I have shortness of breath

Hi Customer (name blocked for privacy)-

Could you explain more? E.g., do you always have shortness of breath, or only at certain times? How long has this been a problem? Do you or have you ever smoked or been exposed to anything that could damage your lungs? What have your doctors told you?

Thanks,
Emily

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I am 5'-9" tall and weigh 300 lbs ( I am sure this is part of the problem) I have had a Chest cat scan, lung xrays, stress e k g, echocardiopgram, and all the normal lung breathing tests. All tests are normal, but one pullminarey dr. said I have small lungs another said my lungs are working at 60%. I also have early stages of Parkinsons,swallon ankles, hypertension,theriod problem, and I can't spell. I also have muscle and joint difficulties, and I urnate often. My psa is very good. I doubt if all of these symptons tie in together. My breathing is my main concern now I am completely einded whrn I go up my house stairs. I was once an athlete Ha Ha

Thanks for the additional information.

First, you're definitely not alone. There was a great article in the New York Times newspaper a few weeks ago about the high number of ex-athletes who no longer exercise. To view the article, go to: http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20812FF38540C758CDDAE0894DE404482 (you will have to pay to read it, but it's very interesting and worth it).

Second, you are correct in thinking that your weight is part of the problem. You definitely need to lose some weight - and I know how hard this is. However, studies have shown that additional weight can be even more damaging to one's body than smoking (see here: http://www.jr2.ox.ac.uk/bandolier/booth/hliving/isob.html). Let me know if you would like tips for losing weight, but the most obvious things to do are to increase your exercising and to cut back on your caloric intake.

Third, it is of concern to hear that your doctors found your lung capacity to be so diminshed. This is undoubtedly a contributing factor to your shortness of breath, and ideally you should return to your doctor to see if there are any options to help increase your lung capacity (e.g., oxygen tank or breathing exercises).

Fourth, there is a chance that your other conditions are having an influence on how you breath (e.g., the thyroid condition could be causing you to have anxiety, which frequently causes people to have difficulties breathing at times). If you are not treating these underlying condiditions you need to be!

Finally, this is a serious problem, and you should continue seeking treatment and advice from your doctors. Most likely they will instruct you to lose weight - and you should definitely take their advice on this. You're not yet at an age where you should be winded upon reaching the top of the stairs.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions.

Sincerely,
Emily

P.S., I have a horrid time spelling as well.

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