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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can COPD Be Treated?

I am inquiring for a friend who does not have access to a computer. He is an 82 yr. old man who has been in good health until about 8-10 years ago. Hi is not on any oral medications but has developed COPD because of second hand smoke exposure from living with a smoking partner and Casino smoke for 30-40 years. He has never used tobacco products personally. He uses an inhaler and breathing device at home for respiratory symptoms of wheezing and shortness of breath. He complains of constant hissing sounds in his ears . A recent hearing test did not reveal any significant hearing impairment. It is so bothersome that it often awakens him from sleep. His PCP says he has never heard of this and has not recommended and advice or recommendations for referral.You may respond to my email: YYYY@YYYY . Thank you for any medical insight you can provide. I can assist him by taking him to appointments etc and advocating for him with his PCP. I am an RN Patient Navigator.
posted on Tue, 10 Apr 2018
Twitter Mon, 25 Jun 2018 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 27 Jun 2018 Last reviewed on
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Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

It seems he is a stable phase COPD. In general, bronchodilators are used for symptomatic benefit in patients with COPD. The inhaled route is preferred for medication delivery because the incidence of side effects is lower. Hissing sounds(hitherto unexplained) are more noticeable in quiet environment and tend to be most disturbing to people when they are trying to sleep.One can use a tinnitus masker.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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How Can COPD Be Treated?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. It seems he is a stable phase COPD. In general, bronchodilators are used for symptomatic benefit in patients with COPD. The inhaled route is preferred for medication delivery because the incidence of side effects is lower. Hissing sounds(hitherto unexplained) are more noticeable in quiet environment and tend to be most disturbing to people when they are trying to sleep.One can use a tinnitus masker. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.