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What Causes Shortness Of Breath?

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Posted on Fri, 5 Dec 2014
Question: Had cervical xrays done, hyperextension of cervical straighting, MRI done, C7- small amount of fluid overlying the posterior spinous process with inflammatory change in the interspinous ligaments. C3-C4 has focal central disc bulge without significant foraminal or canal compromise. C5-C6 has uncovertebral spurring with left foraminal stenosis.
Pulse sequences in multiple planes no I'VE contrast.
Question: I have been noticing some shortness of breath ( just a few seconds) but have been choking at night,my children have notice this also, I have also been coughing ( sometimes) trying to clear my throat. Had heart work-up with stress test, heart is good and strong with no problems. I have had choking with food intake,Could this problem be in my cervical spine? Was in a serious head on accident 30 years ago, hospitalized many weeks.
Should I tell my doctor? I always just chalk it up to being 62.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (54 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Problem may be in your brain.

Detailed Answer:
Hi. With such presentations in my clinic, I would first rule out cerebral causes of your breath problem and dysphagia with a cerebral MRI. Shortness of breath may be related to cervical spine if there's a significant spinal (medular) damage above C3 level. Choking or dysphagia may have several causes:
1. Gastoesophageal causes ( reflux, esophagitis,etc.)
2. Oropharingeal disfunction due to pharyngeal lesions or neurologic lesions ( stroke, bulbar palsy, myasthenia gravis, tenth, eleventh and twelfth cranial nerves lesions etc.) I think choking and breath problem may be related to nerve damages supplying swallow and breathing musculature. This can be related also to your past brain injury. So I suggest you to consult your primary care Doctor and discuss the issues mentioned above.
Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
I never had a brain injury, MG is only ocular, would you please send original request to orthopedic , thank you for your time.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (50 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Ok.

Detailed Answer:
Ok.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4492 Questions

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What Causes Shortness Of Breath?

Brief Answer: Problem may be in your brain. Detailed Answer: Hi. With such presentations in my clinic, I would first rule out cerebral causes of your breath problem and dysphagia with a cerebral MRI. Shortness of breath may be related to cervical spine if there's a significant spinal (medular) damage above C3 level. Choking or dysphagia may have several causes: 1. Gastoesophageal causes ( reflux, esophagitis,etc.) 2. Oropharingeal disfunction due to pharyngeal lesions or neurologic lesions ( stroke, bulbar palsy, myasthenia gravis, tenth, eleventh and twelfth cranial nerves lesions etc.) I think choking and breath problem may be related to nerve damages supplying swallow and breathing musculature. This can be related also to your past brain injury. So I suggest you to consult your primary care Doctor and discuss the issues mentioned above. Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.