Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Fatigue, Dizziness And Difficulty In Breathing In An Elderly Person?
Question: I am a 59 year old male experiencing lethargy, dizziness, feeling like i will faint, feeling as if i cannot take enough air into my lungs but can if i sit and take a deep breath in, and have no energy - usually right before a meal and have started to check my blood sugar. No sugar issues in my family, and i am consistently (pre and post meals) measuring blood sugars in the 90-105 range.
my blood pressure runs normally 120/80.
my blood pressure runs normally 120/80.
Brief Answer:
Needs work up and management
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
I read your question and i understand your concerns. Your blood pressure and sugar levels are perfectly fine. This dizziness , lethargy and fatigue needs to be sorted out for other causes. Usually inner ear problems are culprit as loss of hearing in old age leads to such discomforts. You need to consult an otolaryngologist, they will assess your hearing functions and vestibular functions and then prescribe you supportive care for dizziness. Fatigue and lethargy will need adequate rest, some good supportive care and use of nutritional supplements. Use of sibutimaine helps with lethargy.
Now the issue of air hunger which resolves on sitting is orthopnea and should be evaluated for both pulmonary as well as cardiac functions. You need to do an echocardiogram, do pulmonary functions test to rule out any organic cause of orthopnea. If all clear then you will need supportive care. Consult your physician for that and let them help you in this regard further.
I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.
Regards
Khan
Needs work up and management
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
I read your question and i understand your concerns. Your blood pressure and sugar levels are perfectly fine. This dizziness , lethargy and fatigue needs to be sorted out for other causes. Usually inner ear problems are culprit as loss of hearing in old age leads to such discomforts. You need to consult an otolaryngologist, they will assess your hearing functions and vestibular functions and then prescribe you supportive care for dizziness. Fatigue and lethargy will need adequate rest, some good supportive care and use of nutritional supplements. Use of sibutimaine helps with lethargy.
Now the issue of air hunger which resolves on sitting is orthopnea and should be evaluated for both pulmonary as well as cardiac functions. You need to do an echocardiogram, do pulmonary functions test to rule out any organic cause of orthopnea. If all clear then you will need supportive care. Consult your physician for that and let them help you in this regard further.
I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.
Regards
Khan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
