Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Tightness In Throat And Fatigue
Question: For the past 3 weeks, I have been experiencing a tightness in my throat like my wind pipe is closing up causing me to cough to catch my breath. I can feel my pulse pounding through my throat. I often experience light headiness and fatigue. Additionally, I have gained an excessive amount of weight over the past 4 months (25 pounds) although my diet hasn't changed. I take Zyrtec daily for seasonal allergies. That is the only daily medicines I take. I'm a 49 year old woman who has been generally healthy. I work long hours and do not exercise often. Any suggestions would be helpful! Thank you
Brief Answer:
This could be anxiety attacks!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about these symptoms that you have reported. They are suggestive of anxiety attacks. They often manifest with symptoms of difficult breathing, fast heart rate and pounding heart beats, light hotheadedness, feeling to faint, etc. They generally last a few minutes get resolved only to return sometime later. This may be provoked by a particular thought/environment/stress, etc if it always happens in such situations. Ask your doctor if he thinks this could be the case with you.
Weight gain is not determined solely by how much food you eat. If the diet doesn't change but you stop exercise or you become sedentary, believe me you would put on more weight. You have to balance these together so as not to continue putting on more weight. Exercise must not be structured. You can do the following,: park furthest away from the office, take the stairway and not the lift, walk around office and not always on the same position, etc. All these would help you burn extra calories and contribute towards maintaining your weight. The next possibility is to cut down your consumption as you no longer have time for exercise.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
This could be anxiety attacks!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about these symptoms that you have reported. They are suggestive of anxiety attacks. They often manifest with symptoms of difficult breathing, fast heart rate and pounding heart beats, light hotheadedness, feeling to faint, etc. They generally last a few minutes get resolved only to return sometime later. This may be provoked by a particular thought/environment/stress, etc if it always happens in such situations. Ask your doctor if he thinks this could be the case with you.
Weight gain is not determined solely by how much food you eat. If the diet doesn't change but you stop exercise or you become sedentary, believe me you would put on more weight. You have to balance these together so as not to continue putting on more weight. Exercise must not be structured. You can do the following,: park furthest away from the office, take the stairway and not the lift, walk around office and not always on the same position, etc. All these would help you burn extra calories and contribute towards maintaining your weight. The next possibility is to cut down your consumption as you no longer have time for exercise.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
