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Can Steroids Cause Shortness Of Breath?
I have wheezing/shortness of breath. Echocardiogram, chest X-rays showed normal. Doctor ruled out COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis. O2 intake/lung capacity outstanding. Non smoker. Very fit. However, 282 pounds, but more importantly, I am taking cypionate ( prescribed by doctor) and anobolic steroid, which respiratory doctor doesn t know about. Getting sleep apnea test tomorrow. Doctor can t figure it out. My question: can steroids cause shortness of breath?
Fri, 7 Nov 2014
Thanks for your quetion on HCM.
Steroids directly does not cause breathlessness. But steroids can cause weight gain and due to this breathing difficulty can occur.
Steroids can also cause buffalo hump and this can be the cause for obstructive sleep apnea. So sleep study is adviced in your cause.
Another possibility is steroid induced myopathy. Though it is rare possibility but can happen. So if myopathy affect respiratory muscles than it may cause respiratory difficulty.
Steroids directly does not cause breathlessness. But steroids can cause weight gain and due to this breathing difficulty can occur.
Steroids can also cause buffalo hump and this can be the cause for obstructive sleep apnea. So sleep study is adviced in your cause.
Another possibility is steroid induced myopathy. Though it is rare possibility but can happen. So if myopathy affect respiratory muscles than it may cause respiratory difficulty.
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