Discuss with your physician

[jemmy]

Hello Everybody,
My father is suffering from breathlessness from last few days. One of my friends having medical background has suggested him to take ventolin. I am in confusion that I will consult a physician or not. Could any one what should I discuss with physician before giving my father ventolin. How safe is this drug for an old person. Please help me.
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jemmy

[kwchang]

It is important to get the patient checked by a doctor. Why are you reluctant to do that simple thing?

There are many reasons for breathlessness. He could be having a lung infection. Does he have any fever? Maybe his lung functions are compromised - is he a heavy smoker? There are even people who are unaware they had TB in the past and the lungs are fibrosed due to the previous infection. When age catches up, the patient finds it difficult to obtain enough oxygen.

Ventolin is for asthmatics. I believe it acts by clearing the passage way for air to the lungs. However, this is symptomatic treatment - it may work on a short term basis but you do not know what was the real cause of the breathlessness. Isn't Ventolin a prescription drug?

Please let him visit a doctor.