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Suggest Treatment For IBS, Shortness Of Breath And Heaviness In Chest
Question: My dad is 78 years old and we are currently consulting for issues related to irritable bowel syndrome. Last Thursday, he noticed he was having a hard time walking back home from the park. He explained that he felt he could not breathe... shortness of breath. He had to stop a few times to rest. Last night, I decided to see for myself. I had him get dress and walk down the stairs. We made it down with no issue. But, as we began walking toward the neighbor's place, he had to stop to catch his breath. He was having a hard time breathing. He said, his chest felt heavy, but no pain. Would ventolin help alleviate the discomfort while I wait to see his doctor? thanks again!
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Brief Answer:
My answer as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I carefully passed through your question and would explain that it is important performing a comprehensive differential diagnosis of different causes that may lead to this symptomatology:
- Heart failure. A low cardiac function can lead to such symptomatology.
- Coronary artery disease. Sometimes, especially in diabetic patients, heaviness in the chest or shortness of breath can be an alarm sign or coronary artery disease.
- Respiratory disorders. In such case ventolin would help (but not in the above cases).
- Chronic anemia
So, I recommend going to the ER for a careful physical exam and some tests:
- a resting ECG and cardiac enzymes
- a cardiac ultrasound to examine his cardiac function
- a chest X ray study and respiratory function tests
- some blood lab tests (complete blood count, blood electrolytes).
If his symptoms have now improved, it can wait until consulting with his attending doctor.
Hope to have been helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
My answer as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I carefully passed through your question and would explain that it is important performing a comprehensive differential diagnosis of different causes that may lead to this symptomatology:
- Heart failure. A low cardiac function can lead to such symptomatology.
- Coronary artery disease. Sometimes, especially in diabetic patients, heaviness in the chest or shortness of breath can be an alarm sign or coronary artery disease.
- Respiratory disorders. In such case ventolin would help (but not in the above cases).
- Chronic anemia
So, I recommend going to the ER for a careful physical exam and some tests:
- a resting ECG and cardiac enzymes
- a cardiac ultrasound to examine his cardiac function
- a chest X ray study and respiratory function tests
- some blood lab tests (complete blood count, blood electrolytes).
If his symptoms have now improved, it can wait until consulting with his attending doctor.
Hope to have been helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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