Any : Any respiratory complaints must be taken seriously. Bronchitis is a condition that can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is caused usually by a virus or bacteria that infects the lungs and can cause fever, sputum production, and shortness of breath. Viral bronchitis is treated with observation, or inhalers. Bacterial bronchitis, such as a patient coughing up green or yellow sputum, is treated with antibiotics. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by virus or bacteria also and is usually treated with antibiotics. Asthma is a condition where the airways are very reactive and "tighten up", causing shortness of breath and wheezing. This is usually treated with inhalers and sometimes steroids. The most important thing is to get properly diagnosed so that the condition can be treated appropriately.
Answered 10/3/2016
5.3k views
Your : Your friend needs a more thorough examination of the heart and the lungs. The sudden onset and sense of his "heart stopping" is suggestive of an irregular heart beat. He should have an electrocardiogram and possibly a holter monitor or echocardiogram afterwards. In addition, his chest and lungs need more evaluation: examination and chest x-ray, oxygen saturation and more. Finally some blood tests should be done that address infection or underlying conditions that would affect the heart (e.g. Thyroid) and susceptability to infections.
Answered 10/4/2016
5.5k views
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