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What Causes Breathing Difficulty While On Treatment For Pneumonia?

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Posted on Thu, 16 Mar 2017
Question: I have had pneumonia for 10 days. finished steroid pack, still taking Levaquin. Last night I took Lunesta to sleep. This morning I have more difficulty breathing. I found no interaction between the two drugs. Also took cough syrup with codeine, 2 teaspoons. Biox this morning is 95. no fever. Please let me know. thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Possibility of post infectious bronchitis is more.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
I don't think your breathing difficulty is due to drug interactions.
By your history and description, possibility of post infectious bronchitis is more.
You had pneumonia which is lung infection. Sometimes bronchitis can be seen after bout of pneumonia. And breathing difficulty is they symptom of bronchitis.
So better to consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test).
PFT will not only diagnose bronchitis but it will also tell you about severity of the disease.
You may need inhaled bronchodilators like formoterol or salmeterol.
Drink plenty of fluids orally and keep yourself hydrated. Do warm water gargles 5-6 times a day.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)
I have phoned my Dr. and will see her tomorrow. I have learned that steroids (have been on for 6 days) can cause great shortness of breath. Please also address this. thank you.

this is all very helpful. thank you so much.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No, steroids can not cause breathlessness.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
No, steroids can not cause breathlessness.
In fact steroids are given in severe end stage bronchitis.
So I don't think your breathlessness is due to steroids.
And no need for thanks. It's my duty.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Drkaushal85

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 15003 Questions

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What Causes Breathing Difficulty While On Treatment For Pneumonia?

Brief Answer: Possibility of post infectious bronchitis is more. Detailed Answer: Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. I don't think your breathing difficulty is due to drug interactions. By your history and description, possibility of post infectious bronchitis is more. You had pneumonia which is lung infection. Sometimes bronchitis can be seen after bout of pneumonia. And breathing difficulty is they symptom of bronchitis. So better to consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test). PFT will not only diagnose bronchitis but it will also tell you about severity of the disease. You may need inhaled bronchodilators like formoterol or salmeterol. Drink plenty of fluids orally and keep yourself hydrated. Do warm water gargles 5-6 times a day. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.