What Causes Breathlessness While Climbing Stairs?

Posted on Sat, 6 Dec 2014

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

Sat, 6 Dec 2014 Answered on

Tue, 30 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi I have a 16 year old daughter who is extremely fit and not underweight 5'2"and 125 lbs. she just finished cross country season but still runs occasionally, if she isn't too tired. The problem is at school she feels out of breath going up the stairs
And feels her pulse in her head. Her pediatrician wants her to increase her water and protein. Is that enough and how soon should this resolve?

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
echo and chest x-ray would help

Detailed Answer:
Hi ,I am Dr Mittal. I have read your query. I think I would be able to help you.
I agree with the doctor. I however feel that her symptoms should be considered in more detail.

There could be a possible chest or cardiac condition that may be developing. Both the systems can cause breathlessness on getting on the body.

I would thus suggest testing a echocardiography to test the heart and chest X ray to test the lungs.

I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information helps you. Please feel free to contact us for more information. Best of luck. Dr Mittal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E