I Have Been Recovering From Pneumonia Since End Of March,

Posted on Fri, 1 May 2020

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

Fri, 1 May 2020 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : i have been recovering from pneumonia since end of March, suspected COVID. I am mostly recovered and had a dry cough for weeks. the last few days my cough has had white mucus, more severe at night and during the early morning, or when i take deep breaths. i have intermittent asthma but only used my albuterol during pneumonia, i normaly dont need it.

i am concerned the mucus cough during nighttime or early daytime is associated with a worsening lung issue or heart failure issue. i do not currently have known heart issues. i have been taking fexofenadine to see if it works reducing allergic mucus production but it doesnt work. i try to avoid a lot of other medications because i have nafld. anything i should be concerned about?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Jolanda (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please start inhalers as explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service...

I can understand your concern,

According to the history of your diseases and especially that of the lungs, in my opinion, this kind of cough as you explain might be mostly from the exacerbation of your bronchial asthma.

Probably it's time for you to start inhalers with steroids such as Budesonide twice for up to one month. Fexofenadine to be used twice per day orally until improvement. Albuterol's not helpful in such a situation at all.

This cough is not related to heart diseases or pneumonia, no worries. Just discuss with your doctor to start inhaler as above and you will feel better soon.

Hope to have been helpful

Regards
Dr.Jolanda

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Jolanda (16 hours later)

my o2 sat is normally 96-98 but this morning it was 91-94. should I be concerned?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Jolanda (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Continue discussion

Detailed Answer:
Hi again

Now with this saturation if you feel breathlessness you can use Albuterol two puffs immediately but in further you should consider the inhaler as I explained above.

Regards

Dr.Jolanda

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D