[40M] Experiencing labored breathing and low fever post-surgery

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, you may be experiencing:

• Postoperative Complications: Aspiration during surgery can lead to pneumonia, a lung infection that can cause fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

  • Treatment typically involves antibiotics and supportive care, such as oxygen therapy and physiotherapy.

• Asthma Exacerbation: Your history of asthma and the description of your symptoms (labored breathing, wheezing, chest tightness) suggest you could be having an asthma flare-up.

  • Treatment involves using rescue inhalers to quickly open swollen airways that are limiting breathing. In some cases, asthma is severe enough to go to the hospital or doctor's office for immediate treatment, or to use a device called a nebulizer, which allows you to inhale medication.

• Anxiety: Anxiety can cause shortness of breath or feeling like you can't get enough air. However, this would not typically cause a fever.

What you can do

You should seek immediate medical attention. Difficulty breathing is a serious symptom that should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, especially given your recent surgery and history of asthma.

In the meantime:

1. Try to stay calm. Anxiety can make breathing difficulties worse.
2. Use your asthma inhaler if you have one.
3. Rest and stay hydrated.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your breathing becomes more difficult or painful.
• You develop a high fever (over 101°F).
• You start to feel confused or very tired.
• You have chest pain.
• You are unable to speak in full sentences due to shortness of breath.

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.