Is There Something Can Be Done About Breathing Problems And The Inability To Cough Up Phlegm To Clear The Throat?

Posted on Wed, 9 Feb 2022

Question: my husband is having breathing problems he grunts whenbreathing out he is coughing and can't get the phlegm up, he is on 3 litres of o2 at this moment normally 1 ltr.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
If the breathing problems continue you should go to the emergency room.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs.The lung gets filled with fluid due to inflammation.
In patients at your husband age, the lung loses the capacity and make it difficult for him to cough productively.
This is why when he try to cough it may not come out as a cough.
It may just come out as a grunting noise when breathing.

I see that you have already done the right examinations.
He is also taking the right medications.

Some advice that I can give to you are:
- Continue the cycle of antibiotics prescribe by your doctor
- Give liquids
- Give vitamin c supplement
If the breathing problems continue you should go to the emergency room for further evaluation and treatment.

Hope my answer was helpful. If you have any other question Ill be glad to help.
Regards,
Dr. Dorina Gurabardhi
General & Family Physician

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T