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Suggest Treatment For Shortness Of Breath And Fatigue In An Elderly Person
Question: Hi my dad is 84 and is suffering from a condition that causes his blood pressure to drop when exercising, in particular the heat and has collapsed. He is often tired and has shortness of breath. He has undergone so many tests and see many doctors and nothing shows up. A friend who is a doctor in WA suggested Hypothalmic Dysfunction. My father is rather thin and has been complaining of these symptoms for 55 years and they are gradually getting worse. We live in XXXXXXX NSW and our local doctors are unable to assist.
Thank you, worried daughter xxxxxxx
Thank you, worried daughter xxxxxxx
Brief Answer:
Adrenal / Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
I am sorry to note these challenges with your father's medical condition.
Indeed hypothalamic dysfunction needs to be considered and ruling this out will require a thorough examination in-person by a Neurologist.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC
Electrolytes
Calcium
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your 3 month glucose average)
Liver function tests
Kidney function tests
TSH
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
8 am (morning) Serum Cortisol
Some hormone related problems can also lead to symptoms similar to the ones your dad is experiencing. For example adrenal insufficiency and thyroid issues.
The above tests will assist in evaluating for these.
Adrenal / Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
I am sorry to note these challenges with your father's medical condition.
Indeed hypothalamic dysfunction needs to be considered and ruling this out will require a thorough examination in-person by a Neurologist.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC
Electrolytes
Calcium
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your 3 month glucose average)
Liver function tests
Kidney function tests
TSH
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
8 am (morning) Serum Cortisol
Some hormone related problems can also lead to symptoms similar to the ones your dad is experiencing. For example adrenal insufficiency and thyroid issues.
The above tests will assist in evaluating for these.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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