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Suggest Remedy For Shortness Of Breath

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Posted on Thu, 3 Dec 2015
Question: Just want to know why I am having shortness of breath(e.g. when I clime stairs) and some times I skip breaths(similar to when a child cry's for a long time and they are like skipping breaths, not sure if I explained it correctly).

Dr. Benard Shehu answered my questions a few days ago--
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I would like to explain that when dealing with shortness of breathing especially on exertion, it is important to perform a differential diagnosis between cardiac, pulmonary disorders, anemia, uncontrolled blood pressure, and even anxiety.

Several cardiac disorders (ischemic, valvular, pericardial, etc) may be responsible for your current complain.

A careful physical examination to exclude signs of heart failure, resting ECG for any chronic rhythm disorders or ischemia presence, coupled with a cardiac ultrasound would be helpful to rule in/out structural and functional cardiac disorders potentially responsible for occurrence of dyspnea.

From the other side, a pulmonary disorder, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, a pulmonary vascular disorder, pulmonary fibrosis. etc. should be excluded as well.

For this purpose a chest X ray study, pulmonary function tests and if suspicions are raises even a pulmonary CT would be helpful.

Also presence of anemia could explain an exertional shortness of breathing. A complete blood could reliably clarify this issue.

Some neurological disorders may be associated with adverse pulmonary function implications. A neurological status evaluation would rise possible suspicions in this regard.

And finally, clinically important anxiety disorders may be responsible for bouts of dyspnea. But, it is important to exclude the above mentioned etiologies before considering anxiety.

I recommend discussing with your attending doctor about the above alternatives.

Hope to have been helpful to you!

Feel free to ask me whenever you need!

Best regards,

Dr. Iliri



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (2 days later)
Ok, I will follow up with my doctor and do the exams as recommended.

Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (34 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You are welcome!

Detailed Answer:
I am glad to have been helpful!

Please feel free to ask me directly at any time for any other uncertainties!

Best regards!

Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

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

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9541 Questions

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Suggest Remedy For Shortness Of Breath

Brief Answer: I would explain as follows: Detailed Answer: Hello! Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM! Regarding your concern, I would like to explain that when dealing with shortness of breathing especially on exertion, it is important to perform a differential diagnosis between cardiac, pulmonary disorders, anemia, uncontrolled blood pressure, and even anxiety. Several cardiac disorders (ischemic, valvular, pericardial, etc) may be responsible for your current complain. A careful physical examination to exclude signs of heart failure, resting ECG for any chronic rhythm disorders or ischemia presence, coupled with a cardiac ultrasound would be helpful to rule in/out structural and functional cardiac disorders potentially responsible for occurrence of dyspnea. From the other side, a pulmonary disorder, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, a pulmonary vascular disorder, pulmonary fibrosis. etc. should be excluded as well. For this purpose a chest X ray study, pulmonary function tests and if suspicions are raises even a pulmonary CT would be helpful. Also presence of anemia could explain an exertional shortness of breathing. A complete blood could reliably clarify this issue. Some neurological disorders may be associated with adverse pulmonary function implications. A neurological status evaluation would rise possible suspicions in this regard. And finally, clinically important anxiety disorders may be responsible for bouts of dyspnea. But, it is important to exclude the above mentioned etiologies before considering anxiety. I recommend discussing with your attending doctor about the above alternatives. Hope to have been helpful to you! Feel free to ask me whenever you need! Best regards, Dr. Iliri