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What Causes Shortness Of Breath, Chest Congestion And Soreness In The Extremities?

Posted on Tue, 24 Jan 2017

Question: I am a 67 year old male, who had a lobectomy at the age of 10. As a teen I smoked until the age of 34 and then quit using acupuncture and never smoked another cigarette again. But I did smoke a lot of pot on occasion throughout the following years. About 2-3 years ago I noticed a shortening of breath and chest congestion. I am a heavy equipment operator and am sitting a lot of the time so I don't get the exercise that I used to when I was younger. Recently I have noticeable soreness in my arms, legs, hands, shoulders, etc. after little or no physical exercise. It lasts for varying lengths of time and seems to go away with movement. My question is this: Could this be related to the lung condition? Lack of oxygen being taken in and low oxygen levels in my blood? I feel tired a lot whenever I am sitting around the house and more so after doing mundane chores.

Answered by Dr. Shashi Dangwal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes it could be because of less oxygen along with other causes

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,

Thanks for posting your query on HCM.

Yes you are right, less oxygen in the body could be one of the causes others being diet poor in minerals and micronutrients, sedentary work etc.
As it is you have one lobe of the lung removed. In view of your breathlessness it seems that you could be developing COPD which could further compromise the oxygen intake.

I suggest you go in for a complete health check which should measure the levels of various minerals and vitamins(especially vitamin D) in the body beside the routine parameters. Get a thyroid profile tested. To rule out COPD get chest x-ray, spirometry and oxygen saturation done. A heart check will also help. Its better to consult your PCP or a pulmonologist who can advise you on all these matters and guide your treatment accordingly. You have to also ensure that you get some physical exercise.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Shashi Dangwal (2 hours later)

The last DOT physical that I had showed a blood oxygen level of about 95%. Would that level cause muscle soreness due to the lack of oxygen being delivered to it? If that is true, then would I have a faster heart rate and higher blood pressure when doing a physical exam test like stepping up and down off of a stool during a fit-for-work exam? My family Dr. says I have hypertension and I am taking Atenolol, 25 MG for it. At the same time I am taking Levothyroxine, 175 mcg for my thyroid, and am unable to drop about 25 pounds that has creeped on over the last 2-3 years.

Answered by Dr. Shashi Dangwal (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You need a complete work up to arrive at a diagnosis.

Detailed Answer:

95% oxygen saturation is normal. However you could still be having shortness of breath and work of breathing could cause exhaustion and weakness with generalized aches and pains. You should still get yourself checked for COPD. A heart check up for hypertension and high pulse rate is warranted. Get your thyroid profile rechecked.

You have to make a concerted effort to loose the extra pounds. Over and above these measures, it will be good if you have a relook at your life style and make necessary changes where required.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar