Treatment for breathing difficulty depends on the underlying cause. Those with severe breathing difficulty that results in respiratory insufficiency or respiratory failure may require oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation to support breathing. Mild to moderate breathing difficulty may respond to treatment of the underlying cause, but oxygen therapy may be necessary to maintain oxygen levels in the bloodstream. Bronchodilator medications help relieve wheezing caused by asthma, COPD, and emphysema. Antibiotics may be administered to kill bacteria that cause pneumonia, while diuretic medications help to reduce fluid build-up in the lungs caused by congestive heart failure. A person with breathing difficulty due to a serious chest injury may require surgery.

Treatment for breathing difficulty may include:

• Inhaled medications:
• Bronchodilator medications for wheezing
• Nebulizer therapy for wheezing
• Oral medications for wheezing:
• Montelukast (Singular)
• Zafirlukast (Accolate)
• Zileuton (Zyflo)
• Cromolyn (Intal)
• Diuretics for congestive heart failure:
• Furosemide (Lasix)
• Metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn)
• Bumetanide (Bumex)
• Torsemide (Demadex)
• Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL)
• Antibiotics for pneumonia
• Oxygen therapy
• Mechanical ventilation:
• Use of a ventilator to support breathing

• Pneumonia treatment
• Asthma treatment
• COPD treatment
• Emphysema treatment
• Congestive heart failure treatment

Physicians from the following specialties evaluate and treat breathing difficulty:

• Family Practice
• Internal Medicine
• Pediatrics
• Pulmonary Medicine

Last Updated: Jun 3, 2011 References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
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