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What Causes Excessive Weight Loss Along With Shortness Of Breath?
Question: 72 inches tall, weight 158, excessive weight loss in the last 2 months, shortness of breath, lightheaded when I stand, and resting heart rate of 96bpm. Do I need to be seen by doctor right now I have been previously diagnosed with anxiety - I have kolonopin for occasional use.
Brief Answer:
These symptoms can occur due to anxiety
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for asking.
You are a young male with average height and average weight. You have symptoms like light headedness, shortness of breath, loss of weight over last month. There is history of anxiety also. The symptoms you have mentioned can occur due to anxiety but significant weight loss is not a common feature.
Few things I want to know, if you have any symptoms like excessive sweating, tremors of hands, increased appetite, heat intolerance, pounding heart etc. Such type of symptoms along with anxiety and weight loss can occur due to hyperthyroidism. I would advise you to get your thyroid functions test done to rule out hyperthyroid stage.
If the levels come normal then most likely the symptoms are occurring due to anxiety. Mild weight loss can also occur in anxiety. In such case, I would advise you to consult a psychiatrist for proper evaluation and treatment.
You are already doing breathing exercises and other relaxation measures, but during anxiety attacks there is need for antianxiety drugs. Clonazepam can reduce the symptoms of anxiety but the drug is not a definitive treatment of anxiety. They should be only taken on SOS basis unless indicated.
SSRIs like Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Escitalopram etc are common antianxiety drugs. These drugs are safe to use and are prescribed on regular basis. SSRIs will result in reduction of symptoms in about 4-6 weeks. Drugs like Clonazepam or Propranolol can be used to reduce the symptoms in severe anxious situations. So please consult a psychiatrist for evaluation and proper prescription of these drugs.
Thanks, hope this helps you. If you have more doubts ask again
These symptoms can occur due to anxiety
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for asking.
You are a young male with average height and average weight. You have symptoms like light headedness, shortness of breath, loss of weight over last month. There is history of anxiety also. The symptoms you have mentioned can occur due to anxiety but significant weight loss is not a common feature.
Few things I want to know, if you have any symptoms like excessive sweating, tremors of hands, increased appetite, heat intolerance, pounding heart etc. Such type of symptoms along with anxiety and weight loss can occur due to hyperthyroidism. I would advise you to get your thyroid functions test done to rule out hyperthyroid stage.
If the levels come normal then most likely the symptoms are occurring due to anxiety. Mild weight loss can also occur in anxiety. In such case, I would advise you to consult a psychiatrist for proper evaluation and treatment.
You are already doing breathing exercises and other relaxation measures, but during anxiety attacks there is need for antianxiety drugs. Clonazepam can reduce the symptoms of anxiety but the drug is not a definitive treatment of anxiety. They should be only taken on SOS basis unless indicated.
SSRIs like Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Escitalopram etc are common antianxiety drugs. These drugs are safe to use and are prescribed on regular basis. SSRIs will result in reduction of symptoms in about 4-6 weeks. Drugs like Clonazepam or Propranolol can be used to reduce the symptoms in severe anxious situations. So please consult a psychiatrist for evaluation and proper prescription of these drugs.
Thanks, hope this helps you. If you have more doubts ask again
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
Answered by
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