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Hello, My Uncle Has A Paralyzed Lung Diaphragm Since He

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Posted on Mon, 20 May 2019
Question: Hello,

My uncle has a paralyzed lung diaphragm since he was born. He also has 2 stints in his heart and recovered from a brain stroke 2 years ago. Recently he experienced chest pain and was brought to the hospital for care. The medical facility sedated him to do cat scan on his brain and lungs. As a result he suffered respitory distress.

Currently he is in a rehab facility on a ventilator and a feeding G Tube. The medical care is doing trial runs without the ventilator and he is experiencing anxiety leading to shortness of breath. They have given him a dosage of zanax to offset the anxiety. Is there any medication that could strengthen his respitory condition and assist in a strong recovery?

Please kindly advise your expertise.

Thank you with all my heart.
XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Get done ABG analysis.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
Myself Dr.Kaushal Bhavsar. I am consultant Pulmonologist (lung specialist).
Actually Xanax can cause respiratory depression and reduced central drive for breathing.
This can lead to CO2 narcosis (high carbon dioxide) and this further damage respiration.
So I want to know few more things
1. ABG (arterial blood gas) analysis done or not?
2. Was he a smoker?
If ABG is showing CO2 narcosis then Xanax should be stopped.
Chest physiotherapy, deep breathing exercises, Nebulization etc can also improve or strengthen his respiratory system.
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your uncle. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (8 hours later)
Thank you for your amazing feedback. No my uncle is not a smoker. Did you still want the ABG test done? If so, I will speak to his nurse.
Also are the breathing exercises possible with a ventilator installed? The nebulizer seems difficult to accomplish and so does the chest therapy.
Is there any other therapy or medication to promote stronger breathing and lungs?

Thank you so much! Your help in this matter means everything to my family.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, ABG is must. Get it done.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
Yes, get done ABG analysis.
And chest physiotherapy is possible even on ventilatory patients.
Frequent ET suction, chest physiotherapy, Nebulization etc are the only options for lung strength in ventilatory patients.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your uncle. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (3 days later)
Please doctor my uncle is fluctuating with his CO2 levels. From slightly high to .38. is Xanax setting him back? Can you kindly recommend an anxiety alternative to include dosages?
Xanax was given at 1.25 during restless times. We are in need of a specialist guidance.

We are currently working on getting him the chest physiotherapy and nebulizer you recommended. Is there anything in addition to this type of exercises that can aid in his recovery?

We hope and pray for your amazing insight.

Thank you so much!!!

Best.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (22 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Try Clonazepam.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
Yes, this CO2 fluctuations can be due to Xanax.
You can try Clonazepam 0.25 MG.
And no other methods except chest physiotherapy and Nebulization.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your uncle. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (4 hours later)
Thank you for your time and response in this matter. May I correct myself regarding the Xanax: he was given .25 - .40 on really restless days. I believe I wrote 1.25. Would you still recommend .25 for Clonazepam?

Sorry for this confusion but I just wanted to be sure before action is taken.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
No need to worry with 0.25 Xanax.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
Oh, if the dose is 0.25 then no need to change Xanax.
How is his kidney function test? Creatinine?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your uncle. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Drkaushal85

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 14997 Questions

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Hello, My Uncle Has A Paralyzed Lung Diaphragm Since He

Brief Answer: Get done ABG analysis. Detailed Answer: Thanks for your question on Ask a doctor forum. I can understand your concern. Myself Dr.Kaushal Bhavsar. I am consultant Pulmonologist (lung specialist). Actually Xanax can cause respiratory depression and reduced central drive for breathing. This can lead to CO2 narcosis (high carbon dioxide) and this further damage respiration. So I want to know few more things 1. ABG (arterial blood gas) analysis done or not? 2. Was he a smoker? If ABG is showing CO2 narcosis then Xanax should be stopped. Chest physiotherapy, deep breathing exercises, Nebulization etc can also improve or strengthen his respiratory system. Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your uncle. Thanks.