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What Causes Extreme Fatigue And Shortness Of Breath?

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Posted on Tue, 5 Sep 2017
Question: I wish I knew what specialty to ask for. I am suffering from extreme fatigue and shortness of breath following the smallest exertion. Cardiologist says heart is fine, pulmonary doc says lungs are okay, endocrinologist found some low vitamin D, now fixed. WHAT's HAPPENING HERE??
doctor
Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Iron difficiency anemia

Detailed Answer:
Dear Ms, I have gone through your question and I understand your concerns. Since you have had a check up on your heart , lungs and thyroid glands and all tests came back normal then your symptoms can be caused by anemia .. the most common cause of easy fatiguability and shortness of breath is iron difficiency anemia which can be diagnosed by a CBC test which shall reveal a hypochromic microcystic anemia .
This can be treated with iron and folic acid supplements for three months with a monthly follow up on the hemoglobin level . I hope I answered your question.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. salah saad shoman (3 hours later)
CBC showed borderline anemia several months ago, normal test results since then, even as fatigue gets worse and worse. Not anemia.All the obvious possibilities have been looked at and probably tested for. I'm hoping you might have some fresh insight.

Last night was a really exhausting time. I even thought about leukemia or lymphoma, but the weight loss is not a symptom. Edema is, however, especially in the last couple of months.

Thanks for your further consideration. I'm getting desperate here.
doctor
Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (21 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Chronic fatigue syndrome

Detailed Answer:
Dear Ms, I would recommend that you take blood test for infectious mononucleosis and Lyme disease as their chronic form can cause symptoms similar to those you are experiencing .. however if tests came back normal then you should consider the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome which is chronic fatigue in absence of obvious medical reason and this can be improved to an extent by physical therapy .. I hope you find this helpful
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Answered by
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Dr. salah saad shoman

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3153 Questions

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What Causes Extreme Fatigue And Shortness Of Breath?

Brief Answer: Iron difficiency anemia Detailed Answer: Dear Ms, I have gone through your question and I understand your concerns. Since you have had a check up on your heart , lungs and thyroid glands and all tests came back normal then your symptoms can be caused by anemia .. the most common cause of easy fatiguability and shortness of breath is iron difficiency anemia which can be diagnosed by a CBC test which shall reveal a hypochromic microcystic anemia . This can be treated with iron and folic acid supplements for three months with a monthly follow up on the hemoglobin level . I hope I answered your question.