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Suggest Treatment For Shallow Breathing And Pain In The Ribs Area

Posted on Sun, 13 Nov 2016

Question: Hi, i have shallow breathing - breathing from the abdomen not the chest area so not breathing deeply. When i do breathe from the chest area it feels as if there is stale air there and on the rare occasion I do take a deep breathe there is a sharp pain down my breastbone. I'm just curious what could be causing this?

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please see the discussion.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
Please provide more details - Is this a recent problem or has it been for some time? Are you comfortable at rest and on exertion like climbing stairs? Is there any problem like fever? Do you have air hunger? Any other symptoms that you may have?
Your symptoms may be due to something simple like lack of exercise or it may be more sinister. I shall continue the discussion after I have more information.

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

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (2 hours later)

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question.To be more specific my symptoms are tingling/burning sensation in my right arm, joint pain knuckles and right wrist, joint stiffness in same knuckles and wrists, coughing up green (i think it's called sputum), ears feel like they need to pop, congestion in throat, dizziness, lack of mental alertness, fatigue, feeling like I am going to pass out, loss of conciousness, nasal congestion, nasal irritation, bloating of abdominal region, when laying on my left side feeling like the bed is digging into my side, running hot and cold, chill in my kidneys, clamy/sweaty hands, perspiration with very little exercise and when running hot, puffed out with very little excersion (2 steps and im puffed) and sneezing. Had pneumonia when I was 21 and had the same sort of symptoms towards the end of the infection.

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Discussion continued

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the information. Sorry for the delay in replying as we live in two different time zones.
The symptoms are likely to be due to a respiratory tract infection affecting both upper and lower respiratory tracts. Lung functions diminish as one gets older. If you don't mind you can mention your age in the next input.
If you have done a chest x-ray please upload the same /report. If not done it may be good to do one as it is likely to be helpful in the diagnosis. If it is possible to get a spirometry ( lung function test ) done, it would be helpful in getting to know the cause of your breathlessness. If you have access to a doctor treating lung diseases, it would be a good idea to have yourself examined by him. You may also require prescription medicines to make you better.
Wish you quick recovery.

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

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (18 minutes later)

Thanks for that, I'll find a gp who can run those tests and i'll upload them as soon as possible. I'm 27 so a bit young to be having breathing difficulty. Just curious would it be a respiratory physician or a pulmonologist that I would see through referral for this problem?

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Discussion continued

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the input. I think that is the way to go forward. With the basic blood tests, Xray chest and Spirometry, we would be able to have an idea as to where the problem lies and if it's confined to the lungs alone, then the pulmonologist may be consulted if your GP is not able to manage or need an expert's opinion and guidance.
Looking forward to seeing your results when ready.
Do get back to me if you have any questions in the meantime.

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

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (15 minutes later)

Sure, could I ask what blood tests you would request or should I tell my new gp my symptoms and let them guide my recovery?

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Suggestion follows

Detailed Answer:
You should definitely tell the GP all your symptoms, have yourself examined. The doctor would suggest tests that he / she feels appropriate depending on the clinical impression.
Have those tests done which may include the ones I mentioned. If not and if the tests done by the GP do not solve the problem, then you may gently discuss the tests I mentioned.

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