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Avatar universal

Breathing issues

Hi!

Recently, after a long weekend, I've been experiencing shortness of breath when exercising (heavy and minor). This has come on all of a sudden. I am a 34 year old male in reasonably good condition, i.e. before this started, I was running 8-9 miles 3 or 4 times a week. Now, however, I can barely run 1 mile before having to stop because of shortness of breath. My endurance it seems, has completely disappeared. Even walking up 5 flights of stairs has me completely winded, to the point I have to stop and catch my breath before continuing on.

Also, I'm not sure if this is relevant, but, when I take a deep breath, I cough.

This is extreme frustrating because I enjoy running, but am unable to for a long period of time because of this recent condition.

I haven't gone to see a doctor yet. Thought I'd give it a week or two to see if the condition persist.

Does anyone have any idea what this could be? I don't smoke or anything, and I eat relatively healthy.

Anyway, any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!  
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Avatar universal
Thank you, DR. Tinkelman!

I actually went in and saw a Pulmonary Specialist last Friday. After my blood test came back, it showed my D-Dimer levels were extremely high...which is suggestive of a blood clot. After further test, I was diagnosed with two Pulmonary Embolisms, one on each lung. I was instantly put on Heparin and spent two days in the hospital. Now I'm on Xarelto. So, your #3 possibility was spot on.

Nevertheless, I feel better and my breathing has improved tremendously since being on the blood thinners.

Thanks again for your response.
Helpful - 0
242587 tn?1355424110
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
This rapid-onset dramatic change in your breathing capacity is worrisome and really should be investigated.    Four possibilities come to mind (in no special order):  1)  that you have developed exercise induced asthma, 2) That you have developed a heart condition (an abnormal heart rhythm or heart failure, secondary to a cardiomyopathy), 3) that you are having blood clots to your lungs (pulmonary emboli) or, 4) that you have suffered a partial or complete collapse of one of your lungs.

These are all serious, possibly life-threatening, problems so I urge you to not put-off seeking medical assistance and to do so immediately.  I am not an alarmist and I urge you to not delay.  These are all also treatable conditions.

Good luck
Helpful - 0

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