Hi,I am Dr. Andrew Rynne (Family Physician). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
What Causes Severe Weakness When Diagnosed With COPD And Emphysema?
My husband is 78, has had quad. bypass surgery on his heart 15 yrs ago. He has COPD, Emphzama (Sry don' know how to spell it), he has lost from 170's to about 117 fully clothed & with tennis shoes on. He has early stages of dementia. The past few days he is so weak that he can't walk across the bedroom without having to stop and hold onto the door frame or the bed. When he tried to drive me to the store this morning I had to have him pull over and let me drive. He tries to talk and goes into a coughing spasm. Then has hard time breathing. He also says he doesn't think he will see another Thanksgiving nor Christmas. He's been to the doctor but they haven't been able to tell me anything other than running more tests - which came back normal
Wed, 9 Aug 2017
General & Family Physician, Dr. Vasudha's Response
Hi, Thanks for the query The COPD along with emphysema has reduced oxygenation of impure blood & get it ready for use by body for energy production.This causes his extreme weakness/ less supply of pure blood to brain causes dementia--- The oxygen deficiency is aggravated by cough bouts & bronchial spasm& probably infection He needs to be taken to a chest physician / getting admitted in ICU to control all of the factors successfully. Thanks
Weakness in COPD and emphysema is due to respiratory alkalosis causing serum electrolyte disturbances.Also these conditions are associated with anaemia.
I recommend to do investigations like blood haemogram,serum electrolytes,arterial blood gases. He will need oxygen therapy till his blood gases are normal under hospital settings.A prophylactic dose of bronchodilators along with steroid needs to be given to help ease breathing problems. Iron,calcium and vitamin supplementation for general well being.
Hope this information helps. wish him speedy recovery
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What Causes Severe Weakness When Diagnosed With COPD And Emphysema?
Hi, Thanks for the query The COPD along with emphysema has reduced oxygenation of impure blood & get it ready for use by body for energy production.This causes his extreme weakness/ less supply of pure blood to brain causes dementia--- The oxygen deficiency is aggravated by cough bouts & bronchial spasm& probably infection He needs to be taken to a chest physician / getting admitted in ICU to control all of the factors successfully. Thanks