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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can COPD And Shortness Of Breath Be Treated?

My 78 year old mother has COPD. She’s been in bed 3 Days feeling crappy not much food or fluids. It’s hard for me bc I live in a different state. Per her dr my sister took her to ER. BP was 198/106 Tested negative for flu and chest X-ray is clear. On 2nd bag of IV and pain meds. She is overweight and gets out of breath easily. I’m debating whether to make road trip - is she critical?
Thu, 29 Mar 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) is a common condition affecting the elderly which cause shortness of breath and hypoxia ( low blood oxygen ). The most common risk factors include smoking ( either active or passive) and age. Treatment requires long term nebulized steroids ( Pulmicort ) and Atrovent along with a complete course of anti-biotics after each exacerbation. Long term oxygen therapy is required if there is hypoxia on room air.



Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Mahmoud Abouibrahim
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How Can COPD And Shortness Of Breath Be Treated?

Hello, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) is a common condition affecting the elderly which cause shortness of breath and hypoxia ( low blood oxygen ). The most common risk factors include smoking ( either active or passive) and age. Treatment requires long term nebulized steroids ( Pulmicort ) and Atrovent along with a complete course of anti-biotics after each exacerbation. Long term oxygen therapy is required if there is hypoxia on room air. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Mahmoud Abouibrahim