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What Causes Breathlessness?
Question: Hi I went to my GP feeling breathless and she sent me to A and E because of being diabetic she thought I may have had a silent heart attack which was ruled out. I had blood taken from my main artery and from the normal way. All bloods came back clear. I had a chest Xray which was also clear. The next day I had a CT scan to see if I had any blood clots which was also ruled out.
Brief Answer:
Please find detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Breathlessness is a symptom that must not be ignored and that is the reason you were sent to A and E besides the fact that you are also a diabetic. Your doctors might have done all vital tests including EKG and echocardiography to make certain you are not having a silent heart attack. The arterial blood gases, Chest X ray and CT scan have also ruled out any major cardiac event.
The other possibilities which can cause a similar event are panic attacks, low blood pressure, anxiety disorder, asthma and gastroesophageal reflux.
In diabetes, pain in the chest may not be appreciated by patients and the only sensation felt might be a slight breathlessness.
Ruling out a respiratory cause like asthma is essential. Gastroesophageal reflux is one of the commonest causes and needs to be ruled out clinically. Extremes of climate and excessive physical activity may also precipitate breathlessness. Also it is important to know if your breathlessness episode was triggered by panic and anxiety disorder.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please find detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Breathlessness is a symptom that must not be ignored and that is the reason you were sent to A and E besides the fact that you are also a diabetic. Your doctors might have done all vital tests including EKG and echocardiography to make certain you are not having a silent heart attack. The arterial blood gases, Chest X ray and CT scan have also ruled out any major cardiac event.
The other possibilities which can cause a similar event are panic attacks, low blood pressure, anxiety disorder, asthma and gastroesophageal reflux.
In diabetes, pain in the chest may not be appreciated by patients and the only sensation felt might be a slight breathlessness.
Ruling out a respiratory cause like asthma is essential. Gastroesophageal reflux is one of the commonest causes and needs to be ruled out clinically. Extremes of climate and excessive physical activity may also precipitate breathlessness. Also it is important to know if your breathlessness episode was triggered by panic and anxiety disorder.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I am booked to have an echocardiography which is in 4 weeks time and I am getting so upset as I am still breathless - should I worry
Brief Answer:
Please find detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing in with an update.
If your EKG has not shown any suspicious abnormal cardiac event then there is no need to worry. Your anxiety may further worsen your breathlessness. I wish you got your echocardiography done earlier if you are continuously feeling breathlessness. It is important to keep family and friends around you informed about your breathlessness and so that they can help you if you feel extremely out of breath.
Simple measures such as leaning forward when standing or nursing a bed-bound patient as upright as possible can help to relieve breathlessness. Keep a check on your physical activities and do not exert yourself beyond your limits. Anxiety and panic can be reduced often by using relaxation techniques.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please find detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing in with an update.
If your EKG has not shown any suspicious abnormal cardiac event then there is no need to worry. Your anxiety may further worsen your breathlessness. I wish you got your echocardiography done earlier if you are continuously feeling breathlessness. It is important to keep family and friends around you informed about your breathlessness and so that they can help you if you feel extremely out of breath.
Simple measures such as leaning forward when standing or nursing a bed-bound patient as upright as possible can help to relieve breathlessness. Keep a check on your physical activities and do not exert yourself beyond your limits. Anxiety and panic can be reduced often by using relaxation techniques.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
We go rambling at the week-ends and whilst walking I am not breathless but it is usually a little while after
Brief Answer:
Please find detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.
Most of us may feel breathless after doing unaccustomed work. May I suggest you to please take it slow in the coming few weekends until you have got the echocardiography done. Please drink adequate fluids if the outside temperatures in your region are high this summer. Most likely your breathlessness might be due to less stamina.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please find detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.
Most of us may feel breathless after doing unaccustomed work. May I suggest you to please take it slow in the coming few weekends until you have got the echocardiography done. Please drink adequate fluids if the outside temperatures in your region are high this summer. Most likely your breathlessness might be due to less stamina.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Would it suggest to you that if I can walk ok and not feel breathless that there can not be anything serious going on..
Brief Answer:
Please find detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing in with an update.
There are measures you may adopt to make your walking more comfortable.
1. Have a light but healthy diet so that you have the stamina to walk.
2. Keep adequate fluids along with you.
3. Pace your walk with your stamina.
4. Try not to hold your breath while walking.
5. Sit in front of a fan after exerting yourself if possible.
6. Go on walks early in the day and in the evening, avoid the mid day sun.
Going by your symptoms and clinical work up so far, it doesnt look serious but the echocardiography is an essential investigation to rule out anything to do with your heart.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please find detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing in with an update.
There are measures you may adopt to make your walking more comfortable.
1. Have a light but healthy diet so that you have the stamina to walk.
2. Keep adequate fluids along with you.
3. Pace your walk with your stamina.
4. Try not to hold your breath while walking.
5. Sit in front of a fan after exerting yourself if possible.
6. Go on walks early in the day and in the evening, avoid the mid day sun.
Going by your symptoms and clinical work up so far, it doesnt look serious but the echocardiography is an essential investigation to rule out anything to do with your heart.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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