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Does shortness of breath always mean disease?

Posted , 5 users are following.

tamara89
tamara89

I catch myself so often trying to self diagnose when something isn't right. I'm waiting for blood results to come back for the alpha 1 antitrypcin disease. Scared out of my mind. I've had shortness of breath and shallow breathing for 25 days today. I also have a spirometry test ecjeduled for the 25th. Some days are worse then others. Can anyone give me insight to this? I'm also being tested for COPD as my Dr says I might be early stages. I'm only 27. I'm so scared that my life is over.

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • ptolemy
    ptolemy tamara89

    Posted

    Do you smoke? 
    • tamara89
      tamara89 ptolemy

      Posted

      I did I recently quit. I just didn't think it would affect me this early.

    • ptolemy
      ptolemy tamara89

      Posted

      It really depends how long you have been smoking.
  • Uhhuhyeahwtever
    Uhhuhyeahwtever tamara89

    Posted

    Shortness of breath but does not always mean disease. There are many things that can contribute to shortness of breath, and the chances of you having something serious at 27 is very unlikely. Try not to worry until it's time to worry. I've been having respiratory problems for two years and every test almost known to man. :-) what other symptoms do you have? Have you had X-rays are CT scans? Do you smoke? We have similar good and bad days and I have been told that I have asthma, which I don't believe. Have you had any surgeries within the last 30 days? Are you seeing a MD or a pulmonologist?

    • tamara89
      tamara89 Uhhuhyeahwtever

      Posted

      I have not seen a specialist yet. Just a regular Dr and I have scheduled test next week for spirometry. Just had shortness of breath for 27 days now. I quit smoking when I noticed breathing problems.
    • Uhhuhyeahwtever
      Uhhuhyeahwtever tamara89

      Posted

      Then try not to self-diagnose or Google your symptoms. Schedule an appointment with a pulmonologist or get a referral from your doctor for 1. Make sure you take all of your medical records from you are breathing test when you go. What other symptoms do you have? Wheezing? Chest discomfort or pressure? Dizziness? Is your oxygen level dropping while you're sitting or exercising? So many variables so try not to worry about it. Mine turned out to be atelectasis which are small patches in the lungs that collapse.

    • tamara89
      tamara89 Uhhuhyeahwtever

      Posted

      I've noticed a brief cough very dry at random not anything that's been reoccurring. I don't have any wheezing, no phlegm. The only thing I have noticed but it's been coming and going is this nervous scared feeling in the middle of my chest to my throat. Other then that I don't have any other symptoms. Just woke up one day extremely short of breath and some days are worse then others

    • Uhhuhyeahwtever
      Uhhuhyeahwtever tamara89

      Posted

      Well the uncomfortable nervousness feeling in your chest is obviously anxiety from the breathing issue. Try to relax and do things that are soothing to you. Take an ice bath Panama curl up with a book Kama anything that you can get lost into and try not to think about your breathing. Like I said at your age it is very unlikely that this is something serious. Good luck and after you see a specialist please update so I know you are okay.
  • amibio
    amibio tamara89

    Posted

    There are several reasons for your problem.

    1) Smoking,

    2) Severe cold

    3) Low blood pressure

    4) Pneumonia

    5) Sudden blood loss

    6) Blockage in the breathing passage

    Check out as in which of the above criteria you are falling.

    • tamara89
      tamara89 amibio

      Posted

      I was a smoker. If there is a blockage in my breathing passage is there a way to reverse it? Clear the passage?
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