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What Causes Hand Numbness, Shortness Of Breath And Blurred Vision?
Posted on
Mon, 27 Apr 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 27 Apr 2015
Answered on
Mon, 18 May 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : for 3 month my hands have been numb except for my pinky, shortness of breath, blurry vision sometimes. I am 37, over weight and smoke, I also fell at the same time symptoms started and my left butt cheek hurts and has shooting pain, if I lean forward I can make the hand numbness stop, sometimes I feel like bugs are crawling on my back left shoulder blade and on the top of my left foot..i have also had a cough since December and nasal congestion and upper teeth pain and sinus pressure. I cant breathe thru my nose, so I have made a habit of breathing heavily thru my mouth. I snore and I think I have sleep apnea. I have three young boys and I am worried. I waited forever to see a back doctor, and then he told me I have lung and heart disease with out any test, medical history, or physical exam. my mom has type 2 diabetes.
Brief Answer:
Seems to be hyperventilation or COPD
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for your query.
Most of your symptoms seem to be related to hyperventilation. I am excluding the symptoms being caused by the fall. Leaning forward somehow reduces the lung capacity and relieves the symptoms of hyperventilation. In fact you may be having emphysema. A thorough examination and tests are required.
You do need to see a pulmonologist. Take along reports of chest x-ray and air blood gas analysis. It will help narrow down the diagnosis. A pulmonary function test, x-ray of the sinuses, complete blood count, ESR tests can also be added.
There is also some hint of an infection of respiratory passages which is causing local inflammation. A complete blood count will help rule it out.
In the meanwhile try antiallergic medicines like cetirizine or benadryl to clear up the sputum. Inhalers will also be helpful in clearing the respiratory passages. Get them prescribed by your family physician.
Hope it helps.
Dr Vaishalee
Seems to be hyperventilation or COPD
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for your query.
Most of your symptoms seem to be related to hyperventilation. I am excluding the symptoms being caused by the fall. Leaning forward somehow reduces the lung capacity and relieves the symptoms of hyperventilation. In fact you may be having emphysema. A thorough examination and tests are required.
You do need to see a pulmonologist. Take along reports of chest x-ray and air blood gas analysis. It will help narrow down the diagnosis. A pulmonary function test, x-ray of the sinuses, complete blood count, ESR tests can also be added.
There is also some hint of an infection of respiratory passages which is causing local inflammation. A complete blood count will help rule it out.
In the meanwhile try antiallergic medicines like cetirizine or benadryl to clear up the sputum. Inhalers will also be helpful in clearing the respiratory passages. Get them prescribed by your family physician.
Hope it helps.
Dr Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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