Shortness of Breath with Exertion - Lung & Respiratory Disorders / COPD Message Board

penk · 04-28-2006, 04:46 PM

Hi everyone, I had bronchitis that lasted a month back in December. I was exposed to cigarette smoke while at a family gathering. Now I'm on Azmacort and only hit Albuterol when Azmacort doesn't do its job....about once a week. Interist concluded that I do have asthma after listening with a stethescope. I have not had any other tests. I get winded with exertion, huff and puff. I do wheeze if I miss a dose of azmacort. Sometimes while laying flat (starting to notice this more frequently) upper chest starts rumbling noise with congestion. I do have a weakened left ventrical with a 30% ejection fraction. Don't know if this is coming from heart...cardio doctor doesn't think it's my heart; he thinks I may have another disease developing here....lung disease. I have not smoked in 23 years. Does any of this ring a bell with anyone? I just hate the thought of dealing with another disease.
I have a pacemaker and defibrillator. Penk

Let It Bleed · 04-29-2006, 06:44 PM

Considering you have heart failure (EJ <30%), and developed bronchitis on top of this, it's not surprising that you're experencing continued shortness of breath. I had bronchitis this past winter, and could never of imagined how rough it could be, much less with heart disease such as yours. My shortness of breath lingered as well, as did the crackling in the lungs and wheezing. You'll find this takes quite some time to pass, but I bet it will. Are you on a diuretic as well? If not, mention it to your doctor. My advice? Continue taking the medication as prescriped, live life, and I suspect the shortness of breath will sort its self out in the coming weeks. If not, remember the doctor is a phone call away.

penk · 04-29-2006, 08:13 PM

Thank you for responding. You have relieved my mind. It really helps to compare experieces and symptoms. I'm not on a diuretic, but cardio mentioned it on Wednesday when I was in his office. He didn't want to move forward on anything until after my echo test this Tuesday. Penk