rid of after a cold any idea what i could take apart from cough medicine.

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: Unfortunately post viral coughs can last for weeks. I've found the best thing is Chestal with honey. You can find it on Amazon if you don't have it ... Read More

647 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A 25-year-old female asked:

What are normal blood pressure readings for a 25yr old with no health problems? where should they range from? mines 113/65 is this to low the bottom?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

113/65 is good: There's a wide range of what's "normal". That depends on body type, family history, diet, exercise and underlying disease. What's normal for you may... Read More

681 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 19-year-old female asked:

Are multiple neck lumps that appear rather suddenly considered dangerous? she has 4. one lump is very hard, behind ear. two new ones in past 2 days

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: I would certainly get that checked sooner than later. Could be infectious, could also be a malignancy. Any recent illness? Cat scratch or somethin... Read More

682 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A 23-year-old female asked:

Sharp constant pain from belly button to growin, stab like pain to urinate, dont urinate much at a time and cant find a position to ease the pain?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: This could possibly be a kidney stone. I would go get evaluated.

696 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Gurmukh Singh and 4 doctors agree5 doctors agree

A male asked:

I have a kidney stone stuck at the very tip of my urethra about a quarter inch from the head it's been stuck there now for three days cannot pass it t?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See a urologist: You need to be evaluated. If you can not pass it, it can lead to not passing urine, which can lead to hydronephrosis. Not to mention pain and infec... Read More

676 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Robert Robinson agrees1 doctor agrees

2 thanks

A 29-year-old female asked:

Lower back lump that is as round as a plum, not a complete round ball.. moves. hurts to move.. not squishy. harder. what could it be?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: Sounds like it is potentially an enlarged lymph node. I would be seen and get that evaluated. You probably need an ultrasound.

696 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Andrew Seibert agrees1 doctor agrees

A 18-year-old female asked:

Been sick for approx. 2 months stuffy/runny nose and a cough that produces phlegm. when i bend over or blow my nose there is a terrible pain in my ear?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below : I would recommend seeing your family physician or someone in healthtap. You may need a prescription nasal spray to get your eustachian tubes open.

700 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A 29-year-old male asked:

I'm about to start sertraline 25mg once daily for my anxiety. i take 0.50 clonazepam. will the sertraline cause panic attacks,anxiety??scared here.

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: I have never heard of sertraline causing panic attacks. It should hopefully help in conjuction with the klonopin.

681 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 54-year-old female asked:

I have pleurisy and pain is getting worse has been a week now blood tests clear etc taking paracetamol and ibrufen but not touching it help

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: Pleurisy can be from a viral infection, but can also be from pneumonia (bacterial), blood clots, etc. I would recommend seeing your PCP for an xray a... Read More

665 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A female asked:

The chest xray result says ptb versus pneumonia what does it mean?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: is PTB "pulmonary tuberculosis"? I would need to know what that abbreviation is before providing a more detailed answer. Let me know.

685 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

3 thanks

A 29-year-old female asked:

Husband has pneumonia in both lungs. on day 4 of levaquin. still having bad coughing fits. have bought delsym. not helping. anything else i can do?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: Hopefully by day 4, the infection is clearing. However, it can take quite a bit longer for the coughing to resolve. If you could find Chestal with ... Read More

681 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 25-year-old female asked:

Is it okay to use ventolin everyday if i need to?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

Yes: Ventolin (albuterol) is fine to use everyday. What are you using it for? If it's for asthma and you are using that everyday, you may need to either c... Read More

708 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 56-year-old female asked:

What can cause low oxygen? when they were checking mine i had an 89 and they said that was low. dont have heart or lung problems, did skip breakfast.

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: I would have that evaluated as soon as possible. There are many causes of low oxygen and should figure out what your reason is.

678 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A 23-year-old female asked:

I ate dinner around 8:30pm & woke up with a stomach ache/bloating at 5 am. symptoms still there @10:15am. what could be the cause? this happens often

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: At 23, and with this happening often, it's likely a food intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome. This is pretty common. You could check with your ... Read More

669 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

1 comment

A 44-year-old member asked:

What do you advise if doctor prescribed me 200mg benzonatate. instructions say take one capsule 3 times daily. how far apart should i take them?

Pulmonology 17 years experience

See below: It would be ok to take them spaced out evenly three times a day while awake. Or, if you want to be precise, every 8 hours.

705 viewsAnswered >2 years ago