Short Of Breath

[TexasRanger]

Hi, I am a fit 41 year old, no health problems, workout 4 times a week. Today had shortness of breath when out walking. Also when I did some pushups today felt really out of breath and had to suck the air down. No time for doctor as I am flying tonight. Anyone had similar or any ideas?

[smokie36]

With the info you've given I would hazard a guess at some sort of chest infection. Best get a doc to give you the once over.

Edit: I'd see the doc before jumping on a plane as well. Just in case you have a more serious problem. Hard to tell without more information really.

Edited August 14, 2011 by smokie36

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Adult Onset Asthma, perhaps? That's what I came down with at 60+, very well controlled with a 2x a day inhalation of Symbicort.

Your doc might have you puff strongly into one of these simple Peak Flow Meters, then compare to the scale of "normality."

Mac

Peak Flow Meter EU PEF scale.PDF

[Sheryl]

You should see a doctor at once.

This could be a sign of cardiac problems, shortness of breath on exertion is often the first sign of heart failure.

You need a physical examination, a chest X-ray, an EKG and (if chest film and EKG at rest didn't show anything) a stress test and possibly an echocardiogram. If all of these are negative then next I would suggest consulting a pulmonary specialist for tests of pulmonary function, that part can perghaps wait until after your flight but the cardiac work-up I would do before flying. You don't want to risk getting into trouble while mid flight.

[TexasRanger]

You should see a doctor at once.

This could be a sign of cardiac problems, shortness of breath on exertion is often the first sign of heart failure.

You need a physical examination, a chest X-ray, an EKG and (if chest film and EKG at rest didn't show anything) a stress test and possibly an echocardiogram. If all of these are negative then next I would suggest consulting a pulmonary specialist for tests of pulmonary function, that part can perghaps wait until after your flight but the cardiac work-up I would do before flying. You don't want to risk getting into trouble while mid flight.

Thanks Sheryl, I already flew last night, today have a few hours stopover in Europe. Feels better today but I seem to be losing my voice and have a slight occasional cough as well, hopefully it is a chest infection or something like that. I will get the doc to check me when I get where I am going.

Thanks again