What Causes Shortness Of Breath, Fatigue And Nausea?

Posted on Fri, 14 Oct 2016

Question: I have been experiencing severe shortness of breath, and excessive fatigue. I travel every single week and I am very accustomed to dragging a suitcase, laptop bag and personal bag, through airports it is not normal for me to be completely out of breath. Last week, on Wed, I got severe nausea and diarrhea. My husband got sick also. We were down for 3 days a piece. I have a lot going on now, plus a very stressful job so I am always assuming it's stress related. I have had major back surgery some years ago and in the last 3 years I have had two neck fusions and had a nerve burned. I now have severe lower back pain and I still have neck / shoulder pain. One last item it's odd but I keep getting almost like muscle spasms in my throat area. It's very uncomfortable. I know this us a lot. I need some help here. I have been told from all my MRIs that there are large cysts / tumors on both sides of my thyroids. I was having them checked every 6 months and I haven't had time to go back in about a year. Could this be blocking my airway??

Answered by Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Thyroid check recommendable

Detailed Answer:
Dear Patient,

your shortness of breath and weakness may have different reasons. In order to find the cause i would recommend a blood test for thyroid hormones as well as ultrasound of the thyroid. Also the iron levels and potentially vitamin b12 and folic acid may get checked through blood test.

A general physical examination of lung and heart, as well as an ekg is also advisable.

Most of this your gp can do, except the thyroid ultrasound may require a referral.

The diarrhea and nausea was probably a temporary virus infection, which may provide to temporary weakness, but usually heals itself.

Best regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng