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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Sudden Difficulty In Breathing?

I am a 33 year old female. I am in good shape, work out 4-5 times a week and have never had any serious health issues. For the past 3 weeks I have been having trouble breathing and feel like I always have to catch my breath. Even when I am sitting down. Wondering if I need to go to the doctor or if this is being caused by stress?
Thu, 5 May 2016
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Dentist 's  Response
Hello,

I can understand your concern. Shortness of breath can be mainly due to cardiac problems, lung problems/asthma or anxiety.

I would advise you to rule out the important causes first by visiting a physician for physical examination and to rule out any cardiac or pulmonary problem including asthma. If those two are ruled out, you can be sure that anxiety is causing you catch your breath!

You can then take appropriate treatment for cardiac or lung problem if found, or change your lifestyle to a little less stressful and try to relieve anxiety by anxiolytics.

I hope this information helps. Thank you for choosing HCM. I wish you feel better soon!

Best,
Dr. Viraj Shah
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What Causes Sudden Difficulty In Breathing?

Hello, I can understand your concern. Shortness of breath can be mainly due to cardiac problems, lung problems/asthma or anxiety. I would advise you to rule out the important causes first by visiting a physician for physical examination and to rule out any cardiac or pulmonary problem including asthma. If those two are ruled out, you can be sure that anxiety is causing you catch your breath! You can then take appropriate treatment for cardiac or lung problem if found, or change your lifestyle to a little less stressful and try to relieve anxiety by anxiolytics. I hope this information helps. Thank you for choosing HCM. I wish you feel better soon! Best, Dr. Viraj Shah