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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Shortness Of Breath In A 68 Year Old?

For the past year I have had shortness of breath. I am 68 years old. In 2003 I had my mitral valve replaced and was left with atrial fibrolation. I have seen several doctors the last few months and they found I have mild mild pulmonary hypertension but said the don t know what s causing me to have shortness of breath . I was using diatomaceous earth about a year ago and wonder if I may have hurt my lungs. I just am a little anxious lately since I never had this problem before and has changed the way I do things. I wondered if you might have some other ideas about whatould be happening since no one seems to be able to figure this out. I would appreciate any other suggestions you might have . Than You. Patty
Mon, 7 Aug 2017
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello
Shortness of breath may be due to complications of pulmonary hypertension.
Though the diagnosed pulmonary hypertension was mild ,it is necessary to find out underlying reason causing it.Also a long standing pulmonary hypertension may cause complications like heart failure or pulmonary infection.
You need to visit a chest physician.
Investigations like lung function tests,CT chest,echocardiogtaphy will be required.
These investigations will also rule out if you have got any interstitial lung disease caused by environmental exposure.
Further management depends on the diagnosis found out through these tests.
-Low salt diet is recommended.Take fresh fruits and vegetables.Avoid packaged food items.
You may be prescribed with pulmonary vasodilator drugs,diuretics,or bronchodilators depending on the cause.
Thanks
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What Causes Shortness Of Breath In A 68 Year Old?

Hello Shortness of breath may be due to complications of pulmonary hypertension. Though the diagnosed pulmonary hypertension was mild ,it is necessary to find out underlying reason causing it.Also a long standing pulmonary hypertension may cause complications like heart failure or pulmonary infection. You need to visit a chest physician. Investigations like lung function tests,CT chest,echocardiogtaphy will be required. These investigations will also rule out if you have got any interstitial lung disease caused by environmental exposure. Further management depends on the diagnosis found out through these tests. -Low salt diet is recommended.Take fresh fruits and vegetables.Avoid packaged food items. You may be prescribed with pulmonary vasodilator drugs,diuretics,or bronchodilators depending on the cause. Thanks