HomeAnswersEndocrinologybreathing problemsI am worried as I have a suspected pheochromocytoma on the left adrenal gland and occasional shallow breathing after taking Pholcodine. Please help.

What could cause occasional shallow breathing in a person suffering from pheochromocytoma?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At October 28, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 28, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have recently lost weight, my weight is around 180 pounds and I am 160 centimeters. I have a suspected pheochromocytoma on the left adrenal gland, I had occasional shallow breathing after taking Pholcodine (Broncalene), it worsened in heat. I went to the emergency room and despite telling the doctor my problem and having a 100 percent oxygen level, he suggested me a Ventolin (Albuterol) nebulizer, since then, it has been four days my breathing is tight and I am short of breaths as though I have to make myself breathe, if I sleep I would wake up sweating and feel sick a lot of the day. I went back to the hospital and they said it is stress, it is not as it is constantly there and this is the fifth day. My blood pressure can range from 120/70 mm/Hg to 190/113 mm/Hg, heartbeat often over 100 beats per minute. I Am on Candesartan (Atacand) 12 milligrams. Can anything be done to get my lungs so they start working again? It is as if they are left with half a strength and I appear to hold my breath.

I have a past medical history that includes vertigo due to heatstroke six months ago. I had pain in the left side of the stomach just above the ribcage and also suffered from diarrhea. I am on a light diet since then. I could not put on weight after that, I had a head CT (computed tomography) and I am awaiting the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) results. My breathing is fine now and I had pholcodine for the cough. I had shallow breaths and they worsened with time but nobody believe me as the oxygen level was at 100 percent. My fbc (full blood count) is normal too.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I just read your query and understand your concern.

From what you describe it appears that you have anxiety and that causes the breathing difficulty and you do not have any other problem. Maybe that time you did have chest discomfort and so they prescribed Ventolin (Atacand) prophylactically. Try taking an antacid-like tablet Ranitidine (Zantac) 150 mg twice a day and see if your breathing improves. You must try to relax as due to pheochromocytoma you are more prone to anxiety attacks. Try yoga and meditation therapy. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with them, and take the medicines with their consent.

Hope you find my advice helpful. I wish you good luck.

Regards.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf
Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Endocrinology

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