HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Is Breathing Difficulty Suggestive Of Pulmonary Hypertension?

Posted on Sat, 22 Aug 2015

Question: Hi I am a 39 year old female for past few week feels like I can only catch every other breathe I have experienced this on and off over the years last spring I had lung functioning test along with egg and Echo of heart all came back normal I am in a bit of a panic saw a woman on tv who had similar symptoms and was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension my dr seems to believe that it is anxiety based my question is would above tests rule out this disorder

Answered by Dr. Rajesh Teli (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Anxiety can mimic serious heart or lung disease

Detailed Answer:
hello,
I am Dr.Rajesh Teli,MD.
I have gone through your query.Thanks for using HCM.
your symptoms of difficulty in breathing may be due to anxiety because your ECG and ECHO were normal.Basically anxiety can mimic picture of heart or lung disease.I am sure your doctor would have ruled out other causes also.Pulmonary hypertension will be picked by echocardiogram.
i would like to know form you following details
1.Are you a smoker ?
2.Is your menses heavy or irregular ?
3.do you find any breathing while walking or during exercise ?
4.Are you over weight and have high blood pressure ?
5.were your preliminary blood reports normal ?
kindly attach your ECG and Echo report if possible.
I presume that your symptoms are due to anxiety only,however i can guide you better if you furnish above details,
My best wishes
Dr.Rajesh Teli,MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Rajesh Teli (7 minutes later)

Just had complete blood work for physical last month all normal no I do not smoke I am 15 pounds over weight excercuse does not seem to make it worse stays the same blood pressure last checked 142/82

Answered by Dr. Rajesh Teli (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Take care of anxiety

Detailed Answer:
hello,
If all your reports are normal you should focus on controlling anxiety.avoid undue stress,engage in activity of your hobby.yoga and meditation will help you overcome this problem.You may take mouth dissolving Tab.Clonazepam 0.5mg if you have acute and intense symptom.This will give temporary and immediate relief.
I am sure you will be fine
My best wishes
Dr.Teli,MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Rajesh Teli (42 hours later)

Thank you for your response I am currently trying acupuncture for anxiety I hVe been on meds in the past not very effective long term I just have one more question my shortness of breath is more like a constant need to XXXXXXX or yawn I order to feel a cleansing breath perhaps I am over breathing is that even possible if so are there any respiratory exercises which may be if some help

Answered by Dr. Rajesh Teli (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
you may follow Pranayam

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
All your symptoms are due to anxiety .There are few breathing yogic exercises called Pranayam.
You should perform under guidance if yoga teacher.
You may find online teaching through internet.
My best wishes
Dr.Teli.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad