Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Shortness Of Breath And Cough In An Elderly Person?
My mother in law is 82. She constantly grunts when breathing out. Breaths are short. Lots of post nasal mucus drainage. She makes a throat clearing sound very frequently w. At least 20 times an hour. She complains when she has the throat clearing and cough...oh darn, excuse me. She is very aware of the choking/coughing episode. She becomes short of breath easily. No hx of smoking. This is decreasing the quality of her life. I want to talk with her Daughter about this. What do you think these symptoms indicate.
Fri, 22 Jul 2016
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It may indicate that she has a post nasal drip of mucus. This can be severe in some persons and can cause the choking that you mentioned.
It would also cause the throat clearing and if severe , may also cause shortness of breath.
It is usually related to allergies.
Treatment would involve: (1) avoiding the source of the allergies if it is known, allergy testing can help with this
(2)anti histamines and decongestants are usually the starting meds
If these are not effective on their own then meds can be added eg topical steroid nasal sprays (Eg nasonex, nasocort, flonase, rhinocort)
Other meds such as singulair or ketotifen can also be used if needed
I hope this helps
It may indicate that she has a post nasal drip of mucus. This can be severe in some persons and can cause the choking that you mentioned.
It would also cause the throat clearing and if severe , may also cause shortness of breath.
It is usually related to allergies.
Treatment would involve: (1) avoiding the source of the allergies if it is known, allergy testing can help with this
(2)anti histamines and decongestants are usually the starting meds
If these are not effective on their own then meds can be added eg topical steroid nasal sprays (Eg nasonex, nasocort, flonase, rhinocort)
Other meds such as singulair or ketotifen can also be used if needed
I hope this helps
I find this answer helpful
1 user finds this helpful
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]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....