How can breathing difficulties be managed?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was hospitalized for two days due to a dry cough, some breathing difficulty, and pneumonia. The X-ray of my lungs was clear, though I still experienced mild breathing trouble. Despite this, they treated me for community-acquired pneumonia and malaria. At times, I still face slight difficulty in breathing, though not all the time. One of my friends, a radiologist, suggested an LFT test and a CT scan of my chest. The LFT did not show much variation, but the CT scan revealed calcification in the aortic valve.

This month, my ESR was elevated, and my platelet count was low. However, after two months, both returned to normal, with the exception of occasional breathing issues. I have not experienced any other problems so far. I am aware that my weight is high, and I am working on reducing it by joining a gym and following a keto diet. Given the lockdown due to COVID-19, I am unable to travel, and there are limited options for good cardiologists here.

Could you kindly advise me on what steps I should take?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You experienced breathing difficulty, altered consciousness, and an allergic condition, which led to your hospitalization. Currently, you have slight difficulty in breathing. I have reviewed all your reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity). There is no need to worry. You have a calcified aortic valve, which does not require any treatment at the moment. Since you cannot travel due to the lockdown, I suggest the following medications to help manage your occasional breathing difficulty and address the allergic condition you have.

Take two puffs of the Duolin (Levosalbutamol and Ipratropium) inhaler two to three times daily when you experience breathing difficulty. Also, take one tablet of Montair LC (Montelukast and Levocetirizine) daily at around 9 PM for two weeks. We will review your progress based on your response to the medication. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her, and take the medicines with their consent.

In the meantime, please do breathing exercises. Take a deep breath, hold it for five seconds, and then expel the air forcefully for five minutes daily.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It is fine. I understand that you are now committed to this. I suggest walking for 30 to 40 minutes daily, as it will help you further reduce your weight. Try intermittent fasting (fasting for 16 hours) once a week and observe the results after one month.

Thanks and regards.