Suggest treatment for pneumonia
Patient: Yesterday went to the er and was diagnosed with mild pneumonia. One questions I failed to ask-I have been having heart palpations since my back and shortness of breath start 1 weeks ago. Cou;d heart palpatations be from the pneumonia? I am 61 yo and in good health. Doctor: Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. Pneumonia is acute infection of lungs. As a rule acute infection anywhere in the body cause sympathetic stimulation. And this cause rapid heart rate (tachycardia), palpitation. Another reason is infection induced hypotension. And hypotension can cause tachycardia and palpitations. You are also having breathlessness so this can also contribute to palpitation. Improvement in palpitation is a marker of improvement in pneumonia. So take your drugs timely and wait for improvement. Usual time of recovery is 1-2 weeks. Drink plenty of fluids orally and keep yourself hydrated. This will also help in palpitation. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.