my 70 yr old father keeps having trouble with his temp going up and down he was recently put on oxygen at night with a humidifier but he got sick from that he smoked 2 packs a day for most his life and quit a year ago but is now coughing like he use to when he smoked any ideas?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Since he is a active smoker, possibility of either bronchitis or lung infection is very high because fever, cough, oxygen need etc. are seen in both. So better to consult pulmonologist and get done 1. Clinical examination of respiratory system 2. Chest x-ray 3. PUT (Pulmonary Function Test). Chest x-ray is needed to rule lung infection. PFT is must for the diagnosis of bronchitis. He may need antibiotics, inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). Smoking cessation should be done first. So better to consult pulmonologist and discuss all these. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.