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What Causes Labored Breathing Inspite Of Having GVHD?

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Posted on Mon, 19 May 2014
Question: I was given a prescription of cefdinir 300 mg twice a day along with shot if another antibiotic in the buttock. This seems to have taken care of the problem for chest congestion that had developed over three days. Initially diagnosed with IFP, but it was later determined that have I have chronic GVHD as result of an unrelated BMT in 1992.
Prior to starting the antibiotic, my breathing was very labored. I am constantly on 3 liters of o2.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Are you a smoker

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir,
i have read your question and come to conclusion that you are having bad lungs.Are you a smoker too as it may further make your breathing difficult. You have mentioned that you had developed graft verses host disease following BMT. Have you developed multiple pneumonea before that. As this can make lung fibrosed and breathing becomes difficult.
Can you share your chest x ray and other lung function test report. I will be able to help you a little better.
I am not sure if taking 3 liters O2 helps as it is very low dose. Are you taking any other medicines like steroids also.
I am waiting for followup question.Thanks and take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (2 days later)
I quite smoking 6 years a ago, and have had multiple bouts of bronchitis. I do no have access to the studies (PFTs, CT scans, chest x-rays, etc., that have been be formed at TMH in Tallahassee, FL.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Bronchitis has responded to antibiotics.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Without analysing the reports, I would not attribute the current episode of labored breathing entirely on chronic GVHD. Past history of bone marrow depression and GVHD can explain multiple episodes of bronchitis, but possibilities of other causes including infection can be excluded via tests.

At this instance, I am very happy to know that you have quit smoking. Smoking decrease lung's defense against infection and that cause bronchitis. As you have said that now you have quit smoking so it is good for you.

You should continue treatment with antibiotics. Sputum studies will guide us choose the right antibiotic.

Besides the current treatment, I would advice you to avoid chances of infection by not going to crowded/dusty /garden/forest like place. You can wear mask at public places. You can take 10 litter oxygen when you feel breathlessness. No need to take it all the time.

I hope this answer will help you. Let me know if i can answer any other question. Thanks and take care.
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 4486 Questions

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What Causes Labored Breathing Inspite Of Having GVHD?

Brief Answer: Are you a smoker Detailed Answer: Hello sir, i have read your question and come to conclusion that you are having bad lungs.Are you a smoker too as it may further make your breathing difficult. You have mentioned that you had developed graft verses host disease following BMT. Have you developed multiple pneumonea before that. As this can make lung fibrosed and breathing becomes difficult. Can you share your chest x ray and other lung function test report. I will be able to help you a little better. I am not sure if taking 3 liters O2 helps as it is very low dose. Are you taking any other medicines like steroids also. I am waiting for followup question.Thanks and take care.