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What Causes Shortness Of Breath With Heaviness In Chest?
Question: I'm having shortness of breath. I did have pneumonia a couple months ago, but a chest x-ray and CT scan revealed that the lungs are clear. I do have congenital heart issues, one being atrial septal aneurysm. I feel a heaviness in my chest, but I go about doing whatever I need to do, but I breathe heavily upon exertion and also very little exertion. Thank you for your time.
Brief Answer:
investigation is needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
shortness of breath is a symptom that has to be investigated as soon as possible. An oxygen saturation (SpO2) or arterial blood gases are required to exclude lung problems. If the oxygen is decreased without radiological findings then pulmonary embolism is another cause to be considered.
Other potential causes include heart failure (swelling is a common symptom that accompanies it), anemia, bronchospasm (asthmatic attacks), COPD, etc Some of the above will present with a decreased SpO2.
Clinical examination may exclude many of them. Blood and other tests might be needed for others. Since you don't have shortness of breath during your everyday activities (only during exertion) it could be that you're not fit. After a pneumonia it's not unusual, due to the debilitating nature of this condition and the prolonged inactivity it usually causes.
In any case, such a symptom should not be left undiagnosed. You need to visit your doctor for assessment and investigation.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
investigation is needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
shortness of breath is a symptom that has to be investigated as soon as possible. An oxygen saturation (SpO2) or arterial blood gases are required to exclude lung problems. If the oxygen is decreased without radiological findings then pulmonary embolism is another cause to be considered.
Other potential causes include heart failure (swelling is a common symptom that accompanies it), anemia, bronchospasm (asthmatic attacks), COPD, etc Some of the above will present with a decreased SpO2.
Clinical examination may exclude many of them. Blood and other tests might be needed for others. Since you don't have shortness of breath during your everyday activities (only during exertion) it could be that you're not fit. After a pneumonia it's not unusual, due to the debilitating nature of this condition and the prolonged inactivity it usually causes.
In any case, such a symptom should not be left undiagnosed. You need to visit your doctor for assessment and investigation.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you.
Brief Answer:
You're welcome!
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!
Best wishes for your health!
You're welcome!
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!
Best wishes for your health!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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