Actually, it's my partner. For the past few months, and usually in the evenings, she's felt like she was out of breath, or as she put it, "my breath wouldn't turn over." What's wrong? She's in her mid-twenties, exercises regularly, just a hair heavier than average, doesn't smoke or drink, and was never diagnosed with asthma.
Obviously, we're not looking for a full diagnosis. She's going to the doctor on Monday. We're just hoping to find out possible causes and if to see if there was any way to alleviate this in the short term. Thanks!
2007-01-19 15:35:53 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Respiratory Diseases
From what I've read and seen in people, the condition you are wondering about can be treated only after the basic cause is figured out. Its not something that's going to be handled by the doctor in one visit. It can be a number of things. I'm glad she is going to the doctor soon. Some of the possible causes are heart problems, anxiety (oh, that fun little word), asthma, anemia and lastly being hit in the chest real hard.
2007-01-19 15:49:41 · answer #1 · answered by Terry Z 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are different causes for shortness of breath. My first guess would be asthma, just because she was never diagnosed does not mean she doesn't have it. There are many adults that are being diagnosed now with asthma and never showed signs before. We live in a very polluted world and asthma is on the rise in record numbers.
They should give her a breath test that measures how much she can expell. This will help to determine her capacity.
She should also get a stress test, to see that her heart and lungs are working properly when she exerts herself.
She may have allergies too, this should be looked into also.
2007-01-19 15:44:51 · answer #2 · answered by MadforMAC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Normally, a person should go straight to the Emergency Room if the are experiencing unexplained shortness of breath - its one of the major signs of heart trouble. But since this has been going on a while, it doesn't look like a dire emergency.
If shortness of breath is the only symptom, that rules out most infections. Since it happens most often in the evenings, it might be associated with eating, which points to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) as a likely cause. Pepsid AC along with a couple Rolaids will provide temporary relief from GERD.
If GERD is ruled out, the next most common causes I can think of are heart disease or Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
2007-01-19 16:02:15 · answer #3 · answered by formerly_bob 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
having a constant flow of air at the face can help some like a fan. And its easier to breath cool air instead of just warm or room temperature air. Good luck at the Doctor
2007-01-19 15:40:15 · answer #4 · answered by beach_chica02 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A friend of mine had this and he was ultimately diagnosed with a congenital heart problem that ultimately led to a heart transplant. Hopefully it's nothing that severe for your partner. Congestive heart failure is another possibility in addition to various lung problems such as asthma, allergies or (God forbid) cancer. Good luck!!
2007-01-19 15:51:29 · answer #5 · answered by Some Guy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like mild asthma to me, could be seasonal, something she has recently developed. good luck at the doctors.
2007-01-19 15:41:47 · answer #6 · answered by *~*~*SuGaR_mIcHa*~*~* 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
she could be anemic,low on red blood cells have her dr. do some blood tests they will be able to tell from them
2007-01-19 15:41:24 · answer #7 · answered by krazyside42 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋