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What Causes Breathlessness While Talking?

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Posted on Wed, 9 Mar 2016
Question: I have experienced shortness of breath when talking . it is like I am hyperventalating. It also occurs when driving, sleeping and after eating.. This has gone on almost two years and dont have a diagnosis after several test and doctor visits What could be going on ? The only thing I know is that they told me my diaphram wasn't expanding as it should and they don't know why.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (55 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
heart, lung and metabolic causes have to be excluded

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

although it doesn't sound serious, there are some conditions that have to be excluded. Heart failure (of any cause, severe pericarditis for example), lung problems (of any cause, like pleuritis, pulmonary embolism, etc) and metabolic disorders (acidosis) are potential causes. A heart echo and blood gases should be enough tests to start with.

If none of the above applies then anxiety and panic attacks could be the diagnosis. Your primary care physician should be able to help you with either.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3814 Questions

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What Causes Breathlessness While Talking?

Brief Answer: heart, lung and metabolic causes have to be excluded Detailed Answer: Hello, although it doesn't sound serious, there are some conditions that have to be excluded. Heart failure (of any cause, severe pericarditis for example), lung problems (of any cause, like pleuritis, pulmonary embolism, etc) and metabolic disorders (acidosis) are potential causes. A heart echo and blood gases should be enough tests to start with. If none of the above applies then anxiety and panic attacks could be the diagnosis. Your primary care physician should be able to help you with either. I hope you find my comments helpful! You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information. Kind Regards!