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What Causes Shortness Of Breath, Dizziness And Cough?
Posted on
Mon, 6 Feb 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 6 Feb 2017
Answered on
Thu, 2 Mar 2017
Last reviewed on
Question : I have shortness of breath, dizziness a harsh cough with a lot of sputum. my nose is also running all the time. i have no energy and my limbs are quite shaky
Brief Answer:
most likely due to a viral illness
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The most common cause of these symptoms is a an acute viral illness. In some cases, there may be a bacterial infection involved as well.
Bacterial infection normally presents with a prolonged fever and very severe symptoms.
Treatment of your current symptoms may include:(1)treatment of any asthma symtpoms come first and is the most important.
If the shortness of breath is due to an asthma attack , you need to use your reliever inhaler such as ventolin.
In an acute asthma attack, 4 to 6 puffs can be used. If you are very short of breath, it may be best to seek medical attention, however since oxygen may be needed and you may need a short course of steroids.
(2) rest and fluids. The fluids would help to break up the thickness of the secretions so that they can be expelled easier
(3)a mucolytic to help break up the mucus in the chest eg bisolvan, mucomyst or guaifenesin
(4)a topical and oral decongestant would help with the runny nose eg otrivine or normal saline drops to the nose along with phenyephrine or pseudoephedrine (these are 2 oral decongestants)
Weakness and a shaky sensation can occur due to the viral illness itself , decreased oral intake or side effect of some of the over counter medication
In most cases, these symptoms last 1 to 2 weeks though the cough can sometimes persist for longer
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
most likely due to a viral illness
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The most common cause of these symptoms is a an acute viral illness. In some cases, there may be a bacterial infection involved as well.
Bacterial infection normally presents with a prolonged fever and very severe symptoms.
Treatment of your current symptoms may include:(1)treatment of any asthma symtpoms come first and is the most important.
If the shortness of breath is due to an asthma attack , you need to use your reliever inhaler such as ventolin.
In an acute asthma attack, 4 to 6 puffs can be used. If you are very short of breath, it may be best to seek medical attention, however since oxygen may be needed and you may need a short course of steroids.
(2) rest and fluids. The fluids would help to break up the thickness of the secretions so that they can be expelled easier
(3)a mucolytic to help break up the mucus in the chest eg bisolvan, mucomyst or guaifenesin
(4)a topical and oral decongestant would help with the runny nose eg otrivine or normal saline drops to the nose along with phenyephrine or pseudoephedrine (these are 2 oral decongestants)
Weakness and a shaky sensation can occur due to the viral illness itself , decreased oral intake or side effect of some of the over counter medication
In most cases, these symptoms last 1 to 2 weeks though the cough can sometimes persist for longer
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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