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What Causes Breathlessness, Asthma And Wheezing While Recovering From Pneumonia?
Question: I recently had pneumonia , XXXXXXX 21st discharge. I was given rx atrovent and albuterol medihalers and an
Rx for spiriva. I didn't get the spiriva due the costs. ($330). My lungs have been clear since then until last
nite when I woke up with shortness of breath. I didn't relate that to asthma because there was no wheezing,
I finally took a dose of albuterol at 5:45. No immediate impact so I thought it was something else. Eventually
the shortness of breath stopped but now asthma symptoms kicked it. I took a second dose 10:00am.
Things appear to clear up for now, I was considering going to ER but don't want to unless I get too bad.
My back has become very tired /sore from the breathing issues. I think a repiratory treatment would
help greatly. What to do? Also what is the different between atrovent and albuterol? Is there a sequence
of priority? I was assigned a pulmonoligist at the hospital and my initial appointment with him is still two
weeks away.
Rx for spiriva. I didn't get the spiriva due the costs. ($330). My lungs have been clear since then until last
nite when I woke up with shortness of breath. I didn't relate that to asthma because there was no wheezing,
I finally took a dose of albuterol at 5:45. No immediate impact so I thought it was something else. Eventually
the shortness of breath stopped but now asthma symptoms kicked it. I took a second dose 10:00am.
Things appear to clear up for now, I was considering going to ER but don't want to unless I get too bad.
My back has become very tired /sore from the breathing issues. I think a repiratory treatment would
help greatly. What to do? Also what is the different between atrovent and albuterol? Is there a sequence
of priority? I was assigned a pulmonoligist at the hospital and my initial appointment with him is still two
weeks away.
Brief Answer:
Do you have a longstanding lung disease?
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this breathing difficulty and all the inconveniences this has caused you. I have reviewed your symptoms and the treatment plan and it seems to suggest that you have a chronic obstructive ling disease. This treatment is not exactly for asthma but more for such a disease condition. This is more likely if you used to smoke and have been coughing for long with sputum production in the past.
For now, there is no need to go to the ER. Albuterol is a rapid reliever while atrovent and spiriva are mainly used to control chronic lung disease. It is probably for this reason that you are being referred to see a pulmonologist. Spiriva does the same job as atrovent and don’t get too concerned that you couldn’t buy the spirit. One last thing is that you never got an antibiotic during your last visit and this is hard to convince me that you had pneumonia and were not given an antibiotic. You may want to ask your doctor exactly what you were being treated for.
In all, no kneed for an ER now. Continue albuterol is need be for rapid relief. Atrovent should be taken as prescribed to control for symptoms.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Do you have a longstanding lung disease?
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this breathing difficulty and all the inconveniences this has caused you. I have reviewed your symptoms and the treatment plan and it seems to suggest that you have a chronic obstructive ling disease. This treatment is not exactly for asthma but more for such a disease condition. This is more likely if you used to smoke and have been coughing for long with sputum production in the past.
For now, there is no need to go to the ER. Albuterol is a rapid reliever while atrovent and spiriva are mainly used to control chronic lung disease. It is probably for this reason that you are being referred to see a pulmonologist. Spiriva does the same job as atrovent and don’t get too concerned that you couldn’t buy the spirit. One last thing is that you never got an antibiotic during your last visit and this is hard to convince me that you had pneumonia and were not given an antibiotic. You may want to ask your doctor exactly what you were being treated for.
In all, no kneed for an ER now. Continue albuterol is need be for rapid relief. Atrovent should be taken as prescribed to control for symptoms.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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