Sudden Breathing Issues and Numbness: When to Seek Help

I would like to ask some urgent questions about health issues?

I would like to ask the doctor, sometimes I suddenly feel short of breath and nauseous, then my body feels tingly, and I start to feel dizzy and have vision disturbances.
Is this a problem with my body or is it just due to excessive anxiety? If I need to get checked, which department would you recommend I visit? Thank you, doctor.

fan, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/06/30

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello, based on your description, it may be necessary to first consider hyperventilation syndrome.
The typical symptoms include chest tightness, chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, numbness in the hands and feet, scalp tingling, and an inability to lie still in bed.
Physical examination may reveal tachycardia, but other findings are non-specific.
Laboratory tests may show a slight decrease in potassium levels, arterial blood gases may indicate respiratory alkalosis, and oxygen saturation levels are normal; the reason the patient is experiencing shortness of breath is not due to insufficient oxygen concentration, but rather because excessive carbon dioxide is being expelled from the body.
The primary cause is mostly related to stress, with psychosomatic factors accounting for 70% to 80%, meaning only 20% to 30% are physiological, such as hyperthyroidism, mitral valve prolapse, deviated septum, arrhythmias, etc.
In terms of gender, females are more affected than males, and younger individuals are more commonly affected than older ones.

In terms of treatment, the first priority is to calm down.
Healthcare providers may administer sedatives.
It is advisable to breathe slowly and deeply through the nose while keeping the mouth closed.
The goal is to retain carbon dioxide in the body to return levels to normal, which will alleviate symptoms.
I recommend that you consult a neurologist to discuss further examination and treatment.
Wishing you good health and peace.

Reply Date: 2016/06/30

More Info

Experiencing sudden breathing difficulties accompanied by sensations of nausea, numbness, and dizziness can be alarming and may indicate an underlying medical condition or a response to anxiety. It is essential to approach this situation with caution and seek appropriate medical evaluation.

Understanding the Symptoms
1. Breathing Difficulties: Sudden shortness of breath can stem from various causes, including respiratory issues (like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), cardiovascular problems (such as heart conditions), or even panic attacks. Given your history of asthma, it is crucial to consider whether your symptoms might be related to this condition, especially if you have experienced similar episodes in the past.

2. Nausea and Dizziness: These symptoms can often accompany respiratory distress. They may also arise from anxiety or panic attacks, where hyperventilation (rapid or deep breathing) can lead to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood, causing dizziness and tingling sensations in the extremities. This is sometimes referred to as "hyperventilation syndrome."
3. Numbness: The feeling of numbness, particularly in the extremities, can be a result of anxiety, hyperventilation, or even a neurological condition. It is essential to differentiate whether this numbness is transient and linked to anxiety or if it is persistent and indicative of a more serious condition.

When to Seek Help
Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention, especially if these episodes are recurrent or worsening. Here are some guidelines on when to seek help:
- Immediate Care: If you experience severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or if your symptoms are accompanied by confusion, fainting, or persistent numbness, you should seek emergency medical care immediately. These could be signs of a serious condition such as a heart attack or stroke.

- Routine Evaluation: If your symptoms are less severe but still concerning, consider scheduling an appointment with a primary care physician or a specialist. Given your symptoms, a visit to a pulmonologist (lung specialist) or a cardiologist (heart specialist) may be warranted to rule out any underlying respiratory or cardiovascular issues.

- Mental Health Assessment: If your symptoms are primarily linked to anxiety or stress, consulting with a mental health professional may be beneficial. They can provide strategies to manage anxiety and help you understand the connection between your mental state and physical symptoms.

Recommended Medical Evaluations
1. Pulmonary Function Tests: These tests can help assess your lung function and determine if asthma or another respiratory condition is contributing to your symptoms.

2. Cardiac Evaluation: An electrocardiogram (ECG) or echocardiogram may be necessary to evaluate your heart's health, especially if there are concerns about chest pain or palpitations.

3. Anxiety Assessment: A mental health professional can help evaluate whether anxiety is a significant factor in your symptoms and provide coping strategies or treatment options.

Conclusion
In summary, the combination of sudden breathing difficulties, nausea, dizziness, and numbness can be indicative of various conditions ranging from anxiety to respiratory or cardiovascular issues. It is crucial to take these symptoms seriously and seek appropriate medical evaluation. By consulting with the right specialists, you can gain clarity on your health status and receive the necessary support to manage your symptoms effectively. Remember, early intervention is key to addressing any potential health concerns.

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