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Breathing treatment and steroids not effective

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July 28th, 2010
I don't have a regular doctor or insurance. I have been to the ER 3 times in 2 days. I have had 3 breathing treatments and have been on steroids.. What should I do when that doesn't work too well? Should I go back and have them put me on oxygen or and IV of some sort? I have trouble sleeping because of my breathing and walking doesn't really help. Even with the inhaler. I need help and wish this would all be over with.


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replied August 3rd, 2010
Asthma Answer A14912
Hi! Many thanks for your question on eHealth forum!

Shortness of breath or inability to take a breath is medically called dyspnea. The problem can be either in heart or lung or due to anemia. Over exercising can also be a cause for breathlessness. At times empty stomach or drinking lots of water before exercising can also cause breathlessness. If you have a chest discomfort then, angina, heart attack and pulmonary embolism should be ruled out. If there is wheezing, asthma is likely. If there is cough, chronic obstructive disease or asbestos, silica etc pollution as the cause is likely.

Other causes are mitral valve problems, pulmonary hypertension, anemia, hyperventilation syndrome or psychological factors. A detailed and comprehensive investigation will be required including EKG, Chest X-ray, blood test for anemia, maybe CT scan of chest, BP recording etc. Please consult a doctor in a walk in clinic or go to the ER and discuss this with a doctor there.
Hope this helps. Take care!




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