What Causes Shortness Of Breath Upon Exertion And Extreme Fatigue?

Posted on Wed, 9 Nov 2016

Question: Been going on since the end of XXXXXXX ..shortness of breath with any type of exertion, walking up 6 steps in our split level home, walking across the parking lot at work, sometimes even just getting up to use the restroom. I actually have to stop and rest in order to catch my breath. I am unable to speak clearly when this happens because it is so bad. I have extreme fatigue also.

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
need complete work up

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
If you are quite certain that it is not your asthma causing this symptom then you need several things done to rule out serious causes of these symptoms.
Things that can cause this type of symptoms are anemia, pulmonary embolus, pneumonia, lung mass or heart disease.
The pneumonia is unlikely if you do not have cough and fever. Your doctor can easily check for anemia.
You need urgent evaluation (in emergency if necessary) for the more serious causes like pulmonary embolus and heart disease.
This sounds very serious. Do not delay. See a doctor immediately
Dr. Robinson

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

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