Hi, fast heart rate is due to Xopenex. Initially, use of this drug is associated with this side effect but over a period of time, tolerance usually develops. In case if you have a pre exisiting heart disease, please avoid this drug.
Consult you treating doctor to lower the dose or frequency, other alternative is sustained release deriphylline tablets.
My son had been diagnosed with pneumonia 4 times in the past four months, as well as bronchiolitis in between. He has been treated with Rocephin, Azithromycin, and Amoxil. He has breathing treatments 4 times a day (pulmicort & xopenex) has had 2 episodes of cyanosis, and been hospitalized for low oxygen satuation, wheezing etc. His pediatrician tells me I shouldn't panic and that he has asthma. He is only 13 mos old!
A careful nasal examination, Allergen-specific testing includes Skin testing, Serum tests for allergy, Allergen challenge and as well as Evaluation for concurrent conditions like Sinusitis and Asthma is necessary and it directs further steps for management.
Also you are on various medications, some of these are known to reduce the blood potassium levels (like thiazides) and can cause weakness known as hypokalemic periodic paralysis.
Apparently you have asthma or some breathing problems already since you are taking Xopenex and Symbicort. Xopenex is similar to regular albuterol which is a fast acting inhaler for asthma (something I use). It will increase your heart rate for awhile after you use it. For me, that means about 10-15 minutes. I also get shaky, jittery hands. But it eases off. The Symbicort is used when asthma is not well controlled yet.
Usually the indoor pollution is much worse than outdoor, try opening up your window for 10 min a day to get fresh air in, using mite covers on pillows and bedding, buy a hepa vaccume cleaner and use it once a week (at least, also dust once a week with a damp cloth). I wear a face mask when I clean so I don't irritate my lungs. Try changing your sheets once a week.
In addition to all of this I would see your doctor again to ask about a long term inhaler.
Without coughing, the lungs would fill up with mucous and that is more dangerous as it blocks the airways and sets up the lungs for secondary infections. For most asthmatics night time is when it tends to flare up more. That is why he is coughing more at night. It will take a few days for the steroid to kick in. Just keep up with his treatments and keep an eye on his symptoms. Especially for sever shortness of breath.
you have more options in Australia than in the US. All short acting brochodilators have potential side effects like insomnia.
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