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I Have Shortness Of Breath Coughing Congestion, Weak Continue To
Posted on
Wed, 27 Mar 2019
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 27 Mar 2019
Answered on
Last reviewed on
Question : I have shortness of breath coughing congestion, weak continue to cough up flame .3 days now.
I can't wait 24 hours for an answer. you said they were working on it now. I'll take a refund & go see the real doctor thanks.
Brief Answer:
You may need antibiotics, other treatments explained as well
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service.
I carefully read your query.
Most common cause of your symptoms is generally a viral infection but due to your age we have to be more cautious especially if you are having shortness of breath so we make sure you do not have a lung infection.
To help you may do the following:
- You take medications to help with cough like guaifenesin which will help your body bring up the secretions and clear up your lungs,
- You may take antibiotics like Azithromycine 250 mg, 2 tablets after lunch the first day and then only one tablet after lunch the next 4 days.
- You will need to rest as much as possible, your lungs might not be able to provide the needed oxygen to afford activities
- Drinking and eating frequent small amounts is very important so that you may get some calories and water to cover your daily needs and help you recover
- for the congestion you can do nasal saline solution lavage of the nose 2-3 times a day, this will dilute the secretions and help clear them.
- zinc and vitamin A supplements are thought to help the body recover quicker from pneumonia so you may consider using them for the first 1-2 weeks.
- if no improvement in 2-3 days or you notice any worsening you will need to see your doctor and have a thorough examination and possibly a lung xray.
I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
I wish you quick healing and good health.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
You may need antibiotics, other treatments explained as well
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service.
I carefully read your query.
Most common cause of your symptoms is generally a viral infection but due to your age we have to be more cautious especially if you are having shortness of breath so we make sure you do not have a lung infection.
To help you may do the following:
- You take medications to help with cough like guaifenesin which will help your body bring up the secretions and clear up your lungs,
- You may take antibiotics like Azithromycine 250 mg, 2 tablets after lunch the first day and then only one tablet after lunch the next 4 days.
- You will need to rest as much as possible, your lungs might not be able to provide the needed oxygen to afford activities
- Drinking and eating frequent small amounts is very important so that you may get some calories and water to cover your daily needs and help you recover
- for the congestion you can do nasal saline solution lavage of the nose 2-3 times a day, this will dilute the secretions and help clear them.
- zinc and vitamin A supplements are thought to help the body recover quicker from pneumonia so you may consider using them for the first 1-2 weeks.
- if no improvement in 2-3 days or you notice any worsening you will need to see your doctor and have a thorough examination and possibly a lung xray.
I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
I wish you quick healing and good health.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
It's been 3 days I didn't put that in the last Question. I also have empazemia.in both lungsCould I be losing my lung capacity A partial lung collapse that could be permanent? namoania. If I don't get better my wife will take me to the ER tomorrow.thanks.
Brief Answer:
Emphysema is a risk factor for lung infection, proper examination and treatment is needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for the reply,
The fact that you have emphysema is an important risk factor to develop lung infections so it is important to have a proper check and use antibiotics. Your doctor might also add some inhalers (salbutamol and steroids) to help your lungs better expand and function.
Lung physiotherapy might be of help to preserve lung function so you may consider getting some exercises to strengthen the breathing muscles and reduce atelectasis.
I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
Emphysema is a risk factor for lung infection, proper examination and treatment is needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for the reply,
The fact that you have emphysema is an important risk factor to develop lung infections so it is important to have a proper check and use antibiotics. Your doctor might also add some inhalers (salbutamol and steroids) to help your lungs better expand and function.
Lung physiotherapy might be of help to preserve lung function so you may consider getting some exercises to strengthen the breathing muscles and reduce atelectasis.
I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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