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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 An Elderly Person?

A 70-year-old female presents with shortness of breath that started earlier in the day and worsened over several hours. She states the shortness of breath feels like swimming underwater. It has worsened by exertion and is relieved by sitting up. She has noticed worsening, peripheral edema. How are you going to evaluate this patient? What is the differential diagnosis for this patient's shortness of breath and edema?
Fri, 21 Jul 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Thanks for your question on HCM

I do understand your concern

With such presentation in my clinic, I would first ruled out congestive heart failure by doing a detailed clinical examination and to confirm it you may be advised chest X-ray, ECG, ECHO and few pathological tests like LFT, renal function, TSH and NT pro BNP etc

If confirmed then treatment will be to manage under laying pathological disorders as per her investigation reports only.

So I request you to admit her in your nearest hospital where all investigations can be carried out.

Hope that helps, if you need further information please do not hesitate to ask me.

Thanks and wish you a good health
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What Causes Shortness Of Breath In An Elderly Person?

Hi, Thanks for your question on HCM I do understand your concern With such presentation in my clinic, I would first ruled out congestive heart failure by doing a detailed clinical examination and to confirm it you may be advised chest X-ray, ECG, ECHO and few pathological tests like LFT, renal function, TSH and NT pro BNP etc If confirmed then treatment will be to manage under laying pathological disorders as per her investigation reports only. So I request you to admit her in your nearest hospital where all investigations can be carried out. Hope that helps, if you need further information please do not hesitate to ask me. Thanks and wish you a good health