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What Causes Concussions And Shortness Of Breath After In Adults?

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Posted on Mon, 16 Mar 2015
Question: Hello,
My name is XXXX and I am 26 years old. I am a former athlete and have stayed very active since playing college baseball. I have had some concussions from playing catcher. I have noticed in recent months that I will be sitting at my desk and feel a shortness of breath for a quick second or feel like my heart is racing for a split second. I work a very high stress job and I'm wondering if it could be related to stress. Should I be very concerned about this?
Thanks,
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No need to worry most likely they are related to work stress

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern, and first of all I would like to tell you that these symptoms have nothing to do with concussions you got while playing because these are not persistent and are occurring for split seconds only. It appears that these are related to work stress and anxiety.

These symptoms are episodic and occur for short durations only which further strengthens our provisional diagnosis of anxiety. But before making diagnosis of anxiety and stress few medical reasons should be ruled out.

One possibility for such symptoms is some cardiac problems, though they usually don't occur in episodes and remain persistent. Still I would advise you to get your ECG done and visit a physician if needed to rule out any serious problem.

Low vitamin B12 can also cause such symptoms. Low levels of B12 result in anxiety, restlessness and racing heart. Individual may feel stressed and weak. If these symptoms are impairing your work then get your B12 levels checked to rule out this condition.

Third possibility for such symptoms is hyperthyroid state. Sudden onset palpitations can occur, but other symptoms as heat intolerance, weight loss, sweating, tremors, moist skin etc are also seen. If you have only breathlessness and palpitations and no other symptoms then there is no need to worry.

If these conditions are ruled out then we are left with anxiety as main possibility (Which is more likely) and possibility work stress is causing this. I would advise you to improve your life style to get rid of these symptoms-

- One thing that should be kept in mind is that a good refreshing sleep for at least 7 hours a day keep stress away. So sleep for atleast 7 hour a day.

- Exercise daily for at least half to one hour a day. You are a former athlete so this would be easier for you.

- Take diets rich in proteins and complex carbs and low in fat. This would help to reduce stress.

- Take Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin B12 supplements for at least 3-4 months. Both are known to reduce stress in a lot of studies. Food such as flex seeds, sardine fish, walnuts, XXXXXXX nuts etc are rich source of these fatty acids.

- Take break from work after every one or two months and give yourself good time if possible.

Try to follow this routine and you will feel better. Relaxation exercises like yoga, breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation exercises etc helps to reduce these symptoms. You can take help of youtube for that.

If even after this symptoms persist then visit a psychiatrist for help. These is no need to worry for these symptoms. Low dose of anti anxiety drugs like SSRIs would help in control of these symptoms.

Thanks, hope this helps you. Don't hesitate to ask again if you have more doubts or need some clarifications from my answer in follow up question.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (49 minutes later)
Thanks so much Dr. Bishnoi.

I have been worried about it because I am very healthy otherwise. I work for a start up and as you know, I have to wear many hats and worry about a million things at once. It is very stressful making sure everything is getting done and I literally do not put the phone down. I need to find a way to get away from the phone, even for a little bit to take my mind off of work.

Thanks so much for the help.

XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (51 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Try to find time for yourself in between work

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

There is no need to worry. Try to find time for yourself in between work. Divert your attention from phone either by going out for a short holiday or may be a movie. This will also increase your work efficiency.

I hope you will follow my advise.

Thanks
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5192 Questions

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What Causes Concussions And Shortness Of Breath After In Adults?

Brief Answer: No need to worry most likely they are related to work stress Detailed Answer: Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern, and first of all I would like to tell you that these symptoms have nothing to do with concussions you got while playing because these are not persistent and are occurring for split seconds only. It appears that these are related to work stress and anxiety. These symptoms are episodic and occur for short durations only which further strengthens our provisional diagnosis of anxiety. But before making diagnosis of anxiety and stress few medical reasons should be ruled out. One possibility for such symptoms is some cardiac problems, though they usually don't occur in episodes and remain persistent. Still I would advise you to get your ECG done and visit a physician if needed to rule out any serious problem. Low vitamin B12 can also cause such symptoms. Low levels of B12 result in anxiety, restlessness and racing heart. Individual may feel stressed and weak. If these symptoms are impairing your work then get your B12 levels checked to rule out this condition. Third possibility for such symptoms is hyperthyroid state. Sudden onset palpitations can occur, but other symptoms as heat intolerance, weight loss, sweating, tremors, moist skin etc are also seen. If you have only breathlessness and palpitations and no other symptoms then there is no need to worry. If these conditions are ruled out then we are left with anxiety as main possibility (Which is more likely) and possibility work stress is causing this. I would advise you to improve your life style to get rid of these symptoms- - One thing that should be kept in mind is that a good refreshing sleep for at least 7 hours a day keep stress away. So sleep for atleast 7 hour a day. - Exercise daily for at least half to one hour a day. You are a former athlete so this would be easier for you. - Take diets rich in proteins and complex carbs and low in fat. This would help to reduce stress. - Take Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin B12 supplements for at least 3-4 months. Both are known to reduce stress in a lot of studies. Food such as flex seeds, sardine fish, walnuts, XXXXXXX nuts etc are rich source of these fatty acids. - Take break from work after every one or two months and give yourself good time if possible. Try to follow this routine and you will feel better. Relaxation exercises like yoga, breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation exercises etc helps to reduce these symptoms. You can take help of youtube for that. If even after this symptoms persist then visit a psychiatrist for help. These is no need to worry for these symptoms. Low dose of anti anxiety drugs like SSRIs would help in control of these symptoms. Thanks, hope this helps you. Don't hesitate to ask again if you have more doubts or need some clarifications from my answer in follow up question.