short of breathe, purple fingernails

[camtcb]

ive had a spontaneous pnumothorax in nov. of 1997 and ever since then ive had shortness of breathe, dizziness,and sharp pains in the area that my lung collapsed when i move just right and even sometimes when i breathe. The pulmonologist said it was scar tissue and not to worry. over the years it has got progressivly worse and my G.P. says she thinks its related to my history of anxiety. I definetly have anxiety problems but this is different. How can anxiety cause my fingernails to turn purple on the base and fade into pink twords the tip?everything ive researched is telling me either a pulmanary or heart problem. Ive had my heart checked through an electropsyiology study,echocardiogram,e.k.g.,and holter monitor and the heart doc. says its not my heart.I guess im just stuck trying to figure out whats causing this. i have chronic dizziness(i had an m.r.i. came back good) shortness of breathe, like im suffocating and my fingernail issues. I do not have cyanosis on my lips or toenails just my fingernails. Any good responses would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[person1982]

Sounds like there is very little trust in physicians on the internet. This is how anyone with anxiety with hypochondria will react to a physician that does not give them the response they were looking for. The fact is anxiety can easily cause ALL of those symptoms. Adrenaline is released into the bloodstream when you have anxiety. This adrenaline (aka epinephrine) will cause vasoconstriction in order to 'preserve blood' and temporarily increase blood pressure in a fight or flight situation. With anxiety you get this fight or flight response unecessarily because of irrational fear or distrust of people (like Doctors) combined with hypochondria. The vasoconstriction affects the arteries and smaller arterioles (oxygenated blood) so you will experience mild cyanosis (purple instead of blue, because it is not severe) in certain extremities during anxiety or panic. Your breathing also becomes faster and more shallow without you noticing. This makes the muscles around the ribcage get sore because it is improper breathing. People mistake this chest soreness for heart/lung problems (it is just muscle ache). That is why they say to breath in slow, hold, breathe out slow. This relaxes your mind as well as those rubcage muscles, which can reduce overall anxiety and shortness of breath. If you really want to be sure, buy a 'pulse oximeter' from a CVS (about $50) and use it on yourself. You will notice that during panic your SpO2 (oxygen %) may read well above 90 despite this discoloration. That's because the hypoxia is not really there. Heartrate from the pulse oximeter may show higher than your normal pulse, but that is also from anxiety. I am a respiratory therapist that gets daily anxiety attacks, and I always find myself second guessing FACTS such as bloodwork and pulse oximeter readings, as if the anxiety makes me irrational and distrust good sources. This is normal for anxiety. The dizziness can be attributed to the panic/fear taking hold of your every thought. Best thing you can do is eat healthy and exercise 30 mins a day minimum. That will both lower anxiety and improve your circulatory system. Maybe also look into thyroid problems and depression.

[mnm1207]

My oxygen was checked and was normal....any other clues why the nails ONLY would be purple????

[jimgreg]

this  is a sign of hypoxia  in a medium stage...ur o2  is low  its a deficiency...you need to see your pulmonary  doc...whats  anxtys have to do with purple fingers...the oxygen is cutting off  the o2 to you tissues,,this can be sevre.....you say you have been dizzy  or light headed..this is the problem,  low o2....get checked ou asap..          YOU  CAN TYIPE IN HYPOXIA  IT WILL TELL YOU THAT IF UR O2 IS  LOW THE TISSUES START TO DIE OFF..THATS THE CAUSE OF THE DISCOLORATION IN THE NAILS....

[mnm1207]

have you been tested for an interstitial lung disease? I am scared of that. But I also have purple nails at the base, but it is in my toenails as well. I saw a pulmonary dr today, but he offered me no advice. Please keep me updated.

[mnm1207]

Did you find out what is wrong with you? I have the same symptoms and my purple nails are scaring me. (I also have anxiety) I am only 25 years old, non-smoker

[lynnkay]

I submitted this before I was done...LOL.  But, I am wishing the very best on this. Please keep us posted, as to the outcome. There are answers. Sometimes, doctors just blow patients off. I have encountered it myself. In 2005, I went to the ER and was told by an ER doctor I had asthma. He listened to my chest, said I had asthma, walked away and did nothing further for me. It was COPD in 2005. The doctor didn't care nor did he want to take the time on me. But, try to remain calm until you get to the bottom of your symptoms. I know that can be difficult. There could be a very simple reason for these symptoms. Good luck and best wishes

[lynnkay]

I really cannot make a diagnosis. As I do not have the training for that. I though do have lung disease...COPD. The chronic dizziness, extreme shortness of breath and the fingernails being purple are though indications, that something could very possibly being going on pulmonary wise. Fingernails being purple could possibly mean lack of oxygen. Also, the dizziness. And the extreme shortness of breath, well that speaks for itself. I too have high anxiety. I have had it for many years. Doctors that blame symptoms like these on anxiety, just simply are not making a good diagnosis. Blame it on nerves. That went out in the stone age in my opinion. It is wonderful that your heart is checking out good. So, that is a relief and a huge plus for you. I say this. We know our own bodies. We know when something is not right with our bodies. Have you considered maybe seeing another pulmonologist? My family doctor diagnosed my COPD in 2007. He ran tests to confirm the COPD. I though still wanted a second opinion with a pulmonary doctor. The pulmonary doctor confirmed the diagnosis of COPD. If you are not getting proper answers from a doctor, then personally I would seek the opinion of another doctor.