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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Shortness of Breath and Dyspepsia
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Shortness of Breath and Dyspepsia
by heribertus, Feb 17, 2008 07:26PM
Dear all,
I am 23 years old grad student, male,64kgs. I have been short of breath since October 2007, and I'm not getting better at all. A month before my SOB started I felt something like: fullness on my stomach, bloating, nausea, heartburn (rarely) and also palpitation. Very often i felt there is acid on my throat. And recently i feel my stomach distended. I'm on asthma medication since my Dr. here suspects my SOB is because of asthma. But I'm not getting better with asthma meds. I did chest xray(october and 1 week ago), EKG(October), echo+holter monitoring (december) and the results were normal. I'm depressed with this condition, the doctor told me that everything is fine, but i still feel SOB. I was given anxiety meds, but didn't help at all. I talked to my Dr. in my home country about this and he told me that i should ask my Dr. here about dyspepsia. My question is, is that possible that my SOB is because of dyspepsia or GERD or gastrointestinal related problem?? can dyspepsia cause SOB or breathing difficulties??
thank you
heribertus
I am 23 years old grad student, male,64kgs. I have been short of breath since October 2007, and I'm not getting better at all. A month before my SOB started I felt something like: fullness on my stomach, bloating, nausea, heartburn (rarely) and also palpitation. Very often i felt there is acid on my throat. And recently i feel my stomach distended. I'm on asthma medication since my Dr. here suspects my SOB is because of asthma. But I'm not getting better with asthma meds. I did chest xray(october and 1 week ago), EKG(October), echo+holter monitoring (december) and the results were normal. I'm depressed with this condition, the doctor told me that everything is fine, but i still feel SOB. I was given anxiety meds, but didn't help at all. I talked to my Dr. in my home country about this and he told me that i should ask my Dr. here about dyspepsia. My question is, is that possible that my SOB is because of dyspepsia or GERD or gastrointestinal related problem?? can dyspepsia cause SOB or breathing difficulties??
thank you
heribertus
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Feb 17, 2008 08:23PM
, Feb 17, 2008 08:23PM
GI, pulmonary or cardiac causes can all lead to shortness of breath.
I agree with the workup thus far. To exclude GI causes, an upper endoscopy as well as imaging the abdomen can be considered. This can further evaluate for causes of dyspepsia.
GERD can also lead to some shortness of breath. The definitive test for this would be a 24-hr pH study.
As for pulmonary cases, I would consider pulmonary function tests as well as further imaging with a CT scan.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
I agree with the workup thus far. To exclude GI causes, an upper endoscopy as well as imaging the abdomen can be considered. This can further evaluate for causes of dyspepsia.
GERD can also lead to some shortness of breath. The definitive test for this would be a 24-hr pH study.
As for pulmonary cases, I would consider pulmonary function tests as well as further imaging with a CT scan.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
