HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Suggest Treatment For Severe Drowsiness, Lack Of Focus And COPD

My 62 year old husband has COPD. He was fine at the beginning of the week when we traveled from Indiana to Nashville TN. But know 3 days later he is experiencing severe sleeping and lack of focus when he is awake. I wondered if the altitude change and high temperatures have had a negative impact. He is on oxygen 24/7 at level 5. Please let me know how I can help address this. If possible or should I take him to urgent care?
Tue, 8 Sep 2020
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

You are absolutely right. High altitude can cause COPD symptoms worse. At high altitude our body require to work harder to inhale the same amount of oxygen as it does at elevation closer to sea level High Altitude can cause acute exacerbation of COPD and which may lead to the symptoms like shortness of breath, excessive sleepiness, confusion, lack of focus or disorientation etc. Again, high altitude may develop pulmonary edema. I think, corticosteroid injection may help him to get rid of his present sufferings. Nifedipine also may help him in case of pulmonary edema.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Suggest Treatment For Severe Drowsiness, Lack Of Focus And COPD

Hi, You are absolutely right. High altitude can cause COPD symptoms worse. At high altitude our body require to work harder to inhale the same amount of oxygen as it does at elevation closer to sea level High Altitude can cause acute exacerbation of COPD and which may lead to the symptoms like shortness of breath, excessive sleepiness, confusion, lack of focus or disorientation etc. Again, high altitude may develop pulmonary edema. I think, corticosteroid injection may help him to get rid of his present sufferings. Nifedipine also may help him in case of pulmonary edema. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Zubayer Alam, General & Family Physician