Weight Loss Of 30 Lbs In 3 Months, Difficulty Breathing

Posted on Sat, 9 Mar 2019

Question: weight loss of 30 lbs in 3 months, difficulty breathing at times including abdominal retractions, unable to sleep on right side or back without breathing issues, non-productive cough, and intermittent dizziness, reduced appetite

Answered by Dr. Dr. Jolanda (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please attach me the chest CT and spirometry test

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome in HCM

Yes according to the history you provide your breathlessness might be normal in interstitial lung diseases but it depends on the scale of the interstitial involvement which means that how much lung tissue if not normal

So it would be great to attach me the chest CT and I will try to help you again
Another test is the Spirometry test results.It is very important to do that.Please attach them too if you have already done it.

I hope to have been helpful

Regards

Dr.Jolanda

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Jolanda (8 hours later)

CT and Spirometry have not been completed. Only evaluation performed by ED was CXR. I am currently in between Primary physicians due to insurance issues.

Symptoms started approximately 3 weeks ago with exception of weight loss which has occurred over 3 month period. Initially believed it was due to increased activity level and eating less, but seems extreme.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Jolanda (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Do chest CT and spirometry test

Detailed Answer:
Hi again

If you have not done yet chest CT and spirometry test than you should definitely do them.Please consult with your doctor.
For evaluation of the lung tissue involvement we can not guide only from chest X ray.
Regarding weight loss I don't think this might be from lung problems however chest CT should clearly show if it is with lung origin or not.

Regards

Dr Jolanda

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad