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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Shortness Of Breath And Wheezing When On Doxycycline For COPD?

Have got COPD, have been taking Doxycycline, prescribed by my doctor, for a couple of years now. Have recently been unable to do anything without suffering from shortness of breath, and wheezing. Have read that prescribed drug can produce these symptoms. Would it be wise to stop taking them. Doctor says I m on them to prevent pneumonia .
Thu, 3 Apr 2025
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Anesthesiologist,  's  Response
Hello,

Doxycycline is given to prevent acute exacerbations of COPD. But Doxycycline is not reported to cause any shortness of breath and wheezing unless it is an anaphylactic reaction. A few causes of shortness of breath and wheezing in your case are acute exacerbation of COPD, acute respiratory infection superimposed on COPD, and heart disease.

It is possible to catch any respiratory infection despite being on doxycycline. Hence, please first consult your treating or any other physician for thorough clinical examination and initiation of appropriate treatment.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
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What Causes Shortness Of Breath And Wheezing When On Doxycycline For COPD?

Hello, Doxycycline is given to prevent acute exacerbations of COPD. But Doxycycline is not reported to cause any shortness of breath and wheezing unless it is an anaphylactic reaction. A few causes of shortness of breath and wheezing in your case are acute exacerbation of COPD, acute respiratory infection superimposed on COPD, and heart disease. It is possible to catch any respiratory infection despite being on doxycycline. Hence, please first consult your treating or any other physician for thorough clinical examination and initiation of appropriate treatment. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist