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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Remedies For Panic Attack And Shortness Of Breath

My husband has IPF... He was told that he only has 40% of normal lung function left.. Tonite he had a panick attack because he couldn t catch his breath so I gave him a lorazepam 1mg as per prescription but he seems very restless .. Could you tell me what I should watch out for
posted on Sun, 26 Jun 2016
Twitter Mon, 16 Dec 2019 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 20 Dec 2019 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Based on the history you have shared, if the lung functions are declined this much, then continuous long term oxygen therapy to maintain oxygen saturation is a must.

Also arterial blood gases may be monitored continuously, because the carbon dioxide retention can also present with psychiatric symptoms due to CO2 narcosis which can be confused with panic attack.

Benzodiazepine which he is using is not usually recommended as it can cause further respiratory depression and usually atypical antipsychotics are more preferred but a psychiatrist review in this regard can be more helpful.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Saddiq Ulabidin, General & Family Physician
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Suggest Remedies For Panic Attack And Shortness Of Breath

Hi, Based on the history you have shared, if the lung functions are declined this much, then continuous long term oxygen therapy to maintain oxygen saturation is a must. Also arterial blood gases may be monitored continuously, because the carbon dioxide retention can also present with psychiatric symptoms due to CO2 narcosis which can be confused with panic attack. Benzodiazepine which he is using is not usually recommended as it can cause further respiratory depression and usually atypical antipsychotics are more preferred but a psychiatrist review in this regard can be more helpful. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Saddiq Ulabidin, General & Family Physician