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Is Breathlessness After Minimal Physical Activity A Sign Of COPD?

Posted on Thu, 3 Nov 2016

Question: I am having a problem not being able to catch my breath after minimal physical activity, its much worse if I do anything more physical. I am looking at the symptoms of COPD, it sounds like this may be the trouble. I sure need to get something for it, sometimes the occurrence last for 5-10. It is worse if I lay down.

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend performing some tests:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for asking on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I would explain that COPD could explain your symptoms.

But other causes ( heart failure, overweight, lack of physical activity, chronic anemia, anxiety) could also mimic this clinical situation.

For this reason, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests to investigate for the possible causes:

- a chest x-ray and respiratory function tests to investigate for COPD
- a cardiac ultrasound and as resting ECG to examine your heart function and structure
- complete blood count for anemia
- thyroid hormone levels for possible dysfunction.

You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.

Hope to have been helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar