Shortness of Breath

My boyfriend is 37 in great shape, excercises regularly, does not smoke, drink, etc. however recently he has trouble catching his breath.  This only happens when he is sitting down relaxing, never when he is excercising.  He has allergies that he takes shots for every other week.  What could be the cause of this shortness of breath?

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Allergies are certainly a suspect as is asthma.  I would suggest a consult with a pulmonologist.

[S.T.]

Hi Felicia,
     I was having shortness of breath of years and I thought it was from allergies. I am a out doors person and usually would walk 4-5 miles a day. In June I finally went to the hospital and there I found out that I have a problem with Arryhthmias. I realize now that I should of not waited all those years. Our bodies tell us when something is wrong so we should listen. Encourage him to see a doctor. I'm on Amiodarone now and I am feeling much better walking almost a mile a day now. Good luck!!

[Nia]

I too have shortness of breath but I go through seasons (like now) and I also have asthma so when I take my inhaler (about once a day) I feel better.  I got concerned by the response to this post....an arrythmia causing shortness of breath...thats scary...do you think i need to get checked out...oh and I do experience PVC's can they cause shortness of breath?  What about stress, can it trigger asthma symptoms? Thanks..and I read this forum everyday, it's great and so are the Doctors!

[S.T.]

Dear Nia
    I'm sorry if I alarmed you by my comment to Felicia. There are many things I'm sure that can cause shortness of breath. In my particular case I do have a problem with serious Arrhythmias and that was why I was put on Amiodarone. I guess the point I was trying to make is if we feel something may be wrong we should see our doctor's. I can not give any medical advise and your doctor or the doctors who respond to this question I'm sure can reasure you. It probably wouldn't hurt to see your doctor just to rule out anything else other than asthma causing your shortness of breath. Good luck to you as well and I hope I havn't caused you any serious alarm.

[Gary]

The same symptoms, you list I experienced in July. I have always had a valve issue since birth and the shortness of breath AFTER EXERCISE, only while sitting or laying down, was a significant
symptom and I got my fanny to the CCF.  The diagnosis is imminent AV replacement. Get your friend to a pulmonologist ASAP as the good Dr. here suggests.  A Cardio exam would probably follow or may even come first with me.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Shortness of breath is a symptom that can be caused by a variety of organ systems.  The heart and the lung are two of the most common but the kidneys, liver, muscles, etc. can also lead to shortness of breath (or SOB as it is sometime abbreviated - not to be confused with another abbreviation). Determining which organ is the culprit is what makes a good doctor worth his salt.  From the history Felicia gave I would suspect the lung but as ST points out the heart can also cause SOB.  Depending on the history and physical exam a doctor can recommend testing to confirm his/her diagnosis.

[S.T.]

This comment is to Felica and NIA.

Felica how did your boyfriend make out. Did he go to the doctor?


Nia how are you doing? I hope you found the answers you needed from your doctor.


Both of you take care. Best wishe S.T.