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What Causes Shortness Of Breath?
Question: Hi so recently I have been feeling really short of breath. I am usually very active, and now I am having trouble even getting out of bed. Ive had trouble catching my breath, like I feel like I am not getting enough air in my lungs. Ive been coughing a lot, and sometimes wheezing. My dad put me on his oxygen machine for a while and that helped me. But today I went to the gas station and I had to take a break walking in and when I went to the register because I am so out of breath and sweaty
Brief Answer:
Exclude Athma, heart disease,C X ray, cardiac echo
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
it might be of interest to check for specific diseases in your family tree. I would love to know if there is any one who is asthmatic or not.
Shortness of breath generally is either causes by a problem with the lungs (respiration), the heart or other systems in the body (low blood levels etc).
At the level of the lungs, common causes like asthma must carefully be checked for. If symptoms described aggravate at night or early hours of the morning, are accompanied by wheezes or not. A chest X ray, physical examination, blood test for oxygen saturation and lung volume measurements shall be needed to confirm this diagnosis, a common and of course very treatable disease.
It is also imperative to be sure that you do not have any heart problem. A Chest X ray will give an idea with regards to the heart size, and a cardiac ultrasound could be very informative in giving information regarding function and valves. Clinical signs and symptoms like cyanosis (bluish coloration or lips and hands could suggest more a heart condition). The fact that you are tired, even at rest requires a careful review.
These two aspects, a proper heart and lung function review by your internist are of utmost importance, before any other investigations could be done. A complete physical examination coupled with these steps are key steps in making an appropriate diagnosis and deciding on the consequent treatment.
Kind regards.
Dr Bain
Exclude Athma, heart disease,C X ray, cardiac echo
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
it might be of interest to check for specific diseases in your family tree. I would love to know if there is any one who is asthmatic or not.
Shortness of breath generally is either causes by a problem with the lungs (respiration), the heart or other systems in the body (low blood levels etc).
At the level of the lungs, common causes like asthma must carefully be checked for. If symptoms described aggravate at night or early hours of the morning, are accompanied by wheezes or not. A chest X ray, physical examination, blood test for oxygen saturation and lung volume measurements shall be needed to confirm this diagnosis, a common and of course very treatable disease.
It is also imperative to be sure that you do not have any heart problem. A Chest X ray will give an idea with regards to the heart size, and a cardiac ultrasound could be very informative in giving information regarding function and valves. Clinical signs and symptoms like cyanosis (bluish coloration or lips and hands could suggest more a heart condition). The fact that you are tired, even at rest requires a careful review.
These two aspects, a proper heart and lung function review by your internist are of utmost importance, before any other investigations could be done. A complete physical examination coupled with these steps are key steps in making an appropriate diagnosis and deciding on the consequent treatment.
Kind regards.
Dr Bain
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
I do have asthma. But i know its nkt that. With asthma i can walk to my bath room or up the stairs without feeling like i ran 2 miles. I cant even walk around my apartment without getting tired, breatthing heavily and sweatkng
Brief Answer:
Other lung disease, cardiac ultrasound, Chest X ra
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
It is therefore imperative to exclude some other lung conditions like pneumonia or fluid in the lungs (pleurisy). A chest X ray would be sufficient.
The heart is also a common cause of respiratory distress, especially at rest when touched. A chest X ray and cardiac ultrasound still remain, in my opinion, compelling.
The update is very informative. It is however of great importance to ascertain asthma control again from another perspective. Doing respiratory examinations , especially your recent peak flow with your pulmonologist could give more insight.
Thanks and kind regards
Dr Bain
Other lung disease, cardiac ultrasound, Chest X ra
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
It is therefore imperative to exclude some other lung conditions like pneumonia or fluid in the lungs (pleurisy). A chest X ray would be sufficient.
The heart is also a common cause of respiratory distress, especially at rest when touched. A chest X ray and cardiac ultrasound still remain, in my opinion, compelling.
The update is very informative. It is however of great importance to ascertain asthma control again from another perspective. Doing respiratory examinations , especially your recent peak flow with your pulmonologist could give more insight.
Thanks and kind regards
Dr Bain
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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