shortness of breath with activity

[debra daniels]

Dear sir or madam,



I've had chest pains on the upper part of my chest right under my left breast.  I have shortness of breath climbing stairs and doing some activities.  I snore very loudly, and I've been told that I stop breathing in my sleep.  I also have insomnia very badly.  I am a student and a veteren so I don't have any medical coverage right now, well not until I graduate and start working, so I have to go to the Veterens Administration Medical Center.  I'm not very happy with them because I've told them about my problems and things are moving very slowly with them in diagnosing my problem.  I'm very afraid.  I am a smoker but I already know that I'm going to need the patch to stop smoking.  I cannot get the patch through the VA. because I would have to go through their program, the program is scheduled for a day that I have classes.  I really need some help and I'm asking if you could give me some advise.



Thank You



Debra Daniels

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Dear Debra,



It is imperative that you stop smoking as this is likely making your breathing problems worse.  



I would talk to the physician taking care of you and find an alternative to these classes that may fit with your schedule and would also schedule a full sleep study to assess your sleep apnea.  This may cause significant heart problems by having relative oxygen deprivation during your sleep.

[starlighttar]

A related discussion, shortness of breath was started.