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What Causes Difficulty In Breathing?

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Posted on Fri, 9 May 2014
Question: I am having trouble breathing. Specifically, I feel that I am not able to take a deep, full breath. Have been to the ER twice over the weekend, where they gave me albuterol with a nebulizer and diagnosed asthma the first time, and anxiety the second time, when they prescribed o.5 mg of lorazepam. Symptoms seemed to lessen for a while but returned as soon as I tried to lie down -- I felt like I was suffocating. I am trying to make an appt with a pulmonologist for follow up, but am still having symptoms and am not sure what to do if I cannot see the MD until next week. Any thoughts on what this could be? No wheezing -- can it be something other than asthma? I have no history of heart issues.
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer: as discussed. Detailed Answer: Hi. It is really interesting to read the Medical History you have written, as also the Current Medications and your age too. (22 , male). You have covered the three main issues yourself- asthma- not responding to Albuterol and Lorazepam. Increases on lying down but no cardiac history. Unable to take deep, full breath and suffocation on lying down with a history of D1 athlete throughout college. The first ting I would advise in such a patient is to have one primary X-ray and if there is any positive finding , would advise CT scan to confirm or rule out any lung / chest pathology; ECG and clinical examination to rule out any cardiac problem ( which may not be a problem as er your history). I would start oral medications for broncho-dilatation, Steroids if indicated ( diagnostic sometimes). Get PFT- pulmonary function tests. Please visit the ER once again or another Doctor/ GP to have re-assessment on clinical basis and investigations if deemed to be till you can get an appointment with the Pulmonologist. During such an attack it is imperative that you be lying in head-up position ( propped -up), carefully observe for any other symptoms like coughing phlegm, fever, palpitations , chest pin and so on. regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (35 minutes later)
Thanks Dr. C; this makes a lot of sense. I like your reco of pursuing a clinical diagnosis and not just relying on an EM docs assessment of "anxiety" most likely due to finals. ( Then why didn't I have this going on my first 3 years in school?) It sounds like another ER visit will be the quickest way to a diagnosis -- I don't sleep real well propped up and I'm just exhausted. I appreciate your observations. My best to you and thanks again.
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Most welcome. Detailed Answer: Most welcome, thanks for your appreciation. Anxiety alone causing so much problems is seen only in female patients. Never seen in a male patient.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 19779 Questions

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What Causes Difficulty In Breathing?

Brief Answer: as discussed. Detailed Answer: Hi. It is really interesting to read the Medical History you have written, as also the Current Medications and your age too. (22 , male). You have covered the three main issues yourself- asthma- not responding to Albuterol and Lorazepam. Increases on lying down but no cardiac history. Unable to take deep, full breath and suffocation on lying down with a history of D1 athlete throughout college. The first ting I would advise in such a patient is to have one primary X-ray and if there is any positive finding , would advise CT scan to confirm or rule out any lung / chest pathology; ECG and clinical examination to rule out any cardiac problem ( which may not be a problem as er your history). I would start oral medications for broncho-dilatation, Steroids if indicated ( diagnostic sometimes). Get PFT- pulmonary function tests. Please visit the ER once again or another Doctor/ GP to have re-assessment on clinical basis and investigations if deemed to be till you can get an appointment with the Pulmonologist. During such an attack it is imperative that you be lying in head-up position ( propped -up), carefully observe for any other symptoms like coughing phlegm, fever, palpitations , chest pin and so on. regards,