HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Cough With Extreme Fatigue And Lack Of Sleep?

My father is age 80. He takes no medicine and was in good health prior to last week. He ahd a physical at the end of August and was told he was 100% good. The past week has had a cough with phlegm and extreme fatigue and sleeplessness. His pulse is perfect. His respiration is good. At times he feel short of breath. Sometimes he feels fantastic and other times he feels total exhuastion. His bllod oxygen level has fluctuated today between 93 and all the way down to as low as 83. Is this more likely an infection, heart failure or a lung problem?
Mon, 3 Nov 2014
Report Abuse
Geriatrics Specialist 's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows.
1. Cough with phlegm indicates a possibility of lower respiratory infection.
2. If this infection increases, it will cause stress on heart and increasing possibility of cardiac failure.
3. Need to improve his blood oxygen level. He might require hospital admission along with antibiotics. Meet your doctor at the earliest. Sleep disturbance and fatigue is due to reduced oxygenation and cough. Also check for hemoglobin levels and anemia could complicate the already reduced lung function.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
I find this answer helpful

Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Sleeplessness


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Cough With Extreme Fatigue And Lack Of Sleep?

Hi, Thanks for asking. Based on your query, my opinion is as follows. 1. Cough with phlegm indicates a possibility of lower respiratory infection. 2. If this infection increases, it will cause stress on heart and increasing possibility of cardiac failure. 3. Need to improve his blood oxygen level. He might require hospital admission along with antibiotics. Meet your doctor at the earliest. Sleep disturbance and fatigue is due to reduced oxygenation and cough. Also check for hemoglobin levels and anemia could complicate the already reduced lung function. Hope it helps. Any further queries, happy to help again.