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What Causes Wheezing, Recurrent Cough, Low Grade Fever And Shortness Of Breath?
Posted on
Mon, 16 Nov 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 16 Nov 2015
Answered on
Mon, 7 Dec 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : Hi I am 57 years old and have psoriatic arthritis. Starting the past couple of weeks, some days I would feel it hard to take a deep breath. Also had symptoms of sinus infection. Got an antibiotic and took it for about 5 days, then felt better. Then last Thursday I woke up coughing in the night and had shortness of breath. Developed feeling sick, weakness, fatigue, and then had a low grade fever. Also had congestion in my head. I have been wheezing really bad the last 3 days. Got another antibiotic. Local physician thought it could be sinus infection and bronchitis. Had diminished lung sounds. No xrays or labs done. Got a little better over the weekend and then I got up and did some things on computer for work and some housework and now I feel the shortness of breath and wheezing. I was used to walking 2-4 miles per day for exercise. Now can't do it today. Could it be bronchitis? or could I possibly have a lymphoma or lung ca ?
Brief Answer:
Airways infections likely. Need symptomatic care
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
I read your question and i understand your concern. Wheezy chest, recurrent coughing episodes, low grade fever, other conventional symptoms, shortness of breath etc all indicate a respiratory tract infection and inflammation. Sinuses congestion, airways involvement are all inked and indicate involving both upper and lower respiratory tract.
what was unwise is doctor not doing any xray of chest or of sinuses or any blood work up to sort out the cause.
other possibility of shortness of breath with reduced ability to walk or exercise should also be considered for heart problems like congestive heart. A simple echo and ekg will sort it out .
Nutshell airways infections and inflammation is the possibility, medications and modifications in lifestyle like using humidifier, home remedies like warm comforting beverages etc will help the symptoms and get you to recovery which you already are headed to. However there is no harm in getting evaluated for shortness of breath to rule out other sinister causes.
I hope it helps. take good care of yourself and don't forget to close the discussion please.
Regards
Khan
Airways infections likely. Need symptomatic care
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
I read your question and i understand your concern. Wheezy chest, recurrent coughing episodes, low grade fever, other conventional symptoms, shortness of breath etc all indicate a respiratory tract infection and inflammation. Sinuses congestion, airways involvement are all inked and indicate involving both upper and lower respiratory tract.
what was unwise is doctor not doing any xray of chest or of sinuses or any blood work up to sort out the cause.
other possibility of shortness of breath with reduced ability to walk or exercise should also be considered for heart problems like congestive heart. A simple echo and ekg will sort it out .
Nutshell airways infections and inflammation is the possibility, medications and modifications in lifestyle like using humidifier, home remedies like warm comforting beverages etc will help the symptoms and get you to recovery which you already are headed to. However there is no harm in getting evaluated for shortness of breath to rule out other sinister causes.
I hope it helps. take good care of yourself and don't forget to close the discussion please.
Regards
Khan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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