What Causes Breathlessness Despite Taking Dexamethasone?

Posted on Mon, 17 Jul 2017

Question: By mother is 88years old and suffering with breathlessness about three to four times a day and suffering a lot. She can not bear any medicine when it is taken orally. On the advise of Physician now she is being given Dexamethasone 2 ml on alternate days along with Asthallin and Budecort respules in nebulizer once or twice a day but there is no apparent change in her condition. Can she be treated with any better medication.The other parameters like BP Kedney function are normal and she not diabetic.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Better to give levosalbutamol and ipratropium combination.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Yes, she should definitely be given better drugs.
Asthalin is having Salbutamol. It is having many side effects and so better to avoid in elderly patients.
It is advisable to give combination of levosalbutamol and ipratropium bromide instead of Asthalin (Salbutamol).
Oral single dose tablet of acebrophyllin sustained release at night time is more beneficial then dexomethasone.
Better not to give dexomethasone oral tablet as this is oral steroid and oral steroids are harmful in long term use.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your mother. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj