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Suggest Treatment For Cold And Shortness Of Breath
Posted on
Wed, 21 Jan 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 21 Jan 2015
Answered on
Wed, 18 Feb 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : I am 86 years old. I came down with a cold today and I am now experiencing shortness of breath. I don't know if this is the flu that is going around now.
Brief Answer:
Maybe due to nasal blockage or increased secretions in nasal cavity.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on our query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Mild cold can cause increased secretions in nasal cavity and cause difficulty in breathing.
2. You can try steam inhalation, and salt water gargling twice daily. Also antihistamines like loratidine or cetrizine along with nasal decongestants will be helpful.
3. If you have fever, or cough with increased sputum production, then Chest x-ray and hemogram maybe necessary along with sputum examination. If it starts, it might be flu affecting the lower respiratory tract, which could be critical and would require hospitalization.
4. Take adequate rest, hydration and good nutrition. Mild exercises will also be helpful to improve immunity. No antibiotics necessary at present.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Maybe due to nasal blockage or increased secretions in nasal cavity.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on our query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Mild cold can cause increased secretions in nasal cavity and cause difficulty in breathing.
2. You can try steam inhalation, and salt water gargling twice daily. Also antihistamines like loratidine or cetrizine along with nasal decongestants will be helpful.
3. If you have fever, or cough with increased sputum production, then Chest x-ray and hemogram maybe necessary along with sputum examination. If it starts, it might be flu affecting the lower respiratory tract, which could be critical and would require hospitalization.
4. Take adequate rest, hydration and good nutrition. Mild exercises will also be helpful to improve immunity. No antibiotics necessary at present.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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