Symptoms: Shortness of Breath, Dizziness, and Visual Disturbances - Family Medicine

Share to:

Shortness of breath, gradual loss of vision, feeling lightheaded or unsteady?


Hello Dr.
Yeh,
I initially suspected anemia; however, during my previous health check-up, although my levels were close to the borderline, my blood results were within the acceptable range.
I apologize for the lengthy explanation, but I would like to discuss my symptoms.
When I was a child, I almost fainted (but ultimately managed to steady myself, only experiencing a scare).
After the scare, my vision started to fade to white, resembling white stars, and I experienced a delay in eye movement.
Following that, I felt unsteady, with a heavy head and light legs.
This was the first occurrence, and since then, I have experienced similar symptoms several times.
Currently, my symptoms include: initially feeling short of breath, followed by seeing white stars, cold sweats, numbness in my tongue and limbs, and a heavy head with light legs.
I have also experienced diarrhea on several occasions, and my face, including my lips, turns completely pale.
Ultimately, I find relief by squatting or lying down with my legs elevated.
The onset of these symptoms has occurred under the following circumstances:
1.
When carrying a heavy backpack, I felt fine initially, but after a while, I suddenly felt short of breath, followed by the other symptoms.
2.
After intense physical activity.
3.
Initially, I only experienced a feeling of breathlessness without reaching the point of shortness of breath, but the more I focused on it and tried to take deeper breaths, the more the symptoms manifested.
4.
I have also experienced this during painful menstrual periods.
5.
The frequency of these episodes increases with lack of sleep.
I apologize for the lengthy message, and I appreciate your hard work.
I hope you can provide me with some advice.
Thank you!

panda, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/04

Dr. Ye Qianyu reply Family Medicine


Hello! Based on your description, you have mild anemia and orthostatic hypotension.
It is recommended that you visit a general internal medicine clinic.

Reply Date: 2020/08/04

More Info


The symptoms you describe—shortness of breath, dizziness, visual disturbances, and numbness—can be concerning and may indicate a range of underlying issues. Given your history and the nature of your symptoms, it is essential to consider several potential causes.

Firstly, your symptoms of shortness of breath and dizziness could be related to anxiety or panic attacks. These conditions can manifest physically, leading to sensations of breathlessness, lightheadedness, and even visual disturbances such as seeing "white stars." Anxiety can also cause hyperventilation, which may lead to tingling in the extremities (hands and feet) and a feeling of lightheadedness. The fact that your symptoms sometimes occur after physical exertion or when carrying a heavy backpack suggests that stress on your body could trigger these episodes.

Another possibility is that you may be experiencing episodes of orthostatic hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up or changing positions. This can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and even fainting. The fact that you feel better when you squat or lie down with your legs elevated supports this idea, as these positions can help restore blood flow to the brain.

Additionally, your history of near-fainting episodes and the sensation of your vision turning white could indicate a vasovagal response, which is a common cause of fainting. This response can be triggered by stress, pain, or prolonged standing, leading to a temporary decrease in heart rate and blood pressure.

Given that you mentioned experiencing these symptoms during your menstrual cycle and when sleep-deprived, it is also worth considering hormonal fluctuations and their impact on your overall well-being. Hormonal changes can affect blood volume and pressure, potentially leading to symptoms like dizziness and fatigue.

While you noted that your blood tests were within normal ranges, it is still important to rule out other medical conditions. Conditions such as anemia, electrolyte imbalances, or even cardiovascular issues could contribute to your symptoms. It may be beneficial to have a comprehensive evaluation, including a complete blood count (CBC), electrolyte levels, and possibly a cardiac evaluation if symptoms persist.

In summary, your symptoms could stem from a combination of anxiety, orthostatic hypotension, hormonal changes, or other medical conditions. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional who can conduct a thorough assessment, including a physical examination and possibly additional tests, to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Keeping a symptom diary, noting when symptoms occur and any associated activities or stressors, can also provide valuable information for your healthcare provider.

In the meantime, consider strategies to manage anxiety, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, and ensuring you stay well-hydrated and nourished. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms arise, seek medical attention promptly. Your health and well-being are paramount, and addressing these symptoms early can lead to better outcomes.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Recent Symptoms: Dizziness, Nausea, and Breathing Issues

Hello, Dr. Jiang. Recently, I have been experiencing dizziness, similar to the sensation of an earthquake. It is accompanied by shortness of breath; even though I am trying hard to inhale and exhale, I feel like I am not getting enough oxygen. I also have a feeling of nausea, an ...


Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Based on your description, the causes of dizziness should consider several factors such as anemia, inner ear imbalance, or cervical issues. Accompanying symptoms may include hyperventilation, which can lead to a sensation of suffocation and affect blood flow to organs. When blood...

[Read More] Understanding Recent Symptoms: Dizziness, Nausea, and Breathing Issues


Understanding Symptoms: Dizziness, Headaches, and Optic Nerve Swelling

Hello Doctor, since May 20th of this year, I have experienced symptoms such as blurred vision, dizziness, headaches, a sensation of something stuck in my throat, and difficulty breathing. After visiting an ENT clinic, the doctor suggested it might be anxiety disorder and prescrib...


Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Dear Ms. Wu, There are many causes of headaches. If your headaches are related to your menstrual cycle, the likelihood of migraines is higher. However, conditions such as anemia, autonomic dysfunction, and inner ear imbalance may also contribute to your symptoms. First, it is im...

[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Dizziness, Headaches, and Optic Nerve Swelling


Blurred Vision and Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Medical Help

Hello doctor, in the past month, I have experienced two episodes of sudden blurred vision with a white appearance, dizziness, shortness of breath, cold sweats, weakness, tightness in the back of my neck, and numbness in my limbs. I feel like I can't get enough air when breat...


Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is recommended to first see a cardiologist. If there are no major issues, then you can switch to a pulmonology outpatient clinic.

[Read More] Blurred Vision and Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Medical Help


Understanding Dizziness and Blurred Vision: Causes and Solutions

Hello Doctor: I have been feeling normal before going out these past few days, but after being outside for a while, I started to feel unwell (cold sweats, rapid breathing, dizziness, blurred vision, gastrointestinal discomfort, dry mouth, tinnitus, etc.). As I continued walking, ...


Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello Ms. Wu, You mentioned that "standing for a long time makes you feel dizzy." Given the recent high temperatures, we should first consider mild heat syncope as a possible cause. The primary reason is that in high-temperature outdoor environments, the microvasculatu...

[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Blurred Vision: Causes and Solutions


Related FAQ

Dizziness

(Family Medicine)

Nausea

(Family Medicine)

Drug Side Effects

(Family Medicine)

Withdrawal Symptoms

(Family Medicine)

Bad Breath

(Family Medicine)

Headache

(Family Medicine)

Lightheadedness

(Cardiology)

Family Medicine

(Internal Medicine)

Poisoning

(Family Medicine)

General Discomfort

(Family Medicine)