Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] Two months ago I had very low energy (not usual for me). I also had a continual dry cough. Doctor said my air flow was not good, gave me a Cortisone shot and said I may have asthma so put me on inhaler. Then both my legs became weak to the point that if I bent down I could barely get up. Next morning, my arms were weak down to my fingers. Still dry cough. Had a chest xray. Was told I had emphysema. (I smoked when I was twenty for about 4 years. I am 67 now). I was given another inhaler with cortisone. No explanation for my muscle weakness which did get better at times to where it was almost gone. The dry cough remained so I did a Pulmonary function test. 80% is the norm for my age etc. I scored 98 on intake, 91 on initial blow out but 65% on the in between blowing out. After inhaler, I scored the same on intake and blow out but improve to 75% in middle range. So, I have been using inhalers and some days I am a little better some days especially at work (office job) I get worse. Went to Allergist, no allergies. He suggested that the increase in my raspy voice and coughing could be from one of the inhalers and gave me a different one to use. He also suggested that I see an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist. That was yesterday. I used the new inhaler and it seems not to irritate my throat as much. However, I can hardly move my legs are so weak. Arms are stiff, neck is stiff and now my jaw is stiff. My doctor has not returned my call. I am getting worried. I am a very healthy person, energetic, not overweight, no high bp, no high cholesteral. I eat healthy and stay active and am rarely sick. Do you have any idea what is going on with me? I appreciate any help.
[|AI|]  If you had emphysema earlier and also taking treatment for that, you can continue the treatment, and also you were a chain smoker in the past. The most possible reason of your Chat Doctor. You have already undergone pulmonary function tests, but you should also do complete blood count with X-ray chest. You will require high antibiotics (quinolones or cephalosporins or amaryllis with clavulanic acid) for at least 7 to 10 days with antiallergic like steroids, antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers etc. with saline nebulizers and steam inhalation. You must consult pulmonologist for detailed history and thoroughly check up of respiratory system and the treatment.