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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is 20mg Fluoxetine The Right Medicine For Shortness Of Breath?

Two weeks ago I started suffering after exercise with extreme breathless episodes, which hasn t stopped. It happens every time I do physical exertion/exercise. I have more problem getting breath out rather than allowing breath to get in, and now I ve started coughing during the attacks too. It s also happened today while not physically exerting myself but around smoke. When it happens I feel like somethings irritating my airways and it feels really uncomfortable, almost like someones squeezing or tightening my chest/lungs. My doctor took pretty much one look at me and said it was anxiety and put it down to depression and placed me on 20mg Fluoxetine, but I really don t think it is, and think it s asthma or something else and I just need a second opinion.
posted on Mon, 14 Sep 2015
Twitter Fri, 4 Dec 2015 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 7 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Hi. I can understand your concern.
It is mostly asthma.Asthma is most common allergic disease which is not a curable disease but definitely controllable, by controlling the same you can lead a symptom free life. Usually presents with cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing and chest tightness. If not treated appropriately can be life threatening.So better to consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test).
PFT is needed for the diagnosis.
It will also tell you about severity of the disease and treatment is based on severity only.
You may need inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
Don't worry, you will be alright.
Hope I have solved your query.
Wish you good health. Thanks.
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Is 20mg Fluoxetine The Right Medicine For Shortness Of Breath?

Hi. I can understand your concern. It is mostly asthma.Asthma is most common allergic disease which is not a curable disease but definitely controllable, by controlling the same you can lead a symptom free life. Usually presents with cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing and chest tightness. If not treated appropriately can be life threatening.So better to consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test). PFT is needed for the diagnosis. It will also tell you about severity of the disease and treatment is based on severity only. You may need inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) Don t worry, you will be alright. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.