TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taichung Veterans General Hospital Thursday launched a respiratory disease care center, aimed at providing interdisciplinary diagnosis and treatment for respiratory conditions.

According to the hospital, these conditions include asthma, chronic airway diseases, and lung-related illnesses. These health issues claim more than 6,000 lives annually and were the eighth-leading cause of death in Taiwan last year, per CNA. Such conditions are typically related to factors like weakened immunity, inflammation, and infections, making them difficult to control through a single treatment.

The center brings together a team from the departments of ENT, cardiology, chest surgery, and dermatology. The facility is equipped with mucous analysis equipment and a respiratory rehabilitation room. It has also established a specimen database for clinical research.

Hospital Director Fu Yun-ching (傅雲慶) said that due to changing environmental factors, cases of respiratory conditions are likely to keep rising. He noted the center will use respiratory sample analysis and equipment assessments to develop personalized treatment plans.

Huang Wei-chang (黃偉彰), head of the hospital’s chest department, shared the case of a 71-year-old man surnamed Chan (詹), who lost some lung function and experienced shortness of breath after recovering from COVID-19. Tests revealed an elevated white blood cell count, indicating inflammation. His condition stabilized after receiving anti-inflammatory treatment.

Huang also shared the case of a 30-year-old man surnamed Kan (甘), who had a chronic lung condition that caused excessive mucous buildup. The medical team focused on controlling infection and clearing mucous. The treatment included medication, lung rehabilitation, airway clearance, and oxygen support, leading to significant improvement.