What Causes Breathlessness?

Posted on Sat, 29 Mar 2014

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

Sat, 29 Mar 2014 Answered on

Sat, 19 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi. My daughter, age 14, has had a few health problems since birth, but nothing serious and nothing involving her lungs or heart. About one month ago, she did have a viral illness, but is well now. She has played basketball for a few years, but is playing at a higher level than she is used to. Three weeks now into the Spring league, at the past two practices, she has become out of breath to a point that she is in tears, and scared because she is unable to breathe. I don't want to make too much out of this, but wondering if she needs to be looked at. She has a pretty high tolerance of pain, but she said tonight that she is scared because she has never had this before.

Answered by Dr. Arun (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Could be excercise induced Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for writing to healthcare magic. From your description I consider two possibilities A) exercise induced bronchoconstriction. B) anemia Check hemoglobin levels to rule out second possibility. If hemoglobin is normal , it's more likely due to the first one. For exercise induced broncho constriction, taking albuterol imhaler before exercising and having a slow warm up to begin with should help. If still no improvement get her evaluated fully. Regards Dr Arun

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

Follow up: Dr. Arun (3 hours later)

Hi and thank you. Do you mean a type of asthma when you reference bronchoconstriction and what is the first doc she should see? Also, could her symptoms be due to a possible heart issue?

Answered by Dr. Arun (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: yes Detailed Answer: Yes its a type of asthma. Consult a physician or pediatrician first. It could be heart related too, like long qt syndrome. Ecg should help identifying it. Regards Dr Arun

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj