I Am Tired All The Time, Cough Frequently And Have

Posted on Wed, 10 Jul 2019

Question: I am tired all the time, cough frequently and have difficulty breathing, especially with exertion. I walk twice a day, morning is easiest. My doctor has me on an Advair inhaler, and a Ventolin rescue inhaler. I visited my doctor XXXXXXX 5th and that is when he added the Advair. He sent me for a chest X-ray since he noticed some gurgling in my upper right lung. He sent me home with a paper on Congestive Heart Failure, yet I have no weight gain, in fact have lost 7 lbs. since I saw him in March. I'm on Hyzaar for hypertension and my blood pressure was 109/64. pulse 99 and Oxygen 91% I weigh 104 lbs. He sent me for blood tests (BNP) included, and he hasn't contacted me with the results as yet. He could well be on the right track but I would like your opinion.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I will recommend you get an echocardiogram

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this query.

1. When did this cough start? did this start after initiating Hyzaar? How soon after if this was the case? Hyzaar is known to cause such symptoms.

2. However, given your shortness of breath with exercise, heart failure is a genuine concern. With no edema, this is a bit not typical. BNP levels and chest imaging would help.

Your oxygen level of 91 is low and shows severe lung disease. I am also concerned this might lead to increased pressure in the lungs. My plan would be to get an echocardiogram with doppler and optimize your asthma treatment. You would also benefit from 6 minutes walk test with oxygen measurements to see how well you can tolerate exercise.

I hope this helps and guides. I wish you well. Keep me updated with the ongoing process and results.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (17 hours later)

Thank you for your reply to my questions and to answer your question about how long I have been on Hyzaar, I have been on Hyzaar for at least 8 years with no problems. I have a telephone appointment with my Dr. this afternoon to discuss the results of my tests. I'll see what his suggestions are. Thank you very much for your response.

Sincerely, Sheila Shaubach

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
How did it go?

Detailed Answer:
HI,

Am happy to know you had a discussion with your doctor about these tests. KIndly keep me updated.

Waiting...

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj