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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Lower Back Pain, Bloated Stomach, Shortness Of Breath. Pneumonia Ruled Out After Chest X-ray. Respiratory Infection?

Hi, I have had lower back pain/inflammation for about 8 weeks, whilst this has eased somewhat and the muscles are less tight there is still a pull if I arch my back. More worrying is my stomach seems to fill up with air when I exert my body -like walking up a hill or stairs and I find difficullty in getting a deep breath/or shortness of breath. Been to a GP, sending me for xrays for chest and back, she thinks I have a respiratory infection of some sort, but has ruled out pluercy or pneumonia . Would this and or the back problen be causing my shortness of breath?
Wed, 8 Aug 2012
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Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hi Ray,
Welcome to healthcare magic!

Backache is not known to cause shortness of breath or any breathing problem.
I think you are not a habitual walker, if you are new to start on exercises then you will have this kind of exertion related breathlessness.
Do not walk uphill in the start.
Start walking at plains first and walk about 4-5 kilometers a day, later when you build stamina, start having jogging.
Avoid stairs and uphill running.
They are not good exercises rather put more load on body.
I hope this advise would be helpful for you.

Still if you have any queries or doubts, please write me back,
I would be happy to solve them.

Wish you a great health!
I find this answer helpful
General & Family Physician Dr. Michelle Gibson James's  Response
Hi RayClancy
Welcome to healthcare magic , I am sorry that you are unwell.

Shortness of breath can be caused by a number of conditions such as (1) excess physical exertion
(2) anemia - persons who have anemia or low red cell mass may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, they may also complain of palpitations. It is diagnosed with by taking a history which may reflect inadequate intake of iron, history of bleeding, use of alcohol, chronic illness.On examination the doctor will check the pulse rate, breathing rate, check to see if you are pale and finally perform blood tests.

Other causes of shortness of breath specifically related to the lung include infection of the lung as in pneumonia, inflammation of the lining of the lung, collapse of any part of the lung whether spontaneously or as a result of trauma or infection, air in the chest cavity or any fluid in the chest cavity or lung.If the upper airway such as the nose or the airways at the level of the throat are blocked or inflammed shortness of breath can also result.

In addition, if the heart is not working prroperly then shortness of breath can occur

It can also occur in anxiety states.

If your abdomen is filling up with air then it is a possibilty that it is exerting excess pressure on the chest which may contribute to your symptoms.

In terms of the back pain,in somes cases where pain is extremely severe, a person can become short of breath because of the emotional component of the pain.

I hope this answers your question.
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
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Lower Back Pain, Bloated Stomach, Shortness Of Breath. Pneumonia Ruled Out After Chest X-ray. Respiratory Infection?

Hi Ray, Welcome to healthcare magic! Backache is not known to cause shortness of breath or any breathing problem. I think you are not a habitual walker, if you are new to start on exercises then you will have this kind of exertion related breathlessness. Do not walk uphill in the start. Start walking at plains first and walk about 4-5 kilometers a day, later when you build stamina, start having jogging. Avoid stairs and uphill running. They are not good exercises rather put more load on body. I hope this advise would be helpful for you. Still if you have any queries or doubts, please write me back, I would be happy to solve them. Wish you a great health!