Respiratory: Shortness of Breath

[cynthi]

I was recently treated for Salmonella in my blood.  I was discharged from the hospital after 8 days and have been home 3 days.  When in the hospital I was given Ventolin and Pulmocort to elevate my 02 Saturation ( it was in the high 80's )as well as was on 02 3l np.  Now that I am home I am not on oxygen and the mornings consist of about 2 hours of shortness of breath and anxiety.  This actually starts when I administer the ventolin through the nebulizer.  I am a 50 year old female, non-smoker, with no respiratory history.  Please advise me how to reduce these morning episodes as they leave me exhausted and my back and chest very sore.  Thanks.

[National Jewish]

It is strange that the Ventolin is the precipitating event for the shortness of breath.  I would suggest speaking with your physician about seeing a pulmonologist to determine what is happening in your lungs that is causing this to occur.  It is very difficult to do so on the basis of the information you have presented and no x-rays or lung function tests.

[heartstart]

VentNebs or ventolin nebuliser is known to cause anxiety afterwards in some people. You might find you may do better having one or two puffs of ventolin from a puffer as soon as you wake. If you find you are still short of breath after this reliever, then you need to ask your doctor for a review of your medication as there are many others available to assist you. There is help available, don't let it go on.