Duoneb and breathing problem

[alley58]

  I have been taking Duoneb since Dec every 6 hours. At first it
seemed to help a lot,but the last couple of weeks it seems I am
short of breath just from walking. Prior to starting Duoneb I took
abuterol in tablet form 4ml twice a day. Would get sob if was running a vaccumn and walking for distance on incline.

This has me scared as I feel like I have gotten worse.  I am not
a sit still person as I also watch a 14 month old Grandson weighs
about 23lbs. and I do pick him up and carry him...then I do get SOB

Do you think the Duoneb has caused me to get worse?  I use to smoke
but haven't smoked for 16 months.

Wondering and concerned, Don't really know what my numbers are. I
know I had 94% o2 when that was tested.

Thanks
Alley  

[myproblem]

Try to push for PFT's. Post your results after if you still have questions.

[alley58]

No, but see Dr on Wed maybe some tests will be ordered.

Alley

[myproblem]

what is your diagnosis? Have you had pulmonary function tests recently?

[National Jewish]

The first step is for you to determine, with your doctor, the cause of your shortness of breath.  There are many reasons for shortness of breath and only asthma or COPD or some variant of these diseases would show improvement with the use of DuoNeb or albuterol.  Other causes of shortness of breath are lung disease, heart disease, clots to the lung, and a sedentary lifestyle with obesity and without exercise.

Even if inappropriate for your condition, it is unlikely that the DuoNeb would cause you to get worse.  You need a good exam of your heart and lungs.  You will probably need a chest x-ray and other tests.  You should not delay.