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What Causes Shortness Of Breath And Tingling In Her Hands?
Question: After a brisk walk on the beach in cool weather, my wife experienced sudden shortness of breath, accompanied by tingling in her hands and feet. She now feels wiped out. How concerned should we be and what action should we take?
This has happened about 3 times in the past 2 1/2 years. Extensive heart tests at Barnes Hospital in STL were negative. However, her feeling of being totally exhausted is lasting longer this time. Today she had the feeling of getting very hot, immediately before the onset of shortness of breath.
This has happened about 3 times in the past 2 1/2 years. Extensive heart tests at Barnes Hospital in STL were negative. However, her feeling of being totally exhausted is lasting longer this time. Today she had the feeling of getting very hot, immediately before the onset of shortness of breath.
Brief Answer:
psychosomatic?
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
in cases like hers certain serious diagnoses have to be ruled out. These include pulmonary embolism, any kind of functional lung disorder (COPD exacerbation, asthma attack), arrhythmia, etc. Checking the blood pressure and oxygen saturation is essential.
If all the aforementioned actions had been taken without any clue whatsoever then psychosomatic causes may have to be considered. If you'd like to upload her test reports, I'll be glad to comment on them or suggest the need for more (if required that is).
I hope it helps!
Kind Regards!
psychosomatic?
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
in cases like hers certain serious diagnoses have to be ruled out. These include pulmonary embolism, any kind of functional lung disorder (COPD exacerbation, asthma attack), arrhythmia, etc. Checking the blood pressure and oxygen saturation is essential.
If all the aforementioned actions had been taken without any clue whatsoever then psychosomatic causes may have to be considered. If you'd like to upload her test reports, I'll be glad to comment on them or suggest the need for more (if required that is).
I hope it helps!
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Unfortunately we are traveling and do not have access to her tests.
She is regaining strength, appetite and ability to get around, normal breathing and tingling has gone away. But we are still concerned about the cause.
She is regaining strength, appetite and ability to get around, normal breathing and tingling has gone away. But we are still concerned about the cause.
Brief Answer:
can't say much about the cause without the tests...
Detailed Answer:
I asked for the tests to make sure that the most common (and serious) causes have been investigated. If they've been investigated (particularly the ones I've mentioned in my previous answer) then there is no serious ground for concern. Getting better without any treatment is also very much against serious disorders. Psychosomatic disorders may cause similar symptoms and are harmless to the patient. For example a panic attack may present with shortness of breath, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, fear of death, tingling around the mouth and on the extremities, etc. It usually wears off by itself and the patient calms down afterwards.
Kind Regards!
can't say much about the cause without the tests...
Detailed Answer:
I asked for the tests to make sure that the most common (and serious) causes have been investigated. If they've been investigated (particularly the ones I've mentioned in my previous answer) then there is no serious ground for concern. Getting better without any treatment is also very much against serious disorders. Psychosomatic disorders may cause similar symptoms and are harmless to the patient. For example a panic attack may present with shortness of breath, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, fear of death, tingling around the mouth and on the extremities, etc. It usually wears off by itself and the patient calms down afterwards.
Kind Regards!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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