I Can’t Get Out, Extreme Fatigue

Posted on Thu, 20 Mar 2025

Question: Hi, for the last 2.5 months I’ve been struggling with shortness of breath, chest pressure, chronic wheezy sometimes barking cough, mucus that I can’t get out, extreme fatigue. My cpap machine seems to make all these symptoms worse. I can’t get an appointment with my pulmonologist because of COVID. I’ve been to the ER too many times and nothing is found wrong. Chest X-ray clear, lung ct scan normal, blood tests within range.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get done Pulmonary Function Test to rule out bronchitis.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone through the history you have given.
In my opinion, we should definitely rule out bronchitis in your case.
Your all symptoms are commonly seen with bronchitis.
So get done Pulmonary Function Test (PFT).
If PFT is showing obstructive Airway disease then you will need bronchitis treatment.
You may need inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid.
Please let me know your
1. Do you smoke?
2. Any allergies?
3. PFT done in the past?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions so that I can guide you better about medicines and investigations.
Wish you good health. Thanks.

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

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (13 hours later)

Thank you, I am not a smoker but live with a heavy smoker. I have never had pet allergies. I have not had a PFT in 2 years.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get done PFT to rule out bronchitis.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question ,
I can understand your concern.
In my opinion, you should definitely get done Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) to rule out bronchitis.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Sorry for late reply as I was busy.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng