What Causes Labored Breathing?

Posted on Thu, 6 Oct 2016

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

Thu, 6 Oct 2016 Answered on

Thu, 27 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Iwhat are some of the other possibilotiy diagnoses of labored breathing which I have experienced for months. it often hits me in waves without notive and especially upon exertion. I have had a pulmonary function test as well as a chest x ray and blood work all was normal. so what is going on with me. could it be a heart issue. I had a echocardiogram in july which was normal. never did a stress test though. it is really effecting my day to day living.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

What you are reporting especially chest discomfort upon exertion is suggestive for cardiac ischemia.

If you were my patient I would recommend to do stress test and Holter monitoring before concluding that your symptoms are related only to anxiety.

This is why I strongly recommend that you should be scheduled for stress test and Holter monitoring.

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

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

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (44 minutes later)

Liver enzymes were s result of routine blood work. Symptoms for past month aching head daily intermittant nausea frequent urinstion and daily dyspnea often with sudden onset and long duration

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Appart from chest discomfort and dyspnea the other symptoms shouldn't be related to cardiac issues.

I would recommend to do the above mentioned exams and if normal than cardiac issues will be definitely excluded.

Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

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

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (2 hours later)

I had. Normal echocardiogrsm in july. Could I be experiencing congestive heart failure

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Since your cardiac echo was normal on July your symptoms aren't caused by congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure is associated with abnormal findings on cardiac echo.

Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

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