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Does Atelectasis Lead To Constant Shortness Of Breath?
Question: Hello Dr. Chaudhary,
I have been struggling with shortness of breath for a month now.
Background:
6 weeks ago i had breast augmentation, under the muscle, 2 hour procedure. 2 weeks after the surgery, i developed extreme shortness of breath where i couldn't complete a sentence without gasping for air. And actually inhaling deep breaths was near impossible.
I went to the ER and all test came negative, even 02 level was 100% except for CT. Please see attached.
I went home with spirometry exercise recommendation only.
But since I checked out of the ER then, I started using the spirometer and light walking for the next two weeks and the shortness of breath really really improved but it never really went away. I say I am stuck at 60 %. I am still using the spirometer and it's been a month since I left the ER.
So technically I don't get out of breath anymore, but I have difficulty inhaling deep breaths as easily or as I normally should. So for every 3-4 normal breathing, I have to struggle for deep satisfying breath. I do get it, but it's a struggle and sometimes I noticed leaning forward or bending over forward helps me breathe better.
Once I fall asleep, I have no problem breathing or finding the need to wake up for a breath.
I started exercising brisk walk on the treadmill for 20 minutes 3 days ago and I breathe really well and all the deep breathing is great too. But the minute I stop, 15 minutes later the difficulty getting the deep breaths comes back and stays
Questions:
1. Are such small atelectasis symptomatic to cause such severe shortness of breath? Where they accidental findings?
2. Why did i feel better after spirometer exercise if they are asymptomatic?
3. If they are not the cause, what can it be as i am not 100% better now.
4. Now i am not out of breath, i just struggle getting deep satisfying breath, so do you think the implants might be compressing or putting pressure on my rib cage/diaphragm?
5.What other tests should i take?
Thanks
I have been struggling with shortness of breath for a month now.
Background:
6 weeks ago i had breast augmentation, under the muscle, 2 hour procedure. 2 weeks after the surgery, i developed extreme shortness of breath where i couldn't complete a sentence without gasping for air. And actually inhaling deep breaths was near impossible.
I went to the ER and all test came negative, even 02 level was 100% except for CT. Please see attached.
I went home with spirometry exercise recommendation only.
But since I checked out of the ER then, I started using the spirometer and light walking for the next two weeks and the shortness of breath really really improved but it never really went away. I say I am stuck at 60 %. I am still using the spirometer and it's been a month since I left the ER.
So technically I don't get out of breath anymore, but I have difficulty inhaling deep breaths as easily or as I normally should. So for every 3-4 normal breathing, I have to struggle for deep satisfying breath. I do get it, but it's a struggle and sometimes I noticed leaning forward or bending over forward helps me breathe better.
Once I fall asleep, I have no problem breathing or finding the need to wake up for a breath.
I started exercising brisk walk on the treadmill for 20 minutes 3 days ago and I breathe really well and all the deep breathing is great too. But the minute I stop, 15 minutes later the difficulty getting the deep breaths comes back and stays
Questions:
1. Are such small atelectasis symptomatic to cause such severe shortness of breath? Where they accidental findings?
2. Why did i feel better after spirometer exercise if they are asymptomatic?
3. If they are not the cause, what can it be as i am not 100% better now.
4. Now i am not out of breath, i just struggle getting deep satisfying breath, so do you think the implants might be compressing or putting pressure on my rib cage/diaphragm?
5.What other tests should i take?
Thanks
Brief Answer:
It will resolve with advised measures
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing in your problem at full details.
The ER clinicians took good decision by getting CT chest because chest Xray can not detect that small atelectatic patches.
The atelectasis is sufficient cause for breathlessness and subjective sense of suffocation.
Spirometory, open air brisk walking for 4-5 km daily and voluntary coughing are best options for combating postoperative atelectasis.
The breast implant are not able to cause enough pressure to result in shortness of breath.
Keep yourself well hydrated by salt added household liquids like lasso and soups etc.
I hope the advise will be helpful for you.
It will resolve with advised measures
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing in your problem at full details.
The ER clinicians took good decision by getting CT chest because chest Xray can not detect that small atelectatic patches.
The atelectasis is sufficient cause for breathlessness and subjective sense of suffocation.
Spirometory, open air brisk walking for 4-5 km daily and voluntary coughing are best options for combating postoperative atelectasis.
The breast implant are not able to cause enough pressure to result in shortness of breath.
Keep yourself well hydrated by salt added household liquids like lasso and soups etc.
I hope the advise will be helpful for you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Thank you for your response.
Well it's been a month since the diagnosis, how long does it typically take to heal completely?
When I bend over to the front, when I sleep on my sides, when I hold by breasts up, I can take the deep breaths I need and that's why I am feeling the implants are restricting rib age from expanding easily and completely? What do you think?
Do you think I have restrictive lung disease?
Thanks
Well it's been a month since the diagnosis, how long does it typically take to heal completely?
When I bend over to the front, when I sleep on my sides, when I hold by breasts up, I can take the deep breaths I need and that's why I am feeling the implants are restricting rib age from expanding easily and completely? What do you think?
Do you think I have restrictive lung disease?
Thanks
Brief Answer:
it takes weeks to resolve
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Welcome back.
Atelectasis resolves very soon once patient starts the interventions of hydration, spirometry,walking and voluntary coughing.
With the said efforts it can resolve as soon as a week and may persist for months in less motivated.
Restrictive lung pathologies are different class of disease, your case does not fit there.
Lifting breasts gives you psychological relief of the newly added sudden weight and tightness that is resulting in the gain.
I hope the advise will be helpful for you.
it takes weeks to resolve
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Welcome back.
Atelectasis resolves very soon once patient starts the interventions of hydration, spirometry,walking and voluntary coughing.
With the said efforts it can resolve as soon as a week and may persist for months in less motivated.
Restrictive lung pathologies are different class of disease, your case does not fit there.
Lifting breasts gives you psychological relief of the newly added sudden weight and tightness that is resulting in the gain.
I hope the advise will be helpful for you.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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