Suggest Treatment For Pneumonia And Shortness Of Breath While Lying Down

Posted on Sat, 28 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 28 Feb 2015 Answered on

Wed, 18 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a diabetic and have pneumonia since Feb.10 and was having problems sleeping in bed so have since moved to lazyboy to sleep more upright because I had problem breathing while laying down.The dr.just started me on LEVOFLOXACIN 500 MG once a day for 7 days.Will this help?

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Considerations

Detailed Answer:
thanks for sending the question.

Levofloxacin is a very good antibiotic that is used very commonly to treat pneumonia.

I suspect that you may be having some trouble breathing because of the pneumonia. Pneumonia decreases your lungs ability to oxygenate your blood.

I would expect your symptoms to gradually improve over the next 7 to 10 days.

if your symptoms of shortness of breath get worse or if you're not able to perform your normal activities of daily living without significant shortness of breath then I think you should talk to your doctor again.

Thanks again for sending your question and again I think you will start to feel better fairly soon as this is a very good treatment.

Dr. Galamaga

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (14 hours later)

every morning when I wake up.my mouth is so dry that I can hardly speak.Do you think it is caused by medication or heat in house.

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
thanks again for the question.

It's probably a combination of both. The air in the winter tends to be very dry. the antibiotic may also contribute to this.

sincerely,

dr XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar