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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Safe Medicine For Shortness Of Breath

Hello. I have been having a general shortness of breath for five years now. I have seen three pulmonologists. The first two I saw when the symptoms first started. One said I had mild asthma that didn t need treatment and the other said I had no asthma at all. I have never had an actual asthma attack, just a constant shortness of breath, so I believed them. Recently it seems like my symptoms have become worse and more bothersome, along with fatigue and lack of motivation. I figured I would see a cardiologist. An echocardiogram and EKG showed my heart is in perfect condition - no pulmonary hypertension, valvular disease, ischemia, or cardiomyopathy. So I tried a new pulmonologist who gave me a more thorough pulmonary function test and diagnosed me as having mild asthma. He said because I am taking atenolol for inappropriate sinus tachycardia, a rescue inhaler would not be a wise treatment choice. So he gave me Spiriva. I requested a copy of my pft test and the FVC, FEV, and FVC/FEV ration are all completely normal. It just says some of my values are borderline low and I have very mild case of COPD. My question is, is it worth the risk to take Spiriva and suffer from possible life threatening side effects like paradoxical bronchospasm for something that is diagnosed as being mild ? Should I seek a second opinion? I want relief from my shortness of breath but also don t want to take medications that may be overprescribed and possibly harmful. Thank you.
Wed, 25 May 2016
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Dentist 's  Response
Hi Dear,

Welcome to HCM.

Understanding your concern. As per your query you are wondering safe medicine for shortness of breath . Well there can be many reason for symptoms you mention in query like upper respiratory tract infection, when infection from upper respiratory tract get spread down the respiratory tract especially when left untreated or due to low immunity. Asthma or allergy can also cause such symptoms .

For now do warm saline gargles several times a day and apply warm compresses to throat externally. Avoid intake of outside food. I would suggest you to consult ENT specialist for proper diagnosis without any delay otherwise infection will reach trachea or lungs .

Doctor may order throat swab test and blood test . Doctor may prescribe antibacterial or antiviral at least for 10 days along with anti inflammatory , anti allergic and decongestant. Doctor may also refer you to gastroenterologist if problem is related with acid reflux.

Hope your concern has been resolved.

Get Well Soon.

Best wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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Suggest Safe Medicine For Shortness Of Breath

Hi Dear, Welcome to HCM. Understanding your concern. As per your query you are wondering safe medicine for shortness of breath . Well there can be many reason for symptoms you mention in query like upper respiratory tract infection, when infection from upper respiratory tract get spread down the respiratory tract especially when left untreated or due to low immunity. Asthma or allergy can also cause such symptoms . For now do warm saline gargles several times a day and apply warm compresses to throat externally. Avoid intake of outside food. I would suggest you to consult ENT specialist for proper diagnosis without any delay otherwise infection will reach trachea or lungs . Doctor may order throat swab test and blood test . Doctor may prescribe antibacterial or antiviral at least for 10 days along with anti inflammatory , anti allergic and decongestant. Doctor may also refer you to gastroenterologist if problem is related with acid reflux. Hope your concern has been resolved. Get Well Soon. Best wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwari