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What Causes Loss Of Appetite And Coughing In A Patient With COPD?

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Posted on Thu, 12 Mar 2015
Question: I am writing on behalf of my friend who suffers from COPD. He has only 20% of his lung capacity left. He also has high blood pressure. He has rapidly been loosing weight as he has no appetite and constantly coughs and is short of breath. He is 101 pounds at 5"9' height. 20 years ago he had a heart bypass surgery. The disease is progressing rapidly and so any guidance you could provide is critical

Sincerely,
XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
get done 2d echo.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your friend's situation and condition.

In my opinion you should get done 2d echo to rule out cardiac damage. Because COPD , on long run can cause right sided heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale. He is also having high blood pressure. This can also damages heart.

So we need to rule out cardiac problem in him.

So get done 2d echo to rule out Cardiac problem.

He may need diuretics and cardiac inotropic drugs.

So consult doctor and discuss all these.

For better control of COPD do following things.

1. Enroll him in pulmonary rehabilitation center where chest physiotherapy and deep breathing exercises are done. These will improve his lung functions.
2. Vaccinate him with influenza and pneumococcal vaccines to prevent future lung infections.
3. Low oxygen at home will also help him.
4. Regular inhaled corticosteroid and bronchodilators as needed.

So consult pulmonologist and discuss all these with him. Also get done 2d echo.

Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wishing good health to your friend.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
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Dr. Drkaushal85

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Practicing since :2008

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What Causes Loss Of Appetite And Coughing In A Patient With COPD?

Brief Answer: get done 2d echo. Detailed Answer: Hello dear, thanks for your question on HCM. I can understand your friend's situation and condition. In my opinion you should get done 2d echo to rule out cardiac damage. Because COPD , on long run can cause right sided heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale. He is also having high blood pressure. This can also damages heart. So we need to rule out cardiac problem in him. So get done 2d echo to rule out Cardiac problem. He may need diuretics and cardiac inotropic drugs. So consult doctor and discuss all these. For better control of COPD do following things. 1. Enroll him in pulmonary rehabilitation center where chest physiotherapy and deep breathing exercises are done. These will improve his lung functions. 2. Vaccinate him with influenza and pneumococcal vaccines to prevent future lung infections. 3. Low oxygen at home will also help him. 4. Regular inhaled corticosteroid and bronchodilators as needed. So consult pulmonologist and discuss all these with him. Also get done 2d echo. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your friend. Thanks.