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I Have Been Really Worried About Shortness Of Breath/air Hunger Sensation

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Posted on Wed, 26 Mar 2025
Question: Hello! So I have been really worried about shortness of breath/air hunger sensation that I’ve been having. I’ve had it for a while (it would come and only last a day or so) but recently it’s been everyday and just about all day. I have a cardiologist (I have bradycardia) that I am followed by and he is not concerned. I’ve had nuclear stress test that was fine. Also seen a pulmonary doctor and had pulmonary function test, several ct scans and he says everything looks good. However, I looked at my scan report and noted that since back in 2017 I have had noted on my scans “mild prominent pulmonary artery”...I asked him about that and he said he is not concerned. One scan even said “mild prominent cardiac silhouette”...again, asked him about it and he is not concerned. I had a heart echo and he said the estimated pressure was fine. I told him what about doing a right heart catheter because that’s the most accurate to determine pressure and he says no because the echo showed it fine. I’m so stressed about the thought of pulmonary hypertension. I’m seeing a gastric doctor because im having bad bloating and burping and reflux. Also have a 2cm sliding hernia. My pulmonary doctor said that the hiatal hernia could cause shortness of breath sensation and the pressure and bloat I’m having. My gastro doc says my hernia would not
Cause this as it is too small. Any advice? I’m suffering with this shortness of breath sensation. Could this be all from my hernia? Had endoscopy and barium swallow to confirm hernia. Also, I have a pulse ox and I put it on my finger when I’m feeling this shortness of breath and it’s 96 ...would go to 95 then back to 96. I’m just really concerned about the “mildly prominent pulmonary artery” that shows on ct scans over the past 8 years or so. I’m worried about pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary doc and cardiologist that I’ve seen don’t seem to be worried but I’m having this air hunger sensation all day and it’s worrisome.
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Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, gastro doctor is right. This is small hernia, can not cause symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone through the reports you have attached.
I have gone through the detailed history you have given.
Yes, your gastro doctor is right.
This small hernia can not cause breathing difficulty. It can cause gastric symptoms but not breathing difficulty. So I don't think your respiratory symptoms are due to small hiatus hernia.
And no need to worry for prominent pulmonary artery or prominent cardiac silhouette.
I don't think you have pulmonary hypertension and hence no need for right heart catheterization.
In my opinion, your symptoms are bacause of stress and anxiety, panic.
Are you taking any treatment for anxiety?
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
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Dr. Drkaushal85

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 14997 Questions

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I Have Been Really Worried About Shortness Of Breath/air Hunger Sensation

Brief Answer: Yes, gastro doctor is right. This is small hernia, can not cause symptoms. Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through the reports you have attached. I have gone through the detailed history you have given. Yes, your gastro doctor is right. This small hernia can not cause breathing difficulty. It can cause gastric symptoms but not breathing difficulty. So I don't think your respiratory symptoms are due to small hiatus hernia. And no need to worry for prominent pulmonary artery or prominent cardiac silhouette. I don't think you have pulmonary hypertension and hence no need for right heart catheterization. In my opinion, your symptoms are bacause of stress and anxiety, panic. Are you taking any treatment for anxiety? I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.