What Causes Breathlessness, Fatigue, Chronic Bradycardia And Poor Sense Of Smell Or Taste?

Posted on Sun, 17 Jul 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 17 Jul 2016 Answered on

Tue, 9 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been experiencing several different symptoms and my question is: could these multiple symptoms somehow be related. My symptoms are loss of smell/taste, chronic low heart rate, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue especially following even slight exertion, chronic bronchitis/asthma. This has been going on for more than two years and I have gone to several doctors from acupuncturist for my loss of smell, a cardiologist for my bradycardia, a general practitioner for my respiratory symptoms, but none have been able to tell me what is wrong with me. I was told by the cardiologist I might need a pacemaker in the future.

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
An MRI brain may be useful

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Sir.

I have worked through your query in detail.

Your symptoms need assessment in two separate sets.

Shortness of breath and Extreme fatigue are related to Chronic Asthma/Bronchitis.

Chronic low heart rate is related to intrinsic cardiac conduction disorder.

Loss of smell/ taste is a neurological complication ,which requires CT/MRI scan of the brain for further assessment. A neurological issue need to be ruled out first.

Chronic bradycardia requires an early therapeutic correction.

A Pacemaker implantation is an excellent way to correct low heart rates.

Chronic Asthma/Bronchitis require steroid inhalation therapy for appropriate symptomatic control.

Once MRI brain results are out, specific management can be focused on loss of taste/smell sensation.

Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.

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

Follow up: Dr. Suresh Heijebu (10 hours later)

Thank you for responding. I forgot to include in my list of symptoms chronic insomnia. Could this also be neurological?

Another symptom I have is chronic insomnia. This has become a very frustrating problem. Could this be neurological?

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Insomnia has neuropsychological issues.

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Sir.

Yes, indeed there could be an underlying neuropsychological issue causing chronic insomina.

I would further like to know, if you are currently taking any pills for Insomnia.

Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Suresh Heijebu (28 hours later)

With regard to my insomnia, I take an over the counter sleep aid, Simply Sleep. Without this I cannot fall asleep most nights. I have stopped drinking caffeine after noon, try not to eat late, but this has not helped. What treatment would you recommend?

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Clonazepam will help

Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir

For an effective therapy against Insomnia I generally prescribe oral pills of Clonazepam 0.25 mg once a month for 3 months

Please check with your physician if he shares my view and can prescribe these pills to you.

Thank you

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