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Can Anemia Cause Shortness Of Breath?

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Posted on Tue, 5 Sep 2023
Question: I've been feeling out of breath...even when sitting on couch...could it be anemia? Can I take an iron supplement just in case? What else could it be. I'm only a 35 year old female.
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Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (51 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I would explain that anemia can cause your complaints, but it is necessary for performing some tests to exclude other possible causes (a lung disorder, any cardiac issues, thyroid gland dysfunction, etc.).

For this reason, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician and performing some tests:

- complete blood count, peripheral blood smear for anemia
- blood electrolytes for possible imbalances
- thyroid hormone levels for thyroid dysfunction
- a chest X-ray study and pulmonary function tests
- a resting ECG and cardiac ultrasound.

I would not recommend taking any iron supplementations before performing these tests.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9541 Questions

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Can Anemia Cause Shortness Of Breath?

Brief Answer: I would recommend as follows: Detailed Answer: Hello, I would explain that anemia can cause your complaints, but it is necessary for performing some tests to exclude other possible causes (a lung disorder, any cardiac issues, thyroid gland dysfunction, etc.). For this reason, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician and performing some tests: - complete blood count, peripheral blood smear for anemia - blood electrolytes for possible imbalances - thyroid hormone levels for thyroid dysfunction - a chest X-ray study and pulmonary function tests - a resting ECG and cardiac ultrasound. I would not recommend taking any iron supplementations before performing these tests. Hope you will find this answer helpful! Regards, Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist